Exiles forum demand action on SA asylum abuses

By Lance Guma
29 August 2005

The Zimbabwe Exiles Forum has demanded an improvement in the security and welfare of asylum seekers in South Africa. The group have called on the Home Affairs department to provide humanitarian assistance and adequately staffed refugee reception offices in the country. South Africa's asylum and immigration system has for a long time been subject to consistent criticism for violating the rights of foreigners trapped in the process. With pressure piling on the authorities, a parliamentary portfolio committee on Home Affairs was set up to consult key stakeholders that work with refugees and asylum seekers. The Zimbabwe Exiles Forum naturally took an interest.

Executive Director of the Forum, Gabriel Shumba says they have submitted their own proposals on how to improve the asylum seeking and repatriation system in that country. He says it is unfortunate the South African government is considering bailing Mugabe out financially and yet does not want to help people who are running away from his misrule. Victims of torture are not granted basic humanitarian support, dignity or medical attention at Lindela and yet the government felt it more important to help Mugabe maintain his grip on power.

The Forum also suggested Lindela that should fall under the direct control of central government instead of private sector companies who are pursuing profits over human life. Lindela Repatriation centre in South Africa has always dominated the headlines with dozens of Zimbabweans having died in detention.