Hundreds of Zimbabwean nationals who chose to leave South Africa over fears of possible anti-immigrant attacks have been informed that they could face a five-y...
Hundreds of Zimbabwean nationals who chose to leave South Africa over fears of possible anti-immigrant attacks have been informed that they could face a five-year ban from re-entering the country. The development came as tensions increased ahead of nationwide anti-immigrant demonstrations, prompting many foreign nationals to seek voluntary repatriation despite uncertainty about their future.
On Sunday, hundreds of Zimbabweans gathered outside the Department of Home Affairs office in Epping, Cape Town, requesting assistance to return home through the Beitbridge border crossing. Many said they feared the planned demonstrations could turn violent and place foreign nationals at risk, despite repeated assurances from South African authorities that security forces would protect all residents and prevent acts of xenophobia.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia had assured the public that law enforcement agencies were prepared to ensure peaceful demonstrations while taking firm action against any violence, intimidation or attacks targeting foreign nationals. However, those waiting outside the Home Affairs offices said the growing tension and reports circulating in communities had convinced them that leaving South Africa was the safest option.
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Authorities said three buses departed Cape Town on Sunday carrying a total of 231 passengers to Limpopo. The travellers were expected to complete the required immigration paperwork before crossing into Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge border post. For many on board, the journey represented a difficult decision driven by fear rather than choice.
Among those leaving was 33-year-old Chrispen Bhebhe, who spent the night sleeping outside the Home Affairs offices with his wife in the hope of securing seats on one of the buses. He said he was shocked to discover that returning to Zimbabwe under the current process would result in a five-year prohibition on re-entering South Africa.
“I am told they are now banning us for five years, so I do not know how we will come back. There is nothing waiting for us in Zimbabwe. I left because I could not get a job,” Bhebhe said.
He said his income in South Africa had enabled him to support his family back home through remittances. “I was sending money home to support my child, who lives with her grandmother. But we had to leave because we feared for our lives. Everywhere people were telling us to go home, and they even went to the farm where we were working,” he added.
Another Zimbabwean making the journey, 43-year-old Gibson Nyamukwengu, said being legally documented had not protected him from what he described as increasing hostility. Nyamukwengu, who had worked as a bus driver in Worcester for seven years, said he believed documented and undocumented migrants were being treated the same by those threatening foreign nationals.
“I have all my papers, and my documents are up to date. I am here because it does not matter to these people whether you are documented or not. I knew these guys were going to beat you regardless,” he said.
Nyamukwengu also expressed concern about how the re-entry restriction would affect his medical treatment. “I am supposed to return in September for my medication, but I do not know what I am going to do now. Here I am not being helped. I slept outside in the courtyard with women and children and got soaked by the rain. There was no humanity,” he said.
Department of Home Affairs spokesperson Luthando Mavuso said the department’s responsibility was limited to enforcing immigration legislation. He explained that the period during which a person is declared undesirable depends on how long they were unlawfully present in South Africa. “All we can do as Home Affairs is declare people undesirable. It is the responsibility of consulates and embassies to issue them with travel documents,” Mavuso said.
For many of those returning to Zimbabwe, the five-year re-entry ban carries consequences beyond immigration status. It could affect their ability to work in South Africa, continue supporting relatives who depend on remittances, access healthcare, and pursue employment opportunities that they say are not available at home. As hundreds return through the Beitbridge border, many remain uncertain about when or whether they will be able to return to rebuild their lives.
