CAPE TOWN - Since the formation of the De Doorns camp for displaced Zimbabweans following the xenophobic violence of November in 2009, it has become clear that, in the eyes of politicians, all are not equal.
Zimbabweans are not considered refugees by certain shameless UNHCR officials, and they are easily taken advantage of. It has been painful to watch how the good remain silent while the evil get away with murder. It is shameful, truly.
Frequently I have felt that there is no humanity. When you see the deception even here in South Africa, it makes one doubtful. I have been angry and frustrated; I have been arrested and assaulted by police, but all that I have learned is the nature of the beast. If you, during your own struggle, are met with such resistance, either you are in the wrong or they are. I am inspired to stand against the injustice, not by sympathy, concern, or even love, but rage.
I was once lost, but I found guidance in Ernesto (Che) Guevaras words: “If you tremble with outrage at every injustice, then you are a comrade of mine.” Three weeks ago, after failing to serve and support the displaced Zimbabweans for several months, the government suddenly announced its intention to shut the refugee camp by the end of May. This is a ludicrous claim, as the townships from which the refugees were displaced remain unsafe, and the government has yet to engage with the displaced. The laws in South Africa dictate that eviction needs to be done through the courts, and as the legal proceedings have not been followed, they cannot legally force people to leave the camp.
The only instance in which the camp can permissibly be shut is if the people leave voluntarily. The malicious intimidation being utilized as an attempt to trick people, forcing them to believe they have no rights and that the military can be brought in to chase away people the government wishes to evict. The tactics provincial government are using have led us and camp residents to lodge a human rights commission complaint, hopefully that will clearly expose the violations.
We shall stand by the displaced and negotiate the best assistance possible. We will also ensure that the displaced get guidance and legal protection thanks to support from the Legal Resource Centre, who have for sometime championed human rights. I am very thankful for all the text messages with valuable information regarding possible xenophobic violence after the world cup. Please sms me on 0832561140 if you have any solid information regarding the planning of xenophobic violence. With your help we can ensure police intervention, prevention is better than a cure.
Post published in: Politics