Refugees Accuse South African Government of Renewed Wave of Afrophobia and Xenophobia

Strategic Insights -

Refugees residing at the Wingfield tent and Paint City in Bellville have joined hands to accuse mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Minister of Public Works Dean Macpherson, and Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber of renewing a wave of state-backed Afrophobia and xenophobia. The refugees claim that plans to evict them are against their human rights and will expose them to harsh winter weather. They intend to host a public meeting to raise awareness about their plight and demand dignified living conditions. The Cape Argus approached the City for a response, but they referred to a previous statement issued on June 18. The refugees are being supported by various organizations, including Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia and the African Legal Students Association.

Key Takeaways:

  • The refugees, predominantly from the Democratic Republic of Congo, accuse the South African government of planning to evict them from the Wingfield tent and Paint City in Bellville, citing human rights violations.
  • The planned eviction would leave the refugees exposed to harsh winter weather and further marginalize them.
  • The City of Cape Town has stated that it will stick to its previous statement issued on June 18, refraining from providing further comments on the matter.
  • The refugees have received support from various organizations, including Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia, Khulumani Support Group, Save Our Sacred Lands, Housing Assembly, and the African Legal Students Association.
  • Kensington ward councillor Cheslyn Steenberg has pledged to continue advocating for the refugees' rights and has called for proof of the eviction submission.
  • Leslie Swartz, chairperson of the Kensington Factreton Residents and Ratepayers Association, has expressed support for the refugees' demands for stable, secure, and dignified living conditions.

Statistics:

  • The refugees residing at the Wingfield tent and Paint City are predominantly from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • A 12-meter section of the Wingfield refugee tent was slashed during the night, exposing families to winter weather.
  • The City of Cape Town has stated that it is in the submission process of the eviction plans.
  • The South African Human Rights Commission has not been approached to be part of the process.

Sources:

  • "Refugees join forces to accuse mayor and ministers of Afrophobia and xenophobia" by Cape Argus (no date listed).
  • Statement issued by the refugees' solidarity groups (no date listed).
  • Reply by the City of Cape Town, as reported by Cape Argus (June 18).