South African Business Groups Warn of Rising Tensions Over Illegal Immigration

JOHANNESBURG – Major South African business organisations have warned the government that growing public frustration over illegal immigration risks fuelling further xenophobic violence and damaging the country’s economic interests.

In a joint statement issued on Friday, Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) called on authorities to restore order, strengthen border management, and address legitimate public concerns through lawful and effective policy interventions. The warning comes amid weeks of anti-immigration protests and reported violence targeting foreign nationals in several parts of South Africa, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Mpumalanga.

“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,” the organisations said.

However, BUSA and BLSA stressed that public frustrations should not be allowed to descend into violence or vigilantism. The organisations argued that while concerns about undocumented migration require urgent attention, they must be addressed through constitutional processes and sound governance rather than attacks on foreign nationals. The issue has increasingly attracted international attention, with both Nigeria and Ghana reportedly calling for the matter to be discussed at the upcoming African Union coordination summit.

Ghana has also reportedly repatriated nearly 300 of its citizens from South Africa amid fears of escalating xenophobic violence. Business leaders warned that attacks on foreign nationals ultimately harm South Africa’s economy and regional standing.

“South Africa benefits enormously from legal investments as well as genuine entrepreneurship, skills and talents from other African countries,” the organisations said. “Consequently, when individuals target foreign nationals, they directly harm South Africa’s economic interests.”

According to BLSA and BUSA, hostility towards migrants threatens regional trade, disrupts business operations, and places cross-border investment at risk. They noted that South African companies operate extensively throughout the African continent and depend on stable diplomatic and economic relations with neighbouring countries. The warning comes as anti-immigration groups continue to increase pressure on the government.

One such organisation, March and March, has called for a nationwide shutdown on 30 June, demanding stronger action against undocumented migrants. Supporters of the planned action argue that illegal immigration places pressure on public services, employment opportunities, and law enforcement resources. Critics, however, warn that inflammatory rhetoric risks fuelling xenophobia and undermining social cohesion in one of Africa’s largest economies.

The debate over immigration has become increasingly prominent in South African politics as the country grapples with high unemployment, economic stagnation, and public concerns over crime and service delivery. With tensions continuing to rise, business leaders are urging the government to balance effective immigration enforcement with the protection of human rights, social stability, and regional economic cooperation.

South Africa immigration tensions