KuGompo City in South Africa’s Eastern Cape has seen a return to calm following a day of violent protests that erupted during what began as a peaceful march by local communities and traditional leaders.
The unrest stemmed from outrage over the recent coronation of a Nigerian Igbo traditional leader as a local “king,” an event organized by the Nigerian community in the area. Protesters viewed the installation as disrespectful to South African traditions and sovereignty.
According to Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), the march started peacefully as communities, led by royalty, gathered to present a petition to government. However, the situation turned confrontational after a South African citizen was allegedly gravely injured with a gaping wound by a foreign national from Nigeria.
The incident occurred just as the crowd was about to be addressed by government representatives. This led to episodes of violence, including reports of vehicles and properties being damaged or set alight in areas such as Buffalo Street. Allegations also surfaced of South African police members allegedly conniving with foreign nationals, though the Deputy Minister stressed that such claims require a separate investigation.
Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe condemned the violence and the actions of the Nigerian national, describing it as unfortunate “gulability from a visitor” attacking the host community. He assured residents that law enforcement agencies would maintain calm and leave “no stone unturned” to restore order and investigate all matters thoroughly.
Addressing the legal status of the individuals involved, the Deputy Minister noted that it has not yet been fully established. He emphasized that those in South Africa must be there legally, and any businesses they operate must comply with the law. Communities have raised concerns about alleged illegal activities, including the manufacturing and sale of drugs, which he said fall under security operations that cannot be publicly detailed at this stage.
In response to community frustration over the time elapsed since the story first emerged, Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe explained that significant behind-the-scenes work has been undertaken through diplomatic channels. He referenced a letter from a group characterizing itself as the “EO community” expressing a wish to meet His Majesty the King to apologize for any harm caused.
A key diplomatic engagement is scheduled for next Wednesday, when a South African delegation—including deputy ministers from CoGTA, Home Affairs, the South African Police Service, and State Security—will meet the Nigerian High Commissioner in Victoria. The High Commissioner has also expressed a desire to visit the province and the palace of His Majesty King Sandile to convey an apology on behalf of the Nigerian government. The meeting is expected to include affected communities from Buffalo City to help resolve the matter.
When questioned about whether the heightened tensions warranted an earlier meeting, the Deputy Minister acknowledged the urgency but stressed the importance of following diplomatic protocols, bilateral relations, and constitutional processes. He urged patience while affirming that government must act within the rule of law to ensure stability.
“We have a duty to ensure that we live together peacefully,” Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe said. He called on leadership to rise during crises and manage processes to avoid unintended violent outcomes that could strain relationships further.
The Deputy Minister noted that CoGTA had previously distanced itself from aspects related to the coronation. He reiterated that work is ongoing behind closed doors and expressed appreciation for the communities’ initial peaceful approach in presenting their petition alongside the mayor of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and traditional leaders.
As night fell on the day of the protests, the Deputy Minister expressed confidence that law enforcement would keep the area secure, while broader engagements aim to address the underlying grievances and restore sanity and stability in Buffalo City.
The incident has highlighted ongoing community concerns about foreign nationals, traditional leadership protocols, and the need for legal compliance in business and residency matters. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
