Tensions are rising in South Africa as locals urge foreign shop owners to give priority to hiring citizens, raising xenophobia concerns and calls for intervention by Nigeria.
The South Africans reportedly summoned Chinese, Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi shop owners to a meeting, where they urged them to fire African workers and prioritize hiring locals. pic.twitter.com/7wkGqKzGeN
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“Basically, they want additional stakes in these businesses that already contribute to their economy, and they can seize these businesses in the future and do to these foreigners what they are doing to Africans. If they are unemployed, I think it's a skills issue.”
“During apartheid, African countries sheltered and supported South Africans in their struggle for independence. Exterminating fellow Africans today forgets the solidarity and undermines the spirit of ubuntu that led the country to democracy.”
“The moment the rest of the Africans stop running to SA for our peace of mind, it will be better for all of us! These SA people have so much hatred in their hearts for the rest of the Africans! Leave them alone! This is not the first time these people are driving away their African brothers!… What is so special about them exactly!?”
With millions of young South Africans out of work, competition for low-skilled jobs in the informal sector has become a focus of anti-immigrant sentiment.
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NICASA President, Frank Onyekwelu
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Nigerian Consul General, Nnikanwa Oke-Uche