RAPID ASSESSMENT ON THE HUMANITARIAN
SITUATION OF DISPLACED POPULATIONS IN THE
WESTERN CAPE
6 JUNE 2008
1. BACKGROUND
The attacks on foreign nationals, which occurred in the Western Cape between 22 and
25 May 2008, led to the displacement of about twenty thousand people. This followed
similar attacks that led to the displacement of about 18000 people in Gauteng
Province. In order to facilitate a coordinated response and resource mobilisation, the
Western Cape Province declared an emergency on 2 June 2008. Unlike Gauteng
province where more than 40 deaths were recorded, the situation in the Western Cape
was not characterised by high levels of violence and destruction. However, about five
deaths were recorded.
A number of people sought refuge in community halls, churches and some were
provided with shelter at existing sites. The response was led and coordinated by the
provincial government through the Office of the Premier, the Provincial Disaster
Management Centre and the City of Cape Town. Several organisations including faith
based organisations, NGOs, the affected municipalities of Cape Town and individuals
offered humanitarian assistance in the form of food and non food items, shelter, water
and sanitation as well as health services. However, in the sites beyond the metropole,
there is a visible lack of organization, food suppliers, and community and business
involvement.
The levels of humanitarian assistance continue to be varied with some centres of
temporary shelter offering better services while others do not meet minimum
standards for dignified living. In order to have a clear understanding of the
humanitarian situation in current sites where people are sheltered and to define a way
forward the Provincial Government requested the UN to assist in conducting a rapid
assessment.
The assessment was carried out to achieve the following objectives:
a. To better understand the current humanitarian situation of the displaced people
b. To identify needs and gaps in humanitarian interventions
c. To make recommendations to address immediate humanitarian needs that may
also inform medium to long term planning.
2. METHODOLOGY
An inter-agency assessment team facilitated the process comprising of the following
organisations: United Nations Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
(UNOCHA), UNICEF, WHO, International Organisation for Migration (IOM)
International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) and South African
Red Cross Society. The Provincial Government provided logistical support, while
social workers from both government and NGOs assisted with the collection of
information.
A sample of 26 sites was selected through purposive and systematic sampling. The
determinant variable for site selection was the number of displaced people at each site
with all large sites being targeted first, diversity as determined by nationality and
culture, the location in relation to basic services and other residential centres as well
as the type of accommodation provided. Focus group interviews were conducted in
the sites with cross sections of community members belonging to various nationalities
in addition to interviews with the site management and NGOs working in these sites.
2
Some of the limitations of this assessment include: the large populations in some sites
such as Soetwater with close to 3000 people which could not be counted; displaced
people not found at centres since some go to work during the day and come back at
night, no proper records kept at some centres making it difficult to determine the
exact numbers of displaced people or the activities occurring at the sites on a daily
basis.
3. FINDINGS
3.1. General overview
The sites are very variable in size with population ranging from 45 to more than 3000
people. Most of the sites are in Cape Town metropole while there are a number
located quite a distance from the metropole. Many NGOs, Red Cross, religious
organizations and individual people have been providing assistance and are involved
in the management of the temporary shelters. A number of sites are becoming smaller
on a daily basis due to a combination of factors mainly as a result of successful
reintegration processes. There are still a considerable number of challenges in some of
the larger sites particularly Soetwater that is isolated from basic services and
communities.
While this assessment focused on the humanitarian situation of the IDPs, it was
evident that the predominant concern of the people in the sites was about the
possibilities of relocation, reintegration and repatriation. During the process of the
assessment, there were reports of reintegration in many sites. However, there were
also IDPs who wished to be repatriated to their home countries or a third country.
These are matters that UNHCR, IOM, the RSA and the affected embassies must affect
systematically but urgently. Clear communication in this regard must reach the
affected populations soonest. All service providers and site managers should operate
from a uniform understanding of these key messages in order to defuse
misinformation and facilitate planning and implementation of government’s next
phase.
