DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal — Thousands of foreign nationals, predominantly Malawian citizens, have established a makeshift encampment in an open field in Sherwood, Durban, after fleeing their homes due to escalating safety concerns.
The overcrowded site, characterized by uncollected waste and limited sanitation facilities, has grown rapidly over the past week. According to officials monitoring the situation, the camp housed approximately 75 individuals on Sunday evening. By Monday afternoon, that number had risen to 275, reaching 500 on Tuesday, and an estimated 3,000 by Wednesday. Recent assessments indicate the population has now approached 4,200 people, with arrivals continuing steadily.
Many of those sheltering at the site report traveling from communities across Durban and surrounding areas, citing fear and intimidation as the primary drivers for their displacement. Some individuals state they were forcibly driven from their residences.
“This is a humanitarian crisis unfolding before our eyes,” said a camp coordinator involved in the response efforts. “It’s getting harder and harder to control the process.”
Among those awaiting repatriation are numerous women and children, including pregnant women. Before return arrangements can be finalized, officials must first verify individuals’ identities. Information gathered indicates that not all foreign nationals at the camp were residing in South Africa with legal documentation. However, a representative from the Malawian embassy has assured that all Malawian citizens wishing to return home will be repatriated, regardless of their immigration status.
“The people here, they are too much,” stated a camp spokesperson overseeing operations. “I was just talking to the counselor to say that if we can get another place so that we can close this camp… the new people they must go to another camp because I can see now it’s overwhelming.”
Personal accounts from the camp highlight the urgency and distress felt by residents. One individual explained, “From Saturday he was chasing us. He said he must go back our home. So I don’t have any money to go back our home. That’s why all of us are coming here.” Others expressed fears about returning to their previous neighborhoods. “They are just saying they are going to beat us. So we are scared,” shared another camp resident. “It’s better we go back home and maybe live peaceful life not to be here living dangerous.”
Many indicated they do not plan to return to South Africa, noting the current environment feels markedly less secure than in the past.
Humanitarian assistance is currently being provided to those sheltering at the site. Law enforcement officials have also assured individuals at the Sherwood location that measures are in place to ensure their safety while verification and repatriation processes are coordinated.
Clarity on the exact timeline for repatriation flights or transport remains pending as authorities work to manage the growing humanitarian response.
