An international aid agency on Tuesday said it was preparing to deal with a possible 'exodus' of Zimbabweans leaving South Africa, amid threats of violence against foreigners in the country.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) warned that Zimbabweans were already leaving; reporting that unusually high numbers of trucks laden with furniture and household goods were crossing the border at Beitbridge, back into Zimbabwe. The IOM said that it "is currently working with the South African Government, UN agencies and local NGOs to plan for a possible exodus of vulnerable Zimbabwean migrants fleeing threats of post World Cup xenophobic violence in South Africa."
Tensions in South Africa have remained high after the football World Cup came to an end over the weekend, after rumours began circulating a that violence against foreigners would be unleashed when the tournament ended. Already in the past few days there have been reports of violence. South African security forces moved into townships in the Cape Town area on Monday after attacks and threats against foreign migrants workers. Scores of workers took refuge at police stations after shops run by migrants were looted and burned.
The IOM said on Tuesday that its reception and support centre located in the border town of Beitbridge has reports increased traffic of Zimbabweans who have decided to "temporarily" return home because of fears of xenophobic flare-ups in South Africa. The town of Musina, situated approximately 20 km from the Zimbabwean border, is a traditional entry point for a large number of Zimbabwean migrants. The IOM said in a statement that "cross-border flows over the last week of the World Cup were atypically characterised by trucks laden with furniture and other household goods, indicating that people are anticipating outbreaks of xenophobic violence and are sending their belongings back to Zimbabwe to minimise losses, and to allow for a quicker flight should they need to make a quick getaway."
"I cannot risk the life of my family while trying to watch the World Cup final," said Ellias, a 26-old Zimbabwean from Gwanda, who is married with two children. He was passing through Musina on his way from Mamelodi Township near Pretoria.
Over the weekend, the IOM conducted interviews with returning migrants on the Zimbabwean side of the border, with more than 90% of the 140 interviewed stating they had fled threats of violence. 10% stated that they had already suffered xenophobic violence prior to their departure.
"On-going contingency plans carried out with partner agencies include the pre-positioning of food and hygiene packs as well as measures to allow prompt document processing in case of a large influx of returning Zimbabweans. In addition, provisions are being made to provide adequate transportation from the border to various locations in Zimbabwe should the need arise," IOM spokesperson in South Africa, Newton Muli told SW Radio Africa.
Meanwhile, Zimbabweans in South Africa have told SW Radio Africa that they are very worried about the xenophobic threats that the government has been at pains to dismiss as rumours. Clement Sakhala, a Zimbabwean community leader in a town near Johannesburg said many Zimbabweans have chosen to leave their South African homes rather than risk possible violence. He explained that there have been meetings with the local police, who have since been trying to assure communities of foreigners that they will be safe.
"There is definitely an element of fear and we don't know yet what will happen," Sakhala said. "We have some confidence that the police and the local authorities will control the situation, but it is not 100% guaranteed."
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The govt of South Africa is partly to blame on the current situation in zimbabwe.when Mr Mbeki was in power he was not man enough to take a pragmatic stance on his so called ''friend''even Zuma himself promised he was gonna settle the situation but all politicians are alike esp in Africa sheer lies,deceit and double dealing.the political ,economic turmoil of zimbabwe meant the opposite for South Africa as more and more foreign investors,tourists who would have otherwise gone to zim flocked to South Africa.To all South Africans we are all born and bred under the african sun may we stop this malicious behaviour of robbing people what they have laboured for at least let them go back with what they have worked for.Remember ''what goes around comes around'' worse still if you live under the african sun.
The govt of South Africa is partly to blame on the current situation in zimbabwe.when Mr Mbeki was in power he was not man enough to take a pragmatic stance on his so called ''friend''even Zuma himself promised he was gonna settle the situation but all politicians are alike esp in Africa sheer lies,deceit and double dealing.the political ,economic turmoil of zimbabwe meant the opposite for South Africa as more and more foreign investors,tourists who would have otherwise gone to zim flocked to South Africa.To all South Africans we are all born and bred under the african sun may we stop this malicious behaviour of robbing people what they have laboured for at least let them go back with what they have worked for.Remember ''what goes around comes around'' worse still if you live under the african sun.
The govt of South Africa is partly to blame on the current situation in zimbabwe.when Mr Mbeki was in power he was not man enough to take a pragmatic stance on his so called ''friend''even Zuma himself promised he was gonna settle the situation but all politicians are alike esp in Africa sheer lies,deceit and double dealing.the political ,economic turmoil of zimbabwe meant the opposite for South Africa as more and more foreign investors,tourists who would have otherwise gone to zim flocked to South Africa.To all South Africans we are all born and bred under the african sun may we stop this malicious behaviour of robbing people what they have laboured for at least let them go back with what they have worked for.Remember ''what goes around comes around'' worse still if you live under the african sun.
The govt of South Africa is partly to blame on the current situation in zimbabwe.when Mr Mbeki was in power he was not man enough to take a pragmatic stance on his so called ''friend''even Zuma himself promised he was gonna settle the situation but all politicians are alike esp in Africa sheer lies,deceit and double dealing.the political ,economic turmoil of zimbabwe meant the opposite for South Africa as more and more foreign investors,tourists who would have otherwise gone to zim flocked to South Africa.To all South Africans we are all born and bred under the african sun may we stop this malicious behaviour of robbing people what they have laboured for at least let them go back with what they have worked for.Remember ''what goes around comes around'' worse still if you live under the african sun.
The govt of South Africa is partly to blame on the current situation in zimbabwe.when Mr Mbeki was in power he was not man enough to take a pragmatic stance on his so called ''friend''even Zuma himself promised he was gonna settle the situation but all politicians are alike esp in Africa sheer lies,deceit and double dealing.the political ,economic turmoil of zimbabwe meant the opposite for South Africa as more and more foreign investors,tourists who would have otherwise gone to zim flocked to South Africa.To all South Africans we are all born and bred under the african sun may we stop this malicious behaviour of robbing people what they have laboured for at least let them go back with what they have worked for.Remember ''what goes around comes around'' worse still if you live under the african sun.
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