"Immigrants link SA to the rest of Africa"

Source: Groundup, 01/12/2016

Cape Town Refugee Centre event held in Joe Slovo Park
Refugees and asylum seekers are a link between South Africa and the
rest of Africa, Vuyani Shwane, director of the Cape Town Refugee
Centre, said in Joe Slovo Park this week.


Speaking at an event at the Joe Slovo Sport and Recreation Centre to
celebrate different cultures, he said: “We want to acknowledge the
rich diversity that refugees and asylum seekers bring to South Africa.
It enriches us. Actually they integrate us to the African
continent.”


“The diverse cultures, languages and religions should not be seen as
impediments to national unity, given the statutory equality accorded
to all citizens. Europe’s refugee crisis is not about economics. It is
about culture. Culture is one of the biggest challenges in the
acceptance and integration of refugees in Europe.”


The event, on 29 November, was attended by refugees, immigrants and
South Africans, many wearing traditional clothes. Flags and food from
different countries were on display. Dancers Abalaza from Philippi and
Vuza Burundi band performed.


Vuza Burundi band performed at the cultural event. Photo: Ashraf
Hendricks
South African Joe Slovo Park resident Lwandiso Quvile said he blamed
employers and labour brokers for causing fighting between South
Africans and immigrants.


“By not giving equal job opportunities they [employers] create
division between immigrants and South Africans,” said Quvile.


“As South Africans we regret the looting of Somali shops, chasing and
killings of foreigners that took place few years ago. It was because
of lack of understanding but now we understand these people are our
brothers and sisters. During apartheid they supported us, now that we
have peace in our country we should do the same,” he said.


Kakama Felly, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, said he had felt
unwelcome during the violence in 2008. “But today I am happy to see
many South Africans mingling with us.”


He said he shared a house with a Zimbabwean family and each accepted
the other’s culture.


“We are brothers and sisters. I should be able to visit any African
country and do business without fear,” Felly said.