In Conversation With Bishop Raphael Bahebwa

Nearly a month after thousands of refugees and migrants were displaced by threats and violence in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, many remain without stable accommodation, protection, or clarity about their future. More than 7,000 people are reportedly sheltering in temporary sites across Durban and other parts of the province after fleeing their homes, businesses and communities.

A group of documented refugees who sought protection at Durban Central Police Station were later verified by authorities as legally residing in South Africa. However, many have spent weeks sleeping outside the Department of Home Affairs offices on Che Guevara Road in Durban after allegedly being denied access to accommodation facilities.

Government officials have encouraged displaced refugees to either return to their communities, relocate elsewhere, or undergo further processing. Refugee representatives and human rights organisations argue that many communities remain unsafe due to ongoing threats and intimidation, raising concerns about protection, humanitarian assistance, and compliance with refugee law.

The situation has sparked renewed debate about asylum seekers who could possibly be facing xenophobia, the state’s responsibility to protect vulnerable communities, and the balance between immigration enforcement and human rights obligations