Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has intensified efforts to assist Zimbabweans displaced by a fresh wave of anti-migrant protests and vigilante attacks in South Africa, amid growing fears over the safety of foreign nationals in the neighbouring country.
Through the Department of Civil Protection under the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Government is working with the private sector, humanitarian organisations, development partners, non-governmental organisations and churches to facilitate the safe repatriation of affected citizens.
The move comes as thousands of foreign nationals, including Zimbabweans, have been displaced in several parts of South Africa following renewed anti-immigrant campaigns by pressure groups such as the “March and March” movement.
The groups have in recent weeks intensified calls for foreigners to leave South Africa, with some issuing threats that migrants should vacate the country by June 30 or face unspecified action.
The South African Government has, however, dismissed the claims, insisting there is no official directive ordering foreign nationals to leave and reiterating that migrants’ rights remain protected under the country’s Constitution and international law.
The violence and intimidation have forced many migrants to flee their homes. Some are reportedly camping outside the Department of Home Affairs offices seeking assistance, while others have taken refuge in mountains and isolated areas to escape attacks.
Videos circulating widely on social media show vigilante groups confronting suspected foreigners in cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, demanding proof of immigration status.
In some incidents, foreign nationals are seen being assaulted and humiliated.
South African authorities have condemned the actions, stressing that only authorised law enforcement officers have the legal mandate to verify a person’s immigration status.
In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works said it is working closely with the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to ensure the safe and dignified return of Zimbabweans affected by the unrest.
The ministry said assistance being mobilised includes food provisions, temporary shelter and transportation from South Africa to designated reception centres in Zimbabwe.
“In addition, Government, through the Emergency Fund, is also mobilising resources to support and fund this
important work stream as part of ongoing national humanitarian response efforts.
“To date, the ministry has engaged more than five organisations that are already supporting this important humanitarian cause,” read the statement.
“We remain grateful for the assistance and solidarity demonstrated thus far by our partners and stakeholders. Additional support from the private sector, humanitarian agencies, development partners, NGOs, church organisations and all well-wishers to strengthen ongoing repatriation efforts are welcome.”
Government said relevant departments had already been activated to receive returnees at border posts and facilitate their reintegration into communities.
“The response to this escalating situation requires a whole-of-government and society approach. We would like to sincerely appreciate all organisations and individuals who continue to stand with Government in responding to humanitarian needs and national emergencies,” said the ministry.
As of June 15, a total of 696 Zimbabweans had voluntarily returned home from South Africa, comprising 405 adults and 291 accompanied children.
Most of those repatriated were displaced from the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces, where anti-migrant protests have been most pronounced.
The latest unrest has revived memories of previous xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which over the years have claimed lives, destroyed businesses and strained diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries whose citizens live and work in Africa’s most industrialised economy.
In an effort to contain the diplomatic fallout, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced that he would dispatch special envoys across Africa and other parts of the world to explain his government’s position and engage countries affected by the unrest. President Ramaphosa made the remarks during a press conference after talks with Kenyan President William Ruto during the latter’s official visit to Pretoria.
