‘Black business targeted by whites’

A PROMINENT black businessman has taken to social media to fight what he calls a deliberate plan by white residents to destroy their trade.

On Monday evening, a Facebook post by Buffalo City Metro entrepreneur Luthando Bara sparked a debate on whether black business is being put under pressure by white residents in the metro for failing to comply with noise and other event-related bylaws.

Bara, who is the convener of the Black Business Forum, said entertainment businesses in East London were being harassed by the community.

“The way[s] in which these entertainment spots are attained is quite difficult and most black business owners do not have much choice in terms of location. When they eventually secure a property and get licensed, the residents complain about the noise.

“We are not just pulling a race card, but it is a reality that all the entertainment spots that are owned by the municipality have been leased out to white business people, and as such they enjoy the peace of being in a legalised area,” said Bara.

During the Facebook debate, popular Wiseguys bar owner, who gave his name as Dylan “Mug said the complaints about event venues were not racially motivated.

“If you have a busy outlet close to a residential area, prepare for noise complaints. It’s part of the game. Don’t take it personally. There is no need to create a massive debate,” said Mugabe. —