Nyanga refugee centre to remain open until next month

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Cape Town - The Department of Home Affairs will no longer close its Nyanga Refugee Reception Office today as previously indicated.

This follows the Cape High Court judgment that granted the department an extension of its activities up until 23 October.

"The date of the relocation to the new building on 412 Voortrekker Road, Maitland, Cape Town, will be announced once a final date of handover between the department and the contractors has been agreed upon," the department said in a statement.

According to media reports, the centre has been dogged by violence and allegations of corruption which has raised anger among businesses in the area who have asked to have it shut down.

Minister of Home Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, who visited the centre in June, reported that there were many problems that needed to be rectified immediately at the centre, including a lack of proper signage around the building.