SOUTH AFRICA — The Methodist Church in central Johannesburg will be closing its doors to refugees by the end of December.
The church has been a home for refugees since the xenophobia attacks that occurred in the country a few years ago.
Refugees from Zimbabwe and other African countries have found safety in the church, especially during xenophobic attacks targeting foreigners.
Church leader Bishop Paul Verryn said they were trying to find alternative accommodation for the 500 people living there.
“We are energetically looking for alternative accommodation. The leadership of the circuit says the church building should be used solely for the purposes of worship,” he said.
The refugees, however, disagreed with the move, saying they had nowhere to go and were unemployed.
Blessing Mutezo said he would fight the process tooth and nail.
“Do they think they will succeed in kicking us out? I don’t think so. We will be waiting for them. Yes they told us that they don’t want us here anymore. What about all of these mothers and their children?” – The New Age
