The KwaZulu-Natal Government and eThekwini Metro is pleased to announce that the process of reintegration is yielding positive results with only one shelter remaining in Chatsworth.
Tonight an agreement was reached between government and the representatives of the displaced African immigrants at the Isipingo shelter to relocate them to the shelter in Chatsworth where they will continue to receive social and essential services.
This marks the shutdown of the Isipingo shelter which now accommodated the remaining 200 displaced African immigrants.
Government is also pleased with the report back from African immigrants who have resumed their business operations in the communities they previously lived in.
Chairperson of the Provincial Inter-Ministerial task team for displaced African immigrants MEC Willies Mchunu said he was pleased that the matter has been amicably resolved through dialogue with full co-operation from all stakeholders.
“The displaced persons at the Isipingo shelter have agreed to be relocated to the Chatsworth shelter by no later than 6pm tomorrow afternoon. This will ensure that government rationalises the provision of services at the remaining shelter in Chatsworth and also fast-track the process of reintegration,” said Mchunu.
All parties agreed to respect the laws governing South Africa and government will continue to work with embassies to facilitate the process of repatriation for those who wish to return to their countries of origin.
Government also condemned the erection of illegal makeshift structures at the shelter in Isipingo saying that it was against the law and inhumane for people to live under such unhygienic conditions, especially women and children.
The issue of political opportunists using the plight of the displaced African immigrants for their own selfish and narrow interests was raised sharply at the meeting.
Deputy Mayor Nomvuzo Shabalala further appealed to the communities to work with government in ensuring that the reintegration process proceeds swiftly.
“As government we are going to work together with all stakeholders to find solutions and hopefully we will move with speed on matters of reintegration,” said Shabalala.
Government is however, satisfied with the progress of reintegration on the ground with no reported incidents of violence in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in the past three weeks.
Police are investigating all criminal incidents involving those who had been behind the attacks and looting of the property of African immigrants.
In this regard, a total of 432 incidents have been reported to the police, 265 cases were registered with a total of 225 perpetrators arrested. Currently 57 cases are before the courts.
