DURBAN, KWAZULU-NATAL – The Malawian repatriation process for thousands of nationals sheltering in Durban has been indefinitely postponed, leaving families stranded without basic amenities. Originally scheduled to transport citizens back to Lilongwe, the operation stalled after diplomatic disagreements between South African and Malawian officials regarding a crucial master list of returnees.
The repatriation effort was initiated amid rising tensions against undocumented migrants in the region. Thousands of Malawian nationals have been seeking refuge at Sherwood Hall, with many having resided at the temporary camp for six to seven days. While initial projections indicated that over 1,000 people would be heading home, the camp’s population has swelled dramatically. Currently, more than 7,000 individuals are sheltering inside the hall, a number expected to surpass 10,000. Additionally, an estimated 3,000 people are sleeping in the streets outside the facility in the midst of winter.
The transport operation was set to begin the previous day, with seven buses arriving at the camp. However, the departure was halted when authorities from both nations failed to verify and approve the master list of returnees, a mandatory document required to facilitate the process. The list was initially expected to clear at least 250 Malawian nationals for immediate travel.
The prolonged delay has resulted in dire humanitarian conditions at the camp. Stranded citizens report a severe lack of basic facilities, including an absence of toilets and bathing areas. The situation is particularly precarious for vulnerable demographics at the site, which includes dozens of pregnant women and between 500 and 600 infants and children.
Highlighting the crisis, a father and camp resident acted as a spokesperson for the stranded families after being observed rushing his partner and newborn to a local hospital in a private vehicle. He revealed that the baby was born at the camp without medical assistance or painkillers, and he was unsure who had cut the umbilical cord.
“This is unacceptable,” the father stated, expressing frustration that neither the South African nor the Malawian government provided any assistance during the birth. He noted that this was the second baby born at the camp in less than 24 hours. Describing the deplorable conditions, he emphasized that the lack of human rights and basic facilities means people are “living worse than animals” out in the cold.
Another Malawian national awaiting transport echoed these sentiments, speaking on behalf of the confused and exhausted crowd. He expressed profound sadness over the broken promises, recounting the initial celebration when the buses arrived the previous day, only to be met with total silence.
“We are sleeping outside the whole night. It’s too cold,” the resident explained, noting that they have received absolutely no communication from government officials regarding when they might leave. Despite the unbearable conditions, he stated that the citizens have no choice but to endure the situation while waiting for clarity.
Authorities from the Department of Home Affairs and the Malawian government are expected to provide further updates to resolve the documentation dispute and resume the transport operations. Until an agreement is reached, thousands remain trapped in uncertainty at Sherwood Hall.
