South Africa’s minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has fired back at former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, insisting she meant every word when she ruled out compensation for Nigerians who left properties behind following their evacuation from the country.
The minister’s response came after Sani expressed disbelief over her remarks, describing them as unbecoming of a senior government official.
Speaking at a press conference Ntshavheni dismissed suggestions that the South African government could compensate affected Nigerians, despite indications from Nigeria that the matter could be explored through diplomatic channels.
The development followed comments by Temitope Ajayi, Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, who disclosed that the Nigerian government intended to examine possible compensation options for citizens who allegedly lost property during the evacuation.
Rejecting the proposal, Ntshavheni maintained that South Africa would not compensate for properties acquired or occupied outside the country’s legal framework.
“All legitimate properties are formally registered with the authorities, while informal settlements are illegal and unrecognised,” she said, advising migrants who own legally recognised properties to dispose of them through South Africa’s property market.
Her remarks sparked reactions, including from former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, who expressed surprise at the minister’s position.
“This is from a senior government official and not a thug from the streets,” Sani wrote on his verified X handle on Saturday in response to the minister’s comments.
Ntshavheni, however, fired back at Sani, saying, “I didn’t stutter. Any form of property obtained illegally won’t be compensated for.”
