South Africa’s history is rich with stories of unity, support, and solidarity. During the dark years of apartheid, many African countries and nations around the world extended their hand to South Africa’s anti-apartheid activists. Countries like Angola, Tanzania, Zambia, and Nigeria provided refuge, training, and resources. Cuba sent military aid to support our freedom fighters, while nations such as India, Ghana, and Algeria offered political support and education to South Africans in exile.

These countries welcomed our struggle and played a key role in ensuring that apartheid could not continue. Some of these nations even helped train and equip South Africans to wage the fight for freedom, it was unity in the face of adversity.

In return, post-apartheid South Africa has also recognised its moral responsibility to assist other nations in their own quests for liberation. Countries like Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Mozambique have benefited from South Africa’s support, particularly in refugee assistance and training initiatives. As we discuss the treatment of foreigners within our borders today, it’s important to remember that South Africa has both received and given support throughout its history.

The end of apartheid came not solely from within, global support played a pivotal role. International sanctions, divestment, and concerted pressure weakened the apartheid regime, and South Africa’s economy was crippled. Much of our freedom is owed to the international community, and we must continue to create an environment of acceptance and compassion for foreigners today.

As Nelson Mandela said: “Let freedom reign. God bless Africa.”

These words were not only about South African freedom, but about freedom for all. Our liberty came with the support of the international community, and we continue to allow an environment of inclusivity for foreigners in South Africa.

The preamble of South Africa’s Constitution states: “South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity.”

This statement is clear and unambiguous. It speaks to the inclusivity of our nation, regardless of who you are, where you come from, or what your background is. It also means that every individual, regardless of their legal status, is entitled to protection under South African law.

The Constitution is not just a document for South Africans, but for all who live here. A person entering South Africa illegally is still entitled to protection, as the Constitution guarantees human dignity, equality, and freedom. This protection extends to individuals, whether or not they are South African citizens. In fact, the Constitution provides a platform for them to assert their rights, including their right to work, seek legal protection, and access healthcare.

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) allows foreigners, including undocumented individuals, to bring labour disputes to its attention. This speaks to a fundamental commitment to justice for all, regardless of nationality, and also includes those who are working without proper documentation.

We must also acknowledge that foreigners contribute to the local economy by filling gaps that South African workers may not be able to fill due to specific skills. In some cases, foreign workers may have knowledge or skills that South Africans may not possess as yet, or they bring investments that benefit the local economy. We must understand that foreigners are not simply here to take jobs away, but also to contribute to the betterment of South African society.

While South Africa has been a country built on support from foreign nations, it is rather unfortunate that we are still plagued by xenophobic remarks. The issue persists because some South Africans view foreigners as a threat to their jobs, especially in a country struggling with unemployment, particularly among young people. There is also the uncomfortable truth that some employers exploit undocumented workers by paying them lower wages than South African citizens.

These employers can be reported to the CCMA, but we need to address the root causes of these issues. Xenophobia is not a solution to unemployment. We should instead focus on making ourselves more competitive in the labour market, equipping ourselves with the skills necessary to take on jobs that may currently be filled by foreign workers.

In South Africa, undocumented foreigners are often scapegoated and treated with suspicion, but what about South Africans who are also undocumented? Many South African citizens, particularly those born at home or in rural areas, face difficulties obtaining documentation such as identity documents, birth certificates, and access to social grants. This leaves them vulnerable to exploitation in the workplace and denial of basic rights, including access to education and healthcare.

Interestingly, while foreign nationals are often arrested and detained for being undocumented, many South Africans live without documentation and face significant barriers to obtaining it. Why is it that they are not arrested? What makes an undocumented foreigner different from an undocumented South African? This inconsistency in our justice system is a direct call for a reevaluation of how we treat both South African citizens and foreigners. The rights and dignity of all people, documented or not, should be upheld.

There are valid concerns regarding corruption in the Home Affairs system, with some foreigners allegedly using illicit means to gain permanent residency or citizenship. The officials responsible for granting these statuses must be held accountable for any unlawful practices. However, the bureaucratic bottleneck in legal immigration is equally problematic. The slow processing of immigration applications prevents honest applicants from contributing fully to South African society, and also impacting South African businesses that rely on these workers.

I have seen these issues firsthand in court last week. A Malawian citizen, who had lived in South Africa since 1999 and had a South African family, was arrested for not having his documents on him. He spent one month in Westville Prison, where he was placed in a special cell for foreign nationals. Why do such cells exist? Is this not a form of preemptive punishment?

His excessive bail conditions required him to report to a police station every Friday, disrupting his religious practices. To make matters worse, the police held his passport, preventing him from completing his residency application. Such treatment is not just unfair, it’s a stark reflection of how the Home Affairs system can fail those who have long contributed to South Africa. The court system should expedite immigration matters, rather than continue punishing foreigners who are already vital to our economy.

The recent changes in spaza shop registration by eThekwini Municipality add to the challenges foreign nationals face. The new requirement for asylum seekers and foreign nationals to formalise leases with landlords has caused tensions to historically good relationships. Many Ethiopian nationals who run spaza shops are now required to provide formal lease agreements, yet landlords are reluctant to register the businesses in the names of foreign tenants. This creates unnecessary tension and raises concerns about these changes.

These bureaucratic shifts undermine mutually beneficial relationships between South African landlords and foreign nationals, creating friction where there was once cooperation.

I acknowledge that some of the views I have expressed here may be controversial and challenging the current treatment of foreign nationals, questioning aspects of the Immigration Act, and confronting xenophobic attitudes may not be popular with everyone. However, I firmly believe that we must not shy away from hearing all sides of the story. We are a society built on freedom of expression, and we need to continuously create a space where we can engage openly, respectfully, and thoughtfully about difficult topics.

Let us reflect on our past and remember that we are a nation that honours its values of solidarity, unity, and respect for all. South Africa is an international symbol of inclusivity and diversity. We must all reject xenophobia and embrace everyone, both South Africans and foreigners.

South Africa has a duty to remain committed to ensuring that all people, regardless of their nationality, have access to justice, protection, and the opportunity to thrive.

PREVIN VEDAN | Chatsworth

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media or IOL.

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SA owes its freedom to foreign countries