Civil Society Rally Against Xenophobia
(http://www.tac.org.za/community/node/2320)

St George's Cathedral, Wale Street (corner Queen Victoria)
Tuesday 27 May 2008
12 - 2pm

The Western Cape Civil Society Coalition (made up of trade unions, FBOs, SAHRC and human, health and refugee rights organisations) has been formed to respond to and deal with the threats of and actual violent attacks against foreign nationals as well as the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded in our country. This Tuesday we are having a rally/public meeting to speak out against the:

* Xenophobia that is ravaging our communities all around the country
* Humanitarian crisis we are facing.

We will also announce our demands of government to deal with this crisis in a unified and urgent manner.

Please forward this announcement and please attend to show your support.
Correction to SAPA Report

Apparently a SAPA report quoted TAC claiming that there was an outbreak of 58 cholera cases. This is incorrect. We said 58 diahorrea cases.
Letter Sent to all Displaced People Today, with deliveries of food, blankets, health care supplies and clothing, the Civil Society Coalition delivered a letter to every displaced person. The letter expressed solidarity with residents of South Africa born in other African countries, condemned the violence, and urged all displaced people to stay and contribute in South Africa. *See full text of letter below.

Update on Relief Efforts

An estimated 17,000 people have been displaced. At this time there are four big security shelters to which many people have been redirected, sometimes against their will. These facilities are Silverstroom (Atlantis), Youngsfield (Kenilworth), Soetwater (Kommetjie) and Harmony (Strand). There are still satellite churches, mosques and public shelters, however, even these are overcrowded. We had hoped that the city would have open the Civic Centre and other community halls, which they did not do, and thus we are left with many people with no place to go and no idea about the future.

As the Civil Society Coalition, we have been providing food, blankets, toiletries and other amenities along with medical care, and legal consultation to this body of distressed people. We have a comprehensive list of all facilities housing displaced people, and we try to ensure that they are fully stocked with whatever they require three times per day.

Message to South Africa from Civil Society Coalition

Stop the Violence!

If I allow Zimbabweans, Somalis, Mozambicans or any immigrants or refugees to be killed, robbed or hurt, who will protect me when someone comes to do me harm?

We are all part of some group: Xhosa, Zulu, Shangaan, Indian, Jewish, Muslim, Lesbian, Gay, Coloured, White and Black… any of us can be attacked.

The attacks on refugees and immigrants can turn into attacks on fellow South Africans at any moment.

Attacking refugees and immigrants will not bring jobs, houses or anything except misery and insecurity for everyone.

We must all act to end the attacks.
The world belongs to all who live in it.

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*the letter distributed to displaced Capetonians (English literacy levels amongst immigrants notwithstanding)

TO: ALL DISPLACED PERSONS IN THE WESTERN CAPE
FROM: CIVIL SOCIETY AGAINST XENOPHOBIC VIOLENCE
26 May 2008
More than 20 000 people have been displaced across the Western Cape by xenophobic
violence. As civil society organisations working on health and human rights for all people living in
South Africa, we are saddened and outraged by such violence. We stand by you and will
endeavour to help you in every way we can. We believe that it is your right to seek employment,
health services, protection and refuge in South Africa.
We believe that you have contributed to South Africa and must continue to contribute. We want
you to be part of all our communities in South Africa.
Since this crisis started, about 40 relief centres and shelters have been set up in the areas
surrounding Cape Town. We have been doing all we can to supply people with shelter, transport,
food, water, blankets, and sanitary supplies. We will continue to make sure you get help.
The City of Cape Town has set up four relief camps for displaced persons: They are Silverstroom
in Atlantis, Soetwater in Kommetjie, Harmony Park in Strand, and Youngsfield Military Base near
Kenilworth. Together the camps can accommodate about 8000 people. We understand that
these camps will be full very shortly.
According to the City of Cape Town the camps have been set up in order to coordinate the relief
response better. However, if you are safe where you are in a shelter or relief centre, then you
should not be forced by anyone to go to these camps.
We hope that very soon you will be able to return to your homes and schools and back to work.
We will use all of our resources to help you do this safely and properly.
If you have lost any documentation, papers or permits then we will assist you to get them reissued.
If you never had any papers issued to you we will assist you to get the relevant papers.
You can call the UCT Law Clinic 021 650 3551 to get assistance with papers and documentation.
Please also note that we asked the Minister of Home Affairs to give an undertaking that there will
be no deportations during this crisis period. She has now agreed to do so. No one can force you
to go back to your country of origin – only you can decide to go back. We suggest that you ask
for a counsellor to speak to when you make such a decision.
You should know that volunteer doctors and medical students are helping us to identify your
medical needs. Please tell them if you need any chronic medication (medicines that you have to
take regularly).
We are willing to help you at any time. Please call us 021 422 1490 at any time of the day or
night if you need help. If you have a medical emergency and cannot get medical care where you
are, then you can also call 10177 or ask the person running the shelter or camp where you are
based to make the call on your behalf.
If you are being harassed or threatened please also let us know and we will let the SAPS and
South African Human Rights Commission know about it.
WE UNDERTAKE TO FIGHT FOR AND PROTECT YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS IN
SOUTH AFRICA.

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