Thousands of Malawian migrants in Durban are being relocated to a second temporary facility as authorities work to reduce overcrowding and advance deportation procedures.
The transfer comes after more than a week during which foreign nationals camped at the Sherwood Community Centre while seeking assistance to return to Malawi. Municipal officials have now begun moving large groups to the Drive-In Centre, another temporary site managed by the eThekwini Metro.
According to the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, the relocation is intended to streamline processing and create additional capacity as officials handle growing numbers of migrants awaiting repatriation.
Durban Authorities Expand Facilities To Manage Migrant Numbers
Long queues formed on Thursday as thousands prepared to leave the Sherwood Community Centre. The metro deployed buses to transport migrants to the new facility.
The establishment of the second site is aimed at reducing congestion and improving the management of deportation procedures. The Drive-In Centre, a secured open field commonly used by the municipality for temporary events and holiday tourist parking, has been equipped with marquees to accommodate those being processed.
SEE TODAY’S TOP HEADLINES ACROSS LEADING PUBLICATIONS
The site is expected to house Malawian migrants for several days or potentially weeks while arrangements are made for their return journey.
Many of the migrants have indicated that they wish to leave South Africa before planned demonstrations targeting undocumented foreign nationals, scheduled for 30 June.
Home Affairs And Malawian Officials Coordinate Repatriation Plans
Authorities from various government departments are continuing to work together on processing and deportation operations.
Explaining the arrangements, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said: “The two sites will continue to support daily processing, verification and deportation operations in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, SAPS, Department of Justice and Constitutional (Development).”
KwaZulu-Natal Home Affairs manager Cyril Mncwabe said discussions with Malawian representatives were ongoing.
[Parliament’s Impeachment Committee To Oppose Ramaphosa Interdict Bid Over Phala Phala Inquiry]
“We’ve already spoken to the Malawian representatives here. As of yesterday, they understand the process, but we identified the lack of communication from their side.”
Officials are expected to inspect the new facility as operations continue, while several buses are scheduled to depart for Malawi later on Thursday.
Meanwhile, groups of migrants have already begun travelling to court as part of the deportation process, with eThekwini officials expected to provide a further update during the day.
