Business organisations Business Unity South Africa (Busa) and Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) have, in a joint statement, noted “with concern” the growing tensions and public debate surrounding migration and immigration in South Africa.

“At a time of heightened economic pressures, unemployment, high crime levels and social challenges, it is understandable that citizens seek solutions to legitimate concerns regarding economic inclusion, service delivery, border management and the rule of law,” they say.  

Busa and BLSA emphasise that these challenges should be addressed through lawful and constructive policy interventions and call on government to take charge of the current reported situation to ensure that legitimate concerns raised by communities are addressed.

“Organised business in South Africa notes that [South African] companies operate across the continent. This brings much-needed investment and job creation. Similarly, companies from the rest of the continent and elsewhere operate businesses in South Africa, employing thousands of South Africans.

“Organised business also acknowledges that managing migration is not unique to South Africa; it is a complex, structural global challenge as nations worldwide seek to balance domestic resource pressures with international humanitarian obligations and economic integration,” Busa and BLSA explain.

They also acknowledge the reports of reactions and sentiments emerging in other African countries linked to developments in South Africa and welcome commitments made by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his tabling, and reply to, the Presidency Budget Vote.

“We strongly urge for swift action to ensure the return to the rule of law. We also firmly believe that South Africa requires strong, steady leadership from the government to guide immigration, labour enforcement and social cohesion.”

The organisations stress that violence and the targeting of individuals based on their nationality, anywhere on the continent, is not a solution, and that true security can only be achieved by strengthening the rule of law.

“For South African multinationals and corporate entities operating across Africa, continental integration is not an abstract concept; it is the driver of our collective success and the direct combating of unemployment, inequality and economic exclusion.

“By the same token, South Africa benefits enormously from legal investments, as well as genuine entrepreneurship, skills and talents from other African countries. Consequently, when individuals target foreign nationals, they directly harm South Africa's economic interests,” Busa and BLSA warn.

The organisations add that hostility disrupts vital corporate operations, strains diplomatic ties with regional partners and threatens the safety of personnel and infrastructure across cross-border trade corridors.

Highlighting the importance of shared economic prosperity across the continent, Busa and BLSA call on Africa’s leaders to pursue harmonised and integrated migration policies across the economic, labour and social spectrums, and to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The latter would require modernised border management and immigration systems, enhanced regional cooperation and the dismantling of illicit and illegal trade, the organisations point out, adding that the private sector is ready to partner with governments across the continent.

“Organised business remains resolute in working alongside the government of South Africa and our continental partners to build an inclusive economy. By promoting strict adherence to the rule of law, fostering dialogue, and respecting human rights, we believe that we will reinforce the values of social cohesion and interconnectedness, while also achieving shared pan-African prosperity and lasting peace.”