Fears of violence on 30 June drive hundreds from their homes

By GroundUP

SOUTH AFRICA: Hundreds of people waiting outside the Zimbabwean Consulate in Cape Town faced a cold night on Saturday.

While transport has been arranged for some, hundreds of others, including women and children, may have to sleep outside as a cold front approaches.

Cold and heavy rain are expected in Cape Town on Sunday. On Saturday afternoon, suitcases and bags were being wrapped in cling film to protect them from the rain.

The City of Cape Town announced in a statement on Saturday night that the people would be moved to the Home Affairs repatriation centre in Epping on Sunday morning.

City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo​ referred questions about where the displaced people would be sheltered on Saturday night to the Zimbabwean Consulate. The consulate could not be reached for comment.

Some of those gathered at the consulate told GroundUp they were concerned about the 30 June “deadline” set by March and March. Protests against “illegal immigration” are planned across the country next week.

“We don’t have the money to go home. We are struggling to catch the buses,” said Anesu Mhosva.

He said he had lived in South Africa for about five years. He said it would be hard to find a job in Zimbabwe, but “it’s better to go home. We are going to accept the situation that we are in.”

Yeukai Simbi spoke to us sitting on the ground near a local park with her two-year-old son. She said she had arrived on Friday from Robertson and spent the night outside. She will probably have to do the same on Saturday night. She has lived in South Africa for four years.

One man, who asked not to be named, said had been living in Muizenberg, but “I think it’s wise for me to run away with my life and be safe.”

Referring to the 30 June “deadline”, he said, “we don’t know if the situation will escalate and get out of control”.

He added that it was unfair to blame immigrants for the lack of jobs because most of them worked informally, such as selling vegetables.

Volunteer Eddie Madzie said they were trying to find tents or churches to accommodate the people.

Sarah Oosthuizen, a volunteer for Gift of the Givers, said the organisation had been providing warm meals and other essentials. She said the community had come together to assist those in need.

There were at least 800 people at the site on Saturday afternoon, she estimated. She said the Consulate has been assisting with ablution facilities and arranging transport.

Gift of the Givers is accepting donations at the Cavendish Centre in Claremont. There is a need for baby items, hygiene products, and non-perishable food.