Held from 1–3 June 2026, the training initiative was designed to empower refugee community leaders with the legal and practical knowledge necessary to navigate the South African asylum process. Forty diverse community leaders attended the training, representing a wide spectrum of ages, genders, and nationalities. Rather than focusing on theoretical concepts, we adopted a community-based approach. By collaborating directly with refugee leaders, we ensured the training addressed immediate, real-world concerns rather than just legal theory.

The primary goal was to empower leaders to advocate for their communities regarding asylum laws, documentation rights, freedom of movement, and access to basic services.

Some specific, practical skills gained by participants included:

• Navigating State Institutions: Guidance on assisting vulnerable individuals at police stations and Department of Home Affairs offices.
• Legal and Crisis Support: Statement-taking techniques, identifying and handling cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and domestic violence, and resolving housing, land, and property disputes.
• Accessing Services: Procedures for accessing public schools and public hospitals.

Following the training, UCT and the Scalabrini Centre will provide sustained support for the participants through mentorship, advanced courses, and peer-to-peer networking opportunities.