A governance expert, Dr Richard Fiadomor, has stated that the demand by South Africans for undocumented foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, to leave their country is justified.
He posited that the demand from some sections of the South African population for foreigners to leave is hinged on two reasons—particularly regarding undocumented migrants from other African countries and the xenophobic attacks fuelled by job competition.
He explained that there is a widespread perception that foreign nationals take jobs in sectors like retail, hospitality, transport, and informal trading. He noted that such jobs do not usually require highly skilled persons, and so South Africans believe foreigners should have no business in these sectors.
He argued that if foreigners, including Ghanaians, want to work in South Africa, it should be in sectors that require specialised skills which South Africans lack.
According to him, aside from the negative use of violence and attacks, South Africans have genuine concerns that should not be overlooked.
He said Ghanaians have equally opposed the operations of foreigners in their retail markets to the point that they have had the shops of foreigners locked.
To him, South Africans are equally protecting and preserving what they believe is solely reserved for their citizens, and foreigners must accept it.
The demand by South Africans for foreigners to leave is driven by two main reasons.
They are asking undocumented nationals to leave, which has prompted countries like Ghana and Nigeria to begin voluntary repatriations of their citizens.
The core reasons driving these demands include high unemployment and economic strain.
South Africans grapple with unemployment, and local entrepreneurs frequently accuse foreign small-business owners, such as those running local convenience shops, of taking over their livelihood.
In expressing these concerns, Dr Fiadomor remarked, “Have you heard if anyone one working for the major companies being attacked? We have witnessed how Ghanaians lock up shops of Nigerians because the law bares foreigners from operating in the retail markets. So just as had protected our retail markets, the South Africans are also doing the same. Let’s not act out of emotions because if the law makes it clear that some jobs are reserved for citizens so shall it be. So if you’re a foreigner coming into out country to work, it should a unique skill we don’t have but don’t come and take the cleaning of gutters from us. If that happens, they will protect themselves.”
He maintained that “the South Africans have not prevented foreigners from coming there to work but they don’t us to come and take over the jobs meant for locals”.
Meanwhile, he commended President John Dramani Mahama and his government for taking bold steps in evacuating those who voluntarily chose to return home.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana