Danielle Harris – Advocacy Volunteer

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Danielle came to South Africa, looking to better understand the praxis of international law and spent time interning in the Advocacy Programme. Read Danielle’s reflection on the ten weeks she spent here. 

“When I first saw Scalabrini, a building with an orange, red, and yellow facade, it looked like a place of hope in a grim area. For refugees, Scalabrini is exactly that- a safe haven. During my orientation, the facilitator asked us staff to traditionally introduce ourselves while also including a description of our daily commute to the office. There was a mixture of straightforward and convoluted paths, causing us all to approach our work differently upon arrival.

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“But there were also many uplifting moments; translating for French-speaking clients and seeing a smile on their faces when they realised that they could be heard in their native tongue; assisting clients with certifications for permanent residency; and playing checkers (and getting beat) by men at a culture celebratory event on World Refugee Day.”

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When I began to meet with refugees, I understood just how much our respective paths shaped us, especially since refugees took even more intense paths to get to South Africa. This discussion prompted me to consider how, unlike my journey from the United States, others were packed onto boats in conditions reminiscent of the Middle Passage, hidden under covers in trucks and buses, and had walked hundreds to thousands of miles to get to South Africa. 

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Somewhere along the way, the clients learned about Scalabrini and they landed at my desk for me to either tell them comforting or unfortunate news. I would give a variety of responses to essentially tell someone that the journey they made to South Africa was for naught because they were not recognised as a refugee in terms of the 1951 Refugee Convention, or that they would have to travel for hours to apply for asylum. 

As an Advocacy intern, it was my job to assist clients with applying for asylum, preparing appeals, representations, and assisting with other legal issues that arose (i.e. hospital xenophobia, school registration, family joining). During my first week at the office, I sat with a colleague to shadow her during the client intake process. From 9am-12pm, we would individually meet with clients to hear their stories and problems, and offer advice on potential solutions.  

Throughout my ten weeks at the Scalabrini Centre, there were many heartbreaking moments: I met with people without refugee claims who literally carried their children in their hands and asked for help but could not be assisted; I had to tell people from Zimbabwe and other countries with economic and other claims that are not recognised by the Convention, and that they had to return home. 

But there were also many uplifting moments; translating for French-speaking clients and seeing a smile on their faces when they realised that they could be heard in their native tongue; assisting clients with Certifications for permanent residency; and playing checkers (and getting beat) by men at a culture celebratory event on World Refugee Day. I coped with work by finding beauty in the struggle and learning more about the clients’ lives outside of being a refugee, as well as hearing stories about their children, and talking with colleagues who had been at Scalabrini for years. 

A colleague of mine kept the following quote on their desk, “Helping one person may not change the whole world, but it may change the world for one person.” These words pushed me through times when I felt like I failed refugees because I could not directly or quickly change the problems within the refugee system or within their countries. Johnny Clegg’s song “Asimbonanga” also kept me going by reminding me of how many seemingly insurmountable battles South Africa has overcome, and that the battle for refugees here in South Africa can also be won.

I came to South Africa seeking a better understanding of the praxis of international law. Organisations like Scalabrini have shown me the necessity of on the ground work. As I return to the States, I will take with me the faces and resilient stories of many refugees. The country where Madiba stood tall in the face of injustice has taught me a lot of lessons on how to better the long walk to freedom for refugees.”

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white paper on international migration

What is the White Paper on International Migration?

Keep up to date with our Teach-Yourself Series – condensed articles on current and planned changes in South African migration law. Our articles and infographics aim to spread awareness on South Africa’s migration landscape, and our standpoints on the issue. This is a joint initiative between The Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town and Sonke Gender Justice. The first four topics in this series are: the Refugee Amendment Act, the White Paper on International Migration, birth registration and health care access.  

For further information about the issues discussed in the series, contact lotte@scalabrini.org.za or you can visit www.genderjustice.org.za. 

1. Introduction

The White Paper on International Migration was released in July 2017. This Paper sets out the framework for future immigration law in South Africa. Prior to a White Paper, a Green Paper is released, for which we wrote submissions. Green and White Papers form part of the process of law-making in South Africa.

