Diakonia Centre at the Heart of Durban’s Migrant Crisis

In the heart of Durban’s central business district, the Diakonia Centre has become the focal point of a growing humanitarian and political crisis involving hundreds of foreign nationals seeking protection amid escalating anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa.

Over recent days, the centre — widely known for hosting social justice and human rights organisations — transformed from a civic facility into an emergency refuge for migrants and asylum seekers fleeing alleged intimidation, violence, and threats in various parts of Durban. The situation has exposed deep divisions over immigration, law enforcement, economic hardship, and human rights protections in South Africa.

Why the Diakonia Centre Became a Refuge

More than 300 foreign nationals reportedly gathered at the Diakonia Centre after claiming they were forced to abandon their homes and informal businesses due to rising hostility and threats from anti-immigrant groups.

Many of those seeking safety are refugees and asylum seekers from the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African countries. According to reports, some had initially camped outside the Durban Central police station before authorities moved them to temporary shelters, including the Diakonia Centre and a homeless shelter in North Beach.

However, tensions intensified when residents at the North Beach shelter reportedly refused to accommodate the migrants, arguing that the facility was already overcrowded.

The Diakonia Centre subsequently emerged as the main gathering point for displaced migrants and their families.

Police Presence and Rising Tensions

The atmosphere outside the centre quickly became volatile.

Police formed a human barrier between foreign nationals and anti-immigrant protesters after demonstrations escalated in Durban’s CBD. Authorities maintained a strong security presence around the building as concerns mounted over possible clashes.

Groups opposed to illegal immigration, including March and March, gathered outside the facility demanding stricter enforcement against undocumented migrants. The MK Party also voiced opposition to illegal immigration during the standoff.

The anti-immigrant demonstrations reflected broader frustrations among some South Africans who argue that undocumented migration contributes to unemployment, overcrowding, and crime. Protesters claimed local businesses and communities were being negatively affected.

At the same time, human rights groups warned that inflammatory rhetoric and intimidation risked creating dangerous conditions for vulnerable families, especially women and children.

Stories of Fear and Survival

Behind the political debate are deeply personal stories of fear, uncertainty, and survival.

Speaking during the crisis, migrant mother Agnes Jafari described how the unrest has disrupted her family’s daily life and left her frightened for the safety of her two-year-old daughter.

“She can’t go to creche anymore because where I’m staying, the situation is not good. I’m not safe there yet on the street when you’re walking, everyone, each and everyone is asking for papers.”

Jafari said asylum documentation issued by Home Affairs was now being verified amid the ongoing operation.

Another migrant, Bridget Chomachoma, explained how escalating tensions had affected livelihoods for many foreign nationals trying to survive through informal trading.

“ We only sell some few stuff just to put food on our kids’ table. At the moment we can’t sell. Where we used to sell, they just come and take over, break the stuff, chase us out.”

She also described growing fear among children after threats allegedly linked to a June 30 deadline demanding foreigners leave South Africa.

“At school they are attacking the kids, reminding them that you must remember that 30 June you guys are no more allowed to come to school because your parents, they’re going be out of this country.”

The emotional impact on migrant families has become one of the most disturbing aspects of the unfolding situation.

Government Steps In

In response to the growing crisis, eThekwini Municipality, provincial authorities, police, and the Department of Home Affairs launched an emergency intervention.

Durban Mayor Cyril Xaba confirmed that buses had been arranged to transport foreign nationals from the Diakonia Centre to Home Affairs facilities for verification and processing.

Authorities stated that approximately 300 migrants were processed, with only one individual reportedly found to be in South Africa illegally.

Xaba explained that courts and magistrates had been prepared to assist with immigration procedures for anyone unable to provide valid documentation.

“Those who fail the qualification to be in the country and don’t have the necessary documents the police will then arrest them because that is the standard procedure.”

He added that undocumented migrants could face detention and deportation after due legal process.

At the same time, Xaba urged communities to support foreign nationals who are legally residing in South Africa.

NATJOINTS and Security Operations

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) also became directly involved in the crisis.

According to officials, the verification process was designed to distinguish between documented refugees and undocumented migrants while ensuring lawful residents receive protection.

Authorities emphasized that the operation was not intended to “legitimise the illegal stay of undocumented foreign nationals,” but rather to enforce immigration laws while safeguarding human rights.

Police confirmed that investigations are underway into allegations of assault, intimidation, malicious damage to property, and forced business closures linked to the unrest.

Statistics released during the operation highlighted the scale of immigration enforcement efforts nationwide:

• 29,731 illegal foreign nationals arrested since January 2026
• 76,588 illegal foreign nationals arrested during the previous financial year
• 59,814 undocumented migrants deported in the past financial year

These figures reveal how immigration enforcement has become a major national priority.

Human Rights Concerns Intensify

Human rights organisations and civil society groups have expressed alarm over the treatment of migrants during the crisis.

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) warned that escalating tensions could displace vulnerable populations, including women, children, older people, and persons with disabilities.

SAHRC commissioner Nomahlubi Khwinana stressed that constitutional protections apply to everyone inside South Africa regardless of nationality.

“Our Constitution is clear that the police are supposed to be providing that safety. It’s understandable that migrants would go to the police to be afforded the same safety. It’s not only for citizens, anyone in the country must be protected.”

The SAHRC confirmed it had written to government requesting urgent engagement over rising xenophobic tensions.

Meanwhile, the Congolese Solidarity Campaign alleged that several migrants had been assaulted during the unrest.

President Ramaphosa Responds

President Cyril Ramaphosa has also addressed the issue, condemning attacks on foreign nationals and distancing government policy from anti-migrant violence.

Speaking at the South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission Summit in Botswana, Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and secure migration systems.

“We need to work towards the seamless movement of our people in a predictable, coordinated, and secure manner.”

He added that African governments must cooperate to combat organised crime while preserving lawful cross-border movement.

His comments came amid growing scrutiny over South Africa’s handling of immigration, asylum processing, and xenophobic violence.

The Broader Debate Over Immigration in South Africa

The Diakonia Centre crisis reflects deeper national tensions surrounding migration, economic inequality, unemployment, and social instability.

South Africa has long struggled with periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence, often targeting African migrants accused of taking jobs, operating businesses illegally, or contributing to crime. Economic hardship and high unemployment have intensified these sentiments in recent years.

At the same time, refugee advocates argue that many migrants are legally documented asylum seekers escaping conflict, instability, or poverty in their home countries.

The Diakonia standoff has therefore become more than a local dispute. It represents a broader struggle over identity, law enforcement, economic opportunity, and human rights in post-apartheid South Africa.

What Happens Next?

Authorities continue processing and verifying the status of migrants involved in the Diakonia Centre operation.

Law enforcement agencies remain on high alert as tensions persist in Durban and surrounding communities. Human rights organisations are expected to maintain pressure on government to ensure lawful treatment of asylum seekers and refugees.

The outcome of the crisis may influence future immigration enforcement strategies, community relations, and political debates across South Africa.

For now, the Diakonia Centre stands as a powerful symbol of both refuge and division — a place where humanitarian need collided with one of the country’s most contentious national conversations.