Dramatic increase in Zimbabwean refugees threatens South Africa

By Tererai Karimakwenda
03 February 2006

In the last month or so the number of Zimbabwean refugees flowing into South Africa is reported to have gone up so drastically that organisations offering assistance are failing to cope. South African officials are said to have openly complained that the recent influx is overwhelming and affecting their ability to deliver efficient services to the local communities. There has been no formal investigation into exactly what is causing greater numbers of Zimbabweans to flee south in the last few weeks, but severe food shortages and recent dramatic increases in the cost of living have made it virtually impossible for many to survive at home. It is feared a total collapse may be just around the corner.

To get a sense of the scope of this recent mass exodus, we contacted Mbiko Moyo, an official with the Zimbabwe Torture Victims Survivors Project (ZTVP). This South Africa based group assists primary victims of torture who have sought refuge from the Mugabe regime across the Limpopo. Moyo said the last month has seen a massive increase in the number of refugees seeking their help. He told us because of their limited capacity they have turned away many victims lately, referring them to partner organisations. But that has not been enough as the partners cannot cope either.

Moyo told us that during the recent council elections in South Africa, candidates openly talked about how communities were having a difficult time coping with the large number of foreigners, particularly those from Zimbabwe. He said councillors believe Zimbabweans are affecting the quality of service delivery because resources are stretched. According to Moyo the police have gone to the extent of devising dramatic new strategies to deport illegal Zimbabweans. He said: “Two weeks ago, there were some unusual raids in which police units with about 100 officers each went around searching for illegals.” Moyo said it is now evident that Zimbabweans are seen as a burden to the South African community.