The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry has spoken out against political groups it says are using people’s anger about poverty and unemployment to turn communities against foreign nationals. The Chamber said this was putting lives, the Western Cape economy and the rule of law at risk.

Protests growing more violent

The Chamber said the rise in anti-immigrant talk has come on the eve of local government elections. The past 20 years have also seen public protests increase nearly nine-fold and have become far more violent. Two decades ago about 20% of protests involved damage to property. Today that figure is regularly above 80%.

People killed and homes destroyed

The Chamber said the business community was deeply worried about recent attacks on foreigners. In KwaNonqaba, in Mossel Bay, for instance, people were killed and dozens of homes destroyed. Tensions have also been rising in Overstrand towns such as Kleinmond. The Chamber feared that if the situation was not brought under control, some communities will take the law into their own hands.

Home Affairs backlogs making things worse

The Chamber pointed out that while some groups wanted all foreigners removed, many foreign nationals with skills South Africa badly needs were stuck in a bureaucratic backlog at the Department of Home Affairs. This included skilled tradespeople needed in construction, manufacturing and engineering who cannot get their papers in order.

Cape Chamber president Jacques Moolman said: “While illegal immigration must be decisively managed through proper legal and bureaucratic channels, the deliberate incitement of hatred against foreign nationals is entirely unacceptable. We need cool-headed, capable leadership rooted in constitutional integrity, not volatile figures using division as a stepping stone to power on social media.”

Authorities and NPOs responding

The Chamber has praised provincial and local government, as well as law enforcement, for moving quickly to prevent further unrest. Non-profit organisations have also been commended for stepping in to help people who have been displaced.

Temporary shelters must not become permanent

The Chamber has warned against placing displaced families in community halls and shelters without a clear plan to move them on. In the past these temporary spaces have turned into long-term camps, putting pressure on local services and creating further tension in communities.

The Chamber called on citizens, business owners and community groups to stand up against division and work towards an economic future built on stability, competence and the rule of law.

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