Zimbabwean families stranded in Cape Town as cold front approaches

Hundreds of people have gathered outside the Zimbabwean Consulate in Cape Town, wanting to be repatriated. Photos: Ashraf Hendricks

Hundreds of people waiting outside the Zimbabwean Consulate in Cape Town faced a cold night on Saturday.

While transport has been arranged for some, hundreds of others, including women and children, may have to sleep outside as a cold front approaches.

Cold and heavy rain are expected in Cape Town on Sunday. On Saturday afternoon, suitcases and bags were being wrapped in cling film to protect them from the rain.

People cover suitcases in cling wrap to protect them from rain as a cold front approaches.

A child plays on top of cling-wrapped suitcases.

Some told GroundUp they were concerned about the 30 June “deadline” set by March and March. Protests against “illegal immigration” are planned across the country next week.

“We don’t have the money to go home. We are struggling to catch the buses,” said Anesu Mhosva.

He said he had lived in South Africa for about five years. He said it would be hard to find a job in Zimbabwe, but “it’s better to go home. We are going to accept the situation that we are in.”

More people continue to arrive at the Zimbabwean Consulate.

Yeukai Simbi spoke to us sitting on the ground near a local park with her two-year-old son. She said she had arrived on Friday from Robertson and spent the night outside. She will probably have to do the same on Saturday night. She has lived in South Africa for four years.

One man, who asked not to be named, said had been living in Muizenberg, but “I think it’s wise for me to run away with my life and be safe.”

Referring to the 30 June “deadline”, he said, “we don’t know if the situation will escalate and get out of control”.

He added that it was unfair to blame immigrants for the lack of jobs because most of them worked informally, such as selling vegetables.

A child rests on his family’s luggage.

Volunteer Eddie Madzie said they were trying to find tents or churches to accommodate the people.

Sarah Oosthuizen, a volunteer for Gift of the Givers, said the organisation had been providing warm meals and other essentials. She said the community had come together to assist those in need.

There were at least 800 people at the site on Saturday afternoon, she estimated. She said the Consulate has been assisting with ablution facilities and arranging transport.

GroundUp’s attempts to contact the Zimbabwean Consulate were unsuccessful. The City of Cape Town did not comment.

Gift of the Givers is accepting donations at the Cavendish Centre in Claremont. There is a need for baby items, hygiene products, and non-perishable food.

A family waits to be transported to Zimbabwe.

Pavements around the Consulate were filled with luggage.

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