This White Paper sets out major policy changes including:

  1. Changes towards migrants from Africa (especially from the SADC region);
  2. Permanent residency and citizenship; 
  3. The South African asylum system; and
  4. Other international migrants.

The White Paper acknowledges that migration can help South Africa reach its National Development Plan goals, but it also links migration strongly to security risks, trafficking and corruption. In our submissions, we warn that an over-emphasis on the criminality of migration misrepresents most migrants living in South Africa, and reinforces the ever-growing securitisation of migration. 

2. Our General Stance on the White Paper 

We welcome the White Paper’s philosophy of linking migration to development. We also welcome the moves towards more mobility in the SADC region and African continent. At the same time, we are concerned that the White Paper fixates on the link between migrants and criminality, and makes provision only for ‘designer migrants’ – those who are economically established and highly skilled – which can result in a regional brain-drain and uneven regional development. 

We have deep and grave concerns around the changes to the asylum system in South Africa, which we believe will result in unconstitutional ‘camps’ on the borders, where thousands of asylum seekers will risk having their most fundamental human rights abused.

More generally, the terms used in the White Paper (such as ‘illegal migrant’ rather than ‘undocumented person’) contributes to the unnecessary criminalization of migrants. We are also concerned at the White Paper’s lack of referencing sources, as it makes claims that are not linked to research or statistics.

  •  3. Changes towards migrants from Africa

African continent

The White Paper takes a pan-African stance, which seeks to move away from the colonial legacies of previous migration policies. The Paper references the AU Agenda 2063, which calls for the abolishment of visa requirements for all African citizens. The White Paper aims for visa-free travel for African citizens (i.e., the ability to enter South Africa for ninety days upon arrival at South Africa’s borders). This would, however, only work if there are return agreements and security measures in place. ‘Trusted travelers’ from Africa will be able to access long-term, multiple-entry visas. The White Paper plans for a fully automated visa application system (for all migrants), whereby applications are made in countries of origin, and are subject to advanced security checks using improved data systems. 

Southern African Development Community Region

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has aimed to work towards the free movement of people, goods and capital through various non-binding protocols. In reality, most of the SADC member states have not amended their policies in line with these protocols – and the White Paper stresses that, as the region’s largest economy, South Africa’s realization of this goal is difficult. The White Paper finds that 88% of recent deportations from South Africa were to Mozambique, Zimbabwe or Lesotho. With this in mind, the White Paper proposes the implementation of the following, which would include foreigners already living in South Africa:

  • Implementing more ‘Special Dispensation’ Permits for certain SADC nationals

Special Dispensation Permits have already been issued to certain groups of nationals in South Africa. These are temporary permits that allow certain work/study rights, but offer no pathway to permanent residency. These special permits are implemented through bilateral agreements between South Africa and another country. For example, the Zimbabwean special permit, which was first issued in 2014, offered temporary documentation to the mass influx of Zimbabweans during the economic crash. This permit has been extended three times (the current permits expire in 2021). Other special dispensation permits have been issued to Lesotho nationals and Angolan nationals.

  • New visa options for SADC nationals 

These options would include a special work visa, a trader visa and Small Medium Enterprise Visa. These visas would be dependent on bilateral agreements with South Africa and sending countries, and would be subject to requirements, such as business registration, SARS registration and so on. These visas would not link into permanent residency. 

In our submissions, we welcomed and celebrated these regularization projects, and the creation of a visa scheme for SADC citizens to legally enter, depart, and conduct employment and business in South Africa. We also agree with the White Paper that this will lift huge numbers out of the asylum system, providing relief and allow the asylum system to function (which means the huge changes planned to the asylum system would not be needed).

However, we also note some concerns on the SADC permit plans. Namely,

  • The existing special dispensation permits have been racked with problems of delays, incorrect permits and administrative blocks. To be most effective, we would like to see future dispensations better planned, organised and administered.
  • Existing special dispensation permits are subject to strict timelines, excluding huge swathes of people. We hope that future SADC visas will not be subject to such strict timelines, allowing nationals to apply at different times.

