SERI condemns the victimisation of Informal Traders through Operation “Dudula”

15 February 2022

The devastating impact of the pandemic in the past two years has seen people from all walks of life being pushed into poverty. The informal sector continues to face the harsh reality of economic and political woes. In recent weeks the informal sector, which was the hardest hit by the prolonged lockdown compounded by policy neglect, is now being subjected to unlawful, discriminatory, and politically motivated conduct orchestrated by some political parties under the pretext of protecting employment for vulnerable South Africans.

SERI strongly condemns the political point scoring on migration which resulted in the violent breaches of the rights guaranteed by the South African Constitution to everyone within its borders.

SERI recognises and supports the role that the informal sector plays and its contribution to the South African economy, food security and the empowerment of women, who find themselves at the centre of the informal sector. It is for this reason that during the hard lockdown SERI advocated for informal traders to be allowed to continue to trade as they make an essential contribution to food security and the economy.

SERI is concerned that the current attack on informal traders and migrants’ right to make a living will result in all vulnerable people being affected. This is a cause for concern as it will push people who are already vulnerable further into poverty.

This unlawful conduct undermines our Constitutional values and democracy. Furthermore, it threatens the global commitment to promote safe and orderly migration. The Constitutional Court has long established and confirmed everyone’s right to work which cannot be separated from the right to dignity.

The unlawful victimisation of poor people is counterproductive. It does not contribute to addressing the serious socio-economic problems faced by poor people in South Africa, which has always been SERI’s priority. 

We urge all South African citizens to desist from the unlawful victimisation of the vulnerable members of our society.

Statement issued by Jason Brickhill, SERI Director of Litigation, 15 February 2022