Exporters Western Cape has cautioned that planned demonstrations on 30 June must not disrupt trade routes and business operations, warning that South Africa’s reputation as a reliable trading partner is at stake.

The industry body called on protest organisers and law enforcement to ensure demonstrations remain peaceful and lawful, saying any disruption to transport networks or commercial activity would damage exporters competing in international markets.

Chairperson Terry Gale said international buyers expected South African suppliers to deliver goods on time, regardless of domestic events.

“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,” Gale said.

The warning comes as South Africa works to restore confidence in its logistics network following years of port congestion and freight delays that undermined the country’s trade reliability.

Gale acknowledged frustration over unemployment and illegal immigration but said these issues must be addressed through lawful processes rather than disruption.

“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,” he said.

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South African exporters compete against global suppliers where customers expect consistent delivery schedules. Gale said images of violence or blocked roads could quickly circulate internationally and damage trading relationships built over years.

“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,” he said.

The organisation stressed that while the constitutional right to peaceful protest must be respected, it cannot override other citizens’ rights to work and trade.

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