3.2 Demographic Information as of 3-5 June 2008
Sites names
Females
Silver stream
39
Summer
47
Greens
Table View
2
Harmony
169
Sarepta
76
Desmond Tutu
95
Site
B
43
Khayalitsha
Andile Msizi
62
Solomon
48
Mahlangu
Masibambane
Males
135
142
Children
25
20
Total
202
209
75
667
14
128
35
1
35
12
27
37
78
871
104
71
16
25
182
144
46
0
46
250
115
3
Zolani
Phillipi East
KTC
Blue Waters
Portland
mosque
Bothasig
His People
Light House
Soetwater
Youngsfield
Bellville
mosque
Knysna
Sedgefield




78
48
80
56
76
68
145
190
150
80
59
104
165
150
350
300
12
162
18
38
11
25
50
40
59
300
130
11
192
127
250
246
150
150
224
283
2801
630
300
185
18
For some of the sites visited the information was not available.
Data on the numbers of IDPs are being collected by the City of Cape
Town, the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, the Department of
Home Affairs and the Provincial Government. Although the numbers from
these information sources exist, the reliability is compromised by a
number of factors e.g, the IDPs are moving around sites and as a result
may be counted twice, some work during the day or night and still others
refuse to provide information.
Some people are already reintegrated into the communities from where
they were displaced.
Some have also returned to their home countries.
The following sections of this report deal with the specific aspects of the humanitarian
conditions of the IDPs in the Western Cape, including protection, food, shelter, water
and sanitation and health and nutrition. The report is concluded with a set of key
recommendations.
3.3 PROTECTION
The protection assessment focused on physical safety, the protection of women and
children and abuse and exploitation.
3.3.1 General protection measures
The displaced peoples are accommodated in varying locations both geographically
and in terms of the types of accommodation. The majority of the 79 sites are in the
Metropolitan of the Western Cape Province with a minority of sites in the West Coast
and in the Southern Cape. The biggest site is Soetwater with an estimated number of
3000. There are 6 other big sites, with between 250 - 1000 people, and a number of
smaller sites with 45 to 200 people. In general, the numbers are beginning to dwindle
as a result of voluntary repatriation and reintegration.
The security is generally optimal with security guards at most of the access points and
visible police presence within or near the entrance of the sites. The Department of
Safety and Security has also deployed “Bambanani” safety volunteers in some of the
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sites. Most of the sites are enclosed. The physical location of the Soetwater site is
problematic. The relocation of people must be considered as a matter of urgency. The
site is damp, cold, isolated and next to the sea. Should the weather get worse it will
pose a secondary emergency. The Knysna site is also just a few meters from the
lagoon. The ground is wet and freezing cold, with the result that the mattresses are
soaking in water. The people are cold and ill. This site should also be relocated as a
matter of urgency.
The IDPs at all the sites indicated that they were feeling relatively safe with no
immediate threats of violence while they were in the sites. Most are still very anxious
about mobility beyond the sites. Particularly the people in the bigger sites, which are
also those furthest from the communities from which they were displaced, are fearful
and feel trapped. Several would like to venture out to shops or other facilities but
can’t risk this. They do not wish to have any contact or interaction with the local
communities. However, there are many reports of people returning to the
communities where they are welcomed back. Still others go to work on a daily basis
and return to the sites after work.
In terms of violence, there were no incidences reported within the sites, other than one
account of domestic violence which was dealt with appropriately. Within the sites the
relationships amongst the varied nationalities seemed to be amenable with joint
activities and cooperation in the management of the sites visible. However, there also
seems to be an overt ‘gate keeping’ of access to certain groups. In some instances this
mobilization has taken the form of an alternative “regime/management” which
controls what is said and agreed upon. For example, the Somali population, which
constitutes the majority in some sites, all indicated that they are extremely unhappy in
the present situation. They wished to be repatriated to another country or even
Somalia and that this should be organized by the ‘UN’. They have subsequently
refused help from government and resist the access of government officials
responsible for the delivery of essential services. Keeping such large populations in
one location with such strong leadership may constitute a security risk.
