Thousands of foreign nationals, predominantly Malawians, have sought emergency shelter outside Sherwood Hall in the Sydenham suburb of Durban. The displaced individuals fled surrounding informal settlements in Clare Estate following violent threats, intimidation, and the approach of a strict anti-illegal immigration deadline.
What began on Sunday with just 67 displaced foreigners arriving at the venue has since ballooned to approximately 2,500 people, with numbers continuing to rise as more individuals are dropped off by public and private transport. The mass exodus follows a recent repatriation effort that saw nearly 170 Malawians fly back to Blantyre just a day prior to escape deteriorating conditions in South Africa.
The situation at Sherwood Hall and the adjacent park has prompted a massive logistical and humanitarian response. Long queues have formed primarily for women and children, while men have been directed to a separate processing area. Many of the displaced families arrived clutching their household belongings—including kettles, washing machines, stoves, and bags of clothing—prepared to camp out until they can be safely transported back to their home country. Humanitarian organizations have stepped in to provide relief, distributing bottled water, diapers, and food aid, with marquees erected for mass meal preparations.
The Department of Home Affairs has deployed officials to the site to register the displaced individuals, gather their personal details, and issue the necessary processing documents required for travel. This information is being directly handed over to embassy officials to facilitate repatriation.
An official from the disaster management department of the Malawian embassy confirmed that the documentation process is fully underway. The representative explained that Home Affairs personnel are processing the paperwork, after which embassy staff will document the individuals to prepare them for repatriation.
The embassy official noted active communication with the Malawian Ministry and the High Commissioner to urgently secure buses for the return journey. The representative stated that the process is moving as quickly as possible given the rapidly increasing crowds, with hopes that repatriation transport could be arranged by the coming weekend.
According to the embassy official, the refugees are highly motivated to leave, citing severe safety concerns. It was reported that many were chased from their homes and that landlords, out of fear, are refusing to collect rent from them. For their safety, the displaced individuals have chosen to return home to avoid further involvement in the unrest.
For many, the sudden displacement has caused significant personal and emotional disruption. One mother, who arrived at the hall the day prior, shared that she was chased from her home by local residents. Despite holding valid documentation to reside in South Africa, she expressed deep distress over her daughter’s education. Her daughter, a Grade 8 student, was scheduled to write exams the following day but will now be forced to restart her schooling in Malawi.
For this mother and thousands of others currently queuing at Sherwood Hall, completing the repatriation process has become their sole priority to ensure their families’ safety.
