Some South Africans have taken to the streets to demand the reopening of foreign-owned businesses, following recent attacks on foreign nationals that forced many shops and factories to shut down.
In a viral video circulating on social media, demonstrators expressed frustration over job losses linked to the closures.
They argued that many factories and workshops are owned by foreigners, and without them, local workers are left unemployed.
One protester said South Africans often lack the experience required in industries such as garment manufacturing and demand “outrageous” salaries, making it difficult for businesses to rely solely on local labour.
“We are losing our jobs because when they are taking the foreigners away, that’s the foreigners who are giving us jobs. We won’t have jobs… when we post about the foreigners and the locals, we can’t get the locals to be machinists, they all tell us, no, the machinists are everywhere, thousands, we are lying,” she said.
“Mr. Ramaphosa, you can’t chase the foreigners. They are part of us. If you chase them, we are nothing. We need foreigners,” another added.
The protests come as Ghana continues to evacuate its citizens from South Africa. More than 700 Ghanaians have returned home in recent days.
The second group of about 340 evacuees landed in Accra on Saturday aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight, while a third batch of 380 arrived Sunday.
Addressing the returnees, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, assured them that government would pursue compensation for businesses and properties lost during the unrest.
He said legal processes were being put in place to seek redress.
On reintegration, Ablakwa announced that about 200 jobs had already been secured through the support of Ghanaian entrepreneurs and corporate institutions.
Businessman Ibrahim Mahama has offered 100 jobs, while AirtelTigo and Telecel Ghana have pledged to employ some of the returnees.
The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and other CEOs have also promised support to ensure smooth reintegration.
