Tensions between South Africa and Nigeria have surfaced in recent months, fueled by social media disputes and isolated incidents. However, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) insists the relationship remains intact.
In August 2024, South African social media users initiated mass cancellations of Uber and Bolt rides in Nigeria, prompting Nigerian users to respond in kind. Despite the online hostility, Dirco’s head of Public Diplomacy, Clayton Monyela, dismissed these actions as unrepresentative of broader public sentiment.
“Social media is not reflective of the views of most South Africans or Nigerians,” Monyela told The Citizen. “The majority of people in both countries do not align with the narratives seen online.”
Monyela maintained that political and trade ties between the nations remain “strong and mutually beneficial,” pointing to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Cape Town as evidence of continued collaboration.
Diplomatic Concerns
Incidents on the ground have also tested the relationship. In February 2024, Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria issued a warning to its citizens during the Africa Cup of Nations semifinal, citing “inflammatory online comments” and potential threats. South African officials criticized the advisory, calling it unnecessary.
“Bafana Bafana has played the Super Eagles many times without any history of soccer-related violence. South Africans do not pose a threat to Nigerians,” Monyela stated.
Cultural and Sporting Strains
Cultural exchanges have encountered friction. Nigerian singer Ayra Starr’s shows in Johannesburg and Cape Town were canceled after her team’s visa applications were denied. Similarly, Nigeria’s under-18 basketball team faced visa delays ahead of the FIBA U-18 Afrobasket tournament in Cape Town.
Online, debates over music have also fueled rivalry, with fans clashing over the merits of Nigeria’s Afrobeats versus South Africa’s Amapiano. The competition intensified when South African artist Tyla won a Grammy for Best African Music Performance, beating four Nigerian nominees.
Citizenship Disputes
In late 2023, South African Home Affairs launched an investigation into the citizenship of Chidimma Adetshina, a Soweto-born law student with Nigerian heritage. Adetshina later relocated to Nigeria, where she gained fame after winning the Miss Universe Nigeria title and placing as a runner-up in the international Miss Universe pageant.
