SACC's plea to KZN authorities over destitute foreigners

Farming couple Andrew and Rae Wartnaby opened their home to the group after the Chatsworth camp that had been housing migrants who had fled xenophobic violence in Durban was closed down by eThekwini authorities at the end of June.

The Mkhambathini Local Municipality has now given the Wartnabys until the 9th of September to evict the foreign nationals saying they are in violation of as yet unspecified municipal by-laws. 

Acting General-Secretary of SACC Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana says kicking them out will not help the situation.

''These are recorded, registered refugees in terms of the United Nations protocols and therefore there has to be a way in which they are dealt with -  in a way that meets the international standards, rather than giving them a deadline to move out of the farm because if that happens then there will have to move to another location at a further expense,'' he said.

The SACC as well as  NGOs Gift of the Givers and Doctors without Borders have been helping the Wartnabys by assisting with tents, food, clothing and other services for the foreigners. 

(Photo: Khatija Nxedlana)