Video: ‘Take your children and go back to your country,’ South Africans confront Nigerian businessman
Abdullateef Fowewe
A viral video circulating on social media has captured a tense confrontation between South Africans and a Nigerian businessman at a bustling market stall, amid escalating anti-immigrant protests.
In the footage, a group of protesters surrounds the man, who is tending to his stall, and demands he “take your children and go back to your country.”
The Nigerian entrepreneur remains composed, responding calmly that he has lived in South Africa for a long time, runs a legitimate business, and is not involved in any fights.
He repeatedly urges de-escalation, emphasising his focus on providing for his family.
This underscores deepening xenophobic tensions in South Africa targeting African immigrants, particularly Nigerians.
Protests have intensified in recent weeks, fueled by economic frustrations and claims of job competition.
Nigerian social media users have reacted strongly, with many calling for diplomatic intervention from Abuja and questioning the state of bilateral relations between the two nations.
“This is not African unity,” one user commented, while others urged boycotts and official complaints.
