By Seun Ibiyemi
The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has expressed deep concern over renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa, describing the incidents as troubling and inconsistent with the spirit of African solidarity and Pan-African cooperation.
This was disclosed to BusinessPointer in statement issued by Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf on 6th May 2026.
CPPE noted that many Nigerians have reportedly been among the victims of the attacks, stressing that Africans should regard one another as partners in development rather than rivals.
The organisation said the recurring violence reflects deeper socio-economic and governance challenges in South Africa, including high unemployment, rising poverty, inequality, weak public service delivery, and growing frustration among citizens.
According to CPPE, these pressures have unfortunately been misdirected at African migrants, particularly those engaged in retail trade, informal businesses, and service sectors.
“Nigerians appear particularly vulnerable because of their strong entrepreneurial presence in South Africa’s informal economy,” the statement noted, adding that Nigerian traders and professionals have built a reputation for resilience and competitiveness, which has sometimes fuelled resentment among locals based on “misguided perceptions” of job displacement.
The CPPE also faulted gaps in policing, intelligence gathering, and law enforcement in South Africa, calling for stronger security responses, prompt prosecution of offenders, and firm political messaging against xenophobic rhetoric.
While condemning the attacks, the organisation strongly advised against retaliatory actions by Nigeria, warning that such measures would be counterproductive and could damage bilateral relations.
It specifically cautioned against proposals such as targeting South African investments in Nigeria, revoking business licences, or nationalising assets, describing such steps as “inappropriate, disproportionate, and harmful to investor confidence.”
The CPPE emphasised that major South African firms operating in Nigeria—including MTN Group, Shoprite Holdings, MultiChoice Group, and Standard Bank Group—have contributed significantly to job creation, government revenue, financial inclusion, and consumer welfare.
“Disrupting these investments would not only hurt the affected companies but would also adversely impact Nigerian workers, suppliers, service providers, and consumers who depend on these businesses,” the organisation warned.
Instead, CPPE called for constructive diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and South Africa, urging both governments to strengthen bilateral mechanisms to ensure the protection of citizens and migrants.
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It further stressed that South African authorities must address the root causes of unrest, particularly unemployment, inequality, and institutional weaknesses, while Nigeria should intensify diplomatic pressure to safeguard its citizens abroad.
“The priority should be the protection of lives, strict enforcement of the rule of law, and preservation of African solidarity and economic cooperation,” the statement concluded.
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