Residents and businesses in North Beach have rallied behind thousands of Malawian men who descended on the Drive-Inn Site, from Sherwood Hall, on Saturday. The Malawians are on site to be processed for repatriation.

Upon the foreigners’ arrival, the community quickly organised and began sourcing aid. The help came from individuals, businesses, NPOs, and NGOs, who facilitated drop-offs at designated spots for delivery to the site, and cash donations to the co-ordinating team. From bottled water, hot drinks, blankets, nappies to fruits, and more, the aid was initially targeted at the group inside the site. However, the efforts were extended to those outside the gate too.

The group that showed up at the site was not allowed inside, forcing them to spend hours outside. The group consisted of men, women, and children who were walk-ins and not part of the Sherwood group who were bused in. Since this morning (Monday, June 22), the walkers were accommodated inside the site, and currently await processing before repatriation.

One of the co-ordinators shared, “At the moment, we still need more items to be donated. The list includes bottled water, blankets, diapers, baby food, sanitary pads, warm hats/gloves for babies, and clothing or jerseys, milk, tea, bags, sugar, peanut butter or margarine, and toilet paper. All items can be dropped off at the Drive Inn Site.”

Also read: Displaced Malawian nationals descend on Drive-inn Site

She added that with regards to the 5000-odd people now on site, “we will not be taking any more people in going forward”.

Since last Saturday, more than 8000 Malawians have reportedly been processed and repatriated. The Sherwood site has since been cleared out and is undergoing a clean-up, while the Drive-Inn encampment is expected to operate until no later than June 30.

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