SINCE Saturday, the number of displaced Malawians camping outside the temporary Drive-in Site has increased at a startling rate. They are arriving independently, hoping to be let inside the site for processing, and ultimately, repatriation, as has been the case with fellow countrymen.

The Department of Home Affairs revealed that the rising number of arrivals cannot be controlled, however as the number of people inside the transit camp decreases, they allow more people to enter the staging site.

The foreigners, including women and children, have taken refuge along the busy Sandile Thusi Road (formerly Argyle Road), towards the Suncoast Casino. They have spent the nights without proper sanitation or crowd control. Two road lanes being blocked has raised the issue of safety for both motorists and the Malawians.

Some community members and motorists in the vicinity expressed distress. “We sympathise with our brothers and sisters in this crisis. These sentiments cannot be overshadowed by the glaring health and safety hazards posed by the increasing number of people camping in the area,” one resident said.
Another resident added that the occupants litter the area, and more worryingly, they relieve themselves on the spot.

Chairperson of the North Beach CPF, Mahomed Essa, said, “We are aware of concerns raised by some residents and neighbouring properties regarding the temporary transit site. While there have been reports of issues such as people relieving themselves near perimeter fencing, these concerns have been raised with the relevant authorities for immediate attention.

“The general sentiment among residents is mixed. Many understand the need for a structured and humane process to facilitate the repatriation of foreign nationals, provided it is conducted safely, securely, and efficiently. Residents’ primary concerns relate to hygiene, security, public order, and the duration of the site’s operation.”

Also read: Hundreds march against illegal foreigners in Durban

Essa said that as more migrants arrive, they are being moved through the transit site in a controlled manner for processing and repatriation, adding that additional transport, security, medical support, and access control measures are in place to manage the growing numbers and prevent overcrowding.

He concluded, “We remain in constant communication with the relevant stakeholders and authorities to ensure that any challenges are addressed promptly and that the process is completed as quickly as possible with minimal impact on surrounding communities.”

The City of eThekwini indicated earlier that the process of repatriation would be completed before June 30. With unprecedented new arrivals, concerned groups fear the Drive-in Site could operate longer than anticipated.

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