Ugandan socialite, entrepreneur, and reality television personality Zari Hassan has reassured fans that she and her family are safe amid the ongoing unrest in South Africa.
Her comments come as concerns continue to grow among Ugandans living in South Africa, with the Ugandan government stepping up efforts to assist citizens who wish to return home following the recent tensions.
While addressing the situation, Zari explained that she took precautionary measures by temporarily closing her businesses across the country, saying the uncertainty surrounding the unrest made it necessary to put safety first.
Despite those concerns, she stressed that neither she nor her family had been directly affected.
Businesses closed as a precaution
Speaking about the decision, Zari said she could not take any chances given the uncertainty surrounding the protests.
As a foreign national who owns businesses in South Africa, she said protecting her employees, customers, and investments became the immediate priority.
“We had to close our offices nationally because being a foreigner and owning a business in this country, we didn’t know whether we are going to be targeted or not.”
She noted that the closures were purely precautionary and not a response to any direct incident involving her businesses.
According to Zari, the unpredictable nature of the situation made it the most responsible course of action.
“I am fully legal”
Zari also addressed concerns about her immigration status, emphasizing that she is legally documented and operates her businesses within South African law.
She explained that although reports indicated the demonstrations were directed at undocumented foreign nationals, she still chose to remain cautious.
“As much as we are legal, the march was against illegal foreigners, so I didn’t see any of it because I’m fully legal.”
Her remarks sought to clarify why she believed she was not personally targeted while acknowledging that the overall climate remained uncertain.
Thanking supporters
The businesswoman also took time to appreciate the many people who contacted her during the unrest.
She said she was grateful for the messages of concern from fans, friends, and well-wishers who wanted to know whether she and her loved ones were safe.
Although she acknowledged that the situation continues to evolve, Zari expressed hope that calm and stability will return as authorities monitor developments.
For now, she says her family remains safe.
Zari Hassan has lived and invested in South Africa for many years, building businesses while maintaining a strong presence in Uganda’s entertainment industry.
She has frequently spoken about entrepreneurship and has established herself as one of East Africa’s most recognizable businesswomen and media personalities.
Her latest comments come at a time when many foreign nationals have been closely following developments in South Africa and assessing the impact on their communities.
Why It Matters
Zari’s remarks have drawn attention because of her profile as one of Uganda’s most prominent celebrities living in South Africa.
Her decision to temporarily close her businesses highlights how uncertainty can affect entrepreneurs, even when they are operating legally.
Her reassurance also provides comfort to supporters who have been concerned about her wellbeing during the ongoing unrest.
Beyond her celebrity status, Zari’s response reflects the difficult decisions many business owners face during periods of uncertainty.
Choosing to temporarily suspend operations underscores the importance she places on protecting her employees, her businesses, and her family while hoping for a return to normalcy.
As authorities continue monitoring the situation, Zari Hassan says her focus remains on safety. For now, she is grateful that her family is safe and hopeful that peace and stability will soon return.