EThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, has called on the Minister of Home Affairs to urgently intervene in resolving the situation involving foreign nationals currently camping outside the Home Affairs office in Durban by securing suitable temporary accommodation.
This follows concerns raised by the group about safety in their places of residence, which has resulted in their reluctance to return to where they live.
Mayor Xaba emphasised that the municipality does not have facilities to accommodate them, and that they cannot be allowed to remain on the streets without access to basic necessities, especially in a country that prides itself on a culture of human rights.
He added that the City stands ready to provide transport and Metro Police support to facilitate the safe and orderly relocation of those affected to facilities identified by the Minister.
Mayor Xaba further noted that eThekwini continues to face mounting pressure on municipal resources as a disaster-prone city, particularly as it grapples with the ongoing challenge of securing permanent accommodation for flood victims currently housed in temporary emergency facilities across the city.
“I also want to stress the importance of tightening controls in the immigration offices and the elimination of fraud to ensure that permits are given to deserving asylum seekers,” said Xaba.
Deal Room Delivers