A refugee programme to be proud of

He was speaking at the launch of AMP, at the University of Cape Town campus, where the project leaders described how they were forging a response to the refugee crisis that South Africa can be proud of. They also screened a short film about the project, by TV producer Anna Telford, called A Better Life. AMP has assisted thousands of refugees in the past two years. It was named after Adonis Musati, a young Zimbabwean who died of starvation in Cape Town while waiting for his asylum application to be processed. He had not eaten for more than two weeks.

Distressed that such a tragedy could occur unnoticed in the middle of one of the most vibrant and progressive cities in Africa, Gahlia Brogneri and Terry Hodson founded the AMP to provide support and assistance for Zimbabwean refugees seeking asylum. How we respond as a nation to the human suffering of the refugees entering South Africa in search of help, is often dependent upon our own situation. The recent xenophobic violence is a matter of grave concern, but the national culture of ubuntu is very heartening said Brogneri. Each person may display a different way of dealing with a problem that will not disappear and needs to be addressed in a manner that will benefit everyone striving to make a living and provide for their families.

To date, AMP has assisted thousands of refugees with food, clothing, training and accommodation. It now has 300 refugees on its books, who are being helped and guided towards independence with many more approaching them each week. Until now, refugees have been housed in any ad-hoc shelter available. However, a half-way house on a piece of agricultural land between Kommetjie and Fish Hoek was recently made available and is now the home for 12 young refugee boys whom the project is assisting to get back on their feet. They moved into the house only days ago with their houseparents, who are also Zimbabwean refugees. Similar shelter is needed for other vulnerable groups the disabled, single mothers and widows. The AMP would also like to start training projects to teach the refugees entrepreneurial skills and enable them to contribute to the local economy.

The needs of these people are simple. Their immediate requirements are food, clothing particularly footwear blankets and shelter. For many of those who arrive penniless and starving after a harrowing journey, the only home is under a bridge on the Foreshore, where they gather. 10 volunteers manage the AMP, although another 20 help whenever possible, and every cent received goes towards helping the refugees. Office space in Salt River has been given free of charge and only the much-needed office manager, Zimbabwean refugee Barbara Zhungu, receives remuneration from a three-month sponsorship. When a 15-year-old child travels 1000s of kilometres, is traumatised, robbed, beaten and alone and says that his wish is to be able to send money home to his siblings without which they will die, he really means it, said Brogneri. This is a monumental load for anyone carry, let alone a child. To find out more about the Adonis Musati Project or to assist- either as a volunteer, or to donate food, clothing, or make a financial contribution – contact Gayle on 082 902 8781 or gayle@adonismusatiproject.org, or visit: www.adonismusatiproject.org.