Durban refugee families endure 11 weeks on pavement outside Home Affairs

For an entire 11-week period, families of refugees have been enduring brutal winter conditions on the pavement in front of a Home Affairs office in Durban. These families, made up of babies, children, women, sick individuals, and the elderly, have been without proper shelter, food, warm clothing, water, and medicine. Numerous humanitarian organizations and volunteers have been working tirelessly to provide these essential items, yet the situation remains dire.

Deborah Ewing, from the Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign, a coalition dedicated to combating xenophobia and anti-migrant violence, has expressed deep concern over the worsening circumstances. She noted that the families, whose legal statuses in South Africa have been verified, have been forced from their homes, had their belongings stolen, and faced a host of additional hardships.

Ewing emphasized that the Refugees Act allows documented refugees to operate businesses to support themselves, yet their livelihoods have been entirely destroyed. Despite the efforts of various organizations, the refugees continue to be treated like criminals rather than victims, with allegations of police inaction and further attacks on returning refugees.

Ubuntu Army, an organization that has been closely monitoring the situation, highlighted the broader issue of racism and xenophobia, stating that the refugees are an "inconvenient consequence of racism that no one is prepared to acknowledge." The organization is frustrated with the lack of response from local government, domestic and international refugee programs, and faith-based organizations, which have either ignored appeals for assistance or offered insincere platitudes.

Bishop Raphael Bahebwa Kabambire, a leader at the camp, called for urgent intervention from the South African government, expressing the dire need for temporary shelter and food. He criticized the politicians and vigilante groups, who remain unaffected by the refugees' suffering. The eThekwini Municipality explained that the group was initially brought to the Home Affairs office for documentation verification on May 21 and was then offered two options: to return to their communities or be accommodated at the Lindela Repatriation Centre.

However, the refugees declined both options and have since been demanding accommodation from the city, despite violating public space regulations. The municipality stated that the group was given the opportunity to reintegrate into the community or be accommodated at the Lindela Repatriation Centre, but the refugees declined these options and have now been occupying public space unlawfully.