Durban – Anti-immigrant activist Ngizwe Mchunu was forced to leave a Malawian encampment at Sherwood Hall in Durban on Monday after his visit sparked anger among thousands of Malawian nationals sheltering there.
Police intervened to prevent violence as crowds accused Mchunu of provoking tensions and demanded that he leave the site, a post on social media said.
The encampment has grown rapidly, from about 75 people a week ago to between 6,000 and 10,000 Malawians seeking refuge amid fears generated by recent anti-migrant protests in South Africa.
Many in the crowd carried sticks and chanted slogans against Mchunu, with some saying they did not want to see him at the camp.
Police had to be intervene when anti-immigrant activist Ngizwe Mchunu of eZokobho SA visited an encampment site at Sherwood hall where thousands of Malawians are seeking refuge. They were angered by his appearance saying he was provoking them. pic.twitter.com/FdABkbLh6y
— Yasantha Naidoo (@NaidooYasantha) June 15, 2026
Mchunu, who has been involved in campaigns calling for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa by June 30, said he visited the camp on a “goodwill” mission to encourage Malawians to return home.
He told TimesLIVE: “I wanted to show them we are not the enemy here,” and added, “I told them the truth: they must leave.” He said he left early to avoid any escalation of violence.
A protest broke out earlier today outside the Sherwood Community Hall where a number of Malawians have set up camp following a wave of protests against illegal migrants. The protest was allegedly sparked by the presence of activist Ngizwe Mchunu. Repatriation efforts are… pic.twitter.com/whiZGMnMTy
— eNCA (@eNCA) June 15, 2026
Meanwhile, efforts by the Malawian government to repatriate its citizens have been slowed by funding constraints and rising numbers at the camp. According to Deputy Home Affairs Minister Njabulo Nzuza, about 1,000 Malawians processed for repatriation were found to be in South Africa illegally.
Officials have warned that overcrowding and inadequate sanitation facilities are creating a growing humanitarian crisis.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
