It says job reservation announced by the finance minister contributes to the misperception that foreign nationals are responsible for its economic woes.

"FESJA has noted several reports on social media from members of the African community in South Africa making complaints of mistreatment and attacks on truck drivers from our sister countries," the organisation said on Wednesday in a statement. 

"We are also concerned that this came after the South African government, through its minister of finance, Tito Mboweni, indicated that certain jobs will be reserved for South Africans. 

"Such groundless judgment created the false impression that foreign nationals were responsible for economic woes in South Africa. Ill-treatment of foreign nationals is inexplicable because it exposes the unwillingness of locals to accept the harsh reality that no country can live in isolation."

Calling on the South African government to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to the attacks, FESJA said that contrary to this, cross border drivers contributed  "immensely" to the country's economy, "especially those facilitating exportation of our locally produced goods". 

"These attacks are reprehensible but also at a time when we need to trade with other countries, this is a message we can ill-afford to hear. Acts of xenophobia expose South African cross border drivers to brutal response in other countries."

FESJA says that in Durban, a driver was reportedly attacked and left for dead, while in Gauteng, similar reports say drivers have been spat on and threatened with forced deportation. "These are just a few examples among many across numerous cities, including Cape Town and Musina. 

"FESJA urges all authorities to prevent, condemn, and enforce “strong actions” against the perpetrators of all forms of xenophobic attacks. It is not only criminal but also shameful to be selective when treating foreign nationals. Like a rainbow, South Africa must lead the way in combating xenophobia.

"FESJA demands that we treat all persons in the country, South Africans and foreign alike, as equals. If we are going to allow this inexcusable act to continue, we risk rolling back the gains of our freedom under the mantra, South Africa is for all who live in it. 

"FESJA also immediately demands the cessation of ill-treatment of truck drivers meted out to our fellow Africans. There is a need to coordinate a sustainable response over a considerable period in the fight against xenophobia. 

"Lastly, all peace-loving people must speak out forcefully against all acts of discrimination, intimidation, and violence against foreign national truck drivers," the organisation said.

African News Agency (ANA)