More than a thousand Zimbabwean nationals gathered at Shallcross Stadium in Durban requesting urgent voluntary repatriation from their government. Since Tuesday, they were transported back to Zimbabwe by bus.
Image: Leon Lestrade
Thousands of Zimbabwean nationals were bused back home after occupying the Shallcross sports field for four days.
On Thursday, surrounded by a strong police presence, buses were seen loading people and their possessions. An official from Zimbabwe, who did not want to be named, said he was concerned about his fellow Zimbabwean nationals' safety. He did not want the media to highlight that they were present at the grounds.
Groups of Zimbabweans arrived from all parts of KwaZulu-Natal after allegedly receiving threats from anti-illegal immigration groups moving through suburbs, businesses and informal settlements demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country by June 30.
Shallcross residents were concerned about the humanitarian crisis unfolding because the Zimbabweans lacked tents, shelter or ablution facilities since arriving on Monday. Shallcross community leaders who did not want to be named, feared the grounds might become overwhelmed like the incident in Sherwood where Malawian nationals sought refuge.
“The community policing structures assisted where they could. Our concern is that the Link Road informal settlement is in proximity. If the crowd swells our local infrastructure might not be able to cope,” a community activist said.
Fatima Ismail, DA eThekwini Ward 71 councillor, said her involvement in the refugee situation has been solely on humanitarian grounds. She said her immediate concern was to ensure the safety and well-being of the women, children, and babies at the site. Ismail added that the refugees have consistently expressed that their only wish is to return home safely
“Working alongside the Shallcross community policing forum and several security companies, we assisted in maintaining a safe environment while support was being coordinated. This is a deeply unfortunate and heartbreaking situation.
"Regardless of the circumstances, vulnerable women, children, and families deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion. My focus has always been on ensuring that humanitarian assistance is provided while the relevant authorities work towards a lawful and appropriate resolution,” Ismail explained.
Hundreds of Zimbabwean nationals also gathered outside their country's Consulate in Cape Town, as fears over their safety continue to mount. They were also bussed home.
The acting commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Major General David Chilembe, says more than 35,000 foreign nationals have left South Africa through the Beitbridge Border Post in Limpopo.
He provided an update on South Africa’s repatriation programme on Thursday.
The relocation process is being carried out in coordination with the Department of Home Affairs and supporting non-profit organisations, with individuals being transported to Musina in Limpopo.
Since the start of the operation, approximately 7,000 people mainly Malawian Nationals had been successfully transported, from the Durban drive inn site.