Refugees and homeless people who have left their countries of birth and are now living in towns such as Musina, Makhado and Giyani spoke out during the World Refugee Day function held at the Seshego Stadium on Saturday.

One of the refugees and a mother of three children, Yusra Mohamed (30), from Mogadishu in Somalia, said she came to South Africa in 2000, after war had erupted in her country. Due to certain difficulties, her family members had to separate and went to Ethopia, Kenya, Europe and even the USA to get to places of safety.

A happy Mohamed said that she felt at home in South Africa because she was married and blessed with three children, Zahra (4), Saadiq (7) and Sadaat Mohamed (10). “South Africa provides to me and my children, all born in Polokwane, a roof over our head, a meal on the table and a future far brighter than that of many other refugees." She said it was painful when she left her country and to be separated from loved ones.

She also revealed that her challenge was criminal elements in communities who targeted the most vulnerable members of the community, both hosts and migrants. “South Africa is a free country, compared to other countries, and we still need more safety and security from the police,” she added.

The MEC for Safety and Security, Ms Florence Radzilani, who officiated on behalf of Premier Cassel Mathale, said that any person perpetrating acts of violence against refugees would be arrested and punished. “We are urging our communities to work together with all refugees to make our country and the continent prosperous. We should leave this occasion with a renewed energy to create a conducive environment for refugees to reside in our province without any intimidation,” Radzilani said.