Xenophobic Attacks and Nigerian-South African Relations: Investigating the Cause

Abstract: The Nigeria South African Relations has been affected by xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa. Xenophobia is gradually becoming a tradition in South Africa due to the inability of the South African government to reduce the spate of xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals. Therefore, this study pursued one objective: to analyze the link between the deepening poverty situation of South Africans and the rising incidence of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians within the periods of study. The study employed the documentary method of data collection and content analysis method of data analysis. The Trend research design was used to observe changes in the variables of study at different points in time. Utilizing the Theory of social production of material wealth was advocated by Marxian scholars.  The study found that there is a link between the deepening poverty situation of South Africans and the rising incidence of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians. Consequently, the study recommended that there should be a proper reorientation of South African citizens by the government of South Africa, the African Union, the United Nations and other relevant bodies on the need to accommodate their African brothers and the implications of xenophobic violence on the economy of South Africa.