[Article first appeared in The New Age on 27 June 2014] When we celebrated World Heritage Day it was quite clear to me that South Africa and its people are not and can never be xenophobic or unwelcoming in their relations with fellow human-beings. The 20 years of democracy that we celebrate this year are a product of relentless struggles of our people that were supported by the international community over decades of racial oppression and political domination. Many of our people are fully conscious of the fact that the peace-loving people of Africa and the world did nourish with their support. Africa and the world lent a hand to our people and fighters for freedom at a time when we were displaced from our country and denied of the birthright to land and to vote. Before 1994, apartheid South Africa had virtually turned thousands of our people into refugees through oppressive and racist policies of the time. Many of our people had sought protection in various parts of Africa and the World. We shall not forget that gallant brothers and sisters on the continent and abroad had indeed welcomed us in their homes and through the support afforded to us, often at a great price, we were able to rid the country of the shackles of apartheid and colonialism. When we celebrated the dawn of democracy back in 1994 we did so also to express our heartfelt gratitude to Africa and the rest of the world for the endless support and solidarity afforded to us and our children. Twenty years on we remain a refugee-receiving country that’s emboldened by the resolve to sustain the legitimate battle for a better Africa and a better world where all shall enjoy human rights. Our efforts in this regard can be seen in the unwavering support we extended to the peace efforts of the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace Support Operations in countries like South Sudan, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, through our seasoned diplomats, military and police services. South Africa encourages dialogue among communities and parties in conflict, to allow for a return to stability, peace and prosperity among all the people of the world. Among the positive stories we count that of the Republic of Angola which has demonstrated sustained peace, stability, prosperity and adherence to democratic values and principles since the signing of the Luena Peace Accord in 2002. Indeed this development had led to the recommendation by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, in 2009, to Member States hosting Angolan nationals as refugees, to consider cessation of the refugee status. Our government was among those Member States that heeded the call and accordingly endorsed the recommendation understanding fully that a refugee status is not and cannot be an end in itself. All nationals should be allowed the opportunity to return to their respective countries of origin to assist with the development of their nations or at the least to resume their nationalities wherever they wish to remain. It is in this context that in 2009 South Africa granted a special dispensation to over 200 000 Zimbabwean nationals who were in the country illegally because of the political situation in their country at the time. Zimbabwean nationals who received these special permits in 2009 have only to wait patiently, and with no panic, for the Department of Home Affairs to make an announcement on how this process will be handled. We recognize the important role played by refugees in our daily lives. We share their plight, given our history. The Republic has also adopted domestic legal instruments to manage international migration and its challenges. The Refugees Act of 1998 was promulgated to provide for the full legal protection and general rights of refugees and asylum seekers. South Africa remains committed to securing the legal protection of refugees as provided for under international law, and recognized in the country’s entrenched Bill of Rights. In sum, among the great strides worth sharing as good refugee stories from South Africa is our policy of integration such that refugees in our country are entitled by the Bill of Rights to social services. These include the right to adequate housing, education, basic health care and social security. Refugees may also establish their own businesses in order to earn a living, within the confines of what is permitted by the law. They have access to legal protection, employment opportunities, and identity and travel documents upon application. But genuine integration and meaningful social cohesion demand that we should work together to move the country forward. DHA Office Locator Tender Notices We are in the process of updating our contact details on this website. Forms will no longer be available from this website. Please visit your nearest Home Affairs office to obtain ORIGINAL APPLICATION FORMS & necessary information. We apologise for any inconvenience. Provincial Managers Contacts: Eastern Cape Gcinile Mabulu 043 642 2178 082 887 5563 [email protected] Free State Bonakele Mayekiso 051 430 1130 082 800 1755 [email protected] Gauteng Albert Matsaung 011 242 9003 082 8879 293 [email protected] KwaZulu-Natal Nosipho Shandu 033 845 5042 079 145 2274 [email protected] Limpopo F.N. Motsitsi 015 287 2800/ 30 082 662 2673 [email protected] Mpumalanga Robert Zitha 082 801 4528 [email protected] North-West Irene Mantlhasi 018 397 9919 082 880 7804 [email protected] Northern Cape Abednego Mvula 053 807 6700 /6701 082 803 3792 [email protected] Western Cape Yusuf Simons 021 488 1400 082 809 2142 [email protected]
Posted on: Mon, 07 Jul 2014 20:00:16 +0000
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