Channel Africa
Some South African (SA) bus operators are reporting a rise in the number of people travelling from SA to neighbouring African countries amid xenophobic attacks.
Bus owner Frank Hadebe says passenger numbers on his 65-seater bus have increased significantly, from around 20 passengers per trip to at least 60.
He says many travellers are also transporting personal belongings, including large household appliances such as refrigerators.
Hadebe believes some passengers are leaving the country due to fears for their safety ahead of a 30 June deadline set by certain civic groups calling on undocumented foreign nationals to leave SA.
Despite the increase in outbound travel, Hadebe says there remains a steady flow of passengers entering SA from Zimbabwe.
“There’s a huge difference in the number of people leaving SA for Zimbabwe since May. More people are leaving the country. From an average of 20 people, we are going up to 30, 40 and 50 people per trip. Some are saying they are not coming back, but others say they are going home to rest and will come back. People are taking with them refrigerators, couches and other large household furniture, which they did not take with them before,” says Hadebe.