3.3.2. The protection of women and children
In some of the sites visited, the sleeping quarters of women and children are separated
from those of men. However, in many of the sites men and women were sleeping in
either the same hall or tent. This is highly problematic and places women and children
at risk and compromises the privacy of all. In some areas there were limitations
regarding sanitation and amenities, e.g. not enough toilets, or in some instances
showers and toilets were shared by both men and women. In some cultures this is
unacceptable and in some instances women are taking showers in their tent.
The conditions, apart from privacy, at the community centres and religious halls are
remarkably better than those at the larger tent sites. The people also generally appear
to be much more settled and calm. In most sites the children looked well dressed and
energetic, mostly playing around, in some instances without visible supervision. This
is a situation that must be monitored and adult supervision secured. In the
Youngsfield site some women and children are being taken to homes in the nearby
community at night due to cold conditions in the tented site, and brought back in the
mornings. However, with the worsening weather conditions, all tented sites will be
5
extremely cold and wet. Consideration should be given to moving people out of these
tented communities as soon as possible.
During the visits, we received several reports of people who lost their relatives and
are unaware of their well being or location. For example, a man reported that his 3
year old son had gone missing. In another site a woman with a young infant reported
that she had been separated from her husband during the displacement. There are a
number of people with disabilities in the sites. At Soetwater there are three people
needing immediate attention. In Andile Msizi, Khayalitsha there are seven blind
males and four blind women.
The Department of Social Development are ensuring that pregnant women and those
with young babies are removed with their families to more suitable locations. There
are plans for a special health facility for mothers with new born babies. There are also
concerns about the special needs of infants and small children (see health and food
report).
With regard to psycho - emotional wellbeing, it is imperative that decisions are made
about the future of individuals and groups in a participatory and non confrontational
way. Presently there is very little communication happening between the state and the
IDPs. This leads to misinformation and instability. There is also limited access to and
psycho social services on sites. There has been one report of a suicide attempt as one
IDP jumped from the roof of one of the community halls.
It is evident that a large number of the affected people will remain in South Africa.
Therefore a long term policy and integrated implementation strategy should be in
place within the next months. This should be communicated to the affected people
and the South African population as a whole.
In the short term the site conditions and in particular the management of the sites must
be addressed. The coordination and administration of the various aspects of site
management is poor. This leads to insecurity and tensions among the role-players and
between service providers and IDPs.
There were no reports of any sexual violence during the site visits. But the women
were saying that they still feel that they cannot walk around in the sites because they
just don’t know what can happen. They were also very upset that they are sharing
tents with men at some sites.
3.3.4. Education
There are large numbers of young children between 1 -10 years in the sites. Children
are mostly playing on their own with no educational stimulation or visible structured
activities. In some sites, e.g. Harmony Park there is a designated educational space
(tent) for structured educational activities. Early Childhood Development (ECD) kits
could be provided by UNICEF with coordination and support from NGOs. Most of
the children at the sites do not attend school either because they are too far from the
schools which they attended before, or their parents don’t want them to go because
they fear attacks on their children or there is no transport provided. In some sites there
were elementary educational activities being organized by volunteers to keep the
children busy. In one or two sites the Department of Education was involved. In some
6
sites the Department of Social Services seems to have a daily presence. Based on the
success stories of reintegration, maybe caution should be exercised with the
establishment of full educational facilities at the sites. Most of the sites have the
potential of creating safe spaces for young children to play and learn. This is
important for their psychosocial and physical wellbeing and should be a standard
provision.
Many hundreds of youth, especially young men, are sitting around idle. Activities or
educational programmes could be organized with their active participation.
3.3.5 General comments and recommendations on protection and education
 The conditions regarding protection and education within the smaller
community based sites are in general remarkably better, cleaner and safer than
the larger sites. Consideration must be given to relocation of the IDPs to
smaller sites as these are rapidly being vacated as a result of the reintegration
process
 Women and young children should preferably be accommodated with families
in communities.
