Footage shows Nigerian entrepreneur defying shutdown, claims his company operates within the law and supports 30 local jobs

A Nigerian entrepreneur in South Africa is resisting demands from local protesters to shut down his business, citing the potential displacement of dozens of South African employees who rely on the shop for their income.

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The businessman's confrontation with protesters was captured on video by NTU Zuma TV on Tuesday, showing him engaging with individuals who demanded the immediate closure of foreign-owned shops.

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Despite the protesters' insistence that he leave, the shop owner requested to be allowed to wait for official government guidance and to either sell or transfer his business before exiting, emphasizing that he has all necessary documents and has paid taxes for 13 years.

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The businessman noted that he currently employs over 30 South Africans, a significant increase from the one or two workers employed by the previous Chinese owners of the shop.

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He stated, "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."

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The confrontation occurred amidst intensifying anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, with some groups setting deadlines of June 13 to 30 for undocumented foreigners to leave the country.

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Protesters in the video demanded that the shop owner close his business immediately, saying, "We don’t want any foreigner to run any business here, including you… Today, you close it."

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The protesters dismissed the shop owner's concerns about his employees and documentation, stating, "We don’t care," and insisted that he leave the country.

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The businessman, who identified himself as a law-abiding resident with all necessary permits and tax records, reiterated that he would only close his shop if directed to do so by the government.

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He said, "I have run my business, pay 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."

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However, the shop owner's primary concern remained the well-being of his staff, stating, "I have 30-something workers here, South Africans, who, if you close this shop, they will be displaced."

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He expressed his desire to ensure that his employees are "in good hands" and requested that a capable South African be found to manage the shop, adding that his local workers were unable to take over due to high rent costs.

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South Africa has begun repatriating 586 Nigerians found to be residing in the country, with the first batch of 258 returnees arriving in Lagos last Thursday, and the remainder scheduled to arrive on Monday.

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The country's Home Affairs Minister reported that 2,745 foreigners were repatriated in the week following President Cyril Ramaphosa's vow to take tougher action against illegal immigration.

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The South African government has expressed concern over the impact of xenophobic claims, which have resulted in income losses for businesses owned by its citizens abroad, with event organizers cancelling shows booked for South African artistes, according to Kubayi.