Western Cape Disaster management centre held a meeting about the situation of the displaced foreigners

By Yamkela Xhaso
01 August

The Disaster Management Centre of the Western Cape briefed media about the latest progress about the latest registration process, mid and long-term reintegration plan and safety and security.

Disaster Management Centre of the Western Cape Head Doctor Hildegarde Fast told the press about the progress they have made.

“In May there were about 20 000 displaced foreigners and ever since the situation stabilised over 75% are no longer in sites.

“The majority of those left the sites have been reintegrated and a few have gone back to their homes.”

“Those remaining in sites, 60 percent were based in Cape Winelands and Soetwater, the remaining 40 percent were seeking refuge in Community Halls.”

Hildegarde said that the deadline for the registration was supposed to be the 3rd of June which they were promised by the Department of Home Affairs and they changed the deadline to 3rd of September.

“The temporary ID’s which have a six month guarantee will give the foreign nationals educational and medical needs. So far more than 4000 have registered” said Sfiso Mbuyisa of the Disaster Management Centre

‘So far we have given them two options repatriate or reintegrate”

Sfiso added that the challenges with moving more people to their communities were

Ø Acceptance of foreigners
Ø Resistance of foreigners
Ø Security
Ø Fear
Ø Depression
Ø Vulnerable groups
Ø Babies born on refuge camps



Gahlid Galant added that the removal process is very slow and the remaining fear for their lives, but they have put on a security that is operating “twenty four seven”

“For those who are still in trauma we have arranged trauma counselling and also those who have lost every thing especially businessmen will benefit under the business upliftment which has been taking place in places like Masiphumelele and Mossebai, added Galant