On the border between Zimbabwe and South Africa

"I went to Zimbabwe yesterday. Not something I thought I’d write (or do) when we planned to come to South Africa for a week’s programmes in partnership with the national broadcasters here, SAFM.

We’re in Musina in preparation for our first show at a truck stop just a stone’s throw from the border with Zimbabwe. We drove up there yesterday and a helpful border guard agreed to ride with us along the fence dividing the two countries – the route along the Limpopo river.

After a journey punctuated by regular crossings by baboons in front of us, we crossed a bridge over the Sandy River and we were in Zimbabwe. Just like that. We drove for another twenty minutes or so before turning back before returning to the border control.

ILLEGAL BORDER CROSSING

Our helpful guard told us that on one day alone they stopped – and returned -- more than a hundred Zimbabweans who’d crossed the river, and made their way over the three barbed wire fences. On one day he had to turn back a woman who’d come with her three month old baby.

His attitude was calm, without rancour. He clearly felt for these people who were so desperate they would risk so much to face the chance of arrest in South Africa, deserved sympathy and compassion. Many of the people he spoke to said they hadn’t eaten for 3 or 4 days. The South African authorities feed them before they’re returned, he said, and for many that alone made the journey worth the risk.

BIG CATCH

Before we drove off, our guard unlocked the gates that led down to the river and we watched as Zimbabweans, who had no intention of trying to enter the country, fished on the South African side of the river. One of them had landed a fish so big, our guard took a photo of him posing with it. It was good-natured, normal even.

As we left, we had the coaches and cars waiting by the roadside pointed out to us. We’d seen two women who’d made it across and wondered what happened next. For many, even if they evade arrest , they must wait for days in the bush land until they can find a lift (hence the waiting cars) or a pick-up from a “scout” who will, for a fee, deliver them to a big city like Johannesburg.

Even if they make it, they face discrimination and accusations of being criminals.

SPEAKING FOR THEMSELVES

Today we’ll talk to some of those people who got here, some of the farmers who round the “illegals” up and return them to the authorities and Musina locals who’s lives have been changed by this desperate influx."