A South African man has sparked conversations online after lamenting the sharp decline in patronage of nightlife businesses, street vendors and informal traders across parts of the country.
In a video shared on social media, the man showed several business areas that appeared unusually deserted, expressing concern over the impact on local businesses.
According to him, the drop in customer activity is linked to recent xΒ£nophobic attacks targeting Black foreign nationals and the closure of foreign-owned businesses in some communities.
He claimed that many commercial areas that were once vibrant have become noticeably quiet, with traders and business owners struggling to attract customers.
The man further referenced the June 30 crackdown in which several African nationals accused of being illegal immigrants were expelled from the countryβan action that has drawn criticism from many African leaders.
His video has since generated mixed reactions online, with some people agreeing that the unrest has negatively affected businesses, while others argued that other economic factors may also be contributing to the slowdown.