Refugees and asylum seekers in Durban divided over move to Lindela

A disagreement has arisen among over 300 refugees and asylum seekers who have been living on a Durban sidewalk for the past four months. The group took up residence outside the Home Affairs offices in May following reports of assaults on foreigners, who are seeking secure housing. The government's plan to relocate them to the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp has split the community, as some welcome the move for security and sustenance, while others argue Lindela is a deportation site and demand assistance to stay locally.

The refugees still on the sidewalk await information about transportation to Lindela. The provincial government has presented them with two relocation options: moving to the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Gauteng or returning to local communities. Princess Adjei, a spokesperson for the refugees, says they will experience shelter and food at Lindela, despite having limited mobility.

"I am taking the opportunity, and I am going to Lindela because here in South Africa, we have been made clear that refugee camps cannot exist; it is against the law," she explains. Last week, a clash occurred between the group and the Kafuti Muyumba, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, who refuses to move to Lindela.

Muyumba insists his life and family remain in Congo, as he has been a legal resident since 1990. He argues that Lindela is a deportation facility, and his papers preclude entry. Despite this, some refugees have agreed to move to Lindela. The KwaZulu-Natal Home Affairs manager, Cyril Mncwabe, notes that finalizing the move to Lindela is still underway.