De Lille visits refugee camps

By Tina George
08 June 2008

Refugee camps Soetwater and Youngfield in Cape Town were visited by the Independent Democracts party leader and members on Sunday.

According to ID president Patricia De Lille, the purpose of the visit was to assess progress being made in reversing the crisis and to thank Disaster Management and volunteers for the long hours they have put into relieving the humanitarian crisis.

“What we have seen is that currently there is no proper and practical plan to deal with the crisis caused by the xenophobic attacks. We are calling on Government to use the resources at its disposal to find a permanent solution to this problem,” says De Lille.

While the situation in Soetwater remains tense De Lille adds that they are concerned that the people staying in Soetwater are being held hostage by a few refugees.

“The police have been called in and our suggested solution is that we need a mediation team to unlock the situation to find out whether they want to stay in South Africa or return to their home country.”

“The refugee camp at Youngfield is well administered by Disaster Management and volunteers and we must especially thank the community of Kenwyn for making special arrangements for feeding and bathing affected children.”

De Lille added that they are calling on political leaders not to criticise Disaster Management and the volunteers as they are trying their best under very difficult circumstances