The Town Centre in Mitchells Plain after protests.
Image: Genevieve Serra
Informal Cape Town traders are looking to take up space after the anti-migrant movement, but claim that alleged corruption is making it difficult to get access and permits.
Over the past few months, South Africans and the world have seen rising frustration with undocumented foreign nationals.
Anti-migrant groups, like March and March and Operation Dudula, have been pushing a “South Africans First” agenda, culminating in nationwide protests on 30 June, after an ultimatum from the March and March members saying that all undocumented foreign nationals must leave South Africa.
Thousands of foreigners fled, leaving homes and businesses - especially in the informal sector.
However, local informal traders claim that corruption is taking place where foreigners are paying alleged City of Cape Town officials money for permits.
A trader at the Bellville bus terminus said she has been struggling for seven years to obtain a permit since losing her job in 2020, and accused government officials of being sellouts.
She said: “The problem is we have stands at the terminus, but most of the people who get permits are foreigners because they bribe the City officials.
“When we apply as South Africans, our applications are unsuccessful, but the foreigners get approved almost immediately.
“These foreigners apply for each other, but because we don’t have money to bribe, we don’t get permits.
“Whenever I apply, it is a story, then I am being told that I must bring different documents on every occasion. For seven years, I have been struggling.
A business owner at the Mitchells Plain Town Centre believes that some businesses operating at the popular hub are doing so illegally.
He said: “We have a lot of undocumented people in the Centre. Even after 30 June, there are still a lot of foreigners.
“Some of them even live in the Town Centre inside their shops, but don’t have papers. There is a lot of corruption, which makes it difficult for us.
“The issue is, I think, that the officials try to make a quick buck out of these people because they are willing to pay.”
In response to the allegations, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, called for residents to report allegations of corruption, including bribery, through the various City channels.
He said: “Any allegation that a City official has accepted a bribe is treated seriously and must be supported by evidence so that it can be investigated through the appropriate channels.
“Where evidence of misconduct exists, appropriate disciplinary, criminal and other action may be taken.”