WATCH | Foreign-owned shops shuts doors as Pietermaritzburg campaign intensifies
At one Pakistan-owned tuck shop, workers were seen packing stock into boxes while preparing to vacate the premises.
Foreign-owned tuck shops in Ashdown, Pietermaritzburg began shutting their doors on Thursday as local business owners intensified their campaign to remove foreign nationals from operating businesses in the area.
At one Pakistan-owned tuck shop, workers were seen packing stock into boxes while preparing to vacate the premises, as members of the Ashdown business community continued their programme targeting foreign-owned businesses.
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The campaign follows a meeting held earlier this week where local business owners resolved to pressure foreign nationals to close their shops, arguing that they are struggling to compete with the growing number of foreign-owned businesses operating in the area.
Business owners have also accused some property owners and community members of enabling foreign nationals by renting out business premises to them.
Organisers say they intend to engage landlords as part of the campaign.
Thursday’s operation saw groups of business people moving from shop to shop, urging foreign-owned businesses to cease trading.
Some foreign shop owners were seen removing stock from their premises.
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The campaign forms part of a broader wave of anti-illegal immigration protests that have taken place in several parts of the country this week, with demonstrators calling on government to tighten immigration controls and regulate the operation of businesses by foreign nationals.
Police were monitoring the situation in Ashdown to maintain public order. No arrests or incidents of violence had been reported at the time of publication.