 Ensure that a child protection plan is developed, awareness raised about the
special vulnerability of children and a referral system put in place at each site.
 District social development offices must follow-up cases and reports on
missing persons, separated families and persons with disabilities.
 ECD kits should be secured and distributed within an organized way to sites
with support from an ECD service provider. UNICEF is ready to provide
assistance in this regard.
 Ensure safe places for children to play and learn.
 The Soetwater IDPs: consider urgent plan of relocation to and within small
groupings of people closer to local communities.
 Deploy social workers to sites for individual and family support to address the
needs of individual families pertaining to their future options. Ensure that they
get the necessary training on these options from Dept of Home Affairs. They
need to work closely with the officials of Home Affairs.
 The Department of Home Affairs must be capacitated and supported to fast
track the process of registration; and with linking those IDPs who wish to
leave, with their embassies.
 For ongoing intervention the social services workforce in general must be
trained on working with foreign nationals living in South Africa.
3.4.
FOOD
Food is a basic need for human survival. The current attacks on foreign nationals left
thousands of people homeless and without food overnight. Many, gripped by the fear
of losing their lives, left behind their belongings, cash and food stocks. Most of them,
during the initials days faced enormous difficulties to find food and shelter. Through
the generosity of various religious organizations, local philanthropists and
government the immediate needs for food were met.
3.4.1. Information Sources
Records at sites on food utilization and stocks were hard to obtain as no records were
maintained properly. Similarly, cooked foods were provided in all sites which were
7
prepared by the catering companies at locations far from the sites, thus no access to
their records was possible in the limited time available. Both men and women from
different nationalities were interviewed to assess their food preference, taste, quantity
received and their adequacy to their need, quality of food provided and problems
related to distribution and timing of distribution.
3.4.2. Food Supplies and Distribution
No proper records of food received and distributed were maintained in the sites,
therefore, the utilization of food could not be determined. In all sites, cooked food
was provided by catering companies or voluntary organizations that was prepared
away from the sites and served at different intervals to the IDPs. In some big sites,
two meals were provided. Lunch was served around 11 a.m. and included four slices
of bread and juice or tea and sometimes fruits. The menu of supper varied almost
every day and included rice, pap (maize meal), spaghetti, and chicken or meat. Due to
the distance the supper was often served cold. Some smaller sites managed by
religious organisations received better meals in terms of quantity, quality and
frequency- there was a preference for cooked food, three meals a day including
breakfast. For example, the Somalis received rice, spaghetti, chicken and meat and
sometimes fish.
The sites run mainly by religious organizations, though small in size, are faced with
funding problems as voluntary contributions are drying up with each passing day. The
lack of breakfast in most of the sites was a great concern raised by the IDPs. Little
variation in meals menu, untimely availability of meals and quality of meals were
concerns of a large portion of the population.
3.4.3 Changes in Dietary Habits
Most of the sites have mixed populations of different nationalities who have diverse
eating habits and taste preferences, thus, one common dish could not satisfy everyone
in need. In general, most African nationals like meat and chicken. Somalis in
particular prefer rice and spaghetti. Congolese and Rwandese staple diet is rice, fish,
chicken, potatoes, beans, cabbage and spinach. Some communities liked soft pap
while others thick. The variation in taste and dietary habits across different
nationalities viz a viz one common dish served to all was not widely appreciated.
The cooked served meals normally include pap, soup with little meat/ chicken and
potatoes. Despite reservations over the variety and menu of cooked meals, only a few
cases of people having stomach problems due to food were reported in some sites.
Milk for children and for tea/ coffee was not provided on a regular basis. Some
mothers also requested milk for their children. Due to varied tastes and eating habits,
women recommended that dry rations should be provided instead of cooked food so
that they can feed their families according to their own taste and requirements.
However, this is not possible for the time being as the majority of the families lack
cooking facilities and kitchen utensils.
