GROUNDUP: Chaos in KZN as immigrants rush to pop-up repatriation sites

Chaos erupted in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) as thousands of immigrants rushed to newly established repatriation centers, seeking to return to their home countries amid rising tensions and uncertainty. The situation unfolded rapidly, with overcrowded facilities and growing numbers of people arriving daily, often without adequate resources or shelter. In Durban, a temporary repatriation site known as the Old Drive-In became a focal point for the influx of displaced individuals, many of whom had been evicted from their homes, lost employment, or faced violent threats. As the government scrambled to process and assist these individuals, the demand far exceeded the available capacity, leading to severe overcrowding and logistical challenges.

The repatriation center at the Old Drive-In quickly reached its maximum capacity, forcing new arrivals to remain outside under harsh conditions. Many of those who arrived on Sunday found themselves spending two consecutive nights without access to basic necessities such as clean water, sanitation, or food. By Tuesday morning, the site had become a gathering point for hundreds of people waiting to gain entry. Minibus taxis continuously brought additional arrivals, adding to the congestion. It wasn't until 6 p.m. that municipal officials intervened, allowing women and children to enter the facility under police escort. Among those present was Rose Jesinao, who traveled from the Eastern Cape after learning about the repatriation efforts. She recounted her ordeal of having to spend the night outdoors without proper facilities. Similarly, Musa Saide, an undocumented immigrant working in a hardware store, shared his story of leaving behind his children with their South African mother due to lack of travel documents.

In Pietermaritzburg, the situation took a darker turn following a protest organized by the group March and March on Friday. This led to violent mob attacks in the Jika Joe informal settlement, resulting in one reported death. Despite previous denouncements of violent actions by March and March's leaders, the incident raised serious concerns about the safety of migrant populations. In response, Malawian migrants fleeing the unrest sought refuge in an abandoned government building owned by the Department of Public Works. By Monday, over 1,600 people had taken shelter in the structure, according to Stephen van Neel of the national immigration enforcement office for the Department of Home Affairs. Humanitarian aid organization Gift of the Givers coordinated transportation to Malawi, organizing multiple bus trips supported by local businesses. However, tensions escalated as people attempted to bypass queues for the buses, prompting intervention by metro officers using riot shields to control the crowds.

Amidst these developments, civil society organizations voiced their concerns, issuing an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign, comprising over 160 civil society groups, demanded immediate action to halt the "escalating crisis of pogroms, forced removals, and the displacement of migrants." They called for an urgent meeting to address the situation, requesting the cessation of violence, provision of humanitarian aid, and the arrest of anti-immigration movement leaders. Meanwhile, Police Minister Firoz Cachalia highlighted the financial burden of preparing for the June 30 deadline set by anti-illegal immigration activists, estimating costs at R600 million for the state treasury.

In a separate development, Floyd Shivambu, leader of the Afrika Mayibuye party, addressed concerns regarding tribalism and immigration in KwaZulu-Natal. He refuted allegations of institutionalized tribalism against Tsonga and Shangane communities, emphasizing that any derogatory sentiments were rooted in historical misunderstandings rather than systematic campaigns. Drawing upon his extensive political experience, Shivambu underscored the need for addressing socio-economic issues linked to undocumented immigration, which he associated with increased crime rates and impacts on the informal economy. He cited statistics showing that a significant portion of immigrants in South Africa work in informal sectors such as domestic labor and gardening, potentially displacing local workers. Shivambu also criticized the national government for overlooking the insights of traditional leaders and proposed alternative development strategies, including infrastructure projects and economic integration initiatives.

As the deadline approached, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia assured that law enforcement agencies were prepared to handle any disruptions. He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and security during protests, meeting with defense ministry representatives and provincial premiers to enhance coordination. The Ministry of Police planned to visit areas experiencing heightened instability to evaluate operational readiness and bolster policing efforts. While expressing confidence in the South African Police Service's capabilities, Cachalia acknowledged the complexity of managing the unfolding crisis amidst rising tensions and conflicting narratives surrounding immigration and community relations.