The Gauteng government says it will move vulnerable people from the Central Methodist Church in central Johannesburg with immediate effect. They are to be relocated to shelters. The Gauteng Legislature held an extraordinary meeting today, to resolve the crisis at the church. Around 3 000 people, mostly Zimbabwean refugees are being housed there.

The Church's custodian Paul Verryn wasn't at the meeting but he was criticised. Even though he was aware of the crisis, he allegedly refused assistance which was often offered to him.

"We intervened with eight teenage girls we believed to be very vulnerable and a whole team of doctors intervened so that we can get the children to agree to move from the church to a viable location. They all refused to come, saying they had met with the church and it was said that they don’t have to go and they can stay there, " says Johannesburg Child Advocacy Forum.

Today's meeting was aimed at resolving the situation. A week ago the Gauteng legislature arrived at the church unannounced. Now, everyone agrees it's a health hazard.

"I'm satisfied and we are all in agreement. Even the church itself has conceded," says Gauteng Legislature Molebatsi Bopape.

The women and children are to be relocated immediately. A building will then be identified for the rest of the refugees. The task team will also recommend to the Bishop that he halts the influx of refugees.