Tensions are rising over a fresh wave of xenophobic actions in South Africa after allegations emerged that a local mayor shut down businesses owned by African migrants, handed the shops to locals and ordered foreigners to leave the area within 21 days.
In recent months, anti-immigrant groups have intensified protests against foreigners, particularly other Africans.
Some incidents have led to the closure of businesses, verbal abuse and physical attacks.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie, described the situation as deeply worrying, citing a recent incident in Estcourt, near Durban, where a mayor allegedly shut down foreign-owned businesses, handed them over to locals and ordered foreign nationals to leave within 21 days.
Speaking in an interview, Mr Anani Quashie said the mayor seized keys to businesses owned by Ghanaians and other African migrants who were legally operating in the area.
“The mayor in Estcourt has taken keys belonging to Ghanaians and other African migrants who are genuinely and legally working in his area. He has taken the keys, handed over their shops and businesses to locals,” he said.
He added that the affected businesses included mechanic shops and other small enterprises, and said diplomatic missions had verified the allegations.
“A lot of Ghanaians are affected. We have close to about 25 Ghanaians whose businesses have been closed,” he disclosed.
Mr Anani Quashie noted that the issue extends beyond Ghanaians, revealing that Nigerian and Angolan diplomats had also raised concerns after their citizens were affected by the same operation.
According to him, Ghana and the other affected countries are preparing legal action to challenge the directive.
“We’ve told them that we’re going to fight this legally. No law in South Africa gives the mayor the right to say whatever he’s saying. We’re going to ensure that the right thing is done,” he stated.
He said the affected countries have already gathered statements from their nationals and submitted them to the legal department of the African ambassadors’ group for review.
“No, we are in the process. It’s not only one country that is going. All the countries involved have made statements and given them to the legal department. They have confirmed there is no legal basis for what he is doing,” he said.
Mr Anani Quashie added that with only 17 days remaining before the eviction deadline, diplomatic missions are working urgently to stop any forced removals from taking place.