Xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa have remained a major concern for many years. Many South Africans oppose the presence of foreigners, particularly those from other African countries, who live and operate businesses in the country. As a result, many immigrants who invested heavily in South Africa now face uncertainty about their future.
Authorities and community groups often argue that undocumented foreigners should leave the country. However, many legally documented immigrants also report facing pressure, harassment, and demands to leave despite complying with the law. Foreign-owned businesses, migrant communities, and documented immigrants have experienced intimidation, looting, assaults, and growing hostility.
Many observers link the situation to frustration over unemployment and economic challenges in South Africa, where the official unemployment rate stood at 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026, leaving more than 8.1 million people without jobs, according to Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey. 
READ ALSO: What Happens After June 30th Deadline in Durban, South Africa?
On Instagram, a Nigerian business owner in South Africa recently shared how people demanded that he leave the country despite holding valid legal documents.
“I have been running this business in South Africa for more than 10 years,” he said. “I currently employ 24 South Africans in this shop.”
A South African told him that South Africans are the only ones allowed to own and operate businesses in the country, not foreigners.
The business owner disagreed.
“I have the legal right to run my business because I have all the required documents to stay and work here,” he replied.
The interviewer then asked him when he planned to leave South Africa.
The businessman responded by highlighting his record as a law-abiding resident.
“I have all the necessary documents. I have obeyed the law, paid taxes for more than 13 years, and trained many South Africans. If the government officially tells me to leave, I will close my business and go,” he said.
Although he expressed his willingness to comply with any official government directive, he also raised concerns about the people who depend on his business for employment.
“I am prepared to leave if the government requires it,” he said. “However, if I close this shop, the South Africans who work here will lose their jobs. I want to make sure the business goes into capable hands before I leave.”
He added that anyone interested in taking over the business should compensate him for his stock and investments.
“If someone pays for my goods and everything I have invested in this shop, I can hand it over. I am tired of the constant harassment,” he said.
READ ALSO: How South Africa’s Entertainment Industry is Feeling the Heat of Xenophobia
According to the businessman, members of an organization who visited his shop insisted that he should leave the country. They told him that they did not want foreigners operating businesses in South Africa. They also dismissed concerns about employees who could lose their jobs if the shop closed and allegedly referred to him as a criminal.
His story reflects the difficult reality many documented immigrants face in South Africa. While they contribute to the economy, create jobs, and follow legal processes, some continue to face hostility and pressure to leave.
About The Author
