Abstract:
Xenophobic attacks have become a regular feature in South Africa. Every day, animosity frequently spills over into violence on non-nationals, individual migrants, refugees and on their economic enterprises. Some of these incidents reach the attention of the media and officialdom, but most remained invisible and unremarked. The fact that most of the violence occurs in marginal urban locations of informal settlements, townships and inner-city suburbs in South Africa have prompted intense debate over the name and identification of the underlying causes. Against this backdrop, therefore, this study examined the xenophobic attacks and Nigeria-South Africa trade and investment relations, within the period, 2008-2017. The study was anchored on the theory of complex interdependence, while relying on documentary method for the collection of data, which was correspondingly, analyzed using content analysis. The study found that despite the ugly incidences of violence and unrest across South Africa against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, the trade and investment relations between Nigeria and South Africa keep on increasing. In 1999, the South African and Nigerian governments signed bilateral agreements on trade and investment. These agreements amongst other things, aimed to increase the amount of trade and investment between South Africa and Nigeria. By way of recommendation, therefore, there is an urgent need for the South African authority to create opportunities for South Africans and Nigerians to engage in economic partnerships, collaboration and networking. The existence of Chambers of Commerce between the two countries is a good development in forging stronger economic ties. Furthermore, more legal framework should be put in place to promote joint economic ventures between South Africans, Nigerians and other foreigners.
