Expulsion of Refugees in Kensington and Bellville: UNHCR Consults Community Leaders in Cape Town

On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, a crucial meeting was held at the Scalabrini Foundation premises in Cape Town, bringing together the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and leaders of refugee organizations, including VAC (Voice of Africa for Change), to discuss the uncertain future of refugees residing in the Kensington and Bellville camps.

According to Crispin Kasarombo, director of VAC and an eyewitness to the meeting, the purpose was to convey the decision of the Cape Town court regarding the approximately 299 asylum seekers and refugees living in these two camps, the majority of whom are nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The court ordered the expulsion of all camp residents “as soon as possible.” However, it required UNHCR to first engage in dialogue with the refugees and their representatives to seek amicable solutions before any eviction takes place. “UNHCR chose to consult with community leaders to ensure that the proposals best meet the needs of the refugees,” reports Kasarombo.

At the end of the meeting, UNHCR presented two main options:

• Voluntary repatriation to the country of origin, an operation that would be organized and funded by UNHCR.

• Reintegration for those who choose to remain in South Africa, coordinated by local authorities, although the details of this process remain unclear.

The South African Department of Foreign Affairs pledged to assist with the regularization of documents for those who have not renewed them during their stay in the camps. However, anyone who received a “must leave” expulsion notice before or after staying in the camps will have to leave the country, despite this leniency.

Those who refuse the solutions proposed by UNHCR will be expelled from the camps by the South African authorities.

An official visit to the Kensington camp was scheduled for May 15, with the participation of UNHCR, local authorities, the police, and the Department of Foreign Affairs, to announce the court’s decision and present support measures to the affected refugees.

For Crispin Kasarombo, this meeting marks a decisive stage in managing the refugee crisis in Cape Town: “It is a complex situation that requires dialogue, transparency, and respect for human rights.”

Article written based on the report by Crispin Kasarombo, director of VAC (Voice of Africa for Change).