DHA: Relocates 278 Durban Che Guevara Asylum Seekers To Lindela

• The Department of Home Affairs has relocated 278 asylum seekers and refugees from Che Guevara Road in Durban.
• These individuals are being transferred to the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp, Gauteng.
• The relocation, directed by the IMC on Migration, followed consultations where transfer to Lindela was agreed upon.
• Government condemned recent violence at the site, asserting that immigration management is solely the state's responsibility.
• Discussions are ongoing with the UNHCR regarding potential resettlement options for the group in another country.

The South African government has indicated its intention to continue discussions with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to explore potential options for the resettlement of the relocated group in another country.

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has commenced a significant operation, relocating 278 asylum seekers and refugees who had been situated outside its offices on Che Guevara Road in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This action, which began at 5 am on Tuesday, follows a directive issued by the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration. The individuals are being transferred to the Lindela Repatriation Centre, located in Krugersdorp, Gauteng, marking a substantial DHA migration effort.

Prior to the relocation, extensive engagements took place involving relevant stakeholders and representatives from the affected communities. These discussions culminated in an agreement to proceed with the transfer. The IMC presented the displaced groups with two primary options: either to return to their previous areas of residence or to undertake the Lindela Repatriation Centre transfer. Following a series of consultations, the latter option was ultimately agreed upon by the parties involved.

During the relocation process, law enforcement officers are providing escort for the group, ensuring an orderly transition. Concurrently, Che Guevara Road in Durban has been cleared, a measure taken to ensure compliance with municipal bylaws and to maintain public order in the vicinity. Humanitarian assistance is also being provided, with Gift of the Givers having secured food parcels to support the individuals throughout their journey. This comprehensive KZN refugee relocation underscores the government's active management of asylum seeker populations.

This decisive action by the DHA reflects the South African government's firm stance on immigration management and its assertion of sole responsibility for enforcing related laws. The relocation follows recent condemnation by the government regarding sporadic acts of violence that occurred at the Che Guevara Road site in Durban. Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, speaking at an IMC media briefing on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, unequivocally stated that immigration management and its associated law enforcement functions remain exclusively within the purview of the state.

Minister Kubayi's remarks underscored a fervent commitment to this principle, emphasizing that no other entity shares this responsibility. This assertion forms a critical component of South Africa's asylum seeker policy, signaling a clear intent to control and regulate the presence of displaced persons within its borders through official channels. The Che Guevara Road Durban clearance, alongside the relocation, serves as a tangible manifestation of this policy.

Further reinforcing this position, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli issued a statement on Friday, affirming the provincial government's dedication to fostering social cohesion and upholding the rule of law. Premier Ntuli stressed that all matters concerning immigration and community safety would be addressed through appropriate legal and administrative processes, aligning with the broader governmental approach to managing these complex issues.

Looking ahead, the South African government has indicated its intention to continue discussions with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). These ongoing dialogues are focused on exploring potential options for the resettlement of the relocated group in another country. This engagement highlights a multi-faceted approach to managing asylum seeker populations, combining internal relocation with international diplomatic efforts.

The DHA's actions, including the Lindela Repatriation Centre transfer and the broader KZN refugee relocation, signal a concerted effort to streamline the management of asylum seekers and refugees. While asserting national sovereignty over immigration enforcement, the government also acknowledges the international dimension of refugee protection by engaging with global bodies like the UNHCR. This dual strategy aims to address both immediate logistical challenges and long-term solutions for displaced individuals.

This action signals the South African government's firm stance on managing asylum seeker populations and its assertion of sole responsibility for immigration enforcement. Lawyers advising asylum seekers or NGOs should be aware of the increased likelihood of such relocations and closely monitor due process, conditions at Lindela, and any subsequent resettlement efforts with UNHCR.

Source: Original reporting via SAnews.gov.za.