Although a step in the right direction, these ‘special’ permits are selective in who can apply, and when – resulting in a relatively small number of foreigners being documented rather than allowing for fuller SADC migration. It is not clear how low-skilled migrants could benefit from these permits, and risks allowing only ‘designer migrants’ to apply, resulting in brain-drains in sending countries. In the long term, we would support the development of an alternative migration management regime that would lessen the need for special dispensations.

  • 4. Permanent residency and citizenship

The White Paper wants to change the way permanent residency and citizenship are granted. The White Paper wants to de-link temporary residency and refugee status leading to permanent residency all together. The White Paper also wants to de-link permanent residency leading to citizenship. 

Instead, it plans to provide:

  • A ‘long-term residence’ instead of permanent residency, which would be accessible by certain migrants such as highly-skilled migrants on a fast-track system. This would not lead to citizenship;
  • Citizenship, but only to be granted by the Minister of Home Affairs in exceptional cases, after being advised and considered by a new Citizenship Advisory Panel (CAO).

In our submissions, we expressed concern around de-linking refugee status and permanent residency. Permanent residency is currently only granted to refugees who, after careful assessment, are considered to be in ‘indefinite’ need of protection as they are fleeing conflict or persecution that shows no sign of reconciling. According to the White Paper itself, between 2014 and 2016, only 4% of permanent residency applications were made by those with refugee status. Currently, the application to permanent residency via refugee status is an elongated, and careful procedure – and as such does not constitute a ‘pull factor’ for refugees coming to South Africa, as the White Paper claims. 

  • 5. The South African asylum system

The White Paper plans fundamental changes to the South African asylum system, which has caused deep concern within civil society.

Why the White Paper wants to change the asylum system

The White Paper finds the current asylum system to be overburdened, under-funded and non-functioning. Asylum adjudications take years, and many asylum-seekers hold expired documentation. On this basis, the White Paper plans to overhaul the asylum system. 

In our opinion, the challenges faced in the asylum system do not warrant a change in law. These challenges are challenges of implementation, communication, and commitment. For example, many asylum seeker hold expired permits not through a fault of their own, but because they cannot access Refugee Reception Offices (RROs), or their permits are simply stamped on the back rather than properly extended.

  • What the White Paper proposes: ‘Asylum Seeking Processing Centres’

In a move towards an encampment system, the White Paper lays down plans to construct Asylum Seeker Processing Centres on South Africa’s northern borders. We have expressed deep concern about this proposal. We believe these Processing Centers would be seriously detrimental to the rights and realities of asylum seekers, refugees and South Africans alike. We fear that creating detention centres in remote areas of the country will result in the long-term detention of vulnerable people without adequate support or adequate conditions. Such detention is unconstitutional and contrary to international law. Aside from being expensive, research shows that encampment policies do not deter migration – and could cause resentment from local South African citizens.

We believe that we should concentrate on improving the current system – with a better resourced and effectively managed asylum system based on the current Refugees Act of 1998. With the strain of regional economic migrants removed from the asylum system (through the new SADC visas), these improvements would be possible.

  • Life at the Asylum Processing Centre

In general, it seems that asylum seekers will be ‘accommodated’ at the Asylum Processing Centre while their asylum claim is being considered. The White Paper explains that governmental departments and international organisations (UNHCR, Red Cross) will operate at the Processing Centre. Vulnerable asylum seekers will be provided with special services at the Processing Centre. 

It seems that ‘low-risk’ asylum seekers can leave the Processing Centre (it is not clear what constitutes ‘low-risk’) into the care of organisations or community members. It is assumed that asylum-seekers who are granted refugee status will leave the Processing Centre. Asylum seekers will not have the automatic right to work. Their basic needs will be catered for in the processing centre. In exceptional cases, the right to work might be granted to certain asylum seekers. 

