Informal traders in Phoenix, Durban.
THE National Informal Traders Alliance of South Africa (NITASA), which represents more than two million informal traders nationwide, has backed President Cyril Ramaphosa's call for calm and lawful conduct amid growing tensions around illegal migration and undocumented foreign nationals.
The organisation said it shared concerns that legitimate public frustrations should not be exploited to promote xenophobia, tribalism, intimidation, vigilantism or violence.
NITASA condemned violence, threats and harassment directed at foreign nationals, South Africans and informal traders, saying disputes should be resolved through lawful processes rather than mob action.
"South Africans are under enormous economic pressure, but violence is never the answer," said NITASA general secretary Samuel Mampapatla.
