President Jacob Zuma will undertake a return visit to Marabastad in Pretoria, to launch the revamped Marabastad Refugee Reception Office Renovation Project, on Friday 17 February 2017.

In the 2016 State of the Nation Address, President Zuma reported that he had visited the Home Affairs offices at Marabastad and had received complaints from foreign nationals about long queues and other difficulties at the centre. He made an undertaking that the matter would be followed up by the Department of Home Affairs, and indeed the Centre has been upgraded.

The challenges experienced at Marabastad included limited human resource capacity, slow information technology infrastructure, inadequate filing systems, poor management practices and a working environment not conducive for clients and staff. The centre was also marred by allegations of corruption, long queues, overcrowding and the presence of criminal syndicates.

The centre has been refurbished with new signage, counters and lighting, the installation of a new security system and electrical fencing. Other key interventions include the introduction of new systems and processes such as an automated booking system and paperless processes, off-site interpretation services, an improved registry and filing system and continuous engagement with stakeholders.

The President will first tour and attend the re-naming ceremony of the Marabastad Refugee Reception Centre and later give a keynote address at the Tshwane Events Centre in Pretoria.

The details of the launch are as follows:

Part A
Date: Friday, 17 February 2017
Time: 10h00
Venue: Marabastad Refugee Reception Centre, Pretoria (Relaunch and Tour of the Centre)

Part B
Time: 11h00
Venue: Tshwane Events Centre, Pretoria (Formal programme)

Enquiries:
Dr Bongani Ngqulunga
Cell: 082 308 9373
E-mail: bongani@presidency.gov.za