Returnees Recount Ordeals, Claim Migrants Treated Like Slaves In South Africa

Nigerian returnees have recounted their experiences in South Africa, describing years of hardship marked by limited opportunities, discrimination, uncertainty and recurring fears linked to xenophobic tensions.

The returnees, Emilia Godwin and Sandra Adeniyi, spoke to LEADERSHIP after arriving back in Nigeria, detailing what they said were the struggles faced by many foreign nationals attempting to build livelihoods in South Africa.

Godwin, who said she moved to South Africa in 2014, described her experience as one shaped by isolation, economic difficulty and a lack of institutional or community support.

“My name is Emilia Godwin. We had no one to speak for us,” she said, adding that many migrants lived under vulnerable conditions and often felt unprotected in cases of alleged mistreatment.

She alleged that foreign nationals, including Nigerians, were sometimes subjected to unfair treatment and intimidation, noting that many were reluctant to report incidents due to fear of repercussions.

According to her, the emotional toll of prolonged uncertainty, coupled with separation from family, made life increasingly difficult, ultimately influencing her decision to return to Nigeria after more than a decade abroad.

“This is an opportunity I have been waiting for,” she said, adding that she had no intention of returning to South Africa.

She also said she faced challenges during immigration processes prior to her departure but expressed appreciation to Nigerian mission officials for assisting her return.

For Sandra Adeniyi, who spent about 11 years in South Africa after arriving as a child, the experience was different, though still shaped by structural limitations affecting foreign nationals.

She said she completed both primary and secondary education in South Africa but encountered difficulties when attempting to further her studies due to documentation-related constraints.

“I wanted to go further with my education, but there were challenges. If I wanted to apply for certain opportunities or bursaries, I needed documentation that I did not have,” she said.

Adeniyi noted that while she did not personally experience severe discrimination, she was aware of xenophobic sentiments and incidents affecting other migrants within her environment.

She added that discussions around anti-foreigner attitudes and periodic protests contributed to a sense of insecurity among migrant communities, particularly during periods of social and economic tension.

“I saw reports from students who said they had experienced discrimination. It was something people talked about,” she said.

Despite these concerns, she said her decision to return to Nigeria was driven by her desire to continue her education and pursue opportunities that were no longer accessible to her abroad.

“I have wanted to come back for a very long time. This gives me a chance to continue my education and move forward with my life,” she added.

Both returnees expressed optimism about rebuilding their lives in Nigeria, describing their return as an opportunity for a fresh start after years abroad.