“Chinatown is Closed! Close the Shop or We Burn the Shop Down”

A growing anti-immigrant movement in South Africa says it is now targeting not only undocumented immigrants, but even those with residency permits doing low-skilled work. Operation Dudula (“force out” in isiZulu) made clear they are campaigning against both African and Chinese undocumented workers, and that they want to force all immigrants from low-skilled positions. 

The movement is increasingly spilling beyond the country’s borders. Last week saw violent altercations between members of the Namibian opposition party, Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters, and business owners in Windhoek’s Chinatown district. NEFF members accused Chinese business owners of being there illegally and selling counterfeit goods.