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