KOUGA – As Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman confirmed that more than 1,000 foreign nationals have left the municipality ahead of the nationwide “March and March” protest on 30 June, the St Francis Disaster Volunteer Group (DVG) is urgently appealing for R540,000 to fund two buses needed to repatriate Malawian nationals sheltering at Sea Vista Hall, with the Malawian Embassy having exhausted all available funding and families at risk of being left behind.

The repatriation effort comes as the March and March protest against illegal immigration unfolds across the country, with Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman confirming that the municipality is monitoring the situation closely and has put measures in place to ensure public safety on 30 June.

“We are making sure that we are working with the South African Police Service, our law enforcement, neighbourhood watches and private security companies to make sure that everything is as close to business as usual on 30 June. We are planning for the worst but hoping for the best,” said Bornman.

He noted that over the past two weeks, more than 1,000 foreign nationals have left the Kouga Municipality to return to their home countries, which he said has had a positive effect on the nature of the anticipated protest.

He confirmed that no marches have been registered for 30 June, but said the municipality remains on standby should protesters take to the streets.

Bornman advised residents to be careful and patient.

In a statement, the DVG said six buses are scheduled to transport Malawian nationals currently sheltering at Sea Vista Hall on the five-day journey back to Malawi.

The first bus is already boarding passengers and preparations are underway to move the remaining buses through the day as safely and efficiently as possible.

However, there is a significant obstacle still to overcome.

The statement said two of the six buses have not yet been paid for.

“The Embassy has exhausted all available funding for transport, leaving a funding shortfall of approximately R540,000 that must be raised urgently if every person is to make the journey home safely,” the statement said.

The DVG said it became involved because this is first and foremost a humanitarian response.

The statement said families, women and children have found themselves stranded far from home and in need of assistance to return safely and with dignity.

“As a community, we have always stepped forward when lives are at risk and people need help, regardless of nationality or circumstance,” the statement said.

“There is also an important public safety consideration. Prolonged displacement without a clear solution creates increasing humanitarian pressures and raises the risk of unrest, desperation and potential loss of life. Assisting with an organised, safe and dignified repatriation protects both those being repatriated and the wider community.”

The statement said the DVG’s role is therefore to support a humanitarian solution that prioritises safety, stability and compassion.

The statement noted that neighbours in Jeffreys Bay have already shown what communities can achieve.

“Through the efforts of the GLA Response Group and local volunteers, private funding was raised to transport and host approximately 400 people. After more than a week of coordinated support, only around 30 individuals remain in their care, and they have generously shared their experience and advice with our teams,” the statement said.

The DVG said it is now St Francis’ turn to respond.

The statement said the immediate priority is getting people onto the buses and safely on their way home.

The statement indicated that as lives and essential clothing take precedence, each traveller is currently limited to one piece of luggage.

“The remainder of their belongings may have to be left behind unless additional funding can be secured for a truck to accompany the convoy,” the statement said.

The DVG said raising R540,000 in a single day is an enormous challenge, but said the people of St Francis and Cape St Francis have repeatedly shown an extraordinary ability to come together when help is needed most.

“If the plight of these families speaks to your heart, please consider making a donation to the St Francis DVG Fund to help ensure that every person currently sheltering at Sea Vista Hall can begin the journey home safely,” the statement said.

The DVG said it is a registered Public Benefit Organisation and can furnish donors with a Section 18A tax certificate that allows them to claim a tax deduction for their donation.

“Every contribution, regardless of size, brings us one step closer to getting these families safely home,” the statement said.

For more information or to contribute financially, visit the St Francis Disaster Volunteer Group Facebook group.

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