A culture war is brewing between South Africa and its continental neighbours following a spate of xenophobic attacks over the weekend in Gauteng. It seems the fallout is having far-reaching consequences, as Zambia became the latest African country to take a stand against South Africa business.
See also: Xenophobia: After Closed-Door Meeting With Buhari Minister Onyeama Reveals What FG’ll Do
Videos have surfaced online of a Pick n Pay store in Lusaka being ransacked by locals, who are looting the establishment as part of a revenge plot. Foreign store owners in Mzansi had their businesses raided by gatvol locals who are blaming immigrants for a number of societal ills, and five people have died as a result of the violence.
South African shops being attacked in Zambia. pic.twitter.com/8ch8kkQzyl
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) September 4, 2019
Several MTN offices have also been subject to wanton vandalism and destruction across Nigeria. The company have made the unusual decision to close all of their stores across the country, in a bid to prevent further protests flaring-up and putting their staff at risk. There have been multiple reports of fires at some locations:
@mtnnigeria is on fire lugbe Abuja. Abuja resident finally took to the street.#saynotoxenophobia#wenogetpresident#zenophobia#xenophobiainsouthafrica pic.twitter.com/lsB0EUwwwb
— milez (@kolade_miles) September 4, 2019
See also: South African president says xenophobic violence ‘unacceptable’
Popular radio station Hot FM are now refusing to play any South African music whatsoever. This comes just hours after the Zambian Football Association pulled out of a friendly with Bafana Bafana, in protest of xenophobia.
In light of the xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, Hot Fm will cease to play music by South African artists on our airwaves until further notice.
All African nations, whether Frontline states… https://t.co/DTk8dZiiKN
— HotFMZambia (@HOT877Zambia) September 4, 2019
More updates coming Stay tuned!
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