Over 100 Zambians in SA want to return

By MUBITA KATETE 

MORE than 100 Zambians living in South Africa have asked Government to help them return home following anti-immigration protests that have been reported in some parts of the country.

Government says it is working through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Defence and the Zambian High Commission in Pretoria to assist citizens who have voluntarily decided to return.

According to Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation Etambuyu Gundersen, 47 Zambians were brought back home last month under the ongoing repatriation programme.

Ms Gundersen said on Saturday, officials from the Zambian High Commission travelled to Durban and East London to help coordinate the return of more Zambians who had registered to come back.

Government said the exercise was being carried out in partnership with South African authorities and other stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Zambians living in South Africa have been encouraged to register on the ZamSA Connect platform so that the Zambian mission can easily communicate with them and provide assistance whenever needed.

Government has also assured the public that no Zambian has been reported injured during the anti-immigration protests.

Ms Gundersen assured that Government will continue monitoring the situation while helping citizens who wish to return safely to Zambia.

Ends.