Now Available – Recording of ‘Creating inclusive cities in South Africa amidst COVID-19’  

Access the video and audio recordings of the UCLG Africa, UNHCR and PHAP event that took place on 20 November.  

On 20 November, PHAP organized a conversation with the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), a refugee organization representative, and city authorities to discuss the commitment to create inclusive cities despite the challenges that COVID-19 presents. The Global Compact on Refugees recognizes the crucial role mayors and local authorities play as first responders, a role even more critical now when we are all faced with the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Moderated by Ancillar Mangena-Nombewu, Journalist and LuQuLuQu High Level Influencer, the event began with introductory remarks from Valentin Tapsoba, Director of UNHCR’s Southern Africa Bureau, where he commended the City of Durban on their continued initiatives and pledge to serving refugees and creating a more inclusive environment. 

The session covered three themes that were discussed by a panel of experts: first, the inclusivity of cities during COVID-19; second, the various initiatives taken up by the Municipality of eThekwini in South Africa for increased inclusivity and the refugee experience; and third, the various recommendations on what can be done to make sure refugees are safe in cities. 

Starting off the panel discussion was Daniel Byamungu Dunia, Executive Director of Africa Solidarity Network, who provided participants with a brief overview of his experience as a refugee highlighting certain challenges he faced in Durban, South Africa, such as xenophobia and discrimination. Eric Apelgren, Head of International and Governance Relations of the eThekwini Municipality, spoke on proactively eliminating triggers of conflict in Durban such as competition of resources and opportunities; early warning systems to tackle conflict; proactive engagements for community interaction; and gender diversity and legitimacy at community leadership level −to create inclusive cities for refugees and increased cohesion. 

The UNHCR South Africa Representative, Leonard Zulu, highlighted how the spirit of ubuntu has been seen during the COVID-19 pandemic amongst the residents of South African cities, where they have shared their resources and food with refugees and asylum seekers. He also emphasized the overall importance of local authorities’ involvement in creating inclusive cities. Fátima Fernández Fernández, Project Officer with United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), spoke about the UCLG’s call to action developed together with the Mayors Migration Council and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) at the 2019 UCLG World Congress in Durban. 

If you missed this event, you can now access the video and audio podcast format version of the event recordings on the event page.