Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has condemned the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, calling on Africans to unite and defend one another across the continent.
The veteran actor made the remarks on Saturday night while receiving the Industry Merit Award at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), held in Lagos.
Speaking during his acceptance speech, Kanayo expressed concern over reports of violence against foreign nationals in South Africa and urged Africans to speak out against xenophobia.
“I’m not happy about what is going on in South Africa today. Our voices must rise against the xenophobic attacks on every African. There must be somewhere Africans will call their home,” he said.
“We are not happy about what is happening in South Africa, and everybody should lend his or her voice because we, as Africans, cannot be running from Africa,” the actor added.
His comments come amid a fresh outbreak of xenophobic violence in parts of South Africa following the country’s Freedom Day celebrations.
Reports indicate that at least two Nigerians and four Ethiopians were killed during the attacks, while businesses owned by migrants in Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Cape Town were reportedly looted and set ablaze.
Several videos circulating on social media also showed foreign nationals being harassed and instructed to “fix their own countries.”
The incidents have triggered widespread reactions across Africa, with the Nigerian government summoning South Africa’s High Commissioner over the attacks.
Authorities in Nigeria have also announced plans to support citizens willing to return home voluntarily following the violence.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks while acknowledging growing concerns around illegal migration as security agencies intensify operations in affected communities.
According to reports, the Nigerian government has begun arrangements for the voluntary evacuation of more than 130 Nigerians affected by the unrest.
