Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has warned that the recent unrest surrounding the alleged coronation of a Nigerian “Igbo king” in East London was orchestrated by “agent provocateurs” aiming to destabilise social cohesion in South Africa.
Posting on X, Ndlozi said the violence that erupted following protests in KuGompo was deliberately provoked to undermine the country’s reputation on the global stage. “Their handlers knew what their actions would do; they meant precisely to provoke the violent reaction that ensued,” he said, adding that the Nigerian government also rejected the coronation.
The politician cautioned that those seeking to create conflict between South Africa and Nigeria were not genuine Pan-Africanists, but agents whose mission was to disrupt unity among African nations. He emphasised that the continent must unite in condemning what he described as the “lunatic coronation” and resist being manipulated into conflict.
Ndlozi outlined a broader pattern of concern, warning that xenophobic violence could escalate to affect all immigrants and potentially trigger ethnic and regional attacks against South Africans themselves. He mentioned that political figures advocating for regional exclusivity could be manipulated into sowing division along tribal lines, ultimately weakening national cohesion.
The former EFF MP also linked the unrest to international agendas, suggesting that foreign actors, including the United States and Israel, might exploit internal instability to justify intervention or regime change in South Africa. “Agent provocateurs fuelling xenophobic and ethnic violence…must be resisted, otherwise we will be run by Washington and Tel Aviv,” he said.
Analysts note that Ndlozi’s statement reflects concerns over both domestic and international dimensions of unrest, highlighting how localised incidents can be leveraged in broader geopolitical narratives. They also point to the need for careful management of protests and migration issues to prevent escalation into widespread violence.
Ndlozi concluded by urging South Africans to remain vigilant, resist manipulation, and work toward maintaining unity, arguing that only a coordinated, peaceful response can safeguard social cohesion and the country’s sovereignty.