A Nigerian businessman in South Africa has defended his continued presence in the country, saying he has created jobs for local residents and remains committed to the welfare of his employees despite growing pressure from anti-immigrant groups.
According to a video shared by streetbarrister on Instagram, the businessman, who operates a retail shop in South Africa, said he has spent years building the business and training local workers.
He noted that the number of employees increased significantly after he took over the business.
“When the Chinese was running this shop, you see one worker or two workers. Since I started running this shop, I have created opportunities for about 27 South Africans working here,” he said.
The businessman also expressed frustration over what he described as persistent harassment directed at foreign business owners.
“I’m even tired of all this harassment. Everyone is tired,” he said.
While acknowledging calls for foreigners to leave certain sectors of the economy, he said his major concern remained the future of the workers who depend on the business for their livelihood.
“If I close and go, what about their fate?” he asked.
He added that he would be willing to leave the country if a suitable person could be found to manage the business and protect the jobs he helped create.
“As long as I get somebody who is capable of managing this shop in South Africa, I will go. I am ready to go,” he said.
The comments come amid renewed debates over immigration and foreign-owned businesses in South Africa, with some groups calling for stricter measures against undocumented migrants and greater participation of citizens in local businesses.
