CAPE TOWN – The ongoing Zimbabwean repatriation in Cape Town has been marred by significant delays, chaotic scenes, and frustration at the Epping Repatriation Centre, leaving thousands of nationals in limbo. While seven buses departed the city the previous night, those still at the facility are awaiting clarity on how many will be repatriated next, prompting civic organizations to demand urgent government intervention.
Many of the Zimbabweans at the refugee centre have been waiting since last week, having fled rising anti-migrant sentiment across South Africa. Although officials initially committed to prioritizing women, children, and individuals with disabilities, many in these vulnerable groups remain at the facility and are questioning if the commitment is still in place. The “first come, first serve” principle is reportedly not being followed, causing contention among the crowds. Instead, individuals are forming long queues simply to receive bus numbers, with no clear indication of when the buses will arrive or depart.
General Sithole, a representative from the Civic Engagement Forum of Zimbabwe, traveled from Johannesburg to conduct on-the-ground fact-finding. He painted a picture of a disorganized facility, citing a severe shortage of Zimbabwean consulate staff to process the massive crowds.
“The delays are caused by a lot of things. Number one, there is a problem, there is no order here. Number two, there is a shortage of staff,” General Sithole explained. “Number three, a lot of people have been here for a long time, and there are certain people who are still coming from other affected areas who need the very same process. So we might be seeing the very same thing happening to everyone.”
General Sithole was highly critical of the Zimbabwean government’s readiness, stating bluntly that the government is not prepared to handle the crisis. He noted that the deployed officials might not be accurately reporting the challenges on the ground to the authorities in Harare. The Civic Engagement Forum plans to compile its findings into a comprehensive report with recommendations for the government. If the government remains unprepared, General Sithole urged them to raise their voices and seek assistance from non-governmental organizations and other intervening bodies.
The humanitarian conditions at the centre are also deteriorating. With cold weather setting in, the crowds are exposed to the wind without adequate blankets. Children are reportedly suffering from the flu, and there is a lack of medical attention, as the stranded nationals cannot easily access local hospitals due to the circumstances they are facing.
“We need the government to intervene, put their staff in order, and make sure that people get cleared in time here,” General Sithole stated, demanding an immediate increase in consulate staff to speed up processing and the proper prioritization of disabled individuals and families with children. “These people cannot live like this.”
The crisis at the Epping facility extends beyond Zimbabwean nationals. The centre is also hosting individuals from other nations, including Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These individuals are similarly hoping their respective governments will step in to facilitate their repatriation as they seek to escape the hostile environment for foreigners in South Africa.
As the situation unfolds, the crowds at the Epping Repatriation Centre continue to wait, hoping for a swift resolution and a safe passage back to their home countries.
