Apology by the South African Government to Nigeria for its Decision to deport its Citizens; as well as the impact on the Diplomatic Relations between South Africa and Nigeria

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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR ORAL REPLY

QUESTION NO: 927 (NW1109E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 9-2012 OF 20 APRIL 2012  

Mr EH Eloff (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

1. Why did the Government apologise to Nigeria for its decision to deport its citizens;
   
   

2. Whether this incident will have any impact on the diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what steps does she intend to take to restore relations?

REPLY:

1. There were procedural flaws in the manner in which visitors were denied entry into South Africa by Port Health officials and subsequently returned to the country of origin (not deported).
   
   

2. The incident has had an impact on the diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria; in March 2012 South Africa issued a Media Statement and sent Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula as a Special Envoy to the Nigerian authorities.

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