Durban: The Department of Home Affairs has initiated the process of relocating asylum seekers and refugees who have been residing outside its offices on Che Guevara Road in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

According to South African Government News Agency, the relocation effort commenced at 5 am as instructed by the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration. The operation involves transferring a total of 278 individuals to the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp, Gauteng. This decision follows thorough discussions with relevant stakeholders and representatives of the affected communities, leading to a consensus on the relocation plan.

The IMC provided the displaced persons with two alternatives: returning to their original areas of residence or relocating to Lindela. After a series of consultations, the relocation to Lindela was accepted as the preferred option. Law enforcement officers are actively involved in escorting the group to ensure a smooth relocation process. Additionally, Che Guevara Road has been cleared to comply with municipal regulations and maintain public order.

Support during this transition is being provided by Gift of the Givers, which has arranged food parcels for the individuals involved. The government is also engaging with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to explore possibilities of resettling the group in another country.

The government recently criticized the violent incidents that occurred at Che Guevara Road, reiterating that immigration management and law enforcement are responsibilities that rest solely with the state. Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi emphasized this stance at a media briefing of the IMC on Migration.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli remarked that the provincial government is dedicated to fostering social cohesion, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that immigration and community safety issues are handled through appropriate legal and administrative channels.