Anti-illegal immigrant group March and March holds a protest on the Sea Point promenade in Cape Town. A social justice group has raised concern that anti-immigrant protests could have an impact on South Africa's trade relations with other African countries.
A social justice organisation is warning of economic damage to the country as a result of the anti-illegal immigrant protests, stating these will damage the country’s economic standing in the African continent.
The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group has stated that South Africa cannot build a more inclusive economy by turning its back on African countries. This echoes government sentiments that the anti-illegal immigrant protests are damaging the country’s image, affecting both business and arts sectors.
Mervyn Abrahams, the programme coordinator of the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group, said the continent is already one of South Africa’s most important markets, especially for value-added manufactured goods, agricultural products, and services. If South Africa wants to rebuild manufacturing, expand production, and create jobs, it needs larger regional markets and deeper African economic integration.
According to Stats SA, South Africa’s exports to the rest of the African continent are estimated at approximately R450 billion to R500 billion, representing more than a fifth of the country’s global export mix.
