By Phumzile Qwabe
Despite the government offering transport to some of the refugees who had been staying outside the Department of Home Affairs offices on Che Guevara Road, formerly Moore Road, in Durban, some have chosen to remain behind.
Five buses arrived in Durban on Tuesday to transport some of the group to the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp, Gauteng.
The refugees were given the option of travelling to Gauteng or remaining in Durban. While some chose to leave, others decided to stay.
Mukulu Yohane, from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was among those who opted to remain in Durban.
Yohane said the South African government gave them the choice of going to Lindela or returning to the community.
“We then decided that some of us would go to Lindela and some of us would remain. I am one of those who chose to remain here.
“Now we are only waiting for clear communication from the South African government on how we will go back to the community, because we no longer have places to stay there,” Yohane said.
Yohane appealed to the South African government to educate communities about the rights of refugees, saying refugees are legally permitted to be in the country and deserve better treatment.
Another refugee, Alih Orh, said he was relieved to be leaving Durban for Lindela, as he believed his situation would improve.
“Now we’re not thinking about the situation. Right now, we’re thinking about going where they can give us shelter, where we can sleep. No matter how it’s going to be, it’s better than being on the road,” Orh said.
Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers Foundation was also on site to provide care packs to refugees before they boarded the buses.
The organisation’s Community Liaison Officer Bilall Jewaa said they’ve been supporting the displaced group since May 2026.
“The Department of Home Affairs asked us to be on site today to provide care packs as the refugees boarded the buses. We have been supporting them since they were displaced in May 2026, first on Moore Road and then here, with medical care, food, shelter and hygiene,” Hewaa said.
“My team and I are in contact with Home Affairs and will continue to assist, especially the families, once they have settled in Lindela until the matter is resolved.”
