CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE — As a June 30 deadline set by anti-immigrant groups rapidly approaches, Congolese nationals in Cape Town are calling for unity among Africans. Foreign residents are voicing serious concerns regarding their livelihoods and safety as nationwide marches targeting undocumented foreign nationals are planned across South Africa.
Collette Furaha, a Congolese national originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has made Cape Town her home for more than 20 years. She is among the many foreign nationals trading in the Cape Town Central Business District to provide for her family. Despite having lived in the country for decades and possessing all the legal paperwork required to stay, Furaha is deeply anxious about the impending deadline.
“Not only my business, my life, my kids’ life, my husband, my grandchildren,” Furaha stated, expressing her fears for her family’s future. She also highlighted a growing social issue, noting that children born in South Africa are now facing discrimination and feeling unwelcome at their schools. Urging for harmony, she emphasized that Africans are one people and a family that must stay together.
With marches planned nationwide against undocumented foreign nationals, other community members remain hopeful in the state’s ability to maintain order. Tolerance Zero, another Congolese national, expressed his belief that the South African government is fully equipped to handle any eventuality. He urged authorities to take the matter into their own hands and foster peace among the people.
Tolerance Zero pointed out that the anti-immigrant sentiment extends beyond undocumented individuals, severely impacting South African citizens who are married to foreign nationals.
“You can’t just come and chase the husband away. You can’t just come and chase the wife away,” he explained, stressing the need to consider the consequences for families that have been established for many years. He noted that some South African citizens are also protesting, which he argued is wrong and is currently distorting the image of the country.
He called on the government to take full charge of the situation rather than allowing unauthorized groups to dictate the law. Emphasizing the need for lawful and harmonious coexistence, Tolerance Zero added that foreigners must live legally, in peace, and love one another.
Meanwhile, Congolese support groups are currently making arrangements to repatriate any Congolese nationals who wish to return home amid the rising tensions.
