By Mr Kenneth S. Tyika

President, Black Business Front (BBF)

7 June 2026

Ubuntu Must Guide Our Response to Current Challenges

The Black Business Front (BBF) has taken note of the growing tensions in South Africa relating to recent public demonstrations, concerns raised by various civic organisations, including the Insizwa Ngobunsizwa Foundation, and calls surrounding the 30 June 2026 deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa.

As South Africans engage with these matters, we call on all citizens to be guided by the principles of Ubuntu—the very foundation of our moral fibre and shared humanity. To abandon these values would be to abandon a fundamental part of who we are as a nation.

The BBF acknowledges and appreciates the legitimate concerns raised by many South Africans regarding:

• Porous borders and immigration management; 

• Undocumented foreign nationals; 

• Pressure on public infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and housing; 

• The growth of illegal activities, including drug trafficking, counterfeit goods, and illicit trade; and 

• The broader socio-economic challenges facing local communities. 

We commend community leaders and organisations that have brought these concerns to national attention and have encouraged government to address them with urgency.

As an organisation committed to economic transformation and empowerment, the BBF remains deeply concerned about the economic hardships experienced by Black South Africans. We continue to advocate for the stronger implementation of:

• Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE); 

• Affirmative Action policies; 

• Preferential Procurement frameworks; and 

• Progressive land redistribution measures. 

We believe that the consistent and effective implementation of these policies could have significantly improved economic participation and reduced many of the frustrations currently being experienced across the country.

Furthermore, greater clarity should have been provided over the years regarding immigration policy, foreign direct investment frameworks, and sectors of the economy reserved for local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

South Africa's current reality is complex. Hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals have become naturalised South African citizens, while many others have legally resided in the country for decades under various forms of protection provided by our Constitution and international obligations.

For this reason, the BBF cautions against blanket approaches and messaging that could be misinterpreted, potentially creating unnecessary security risks and placing innocent lives at risk.

We therefore call upon:

South Africans

To voice their concerns peacefully, responsibly, and within the confines of the law. Human life must be protected, and damage to property must be avoided.

The Government of South Africa

To provide decisive leadership and ensure that the President, Ministers, and relevant departments engage openly with the public on these critical matters.

African Governments and Diplomatic Missions

To engage constructively with South Africa, acknowledge the socio-economic challenges facing their own countries, and work collaboratively toward African solutions for African challenges.

All Africans

To remain united and peaceful as we continue confronting the long-term consequences of colonialism, apartheid, economic exclusion, and underdevelopment. We must never forget our shared history or allow division to undermine the vision of a prosperous and united Africa.

While many factors contribute to our current challenges—including historical injustices, governance failures, economic inequality, and global pressures—the BBF calls for calm, restraint, and constructive engagement.

Let all our actions be guided by the rule of law, mutual respect, and our common humanity.

"One Africa. One Economy. Limitless Possibilities."

Issued by:

Mr Kenneth S. Tyika

President

Black Business Front (BBF)

Cell: 067 830 3246

Email: info@blackbusinessfront.org.za