Xenophobic attacks may affect bilateral trade with S/Africa, other countries – Chamber

The Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) has said that xenophobic attacks on foreigners and their businesses in South Africa might affect bilateral trade on the continent.

President of the chamber, Mr Folusho Phillips, said in Lagos that the attacks were unfortunate and a setback to African business growth.

“It is a rather unacceptable situation; a sad one that at this stage, South Africans still feel insecure locally when we know for a fact that foreigners contribute to expanding their economy and lifestyle.

“It shows to me that the South African Government has failed to make its nationals realise that they are part of an African Community and a global world.

“They cannot have the rather myopic attitude that they are showing which is able to hinder success and growth to most nations.

“We are sure that a lot of value has been added to the South African economy even at the lower level of the Small Medium Enterprises (SME) and in foreign investments,” Phillips said.

He urged the South African government to put in a lot of effort in educating its people and making them appreciate that they were part of a global community.

Phillips said that African nations supported South Africans in their quest for liberation, and  all stood by them including Nigeria, during their struggle for freedom.

“They should consider that their people go out throughout the world; all the South African companies and investments we see around in African countries are made possible because other countries accepted and welcome them.

“It is not a one way thing; it  should be a two way thing and the South African government has to be  a lot more aggressive, positive and focused in dealing with this issue,” he said.

The Nigerian Consul-General in South Africa, Uche Ajulu-Okeke, said Nigerian nationals living in South Africa had suffered a lot of property damage and losses, including looting of shops, scorched cars and stolen vehicles.

“Nigerians have compiled damage to their property and it is totalling about 1.2 million rand or N21 million, which will be sent to the Federal Government for further action.”