Anti-illegal immigrant protests must not disrupt movement of people, says SANTACO

Staff Reporter

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has warned that planned anti-illegal immigration protests and threats of mass action could disrupt public transport, damage businesses and undermine economic stability, as tensions rise ahead of a June 30 deadline set by anti-immigration groups for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, SANTACO said it supported lawful immigration controls, effective border management and proper documentation, but cautioned that immigration reform should not be pursued through intimidation, transport blockades or actions that restrict movement.

“As a law-abiding organisation representing one of the country’s largest public transport sectors, SANTACO supports the principle that all migration into South Africa should take place through lawful channels and in accordance with the country’s immigration laws and regulations,” the council said.

The statement comes amid growing anti-migrant protests across parts of the country, including demonstrations linked to the March and March movement, which has demanded that undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa by June 30. Government has said the deadline is not official and has warned citizens against taking the law into their own hands.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, in an address on illegal migration and anti-foreigner protests earlier this month, said only authorised government officials may act against violations of immigration law and that no private individual may demand proof of nationality from people in the street.

SANTACO said it recognised that illegal immigration was a serious concern for many South Africans and that citizens had a constitutional right to express their views and advocate for policy reform.

However, it said such action must remain lawful, peaceful and constructive.

“The Council is particularly concerned by suggestions of actions that may interfere with transport operations, restrict the movement of people, or disrupt economic activity,” SANTACO said.

“South Africa’s transport sector serves