As above mentioned, we are deeply worried by the move towards detention centres on the northern borders, which we fear will result in the detention of asylum seekers, which is contrary to their constitutional right to freedom of movement. We are deeply concerned that the Department of Home Affairs will struggle to run a Processing Centre in a remote area away from public scrutiny.

We raised deep concerns around the changes to asylum seekers’ ability to work, as the Watchenuka court case confirmed asylum seekers’ right to work in South Africa, in that it is interwoven with one’s constitutional right to dignity. We advocate for the continuation of asylum seekers’ right to work in South Africa.

Funding the Asylum Processing Centres

It is not clear who will bear the cost of the Asylum Seeking Processing Centres. The White Paper acknowledges that ‘Additional … will be required’ for the Processing Centres, and indicated that Home Affairs is ‘developing a business case’ for the funding of the White Paper’s implementation.

We are concerned that, aside from the implications on human rights, Processing Centres will be an expensive venture. Similar asylum camps elsewhere are expensive to run ($224 dollars per day per person in the US). Aside from running costs, Home Affairs will have to set aside sizeable budgets for litigation on unlawful detention. Home Affairs indicated that the UNHCR will be implicated in supporting costs for changes to the asylum system. However, the UNHCR specifically confirmed they would not be able to fund such programmes in South Africa. In our submissions, we advocated that governmental funds should rather be spent on running the current asylum system properly, reopening RROs and training staff. This, paired with less asylum applicants (due to SADCV visa regime) will result in a functioning asylum system.

  • Exclusion from refugee status

The basis upon which refugees can be excluded will be expanded to include applicants that have failed to apply in safe countries en route to South Africa, often termed ‘third safe countries’.

We find that this cannot be legally implemented in South Africa. The principle of ‘third safe countries’ is not considered legal practice under international law. Under the Refugees Act of South Africa, those who have been granted refugee status in other countries cannot be granted refugee status in South Africa. But those who have merely transited through countries on their way to South Africa cannot be denied status based on their route taken to reach South Africa. Returning people to countries where they might be at risk of harm, or deportation, has been protected against – both by the Refugees Act (Section 2) and by South African caselaw.

  • Changes to refugee status and permanent residency

Those with refugee status will no longer be able to access permanent residency, but they might be able to access the long-term residency visa. As above mentioned, those refugees applying to permanent residency are subject to a thorough process. 

We are of the belief that, for those refugees who can never return home, permanent residency is an appropriate durable solution.

6. Other Provisions of the White Paper

The White Paper also includes provisions, to which our submissions did not reply. This included better managing ties with South African expatriates, and improved integration systems for international migrants in South Africa (such as legal advice desks). 

For highly skilled migrants from other continents than Africa, the White Paper sets out a points-based system. Skilled migrants will be considered in terms of their skills, investments and qualifications. This will be tied to a critical skills list. Migrants with critical skills will be able to apply for a long-term family residence visa, and international students will be able to access residency after graduation. Where skilled migrants are granted residency, schemes must be deployed to transfer skills to local South Africans, such as through understudy programmes. 

7. Children and the White Paper

Both the Green and White Papers on International Migration fail to mention the specific needs of migrant and refugee children. In response to this, joint submissions were lodged focusing solely on children’s issues. Migrant children have severe trouble accessing documentation options in South Africa. No systems exist to record entry of migrating children and therefore the number of undocumented children in SA is entirely unknown. Children born in South Africa to foreign parents are facing increasing difficulties in accessing birth certificates. 

The White Paper does not mention children specifically (only in the family visa for highly skilled migrants). ‘Vulnerable groups’ will be held in the Asylum Processing Centre, which might include asylum-seeking children. Accordingly, we stress in our submissions that the detention of children should only be used as a last resort and if so, for the shortest possible period of time. This is set down in international and national law. Again, it would seem that Asylum Seeking Processing Centres would therefore be unconstitutional and contrary to international law. We urged, in our submissions, that the White Paper include a special permit for migrant children and ensure that data systems exist to understand the number of children in South Africa, including express provisions to issue birth certificates to all children born in South Africa, regardless of their parents’ nationality. None of these submissions were considered in the White Paper. 

