Operation Dudula to march to Diakonia centre in Durban
The Diakonia Council of Churches says it will lend an ear to Operation Dudula members who will march to the Durban centre on Thursday to deliver a petition.
Interim Coordinator Reverend Ian Booth says the group informed the council of its plan to march to the Diakonia centre weeks ago.
"We don't know what's in the petition, the Diakonia Centre houses a number of NGOs that work with foreigners, so we are guessing it has to do with that.
“We can't not meet them they've done everything to gain permission. So we will meet them and receive their petition but we need time to peruse and respond.”
Booth believes the centre's being targeted because of the housing assistance they provide to refugees and foreign nationals.
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He says while they're aware that some foreigners have entered the country illegally, anyone who visits the Diakonia Centre will be treated with dignity and protection.
"We stand for human rights, the Diakonia Centre has been there since 1976, many people in government to refuge there from those who wish to harm them. Diakonia Centre will continue to do that to protect the vulnerable.”
