Cape Town – The Head of Public Diplomacy for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Clayson Monyela, has expressed dissatisfaction over a statement allegedly issued by Nigeria’s High Commission.
The statement urged Super Eagles fans to be cautious of inflammatory online comments made by Bafana Bafana fans and to be mindful of where they celebrate during the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) semifinal.
The advisory was issued ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final between Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles.
The Nigerian High Commission highlighted potential threats against Nigerians, advising restraint in public places and reporting provocations to authorities.
“The attention of the Nigeria High Commission [in] Pretoria has been drawn to potentially inflammatory online comments made by a section of South African citizens against Nigeriansliving in host country, largely influenced by the upcoming 2024 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) semifinal match…
“Most of the comments consist of veiled threats against ‘Nigerians cooking jollof rice’ before the match and ‘showing pepper to Nigerians if the Bafana Bafana lose to the Super Eagles’, among others.
“In this regard, the High Commission hereby advises the Nigerian community to be watchful of their utterances, be mindful of where they choose to watch the match, especially in public places, and refrain from engaging in loud, riotous or provocative celebrations should the Super Eagles win the match,” read the statement Nigeria’s High Commission told its residents.
It added: “Should any provocations arise, they should not be reciprocated but reported to the appropriate authorities.”
Monyela, however, called the statement unfortunate, regrettable, and unnecessary, emphasising the absence of soccer hooliganism history between South Africans and Nigerians in such encounters.
This is a very unfortunate & regrettable statement issued by our Nigerian friends. It creates unnecessary alarm & tension. #BafanaBafana have played the Super Eagles many times & there’s no history of soccer hooliganism associated with the outcome of such encounters.… https://t.co/STdK5U1XtT
— Clayson Monyela (@ClaysonMonyela) February 6, 2024
He pledged to engage diplomatically with Nigerian counterparts.
“The advisory is regrettable because it seems to create alarm and unnecessary tension between the citizens of South Africa and Nigerians living in or visiting South Africa,” he said.
Monyela said that the football teams have met numerous times, and there is no record of soccer hooliganism involving South Africans in connection with the results of these encounters.
“We are confident that the sports-loving nation of South Africa poses no threat to Nigerian citizens, and we do not agree with the apprehension expressed by the High Commission.
We are confident that the sports-loving nation of South Africa poses no threat to Nigerian citizens, and we do not agree with the apprehension expressed by the High Commission.
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) February 6, 2024
“As we have done in the past with similar alarming advisories, we call on the diplomatic representatives to approach DIRCO to address any concerns about diplomatic matters,” he said.
As we have done in the past with similar alarming advisories, we call on the diplomatic representatives to approach DIRCO to address any concerns about diplomatic matters.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY DIRCO
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) February 6, 2024
Some social media users disagreed with Monyela’s approach, while others supported it.
Take a look at some of the reactions:
This diplomatic pandering to the Nigerian government is nauseating really. I long for the day every last investment is out of that abominable country of uncouth and dreadful people so we can be free from this nonsense. My apologies, but I’m rightfully angry @ClaysonMonyela
— Ayikhale (@raisethealarm2) February 6, 2024
The Nigerian High Commissioner must be summoned to explain this nonsense. We are letting these guys get away with a serious offence. He turnished our Country’s reputation.
— Maphiri (@Chibuleni) February 6, 2024
Your level of tolerance is why all these African countries make SA their playing ground. This level of disrespect should have high consequences, not this jolly-jolly approach you are displaying here.
— ⚽️Dinho 💥 (@MaraDinho_10) February 6, 2024
It’s a legit statement yes.
— Clayson Monyela (@ClaysonMonyela) February 6, 2024
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Picture: Twitter/ @ClaysonMonyela
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
