We are not abandoning them says the city

By Nomava Nobumba
22 October 2009

Following an eviction application the City of Cape Town has brought to the Cape High Court, for more than 300 refugees left from the Blue Waters camp in Straindfointein to be relocated.

Director of Communications for the city Pieter Cronje says the city wants the refugees to be relocated because the site has been closed since last October.

However, Cronje says the city is not abandoning them.

“We have offered them post of alternatives and means of the assistance, including financial assistance for relocation, homes for people who have disabilities or sick and the skills training for those who are interested,” adds Cronje.

The United Nations is also reportedly willing to assist those who want to go back to their countries.

The city has displaced more than 20 thousand refugees after xenophobic violence.

The refugees were placed there after xenophobic violence erupted across the country last year.

The matter is expected to be heard again on Monday.