More than two hundred refugees refused to board buses heading to the Lindela Reception Centre in Gauteng, opting instead to seek shelter in Stella Park in Durban due to fears for their safety and uncertain future.
These refugees, who were residing near the Department of Internal Affairs offices on Che Guevara Street in Durban, declined to go to Lindela on Tuesday, claiming they feared an uncertain future. Reports indicate that about half of the refugees boarded buses for the trip to this facility in Gauteng, while over 200 people refused and moved to Stella Park. According to their representatives, the refugees had been living near the Department of Internal Affairs offices since May 22 after being forced to leave their homes.
Refugees Fear Lindela
The refugees expressed concern about moving to Lindela, which they described as a place notorious for violence, corruption, and human rights abuses. They stated that today, about half of the refugees who have been living on Che Guevara Street since May boarded buses for Lindela—the infamous prison complex previously used to hold illegal migrants before deportation.
The remaining group, more than 200 people, rejected this pressure and did not board the buses, instead moving to Stella Park. The refugees also noted that many of them have children attending local schools, which heightens their anxiety about being evicted from Durban.
Refugees Repeat Allegations of Attacks
The refugees also reiterated claims that they were driven out of their homes by mobs and that their businesses were destroyed or looted. They appealed to the South African public, reminding them that they are all documented refugees who were forcibly evicted from their homes by fascist mobs, while the police either stood by or accompanied the mobs, and their businesses were destroyed or looted.
They recounted fleeing repression and wars in their countries of origin, obtaining documented refugee status, being forcibly expelled from homes by fascist mobs, attacked by the police, and subsequently repeatedly assaulted by fascists in the streets where they desperately found refuge.
March and March Jacinto Ngobeze-Zuma, the march leader, rejected these accusations. She informed IOL that they claim they were evicted from homes by March and March, but never provided evidence in the last four months. She also asked why no case was being brought against them and what allowed them to say whatever they wanted.
The refugees also criticized media coverage of the situation, noting that it is 'distressing that the media continues to distort the situation and publish stories where we are not consulted.'
Community Prepares for Temporary Accommodation
Pruin Amar, chairman of the Glenwood UIP, reported that various parties are monitoring the situation, including the Metro Police Department, SAPS, the ratepayers association, the councillor, Glenwood UIP, and its 24-hour security service. Amar stated that transportation has been arranged for more than 200 refugees remaining in the area to move to temporary shelter. He speculated that the refugees should leave the area later on Tuesday.
The refugees expressed uncertainty about what will happen to them after moving to Stella Park. They stated that a government that takes human rights seriously must protect those who remain and shelter in Stella Park, take measures to provide safe temporary housing, and ensure necessary protection for returning to normal life. They added that today they are waiting to see what will happen to them in the park—whether they will be attacked by the police or fascists, or both, and whether they will have to endure dangerous weather.