The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has strongly condemned the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, describing the incidents as deeply troubling and contrary to the spirit of African solidarity, unity, and economic cooperation.
In a statement issued on the growing attacks targeting African migrants, particularly Nigerians, the CPPE expressed concern over the continued hostility directed at fellow Africans despite the continent’s shared history, common identity, and collective development aspirations. The organisation noted that Africans should see themselves as partners in progress rather than adversaries.
According to the CPPE, the attacks appear to be driven largely by worsening socio-economic conditions in South Africa, including high unemployment, rising poverty, youth frustration, widening inequality, weak public service delivery, and broader governance challenges. These realities, the organisation said, have fueled resentment among some citizens, who have wrongly redirected their frustrations toward African migrants engaged in economic activities across the country.
The CPPE observed that Nigerians have become particularly vulnerable because of their strong entrepreneurial presence and resilience within South Africa’s informal economy. Nigerian traders, professionals, and service providers are widely recognised for their competitiveness and active participation in sectors such as retail trade, small businesses, and service-oriented enterprises. Unfortunately, the organisation noted, this success has generated resentment among some locals who wrongly believe that migrants are taking over economic opportunities and jobs.
While stressing that such perceptions are misguided, CPPE maintained that the South African government has a responsibility to guarantee the safety and protection of all residents within its territory, including Nigerians and other African nationals. The organisation called for stronger policing, improved intelligence gathering, prompt prosecution of perpetrators, and clear political messaging against anti-migrant rhetoric in order to prevent future occurrences.
The CPPE further stressed that the attacks should not be interpreted as official South African government policy, but rather as criminal acts perpetrated by non-state actors driven by socio-economic frustrations. Nonetheless, it insisted that South African authorities must demonstrate zero tolerance for such violence and ensure that offenders are held accountable.
Reacting to calls in some quarters for retaliatory actions against South African businesses operating in Nigeria, the CPPE warned against measures such as revoking operating licenses, targeting investments, or nationalising South African-owned assets. According to the organisation, such actions would be inappropriate, disproportionate, and ultimately counterproductive.
The CPPE noted that South African investments have played a significant role in Nigeria’s economy over the years. Companies such as MTN Group, Shoprite Holdings, MultiChoice Group, and Standard Bank Group have created thousands of jobs, strengthened service delivery, enhanced financial inclusion, contributed significantly to government revenues, and improved consumer welfare in Nigeria.
The organisation cautioned that disrupting these investments would negatively affect Nigerian workers, suppliers, service providers, and consumers who rely on these businesses for livelihoods and services. It added that such actions could also weaken investor confidence and undermine the broader objective of African economic integration and intra-African cooperation.
Instead of retaliatory measures, CPPE advocated constructive diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and South Africa. The organisation urged the Nigerian government to intensify bilateral discussions with South African authorities to ensure the safety and protection of Nigerians living in the country, while also preserving mutually beneficial economic relations between both nations.
The CPPE also called on South Africa to address the deeper structural issues fueling social tensions, particularly unemployment, inequality, weak public service delivery, and institutional weaknesses. According to the organisation, sustainable peace and stability can only be achieved through stronger governance, inclusive economic opportunities, and effective law enforcement.
Concluding, the CPPE emphasized that the priority at this time should be the protection of lives, the strict enforcement of the rule of law, and the preservation of African solidarity and economic cooperation.
