Staff Writer
Former Namibian bus driver Semfried Shilongo, who lost his eyesight after a violent attack in South Africa, says the Namibian government acted too late to repatriate citizens living there without proper documents amid rising safety concerns.
Shilongo told the Windhoek Observer that he was reflecting on his experience and the growing risks faced by Namibians in parts of South Africa, where tensions involving foreign nationals continue to surface intermittently
“The Government of Namibia acted too late to bring back Namibians who were in South Africa without the necessary documents,” Shilongo said.
He warned that delays in intervention could expose vulnerable citizens to danger, particularly during periods of unrest targeting undocumented foreigners.
“Many people may think this is a joke, but from my experience, if those groups decide to act, those people will be in danger. The government was too late to repatriate Namibian citizens,” he added.
Shilongo urged Namibians still living in South Africa, especially those without valid documentation, to consider returning home under government-assisted repatriation programmes, saying the situation on the ground can escalate quickly and unpredictably.
He further stressed that while not all South Africans pose a threat, isolated incidents of violence should not be ignored.
“Not everyone in South Africa is bad. The problem is that when some people decide to do something, they do not think twice,” he said.
“Many South Africans claim they are friendly towards Namibians, but that is not always true. I am living proof of that. When some people decide to act against you, they do not care who you are.”
His comments come as South Africa continues to face periodic anti-immigrant sentiments and pressure over undocumented foreign nationals, prompting regional concern and renewed discussion around the safety of migrant communities.
Namibia has in recent times intensified efforts to facilitate the voluntary return of its citizens lacking proper documentation.
Authorities have indicated that the repatriation process is intended to ensure safer, orderly returns and reduce exposure to possible xenophobic violence or exploitation.
Shilongo believes such measures should have been implemented earlier to prevent suffering among affected citizens.
Shilongo’s life changed in September 2023 when he was attacked while working as a long-distance bus driver in Johannesburg, South Africa. During the incident, he sustained severe injuries that left him permanently blind.
He was later evacuated to Namibia, where he received medical treatment before being discharged.
Unable to continue working as a driver, he has since relied on a disability grant while adjusting to life after the attack.
