South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has reaffirmed her government’s decision not to compensate Nigerians who abandoned properties while fleeing recent xenophobic attacks, insisting that her earlier position remains unchanged.

Ntshavheni made the remarks on Saturday in response to criticism from former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, following her comments on the issue.

The Nigerian government, through the Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, had announced plans to document businesses and other assets left behind by evacuated Nigerians as part of efforts to seek possible compensation from the South African government.

However, speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Ntshavheni maintained that South Africa would not provide compensation for any abandoned property.

She explained that legally owned properties are properly registered and can be sold by their owners through the country’s property market, while structures in informal settlements are considered illegal and therefore do not qualify for compensation.

The minister also called on Nigerian authorities to identify locations allegedly used for illegal drug activities, saying the South African government would act against any such operations.

Reacting on X, Shehu Sani criticised the minister’s comments, expressing surprise that such remarks came from a senior government official rather than an ordinary citizen.

In a direct response to the former senator, Ntshavheni defended her position, stating that she “didn’t stutter” and insisting that properties acquired illegally would not be eligible for compensation.