MEDIA STATEMENT
EMBARGO: Immediate
DATE: 19 June 2026

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UPDATE ON THE DISPLACEMENT AND VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION OF FOREIGN NATIONALS

Since Monday, 8 June 2026, incidents of intimidation and threats of violence directed at foreign nationals resulted in 1,239 persons, comprising 1,019 adults and 220 children, being temporarily accommodated at the Bredasdorp Community Hall.

Over the past 11 days, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant foreign consulates coordinated the registration, verification and voluntary repatriation of affected foreign nationals. During this period, the Cape Agulhas Municipality provided temporary shelter and facilitated the provision of humanitarian assistance to displaced persons.

The following voluntary repatriations took place:

• Zimbabwe: 7 Buses 495 People
• Mozambique: 1 Bus 23 People
• Malawi: 10 Buses 721 People
• Total: 18 Buses 1 239 People

The final two buses departed late yesterday evening, concluding the voluntary repatriation process, and it is hereby confirmed that the Bredasdorp Community Hall has been vacated and is once again available for normal public use.

The Municipality wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Police Service, the relevant foreign consulates, as well as all organisations, businesses, volunteers, municipal councillors and officials who contributed to the voluntary repatriation process and humanitarian response during this challenging period. Their collective efforts ensured that displaced persons received essential assistance and were treated with dignity and care throughout the process.

ENDS

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Wessel Rabbets
Municipal Manager
Cape Agulhas Municipality
P O Box 51
Bredasdorp 7280