Businesses are taking a hit in Johannesburg after a slew of emails and text messages fuelled a rash of violence aimed at foreign business owners. South Africa continues to be the target of such violence, placing foreign investment on firmly on shaky ground.
And although such risks come with the territory the government is worried some investors will pull up stakes.
In the central business district of South Africa’s commercial capital — where looters ransacked foreign-owned shops earlier this year — a text message warned, “Zulu people are coming to town . . . to kill every foreigner on the road,”
Reuters reported.
The warnings come on the heels of
violence in Durban, where two foreigners and three South Africans have been killed. A 14-year-old boy was allegedly shot during recent looting. Reportedly, scores of immigrants were forced to take refuge in safe camps.
Many stores were forced to close on busy Jeppe Street due to the threats. Many businesses will be forced to close permanently if the threats continue.
South Africa's foreign business renaissance will surely suffer monetary losses that will be difficult to recover from if there is not more intervention to make residents feel safe.
Matthew Klynsmith earned a business administration diploma at CTI in Cape Town, South Africa. He now works at Strategic Options as an associate partner. To read more reports from Matthew Klynsmith, Go Here Now.
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