The Overstrand Municipality’s Incident Command Centre (ICC) was activated yesterday as the central operational point for co-ordinating resources, engaging with government departments, and liaising with partner organisations in response to xenophobia-related incidents and reports of intimidation directed at foreign nationals in Kleinmond over the weekend, and subsequently in Gansbaai and Stanford since Monday.
During this morning’s briefing, Municipal Manager, Dr Dean O’Neill, said that although civil unrest matters do not form part of the local government’s core functions, the municipality has a responsibility to assist in co-ordinating support and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of affected individuals during challenging humanitarian situations.
Municipal facilities have therefore been made available as temporary places of safety for individuals who are unable to return to their homes due to fear, intimidation and in need of support.
The Municipal Manager acknowledged that some residents have expressed frustration regarding the accommodation of foreign nationals in municipal facilities. However, he emphasised that the municipality has a responsibility to ensure that vulnerable individuals are not left without shelter, particularly given the current weather conditions.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that one person was arrested in Stanford in connection with a public order-related incident.
Department of Home Affairs: Immigration officers worked late into yesterday evening to verify the documentation status of the foreign nationals currently housed in municipal facilities.
Colonel Gustav Tamboer of SAPS Hermanus said SAPS members will work alongside Overstrand Municipal Law Enforcement officials to assist the Department of Home Affairs with the gathering and verification of information required for documentation processes.
Diplomatic Engagement: Representatives from the Malawian Embassy visited the Overstrand yesterday to assess how they can best support their citizens.
National Immigration: The Municipality has engaged top-level Immigration Department officials in Pretoria to determine the next steps in accordance with national immigration legislation and procedures of undocumented individuals.
The ICC will be engaging with Gift of the Givers, regarding possible assistance with transport to Johannesburg where the nearest national holding facility is situated.
Donations
The immediate priority remains the provision of food, water and essential supplies for those being temporarily accommodated at the municipal facilities.
The newly appointed Community Liaison Managers are assisting Disaster Management with the co-ordination of donations and support efforts.
Donation drop-off points remain the Fire Stations in Gansbaai, Hermanus and Kleinmond. Donations can also be dropped off at the Municipal Offices in Gansbaai and Kleinmond (ask for the Community Liaison Managers).
They can be contacted on:
• Kleinmond: 028 271 8413
• Gansbaai: 028 384 8365/8364
• Hermanus: 028 313 8112
• Fire & Rescue Emergency Control Room: 028 312 2400
• Overstrand Contact Centre: 028 313 8000/8111
The number of people being accommodated at temporary facilities was as follows:
• Kleinmond Town Hall: 110
• Gansbaai Tourism Hall: 80
• Gansbaai Mosque: 90
• Stanford Community Hall: 140
Local churches, welfare organisations and volunteers are currently working on a rotational basis to prepare warm meals. At present, there is no urgent need for additional prepared soup or warm food donations.
Items currently required include:
• Bread, Margarine, Jam
• Non-perishable food items and dry ingredients
• Bottled water (preferably 5-litre containers)
• Fruit and individually packed snacks
• Clothing (clearly marked according to age group)
• Towels
• Blankets
