Nigerian socio-political commentator and former senator, Shehu Sani, has stirred fresh conversation around xenophobic tensions in South Africa following his remarks on recent protest footage circulating online.
In a post shared on his verified Twitter account, Sani said he observed a noticeable gender pattern in videos of xenophobic protests targeting foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians and Ghanaians. According to him, the majority of visibly angry protesters were men, while women appeared less involved in the hostility. He further suggested that South African women demonstrate a more Pan-African outlook compared to their male counterparts.
Sani’s comments come amid recurring tensions in South Africa, where periodic outbreaks of violence against foreign nationals have drawn condemnation from across the African continent. These incidents have often strained diplomatic and social relations between South Africa and countries like Nigeria and Ghana, whose citizens are frequently affected.
By highlighting a gender-based distinction, Sani introduced a new dimension to the discourse, prompting debate on whether societal roles, cultural attitudes, or economic pressures influence participation in such protests. While his assertion has not been backed by formal studies, it has generated mixed reactions online.
Some social media users agree with his perspective, pointing to anecdotal observations of women advocating for unity and coexistence. Others argue that xenophobia is a broader societal issue that cannot be reduced to gender lines alone…Read_More…