Action Support Group delivers petition to SA Home Affairs

By Tererai Karimakwenda
07 Sept 2005

A demonstration was held in Johannesburg on Wednesday by Zimbabweans who say they are frustrated with the treatment of exiles in South Africa and believe it is time to take action. Known as The Action Support Group, the Zimbabweans marched from Berea Park and delivered a petition to the Home Affairs Department. What they are asking for is improved access to legal papers for Zimbabweans, an end to harassment by the police, and the closure of the Lindela Repatriation Centre.

Support Group chairman Remember Moyo said he is very happy about the turnout. He estimated about 400-600 Zimbabweans showed up for the event, along with many reporters from the international media. Moyo said the deputy director of South Africa’s Home Affairs department accepted their petition and addressed the group briefly, promising to deliver the petition to the minister.

The demonstration took place the day after SABC television exposed policemen in Johannesburg extorting bribes from illegal immigrants. The programme confirmed the allegations that Zimbabwean immigrants have been making for years now.