South Africans have of late attacked small business operators from Pakistan, Somalia and Zimbabwe, who they have ordered to “pack and go” or face violence.
The locals accuse foreign business operators of “stealing” their customers and making business difficult for them.
However, the country’s Deputy Home Affairs Minister, Fatima Chohan, told The Zimbabwean early this week that her government was getting involved in ending the tensions before they culminate in more violence.
“Regarding tensions between South African small business concerns and ostensibly asylum seekers who are operating businesses in the townships, government is doing something,” said Chohan.
“Notoriously in the past, this tension has in other parts of the country spilled into violence and at times resulted in fatalities on the side of foreigners.”
The government official revealed that in April 2011, the Soweto Small Business Interim Forum (SBIF) wrote to the Representatives of the Small Business Independent Forum (SBIF), formally asking for a meeting with the Department of Home Affairs to discuss escalating tensions between the local small business owners, who had perceived that foreign owned businesses were being illicitly operated in the township.
“Our officials have met with the SBIF on two occasions, April 29 and May 17 2011, which culminated in a broad and inclusive meeting of 26 May 2011,” said Chohan.
“This meeting resolved to establish the Home Affairs Johannesburg Metro Council Region D Stakeholder Forum (the Stakeholder Forum) to discuss, amongst others, problems and tensions that exist between South African small business owners particularly in Region D (Soweto) and the foreign (asylum seekers) owned small businesses.
“The establishment of this forum has contributed substantially towards averting similar attacks on foreign-owned businesses in Soweto by agreeing on a programme of action aimed at ensuring such tensions do not escalate any further without any action from government.”
The forum will continue to provide a platform for dialogue on issues of mutual concern amongst business owners, while the Department of Home Affairs will continue to facilitate dialogue on an ongoing basis in an attempt to foster healthy relationships with different stakeholders.
“I would also like to reiterate the commitment from our government to ensure that refugees, who legitimately seek protection from persecution in whatever form upon our shores, will have their hopes, humanity and dignity restored.”
Post published in: Africa News