South Africans tell Asian shop owners to hire locals over other Africans

Tensions around jobs and migration are heating up again in South Africa, after a viral video showed residents confronting foreign shop owners and demanding changes to hiring practices.

In the 21-second clip dated April 26, a group of black South Africans is seen addressing shop owners of Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi origin, urging them to stop employing other Africans and instead give priority to locals. The demand comes amid the country’s unemployment rate, which sits at about 31.4%, still extremely high, especially among young people.

The video quickly sparked outrage online, with many critics, particularly from Nigeria and other African nations, describing the move as selective and xenophobic. Some pointed out that while African workers were being targeted, non-African foreigners appeared unaffected.

Others, however, argued that the call reflects growing economic frustration and may be linked to local labour laws like the Employment Equity Act, which encourages hiring qualified South Africans.

Reactions on X (formerly Twitter) have been intense and divided.

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The situation comes against the backdrop of rising anti-immigrant sentiment, including protests targeting so-called “spaza” shops, incidents of looting, and a planned nationwide shutdown scheduled for May 4.

Meanwhile, Nigerians living in South Africa are raising an alarm. Under the umbrella of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), they are calling on the Nigerian government to step in urgently.

NICASA President, Frank Onyekwelu, warned that hostility toward Nigerians and other Africans is becoming normalised.

“We are alarmed by the increasing normalisation of hostility, manifested through inflammatory rhetoric by certain political actors, unlawful intimidation, and discriminatory enforcement practices by some law enforcement personnel. These actions not only undermine human dignity but also threaten the long-standing bonds of African solidarity.”

He urged authorities in Nigeria to respond quickly and decisively.

“The protection of Nigerian citizens abroad is not optional; it is a constitutional and moral obligation.”

Onyekwelu also called for direct diplomatic engagement with South African officials, improved systems for reporting xenophobic incidents, and accountability for security personnel involved in abuses.

He added that delays in action could reinforce a dangerous perception that Nigerians abroad are left to fend for themselves.

“A transparent mechanism for reporting, documenting, and addressing cases of abuse, harassment, and xenophobic violence. Clear accountability for any law enforcement officers found culpable in acts of brutality or discrimination.

Public reassurance from the Nigerian government affirming its commitment to the safety and welfare of its citizens globally.”

Despite the tensions, NICASA emphasized that Nigerians in South Africa remain law-abiding and continue to contribute positively to the economy and society.

The group also acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian Consul General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, noting that her intervention has given many Nigerians hope during a difficult period.

As the situation unfolds, many are watching closely to see whether diplomacy can calm tensions or if the divide over jobs and migration will deepen further.