Former Anambra State Governor and leading opposition figure, Peter Obi, has engaged top South African ministers and political party leaders in high-level discussions aimed at addressing growing concerns surrounding immigration, regional cooperation, youth unemployment, security challenges, and the treatment of African foreigners in South Africa.
Following his interaction with Nigerians resident in Cape Town, Obi disclosed that he held strategic meetings with key members of the South African government and political establishment to discuss pressing continental issues affecting both nations.
Among those he met were Leon Schreiber, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs and a prominent member of the Democratic Alliance; Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party; as well as Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture and leader of the Patriotic Alliance.
According to Obi, the discussions were frank, constructive, and centered on the current socio-economic realities confronting both countries, especially migration pressures, unemployment among youths, insecurity, and increasing tensions involving African migrants living in South Africa.
The former presidential candidate emphasized that Nigeria and South Africa, as two major powers on the African continent, must deepen diplomatic engagement and strengthen bilateral cooperation in ways that promote justice, mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
He noted that African leaders must rise above divisive politics and prioritize responsible leadership, compassion, and restraint during difficult times.
Obi further stressed the importance of encouraging lawful conduct, rejecting violence and hate-driven rhetoric, and allowing democratic institutions to resolve grievances through constitutional means.
According to him, Africa’s future prosperity depends largely on unity, economic inclusiveness, community investment, and the collective protection of the dignity and rights of Africans irrespective of nationality or location.
The meeting comes amid growing conversations around immigration policies, xenophobic tensions, and economic hardship affecting several African countries, particularly Nigeria and South Africa.
