Video: Durban’s largest migrant camp grows as repatriation slows
Authorities are scrambling to secure additional buses as thousands nationals await repatriation from Durban's largest migrant camp.
THE repatriation of Malawian nationals from Sherwood Hall in Durban has been temporarily halted and is expected to resume on Tuesday, June 16.
As processing continues on site, scores of documented and undocumented Malawians are arriving at what has become South Africa’s largest migrant camp, with numbers swelling by the hour.
Malawi Consul General Max Biwi said concerns have been raised by residents and NGOs over the growing humanitarian crisis, which is worsening each day.
“We know that the numbers are quite huge and it’s not going well with the residents as they are complaining about the noise pollution and the number of sanitation facilities are not enough.”
Also Read: Video: Repatriation to Malawi commences from Sherwood camp
Biwi, who has appealed for assistance, said funding the journey back to Malawi is costly, but authorities are working as quickly as possible to secure additional buses.
“The problem is that the numbers are growing each day,” said Biwi. “When I was here three weeks ago, we did not have these numbers in Durban. The areas of concern were Tongaat and Harding.”
With the number of people living at the camp now approaching 10 000, Biwi said the situation remained challenging. “It is a difficult situation on the ground, especially for babies, but we are committed to getting it resolved.”
Also Read: Durban foreign nationals remain in limbo
“We are calling on all well-wishers to come onboard, NGOs or individuals who can help with buses, so that we can get these people out of this place. We do not want them to be subjected to these conditions and for it to become a health crisis.”
As of Monday morning (15 June), there was still no confirmation on how many buses would arrive for Tuesday’s repatriation process.
Registration and nationality verification by immigration officials, the Department of Home Affairs and Malawian authorities were continuing at Sherwood Hall.
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