More Zimbabweans gather at Cape Town consulate

THE number of Zimbabwean nationals gathered outside the Zimbabwean Consulate in Cape Town continues to grow as fears mount ahead of the June 30 deadline set by anti-migrant groups calling for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa.

Hundreds of Zimbabweans have converged at the consulate seeking assistance to return home, with many citing growing uncertainty and concerns over planned anti-immigration protests.

The increasing numbers reflect rising anxiety among Zimbabwean migrants, many of whom say they fear for their safety amid heightened anti-immigrant sentiment in parts of South Africa.

Some of those gathered have already spent several nights sleeping outdoors while awaiting transport arrangements, with humanitarian organisations and volunteers providing food, blankets and other essential supplies.

As the humanitarian situation unfolds, businessman and ZANU-PF Central Committee member Kudakwashe Tagwirei has pledged US$1 million towards transportation assistance to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of affected Zimbabweans.

The funding is expected to support the transportation of up to 20,000 Zimbabwean nationals wishing to return home.

The donation comes as authorities and humanitarian organisations continue efforts to coordinate transport and provide temporary relief to those stranded outside the consulate.

South African authorities have also been processing voluntary repatriations through the Beitbridge Border Post, while urging transport operators and travellers to comply with all immigration and cross-border requirements to avoid delays.

The Zimbabwean Government is yet to provide full details on how Tagwirei's donation will be administered or when the transportation programme for beneficiaries will commence.

Meanwhile, humanitarian organisations continue to appeal for donations of food, baby products, blankets and hygiene items as the number of people seeking assistance continues to rise.