Online Reporter
Moneyweb
There’s mounting concern among business groups over rising public tensions surrounding illegal immigration and the potential for further outbreaks of xenophobic violence.
Business Unity South Africa (Busa) and Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) on Friday urged government to take charge of the situation, restore order and address the legitimate concerns raised by communities impacted by years of illegal immigration. This is the latest joint warning by the two business organisations, as it comes just a day after they called for action on the City of Joburg’s worsening financial crisis.
“At a time of heightened economic pressures, unemployment, high crime levels and social challenges, it is understandable that citizens seek solutions to legitimate concerns regarding economic inclusion, service delivery, border management and the rule of law,” said Busa and BLSA in a statement.
However, these concerns must be addressed through lawful and constructive policy interventions.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, in response to growing concerns across Africa at the treatment of foreign citizens in SA, addressed the issue in his Presidency budget vote earlier this week, warning against violence, xenophobia or vigilantism.
He acknowledged growing public tensions over illegal immigration: “We need to deal with illegal migration. We have seen how illegal immigration into our country can put pressure on our public services and undermine our efforts to create decent work for all.”
Call for African union intervention
There have been calls for retaliatory action against SA from countries such as Nigeria and Ghana, that have formally requested a debate on xenophobic attacks in SA against African nationals at the upcoming African union coordination summit. Ghana recently facilitated the repatriation of nearly 300 of its citizens from SA in response to fears of xenophobic violence.
Several other countries have issued travel advisories for those planning to visit SA.
Anti-immigrant groups such as March and March are calling for a nationwide shutdown of SA on 30 June to force government to take stronger action against undocumented migrants. This follows weeks of protests and several reported incidents of violence in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and more recently in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Mpumalanga and other centres.
BLSA and Busa warn that SA multinationals benefit from their extensive investments in Africa, and vice versa. The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry previously warned of the consequences of xenophobic attacks on SA business operating elsewhere on the continent.
“South Africa benefits enormously from legal investments as well as genuine entrepreneurship, skills, and talents from other African countries. Consequently, when individuals target foreign nationals, they directly harm South Africa’s economic interests,” says BLSA and Busa.
“Hostility disrupts vital corporate operations, strains diplomatic ties with regional partners, and threatens the safety of personnel and infrastructure across cross-border trade corridors.”
The business groups add that managing migration is not unique to South Africa. It is a complex, structural global challenge, requiring countries to balance domestic resource pressures with international humanitarian obligations and economic integration.
The commitment by President Ramaphosa to enforce the rule of law and stamp out xenophobia and vigilantism must now be backed by swift action, the organisations warn.
“We also firmly believe that South Africa requires strong, steady leadership from the government to guide immigration, labour enforcement, and social cohesion. Clear and calm governance will reassure communities and stakeholders that concerns are being addressed effectively,” the business groups said.
Continental trade
SA’s economic future cannot be separated from that of its northern neighbours. BLSA and Busa call for harmonised, integrated migration policies as envisaged under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
This requires modernisation of border management and immigration systems; enhanced regional cooperation and; the dismantling of illicit and illegal trade.
“Organised business remains resolute in working alongside the government of South Africa and our continental partners to build an inclusive economy. By promoting strict adherence to the rule of law, fostering dialogue, and respecting human rights, we believe that we will reinforce the values of social cohesion and interconnectedness, while also achieving shared pan-African prosperity and lasting peace,” the groupings said.
