Boksburg Advertiser last week spoke to foreign nationals in the CBD ahead of today’s March and March protests against illegal immigration. 

Many business owners in Boksburg said they were worried that growing tensions could spill over into violence despite them being legally documented.

Their concerns came days after parts of the Boksburg CBD were brought to a standstill on June 23 by a march demanding tougher action against undocumented immigrants, businesses accused of violating labour laws, crime and poor municipal service delivery.

March organiser Walter Luthuli said the campaign was focused on undocumented immigrants and businesses not complying with South African laws.

“We are not opposed to people who are in the country legally. We are calling on authorities to enforce the law and ensure businesses comply with labour legislation,” he said.

While the organisers insist their campaign targets only those who are in the country illegally, several foreign nationals told the Advertiser they fear that documented immigrants and foreign-owned businesses may also become targets.

The march, which was held under heavy law enforcement presence, remained peaceful as demonstrators handed memorandums of demands to representatives of the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Employment and Labour and the City of Ekurhuleni.

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Among the demands were stricter enforcement against undocumented immigrants, labour inspections at businesses suspected of employing undocumented foreign nationals, stronger action against crime and drug-related activities, and improved service delivery.

Several businesses closed their doors during the march amid fears of possible unrest, although no incidents of violence were reported.

The march also prompted inspections at some businesses identified by protesters, with Home Affairs officials visiting a wholesale outlet in Leeuwpoort Street to verify the documentation and employment status of workers.

Luthuli said authorities have been given 14 days to respond to the group’s concerns, failing which further action may follow.

Foreign traders voice fears 
Against this backdrop, several foreign nationals operating businesses in Boksburg told the Advertiser they fear that tensions surrounding the June 30 deadline could spill over into violence, even against those who are legally documented.

Many said they support action against undocumented immigrants but are worried that foreign nationals with valid permits, permanent residence or citizenship may also be targeted.

Md Anis Talukder, a Bangladeshi businessman who has lived in South Africa for more than 12 years, said he fears violence despite operating a licensed business and employing ‘South Africans’.

“We respect the laws of South Africa and believe authorities should deal with those who are breaking them. But we are worried because even documented foreigners are often treated the same as those who are undocumented,” he said.

Another businessman, Md Zakir Khan, who has lived in South Africa for 18 years, said he hopes the government will prevent any violence.

“If officials want to inspect documents, that is their job. What worries us is intimidation and violence,” he said.

Uche Prince, a Nigerian national who runs a small business in Boksburg, said immigration laws should be enforced through the proper legal channels.

“If people are undocumented, authorities must deal with it. But people should not be judged simply because of where they come from,” he said.

Other foreign business owners interviewed shared similar concerns, saying they have spent years building businesses, supporting families and contributing to the local economy.

Haide Alice, originally from Pakistan, said he fears losing everything he has worked for over the past eight years.

“We have spent years building our livelihoods. We have our documents, and we are not committing crimes, but we are still afraid,” he said.

Hassan Farooq, who has lived in South Africa for more than 23 years and is now a South African citizen, said confusion remains over who exactly is being targeted.

“The concern is that people are hearing different messages about whether it is undocumented immigrants only or all foreign-born people,” he said.

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