Foreign nationals who were in the camp near the Department of Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre in Durban were awaiting transport to the Lindela Repatriation Centre in the Gauteng province, having brought their belongings with them.
Government officials informed these foreigners that buses would take them to the Lindela Repatriation Centre on Tuesday. More than two hundred registered refugees had been living outside the Department of Home Affairs reception centre along Che Guevara Road, formerly known as Moor Road, since May 22. They require assistance with documentation and immigration-related issues.
Some refugees set up sleeping places on the sidewalks, leaving behind meager possessions, while others slept inside their vehicles. The refugees arrived from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Uganda, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
Violation of Local Bylaws
On Friday, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Tamsanga Ntuli, along with the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo to South Africa, John Kalunga Nyakeru, visited the area to assess the situation. In recent weeks, the refugees have been subjected to physical and verbal attacks by 'March' and 'Mart' movements. Ntuli called on officials to complete the verification and repatriation process. He stated that the plan involves the reintegration of those willing to return home, from whom they fled out of fear for their lives before the anti-immigrant marches on June 30, as well as the repatriation of those who went through the vetting process with the Department of Home Affairs.
Ntuli noted that the reintegration of those who wish to return significantly contributes to strengthening social cohesion and improving relations between the local population and immigrants. He emphasized: 'Occupying Che Guevara Road violates the local bylaws of the eThekwini metropolis and poses a threat to health. These conditions are unfit for human habitation.'
Eviction from Homes
Refugee leader Bishop Raphael Bahceбва reported that they are registered refugees who were evicted from their homes by xenophobic mobs. He recounted: 'In May, we were promised safe temporary shelter, but this promise was never fulfilled. On Thursday, we were physically attacked, and our personal belongings were stolen and destroyed. Two children were injured, requiring medical attention, and two adults suffered severe head injuries and were hospitalized.'
Bahceбва added that over one hundred refugees, due to desperate circumstances on the street, including the constant risk of violence, agreed to move to Lindela. However, he also stated: 'Most of us, more than 250 people, refused to go to Lindela, a place that is essentially a prison and is sadly known for human rights abuses. We want to continue living in peace and safety. Every individual and every family must make their own decision in this very difficult situation.'
Refugees Undecided on Decision
A Congolese man named 'Abraham Chosen' reported that they gathered their belongings and are ready to leave. He expressed disappointment over the delays but also noted the necessity of following procedure. He speculated that after arriving at the Lindela Centre, they would decide on further actions. 'We have no choice. Life on the street is not easy. We get sick; our brothers are arrested for defending themselves, their families, and their belongings. This is an unfair situation. We are homeless people. We are not proud of this. What can we do? God will find a way for us. We are not here illegally, nor are we taking people's jobs. We were self-employed,' he said.
Alim Leang, leader of the KZN campaign 'Siyafana Sonke', which fights xenophobia and protects vulnerable migrants and refugees, mentioned that people were planning to move to Lindela, but there were concerns that not everyone had voluntarily signed up for this move. 'Perhaps a significant number of refugees will stay behind. We are here to ensure that those going to Lindela are safe, as well as those refugees who remain are safe,' she stated.
