Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
South Africa has opened a new repatriation camp in Musina to facilitate the safe and orderly return of Zimbabweans, Malawians and other foreign nationals who wish to return to their home countries through Zimbabwe.
The facility has been established following the closure of a repatriation centre in Durban, which authorities said could no longer cope with the growing number of people seeking voluntary repatriation amid rising incidents of anti-migrant violence.
The new transit centre is expected to streamline the processing of returnees and strengthen coordination with neighbouring countries.
Zimbabwe has operated its own reception and repatriation centre in Beitbridge for more than a decade, where returning nationals receive documentation, counselling, transport assistance and other support before travelling to their final destinations.
The Musina facility is expected to complement Zimbabwe’s existing repatriation system by improving coordination between the two countries and ensuring that returning migrants are processed in a safe, dignified and orderly manner.
Limpopo’s Provincial Government Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) for Transport and Community Safety, Ms Violet Mathye led the team on a tour of the new facility on Thursday.
Ms Mathye was joined by MEC for Social Development, Ms Florence Radzilani, and MEC for Health, Ms Dieketseng Mashego.
In a statement following the visit, Ms Mathye said safety must cover everyone inside South Africa’s borders.
“Our responsibility as the provincial government is to ensure that law, order, and human dignity are upheld for everyone within our borders,” she said.
“Whether you are a South African citizen or a foreign national seeking voluntary return home, your safety and well-being matter to the South African government.”
The MEC said her team is focused on enhancing secure and orderly border management, humane treatment of people at repatriation facilities, and better cooperation between provincial and national departments.
She said the delegation is satisfied with the work at the Musina Repatriation Centre, adding that they had noted a higher number of immigrants from different countries coming forward to request voluntary repatriation.
