DURBAN North residents have come together to support members of the Malawian community who remain stranded in Durban while awaiting transport back to their home country.

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The group is currently sleeping outdoors at the old drive-in site in Durban. As of Monday, July 13, there were 86 people at the site, including eight women, five children and 73 men.

The situation follows the March and March demonstration on June 30, during which foreign nationals were urged to leave the country. However, many people had already begun making arrangements to return home weeks earlier, with NPOs co-ordinating buses to transport them to Musina, where they would continue their journey across the border and onward to Malawi.

While many have already left, others continue to arrive daily. Volunteers said the number of people at the site fluctuates constantly. When the Northglen News visited the site on Sunday, July 12, there were 45 people. By Monday, that number had nearly doubled.

Concerned residents Kirsten Anne Northend, Gugu Dlomo, Zama Dludla, Linda Locke, Michele Bovet and Cathryn Aylette have joined forces to provide food, water, blankets, beanies and other essential items to those waiting for transport, through generous sponsors in the community.

Northend said she immediately offered to help after hearing through her church that people were still stranded and in need of assistance.

“I joined the WhatsApp groups where there are hundreds of people who care about the Malawian community. Through these groups, we’ve managed to provide food, water and other provisions. Some people arrived with nothing but the clothes on their backs,” she said.

“The stories I have heard are heartbreaking. Lives have been turned upside down and families have been separated, yet they remain incredibly positive and hopeful. They are exhausted and heartbroken, but they are also deeply grateful for every act of kindness.”

Northend said NPOs City Hope and Generation of Radicals have been assisting on the ground, while Gift of the Givers has been co-ordinating buses to transport people to Musina.

“The site in Pietermaritzburg has now closed, so many people are making their way to Durban in the hope of securing transport to Musina. Some stayed behind to complete work contracts so they could earn enough money before leaving, while others were still undecided. More people arrive every day, so it’s difficult to predict what each day will bring,” she said.

Bovet said the group’s greatest need is sponsorship for bus transport.

“It costs approximately R1200 to sponsor one person’s seat on a bus to Musina. We appeal to anyone who is able to help by sponsoring transport. We’re deeply grateful to Gift of the Givers for the support they have already provided,” she said.

Community members can also assist by donating ingredients for meals. Items needed include green peppers, onions, curry powder, stock cubes, canned beans, canned tomato and onion mix, pilchards, rice, plastic bowls, plastic spoons and blankets.

Donations can be dropped off at 186 Rinaldo Road, Glen Hills.

Those wishing to sponsor bus transport can make a donation to Gift of the Givers Foundation.

Account holder: Gift of the Givers Foundation
Account number: 05 213 722 8
Account type: Current
Branch code: 007525
SWIFT code: SBZAZAJJ
Reference: Durban Malawi

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