This closure follows much negotiation and many unpredicted complexities. There has been much collective work between the Breede Valley Municipality, the camp residents, various provincial government departments and PASSOP. Many issues were raised and resolved. Final implementation of the voluntary procedure, including the necessary transport arrangements and the payments of the agreed upon once off settlement gratuity, will be completed this week- resulting in the voluntary camp closure. Breede Valley, all the registered camp residents and their representatives have agreed to the process. Additionally, agreement has been reached that legal action taken by the municipality against anyone who have invaded the site, will not be opposed by the Displaced Committee, camp residents who are part of the mediated list or their representatives.
This move provides the displaced Zimbabweans with necessary assistance relevant to the three pronged strategy which is relocation, re-integration and repatriation. It provides government an opportunity to ensure equal and fair opportunities to both South Africans and foreigners with the labour intensive grapes season ahead. Government have in the past almost 11 months to safely accommodate and shelter displaced Zimbabwean foreign nationals. In the spirit of cooperative governance most of these people will be assisted to re-integrate into local communities.
The complexities inside as well as outside the De Doorns Camp have prevented previous successful closure of the De Doorns Camp. All the critical role-players and stakeholders are convinced that this final attempt to close De Doorns Camp is in line with human rights and are in the interests of both South Africans and displaced Zimbabwean camp residents. It is believed that the camp closure will be successful as it is done in a voluntary, inclusive and mediated manner with help with help of Equillore.
For further comment please contact:
Passop: Braam Hanekom- 0832561140
Breede Valley municipality: Manfred van Rooyen 084 678 8841
Displaced committee: Mike Moyo 083 329 3766 or Stalin Mukomba 074 464 7357
Post published in: Politics