Growing numbers of Malawian nationals are hoping to be repatriated soon after being forced to flee their homes in the Burnwood informal settlement. Both documented and undocumented immigrants allege that they were threatened by a group of men on Sunday afternoon who attacked their dwellings
demanded that they return to Malawi before 30 June, a deadline set by anti-illegal foreign national groups calling for immigrants to leave South Africa.
Fear, uncertainty and hopelessness are evident on the faces of those gathered at a park outside Sherwood Hall, where they have sought refuge under the watch of Metro Police and members of the Sydenham SAPS. Humanitarian organisations, many of them run by Muslim community members, have responded to the crisis by providing essential relief, including nappies, food, blankets, water and clothing for those in desperate need.
The number of displaced Malawians continues to grow daily. Pregnant women and families with babies as young as seven months old have been arriving at the site, choosing to sleep in the open despite the bitter winter conditions. Those assisting the displaced have questioned why Sherwood Hall has not been opened as a temporary shelter while repatriation arrangements are being finalised.
Adam Ali, First Secretary at the Malawian Embassy in South Africa, said communication with authorities in Malawi was ongoing and buses were expected to travel to Durban to transport citizens back home. Ali said embassy officials were working closely with South African authorities and community leaders to facilitate the safe repatriation of Malawian nationals currently sheltering in Sherwood. Among those waiting is a heavily pregnant woman who fears giving birth in South Africa and hopes the buses arrive before she goes into labour.
She said she fears for her unborn child should the situation continue beyond 30 June, as she is in the country without legal documentation. “I arrived in South Africa four years ago and during my second year here I was mugged on my way home from work. My passport was stolen and I was unable to apply for immigration documents. At the time there was no pressure because I could still work and move around freely,” she said.
Jane Moses said she and her husband now have only one wish, to return to Malawi and welcome their child in safety.
Speaking to The Springfield Weekly Gazette, Sydenham SAPS communications officer Captain Simphiwe Jili said the threats began on Sunday evening when a group of intoxicated men targeted foreign nationals living in Burnwood and surrounding informal settlements. “At approximately 8pm on Sunday, more than 10 intoxicated South African males went to various informal dwellings in the Burnwood Road settlement and instructed foreign nationals to leave. Approximately 75 Malawian nationals initially sought refuge at the Sherwood grounds together with their belongings,” said Jili.
He said the number of displaced people had increased significantly, with reports indicating that more than 1,600 people were at the site by Tuesday. “Information received from Adam Ali, the representative of the Malawian Embassy, is that repatriation has been arranged and is expected to take place on Thursday, 11 June,” said Jili. Jili added that Sydenham SAPS members would remain on site to ensure the safety of those awaiting transport.
Ward 31 councillor Remona McKenzie described the situation as deeply concerning. “It is not acceptable to see people displaced in this manner. It undermines our shared values of dignity, inclusivity and respect for human rights. This calls for urgent intervention by the municipality,” she said. “Forced displacement not only creates humanitarian distress but also fuels instability, criminal activity and erodes public confidence in governance.”
McKenzie said that while communities may have concerns regarding undocumented foreign nationals, such matters must be addressed through legal channels and not through intimidation or harassment. “South Africa has laws and procedures in place, and it is imperative that these are respected.This situation has also instilled fear and uncertainty among residents who are witnessing these events unfold in their own communities. Such fear undermines social cohesion and threatens the stability we are working hard to build.” She thanked humanitarian organisations, police officers and Ward 31 residents who had stepped forward to assist those in need.
Organisations including Gift of the Needy, Gift of the Givers and the World Memon Organisation (WMO) Food Bank have been providing much-needed relief to displaced families. Gift of the Need director Faiez Magid said his organisation delivered emergency for the hundreds of Malawian individuals. “ Our first delivery included 100 bottles of 5 litres purified water,1000 diapers, wet wipes, instant porridge, Nutro biscuits, sanitary products,toilet papers,baby formulas and cereals and 20 bags of oranges.Our core mission is to reach out to those in need.”
As Sherwood Hall falls within Ward 30, councillor Warren Burne has also become involved in efforts to assist those affected. Burne said he had engaged with eThekwini Municipality officials and disaster management teams regarding the crisis. He said several municipal departments, including the Cleansing and Solid Waste Directorate, had been mobilised to provide support. Among the requests made were the placement of a skip bin and the provision of ablution facilities at the site.
On Wednesday morning, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba was expected to visit the area to assess the situation and determine what interventions could be implemented to assist the displaced families, however, at the time of going to print his arrival had not been confirmed.
