Roughly 2,000 Zimbabwean nationals assembled outside the Department of Home Affairs repatriation centre in Epping, Cape Town, on Monday, hoping to secure places on buses transporting undocumented migrants back to Zimbabwe.
The large gathering comes as the March and March Movement continues to push for all undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa by June 30, prompting many Zimbabweans to seek voluntary repatriation before the deadline.
Families Endure Harsh Winter Conditions
Many of those waiting spent Sunday night sleeping outdoors in cold and rainy weather after arriving at the centre.
Along Grenville Avenue, families covered themselves with blankets, while others spread bedding across pavements and against nearby walls as they waited for their opportunity to begin the processing procedure.
As daylight arrived, blankets were draped over fences and hedges to dry, while exhausted adults and children attempted to rest.
Police officers maintained a visible presence around the area as crowds gathered near the entrance.
Hope Builds Each Time the Gates Open
Throughout the day, hopeful applicants repeatedly rushed toward the facility’s entrance whenever movement was seen at the gates, believing officials might begin admitting more people for processing.
Many remained determined to complete the required formalities despite uncertainty over how quickly the centre could accommodate the growing number of applicants.
Aid Organisations Step In to Provide Relief
Humanitarian assistance has been provided by the Methodist Church of Southern Africa and Gift of the Givers, both of which have supplied food to people waiting outside the facility.
However, church leaders say the rapidly increasing number of people has placed considerable pressure on available resources, making it increasingly difficult to meet everyone’s basic needs.
Concern Grows Over Children Sleeping Outside
Rev. Sikawu Makubalo of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa expressed particular concern about the welfare of children forced to spend nights in the open.
He warned that anti-migrant tensions could separate families during the repatriation process, arguing that children should not be separated from their parents and highlighting the emotional impact such experiences could have on young people.
Makubalo added that while food assistance has continued, urgent shortages of essential supplies, particularly nappies for infants, have become a growing concern.
Relocation Followed Closure of Initial Processing Site
According to Makubalo, many Zimbabwean nationals had initially gathered outside the Zimbabwean Consulate in Zonnebloem, where repatriation procedures were first being handled.
The location, however, proved too small to accommodate the large crowds.
Following efforts by city authorities to clear the area because it is situated within a residential neighbourhood, applicants were advised to relocate to the Home Affairs office in Epping.
Many interpreted the move as an indication that processing would continue there.
Limited Facilities Complicate Operations
Officials reportedly opened the Epping office on Sunday in an effort to accelerate processing, encouraging approximately 1,400 people to relocate from the previous site.
Despite the move, Makubalo said the centre lacks adequate facilities for the large crowds.
Requests to erect temporary tents were not approved, forcing hundreds of families to remain exposed to winter weather while humanitarian organisations continue discussions with officials over additional assistance.
Many Determined to Return Before Deadline
Despite the difficult conditions, many Zimbabwean nationals waiting outside the centre said they remain committed to returning home before the June 30 deadline.
For many families, enduring cold nights and long queues has become a necessary step in completing the repatriation process as South Africa’s immigration debate continues to intensify.
