A group of foreign nationals departing Kleinmond under a voluntary repatriation programme says they have no intention of returning to South Africa.
Around 140 people, most of them from Malawi and Mozambique, are being assisted back to their home countries after spending the past week at the Kleinmond community hall.
For some, the journey home brings relief after days of uncertainty and concerns over their safety. Others, however, are anxious about what lies ahead once they arrive in their countries of origin.
Kleinmond Repatriation Follows Tensions Over Undocumented Foreigners
The group was displaced from an informal settlement last weekend as tensions escalated over undocumented foreign nationals in the Overstrand region.
Following the incident, immigration authorities stepped in and offered voluntary repatriation to individuals who no longer felt safe remaining in the area.
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Among those preparing to leave is Malawian national Desmond Frank, who said he is experiencing mixed emotions about returning home.
“We are feeling good about going home, but we don’t know what kind of life we are going back to. There are uncertainties and when there are uncertainties, there are always negative effects,” said Frank.
More Foreign Nationals In Gansbaai And Stanford Set For Return Home
Government officials have confirmed that the repatriation process will continue in the coming days.
Approximately 300 additional foreign nationals currently in Gansbaai and Stanford are also expected to be repatriated as part of ongoing efforts to assist those who wish to return to their home countries.
While some have expressed relief at the opportunity to leave, many remain uncertain about their prospects once they return, highlighting the challenges that await them beyond South Africa’s borders.
