South Africa Rejects Compensation Calls for Victims of Xenophobic Violence
By TUW
The South African government has ruled out compensating foreign nationals who abandoned their homes, businesses and other belongings while fleeing renewed xenophobic violence.
Speaking on the matter, said the government has no legal basis to provide compensation to those affected by the attacks.
Ntshavheni explained that legally owned properties in South Africa are formally registered and remain part of the country’s property market, meaning owners can dispose of them through legal channels. She added that structures located in informal settlements are considered unlawful and therefore cannot be recognised as legitimate property eligible for compensation.
Her remarks come as both and move to document losses suffered by their citizens during the attacks. The two governments have indicated they intend to engage South Africa and seek compensation for nationals who lost businesses, homes and other assets.
The renewed debate highlights ongoing regional concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where previous attacks have displaced thousands of foreign nationals and strained diplomatic relations with several African countries.
