Metro assists displaced foreign nationals after attacks
The metro has set up two sites where foreign nationals are being housed.
The metro, following the recent outbreak of xenophobic attacks, has established two sites that are currently housing about 800 displaced foreign nationals, 588 adults and 227 children.
The two sites, at DH Williams and Tsholo halls in Katlehong, are housing foreign nationals who were displaced from Mandela informal settlement and Nhlapo Section in Katlehong, among other areas.
The metro has subsequently activated a joint operation centre to provide humanitarian and related assistance to the affected people, as well as stabilising the security situation in the region.
Various metro departments are providing necessary support, such as waste removal, electricity supply and additional ablution facilities.
The metro is also providing stand-by mobile power generators, metro police patrols and escorts for transport of the affected people and delivery of their necessities.
Various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and humanitarian assistance organisations responded to the situation.
Among those organisations, which are continuing to provide to the needs of displaced people, are Doctors Without Borders, the SA Red Cross Society, and other local NGOs and churches.
Food, medical services, blankets, mattresses, toys for the children and sanitary material have been provided.
Church services are also held at the sites.
The situation is stabilising with few incidents being reported.
Among the recently reported incidents was the shooting of three individuals in Nhlapo Section in Katlehong on September 6.
The three were admitted to hospital.
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Plans to reintegrate the affected foreign nationals to the places from which they were displaced are already in place, as well as plans to document those who are undocumented.
Those who wish to be repatriated to their countries of origin will be repatriated with the assistance of relevant government departments.
Executive mayor Clr Mzwandile Masina visited DH Williams Hall on September 7 to assess the situation and to assess the support the metro is providing to the displaced people.
The following organisations, as well as other individuals, also donated to the cause to assist the displaced people:
• Anglican Baptist Church
• Seventh Day Adventist Church
• Agape Family Church
• Rockville Baptist Church
• ANC Women’s League
• Foundation of Love.
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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za.
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