JOHANNESBURG - South Africa does not have refugee camps and should not be expected to create them.
That's according to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi.
Authorities continue to deal with the fallout from recent demonstrations.
Many foreign nationals have sought shelter in parks, community halls and other temporary facilities.
“South Africa does not have refugee camps and there is no intention to create camps even on a temporary basis.
“Accordingly, the people who are legally in South Africa were advised to either reintegrate into the communities in which they have been residing and they will receive protection from the police like all other citizens of our country, or they could opt to be repatriated/deported back to their country of origin,” she said.
Kubayi was speaking at a briefing by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on migration (IMC).
Among other things, the Minister also told the media that the state is aware that South African artists who usually have performances across the African continent are affected by the ongoing tensions. She added that they would be engaging with the Department of Arts and Culture.
The IMC has developed an implementation plan and the following work streams have been established to focus on:
- Urgent improvement of borderline infrastructure
- Social services and includes areas such as access to health, social services and education.
- Registration of small businesses and the informal sector.
- Review of applicable processes and standard operating procedures for asylum seekers and refugees.
Kubayi warned that ongoing violence is damaging South Africa’s reputation.
“The brand is hurting, we can't lie about it,” she said.