Former African Union Commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has warned that anger and violence directed at foreign nationals by anti immigration protesters could seriously damage South Africa’s tourism sector.
In an interview, Dlamini Zuma said while she supports government efforts to remove people who are in the country illegally, she abhors the violent treatment of foreign nationals by protesters. Her warning comes as threats and violence continue ahead of the 30 June deadline set by anti illegal immigration groups for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa.
Dlamini Zuma said it is important for people to enter countries legally and respect the laws of other countries, but added that it is not legal for civilians to demand identification from people. She said people must obey the law, but equally, people should not be beaten.
She noted that about 70% of tourists visiting South Africa are from the African continent, and scenes of Africans being violently targeted could deter visitors. According to tourism data, visitors from the Southern African Development Community account for more than 75% of arrivals.
She said African tourists spend more money than other tourists because they buy items they cannot find elsewhere, and some carry empty suitcases to shop in South Africa. She warned that the flare up in anti foreigner sentiment will impact tourism.
Dlamini Zuma said South Africa cannot isolate itself from the rest of the continent and that development requires countries to move forward together. She noted that during her tenure at the African Union, heads of state agreed on a protocol for free movement of people which needed 15 countries to ratify. Not enough countries did so, but she said the protocol could still be implemented if ratified today.
She appealed for no violence on 30 June when protesters are expected to take to the streets.