The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) are currently housing about 800 displaced foreign nationals – 588 adults and 227 children – at two venues in Katlehong following the xenophobic attacks in the region.
The two sites, DH Williams and Tsholo Hall in Katlehong are catering to the needs of foreign nationals that were displaced from the Mandela Informal Settlement and Nhlapo Section in Katlehong, among other areas during the violence.
The CoE has also activated a Joint Operation Centre (JOC) to coordinate humanitarian and related assistance to the affected persons.
SA Government news reports that various City departments are providing support services such as waste removal, electricity and ablution facilities.
The City is also providing standby mobile power generators, police patrols and escorts for transport of the affected persons and supplies.
Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Mzwandile Masina visited the DH Williams site Saturday to assess the situation and support the City is providing to the displaced.
Various NGOs and humanitarian assistance organisations have reportedly responded to the humanitarian situation.
Organisations that are continuing to see to the needs of the displaced people are include Doctors without Borders, the Red Cross, local NGOs and churches.
The assistance provided includes food, medical services, blankets, mattresses, toys for the children and sanitary material. Church services are also provided at the sites.
Plans to reintegrate the affected foreign nationals are already in place, as well as plans to document those who are undocumented, SA Government News reported.
“Those who wish to be repatriated to their countries of origin will be repatriated with the assistance of the relevant government departments,“
