| Safety of refugees 'a headache' |
|
The SAHRC met Home Affairs Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Tshwane mayor Dr Gwen Ramokgopa after conducting a fact-finding mission at the temporary shelter on Wednesday.
The meeting was also attended by local community policing forums, church leaders, the Somalia Association of South Africa and local NGOs at the Atteridgeville police station.
SAHRC spokesperson Vincent Moaga said there were criminals taking advantage of the volatile situation at the informal settlements of Brazzaville.
Moaga also called on the municipality to improve service delivery in the area as it was one of the factors fuelling locals' unjustified anger towards the immigrants.
"Some people are blaming the immigrants for illegal electricity connections and shortage of services even though they cannot prove that it is their fault," he said.
The commission said it was satisfied that the refugees had access to basic human rights like shelter, water, food, sanitation and medical care.
More than a thousand people, including about 30 children, have been given shelter at a local primary school after being displaced following xenophobic attacks at the Brazzaville informal settlement.
Meanwhile, the South African Red Cross, in a joint operation with the municipality's disaster management, is dealing with the humanitarian needs of the refugees, and is asking for food donations to be made to aid the situation.
Gillian Elson, chairperson of the South African Red Cross in Pretoria said non-perishables like mealie-meal, rice, and tinned food were preferable, as it was not known how long the refugees would be in this situation.
"Some donations have already been made, but not enough to help the large number of refugees," she said.
Donations can be made at the Red Cross in Edmond Street, Pretoria, and any further enquiries can be made to (012) 323 1477.
Police spokesperson Patricia Semelane said the situation at the Brazzaville settlement was under control with heavy police presence monitoring the situation on Wednesday.
She said the refugees still feared for their lives as more people had arrived at the temporary shelter.
Semelane said the refugees were under 24-hour police protection at the school.
"No one has been arrested so far. But we are keeping a close eye on the immigrants and the settlements," said Semelane.
|
|
