Nigerian business owners in South Africa are regretting rising losses as a result of attacks on foreign-owned shops.
Some of the businessmen who talked with The PUNCH said the attacks were mostly focused against Nigerians and Ghanaians, with shops, supermarkets, and other business establishments specifically targeted.
Yemisi Adewale, a restaurant operator in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, described how she narrowly dodged an attack by demonstrators at a local market on Thursday.
“They (protesters) have been harassing and terrorizing us. They are specifically targeting shops, supermarkets, malls, and other businesses owned by Nigerians and Ghanaians. Their aim is simply to loot and destroy our goods.
“The police are present, but their presence has not stopped the attackers. The protesters continue to loot and vandalize our shops right in front of them.
“I was almost attacked on Thursday at the town market while I was out to buy goods for my business. We all had to run for safety, leaving our goods behind. The attackers went on to loot and destroy shops and merchandise.
“This is not a genuine protest. They are using the rally as a cover to steal and destroy our businesses. Although the South African government appears to be making efforts to protect us, we cannot rely on that protection. For our safety, we have shut down our shops and business outlets.
“Once they see that your shop is open, they immediately attack, loot your goods, and assault anyone they identify as a foreigner,” Adewale said.
She mentioned that the situation had taken a severe toll on livelihoods, warning that continued violence could force many out of business.
“This situation is taking a serious toll on us. Our businesses have been badly affected, and this is our only means of livelihood. If this continues, many of us may be forced out of business.
“Nigerians here are law-abiding and have chosen to remain calm despite the harassment and provocation. We have avoided any confrontation.”
“So far, no Nigerian has been harmed, but a Ghanaian trader was severely beaten and injured. This led to intervention by Ghanaian authorities, who have since evacuated him back home for medical treatment,” she added.
Another Nigerian trader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the situation as organized violence disguised as protest.
“They told us they wanted to do a protest, but what we are seeing is not a protest. This is daylight robbery and looting. The protest started on Monday and has continued till today, Thursday.
“I saw hundreds of them today at the market. They were carrying sticks and clubs, which they used to attack foreigners. They pounce on anyone they identify as a foreigner and beat them,” she said.
According to her, dread has gripped the business sector, forcing dealers to fully cease operations.
“We are living in fear. No one dares open their shop. We were opening partially before, but now the situation has escalated, and we are scared for our lives.
“Hundreds of shops owned by foreigners have been looted. Now no one can open for business,” she said.
The trader claimed that Nigerians appear to be the prime targets of the attacks, with the goal of driving them out of business.
“They are targeting Nigerians. They want to frustrate us out of business. Now we cannot even come out to make money; everyone is staying indoors. I don’t know why they are targeting us,” she said.
The Nigerian Consulate in the country, in collaboration with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, has offered a free repatriation flight to Nigerians willing to return home permanently.
The president of NICASA, Frank Onyekwelu, acknowledged that the situation had forced many Nigerians to shut their shops and businesses.
According to him, Onyekwelu, there is currently no structured support system in place for affected Nigerians, but the consulate’s intervention is already providing an option for those who wish to leave.
Onyekwelu stated that many Nigerians were already indicating interest in returning home.
He said, “The Nigerian Consulate in conjunction with NICASA has offered a free repatriation flight to any Nigerian who wishes to leave South Africa permanently, and the process is ongoing, as we have recorded many Nigerians signaling interest to return home.”
