More than 2,000 Malawian nationals are awaiting transport back to their homeland after fleeing communities across Durban amid growing tensions surrounding undocumented migration and anti-illegal immigration protests.
Many of those gathered at temporary shelter sites say they have voluntarily chosen to return to Malawi rather than remain in South Africa under increasingly uncertain circumstances.
“We know we do not have papers and that makes life difficult,” said one Malawian man who has lived in Durban for several years. “Rather than face more problems, we would rather go home.”
Another woman said her family had made the difficult decision to leave before the end of June.
“We appreciate the people who have helped us, but we no longer feel safe. We would rather be home than live in fear every day.”
The growing humanitarian crisis formed part of discussions at a high-level diplomatic roundtable in Durban on Thursday, where KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli met with representatives from foreign missions, the United Nations system and government departments to discuss migration management, refugee protection and social cohesion.
Addressing delegates, Ntuli acknowledged that communities have legitimate concerns about undocumented migration but warned that violence, intimidation and vigilantism cannot be tolerated.
“When people demonstrate about undocumented foreign nationals, they are directing their frustrations to government because government is responsible for managing migration. That is appropriate. However, when people are attacked or become victims of crime, that becomes criminality and cannot be accepted,” said Ntuli.
He stressed that incidents involving threats, intimidation or violence should be reported to police and that those responsible must face the consequences of the law.
“We cannot allow a situation where people behave as they like. Anyone who commits a crime must be arrested. We expect the police to act against those who perpetrate criminal acts.”
What began as a small group of approximately 75 displaced Malawian nationals on Sunday has rapidly escalated into a large-scale humanitarian operation.
By Thursday morning, more than 2,000 people had gathered at temporary shelter sites while awaiting transport arrangements. Families continue arriving daily from informal settlements and residential areas across Durban, many carrying only essential belongings.
Ward 31 councillor Warren Burne described the situation as unprecedented.
“On Sunday we were dealing with around 75 people. By Thursday morning the numbers had grown into the thousands and they are still arriving. The situation is worsening and the demand for food, shelter and other necessities continues to increase,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Burne praised the humanitarian response from volunteers, religious organisations and community groups.
“The Muslim community, humanitarian organisations and volunteers have been absolutely incredible. Since Sunday they have worked tirelessly to provide meals, blankets, clothing and support to people who have found themselves in an extremely difficult situation. Without their intervention, the situation could have been far worse.”
A private tent-hiring company has also stepped in to assist by erecting large tents to provide temporary shelter for displaced families.
Under the rows of tents, hundreds of women, children and elderly people continue waiting for confirmation of transport arrangements that will allow them to return home.
Many expressed gratitude to local residents, religious organisations and volunteers who have provided food, clothing and shelter during the crisis.
Ntuli admitted that government should have acted sooner to address concerns around migration management.
“We agree with society when they say government should have started managing migration properly within the laws of our country a long time ago. That is why we are taking action now,” he said.
The Premier said government remains committed to ensuring the safety of both South African citizens and foreign nationals while addressing undocumented migration through lawful processes.
“We are ensuring the safety of everyone — the safety of foreign nationals and the safety of citizens of this province.”
He also rejected calls for all foreign nationals to leave South Africa, saying the issue should be focused on undocumented migration rather than foreigners in general.
“We cannot simply say all foreigners must leave. We have investors from other countries creating jobs in South Africa and we also have South Africans living and working in other countries. The issue we are all in agreement about is undocumented and illegal migration.”
The diplomatic roundtable forms part of preparations for the Provincial Summit on Undocumented Foreign Nationals scheduled for 25 June, where government, civil society organisations, international partners and community stakeholders are expected to develop a coordinated response to migration-related challenges in KwaZulu-Natal.
For now, however, the reality remains stark.
Under temporary shelters erected by volunteers and private donors, thousands of Malawian nationals continue waiting for buses that will take them home.
For many, the decision has already been made.
“We just want peace,” said one displaced Malawian. “If that peace is in Malawi, then that is where we want to be.”
