Immigrant traders see their livelihoods destroyed by March and March

Dozens of immigrant traders usually operating at the Golden Arrow terminus in Bellville are refraining from their usual activities due to anti-immigrant protests. During our recent visit, the site was deserted, with only a few stalls remaining operational. Several traders we interviewed expressed their inability to continue trading since the March 30 June "deadline" demanding that "illegal immigrants" leave South Africa.

One anonymous Zimbabwean trader, who has been selling clothes in Bellville for over five years, stated that he is struggling to pay rent, put food on the table, and meet his other financial obligations. He has witnessed others being harassed but claims he has not faced direct threats. Another trader, Meye, who holds a trading permit since 2010, struggles to feed and educate her children as she is now unable to trade.

A single mother of three from Somalia, Safia, also faces difficulties in supporting her family despite having refugee status and a trading permit. Western Cape director of the Somalia Association of South Africa, Abdulhakim Husein, stated that many asylum seekers and refugees are involved in trading as it is their only means of self-employment.

He emphasized that at a meeting on 13 July, it was agreed that traders with valid permits should be allowed to continue their operations. However, on 14 July, they received a warning about an impending protest. Husein mentioned that they have approached a legal NGO for assistance. City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo confirmed that foreign nationals with verified immigration status are permitted to trade with a valid permit costing R78 per month.

He urged anyone who witnesses intimidation or threats to report them to the police, emphasizing the importance of supporting independent journalism.