HUNDREDS of foreign nationals including Zimbabweans were forced to flee their homes to camp at their foreign embassies and consulates ahead of today’s deadline to leave South Africa.
Several African governments, including those of Malawi, Mozambique, Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe, have had to arrange transport for citizens wishing to leave South Africa amid growing tensions.
However, many foreign nationals such as Malawians, Nigerians and Zimbabweans, complained that their governments were not forthcoming in speedily providing transportation.
Global Immigration and Legal Consultancy legal director Gabriel Shumba said they visited the Zimbabwean embassy in Pretoria and found no news regarding the provision of transport to desperate citizens.
“We are trying our best to assist in various ways at present, and we are swamped with calls regarding transportation and other required assistance,” he said.
“When we went to the embassy we wanted to find ways of a synergistic approach.”
In Cape Town, hundreds of Zimbabweans gathered at the consulate in Cape Town amid fears over xenophobic attacks.
African Development Consortium (ADC) chairman Butholezwe Nyathi confirmed that Zimbabweans thronged the Zimbabwean consulate, without shedding more details on the issue.
- Zim investment, repatriation conference set for Joburg
- Zim diaspora in SA forms consortium to spearhead migrants’ development
- Experts warn SA xenophobia risks continental crisis
- Xenophobia fear grips SA as thousands seek escape
Keep Reading
The developments come when anti-Xenophobia groups such as Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign last week raised alarm over escalating xenophobic violence, forced removals, displacement and intimidation targeting foreign nationals in SA.
In an advisory note, the organisation warned that the situation could lead to further injuries and deaths if urgent intervention is not taken.
The latest warning comes amid continuing debates in South Africa over immigration policy, border control and access to jobs and public services.
Human rights organisations across southern Africa have repeatedly cautioned that xenophobic violence threatens regional stability and undermines relations within the Sadc region.
The Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign said it would provide further updates on efforts to address the crisis and called for unity and solidarity against violence and hate.
Several provinces, including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Free State and North West, are expected to experience anti-migrant demonstrations.
South Africa’s Democratic Alliance (DA) federal leader and Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis also warned that frustration over unemployment and economic hardships must never be turned into hatred against migrants.
“We must never allow certain politicians or vigilantes to abuse the hardship caused by a failing economy to scapegoat and incite violence against foreign nationals to promote their own agendas,” Hill-Lewis said.
Hill-Lewis acknowledged public frustration over illegal immigration but stressed that the law must be enforced through proper state institutions rather than mob action.
“If people have come to our country illegally, the law must be applied.
“But it must be applied with the full knowledge that we are dealing with human beings.”
Meanwhile, the Southern Africa Coalition for Democracy and Accountability (SACDA) expressed deep concern over reports of the planned actions targeting foreign nationals.
“We call upon all stakeholders to reject violence, intimidation and xenophobia and instead pursue peaceful, lawful and constructive means of addressing legitimate socio-economic concerns,” they said.
The organisation noted that Southern Africa has a long history of solidarity, adding that during the struggle against apartheid, countries across the region made enormous sacrifices in support of South Africa’s liberation.
“That shared history reminds us that our security, prosperity and dignity are interconnected,” the organisation said.
“We acknowledge that many South Africans continue to face severe challenges, including unemployment, inequality, poverty, crime and pressure on public services.
“These frustrations are real and deserve serious policy responses from government and regional institutions.”
It called on the South African government to ensure the protection of all people within its borders, irrespective of nationality, in accordance with the Constitution and international human rights obligations.
“Law enforcement agencies to act impartially, professionally and within the rule of law to prevent violence and prosecute those responsible for criminal acts,” it said.
“Political leaders, community leaders and civil society organisations should reject inflammatory rhetoric and promote dialogue, tolerance and social cohesion.”
