REFUGEE families in Durban are facing a hunger crisis as they cannot access government relief interventions.
Glenwood-based author, Richard La Colombe, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, started a charity fund to plug in the gap.
“We have a lot of families calling us and asking for help. They don’t have food and cannot work because their salons, restaurants or other places of work are closed. Pastors in churches are fielding the same calls from their members,” said La Colombe.
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A lot of refugees in South Africa are in precarious employment like in restaurants, beauty shops and convenience stores or as car guards where they can work without official documentation. Many of these industries have been hit the hardest by the national lockdown.
While the national government has announced economic relief plans for distressed workers, most refugees do not qualify for them.
To be eligible for a South African Social Security Agency grant or food parcel, one is required to be a SA citizen or a permanent resident. “There is also a fear of deportation. Many refugees do not have all the necessary documentation so that can cause a lot of problems when trying to access these government programmes,” said La Colombe.
La Colombe said they are looking to assist around 69 families and have already received some pledges.
If you would like to help, donations can be made to the following bank account:
Child of Africa NPO number 144-396 NPO
Bank: First National Bank
Account holder: Child of Africa
Account number: 62761758758
Account type: Business
Branch: Davenport
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