Nigerian job-creator worried
A foreigner who runs a hair salon in Mabopane has spoken out about how the xenophobic attacks are affecting him.
A Nigerian businessman generating jobs to six South Africans in Mabopane lives in fear after the recent attacks on foreign nationals.
“The xenophobic attacks are not only worrying me as the business owner, but all staff members are worried they could lose their jobs,” said Agu Agu, who runs a hair salon at Central City.
His business employs six South Africans, four men and two women.
Speaking to Rekord this week from his hair salon, Yehia Hair&Beauty Salon, Agu said he did not know what would happen next.
“I came here in 2010 and immediately decided that starting a business was the best thing I could do for myself to make a living.”
He did some research about the locations for a business and the potential for attracting customers.
“It was not easy when I first started. I faced many problems. The rent was expensive and I did not have customers,” he said.
“But when people realised that we were good at what we were doing, they started coming in their numbers.”
He said his whole objective for starting a genuine business was to generate genuine revenue.
“It breaks my heart to see people of the same colour killing one another because they come from different countries.”
He said he knew many foreigners doing good business to make a living here in South Africa.
“Of course there are a few others who commit crime, why don’t we deal with crime as a separate issue?” he asked.
“I am not trying to justify my being here. I run a business, I share the profit with the locals. And what we are doing here is only business.”
Also read:
Africans unite against xenophobia
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