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Statement on the relocation of foreign nationals at the central Methodist Church, Johannesburg
17 April 2009
Whilst the venue and the logistics to move people are in place, the Operations Team advised all the role-players involved to suspend the move. The report submitted by the team indicated that further intensive communication with the affected people need to be undertaken and a more concerted effort on communication drive by Government, United Nation High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the leadership of the church is needed.
Of the total population at the Church, the first group of 131 vulnerable people were supposed to be relocated. Therefore, proper communication to avoid confusion, despair and possible chaos has to be assured. Building trust and creating a sense of security in light of the xenophobic attacks last year is of paramount importance to the team responsible for addressing this challenge.
Some of the dynamics amongst the community at the Church have to be carefully managed in the most humane manner as possible. The mobility of some of the people who go out in search of opportunities has created challenges of reaching everyone who reside in and outside the church, hence the need to step up communication and co-operation between all the role-players.
All the role-players involved acknowledge the urgency of this matter. However, it is critical to do things right than be faced with far reaching challenges because of haste decisions. Relocation of the people will begin only after the intensive communication drive has been concluded.
All the stakeholders have committed themselves to address the situation in humane manner and also to observe internation protocols signed between South Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), UN and the region.
For more information, contact:
Lebogang Tladinyane
Tel: 011 355 5003
Cell: 082 372 5654
Daniel Ramarumo:
Tel: 011 355 5701
Cell: 079 877 9500
Issued by: Department of Local Government, Gauteng Provincial Government
17 April 2009
Source: Department of Local Government, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.dlg.gpg.gov.za)