May 26, 2008 | Current Events
That’s the word from Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula today, after a meeting with the Xenophobia task team in Pretoria.
Intelligence Minister Ronnie Kasrils said that just because the situation was under control did not mean sporadic attacks could not still take place.
I don’t know … under control? Who’s control? I’ve just come back from the Red Cross in Wynberg where they have now received news of nearly 500 more displaced foreigners that have arrived in Strandfontein after fleeing for their lives today. And to (skeptical) me, it sounds like Mr Kasrils is giving our leadership a handy loophole.
Now there is also talk about the reintegration of foreigners – how on earth can that be possible? What has changed? An apology and an invitation to return is just not enough, in my opinion. Some communities may accept this but I have a feeling that the large majority won’t.
While I dearly hope that things are indeed “under control” and that foreigners can now safely start returning to their homes, I have my doubts. I just don’t think these concepts are terribly realistic at this stage. I hope I’m wrong.
May 25, 2008 | Current Events
OK, I’ve just come back from the Red Cross in Wynberg where I got to talking to some of the folks there about what they need. Their most urgent requirement at this stage is blankets and baby food, in all formats – formula, cereals and the bottled variety (Purity).
If you want to help, they are located at 21 Broad Street in Wynberg. It’s off Rosmead Avenue, turning right just past the Wynberg Sports Club if you are coming from the Kenilworth Centre side. Their phone number is (021) 797-5360.
The Red Cross is one of the disaster relief operations that have been certified by the City of Cape Town and the Provincial Government so you can rest assured that your donations will reach their intended destinations.
You can also contact The Salvation Army (Western Cape Division) on (021) 761-8530 and they are at 85 Maynard Road in Wynberg.
Many displaced foreigners are currently being housed at Young Filed Military Base in Wynberg (at the end of Chucker Road), and if you want to donate directly to the Base or require more information, please call them on (021) 597-5199.
Other drop off points:
ALP Office
122 Longmarket St
Westminister House
Contact: Hennie 082 902 1303
or
206 Selbourne
Prince St
Gardens
Contact: Alistair 074 103 4664
If you want to make a financial donation, the details are:
City of Cape Town
Absa Bank
Branch code 631609
Account no 4056584569
Public Sector Western Cape
Reference No 190100012
