Zimbabwean nationals were transported from the Shallcross Stadium
Image: Yoshini Perumal
About three bus loads of Zimbabwean nationals seeking refuge at Shallcross Stadium have already been transported home, while a few hundred more await transportation, after being displaced during anti-immigration protests on Monday night.
They are braving harsh weather, without shelter or ablution facilities.
Many are women with newborn and premature babies.
When the POST arrived at the stadium on Thursday, officials from the Zimbabwean embassy requested the media not take photographs or pictures due to safety and security reasons, while they arranged transport.
DA ward councillor, Fatima Ismail, who was at the stadium, said the refugees were driven from their homes in informal settlements in Webedacht, Demat, Savannah Park and Umlazi during protests by March and March supporters.
She said police had assisted some of the Zimbabwean nationals and dropped them off at the grounds.
“When I received the call about the group that gathered at the stadium, my immediate concern was their safety and well-being. At that stage, there were about 1,000 people.
"Newborn babies, some just a week old, and premature babies were out in the cold with their mothers. It was sad to see them, and other children, huddled together to keep warm."
Since Monday, members of the Shallcross Community Policing Forum and security companies have monitored the area to ensure their safety. Ismail said a few community organisations had donated food, fruit, clothes, towels and hampers.
“The refugees have expressed that their only wish is to return home safely. This is a deeply unfortunate and heartbreaking situation. Regardless of the circumstances, vulnerable women, children and families deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion."
Ismail said about three busloads had departed Durban and the foreign nationals were only allowed to take a few belongings with them.
"We hope the remainder are transported safely out of the stadium by tonight, before the predicted rains."
Ismail sought assistance from the DA and Dean Macpherson, the MEC for Public Works.