The City of Ekurhuleni, following the recent outbreak of xenophobic attacks, established two sites that are currently housing about 800 displaced foreign nationals, 588 adults and 227 children.
According to Nhlanhla Cebekhulu, metro spokesperson, the two sites at DH Williams and Tsholo Hall in Katlehong, are housing foreign national that were displaced.
“The City has subsequently activated the joint operation centre to provide humanitarian and related assistance to the affected persons, as well as stabilizing the security situation in the region,” said Cebekhulu.
“The City is also providing standby mobile power generators, metro police patrols and escorts for transport of the affected persons and delivery of their necessities.
“Various non-governmental organizations and humanitarian assistance organisations responded overwhelmingly to the humanitarian situation.”
Among those organisations, which are continuing to provide to the need of the displaced persons are the Doctors without Borders, Red Cross, and other local NGOs and churches.
“Among the assistance provided are food, medical services, blankets, mattresses, toys for the children and sanitary material. Church services are also provided at the sites.
“The situation is currently stabilizing with few incidents being reported, among the recently reported incidents were shooting of three individuals at Nhlapo Section in Katlehong, and they were admitted to hospital.”
He said plans to reintegrate the affected foreign nationals to places from which they were displaced are already in place, as well as plans to document those who are undocumented.
“Those who wish to be repatriated to their countries of origin will be repatriated with the assistance of relevant government departments.”
