Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) has called for calm ahead of planned nationwide protests over illegal immigration, warning that the country cannot afford a repeat of the widespread violence and economic devastation experienced during the July 2021 unrest.
BUSA Chief Executive Officer Khulekani Mathe said while government has moved to reassure the public by increasing security measures, there are growing concerns about the potential for violence during Tuesday's planned demonstrations.
The protests, expected to take place in several parts of the country, are being organised by groups calling for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa.
Mathe welcomed government's commitment to maintaining law and order and protecting all those living in the country.
"Government's assurances are proof that they are taking this seriously, as they should," he said.
However, Mathe expressed concern over recent incidents in which community members allegedly conducted door-to-door inspections, demanding that people produce identity and immigration documents.
"Not everyone is trained to know which documents are correct and which documents allow anybody to be here," he said.
"That is why we say issues of illegal immigration should be handled by the police."
He warned that allowing members of the public to enforce immigration laws could lead to violence and unnecessary loss of life.
Mathe also noted that South Africa's status as Africa's largest economy naturally attracts people seeking employment and better opportunities.
"That happens everywhere in the world," he said.
He argued, however, that South Africa's migration challenges have been worsened by weaknesses in the management of immigration, as well as persistently high unemployment.
According to Mathe, the country's inability to create enough jobs has fuelled public perceptions that foreign nationals are taking employment opportunities away from South African citizens.
BUSA has urged all parties to exercise restraint and allow law enforcement authorities to deal with any criminal activity, while ensuring that planned demonstrations remain peaceful and within the confines of the law.