Fani-Kayode Begins Role as Nigeria's Ambassador to South Africa

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has given his Letter of Credence to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. This marks the start of his official duties in the country.

Mr Fani-Kayode presented the letter to Mr Ramaphosa at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria on Friday. This place is the official residence of the South African President.

The High Commissioner shared the news on X, calling the event “great and historic.”

Letters of credence are formal documents from a country’s leader that confirm a High Commissioner or representative's appointment. They introduce the envoy to the receiving authority, which is the South African president in this case, and confirm that the person can speak and act for their country.

Femi Fani-Kayode and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (PHOTO CREDIT: realFFK)

Mr Fani-Kayode presented his letter of credence with ambassadors from 14 other countries. Each ambassador was introduced and allowed to speak.

He promised to boost diplomatic ties between Nigeria and South Africa. He said restoring their historic friendship is a key focus of his work.

The envoy is also accredited to Lesotho and Eswatini. He brought President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill to Mr Ramaphosa.

This comes during a time of tension between Nigeria and South Africa due to xenophobic violence that has led many African countries to evacuate their citizens from South Africa.

Mr Fani-Kayode has previously spoken against the violence targeting Nigerians by South African police. He estimated that over 30 Nigerians have been killed by the police in the past four years. He noted that 12 Nigerians have been killed just this year.

In September, the High Commissioner said Nigeria’s patience was running out.

At the ceremony, Mr Fani-Kayode reminded everyone of Nigeria’s support for South Africa during its fight against apartheid. He emphasized that both countries have a long history of friendship.

He described Nigeria and South Africa as key trading partners in Africa and stressed the need to keep their historical connections strong.

“Part of my job here is to reset that relationship, to come and build that bridge, and to ensure that whatever concerns we have, we can work them out and move forward together,” he said.

Mr Fani-Kayode added that closer ties between the two countries would make Africa stronger and help their citizens.

“If Nigeria and South Africa work together, the future of our great continent will be safer,” he said.

The High Commissioner also praised South Africa’s role in international diplomacy. He mentioned its participation in BRICS, the Global South, and the G20.

He said South Africa’s involvement in world issues is important for Africa’s representation globally.

Meanwhile, Mr Fani-Kayode expressed his disappointment on X that the South African presidential media team did not live-stream his speech, while they did for other ambassadors.

“Of all the 15 introductions and speeches made this morning, only Nigeria’s was cut out,” he said. “To be clear, I repeat, we were the ONLY ones that were left out.”

“Clearly, some people in South Africa do not want to hear what we have to say or see our faces. But we are here to stay as long as we are welcome and have the confidence of President Ramaphosa, which I am sure we do,” he added.