The African Diaspora Forum (ADF) has called on the South African government to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the death of a foreign citizen at the Desmond Tutu Refugee Reception Centre on Tuesday.
The forum’s spokesperson, Bongani Mkhwanazi, said it was concerning that it had taken the death of a refugee for authorities to want to the address refugees’ problems.
The ADF’s comments come after a refugee died at the Desmond Tutu Refugee Reception Centre in Hammanskraal, Pretoria, on Tuesday morning.
“This heartbreaking event underscores the dire conditions faced by asylum seekers in South Africa, who endure inhumane circumstances while seeking essential documentation.
“The ADF calls on the South African authorities to conduct an immediate and comprehensive investigation into this incident, addressing not only the causes of the stampede, but also the broader systemic issues plaguing refugee reception centres.
“These centres, intended to provide refuge, have instead become sites of desperation due to overcrowding, long queues, and inadequate facilities,” Mkhwanazi said.
He further said that to prevent such incidents in future, the government needed to lodge a full inquiry into the tragic death, focusing on systemic issues.
Among other things, the AFD wants the government to implement:
* Reform: improve conditions and operations at Refugee Reception Centres nationwide.
* Corruption eradication: investigate and eliminate corruption within these centres.
* Human rights protection: ensure Home Affairs officials uphold the highest human rights standards.
* Stakeholder engagement: collaborate with civil society and migrant communities to address asylum process challenges.
Mkhwanazi continued to say that Tuesday’s unfortunate incident should serve as a catalyst for meaningful change in the asylum system.
“The ADF stands in solidarity with the affected families and remains committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of all migrants and asylum seekers in South Africa. Now is the time for action and reform.”
Department of Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza failed to respond to the publication’s questions at the time of print.
The Star
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