3.4.4. Problems with Food
The efforts of government, local communities, philanthropists and religious
organizations are commendable as they responded timeously to provide food and
8
relief supplies. The quantity of food, particularly in the cold weather, needs to be
enhanced as the IDPs mentioned they feel hungry between the meal intervals.
Similarly the lack of breakfast in many sites and lack of diversity in the food basket
according to the tastes of the population were common needs expressed across all the
sites. In many instances the people complained that the food is too spicy. In some
sites food that was beyond the official expiry date was distributed. This raises mistrust
and frustration among the IDPs.
Food is distributed by the organizers and everybody is required to collect his/ her
food. Despite the minimum role of the committee in food distribution, the IDPs have
no complaints over the mechanism of food distribution. There are also few reports of
discrimination in food distribution either by nationality, gender or age group.
In some sites, the quantity of food is sometimes short and some people who will be
queuing may not get their share.
In one site, the beneficiaries also complained about corruption in food distribution and
lack of proper hygiene in food preparation.
3.4.5. Challenges
The government, local communities, philanthropists and churches and mosques have
been at the forefront providing immediate relief and food assistance thereby averting a
humanitarian catastrophe. The voluntary nature of assistance driven by humanitarian
imperative has been the key to respond to the immediate crisis. With the passing of
time, voluntarism is fading. It is therefore essential that a system of funding and
systematic food management should be in place to fill the gaps that are expected to
arise. There is also a need for proper record keeping reflecting food receipts and
distribution. The overall food management including daily dietary requirements and
the oversight of a nutritionist should be immediately ensured.
As the humanitarian situation continues, the need for dry rations will become more
cost effective and easier for the families to cook food according to their own taste,
needs and timing. In that case, provision of cooking facilities and kitchen utensils
needs to be addressed.
3.4.6. Recommendations on food




An adequate funding mechanism should be in place particularly for the sites
managed by religious groups as their sources of funding are drying up.
The option of providing dry rations instead of cooked meals should be worked
out in order to meet the taste needs and dietary requirements. This can only be
achieved if cooking facilities, kitchen utensils and an energy source for
cooking are provided. Optionally IDPs can be involved in the preparation and
cooking of the wet feeding for the site.
Breakfast should be included in the meal basket and meals with diversified
menu should be introduced taking into account the dietary habits of the site
population.
The nutrition needs of pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should
be considered and supplementary food should be provided for vulnerable
groups.
9

3.5.
A proper record keeping system must be introduced to track food utilization
in all sites.
SHELTER
Displaced people are sheltered in different types of shelter that include large and
small tents, community halls and churches. Some of the tents at sites such as, Blue
water, Youngsfield and Soetwater were leaking and did not have adequate insulation
against cold wind. The situation at Knysna, Youngsfield and Soetwater which are on
low lying areas pose risks and could lead to health problems if not properly insulated
before heavy winter rains fall. Some of the tents have bad lighting even during the
day. There is no privacy in some of the shelters with both male and females staying
in the same tent or community hall. In some settlements, for example Blue water,
windows and doors are broken. Most of the church buildings, such as the Bellville
sites, are warm and secure with adequate toilet facilities, lighting and access control.
Living space is adequate but there is a general lack of privacy in these big halls.
However, in sites such as Soetwater there is visible overcrowding.
In most of the sites visited, the main concerns are lack of beds or mattresses and warm
blankets for the cold winter. Very few blankets were provided and some IDPs shared
the little available. Other issues that were not also considered for most of the sites are
sanitary wear for women and nappies and potties for children.
3.5.1.






3.6.
Recommendations on shelter
The overcrowding in some of the large tents needs urgent attention and where
possible families, should stay together.
Proper site planning and erecting of tents is needed to reduce the water
soaking in tents as well as possible flooding and leaking.
Need to consider issues of privacy and cultural differences when providing
communal shelter so as to reduce tension, abuse or exploitation.
More lighting required in some shelter.
Provision of sanitary wear to women.
More blankets particularly during the current cold winters.
WATER AND SANITATION
3.6.1. Water
Overall the water and sanitation is no major concern. The water in all sites visited is
provided by the City of Cape Town, usually through existing town water supplies.
