The recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa have left thousands of Africans of foreign decent homeless, several dead and other injured. Foreigners in South Africa draw their nationalities from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Nigeria, and Kenya among others mainly from the East and south of Africa.
Kenyan traders in South Africa have suffered major losses with their business looted and others closed down. Their losses are estimated to be millions which the Kenyan Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Jean Njeri Kamau requested that the South African government compensate the traders.
Amb Njeri said that some of the Kenyans living in the very affected area have already fled their homes. She further appealed to all the Kenyans living in South Africa to register themselves with the embassy to improve the services and at the same time to ensure their safety.
The losses suffered by the traders not only affect them but also by extension affect the families at home and the Kenyan economy in the long run. Kenya receives a considerable amount of remittances from Kenyan traders in South Africa which contributes to the economy of the country.
The xenophobic attacks in South Africa are said to have been triggered by words of the Zulu King, King Goodwill Zwelithini that linked foreigners with the economic strife the country it was experiencing. He has since said he might have been misquoted by the natives.
This attacks dwindle the goodwill South Africa enjoys with other African countries in her ability to protect foreign traders, investors and tourists in the country.
The Kenyan traders in South Africa among other Kenyan nationals have been urged to register at the Mission to enable planning for the safety in case there’s need for evacuation from the country.
