by Ntandoyenkosi Ncube

JOHANNESBURG, May 30 (Xinhua) -- "When the shop was closed, I lost everything overnight. Now I do not know how I will survive," said Ngwako Motaung, reacting to the government's recent crackdown on undocumented foreigners in Johannesburg.

The 34-year-old South African, who worked as a cashier at a clothing store owned by an Ethiopian on Bree Street in the Johannesburg central business district (CBD), lost his job when the shop was suddenly closed.

South Africa is experiencing a severe wave of anti-immigration demonstrations and vigilante actions. Organizers cite high domestic unemployment, rising crime, and pressure on public infrastructure as their main grievances.

Anti-immigration activists and groups have set a deadline of June 30 for all undocumented foreigners to leave the country, threatening a nationwide shutdown if the government fails to act.

The South African government has been cautious, seeking to address public anger over border control while curbing xenophobic lawlessness. The Johannesburg metropolitan government, however, has accelerated enforcement actions targeting undocumented foreign nationals.

The operations, carried out by city authorities and law enforcement agencies, left many businesses shuttered during a crackdown on undocumented immigrants, illegal trading, and violations of municipal bylaws in parts of the inner city.

The impact is being felt beyond business owners, affecting ordinary South Africans who work in foreign-owned shops and street vendors who rely on the informal economy to support their families.

Local resident Teboho Malete noted that many foreign-owned shops in the CBD employ South Africans as cashiers, cleaners, stock handlers, and security guards, with the closures eliminating one of the few sources of income in an economy struggling with high unemployment.

Street food vendors have reported heavy losses during the operations, especially in busy transport corridors where authorities restricted movement and informal trading.

Ogone Mokgothu, who sells cooked meals to commuters near Park Station, said business has declined sharply.

"People are afraid to come out because of the operations. Some streets are blocked, and there are fewer customers," Mokgothu said. "If I do not sell food for one day, my family goes hungry."

Another local street trader, who makes a living by cooking and selling food along a busy CBD street, said the operations are affecting South Africans as much as foreign business owners.

"These operations are not creating jobs for locals. As South Africans, we are also suffering," the trader said.

South Africa's unemployment rate remains among the highest in the world, with young people particularly affected. In Johannesburg's inner city, thousands rely on informal and small-scale trading to survive.

Local economists say the informal sector plays a critical role in absorbing unemployed citizens and providing affordable services to low-income communities.

"The challenge is balancing law enforcement with economic realities," said Johannesburg-based economic analyst Ipeleng Tshotetsi. "Many livelihoods in the CBD depend on informal activity, and sudden disruptions can deepen poverty and social frustration."

Community organizations have called on authorities to ensure that enforcement operations are accompanied by support measures for affected workers and traders.

City officials have defended the operations, saying they are necessary to restore order, improve safety, and ensure compliance with municipal regulations.

Despite the uncertainty, many workers and traders expressed hope that authorities and businesses can find solutions that protect both legality and livelihoods.

"We understand the government must enforce the law," Motaung said. "But people also need to eat and work." ■