The water of the town is chlorinated. There were no reports of lack of water nor
reports of long waiting times at water points. No jerry cans or buckets for water
storage have been distributed.
10
3.6.2. Sanitation
In most sites there are enough latrines to cover the needs of the IDPs. In many of the
sites (town halls and tent sites) there is a combination of the so-called mobilettes and
permanent flush latrines. Few of the mobilettes have hand washing facilities nearby.
Only in the tent sites are the toilet facilities separated for men and women. Most of
the permanent latrines are for men or women only. While the permanent latrines
(flush latrines) are usually cleaned daily often by contractors, the mobilettes are
cleaned some times twice per week but often only once. Many of the mobilettes were
dirty. In some of the sites soap had been distributed while in others there is none.
Most but not all of the sites have some shower facilities. At least two sites visited
have hot water in the showers. Some of the tent sites do not have separate showers for
men and women. In Youngsfield (a site with tents) all showers are in one mobile
building as there is no separation between men and women. Somali women are
refusing to use this facility and are taking baths in their tents.
Most IDPs are washing clothes in their own washing basins; no water buckets were
provided and in most of the sites washing soap was not distributed.
A number of sites visited were clean with garbage usually being collected by the
municipality. However many were dirty.
There was no hygiene promotion or health education activities on most of the sites
visited.
3.6.3. Recommendations on water and sanitation
Water
 In the sites a distribution of jerry cans will be useful to ensure better hygiene
in the tents
 Water near the latrines is required to facilitate hand-washing after latrine use.
 In some sites drainage at the water points will need to be improved
Sanitation
 The Mobilettes will require more regular cleaning.
 The distribution of potties could be considered for small children.
 In more permanent sites latrines could be allocated for one or two tents (but
again separated for men and women) to try to ensure better use. Consider the
involvement of IDPs to set up such a system.
 A distribution of washing basins for the cleaning of clothes is required in the
sites with tents.
Showers
 Separate shower facilities are required for women and men, especially in the
Somali culture it is not acceptable to let women and men share the same
shower or latrine
 Hot showers though difficult and expensive to install and maintain will ensure
better hygiene and provide some warmth against the cold weather.
11
Garbage collection
 Most of the sites are really clean. Involve the IDPs more in cleaning their own
environment.
 Ensure sufficient dustbins are available especially at the tented sites
Hygiene promotion and distribution of hygiene kits
 Hygiene and health promotion activities are needed and it will require a
specialist support from relevant authorities to determine the relevant messages
for the different groups affected.
 Hygiene kits should be distributed and during the distribution it should be
made clear for how long the items are supposed to last (e.g. 250gr of soap per
person per month)
3.7. HEALTH AND NUTRITION
3.7.1. Health Situation
At the time of the site visits, the overall health situation of displaced population
was satisfactory. However, there is variation in the provision of services. There is
no outbreak of communicable or acute diseases in the sites. Children are reported
to be vaccinated and the coverage is fair in sites where stationary health facilities
are functioning. No child and maternal mortality were reported in the sites.
Access to health services, in some sites where medical services were not available,
has been difficult despite the fact that referral systems existed. However, the IDPs
indicated that they did not feel safe to go out of the site to seek medical services
since some nationals still insult and threaten them. Common acute diseases in the
sites were reported: flu, coughs and sore throats which could be attributed to the
cold weather. Diarrhoea and dehydration were reported due to spicy food in one
site. Chronic diseases like TB, diabetes, epilepsy and high blood pressure were
reported. The latter was the case particularly among the adult population than the
children. In most cases HIV status was not disclosed. In the Harmony Park and
Sarepta sport complex sites, ARV treatment is administered at both sites. There is
also a psychosocial support system in place at these sites.
The population expressed concern over the little appropriate medicines available
and the quality of the health care services. Proper health services are lacking in
centres such Khayelitsha, Desmond Tutu, Site B, Andile Msizi, Solomon
Mahlangu, Masibambane and Blue Waters.
