Durban refugees may request Lindela move: Home Affairs

The Department of Home Affairs announced that refugees and asylum seekers interested in relocating to the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Gauteng can reach out to their offices. This announcement comes after 274 foreign nationals were transported to the Krugersdorp location following their four-month stay outside Durban's Home Affairs office.

According to refugee leaders, 200 individuals opted to stay in Durban. On the buses to Lindela, 274 individuals were accompanied, where they will reside while the government explores options with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Wivine Bahati, one of the relocated refugees, highlighted the immediate benefits of safety and shelter provided by the move.

She expressed relief on behalf of her fellow refugees, emphasizing the ongoing unrest and trauma they faced during their four-month ordeal. Princess Adjei echoed similar sentiments, stating that leaving the pavements would ensure their safety. However, 200 refugees decided to remain in Durban, hoping for community reintegration.

Cyril Mncwabe, the KwaZulu-Natal Home Affairs Provincial Manager, disclosed that negotiations took place with the group for months before the transport. Two individuals were excluded from the transport due to their arrest following clashes with protesters. Five buses were allocated to accommodate the 282 people on the department's records.

However, the final number was 278 after excluding a mother with a sick child and two people involved in a confrontation with protesters. The SA First Forum welcomed the relocation, emphasizing the need to respect the human rights and dignity of all African people, including foreign nationals. Xolani Zuma, a spokesperson for the SA First Forum, expressed concern over the prolonged stay of refugees on pavements, advocating for a resolution to this issue.

Local NGOs are actively seeking suitable shelter options for the remaining refugees at Durban's Bulwer Park.