Unity at World Refugee Day event
REFUGEES across South Africa have united in a display of multiculturalism and diversity to commemorate the 18th World Refugee Day.
To mark the occasion, UCT held an event in co-ordination with the SA Human Rights Commission to discuss how “perceptions of security problems surrounding migration emerge and evolve”.
The occasion brought together refugees from countries across the world.
During the festivities, Djaria Imutoniwase, an assistant director for the Inkosi SA Association Refugee Centre in Woodstock, spoke positively of her experiences as a refugee in South Africa.
She moved from Rwanda to South Africa in 2002; she said adapting to life in a new country was “never easy” and that constant learning was required.
Now, her efforts are focused on helping other refugees, particularly women, to adapt to life in Cape Town.
She recognises her role in the community can provide great assistance to those in a similar situation, while also helping to change people’s views regarding refugees.
Providing entertainment at the event were a Burundi-based band named Peace and Love. Singer Alexander Nycampaye discussed the meaning behind the group’s name, saying that “God sent me to South Africa so that through my music I can bring peace to my country”.