KZN steps up aid for 1,638 Malawian nationals amid relocation process

Malawians

Durban – A multi-agency operation has successfully relocated all Malawian nationals from the Sherwood temporary processing site to the Durban Drive-In facility, where the processing and repatriation programme will continue.

The operation, conducted last night, was led by the Office of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the Executive Director of Public Safety.

It involved several law enforcement and municipal departments, including the Durban Metro Police Service Public Order Policing (POP) unit, Disaster Management, the Fire Department, the Metro Police Strike Team, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and other municipal stakeholders.

Authorities said the relocation was completed safely and efficiently, with all individuals transported to the designated facility without incident.

The Durban Drive-In facility will now serve as the centre where further processing and arrangements for repatriation will take place.

The operation forms part of ongoing efforts involving multiple agencies to manage the temporary processing of foreign nationals and ensure coordinated repatriation procedures.

Meanwhile, according to IOL, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, led by Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, is continuing to coordinate a broader humanitarian response for 1,638 Malawian nationals currently accommodated at Mayor’s Walk.

The Department of Public Works has declared the site unfit for occupation, with authorities moving to ensure the safety and dignity of those affected. Of those accommodated, 906 are men.

Several government departments and partners, including Gift of the Givers, have provided food and essential supplies, while the Department of Health is expected to deploy a mobile clinic. Other departments such as Social Development, Home Affairs, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Disaster Management, SAPS and private security firms are also involved in the response.

Premier Ntuli has stressed that the occupation of the site must remain temporary due to safety concerns and rising maintenance costs, and has appealed for assistance from the business community to support transportation for the return process.

The Office of the Malawi Consulate has confirmed that arrangements are being made to secure buses for repatriation.

Authorities have reiterated calls for the process to remain peaceful and dignified, with Ntuli urging that “no one must be harmed” and that all individuals be treated with respect.

Meanwhile, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has also appealed for calm, urging restraint and warning against violence targeting foreign nationals amid rising tensions.

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