SA starts deportation of foreigners

A representative of the organisation working to assist Zimbabweans in South Africa has said the neighbouring country has started the deportations of foreigners amid revelations Zimbabweans are likely to be affected most by the wave of deportations.

Migrant Workers' Association-SA (MWA-SA) representative Butholezwe Nyathi said as people might be aware, deportations have started on a serious note.

"This is in reaction to the issues raised by South Africans regarding the number of foreigners, especially the illegal/undocumented foreigners," he said. "Unfortunately, there is little we can do in our individual or organisational capacity to STOP that process. Every country has a right and governments have an obligation to control the immigration activities. We have to respect that as part of the right of South Africa and South Africans."

He said "I must also mention that the ear we used to get from the South African Home Affairs officials is no longer there, I honestly don't know what demotivated them. At one time I thought maybe the 40000 DZP holders who didn't renew to ZSP was the reason, I still can't find the reason. We still get responses here and there and know that those officials can be re-engaged but it is no longer the same. Talking to them gets one a one-worded unclear answer and it isn't helpful at all."

Nyathi said going forward, it has always been their passion not to be cry babies but to be PRO-ACTIVE to ensure that as the situation changes, they alleviate suffering.

"The Migrant Workers' Association-SA (MWA-SA) seeks to intervene in ensuring that employers will not keep people's money after people have been arrested and deported," he said.

"Through our programme called DEPORTATION LINK, we seek to work with the South African officials to RECOVER benefits due to any arrested or deported illegal immigrant. MWA-SA DEPORTATION LINK establishes contact points in the country of origin and specific procedures should be followed to register for the recovery of benefits."

"Contact us for more on this programme....mandatory requirements are that: one has to register and be a member of MWA-SA, One has to be a member of a union operating in their workplace, if the workplace is not unionised, MWA-SA will guide you accordingly. We work with COSATU affiliated unions and this is necessary because the LOCAL SHOP STEWARD will handle your case with your employer. When arrested, one has to initiate the process for MWA-SA to continue to seek recovery of benefits," he said.

"Note: This is a specific programme aimed at addressing issues that are coming with this deportation process and it is strictly voluntary, those who feel they can make means for themselves, please do so as a proactive measure. We are also aware of loss of property where people are staying. We have to come up with means of protecting the property otherwise the LANDLORDS will grab those beds, TVs and kitchen stuff."

Nyathi said there are a lot of challenges in Africa and one day when hopes are high to get responsible governments in the source countries, people will stay, work and spend time with their families in their countries. "Our struggle continues unabated," he said.