Riyaz Patel
Over 200 foreign nationals that were housed at two City of Ekurhuleni-run shelters in Katlehong have returned to their countries of origin.
The Metro said 96 Zimbabweans left Tsholo Hall, while 125 Mozambique nationals boarded three buses from the DH Williams Hall.
The respective consulates carried the costs for the repatriation.
The affected people were displaced during last week’s violent attacks on foreign nationals in parts of Gauteng.
“The mortal remains of Mr Isaac Sithole from Zimbabwe, who lost his life during the attacks at Mandela Park informal settlement in Katlehong, were also repatriated,” acting spokesperson Solly Mashabela said in a statement.
Ekurhuleni Speaker Patricia Kumalo officiated over a prayer service for Sithole’s send-off and led the procession into Mandela informal settlement for his family to perform cultural rituals.
“Kumalo urged residents of Ekurhuleni to denounce attacks on foreign nationals. She said the City will continue working with the relevant departments and embassies and consulates of different countries to curb the attacks,” Mashabela said.
The City of Ekurhuleni, he said, is working with concerned embassies, consulates offices, as well as the Department of Home Affairs legalise the undocumented, and to assist those who lost their papers during the attacks.
“The City, in addition to providing humanitarian services to the displaced, worked in collaboration with NGOs, faith-based organisations and relevant government departments to ensure safe repatriation of the displaced persons who wished to return to their counties of origin,” the statement added.
Mashabela said those who will remain will be reintegrated into local communities, adding that consultations with relevant stakeholders are already underway.
