DURBAN, KWAZULU-NATAL – The repatriation of Malawian nationals in Durban is actively underway at Sherwood Hall, where increased police deployment and additional buses are being mobilized to accommodate the growing number of undocumented immigrants gathered at the facility.
Cyril Mncwabe, the Provincial Manager of Home Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, confirmed that the operation involves loading buses for individuals confirmed by the court for deportation, while simultaneously processing those slated for repatriation.
When asked for precise figures, Mncwabe explained that there is no established mechanism to accurately count the individuals, leaving the estimated population lingering between 5,000 and 6,000 people. Despite the lack of exact numbers, authorities confirmed that approximately 10 buses have already successfully arrived in Malawi.
Clarifying the legal status of the individuals, Mncwabe stated that everyone at the site is undocumented and illegal. The government is pursuing two distinct processes: repatriation, which is funded by the Malawian government, and deportation, which is managed by the South African government and requires court confirmation in terms of the Immigration Act. The South African government has provided about 10 buses for the deportation process, while the specific financial cost of the broader operation to the country was not disclosed.
Addressing concerns about individuals exploiting the situation for free transport, Mncwabe noted that a single bus trip to Malawi costs between 1,000 and 3,000 per person. Consequently, some individuals who can afford their own transport may be taking advantage of the free repatriation opportunity.
Regarding the influx of people to the site, Mncwabe clarified that the South African government did not bring them there. Many gathered at the hall due to fear stemming from deadlines issued by external pressure groups, rather than the government. He emphasized that the government has never issued a deadline for foreigners to leave the country and is simply processing undocumented individuals according to standard legal procedures.
On the topic of security, Mncwabe confirmed that South African Police Service fingerprint experts are stationed inside the hall, checking every male being taken to court. Fortunately, no individuals have been linked to criminal activities or identified as wanted persons.
The operation has placed a significant strain on resources. Mncwabe described the process as extremely draining for the 60 immigration officers who have been working on the ground for 11 days. Space is highly limited at Sherwood Hall, a privately owned facility donated for the operation, which currently houses the virtual court, police operations, and Home Affairs officials under one roof.
To alleviate the congestion, a second site is being established to serve as an overflow facility. Mncwabe indicated that the municipality, which is setting up the new location, hoped to have it operational by today, though it may only open tomorrow.
Once activated, the new site will feature tents and proper shower facilities, replacing the need for individuals to wash using municipal water tankers at the nearby Sherwood Park. The revised processing flow will involve transporting individuals from Sherwood Hall to the second site, taking them to the magistrate’s court, and returning them to the new facility to wait for their buses home. However, the slow pace of construction at the second site raises questions about whether the municipality will meet its 72-hour deadline to complete the setup.
ls to wash using municipal water tankers at the nearby Sherwood Park. The revised processing flow will involve transporting individuals from Sherwood Hall to the second site, taking them to the magistrate’s court, and returning them to the new facility to wait for their buses home. However, the slow pace of construction at the second site raises questions about whether the municipality will meet its 72-hour deadline to complete the setup.
