GQEBERHA – More than 300 Zimbabwean nationals are awaiting voluntary repatriation from Nelson Mandela Bay following tensions surrounding the 30 June deadline issued by the anti-migrant movement, March and March.
The nationwide deadline called on undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa.
In a statement issued today, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality said 374 Zimbabwean nationals had been received at the Disaster Management Centre for voluntary repatriation.
“The Disaster Management Centre, working together with other stakeholders and NGOs, has been providing support to foreign nationals who are still awaiting transport by assisting with necessities such as food, toiletries and essential items for children,” the statement read.
When the PE Express reached out to municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya to clarify whether the foreign nationals were undocumented, he said: “It is not our role to ascertain that information. Home Affairs will be able to respond. We are facilitating the repatriation process to ensure the safety of the affected community.”
Meanwhile, the municipality’s Disaster Management Centre has been working with the Zimbabwean Embassy to facilitate the voluntary return of the affected nationals.
The municipality further confirmed that no serious incidents were reported across Nelson Mandela Bay, apart from isolated cases of intimidation in Kuyga, on the northern outskirts of Gqeberha.
Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe commended residents for maintaining calm during the situation.
“I would like to thank the people of Nelson Mandela Bay for the way they have conducted themselves during this time,” she said.
“The manner in which our residents have handled the situation demonstrates that we are the people of Nelson Mandela – a community that believes in Ubuntu, respects human dignity and allows the rule of law to prevail.”
The South African Police Service, Metro Police, Municipal Security, the Border Management Authority and other relevant stakeholders, continues to monitor the situation.
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