Contact Us

Do you have further questions on the White Paper on International Migration? Please visit www.genderjustice.org.za or www.scalabrini.org.za and get in touch!

 

migration statistics fact 1

Migration Statistics: South Africa

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scalabrini success story malaika unite

Malaika: Learning to Love Myself

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Malaika, 16, is in grade ten at Sea Point High and has been a member of UNITE for the past two years. Her involvement has taught her a lot about the importance of confidence and self-love.

Discovering the Beauty of Integration

Malaika was born in Cape Town and raised in Gugulethu. She joined UNITE two years ago, and it has played quite a significant role in shaping Malaika’s social life at Sea Point High. “Before UNITE, I never thought I would be friends with people who aren’t black. I have been surrounded by black people my whole life, so I just expected to feel a connection with black students more than others.”

Malaika went on to explain that the topics she was introduced to through UNITE shifted her worldview. “We talk about integration and it has opened my mind to a lot of things. Here at school, you find different kinds of people who segregate themselves from each other. UNITE has given me the confidence to get up and talk to them. Now, I am open to having relationships with people I would not see in my own community.” 

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“Hearing what people say about you can determine how you feel about yourself, when you should be in charge of that. I had to realise that there is much more to life than being a certain size, or getting likes on Facebook and Instagram. If I’m going to base my life on that, I’m not going to live my life the way I want.”

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Change Starts From Within

High school has challenged Malaika beyond just engaging with her peers. UNITE has taught her to continuously question her actions and beliefs. 

“In grades eight and nine, I dealt with a lot of self-image problems, to the point that I became a vegetarian.” Malaika blames the media for instilling the pressure she felt to look a certain way. However, UNITE ignited meaningful dialogue that taught her to prioritise her own ideals over socially-imposed ones. 

“Hearing what people say about you can determine how you feel about yourself, when you should be in charge of that. I had to realise that there is much more to life than being a certain size, or getting likes on Facebook and Instagram. If I’m going to base my life on that, I’m not going to live my life the way I want.”

Malaika’s self-assurance can be observed in casual conversation, but she mentions that exuding confidence has not come naturally. She describes coping with judgement and negativity as an intimate process. “When you’re at home, sitting in your room dealing with these things, you look into the mirror and see it’s just you. When it comes to dealing with what people say, it’s just you.”

Practicing What You Preach

Malaika plans to spread the importance of seeking self-validation to her younger peers. She is doing so by starting an organisation whose sole purpose is to encourage girls to be comfortable and confident in their own skin. She plans to facilitate group discussions and build a community of support for girls who face similar struggles.

Furthermore, Malaika’s ambition extends beyond the halls of her school. In the future, she plans to become a human rights activist, and to advocate for the rights of marginalised individuals. Equipped with her tenacity and drive, Malaika is sure to find success wherever she turns.

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“Now, I am open to having relationships with people I would not see in my own community.” 

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cape town volunteer all rounder shreyas

Shreyas Gupta – All Rounder volunteer

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Spending a few weeks at Scalabrini has been very interesting for Shreyas, especially in terms of  helping him unpack his thoughts around his own immigrant status, living in the US. Shreyas was an All Rounder at Scalabrini. Read about his time here below.

“I’m originally from India, but I was born in South Africa and grew up in the US. Cape Town has been different for me in terms of personal exploration and growth, in the sense that I’m now at the age where I can be here without my parents and that supervision. On the city front, I think that maybe it’s the context of the work that I do, the people that I’m with or the programme that I’m in, I’ve become a lot more aware of some of the racial and class tensions. But, I have also really loved this city and all it has to offer. I always imagined Cape Town as a big city, but it is small, at least it is divided in a way which makes it feel small. 

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“You have to be quick on your feet in learning small tidbits of things and then deep dive when needed. Given the nature of that, I’ve been able to interact with so many different people and I think I’ve really taken that personally in the sense that it’s been really rewarding.” 

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What brought me to Scalabrini was generally the work around refugees and migration. I think the work is interesting in the sense that my parents are first generation immigrants, which has been more of a relevant conversation as I’ve gotten older. Also as the political climate continually progresses in the US and around the world, I’ve become much more aware of my immigrant status. 

