Lilongwe/Blantyre — In the wake of a boycott call by the Consumer Association of Malawi (CAMA), of South African shops and businesses, major South African outlets like Game, PEP and Shoprite closed shops in Blantyre and Lilongwe.
This despite a seemingly stuttering start in Malawi's Capital, Lilongwe earlier in the morning as Shoprite and other shops remained opened before eventually closing later.
Shoprite had only operated until 10:20 AM when the police, shop management and civil society leaders agreed to close it instantaneously for fear of sparking violence.
Before the closure, Kapito and Billy Mayaya were seen hovering inside Shoprite asking people to adhere to the boycott.
"You are a Malawian and why don't you show solidarity to our brothers and sisters who have been attacked in South Africa. This boycott is just for a day and why don't you be part of that," Kapito and Mayaya were overheard by this reporter telling one person found buying groceries in the shop.
Shoprite in Lilongwe opened in the morning of Friday before closing later - Pic by Abel Ikiloni
Kapito and Mayaya who could not talk to the media mistakenly told the Mana reporter that they were in the shop to remind those Malawians who had not heard and adhered to the call to stop buying while at the same time ensuring that there was peace.
"Actually our presence here is not to stir violence but rather make sure that there is peace and that people do not take advantage of the situation," Kapito said.
He was however bitter with the Shoprite management for not emulating from what other shops had done by closing business for the whole of Friday.
"Why should they open today when other shops here in Lilongwe as well as in Blantyre have completely closed down, we would like to urge them to do the same before Malawians get angry at them," they (Kapito and Mayaya) said.
Shoprite management could not be reached to comment but many of the staff members told Mana that their boss had briefed them that they had been encouraged by the call from Government to continue with the sales as maximum security would be provided to them.
The Game Store in Lilongwe is closed as Police tighten security - Pic by Abel Ikiloni
And in Blantyre, people in in collaboration with CAMA held peaceful Black Friday demonstrations that have seen all South African shops and other local ones closed.
The black Friday demonstration started in Blantyre on the way to Limbe before making a stop over at Shoprite where big South Africans companies are located where heavy armed police was deployed.
Black Friday is aimed at telling Malawians from all regions in the country to shun South African companies and outlets in the country as a way of demonstrating against Xenophobic attacks on Malawians in South Africa.
A heavy Police presence is on standby in case of any unforeseen problems.
Shoprite being closed on command from CAMA Executive Director, John Kapito, after opening earlier on - Pic by Abel Ikiloni
A visit by Malawi News Agency (MANA) in Blantyre and Limbe has revealed that all shops originating from South Africa are closed including Shoprite, Game Stores and Pep Stores.
There was a heavy police presence all over in Blantyre, Limbe and Lilongwe ensuring that there is peace at the end of the day.
Projects Officer for CAMA, Maurice Mkawihe told reporters at Shoprite where they had a stop over that the 'Black Friday Boycotts' will go on for the next four weeks.
CAMA Executive Director, John Kapito with Billy Mayaya roam in Shoprite before the closure in Lilongwe - Pic by Abel Ikiloni
"The idea of boycotting South African companies and outlets is to register concerns and solidarity with victims of xenophobia.
"Africa is one, whenever there is disagreements let us discuss amicably but not showing anger by violence. What is happening in South Africa is evil," said Mkawihe.
However, many people in the country have expressed mixed reactions over the call by Consumer Association of Malawi (CAMA) Executive Director John Kapito to shun products produced by South African Companies as one way of showing anger over the ongoing xenophobic violence in South Africa.
While other said it is a way to go by, others said the move cannot benefit Malawians saying it is Malawians who are working and benefiting with the shops being targeted
On Tuesday, Civil Society Organizations in the country led by Billy Mayaya held demonstrations in the capital Lilongwe where they presented a petition to the South African High Commission.
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