JOHANNESBURG, June 5 (Xinhua) — Recent violent attacks targeting foreign nationals have seriously damaged South Africa's diplomatic and trade relations with its African neighbours, major business organizations warned Friday.
In a joint statement, Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) expressed their grave concern at the growing anti-immigrant sentiment and outbreak of violence across the country.
BUSA and BLSA emphasized the reciprocal nature of African commerce, noting that many South African companies operate extensively across the continent, leading to outward investment and job creation. Conversely, enterprises from various African countries operate within South Africa, providing significant employment opportunities for local citizens.
“South Africa stands to benefit significantly from legal investment as well as from genuine entrepreneurship, skills and talent taken from other African countries,” the association said.
“The hostilities disrupt critical corporate operations, strain diplomatic relations with regional partners, and threaten the security of personnel and infrastructure in cross-border trade corridors,” he said.
Both organizations warned that they have seen vindictive sentiments and negative reactions brewing in other African countries, which could jeopardize South African businesses abroad.
BLSA and BUSA said, “We urge prompt action to ensure the return of the rule of law.” “We strongly believe that South Africa needs strong, stable leadership from the government to guide immigration, enforce labor laws and promote social cohesion.”
Both unions stressed that South Africa's future prosperity is intrinsically linked to the continent's broader economic development, in line with the African Union's Agenda 2063 blueprint for regional integration.