For more than a month, more than 30 Nigerians had been sleeping outside their embassy in Pretoria during the South African winter. They were among migrants caught in a difficult situation, uncertain about when or how they would return home.
Their situation was part of a wider crisis affecting foreign nationals in South Africa. Following violent protests calling for foreigners to leave the country, some migrants travelled to their embassies hoping to find a way home.
The Office for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees and Human Trafficking in the Archdiocese of Pretoria responded with practical support.
On 21 July 2026, the team visited more than 100 Malawian migrants who were staying temporarily at the Malawian Embassy. They were waiting for a bus to take them home. The team brought emergency supplies, including food, drinks and socks. Afterwards, they visited the Nigerian Embassy to see what was happening there.
A week later, on 28 July, the team returned to the Nigerian Embassy. The situation of the Nigerians had been uncertain, but there was now some good news. The Nigerian government had begun the process of helping those remaining return home.
The news brought visible relief and joy among the migrants.
Responding to Vulnerability
The same ministry also turned its attention to the growing concern around human trafficking.
Ahead of the World Day against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July, the team held an awareness session at Christ the King Parish, Queenswood, on 26 July. Led by Sr. Franka Suinyuy, Coordinator of Caritas in the Archdiocese of Pretoria, the session helped parishioners understand how people can become victims of trafficking, including through online means and other forms of exploitation.
The team also shared ways people can protect themselves and others.
For those involved in this ministry, responding to vulnerable people can take many forms. Sometimes it means providing food and warm clothing. Sometimes it means helping people find a way home. And sometimes it begins by helping people recognise a danger before it happens.
At the heart of each response is a simple concern: that every person should be treated with dignity and have the opportunity to live in freedom and safety.
Author: Sr Mary Orinya, MSHR
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