Durban University of Technology (DUT), International Education and Partnerships (IEP) Office held a World Refugee Day Virtual Dialogue on 19 June 2020. This virtual dialogue was aimed at paying tribute to all refugees and asylum seekers. The event recognises refugee students at DUT for their excellent academic performance and making an indelible mark at the institution.
This year’s theme being: Every Action Counts, the IEP noted that the theme reflected the notion of the event and urged everyone to assist, engage and educate where possible. The event was facilitated by IEP’s Mr Kgware Moeti and featured a host of speakers such as Ms Yasmin Rajah, Director from the Refugee Social Services, who focused on the Refugee COVID-19 Crisis. Mrs Muluti Phiri Advocacy Officer, Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA), who spoke on protecting human rights of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in South Africa. Mr Kudzanai Zishiri, DAFI Project Coordinator from the Study Trust Organisation, who highlighted the DAFI Scholarship Programme for refugees at higher institutions. Dr Kudakwashe Shonhiwa, Director of the DUT Peace Oasis International, who gave an account of the challenges that exist in the communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and what opportunities can be recognised at this time.
Welcoming the guests and the DUT community to the dialogue was Dr Lavern Samuels who is Director of the DUT International Education and Partnerships (IEP). “Our office has always been involved with research around refugees as well as engagement with the United Nations High Commission for refugees, but we meet under very challenging circumstances because not only are we highlighting the challenges that refugees face but also against the backdrop of a global pandemic. If we speak of the vulnerability of refugees, we have seen that vulnerability amplified in the last few months,” he stressed. He added that for him, what this event highlighted is the interconnectivity of society and he stressed that a failure to consider refugees in response to the crises is a failure to consider society as a whole because they are interconnected.
“If we do not engage with them and look at their needs at this time then we are in fact letting down society as a whole because this pandemic does not allow us to deal with one part of society and think we are dealing with the pandemic effectively,” he said. He also emphasised that the whole society at large needed to be looked at diversely.
Whereas CoRMSA’s Muluti Phiri alluded that “The challenges facing asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in South Africa is xenophobia and access to basic rights. Xenophobia is a serious problem in South Africa with migrants experiencing negative stereotyping, irrational prejudices from some local communities and some politicians. These experiences impact negatively on the mental well-being of migrants,”
Adding more to the conversation was Mr Kudzanai Zishiri who spoke on the DAFI Scholarship Programme which aims to support qualified and academically strong young refugee men and women who meet the requirements to access higher education in their country of asylum. “We administer bursaries and scholarships, provide mentoring and support to help tertiary students under our administration thrive academically and personally; as well as help young people to access tertiary education, acquire professional skills and gain employment,”
Whiles Dr Kuda Shonhiwa challenged the South African community to establish effective partnerships between key stakeholders including organized citizens, national and international government agencies, who are responsible for providing finance to those in need; NGOs and professional agencies who are able to provide technical assistance. “At the heart of a humane progressive response will be a new relationship between citizens, their organisations and the state. In this context, the state includes local and national government and utilities. All have a critical role to play in responding to COVID-19,” he stressed.
This virtual dialogue also opened the platform to refugee students to participate where poetry and testimonials were shared. “Devastating as it may, this poem is in the hope to not only thank the doors that open across the world but also, the hands that open them. My hope is that we learn to ask and give help, not because we are weak but because we want to remain in strength, and if anything at all, from the residue of this poem, I hope you remember the poor, and more than just remember Yemen,” Emmanuel Mangalibi, Past President of International students’ organisation (ISO).
Also expressing his student journey at DUT was Chris Minoko, who said that the university had helped him in his journey and made him the person that he is today. Having migrated to South Africa in 2005 from a highly disadvantaged background, being a student at DUT has opened many doors for him. “At first it was very difficult adjusting to the environment, speaking a different language and not being able to speak isiZulu, there was much segregation, but with dedication, I managed to break through that boundary. When I was doing my third year I was invited on a scholarship which DUT paid for me to go to the United States and represent South Africa. The event took place in February 2020 in New York City. Not only did DUT pay for the trip but the university also gave me a stipend which my own family could not afford to do so, I ended up graduating at the top of my class and even getting a job, I have been given an opportunity to better my life. The university and the country have given me hope to better myself as a person, not just a refugee,” he said proudly.
The IEP again saluted all refugee students at DUT with a beautiful message, “As you walk amongst us each day, contributing towards the education of South Africa. Driven by the desire to improve your lives. We salute your bravery and envy your determination. Moreover, we appreciate you and love you,” The office also encourages all currently registered refugee students to grab this opportunity and apply for DAFI scholarship by going to their website at www.studytrust.org.za
Pictured: Virtual Dialogue speakers at the World Refugee Day Virtual Dialogue event.
-Waheeda Peters
