The Department of Home Affairs confirmed on Tuesday that it is moving 278 people to the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp, in Gauteng, following engagements with relevant stakeholders and representatives of the affected communities.

The department commenced, on Tuesday morning, with the relocation of asylum seekers and refugees currently located outside the department’s office on Che Guevara road in Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal.

Government is in discussions with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees regarding possible options to resettle the group in another country.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration presented the displaced communities with two options: returning to their areas of residence or relocating to Lindela.

Following a series of consultations, the option of relocation to Lindela was agreed on, the department said.

Law enforcement officers will escort the group during the relocation process to ensure safety and order.

The department explained that Che Guevara road will be cleared to ensure compliance with municipal bylaws and to maintain public order.

The non-governmental organisation Gift of the Givers has secured food parcels to support the individuals during the relocation.