Heartbreaking stories told during Refugee Day

Emmanuel Zigashane (25) fled his country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, in 2008 and came to South Africa. “I lost most of my family members because of the civil wars and terrorists attacks. That is why I decided to run away from my beloved country to seek refuge here in South Africa. I will never go back home and I’m happy that the South African government has given me refugee status.”

Zigashane was telling his heartbreaking story during the recent commemoration of the 15^th anniversary of  World Refugee Day at the Lesley Manyathela Stadium in Musina. Hundreds of foreign nationals and local community members honoured the spirit and courage of millions of refugees worldwide during the event.

When addressing the guests, Cllr Fistos Mafela of Musina Municipality said that, as a political leader, the World Refugee Day commemoration had a very special place in his heart. “It is interesting to note that Musina was established as a mining town in 1913. Since then, nationalities from different countries came and settled here peacefully. Since 1913, no single incident of xenophobic attack was ever reported here. We are known worldwide for caring for our fellow brothers and sisters both from our localities and foreign countries.”

Mafela said no country or region could address the refugee crisis on its own. “Greater international cooperation and responsibility sharing is desperately needed. We must intensify our efforts to find political solutions to these conflicts. Statistics tell us that thousands of people, including children, died in the past two decades while seeking to cross international borders. There is a need for governments to create safe, orderly and regular pathways for refugees to move safely to other countries.”

He added that each year, refugees fled to different countries because of war and other negative factors that forced thousands of families to flee their homes. “This must tell us that we are experiencing a global humanitarian and refugee crisis of a magnitude not seen since the Second World War. Therefore it is our duty to love, protect and welcome the refugees with a warm heart and show ubuntu to our brothers and sisters. They leave everything behind and bring along their hopes and dreams for a safer and better future here in our country.”

Well-known international Zimbabwean musician Jonah Moyo and the Devera Ngwena Jazz Band entertained people with their much-loved rhumba music throughout the proceedings.

Date:08 July 2016

By: News Correspondent

Correspondent journalists from all over the region supply us with news and sport articles. 

Read: 1109