40 Kenyans register to be repatriated from South Africa over rising xenophobia
Kenyan Diaspora in South Africa (KEDASA) Secretary General William Thegeya said Kenyans across various provinces are seeking assistance after being.
Supporters of Operation Dudula, which campaigns against undocumented migration, are demanding more enforcement. Critics accuse it of fueling xenophobic sentiment. (Mohamed Shiraaz/dpa/picture alliance)
Vigilante attacks on foreign nationals amid a wave of xenophobia in South Africa have prompted at least 40 Kenyans to plead for repatriation.
Speaking to The Eastleigh Voice on Friday, Kenyan Diaspora in South Africa (KEDASA) Secretary General William Thegeya said Kenyans across various provinces are seeking assistance after being attacked and having their properties torched or confiscated.
"I have a list of 40 so far and more just waiting if the response is positive from the government," said Thegeya.
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He added that one Kenyan in Cape Town has requested help through KEDASA to obtain an emergency travel document from the High Commission to enable him to fly from Cape Town International Airport.
"His itinerary, application for Emergency Travel Document (ETD), and proof of payment were attached to the email sent to the Embassy, but the Consular team does not want to help. They insist he must travel in person to the Mission despite the fact that we have assured them the applicant is a Kenyan. This is the kind of arrogance we fear our people may face," said Thegeya.
According to him, travelling from Cape Town to Johannesburg is a 1,600‑kilometre journey with countless roadblocks that the person may not survive. It is also costly to travel.
A communication from the Consular Section in Pretoria to KEDASA requested the affected Kenyan to present himself to the Mission for assistance.
"We acknowledge receipt of your email on the above‑referred subject matter. Kindly advise the applicant to present himself to the Mission for processing and issuance of the Emergency Travel Document (ETD)," advised the Consular.
Thegeya explained that there is now growing fear among foreigners living in black townships and informal settlements.
"There is now open hatred and advocacy for all African foreigners to leave South Africa as some local organisers of matches are going door to door threatening and even forcing landlords to evict foreigners," he noted.
KEDASA has compiled a list of Kenyans who have volunteered to be repatriated.
"I know the list will grow should the embassy organise for these people to be repatriated. We will be sending this list to the Embassy, and I hope they will respond positively."
The lobby regretted that the High Commission is not cooperating despite constant requests for assistance.
When President Ruto visited South Africa last week, the group mobilised Kenyans to meet him over their grievances, but their request was blocked.
Nigeria has meanwhile become the latest African state to repatriate its citizens from South Africa following rising anti‑migrant sentiments.
A flight carrying 268 Nigerians landed in Lagos after leaving Johannesburg on Thursday morning. The passengers were part of about 1,000 people registered for repatriation by the Nigerian consulate.
Ghana, Zimbabwe and Malawi have already carried out evacuations ahead of a June 30 deadline set by campaigners for undocumented migrants to leave.
Many Africans moved to South Africa after the end of white‑minority rule in 1994, hoping for a better life.
But with unemployment above 30 per cent, anti‑migrant sentiments have grown, with protest marches in major cities and xenophobic attacks reported.
Kenya has remained silent on whether it will repatriate its nationals affected by the violence.