Proposed Township Economy Bill seeks to drive foreign nationals out of townships
17 October 2020
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng is deeply concerned that the proposed Gauteng Township Economy Bill’s main aim is to drive foreign nationals out of townships. We should be looking at building inclusive communities where residents benefit from each other rather than segregating people on the basis of nationality.
The manner in which the Bill has being put forward is reminiscent of apartheid spatial planning, which seeks to have designated areas of trade and living for people based on nationality.
This is contrary to the principles of democracy, the Constitution as well as what is set out in the immigration act, which makes sure that foreign nationals living in the country are afforded rights in South Africa.
In its current form the Bill discriminates against foreign nationals and fuels xenophobia in our communities at a time when we need each other. The Bill has also not considered the changed nature of where South Africans live and work; it also has the potential to encourage fronting and drive township enterprises underground resulting in more informality in the economy.