Around 300 Malawi nationals are expected to be repatriated from eThekwini by the end of today (June 14), reports Berea Mail.

This morning, seven buses arrived in Sherwood to transport thousands of hopeful migrants who have been seeking shelter at the hall grounds since last Sunday.

 The first group, made up of women and children, left at around 14:00.

They will cross three borders and countries to get to Malawi on Tuesday (16 June).

Mariam Idris who arrived at the Sherwood camp four days ago with her two-year-old daughter said she is happy to be going back home.

“South Africa was no longer safe for us,” said Idris.

“I don’t see myself coming back here. We have been traumatised by the violence and I don’t want my child growing up like this.”

Vanessa Rajabu, now former resident of Foreman Road informal settlement, said she was happy to going to her family.

“My parents and two kids are waiting for me at home. They are happy as they will meet Shazia, my daughter who was born here in South Africa.”

Malawi Consul General Max Biwi said repatriation will continue tomorrow.

He said yesterday’s postponement was due to paperwork issues.

“We are in the process of acquiring more buses because the numbers are growing each day. The process is taking longer because we have to verify that the people we are sending back are indeed Malawian citizens,” said Biwi.

He appealed for assistance as they estimate that around 80 buses will be needed to repatriate those at Sherwood Hall.

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Seven buses carrying over 300 hundred people left Sherwood Hall for Malawi today. #bereamail #sherwood #migrants

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