South Africa’s largest labor unions have urged members not to join anti-immigrant protests scheduled for June 30, a deadline set by anti-migrant groups demanding that undocumented foreigners leave the country. The unions warned that employees who skip work won’t be protected from the potential consequences of their actions. The unions also echoed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call that migrants should not be blamed for the country’s economic difficulties, unemployment, or crime. Tensions have risen in South Africa amid reports of xenophobic attacks, with many governments repatriating their citizens. The unions’ call is an attempt to diffuse tensions and prevent violence against foreign nationals. The episode highlights how South Africa’s stagnant economy is fueling scapegoating dynamics that could destabilize labor markets and damage the country’s reputation as a regional migration hub.
CNBC Africa
