On Tuesday night, 5 May an agreement was reached between government and representatives of the displaced African immigrants at the Isipingo shelter to relocate them to the Chatsworth shelter, where they will continue to receive social and essential services.
This follows last week’s stalemate when immigrants elected to live in makeshift structures in Isipingo rather than be moved.
eThekwini Municipality’s Executive Committee on Wednesday, 29 April approved a budget of R10-million to continue with relief efforts to assist displaced African immigrants after recent attacks against them in the city and other areas of KZN.
In addition, the provincial government will contribute R15-million towards these efforts, bringing the total budget to R25-million.
This follows the Sun’s report that mainly Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi refugees are left at the Isipingo camp and they were worried how they would afford to start up their businesses.
According to the municipality, over 1,200 African immigrants have been successfully reintegrated into the communities they were living in previously and more than 2,000 have been repatriated.
The joint KwaZulu-Natal government and eThekwini Metro task team charged with addressing issues around the reintegration, chaired by MEC Willies Mchunu, has been meeting daily to ensure that displaced African immigrants are reintegrated.
This process is followed by intensive dialogues involving the leadership and the communities on the need for peaceful co-existence with their counterparts from other countries.
The task team also includes Health MEC, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, Social Development MEC, Weziwe Thusi, Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation MEC, Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha, eThekwini Mayor, Cllr James Nxumalo, eThekwini deputy mayor, Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala and Cllr Nondumiso Cele.
Nxumalo said although the situation has stabilised, recent events have dented our reputation as a country.
“We need to make concerted efforts to ensure that we do not destroy the relationships we have with countries abroad, especially our African counterparts.”
Nxumalo also conveyed his appreciation to members of the community, non-government organisations, religious leaders and civic society groups who have donated food and clothes to the displaced. He also thanked those who have dedicated their time in assisting displaced African immigrants.
“Councillors should continue to conduct social dialogues within their communities so that any issues that arise can be discussed and resolved amicably,” said Nxumalo.
