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Gauteng government closes temporary shelters as more foreign nationals choose reintegration
1 October 2008
All remaining Gauteng temporary shelters for victims of May's xenophobic attacks were closed today as the remaining foreign nationals voluntarily reintegrated back into their communities.
There were around 20 000 displaced foreign nationals housed at various government properties in the province following the lamentable xenophobic violence in May.
Only half of those displaced sought and received temporary accommodation at the six temporary shelters which were set up all around the Gauteng province.
Reports from officials working at the shelters said there were around 1 800 people at the shelters by last week when the process of providing those who wanted to leave with financial assistance and food packages.
By yesterday, there were just 350 people staying at the two remaining temporary shelters (Rand Airport and Boksburg) and all who remained had indicated a readiness to take up the financial support offer and reintegrate into their communities.
The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) would like to thank all Gauteng communities who have heeded the call to lend a hand following the senseless xenophobic attacks which occurred earlier this year.
Our gratitude goes especially to communities which had to accommodate the setting up of all the six temporary shelters across Gauteng.
Furthermore, the GPG would like to express its appreciation to those citizens who have already welcomed the formerly displaced foreign nationals with warmth, love and respect and urge all Gauteng communities to maintain the same levels of peace and calmness that have been seen over the past few months. This proves that, indeed, many people in our province are committed to the processes of reintegration which continues to take place.
For more information contact:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
1 October 2008