Cape Town to facilitate Zimbabwean nationals for voluntary repatriation amid rising tensions

Large crowds have gathered at the Zimbabwe Consulate in District Six, Cape Town. Many Zimbabwean nationals say they are seeking processing to return home before the planned 30 June march, fearing possible tensions

The City of Cape Town says Zimbabwean nationals gathered outside the Zimbabwean Consulate in District Six will be relocated to the Department of Home Affairs Repatriation Centre in Epping on Sunday as part of a voluntary repatriation process.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the City said the relocation would commence at 9am on Sunday, June 28, in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs and the Zimbabwean Consulate.

Large crowds have gathered outside the Zimbabwean Consulate in District Six in recent days. Many Zimbabwean nationals say they are seeking to have their voluntary repatriation processed before the planned march on June 30, citing concerns about possible tensions. The Cape Argus has not independently verified the reasons given by those gathered.

Hundreds of Zimbabwean nationals gathered outside the Zimbabwean Consulate in District Six are set to be relocated to the Home Affairs Repatriation Centre in Epping on Sunday as part of a voluntary repatriation process.

According to the City, the Home Affairs Repatriation Centre in Epping will be the only official site where Zimbabwean nationals seeking voluntary repatriation will be processed before being transported to the Beit Bridge border post.

The City urged Zimbabwean nationals wishing to be repatriated not to report to the Zimbabwean Consulate, saying requests for voluntary repatriation will not be processed there.

"The Epping Repatriation Centre will be the sole official site for processing before residents are transported to Beit Bridge," the City said.

The City of Cape Town says Zimbabwean nationals gathered outside the Zimbabwean Consulate in District Six will be relocated to the Home Affairs Repatriation Centre in Epping on Sunday for voluntary repatriation processing.

The City said the relocation is intended to move the process to a facility equipped to accommodate the number of people seeking voluntary repatriation.

City Safety and Security services will be on site to maintain public order and assist with the relocation. The City's Traffic and Cleansing departments will also manage access routes and waste management in the area.

The municipality thanked humanitarian organisations assisting those gathered outside the consulate and urged residents and members of the public to avoid the immediate vicinity during the relocation.

Anyone requiring emergency assistance can contact the City's Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.

The City said it remained committed to ensuring the relocation and voluntary repatriation process is carried out in a safe, orderly and humane manner.