Passop statement on de Doorns camp closure.
“We are shocked and appalled that government officials have told displaced Zimbabweans they need to leave the camp by
the 17th of May. This is extremely reckless in light of the evidently high frustration levels in the community. The
displaced have suffered great emotional distress and much financial loss, thus many lack the confidence to reintegrate
and the ability, means and resources to relocate or repatriate. It is unacceptable and an attempt by government to
intimidate them into leaving.”
Cost of eviction: Even after an expensive and protracted legal battle, the City of Cape Town was only able to force
eviction of the displaced in Blue Waters on condition that the City provided R1000 per person. The blue water's camp
residents were displaced in 2008 and had refused several offers of assistance to reintegrate, relocate or repatriate.
The De Doorns camp has just over 1000 residents. We believe that by offering financial assistance to the displaced to
leave, government will save much money. Currently the government is wasting R250000 a month on unclean and badly
maintained toilets and a security company that has failed to protect people.
--Every four months costs the equivalent as offering R1000 incentive.
Unfair treatment of De Doorns displaced: In contrast the displaced in De Doorns (who were displaced in November) have
been offered no assistance and are rudely told by officials that they are not refugees. (Only the Department of Home
Affair's refugee status determination officers can identify who is or is not a refugee).
Current climate: This week SANCO held protests and demanded the removal of a local councilor accused of inciting
xenophobic violence. These protests clearly show the dangers against the displaced are still very real. While threats
against foreigners were made as recently as last week, government has now announced that they intend on shutting the
camp on the 17th of May.
Our opinion: Closing the camps without financial assistance neglects human rights and neglects the safety of the
displaced. Provincial government should take responsibility to ensure the safety of the displaced and ensure that they
are provided with basic assistance before any closure is considered. We further believe that only the courts can order
an eviction and that any legal battle will waste government money and prolong the process of reintegration.
ENDS