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I only got my citizenship three years ago. So just understanding a lot more of what it means to be a citizen, what it means to be a permanent resident etc.

My current position here is an All Rounder, but I spent my first three weeks doing EAP (Employment Access Programme) work. I would say that I have worked in almost every division at Scalabrini besides the Women’s Platform and BASP. It’s been really cool to get a larger sense of the organisation, but also to have honed in exposure of EAP. 

I think one of the most interesting things about the organisation is that it’s so dynamic, there are just things always moving. That has been an interesting learning curve, whatever is needed, you just have to adapt to. You have to be quick on your feet in learning small tidbits of things and then deep dive when needed. Given the nature of that, I’ve been able to interact with so many different people and I think I’ve really taken that personally in the sense that it’s been really rewarding. 

I’ve learnt a lot. I think factually a lot about migration. I didn’t know a lot of the statistics and a lot of the issues migrants face. One of the biggest things that I have taken away, was from a meeting with Miranda, she said that Scalabrini’s overall mission was to create a perception of migration being an opportunity. I think that has been so true of what is being said in the media and the way people view refugees, it’s always viewed as a crisis and that is always how it’s been taught to me. Since being here, I’ve realised there are a lot of things that have been misinterpreted and misinformed. It’s been humbling to say the least, even if that sounds cliché. It’s been humbling to see people coming in so determined and put everything on the line to make a better life for themselves and their families. 

I was helping one client make their CV and they were my age from Angola and in almost every single way he was similar to me, he moved here when he was three, he grew up here, had perfect English and is now an entrepreneur. I’ve done a lot of entrepreneurial work. I would have conversations with him like with someone back home. So it was interesting, because I was still having to help him, but he was highly capable. I had conversations with him and I learnt about him, he learnt about me, we shared something that I wouldn’t say everyone could have in common with someone. But again, the nature of the situation he was born into, we just had different upbringings, but to no fault of his own, obviously. I think that was really cool to have that connection. 

Future plans are very up in the air. So if I can find a way of hopefully tying all my interests together, then that would be really rewarding. Lots of conversations to be had, but I think I’m getting a better sense of this meaningful work. This is important to me, and as I said my status as an immigrant, coming to terms with that and what it means.”

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insights on migration

Three insights on migration: Asha, our receptionist

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The Scalabrini team works with migrants and refugees every day. With such deep expertise at hand, we take the opportunity to reflect on migration with them. This month we speak to Asha, receptionist and first face of Scalabrini, who always tells her children to do something that they love – and that is exactly what she has found here at Scalabrini. Asha’s job does not end when she leaves at the end of the day. She is constantly recognised and finds great happiness in speaking to clients inside and outside of work.

1. Migration entails much more than just the movement of people. 

The definition of human migration is the movement of people from one place to another, often over long distances, with the intention of settling. Asha used to share this view of migration. “I used to think you get to a country, you get your permit and it stops there, but it is not just about needing a safe place to live or a job. You find that and then what? Next is to give back to the community you are in.” As a child, Asha remembers lots of moving. “I was born in Rwanda, but left many years ago, from the genocide time. We didn’t know what was happening as kids, the next thing you can’t go to school because it was too bad and then the next thing you’re leaving home, we don’t know where we are going and we don’t know where we are going to end. That’s how we moved.” There are many different aspects that go along with moving and Asha’s experience as a child was very different to that of her parents. There is so much to learn about migration and Asha says she is constantly learning. Migration does not only bring challenges with it, but also opportunities to learn from each other and to broaden our mindsets. “Migration is huge and I really feel like everyone needs to get to know more, get to know each other. I believe most of us are migrants or come from migrants.”

