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 international protocols signed between South
Africa, Southern African Development and Economic Community (SADEC), United
Nation (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)
