Dakari’s story – Artwork by Nani Puspasari

“Since we were mixed with thugs and other adults they would take [food] from us. It was very difficult for the children to find a place to sleep.” – Dakarai

Dakarai was just 14 when he left Zimbabwe. With no surviving family and few options for the future, he travelled south after hearing there might be opportunities in South Africa. For a time, he found work on a farm, but the conditions were abusive, and he eventually fled. Soon after, he was arrested by soldiers for not having papers.

He was taken to a detention centre where adults and children were held together – more than 300 people in total. The centre was overcrowded and harsh. People slept on the floor, often without blankets, and were told that they could not be returned home because there was no transport available.

They received one meal a day – usually bread, sometimes with soup. Older detainees often took food from the younger ones, leaving children hungry. There was nothing for children to do and no access to play.

Dakarai became unwell during his detention and was eventually taken to hospital. After receiving treatment, he was released, but had nowhere to go and slept on the streets.