2. Many people’s view of migration is one dimensional and only favours some. We are all migrants. 

People see cross-border migrants very differently to how they see migrants from within South Africa. “If you are in South Africa and you moved here from the Eastern Cape or you moved there from the Western Cape, you are a migrant. We are all migrants. Maybe you are lucky because you are just in your country, but I am sure that if you move somewhere and everyone speaks Sotho and Afrikaans, but you only speak Xhosa and English, you are foreign in that area even though you have your green ID book.” Asha has also seen how migrants from African countries are seen in a very different light to people coming from Europe or America. “We mustn’t see migration from one side – like thinking that if we get these certain people from certain countries our economy will grow. I might come from the States with my money, but with bad intentions. I might come from Rwanda or another African country, with no money, but with my wisdom and my knowledge.”

3. Migrants that come in search of a better life are not necessarily a threat to local people.

Most people do not choose to leave their country and their home. There are many different reasons for people migrating and it is important that we try to understand why. “Someone may be here for a better life, yes, but I am not coming to work against you.” Asha says it is important to get to know people and get to know their different challenges. “I could understand I was here because of war, but how about these other people?  I believe nobody wants to leave a place where they call home, but different challenges cause people to leave. There are advantages of being in your own community, but there are more advantages of getting involved in other communities. You learn a lot.” For example, Asha remembers her father taking time on the weekends to teach people in their community to drive. A positive cycle can be created when we work together.

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Spaza: a mini-documentary

How can we address xenophobia in an innovative, relevant way? Abdi, Western Cape head of the Somali Association of South Africa, recognizes that Somali shop-keepers’ entrepreneurial spirit is a ‘way of life’. At the same time, he sees that xenophobic tensions have roots in the South African economy itself. In reaction, Abdi started a Spaza Business Course, in which Somali shop-owners and South African entrepreneurs share business skills, tips and tricks of the trade.

Read more
scalabrini success story isaac

Isaac: On the Path to Emergency Medicine with the Employment Access Programme

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Isaac was 25 years old when he left his home, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and made the journey to South Africa, alone. After spending time in Zambia and Zimbabwe, he arrived in Cape Town where he is now pursuing his dream of getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Care from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Isaac reflects on how the Scalabrini Employment Access Programme fitted in with his journey.

Arriving in South Africa

Back home in DRC, Isaac had completed nursing school and was working for an NGO. He was also involved in politics, but was aware of the fact that when you speak the truth in a country facing political instability, you can quickly become a target. Very sadly, an eruption of conflict saw Isaac losing members of his family. Others fled in different directions. He made the decision to leave his home, with no idea of where he would end up. 

Isaac describes his arrival in South Africa as a difficult time. “It was a very difficult situation. My first time in Cape Town was lonely, arriving in a place where you don’t know anyone, with no family. I spoke no English. It was very, very tough, but because I was determined I kept going until today.”

Finding Scalabrini

Through the Congolese community, Isaac found the Scalabrini Centre and the right programme to guide him in the direction he was wanting to go. He joined the Employment Access Programme where it was discovered that the South African Nursing Council did not recognise his qualifications, so his studying venture in South Africa began. 

Furthering His Education

“I applied at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) six times. I applied, they rejected, I applied, they rejected, but I kept on trying. In the meantime I was doing extra courses, like first aid, nursing courses, basic life support. I was doing that in order to meet the requirements of the university.” In 2017, Isaac met the requirements and was accepted into both Radiology and Emergency Services. He chose Emergency Services. 

Staying Positive

It has not been the smoothest journey for Isaac. CPUT does not provide bursaries for foreign students, which means that Isaac works night shifts at the Cape Town Mediclinic trauma centre and studies during the day. This does not leave him with much time, and he has had to re-do a few subjects. 

While Isaac is focused on graduating, he remains aware of the hardship facing his community. “I don’t just want to be focused on myself. So far I have tried hard, and I am somewhere, but I’m also thinking about other people who are on the same journey. If I can graduate it will be a plus for me, a plus for the Congolese community and a plus for other foreign communities in general as I will be better equipped to help them. When we help more people, we create the positive cycle and reduce suffering in our communities.”

Want to take action?

If you are able to help in any way, Isaac has a BackABuddy account where people can donate money to help pay for his studies. The donations will go straight to the account of CPUT. The link is provided below. 

