Story by Yolanda Moyo
THE South African business community has expressed concern over rising social tensions and localised lawlessness ahead of a highly publicised, anti-immigration national shutdown campaign scheduled for June 30 this year.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce Annual Congress in Victoria Falls, Business Unity South Africa CEO Mr Khulekani Mathe outlined growing anxieties of corporate leaders as civic groups and activist movements, including the “March and March” movement, threaten mass demonstrations to demand the removal of undocumented foreign nationals from South Africa.
“We made our stance clear with the government that the concerns are justified. We cannot have lawlessness. We cannot support anything that harms lives, harms property or affects business. Recently, after the session, we were called by President Cyril Ramaphosa, as the business community, to reassure us that the government is taking these concerns seriously and that normal economic activity will continue.
“We raised concerns because instability harms the economy and damages the image of our country. From a business point of view, we do not support violence. While constitutions provide for freedom of expression and association, these rights must be exercised within the framework of the law. We also believe poor management of immigration has contributed to tensions and created challenges that need to be addressed through effective policy and governance,” he said.
Mr Mathe also said the business community remains committed to working with the government to find sustainable solutions to immigration-related challenges while safeguarding economic stability.
He stressed that addressing undocumented migration requires balanced policies that uphold the rule of law, protect human rights and ensure South Africa remains an attractive destination for investment and business growth.
