Durban refugees divided over move to Lindela

Foreign nationals camped outside the Department of Home Affairs Durban Refugee Reception Centre with their packed belongings while waiting to transported to the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Gauteng.

Image: Zainul Dawood

Foreign nationals camping outside the Durban Refugee Reception Centre were told by government officials that buses would take them to Lindela Repatriation Centre on Tuesday.

More than 200 documented refugees have been living outside the Department of Home Affairs reception centre along Che Guevara Road, formerly Moore Road, since May 22. They seek assistance with their documentation and immigration-related matters.

Some have made their beds on the pavement, with their meagre belongings stacked beside them, while others sleep inside their vehicles. The refugees are from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Uganda, Mozambique and Tanzania.

Contravention of bylaws

On Friday, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, together with the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to South Africa, John Kalunga Nyakeru, visited the site to assess the situation on the ground.

In recent weeks, the refugees have endured physical and verbal attacks from the March and March Movement. Ntuli called on officials to finalise the verification and repatriation process. He said the plan was to reintegrate those who are willing to return to their homes, which they fled in fear for their lives ahead of the anti-immigrant June 30 marches, and repatriate those who have undergone a verification process through Home Affairs.

Ntuli said the reintegration of those who are willing will go a long way in forging social cohesion and improving relations between locals and immigrants.

"The occupation on Che Guevara Road is in contravention of eThekwini Metro bylaws and poses a health risk. These conditions are not suitable for human habitation," he said.

Driven from their homes

Refugee leader Bishop Raphael Bahebwa said they were documented refugees who were driven from their homes by xenophobic mobs.

“In May we were promised safe temporary shelter, but that promise was never kept. On Thursday, we were physically assaulted and had personal belongings stolen and destroyed. Two children suffered injuries requiring medical attention, while two adults sustained severe head injuries and had to be hospitalised,” he said.

Bahebwa said more than 100 refugees, due to the desperate circumstances on the street, including the ongoing risk of violence, had agreed to go to Lindela.

“The majority of us, more than 250, have refused to go to Lindela, a place that is effectively a prison and is notorious for human rights abuses. We wish to be able to continue with our lives in peace and safety. Each person and each family has to make their own decision in this very difficult situation,” he said.

Refugees undecided

A Congolese man, who went by the name "Abraham the chosen one", said they were packed and ready to leave. He was frustrated by the delays but also said they had to follow procedure. He said once they reach Lindela Centre, they would make a decision on what to do.

“We have no choice. Street life is not easy. We are getting sick; our brothers are being arrested for defending themselves, their families, and their belongings. This is an unfair situation. We are homeless people. We are not proud of it. What can we do? God will make a way for us. We are not here illegally and have not stolen anyone's jobs. We were self-employed,” he said.

Alim Leung, the KZN leader of Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign, which fights xenophobia and defends vulnerable migrants and refugees, said people were packing to leave for Lindela; however, there were concerns that not everyone had voluntarily signed up.

“There might be a significant number of refugees that will remain behind. We are here to make sure that those going to Lindela are safe, and those refugees that remain are safe as well,” she said.

IOL

Alim Leung, Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign KZN leader, was concerned about the safety of the refugees camped along Che Guevara Road, formerly Moore Road, since May 22, 2026.

Image: Zainul Dawood