Mounting concerns over xenophobic attacks in South Africa have intensified following reports that a local mayor in Estcourt, near Durban, allegedly spearheaded a crackdown targeting foreign nationals, including legally operating African migrants, by shutting down their businesses and issuing eviction orders.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie, revealed the troubling incident on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, May 11, stating that the mayor seized keys to shops owned by Ghanaians and other African migrants. These businesses, which included mechanic shops and other small enterprises, were reportedly handed over to local residents, with foreign nationals ordered to leave within 21 days.
Officials Under Scrutiny
The allegations, verified by multiple diplomatic missions, suggest a deeply concerning escalation of xenophobic sentiment, with government officials reportedly involved in discriminatory actions. This goes beyond spontaneous acts of violence, indicating potential systemic bias.
High Commissioner Anani Quashie indicated that approximately 25 Ghanaian businesses were affected by this operation. He stressed that the issue is not isolated to Ghanaians, with Nigerian and Angolan ambassadors also lodging similar complaints on behalf of their affected nationals.
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