From the foreword:

"Tracey Derrick's photographs published in this booklet help to dispel many of the myths about refugees that have grown up in our country. They vividly emphasise that the overwhelming majority are here today because of some acute human tragedy they have suffered in their own countries. They also highlight the stark reality that life as a refugee in Cape Town is not easy. Finding food, accommodation, and other necessities of life is a daily struggle. Yet most remain committed to finding an honest means of livelihood, and many are indeed making a positive contribution to our city's economy.

An increasing number of researchers have emphasised the importance of policy being based on real information, both about the extent and social impact of migrants and refugees. Much of the conventional wisdom is based on patently wrong assumptions. Cabinet has recently appointed a task team to produce a Green Paper on migration policy, based on a thorough review of available information and analysis of policy options.

It is to be hoped that this booklet will find a wide audience, and that this will draw attention to the excellent work being undertaken with very limited resources by the organisations represented in the Refugee Forum. The Forum deserves, in my view, much greater recognition and acknowledgement for the important task it has been undertaking on behalf of our community."