'What Happens to My 30 Workers?' Nigerian Businessman Resists Calls to Shut Down South African Shop

'What Happens to My 30 Workers?' Nigerian Businessman Resists Calls to Shut Down South African Shop

A Nigerian businessman operating a retail shop in South Africa has pushed back against demands by local protesters seeking the closure of foreign-owned businesses, arguing that shutting down his establishment would jeopardise the livelihoods of more than 30 South Africans employed by the company.

In a viral video shared by NTU Zuma TV on Tuesday, the businessman was seen confronting protesters who insisted that foreign nationals should no longer be allowed to operate businesses in the country.

The protesters demanded the immediate closure of his shop and ordered him to leave South Africa. However, the businessman appealed for due process, stating that he would comply only with an official government directive and should be given the opportunity to properly hand over or sell the business before departing.

Defending his presence in the country, he said he had operated legally in South Africa for 13 years, paid taxes consistently, and possessed all required documentation.

"When the Chinese were running this shop, they used to have one worker or two workers. But since I started running this shop, I created opportunities for about 20-something to 30-something South Africans who are working here," he said.

Despite his explanation, protesters maintained that foreign nationals should not own businesses in the country.

"We don't want any foreigner to run any business here, including you. Today, you close it," one protester said in the video, dismissing concerns about the impact on employees.

The businessman insisted that he was not residing in South Africa illegally and would obey any lawful directive from authorities.

"I have run my business and paid taxes for 13 years. I'm not illegal. If the government insists that I should close my shop and go, I will close and go," he stated.

He added that his major concern was the welfare of his employees.

"I have over 30 workers here, all South Africans, who will be displaced if this shop is closed. I want to make sure that while I'm going, they are in good hands. Get me a South African who is capable of managing this shop," he said.

Describing the repeated confrontations as exhausting, the businessman said he was "tired of all this harassment" but remained committed to ensuring his employees were not abandoned. According to him, some of his local workers had indicated they were unable to take over the business because of the high cost of rent.

The incident comes amid growing anti-immigration protests in parts of South Africa, with some groups issuing deadlines between June 13 and June 30 for undocumented foreigners to leave the country.

Meanwhile, South African authorities have intensified immigration enforcement efforts. The country recently began repatriating 586 Nigerians found to be residing illegally in South Africa, with the first batch of 258 returnees arriving in Lagos last Thursday. The remaining individuals are expected to return in subsequent phases.

South Africa's Home Affairs Minister also disclosed that 2,745 undocumented foreigners were repatriated within a week after President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged tougher measures against illegal immigration.

At the same time, South African officials have expressed concerns over the economic consequences of xenophobic sentiments, noting that businesses and entertainers from the country have faced setbacks abroad due to retaliatory actions and negative perceptions linked to such incidents.