Commemorating World Refugee Day: A Celebration of Hope in Adversity

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“Where there is life, there is hope.”

These were the words of PhD candidate Mr Ladis Bahige at UKZN’s World Refugee Day webinar held annually to honour the courage and determination of women, men and children who are forced to flee their homes under threats of persecution, conflict and violence.

Bahige, who is reading for a PhD in Space Physics, outlined his journey from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to South Africa.

Themed: ‘The Strength to Belong - Empowering African Youth, Fostering Unity and Building a Resilient Continent Together’, the webinar drew attention to the plight of refugees and celebrated their courage and resilience.

Bahige reflected on his life in the DRC, sharing unimaginable challenges including armed conflict, rebel activity, curfews and the loss of a close friend who was killed amid the unrest.

He described escaping to Tanzania, his journey to South Africa with the help of a truck driver, his experiences at a refugee centre in Durban, and working at a mechanic shop in Pietermaritzburg while studying.

He expressed gratitude to South Africa and everyone who supported him on his journey. (To listen to his poignant and inspiring story, watch the webinar here.)

Master’s in Science (Physics) student Mr Isaac Chitete outlined his journey from Malawi to South Africa in search of a better life and education.

Chitete inspired the audience with his deep commitment to education and stressed the importance of youth being involved in shaping their own futures, echoing a fellow panellist, lecturer Dr Balungile Zondi.

Zondi spoke on: ‘Bridging the Policy Gap - Confronting the Challenges of African Youth Inclusion and Crafting Strategic Pathways for a Resilient, Unified Future’.

She emphasised the importance of youth involvement in leadership across the continent, saying: “Africa as a country has a rapidly growing youth population.”

Zondi cautioned that older leaders often resist and called for a reframing of African borders.

Ms Xoliswa Zulu, Director of University Relations at UKZN said: “World Refugee Awareness Month provides us with the valuable opportunity to recognise the lived realities of millions of refugees. These are people, who through no fault of their own, have had to flee their countries in search of safety, dignity and hope.”

She noted that many refugees who form part of the University’s community are not a burden, but contribute to the vibrancy of our campuses. “Their presence enriches our university socially, intellectually and culturally… we see them as an important fabric of our community.”

The webinar was facilitated by lecturer, political scientist and community activist Dr Lubna Nadvi, who highlighted some of the numerous ongoing struggles globally, including the genocide unfolding in Gaza, the Ukraine/Russia war and the conflict in the DRC and Sudan.

In closing, Nadvi underscored the importance of treating refugees with respect and empathy: “Give them the respect and dignity that you would want - treat them as fellow human beings.”

Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer

Image: Shutterstock