South Africa: Helping migrants maintain contact with their families

Volunteers from the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) introduce themselves to migrants at a shelter in Musina, South Africa, the nearest town to South Africa’s border with Zimbabwe. Since 2016, SARCS and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have been providing a Restoring Family Links telephone service to vulnerable migrants in Musina. The service aims to ensure that migrants are able to contact their families and tell them they are safe and well.

Claudine* arrived in South Africa about a month ago. She came alone from the Democratic Republic of Congo after fleeing conflict. Her family did not know where she is and if she is alive. Claudine was anxious to speak to her family after a long journey.

Esther* asks a SARCS volunteer about Restoring Family Links services in South Africa. She came in the hope of joining other family members already living in the country.
The border of South Africa and Zimbabwe at Musina and Beitbridge is the busiest border crossing in Africa. Migrants who arrive in Musina from across the continent range from babies to the elderly.

Hope* shares her family’s contact number with the SARCS volunteer for her to initiate the call to her family.
Each migrant is able to make one three-minute phone call to their family. The service is provided to all who are in need free of charge, regardless of their legal status.

Melissa* made her journey to South Africa with little Daniel*. Some migrants are able to arrive in South Africa with a mobile phone. However the mobile phone network from their country of origin may not work in South Africa. Most are not able to afford the cost of the international calls from South Africa.













*All names were changed to protect the identity of the migrants.