Bellville Traders: Anti-Immigrant Protests Disrupt South African Immigrant Trade

• Dozens of immigrant traders in Bellville have stopped trading due to anti-immigrant protests.
• Traders with valid permits are being targeted, despite being lawfully permitted to trade.
• The city has acknowledged that foreign nationals with verified immigration status can trade with a valid permit.
• Intimidation and threats should be reported to SAPS.

Despite having valid permits to trade, many immigrant traders have been unable to operate due to the protests.

The usually bustling Golden Arrow terminus in Bellville has been eerily quiet since anti-immigrant protests began. Dozens of immigrant traders, who once thrived at this site, have stayed away due to the intimidation and threats. Some traders attempted to set up shop elsewhere but were stopped by protesters. The protests, which started with a 'deadline' on June 30, have left many traders struggling to make ends meet. A Zimbabwean trader, who has been selling clothes in Bellville for five years, shared his concerns about the impact of these protests on their livelihoods. He noted that while he hasn't been directly threatened, he's witnessed others being harassed and having their goods destroyed.

Despite having valid permits to trade, many immigrant traders have been unable to operate due to the protests. A single mother from Somalia, who has refugee status and a trading permit, shared her struggles with feeding and schooling her children. Another trader, Meye, who has had a permit since 2010, expressed frustration that she's being targeted despite being lawfully permitted to trade. She fled the DRC in 2003 and is now struggling to make ends meet. The Somali Association of South Africa has been assisting traders since July, but many are still facing challenges.

The city spokesperson acknowledged that foreign nationals with verified immigration status can trade with a valid permit, which costs R78 per month. However, intimidation and threats should be reported to SAPS. The Somali Association of South Africa has approached a legal NGO for assistance, but many traders are still facing difficulties. A single mother from Somalia shared her concerns about the impact of these protests on her ability to support her children.

Lawyers advising clients on refugee status or trading permits should be aware of the potential for anti-immigrant protests to disrupt business and advise their clients on how to mitigate these risks, including reporting intimidation and threats to SAPS.

Source: Original reporting via GroundUp