Durban refugees on Moore Road fear confrontation ahead of planned march

Refugees living in Durban's Moore Road area fear confrontation ahead of a planned march by the anti-migrant group March and March. The refugees, mostly from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Rwanda, have been living on the streets outside the Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre for about four months. The group is at the center of a dispute over immigration, community safety, and the treatment of people legally in the country.

Tensions are expected to rise further on Thursday when the march is scheduled to take place. Bishop Raphael Bahebwa, a refugee leader, stated that the refugees are fearful of another confrontation and emphasized that they need protection from authorities, particularly because women, children, and sick people are among them living on the pavement.

The refugees have no weapons and do not wish to fight but fear they may have to defend themselves. Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of March and March, claimed the planned action would send a message to the government that rules should be enforced equally. However, community members and organizations are also concerned about the refugees' living conditions.

Michelle Tryon, from Destiny Fulfilled NPC, expressed her distress at seeing children, including babies, sleeping on the streets. She supported strict border controls but argued that refugees who are legally in the country should not be treated the same as undocumented migrants. Destiny Fulfilled NPC provided basic necessities to the refugees while trying to understand their circumstances.

Ntuli, KwaZulu-Natal Premier, said the provincial government is working towards finding a solution to the situation and emphasized that social cohesion extends beyond South African citizens. He also warned against confrontation and stressed the importance of following the law.