Zimbabweans flee SA

By Paidamoyo Chipunza, Sydney Kawadza and Thupeyo Muleya

Zimbabweans who were living and working in South Africa are returning home in droves following threats of xenophobic attacks by South Africans soon after the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup.

The returnees — mostly women and their children — started trekking back to this side of the Limpopo River last Saturday with many indicating that they did not want to stay and find out if the rumours of xenophobic violence would turn out to be true.

The 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup ends on Sunday.

South African Police Minister Nathi Mthetwa yesterday told journalists after an inter-ministerial committee meeting in Pretoria that security agencies were on alert.

Zimbabweans, fearing for their lives, had already started transporting their household property — including beds, wardrobes and fridges — amid reports that violence had been reported in Cape Town, Durban, East London, Bloemfontein and other areas.

Returnees interviewed at Roadport in Harare yesterday said even landlords had stopped accepting rentals from Zimbabwean tenants because they feared they could be targeted for providing shelter to foreigners.

"Soldiers have been deployed to monitor the situation, but we value our lives and that is why we decided to come back home," one woman said.

She said many Zimbabweans were stranded in South Africa due to the sudden spike in demand for transport back home.

"Many people are stranded at Huguenot N1 Engen Garage in Cape Town where we normally board transport to Johannesburg as people outnumber the available transport," she said.

Zimbabweans interviewed at the Beitbridge Border Post on Tuesday expressed similar fears.

"I thought the xenophobic attacks would start before I give birth. I am glad I delivered before the end of World Cup and I am going back home safely with my son," said new mother Mrs Leena


Mrs Masomere, who was travelling with her 13-day-old baby, said she had been left with no option but to use public transport with the baby.

Some Shona cultures forbid mothers from taking their babies to crowded places in their first month.

"Children are protected by God. It’s better to take him on the bus than wait for harassment come Monday," Mrs Masomere said.

Mrs Masomere was based in Johannesburg.

Johanne Masowe Apostolic Sect members said they were advised not to attend church services on Sunday.

"Our church elders advised us not to attend services on Sunday because no one knows where they’ll choose to start the attacks and what time.

"So we decided to come back to Zimbabwe because we have homes," one man said.

Others who had gone to South Africa for business opportunities related to the World Cup are also trekking back.

"I am a sculptor by profession. I started going to South Africa in the 1990s selling carved stones.

"These threats by South Africans are not new. I take them seriously because they have done that before, which is why I am going back home.

"There is no harm in me going back home because I will still continue with my work," Mr Mike Chigovera of Mvuma said.

Mr Tinei Sithole from Chipinge said: "We have heard numerous reports from the media in South Africa that there will be widespread attacks on foreigners in South Africa and I have decided to come back home before the attacks begin.

"I will assess the situation for the next three months before going back there."

Mr Sithole, who used to stay in Thembisa just outside Johannesburg, said he started sending his goods back home in Chipinge using cross-border couriers last month.

Mr Mgcini Tshuma from Tsholotsho said he survived the 2008 xenophobic attacks but was not prepared to go through the ordeal again.

"Everyone in South Africa is talking about the attacks on foreigners who are accused of snatching jobs from locals.

"Anyone in his right mind cannot take chances with his life."

Bus drivers and cross-border transporters are also mooting possible increases in fares to cash in on the influx of returning Zimbabweans.

Buses are charging a minimum of R300 from South Africa to Harare.

"We are making more money on luggage than passengers. On a normal day our luggage collections amount to about R8 000 but today I have cashed R25 000," Mr Nesbert Makunun’unu, a Harare-based transporter, said yesterday.

Another transporter servicing the Harare-Johannesburg route, Mr Owen Nehwangwa, added: "You can tell people are relocating by the luggage we are carrying these days.

"There’s lots of furniture like beds and wardrobes coming this way."

While fears of a repeat of the 2008 xenophobic attacks could be behind most relocations, some people said the improving economic situation in Zimbabwe also attracted repatriations.

"The money I was earning is not enough to cover for all that I need for my family in Zimbabwe and me in South Africa.

"If you get a job in Zimbabwe you can earn enough to look for your family," Mr Patrick Fulani, an engineer, said yesterday.

Assistant regional immigration officer for the Southern Region Mr Charles Gwede confirmed the increase in arrivals since Saturday but could not provide figures.

"We are currently assessing the situation but most cross-border transporters we have talked to indicate that they are fully booked for the rest of the month.

"Most of the buses are going to South Africa almost empty but come back loaded with household appliances, furniture and groceries.

"The movement has, however, coincided with our normal month-end increases."

Mr Gwede also confirmed receiving reports of xenophobic attack threats.

The South African government has said it is taking the threats seriously.

Speaking after yesterday’s inter-ministerial committee meeting in Pretoria, Police Minister Mthetwa said: "Our security agents are prepared to effectively deal with violence, including foreign nationals.

"We continue to monitor all and any other threats. Should anything be found to be credible, measures will be implemented immediately to prevent any outbreaks of violence."

Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Malusi Gigaba said the department was working flat-out to contain the situation.

"These rumours run the risk of eroding the victory we scored with the World Cup. We will not allow that."

He, however, denied that people leaving South Africa were fleeing possible violence.

State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele added that rumours of violence were instigated by a small group of people.

"Those who are planning on breaking our law will be dealt with by the law enforcement agencies."

published by; The Herald, 9 July 2010
website; www.herald.co.zw