ADDO, EASTERN CAPE — A citrus-growing community in the Eastern Cape has become the focal point of a widening debate over labor practices, as residents allege that some farmers are relying on undocumented foreign nationals to fill seasonal roles at lower wages.
The concerns, raised by community members and labor advocacy groups, center on whether local job seekers are being overlooked in favor of workers without legal status—a practice they say undermines both employment equity and regulatory compliance. Calls for tighter enforcement of immigration and labor legislation have intensified alongside recent demonstrations over undocumented migration elsewhere in South Africa.
In Addo, a town roughly 45 kilometers from Gqeberha known for its citrus output, residents staged a march to the local police station earlier this week. Their message was clear: farmers should prioritize hiring from within the community.
Char September, a community leader who helped organize the demonstration and submit a formal petition to municipal authorities, outlined how work is divided in the local citrus sector. Orchards, where fruit is harvested, and packhouses, where produce is sorted and packaged, represent the two main employment streams. September noted that orchard positions are predominantly filled by foreign nationals, while packhouse roles tend to go to local residents.
“Community members only secure seasonal work for about five months before being laid off,” September explained. “Our petition requests that the municipality formally recognize our community workers forum, enabling us—alongside local government—to help oversee how both local and foreign workers are appointed on orchard sites.”
September also addressed a recurring claim: that farmers cite cost as a reason for not hiring South African applicants. “They tell us they can’t afford us because we are expensive,” he said. He added that one farmer in the area recently brought in workers from other provinces—colloquially called “Sutus”—who are now also seeking the statutory minimum wage.
On the sensitive question of how residents determine whether workers are undocumented, September deferred to official institutions. “That responsibility lies with Home Affairs and Labor Affairs. We are community members asking for guidance and proper regulation.”
A documented foreign national originally from Ghana, who has resided in the area for 11 years and serves in a community apostolic role, also shared his perspective. He affirmed that undocumented status is unacceptable. “Even in my home country, you cannot reside there without a passport. In South Africa, being undocumented is a serious offense,” he stated. “Those without proper documentation should regularize their status.”
Addressing concerns about job displacement, the apostle highlighted broader migration trends within South Africa. “When the season begins, you see South African workers traveling from Bloemfontein, KwaDukuza, and Cape Town to find work here,” he observed. “It mirrors the 1886 gold rush, when people flocked to Johannesburg. The citrus sector contributes approximately 2.5% to national GDP, making this a high-demand region.” He emphasized the need for public education to distinguish between documented and undocumented individuals, and reiterated that verification should be conducted solely by authorized agencies such as Home Affairs and the police.
A pastor originally from Zimbabwe and living in the community added that documentation remains non-negotiable. “Everyone must be documented—there is no room for debate on that point,” he said. He acknowledged systemic delays, noting that Zimbabwean applicants have faced backlogs at Home Affairs offices. “We have been issued temporary waivers while awaiting formal permits. The key is following the correct application channels.”
The citrus industry remains a cornerstone of the regional economy, generating significant seasonal employment during harvest cycles. Yet friction persists over equitable access to these roles and consistent application of labor and immigration statutes.
Local farmers were invited to join the discussion but opted not to participate.
Community representatives stress that their goal is not to exclude lawful workers, but to ensure transparent, regulated hiring practices that protect opportunities for residents while upholding the rule of law.