South Africa relocates Durban asylum seekers to Lindela centre

The South African Department of Home Affairs has begun relocating approximately 278 refugees and asylum seekers from a makeshift camp outside its offices on Che Guevara Road in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The group, which includes nationals from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Uganda, Mozambique, and Tanzania, had been living at the site since May following displacement from their homes and businesses due to anti-illegal immigration protests.

The relocation was directed by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, which offered the displaced individuals two choices: return to their previous communities or relocate to the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp, Gauteng. Following consultations, the option to move to Lindela was selected. Law enforcement officers are escorting the group to maintain public order and ensure compliance with municipal bylaws.

While some individuals agreed to the move due to security risks and difficult conditions on the streets, others expressed reluctance regarding the conditions at the Lindela facility. The government has stated it will continue discussions with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) regarding potential resettlement options in other countries. Additionally, the organization Gift of the Givers has provided food parcels to support the individuals during the transition.