06 January 2022
Shamila Ntokozo Mdlongwa
South Africa says over five hundred undocumented Zimbabwean migrants are arrested and deported daily in the country through the Beitbridge border post since the onset of strict security checks following complaints by South Africans of the influx of immigrants in their country.
The current situation at the Beitbridge Border Post is overwhelming and uncontrollable with thousands and thousands of Zimbabweans and other foreigners flooding the border town with a wish to enter back into South Africa going back to their homes, jobs and businesses.
This is happening at a time when the deadly and rapidly spreading Covid-19 Omicron Variant is still a cause for concern in Southern Africa.
There is no social distancing at the border and many are seen not properly wearing masks and some are not wearing them at all.
Last year January Zimbabwe and South Africa beefed up thier security at the border after realizing an increase in crime, illegal border crossing and smuggling of goods.
Every year the scenario at the at Beitbridge Borders Post recurs with many South African based Zimbabweans finding their way back to their places of work. But this time around the situation has been exercebated by the #PutSouthAfricaFirst taking its toll in Mzansi.
The hashtag was bagan by South Africans in and effort to conscientise their government to give priority to its citizens when it comes to employment and wealth opportunities. The campaign comes as the economic situation is crippling living standards in many countries.
Zimbabwe whose economy has failed to return to its glory days has seen an influx of its citizens flooding South Africa seeking better living opportunities.
Unfortunately the hashtag is against foreigners living and working in South Africa but has been targeted to Zimbabweans.
In the past week the law enforcement agancies from South Africa including the army through the ministry of Home Affairs has set up roadblocks from the border town of Musina to flash out illigal immigrants.
Apparently the seige is targeted mainly on Zimbabweans, thus the 20 kilometres apart roadblocks.
Uncorfimed reports claim that South Africans have taken the law unto their own hands and began flashing out undocumented workers in Johannesburg. While this is taking place, it is claimed that those found without legit papers are beaten up by the police and soldiers.
This has prompted the MDC Alliance South Africa chapter to issue a statement to the effect that,
“Equally puzzling are beatings being meted out on the hapless deportees by the soliders and police officers. The behavior of the soldiers is callous and underserved and should therefore be stopped promptly.”
Moreso, Minister Aron Mostoaledi is accusing Zimbabwean soldiers of corruption and taking bribes from people who smuggle goods and assist undocumented people to cross into South Africa illigally.
Min. Mostoaledi says three roadblocks have been setup in Musina because the authorities have noticed that there is a scam that involves drivers who when crosaing into the South Africa carrying illegal passengers stop at the border and let out the passengers who then illigally cross the border on foot while the drivers and the vehicles go through the proper entry channels.
Many Africans have spoken up against the treatment immigrants are the being subjected to at the border and that South Africa is losing its Africanism.
South Africa is one of the most developed African countries and many immigrants migrate to that country in search of a better life.
The alarming part about this chaotic situation is the number of Zimbabweans waiting to enter into South Africa leaving thier country.
Will they be able to find their way into Mzansi so as to go and grind for their families?
This then exposes the long sufferings and hardships in the Zimbabwe even under the new dispensation.
The government’s mismanagement of the country’s resources coupled with corruption and a downward spiralling economy has left many Zimbabweans with no choice but trek down to the City of Gold for survival despite the treatment from South Africans and its authorities.
And even though many may question South Africa’s doing but it is undeniable that Zimbabwe’s government is failing economically to sustain its citizenry thus the imploding situation.