3.7.2. Nutrition and Antenatal Services
The nutrition situation of children under 5 is reported to be generally satisfactory,
but some serious concerns should be addressed. Infant formula is not available in
most sites assessed. In some sites, baby formulas are also distributed, but in some
cases it was beyond the expiry date.
In some instances antenatal and post natal services are provided to pregnant and
lactating mothers where medical facilities exist. In Summer Greens, no antenatal
12
service is available for pregnant women and there is no supplementary ration for
them.
3.7.3. Recommendations on Health
 Provision of medical services is not uniform in all sites. A coordinated system
should be developed and a minimum standard of services at sites should be
agreed upon. The Department of Health should play a leading role in this.
 Mobile clinics with all the essential drugs should deliver health care in sites
without a clinic on site, as most IDPs still fear to attend municipal clinics.
 Psychosocial support through counselling for stress shock and traumatism
should be provided due to prevailing fear and stress.
 Reinforce the referral systems for serious illnesses, obstetrical emergency or
other emergencies where needed.
 Identify HIV positive people and continue their care.
 Strengthen health information surveillance system to early detect any outbreak
or quick increase of diseases.
 Further investigation at Summer Greens, Soetwater for the diagnosis of the
general itching and arrange treatment accordingly.
4.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
The main recommendations for consideration are provided below. The thrust of
this assessment was on immediate life saving humanitarian interventions that
should be guided by humanitarian principles and the reduction of the possible
worsening of the current situation. Some of the areas that need urgent attention
include:

Decongesting of some of the mega sites particularly Soetwater where
tensions are mounting. The site is currently isolated from any services and
far from communities making the IDPs feel like prisoners and totally
removed from the community they are supposed to be part of in the long run.
The high population in an area that was meant to cater for a few tourists also
runs the risk of ecological disasters with reported cases of sewer bursts very
close to the sea. Too many groups of different nationalities staying in
different sites with different religious and cultural practises can also worsen
tensions. The situation at Soetwater must be defused urgently.
New/existing smaller sites in the province should be identified and people
moved.

Urgent training and strengthening of site management systems: In most
of the sites, there is very poor to non existent overall management. There is
limited record keeping and administration; site infrastructure and
maintenance, including access control, registered numbers of IDPs; control
over the quality, quantity and type of food commodities brought in and
distributed.

Training in humanitarian principles and minimum standards in disaster
response (Sphere) for organisations currently managing the sites is
imperative. In some areas, IDPs were provided with stale food and food they
13
were not very familiar with, limited non food items like blankets,
overcrowded in a single tent and families separated even in cases where it is
possible to have families together. The basic minimum standard of IDPs
participating in design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of
assistance needs to be adhered to reduce tension.

Strengthening coordination and information particularly at district level:
While provincial and district coordination structures are well functional, in
some districts organisations that come to deliver assistance particularly in
church based sites do not reflect proper coordination systems. There is an
urgent need for at least one centralised point to ensure standardised response.
Some organisations come in with different individual interests and at times
give conflicting information to IDPs e.g. on issues of repatriation.

It is important for UNHCR and IOM to continue active engagement with
the displaced people to clarify and support the activation of available future
options.

Strengthen the capacity of the Department of Home Affairs to conduct the
registration and documentation tasks required. Support their function of
linking IDPs to the appropriate embassies to facilitate voluntary return of
citizens who express interest and are not refugees. Information should be
provided to the people on the process and where possible, embassies need to
visit some of the sites to provide information on repatriation. This will assist
in decongesting some of the sites and also reduce anxiety that may lead to
tension.

It is important to note that as part of the international community,
organisations should be guided by the humanitarian Charter, which is
based on the principles and provisions of international humanitarian law,
international human rights law, refugee law and the code of conduct for the
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non Governmental
Organisations in Disaster relief. Hence the need to reassert the right to life
with dignity for disaster affected populations (Sphere).
Annex: Questionnaire
14