In big cities, foreign national shopkeepers and owners are often ill-treated, kidnapped for ransom or forced to pay protection fees.
But it is a different story for those operating in rural Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape. They have a good relationship with the community.
John Abebe told Scrolla.Africa that he only reads, or hears, in news stories about foreign shopkeepers being kidnapped and killed.
“I wish those in the cities could experience the love and gratitude I get from the villagers. I know I am safe here because we both benefit from each other.”
Abebe gives villagers groceries on credit and they in turn make sure they pay him when they get paid or receive their Sassa grants.
“This shows the trust and the respect we have for one another. I give them groceries on credit because I trust them and they are paying their debts because they respect me.”
On special holidays like Christmas, Abebe gives local children free sweets and biscuits from his shop as a way to thank their parents for their support.
“The villagers welcomed me with love. I have never felt like a foreigner because they treat me as their own. It should be like that in other places. Instead of abusing and hating each other we need to spread love.”
Another foreign national who asked to be anonymous has been in the village for eight years.
“My brothers who are staying in Cape Town want to come to the villages, because it is not nice and they know that they can get killed anytime.”
“I love village people because they are honest and we want them to know that we appreciate the love and respect they give us. Being in a foreign land is difficult but not for us. We are enjoying ourselves.”
A villager, Zilungile Ngxakana, 62, told Scrolla.Africa that because of the foreign shopkeepers they never go to sleep on empty stomachs just because they haven’t any money.
“No one will abuse them in our village. They are human beings who are here for greener pastures. They left their country for a reason and there is no need for us to treat them badly,” he said.
Pictured above: A foreign shopkeeper in Lusikisiki
Image Credit: Buziwe Nocuze
