Durban refugees divided over move to Lindela

Foreign nationals living outside the Durban Refugee Reception Centre on Che Guevara Road have been informed that buses will transport them to the Lindela Repatriation Centre on Tuesday. Over 200 documented refugees, hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Uganda, Mozambique, and Tanzania, have been residing in the area since May 22, seeking help with their documentation and immigration-related issues. They have taken shelter on the pavement with their belongings or inside vehicles.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, along with the Democratic Republic of Congo's ambassador in South Africa, John Kalunga Nyakeru, visited the site on Friday to evaluate the situation. Refugees have faced physical and verbal attacks from the March and March Movement in recent weeks. Ntuli urged officials to complete the verification and repatriation process, stressing that reintegrating those willing to return to their homes and repatriating verified refugees would foster social cohesion and improve relations between locals and immigrants.

The occupation of Che Guevara Road violates eThekwini Metro bylaws and poses a health risk, as it is not suitable for human habitation. Refugee leader Bishop Raphael Bahebwa, who led the group from the Democratic Republic of Congo, explained that they were driven from their homes by xenophobic mobs. He recounted how, in May, they were promised temporary safe shelter but never received it.

On Thursday, they were assaulted physically and had personal belongings stolen or destroyed, with two children and two adults requiring medical attention.

More than 100 refugees, due to the harsh conditions and risk of violence, agreed to go to Lindela, while over 250 refused to go, considering it a prison-like environment notorious for human rights abuses. A Congolese man named Abraham the chosen one expressed his frustration with the delays but acknowledged the need to follow procedure once they reach Lindela Centre. He stated they had no choice but to endure street life, which is difficult, unsafe, and unhealthy.

Alim Leung, the leader of Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign, which fights xenophobia and defends vulnerable migrants and refugees, noted that some refugees were packing to leave for Lindela, but concerns remained about those who would remain behind. She emphasized the need to ensure the safety of those going to Lindela and those staying, highlighting the difficult and uncertain situation faced by the refugees.