Refugees who fled their homes due to alleged xenophobic violence have found themselves in a severe humanitarian crisis on the pavements of Durban. For nearly two months, hundreds of refugees have been living on the street along Che Guevara Street in Durban, describing unbearable living conditions and experienced violence.
Raymond Ramsey, a 36-year-old man from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), one of those in the improvised camp, reported that he and hundreds of others have lacked proper housing for weeks. He emphasized that the group's only request is for the government to provide a safe place to live.
Tchomba Kasongo, 51, stated that the circumstances have seriously undermined his physical and mental health as he remains away from his family. He noted that life under such conditions is extremely difficult, especially after he was allegedly injured. Kasongo reported that since the alleged leg injury at a police station in central Durban, he has been feeling unwell and fears losing his mind.
In recordings obtained by IOL, the man warns Kasongo that his life is allegedly in danger because people are looking for him. He also claims that there are people who are paid to search for refugees or migrants. Kasongo added that the uncertainty forces him to live in constant fear and worry about the family he had to leave behind.
The Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign expressed deep concern over the situation of the refugees. The organization stated that even officially recognized refugees were forced to leave their homes despite having legal status. They claim that the refugees were threatened and persecuted, forcing them to move to public spaces without access to food, medicine, or shelter.
The campaign insists that the humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by broader socio-economic problems. In their view, hate groups exploit the discontent of the poorest segments of the population, directing it against the most vulnerable people. The organization clarified that the people on the pavement are seeking temporary protection, not permanent housing, as they are recognized refugees unable to return home due to conflict and persecution.
Meanwhile, Refugee Social Services warned about the spread of false information regarding aid offered to displaced refugees. The organization refuted reports of three months of rental assistance, calling it untrue. The service noted that this disinformation creates additional difficulties for those in need, forcing them to spend time and energy on trips only to be disappointed, as they currently have no funds to provide such support. The organization urged the public to verify information before spreading it.
For over a month, dozens of refugees, including women with infants and small children wrapped in thin blankets, are reportedly forced to sleep on the pavement in front of the Department of Internal Affairs offices on Che Guevara Street. They are enduring harsh winter nights after fleeing alleged xenophobic violence.
Since they had nowhere else to turn, families report that they have exchanged one danger for another, huddling together in the cold while awaiting assistance and hoping their pleas for protection will be heard.
Deborah Young of the South African Palestinian Movement noted that the humanitarian crisis is worsening daily as more displaced persons arrive in the area. She stated: 'The situation is very precarious – more people fleeing attacks in townships and suburbs have arrived in recent days.'
Furthermore, maintaining the camp has become more difficult after municipal support was allegedly withdrawn. Refugees near the Department of Internal Affairs office on Che Guevara Street told IOL that they fear a march scheduled for Thursday.
One refugee reported: 'The municipality [allegedly] stopped delivering water, and we rely on donations entirely. The municipality wants them to leave but does not help with housing. There is [allegedly] another march planned for Thursday.'
March and Rally leader Jacinta Ngobeze-Zuma said she had not heard about the planned march but promised to find out more details.
Refugee leader Bishop Raphael Bahbeba noted that the June 30th march in the central business district was successful, but he stated that xenophobia has increased in townships and rural areas. He added: 'People are being evicted, [allegedly] beaten, and tortured in rural areas. We do not understand the scenario, and it has changed our perspective here.'
Thousands of residents took to the streets of South Africa last Tuesday as part of marches organized by anti-immigrant groups. These groups announced a deadline for undocumented citizens from other African countries. Following this event, attacks were recorded, and thousands of migrants were repatriated.
The main reason for these events is the accusation by anti-immigrant organizations that immigrants are responsible for many problems affecting a large part of the population. These problems include mass unemployment exceeding 32%, rising crime, drug trafficking, and overburdened healthcare systems.
The protests took place in several cities where a large police presence was present. Furthermore, commercial businesses remained closed on Tuesday, and public transport operated on a limited basis. At the demonstration in Durban, one of South Africa's largest cities, placards were displayed with inscriptions such as: 'Stop hiding illegal foreigners. Stop hiring and housing them.'
These unrests forced the South African authorities to announce increased measures to combat illegal immigration and warned the public against vigilantism.
According to the Mozambican government, in the latest wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, at least 283 Mozambicans were attacked, their homes were burned, and property was looted. The Mozambican government is making efforts to assist and repatriate these citizens.
On Friday, the Zimbabwean government reported that over 56,000 Zimbabwean citizens residing in neighboring South Africa returned home since late May due to a wave of xenophobic violence and anti-immigrant protests in South Africa. On the same day, about 11,000 people, mainly from Malawi and Zimbabwe, were at the border town of Musina to process departure documents.
On Saturday, the Kenyan government reported the repatriation of another 60 Kenyans from South Africa out of fear of aggression, adding to the 151 people who returned on Thursday.
Currently, a number of African governments, including those of Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, have organized voluntary repatriation operations, using planes and buses to transport their citizens.
Xenophobic tension is a recurring problem in South Africa. Many migrant communities have been repatriated by their own countries, such as Mozambique or Nigeria, and South Africa has faced international criticism for xenophobia. The most severe surge of xenophobia ever recorded in the country occurred in 2008, when more than 60 people died. More serious disturbances recently took place at the end of 2019, when at least 18 foreigners died.
Several hundred Zimbabwean citizens seeking asylum at Shalcross stadium remained there after being displaced during anti-immigration protests held on Monday evening. About three buses carrying Zimbabwean citizens have already been taken home, but hundreds of people are still awaiting transport.
These individuals are forced to stay in harsh weather conditions without shelter or sanitary facilities. Among them are many women with newborns and premature infants.
When the Zimbabwean representation arrived at the stadium on Thursday, officials asked the media to refrain from photographing for security and protection reasons while they organized transportation. Fatima Ismail, a DA ward councilor present at the stadium, reported that refugees were removed from their dwellings in informal settlements in Umlazi, Verebadt, Demat, and Savannah Park during demonstrations by march and march supporters.
According to her, the police assisted some Zimbabwean citizens and brought them to the stadium grounds. Ismail noted that when she was called about a group gathered at the stadium, her main concern was the safety and well-being of these people. There were about a thousand people there, including mothers with newborns, some only a week old, and premature infants who were shivering together.
Since Monday, members of the Shalcross Public Safety Forum and security companies have been monitoring the area to ensure the safety of the refugees. Ismail also mentioned that several community organizations donated food, fruit, clothing, towels, and gift baskets.
The refugees expressed a desire to return home safely. Ismail described the situation as deeply sad and heartbreaking, emphasizing that regardless of the circumstances, vulnerable women, children, and families deserve respectful and compassionate treatment. She added that about three buses left Durban, and the foreigners could only take a few belongings. There is hope that those remaining will be transported from the stadium by the end of today before the predicted rains. Ismail appealed for help from the DA and Din MacPherson, Minister of Public Works.