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/isaac-mulumba

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Emma – SIHMA & BASP volunteer

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Emma is from Rhode Island where she was working as a paralegal. She is now coming to the end of her time volunteering with both SIMHA and BASP at the Scalabrini Centre. This has been her experience. 

“I love Cape Town, it’s really sad to leave. It kind of feels like my second home now. Cape Town is certainly a modern city, but I’ve found it’s very different (to Rhode Island). There are just so many different types of people that I’ve met and a lot more cultural variety than where I’m from, which has been a very interesting and cool experience. 

I was placed here through a study volunteer program. I basically told them all of my interests, my background and they placed me here. Everyone was really friendly and welcoming when I first arrived.

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“I’ve definitely grown professionally as I’ve become a lot better at explaining and being interactive with people. SIMHA has greatly helped with my writing skills and making connections.” 

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I definitely was challenged in BASP as I had no teaching experience and I didn’t really know how to go about coaching these students. I’ve never really thought of myself as being good at explaining things to people, so I’ve definitely grown professionally as I’ve become a lot better at explaining and being interactive with people. SIMHA has greatly helped with my writing skills and making connections. 

My most memorable experience was the BASP graduation, it was the first graduation that they had, the first cohort of students that graduated with their associates degree and they are able to get their bachelors now. It was a really emotional, celebratory experience and everyone was really happy. It was cool to see their accomplishments.” 

I have to go home and return to my job, but I foresee myself beginning to apply for law school and pursuing that. “

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Leo – UNITE volunteer

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Leo got the opportunity to work on his PhD in Cape Town. He has been living here for the past three years and has spent some of that time volunteering with UNITE. Read more about his time here below.

“I grew up in the northern French Alps, near Switzerland, and lived on the countryside. My hometown had 800 inhabitants, so this environment is really different. Before moving here, I had been living in a big city in France for a bit so the transition was not too difficult.

I have been in Cape Town for three years now, so it’s really starting to feel like home. Being near the mountains reminds me a lot of home, actually, and I enjoy being able to do things like hiking. The only downside is that I don’t always like the superficial, plastic side of Cape Town, but that comes along with life in any big city. 

I ended up here because while I was doing my masters, I got a proposal to do a PhD in South Africa through a partnership between European and South African universities. It worked out and I got a scholarship to come here and work on my PhD. Originally, my area of focus was going to be about using sports as a tool to promote social cohesion. When I got here, I was put into contact with NGOs that focused more on migrant-related work, so my topic shifted to that. The field was fascinating, because that was when the refugee crisis was at its height. It’s been so cool to see how other countries deal with issues of migration and social cohesion.

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“I’ve learned a lot since coming here, like how to effectively lead a session, how to engage teenagers on complex issues, and how to explain these issues in a way they can understand. My PhD fieldwork has been heavily informed by this experience.”

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I studied sociology in university, and I’ve always been a very curious person, trying to make sense of the world. I think I got that from my mother. Sociology has taught me that everything is complex and layered, and through it I’ve learned to decode and try to understand the world better.

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Here at Scalabrini, I’m a UNITE volunteer. On a typical day, I come to Scalabrini and myself along with the other UNITE members go to a school and facilitate workshops. We cover three main topics: diversity, integration, and identity, and lead activities like debates or reflections to get the kids thinking critically about these issues. I’ve learned a lot since coming here, like how to effectively lead a session, how to engage teenagers on complex issues, and how to explain these issues in a way they can understand. My PhD fieldwork has been heavily informed by this experience.

My most memorable time here was during our UNITE camp last August. It was great to get to know the kids in a more casual setting and to bond with the other program leaders, being outside and doing fun team-building activities. Now that UNITE is finished for the year, I’m focusing on writing my thesis and hope to be done by the end of next year. My initial plan was to work for an international organization, but now I think I would like to carry on in the research field and possibly continue my work in the NGO setting, which I have really enjoyed. My advice to anyone coming to Scalabrini is to set concrete goals, reach them, and along the way to really invest in the culture and grow from it.”

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