More than 3 000 documented and undocumented foreign nationals, mainly Malawians, remain stranded in limbo at the grounds of Sherwood Hall in Durban after fleeing surrounding informal settlements amid rising unrest, reports Berea Mail.

The group has been sheltering at the site since Sunday (June 7), as fear over escalating tensions and a looming June 30 protest continues to drive people out of nearby areas.

Makeshift accommodation, including marquees and gazebos, has been set up to house men, women and children who are now awaiting assistance and possible repatriation.

Many arrived from across KZN after hearing about the site as tensions linked to anti-immigration protests escalated in parts of the province.

Malawi Embassy disaster management representative Adam Ali said the situation is becoming increasingly unstable, warning that officials may soon have to turn people away or establish additional overflow sites.

“It’s that or start opening more campsites, as we cannot keep accommodating more people here. We are now risking disease because some people have not bathed for over three days and are sharing the same toilets, and waste management has also become an issue,” said Ali.

No confirmation for transportation home

He added that the slow pace of intervention by the Malawian government has left officials on the ground uncertain about how to proceed, with no confirmed arrangements yet for buses to transport people home.

“We do not know what to do. People are now arriving in Sherwood from all over KZN. They are coming here with the intention of being repatriated to Malawi, but there is still no confirmation of buses,” he said.

With members of the Department of Home Affairs on site registering those who wish to return, Ali stressed that only registered individuals will be eligible for repatriation.

“Whether you are documented or undocumented, you must register to be repatriated,” he said, adding that all returnees will be placed on a single list to facilitate border crossings through South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique en route to Malawi.

Ward 30 councillor Warren Burne, who visited the site, described the situation as increasingly concerning, urging both governments to act swiftly.

“Every time I drive past here, I see more people arriving with their bags. It’s a distressing sight,” said Burne. He also warned that delays could worsen tensions in the area, raising safety concerns among Sherwood residents.

As of this morning (June 12), there was still no confirmation of buses being deployed. Humanitarian organisations including Gift of the Givers, City Hope and various religious groups have been providing food, water and blankets to those at the site.

Provincial government commits to protecting foreign nationals

Meanwhile, The Witness reports that KZN Premier Thami Ntuli has assured the United Nations high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR) that the provincial government remains committed to protecting foreign nationals amid rising tensions and anti-immigration sentiment, yesterday.

Ntuli acknowledged public concerns about undocumented migration but condemned criminal elements exploiting the situation, stressing that all actions would remain within the law.

“Regardless of one’s nationality or immigration status, every human being deserves to be treated with dignity. We reject both xenophobia and lawlessness,” he said.

Ntuli added that any deportations would be handled legally and humanely, while warning against calls for mass removals of foreign nationals, which he described as irresponsible.

The UNHCR welcomed the provincial government’s stance, with representatives expressing willingness to support social cohesion efforts and the protection of vulnerable groups.

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