This comes as anti-illegal immigration marches have surged across the country in recent weeks, leaving at least three deaths of Mozambique nationals in Mossel Bay and some immigrants fearing for their lives and seeking shelter in major cities.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Media
South Africa's leading business organisations have called for calm, stronger government leadership and adherence to the rule of law as tensions surrounding migration and immigration continue to fuel public debate both locally and across the African continent.
This comes as anti-illegal immigration marches have surged across the country in recent weeks, leaving at least three deaths of Mozambique nationals in Mossel Bay and some immigrants fearing for their lives and seeking shelter in major cities.
The governments of Ghana and Mozambique have already opted to repatriate their citizens from South Africa while other governments have reported the South Africa to the African Union for discussion over xenophobic sentiments.
In a joint statement issued on Friday, Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) warned that violence and hostility towards foreign nationals threaten not only social cohesion but also South Africa's economic interests and regional standing.
The organisations acknowledged that concerns about unemployment, crime, service delivery, border management and economic inclusion are legitimate and require urgent attention.
However, they stressed that such challenges should be addressed through lawful and constructive policy interventions rather than through actions targeting migrants.
"At a time of heightened economic pressures, unemployment, high crime levels and social challenges, it is understandable that citizens seek solutions to legitimate concerns," they said.
BUSA and BLSA urged government to take decisive leadership in managing the situation and ensuring that communities' concerns are addressed effectively while maintaining public order.
The organisations welcomed commitments made by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his recent Presidency Budget Vote debate, particularly his pledge to restore and uphold the rule of law in dealing with immigration and border management challenges.
"We strongly urge swift action to ensure the return to the rule of law," the business groups said.
They argued that South Africa requires "strong, steady leadership" on immigration, labour enforcement and social cohesion, adding that clear and measured governance would reassure communities, investors and other stakeholders.
BUSA and BLSA warned that migration management is a complex global challenge that extends far beyond South Africa's borders. They said countries worldwide face similar pressures as they attempt to balance domestic economic realities with humanitarian responsibilities and international commitments.
The business organisations stressed that South Africa's constitutional values, including human dignity, equality and human rights, must remain central to any response.
While acknowledging that illegal immigration is a legitimate policy concern requiring effective state action, they rejected violence and the targeting of individuals based on nationality.
"For us, true security can only be achieved by strengthening the rule of law," they said.
The groups also highlighted the potential economic consequences of rising hostility towards foreign nationals.
South African companies have extensive operations across Africa, investing billions of rand and creating jobs throughout the continent. At the same time, businesses from other African countries and beyond continue to invest in South Africa, employing thousands of local workers.
According to BUSA and BLSA, attacks on foreign nationals undermine these economic relationships and can damage South Africa's reputation as an investment destination.
"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 organisations said.
"Our future prosperity is inseparable from the economic development of the continent."
The business groups further linked the migration debate to broader continental integration goals, arguing that Africa's future prosperity depends on stronger economic cooperation and regional development.
They said achieving the African Union's Agenda 2063 vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa requires the legal movement of people, ideas, capital, technology and trade across borders.
To support this vision, BUSA and BLSA called on African governments to pursue harmonised migration policies and accelerate implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
They identified modernised border management systems, stronger regional cooperation and intensified efforts to combat illicit trade as critical priorities.
The organisations said the private sector stands ready to partner with governments across the continent to achieve these objectives.
BUSA and BLSA reaffirmed organised business's commitment to working alongside government and African partners to build an inclusive economy while promoting human rights, social cohesion and sustainable economic growth.
They argued that a commitment to lawful governance, dialogue and cooperation remains the best path towards achieving shared prosperity and lasting peace across the continent.
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