Fuel hike SANTACO fears that cross-border South African taxis might be disrupted from entering Neighbouring countries in retaliation to anti-illegal foreigners in South Africa.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Media
The South African taxi industry fears that its cross-border taxis might be barred from entering neighbouring states in retaliation for escalating protests against illegal immigrants in the country.
While scores of foreign nationals from various African countries are being repatriated out of South Africa, some citizens of Ghana have reacted by protesting calling for South African businesses to leave their country.
In 2019 the Zimbabwe Cross Border Transport Association (ZCBTA) reportedly threatened to stop South African truck drivers from entering Zimbabwe in reaction to violent protests against foreigners employed as truck drivers in South Africa.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) national spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala said the council fears that Ghana’s retaliation might gain momentum across the continent, leading to South African taxis being prevented from entering neighbouring states.
“We definitely have that fear, which is why in a statement we released (on Tuesday) we warned that if these protests are not done lawfully and peacefully, they could hamper the work of the taxi industry that relies on moving people,” said Phala.
However, March and March, which leads the protests against illegal immigrants in South Africa, said its campaign cannot be stopped due to fear of retaliation.
Phala said what is happening in Ghana against South African businesses is exactly why SANTACO issued the statement saying the protests might lead to the disruption of the cross-border transport business.
“When you are moving people, you are moving work resources, which is why we urge the government to work as hard as possible to ensure that by the time June 30 comes we do not have any action that could contribute to the reputational damage that has already been seen.
“If not handled carefully, these demonstrations could very well have a ripple effect,” said Phala.
Following the March and March protest, Ghanaians, under the banner of a group called Ghana First Alliance, protested in their country’s capital Accra carrying placards with slogans “South Africa must go”.
The protestors accused South Africans of Afrophobia and targeting only black migrants from across the continent in the fight against illegal immigrants.
It was reported that the Ghanaians directed their anger towards MTN, DStv, and Gold Fields’ Tarkwa mining operations calling for them to close businesses and that their government should not renew lease agreements.
It has been reported that more than 2,400 foreign nationals have been repatriated from South Africa back to their home countries ahead of June 30, the identified deadline for illegal immigrants to leave South Africa.
Limpopo Traffic Police head Allen Mtsila confirmed during a media interview on May 31 that several buses and minibus taxis were found transporting illegal immigrants along the N1 from Beitbridge Border Post.
He said those illegal immigrants were then referred to the South African Police Service and the Department of Home Affairs.
Phala said she did not know whether the South African minibusses were responsible for bringing illegal immigrants into the country.
“The borders have the Border Management Authority, who are expected to do the proper verification of everybody that is in the vehicle.
“When you get to a border, the commuters and the driver are expected to submit documentation.
“It would be incredibly difficult for us to say that South African taxi drivers might be using vehicles to bring people into the country illegally,” said Phala.
In its statement, SANTACO said it supports immigrants entering the country through legal documents, effective border management, and compliance with legal processes.
It said it recognises the South Africans’ concerns around illegal immigration, but these concerns should be addressed lawfully, peacefully, and constructively.
“The Council is particularly concerned by suggestions of actions that may interfere with transport operations, restrict the movement of people, or disrupt economic activity.
“Beyond South Africa’s borders, the industry also plays a significant role in facilitating cross-border travel and trade throughout the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
“Our members transport passengers, traders, tourists, workers, and families who contribute to economic activity across the region,” read the statement.
The council urged that demonstrations, campaigns, or advocacy efforts remain firmly within the confines of the law and respect people’s rights, safety, and dignity.
“South Africa’s challenges can only be addressed sustainably through lawful engagement, effective governance, constructive dialogue, and the consistent enforcement of existing legislation.
“The Council further encourages the government to continue strengthening border management systems, improving immigration administration processes, and ensuring that immigration laws are applied fairly, consistently, and effectively.
“At the same time, those who enter, reside, work, or conduct business in South Africa should do so in full compliance with the laws of the country,” SANTACO said.
March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma denied that protests against illegal foreigners are characterised by violence.
She said there was nothing wrong with South African citizens enforcing the country’s immigration laws.
“If the taxis are stopped (from entering neighbouring countries), they will have reasons to stop them which I don’t know what those reasons would be.
“But we cannot be stopped from enforcing our immigration laws because of fear that there is going to be retaliation because we never stop any country from enforcing its own laws by threatening them.
“I think this is a very disingenuous thing to do,” said Ngobese-Zuma.