Thursday, July 17, 2008

Nowhere else to go


Nowhere else to go

On the weekend of May 17 and 18 2008, violent mobs attacked “foreigners” in the Jeppe area, robbed them of their possessions and displaced them from their homes. More than 2000 men, women and children sought refuge at the Jeppe Police Station.

By the Monday the police station had transformed itself into a refugee camp. People from almost 20 African countries, most having come to Joburg to escape hardship in their home countries, found themselves thrown together, struggling to meet the challenges of life in a bewildering and turbulent environment. Food queues, overflowing toilets, rain, fights over resources, fear, suspicion, cooperation and kindness. It was in this environment that the Peace Marshals were formed – 18 men and women from across the continent – who worked together - tirelessly - to keep Jeppe Police Station from exploding/imploding.

This 12 minute film was made by volunteers who worked closely with the Peace Marshals, and documents three exhausting weeks that no-one who was there will ever forget.

Credits
Producer Jonathan Timm
Director Tumi Moraka
Camera: Tumi Moraka and Jonathan Timm
Sound: Bafana Makhado, Bonginkhosi Masango, Sakhile Radebe
Edit: Tumi Moraka, Thabs Mahopeloa

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