Protesters in Bellville demand action against illegal foreign traders

Residents of Cape Town are holding demonstrations demanding greater transparency in the process of issuing permits for informal trade and better access to these opportunities for South African citizens. The protests were organized by members of the Laboratory and Civil Organization (LACO) and the Operation Dudula movement.

Protesters' Demands

The groups marched to the offices of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and Parliament, demanding an expansion of opportunities for informal trade among South Africans and increased openness regarding the distribution of trade permits in various areas of Cape Town. Among their demands, they proposed setting a quota: 80% of spots should go to South African citizens, and 20% to foreign nationals. They argue that more trading spaces must be provided to unemployed South Africans, especially youth looking to start small businesses. Furthermore, activists questioned the methods used for distributing permits in the city's busiest commercial zones.

City Council's Position

The City of Cape Town stated that such a policy, providing informal trade opportunities in an 80% ratio for South African citizens and 20% for foreigners, does not exist. The city clarified that no such quota is enshrined in applicable constitutional, national, or local regulations. Instead, permits are issued according to the City's Informal Trade By-law and approved distribution procedures, with applications assessed based on established criteria, not citizenship.

Conditions for Foreign Applicants

The city reported that foreign nationals can apply to participate in informal trade provided they have legal right to reside and conduct economic activity in South Africa. To submit documents, they must provide proof of legal stay and any applicable work or business authorization. The city reserves the right to verify immigration documents through the Department of Home Affairs before issuing permits.

Data and Policy Issues

However, when asked about the number of active permits held by South African citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, and other foreigners, the City responded that this information is not immediately available. It was stated that the breakdown of permit holders by citizenship or immigration status is not stored in a format allowing for immediate reporting and would require data extraction and verification, which may take reasonable notice.

Activist Activity and Concerns

Despite the recent demonstrations, the City has not approved any changes to its policy, distribution process, or enforcement measures regarding informal trade. Wendy Somlayi, LACO Coordinator in the Western Cape, emphasized that the organization's campaign aims to create jobs for South Africans who cannot secure a spot in the informal economy. She noted that she has compiled a list of about 70 South African vendors and small business owners needing trading space. Somlayi also expressed concern over trading stalls located on the so-called 'upper deck' in Cape Town's central business district. She cited an example where only about 15 out of 356 such stalls are occupied by South African citizens, with the rest being migrants, and demanded clarification on the fairness of their distribution process.

In Durban and other cities across South Africa, thousands of people took to the streets in March and June to demand the departure of foreigners illegally residing in the country. These protests culminated a multi-week campaign that led to the flight of thousands and the death of four people.

Scale of Protests Nationwide

During nationwide demonstrations held on Tuesday, the police were actively involved. These actions concluded a campaign organized by civil volunteer groups, which set an unofficial deadline of June 30th for undocumented individuals to leave. Isolated incidents of looting, stone-throwing, and clashes were reported, including an incident near Johannesburg where security forces escorted a group of foreigners away from a crowd armed with large sticks.

Demonstrators marched through the center of South Africa's financial capital, where most shops were closed, workers stayed home, and transport hubs were deserted. Protesters waved placards and flags under the watch of police in body armor and helmets. In Durban, march participants wore traditional warrior attire, using spears, whips, and shields, while some were dressed in leopard skins.

Residents' Demands and Concerns

Demonstrator Brightness Gumbi, 48, expressed her dissatisfaction with the difficulty she faces in renting premises for her business while foreigners can conduct trade. She told AFP: 'Illegal foreigners manage to pay because they sell drugs to our people. I hope that through these demonstrations, our president will hear our cries and ensure stricter laws are enforced.'

In the tourist hub of Cape Town, the march was significantly smaller, gathering about 100 people in the city center, where a counter-protest against xenophobia and Afrophobia was taking place.

Calls for Mass Deportation

South Africa, one of the continent's wealthiest nations, attracts labor migrants while simultaneously grappling with unemployment rates above 30%, high crime rates, and deteriorating services in many areas. Groups opposing illegal immigrants claim they are taking jobs and services from locals, but analysts argue this is an unfair accusation against foreigners for government failures.

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of the 'March and March' group, addressed the crowd in Durban, stating: 'South Africans have been replaced by illegal foreigners, which increases unemployment. We want mass deportation. For the next six months, we demand that the government get rid of those who haven't left.'

Consequences of Violence and Repatriation

According to the police, at least two people died in the latest surge of anti-immigrant violence: a Mozambican, an Ethiopian, and a Malawian. Several African governments, including Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, organized voluntary flights and buses to return their citizens. Although South Africa has previously experienced outbreaks of violence against illegal foreigners, this is the first time governments have simultaneously organized repatriation.

Authorities reported that over 25,000 people were processed for departure in recent weeks. Among the migrants awaiting assistance in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and other centers were many Malawians and Zimbabweans. Some reported being evicted by landlords or fired by employers due to fears of fines from officials or attacks by volunteer groups.

Government Reaction and Politicization of the Issue

The government increased security measures ahead of Tuesday's mobilization, fearing a recurrence of unrest similar to that five years ago, when around 350 people died during days of looting and disorder. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced enhanced state plans to combat illegal immigration and urged traditional leaders to use their authority to reduce tension. Labor analyst Dale McKinley noted that the anti-immigrant push was 'politically exploited' ahead of local government elections in November.