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Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and Business Leaders South Africa (BLSA) note with concern the growing tensions and public debate surrounding migration and immigration in South Africa. We recognise that immigration, employment and social cohesion are vital for national and continental growth and stability.

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. BUSA and BLSA believe firmly that these challenges must be addressed through lawful and constructive policy interventions. Consequently, we call on government to take charge of the current reported situation in order to ensure that legitimate concerns raised by communities are addressed.

Organised business in South Africa notes that its 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. We therefore note the reports of reactions and sentiments emerging in other African countries linked to developments in South Africa.

We therefore welcome the decisive 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. Clear and calm governance will reassure communities and stakeholders that concerns are being addressed effectively.

A shared commitment to Human Rights and the Rule of Law

South Africa's constitutional democracy is built on an unshakeable foundation of human dignity, equality, and human rights. We also recognise that managing illegal immigration is a serious, legitimate public policy priority that the state must address lawfully. We therefore reiterate our belief that violence and the targeting of individuals based on their nationality, anywhere on the continent is not a solution. For us, true security can only be achieved by strengthening the rule of law.

Client and corporate footprint impact

For South African multinationals (MNCs) 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.

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

Realising Agenda 2063 objectives and aspirations

Our future prosperity is inseparable from the economic development of the continent. Consequently, we believe that shared economic prosperity cannot be achieved in the absence of achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, which (in part) requires the seamless and legal movement of ideas, capital, technology, and trade.

We therefore call on Africa’s leaders to pursue harmonised and integrated migration policies across the economic, labour and social spectrums. We also call on government leaders across the continent to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). We remain cognisant that such an acceleration will, amongst others, require:

• Modernised border management and immigration systems.
• Enhanced regional cooperation.
• The dismantling of illicit and illegal trade.

To that end, the private sector stands ready to partner with governments across the continent.

Conclusion

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.

Issued by Business Unity South Africa and Business Leadership South Africa