DURBAN — A severe humanitarian crisis has emerged in eThekwini as an estimated 10,000 Malawian nationals, displaced by recent anti-immigration protests linked to the “March and March” movement, seek refuge at Sherwood Hall in Durban.
The massive influx of displaced individuals has overwhelmed the facility, creating a complex logistical challenge for aid organizations, government departments, and the Malawian government. Authorities are currently scrambling to provide food, healthcare, and temporary shelter while accelerating repatriation efforts amid worsening winter conditions and growing crowds.
Voter Registration Disrupted
The crisis has significantly impacted local civic operations. Sherwood Hall was initially designated as a voter registration station by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). Due to the shelter’s repurposing, the IEC was forced to appoint an alternative voting station. Ward 30 Councillor Warren Burne, whose constituency includes Sherwood, parts of Mayville, and eastern Westville, described the situation as a devastating humanitarian crisis that has taken a toll on both the displaced and local officials.
Scale of Displacement and Medical Emergencies
Dr. Imitiaz Sooliman, founder of the humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers, described the situation at Sherwood Hall as the largest crisis of its kind the organization has faced, surpassing the xenophobic attacks of 2008. According to Sooliman, the number of people at the site surged from an initial 50 to 75 individuals to well over 10,000.
The displacement is driven by a combination of fear, evictions by landlords worried about retaliatory attacks, and a desire to return home. “Some are coming out of fear, while others want to go home because free transport and paperwork are being provided. Many lacked the funds or documentation to return previously,” Sooliman explained. He noted that similar displacement trends are affecting foreign nationals in various parts of Cape Town and surrounding areas.
The sheer volume of people has created severe medical and sanitary challenges. Sooliman reported that 12 women have given birth at the site, and paramedics and medical teams have been deployed to treat individuals collapsing from exhaustion, hunger, and crowd compression. Basic sanitation remains a critical issue, with the site initially equipped with only eight toilets, though mobile facilities are being brought in.
Logistical and Bureaucratic Hurdles
Repatriation efforts are hindered by high transportation costs and complex bureaucratic processes. A coordinated effort involving Home Affairs, Water Management, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Road Traffic Inspectorate, and the Malawian government is underway. However, each bus, which carries 62 passengers, costs between R195,000 and R220,000. Transporting up to 12,000 people requires immense financial resources, alongside the daily provision of multiple meals, hygiene packs, and specialized care for children.
Furthermore, authorities must distinguish between voluntary repatriation and formal deportation. The Malawian government and South African Home Affairs are working to verify documents to prevent individuals with fraudulent papers from returning. This meticulous verification process slows down the departure rate. “You send off 600 people, and another 800 or 900 arrive. It is not a sustainable situation,” Sooliman warned.
Community Tensions and Humanitarian Response
The crisis has caused friction in the surrounding community. Misunderstandings regarding bus departures led to isolated incidents of stone-throwing on Tuesday. On Wednesday, police briefly deployed a stun grenade and rubber bullets to manage a crowd during bus boarding, though order was restored within ten minutes.
Despite the pressure and occasional flares of hostility, Councillor Burne commended the Malawian nationals for remaining patient and orderly while queuing for food and transport. He also praised the extensive humanitarian response from the public and various organizations. Faith-based groups, food banks, and foundations—including Gift of the Givers, Gift of the Needy, and the Ind Foundation—have been instrumental in supplying meals, nappies, sanitary pads, and other essential items to make the dire conditions more bearable.
While the deployment of buses has gained momentum over the last 24 hours, aid workers and local officials face mounting pressure to accelerate the safe and dignified repatriation of thousands of vulnerable individuals before the situation deteriorates further.