March Demonstrations Cause Immigrant Traders to Suffer Financial Losses

A multitude of immigrant vendors who typically operated at the Golden Arrow terminus in Bellville have decided to stay away due to anti-immigrant demonstrations.

During our visit to the formerly vibrant location last week, it was eerily quiet, with only a small number of traders present. Numerous stalls stood empty.

Several traders we spoke with shared that they attempted to set up in different areas but were prevented from doing so. They have refrained from trading at the bus terminal since the March and June 30 ultimatum that called for “illegal immigrants” to leave South Africa.

“I need to cover my rent, provide for my family, and pay the bills,” a Zimbabwean man, who requested anonymity, reported to GroundUp.

He noted that he has been selling clothing in Bellville for approximately five years, having fled Zimbabwe in 2008 amidst the economic turmoil.

Although he has not faced direct threats, he has observed others being harassed.

“They will seize your belongings and toss them on the ground,” he stated. “It’s painful, but despite that pain, it’s their country, and they too face marginalization.”

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Another vendor, Meye, mentioned that she has held a permit to trade since 2010 after fleeing the DRC in 2003.

“We are legal; everything is in order. Yet, they claim we are foreigners and need to return to our homeland.”

A single mother of three, she is now facing challenges in feeding and educating her children.

Similarly, another single mother, Safia, who came from Somalia in 2010, stated that despite holding refugee status and a trading permit, she has been unable to operate her business. She emphasized the need for better protection from law enforcement for traders.

“I can’t find peace at night due to the situation. I’m unable to pay my rent, nor can I support my children,” she lamented.

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Abdulhakim Husein, the Western Cape director of the Somali Association of South Africa, informed GroundUp that he has been providing assistance to traders since early July.

Many asylum seekers and refugees take on trading roles since they must rely on self-employment. They come from countries including Somalia, DRC, Zimbabwe, Angola, and Burundi.

He shared that during a meeting on July 13 (which the city confirmed), it was agreed that traders with legitimate permits should be allowed to operate. However, a warning about a March and March protest in the vicinity was communicated to them the following day.

Husein stated that they have sought assistance from a legal NGO.

City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo stated that foreign nationals with verified immigration status by Home Affairs are allowed to trade with a valid permit, which costs R78 monthly.

“It is concerning whenever permitted traders—whether South African citizens or foreign nationals lawfully allowed to trade—are barred from lawful economic activities,” he said.

He urged that any intimidation or threats should be reported to SAPS.

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© 2026 GroundUp. This article was originally published here.