Exporters Western Cape (EWC) says the planned anti-illegal-immigrant protests planned for Tuesday must not be allowed to disrupt trade, investment and economic activity, and must remain peaceful and lawful.

The organisation says any disruption to South Africa’s transport routes or business operations will carry serious consequences for exporters and the broader economy.

Chairperson Terry Gale warns that international buyers and investors expect South Africa to deliver goods on time and without unnecessary disruption.

“Every delayed truck, every blocked road and every day of uncertainty affects exporters who are competing in highly competitive international markets.

“Buyers have alternatives and, once trust is lost, it is difficult to regain.

“Our members spend years building relationships with international customers. These relationships are built on South Africa's ability to deliver consistently.”

Gale says EWC recognises the fact that many South Africans are frustrated by unemployment and concerns around illegal immigration, but that these issues have to be addressed through lawful processes, rather than disruption or intimidation.

“Government has a responsibility to enforce immigration legislation while maintaining public order.

“Communities cannot take the law into their own hands or allow protests to disrupt businesses that support employment and economic growth."

Gale adds that the country is still working to restore its standing following years of logistics snarl-ups in the form of port congestion and freight delays.

“Recent improvements in logistics performance have started rebuilding confidence among exporters and international trading partners.

“We cannot afford setbacks that reverse that progress or create fresh doubts about South Africa's ability to deliver.

“The right to peaceful protest is protected by our Constitution and must be respected,” notes Gale.

“However, that right cannot come at the expense of other South Africans' right to work and trade.”

EWC is a non-profit organisation established in 1979 to support and promote active, sustainable exporting in the Western Cape.