South Africa: Immigrant Traders See Their Livelihoods Destroyed By March and March

Traders with valid permits in Bellville, South Africa, are facing the loss of their livelihoods due to anti-immigrant protests. Dozens of traders, mostly immigrants, have stopped trading at the Golden Arrow terminus, leaving the once-bustling market nearly empty. Many have attempted to set up shop in other areas but have been stopped by protesters demanding the departure of illegal immigrants.

The protests, initiated on March 30, are set to continue until June 14, when the deadline for illegal immigrants to leave the country is expected to pass.

A Zimbabwean trader, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted his struggles, stating he has been selling clothes in Bellville for five years. He has not been directly threatened but has witnessed others being harassed, with belongings being thrown on the ground. He emphasized the pain of the situation, stating it's their country, and they are also marginalized people.

Another trader, Meye, a legal permit holder from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, expressed her struggle to feed and school her children, despite having a trading permit since 2010. She lamented the inability to support her family.

Safia, a single mother from Somalia, also shared her predicament. Despite holding refugee status and a trading permit, she has been unable to trade and is now unable to support her children. She called for better protection from law enforcement. Abdulhakim Husein, the Western Cape director of the Somalia Association of South Africa, stated that many asylum seekers and refugees are traders who rely on being self-employed.

At a meeting on July 13, it was agreed that traders with valid permits should be allowed to trade, but they received a warning about a protest on March and March. Husein said they have approached a legal NGO for assistance.

City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo confirmed that foreign nationals with verified immigration status by Home Affairs are permitted to trade with a valid permit, costing R78 per month. He expressed concern over the prevention of permitted traders from engaging in legal economic activity and urged the public to report any intimidation or threats to SAPS.