A Facebook group, “Durban action against Xenophobia”, has been set up to co-ordinate responses to the current crisis of xenophobic violence such as:

1. circulating information
2. assisting the many displaced people who urgently need food, shelter and other basic resources
3. educating people against the violence
4. engaging in acts of solidarity and protest

This group is not meant to replace the many others, but simply to link people in Durban who want to become actively involved.

Red Cross are co-ordinating shelters and provisions across Durban from an operations base at Cato Manor Police Station. Many people are taking refuge there, and at sites at Isipingo, Verulam, Pinetown and several sites at Inanda and elsewhere. Others seeking shelter at Emmanuel Cathedral in Town.

We want to support them with an:

URGENT FOOD COLLECTION DRIVE

We want to set up donation points at supermarkets wherever possible. We will need volunteers for these, and for transporting the donations daily to the Red Cross base at Cato Manor Police Station.  PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU CAN VOLUNTEER for a morning or afternoon, or can help transport supplies.

UKZN: There will be a collection box at the circulation desks of the university libraries.

You can also take provisions directly to Cyril Vez (Red Cross co-ordinator) at Cato Manor Police Station in Bellair Road.

WHAT IS NEEDED

• Non-perishable foodstuffs that don’t need to be cooked (there are mostly no fridge and stove facilities) such as tinned food
• Bread
• Baby supplies: Purity, milk formula,
• disposable nappies, wetwipes, dummies, bottles
• Toilet paper
• Tooth paste, toothbrushes
• Sanitary towels for women
• Clothing
• Blankets
• Sponges, mattresses and pillows
• Books, Colour-in books, crayons for children.
• Tents and waterproofing, such as tarpaulins
• Gas cookers and Primus stoves
• Flasks (for warm baby bottles)
• Knives, Forks, Disposable cutlery
• Polystyrene Cups
• Black refuse bags

To make a financial contribution directly to Red Cross:
Standard Bank
Acc # 071760563
Branch: Constantia
Branch Code : 025309
Online donation link on website : www.redcross.org.za

UKZN is holding a discussion forum on xenophobia Thursday 29 May, 12:30-14:00 at the Westville Campus.

Join the group at www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=18209392749

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