Refugees are a common sight in Nata

Moses from Dukwi Refugee camp sells goods in Nata.JPG
Originally uploaded by natavillage.

The Dukwi refugee camp is just 30 miles south of Nata. The camp holds nearly 3,000 refugees from many African countries. I have met refugees from Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, Angola, Caprivi Strip and Uganda. Many of the Angolans have returned home as their civil war has come to an end. Many of the refugees travel to Nata by public transport to sell their goods and try to scratch out a living. Many sell cloth, clothing, table clothes, and vegetables. The camp has a huge vegetable garden where they grow tomatoes, spinach and sweet potatoes. Moses is a regular visitor to Nata. He was born in Somalia and tells me that his life would be in danger if he returned. He hauls his heavy bag around Nata while on foot. In summer, temperatures reach up to 110 degrees and it’s a difficult way to make a living. Moses has tried for 7 years to seek asylum but has not had any luck in any country.