Cama calls for boycott of South Africa’s outlets: ‘Black Friday’ in Malawi

The Consumers Association of Malawi (Cama) has condemned the xenophobic attacks of foreigners in South Africa including Malawians and has since called on Malawians to boycott shopping from South African owned outlets to show concern and solidarity to those affected by the attacks.

The consumer watchdog has since set Friday 24th April as a ‘Black Friday’ when people will demonstrate their concerns by boycotting shopping from all South African owned outlets such as Game Stores, Shoprite and PEP Stores.

”CAMA would like to condemn in strongest terms the xenophobic attacks on Malawians living, working and engaged in various businesses in South Africa. The xenophobic attacks have left a lot of Malawians injured, displaced, and some have lost their lives and property,” said Cama’s Executive Director John Kapito in a statement to the media.

Kapito said the boycotts would be held in all regions for the next four weeks.

”The idea of boycotting these South African companies and outlets is to show our  concerns and solidarity as Malawians with our brothers and sisters who have  suffered these xenophobic attacks.”

The human rights activist pointed out that Malawians indirectly by buying  and using South African retail and wholesale outlets, significantly contribute to the  sustainability and growth of the South African economy.

”These boycotts are therefore being organized in order to show our solidarity and support to  all our brothers and sisters and all Africans that have suffered untold pain at the hands of these uncivilized and cruel South Africans,” he added.

Cama has urged Malawians to wear black clothes or a black ribbon during the boycotts as a symbol of mourning for ”our dear brothers and sisters”.

Over 400 Malawians have been affected by the xenophibic attacks in South Africa and government has since set up about K30 million to repatriate its citizens.