Why I Can’t Shut Down My Business In South Africa— Nigerian Man Opens Up

A Nigerian entrepreneur based in South Africa has resisted calls by anti-immigration protesters demanding the immediate closure of his business, arguing that such a move would jeopardise the livelihoods of dozens of South Africans employed by his company.

The businessman made his position known during a tense exchange with demonstrators, a video of which was shared by NTU Zuma TV and has since circulated widely on social media.

In the footage, protesters confronted the shop owner and demanded that he shut down his business and leave the country. The businessman, however, pleaded for time, insisting that any decision regarding his operations should come through official government channels.

He told the protesters that he had operated legally in South Africa for over a decade, maintained all required documentation, paid taxes consistently, and created employment opportunities for local citizens.

According to him, the business currently provides jobs for more than 30 South Africans, a development he said distinguishes his management from previous owners.

“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 an opportunity for about 20-something to 30-something South Africans who are working here,” he said.

The protesters, however, remained unmoved, insisting that foreign nationals should not own or operate businesses in the country.

“We don’t want any foreigner to run any business here, including you. Today, you close it,” one of the demonstrators was heard saying.

When the businessman pointed to his legal status and the impact closure would have on his employees, the protesters reportedly dismissed his concerns, responding, “We don’t care.”

Maintaining that he was not residing in South Africa illegally, the entrepreneur stressed that he would only comply with a formal government directive.

“I have run my business and paid tax for 13 years now. I’m not illegal. If the government insists that I should close my shop and go, I will close and go,” he stated.

He further explained that his major concern was the welfare of the South African workers whose livelihoods depend on the business.

“I have 30-something workers here, South Africans, who, if you close this shop, will be displaced. I want to make sure that while I’m going, they’re in good hands. Get me a South African who is capable of managing this shop,” he said.

Expressing frustration over what he described as persistent harassment, the businessman said he was unwilling to walk away without ensuring a smooth transition that would protect his employees.

He also disclosed that some of his local workers had indicated they could not take over the business because of the financial burden associated with operating it, including the cost of rent.

The incident comes amid renewed anti-immigration campaigns by some groups in South Africa, which have intensified calls for undocumented foreigners to leave the country. Certain groups have reportedly issued deadlines between June 13 and June 30 for foreign nationals without valid immigration status to depart.

Meanwhile, South African authorities have commenced the repatriation of Nigerians found to be residing illegally in the country. The first batch of 258 deportees arrived in Lagos last Thursday, while the remaining returnees are expected to be brought back in subsequent phases.