Hundreds of foreign nationals have been left stranded after the Western Cape Government announced the closure of its repatriation centre in Epping, Cape Town on Sunday.
The facility served as a central base where individuals gathered to be processed by the Department of Home Affairs and their respective consulates before boarding buses to return to their countries of origin.
Despite the official closure, hundreds remain camped outside the site, requiring ongoing assistance from humanitarian organisations.
The Epping facility was established as a temporary, coordinated humanitarian effort between multiple spheres of government, law enforcement, and faith-based partners. It aimed to provide a safe, orderly pathway for displaced individuals who voluntarily elected to return home following recent periods of displacement and social tension in the region.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Western Cape Government confirmed that, together with municipalities, national government departments, humanitarian organisations, faith-based partners and law enforcement agencies, has successfully concluded the coordinated humanitarian support operation that assisted foreign nationals who voluntarily elected to return to their countries of origin.
It said all individuals who presented themselves in Epping have departed following extensive verification, registration and logistical planning undertaken by the department and supporting partners.
According to the Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, this operation demonstrated what can be achieved when all spheres of government, humanitarian organisations, religious institutions, transport providers and local communities work together towards a common humanitarian objective.
“We are deeply grateful to every individual and organisation that played a role in ensuring a safe, dignified and orderly process. I also want to thank our mediators who worked hard to defuse tensions. You played an important part in ensuring unrest did not erupt in our province. I am also deeply grateful for the engagements our International Relations Directorate initiated with affected foreign missions,” Winde said.
Temporary facilities established to support the operation have now been demobilised, and normal operations are resuming.
The Western Cape Government made it clear that no further transport logistics will be undertaken by municipalities for the purposes of repatriating foreign nationals. Reports of free transport services after are incorrect.
It further said foreign nationals requiring assistance are encouraged to engage directly with their respective embassies or consulates and to utilise normal immigration processes administered by the Department of Home Affairs.
However, hundreds of foreign nationals remained camped outside the Epping repatriation centre wanting to leave for their home countries. Humanitarian organisations continue to assist those left out in the cold.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) said any migration management measures must remain consistent with the Constitution and with South Africa’s regional and international human rights obligations.
“The Commission is also dismayed by reports of some embassies and consulates that have invited their nationals to present themselves for repatriation but have failed to allocate sufficient human and financial resources to ensure that this process proceeds smoothly and with dignity,” the SAHRC said.
The Commission has vowed to monitor developments across the country closely and consider all appropriate interventions, including legal measures where necessary, to safeguard the rights of affected persons and uphold South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
IOL
Robin-Lee Francke
iol.co.za