CAPE TOWN, Western Cape — The Epping Refugee Reception Office in the Western Cape has officially ended its temporary humanitarian mission, returning to its standard administrative functions this Monday. The transition follows a highly coordinated voluntary repatriation initiative that successfully processed and relocated thousands of foreign nationals seeking to return to their home countries.
Over the weekend, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) managed the complex logistical transfer of individuals from the Cape Town facility to the Musina Repatriation Centre situated in Limpopo. This strategic relocation marks the end of the emergency support operation that temporarily transformed the Epping site into a bustling transit hub. By 06:00 on Sunday, 5 July 2026, all on-site humanitarian assistance was officially wrapped up, allowing the facility to reopen its doors for regular civic services.
A Coordinated Humanitarian Effort
The scale of the operation was significant, requiring seamless cooperation across multiple sectors. The DHA worked hand-in-hand with the City of Cape Town, alongside various civil society groups and faith-based organizations, to ensure the safe, efficient, and dignified transfer of those requesting to go home.
The influx at the Western Cape facility began on 21 June 2026, when approximately 1,800 Zimbabwean citizens—many of them women and children—arrived seeking assistance to return to their country of origin. They were soon joined by citizens from Malawi who submitted similar requests for relocation.
Repatriation by the Numbers
Through the dedicated efforts of ground staff and partner organizations, the temporary operation processed a substantial number of individuals over a short period. The final demographic breakdown of the transfer includes:
- Total Individuals Processed: 3,252
- Zimbabwean Nationals: 3,155
- Malawian Nationals: 97
Updated Protocols for Future Applicants
With the Epping facility now back to its regular daily operations, the Department of Home Affairs has issued updated guidance for foreign nationals residing in the region.
Authorities emphasize that individuals requiring assistance with voluntary repatriation should no longer report to the Epping Refugee Reception Office. Moving forward, all future requests and inquiries regarding returning home must be channeled directly through the relevant national consulates for appropriate assistance and processing.
