DURBAN, KWAZULU-NATAL — A newly established Durban immigrant campsite outside Shallcross Stadium in Chatsworth is rapidly expanding as foreign nationals seek safe haven and repatriation. This development unfolds concurrently with ongoing municipal efforts to clear previous encampments across the city.
The emergence of this new gathering coincides with the eThekwini Municipality’s push to dismantle existing informal settlements. The Mayor of eThekwini has expressed a strong urgency to shut down and sanitize these locations, driven by the city’s preparations for the upcoming Durban July, a premier horse racing event that serves as a major drawcard for tourism.
Despite these cleanup operations, the situation on the ground remains highly fluid. While the municipality recently cleared the Durban drive-in site—where thousands of Malawian nationals had been camping and many were subsequently repatriated or relocated to a facility in Limpopo—the area saw a sudden resurgence. By 2:00 p.m. on the day of the clearing, reports confirmed that over 500 Malawian nationals had reassembled at the drive-in location, highlighting the logistical challenges the city faces.
Meanwhile, the new campsite in the south of Durban has become a focal point for Zimbabwean nationals. The gathering began forming on a Monday, starting with just 18 to 20 individuals by midday. The numbers escalated swiftly, swelling to over 120 by the afternoon and reaching between 200 and 300 by evening. Buses have been arriving at a rapid pace, continuously dropping off new arrivals.
Mr. Richards, a spokesperson for a 100-strong local men’s civic movement operating within the Democratic Alliance (DA) ward, helped coordinate the response on the ground. He mobilized a joint effort involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), Metro Police, the local Community Police Forum (CPF), and the city council. Mr. Richards emphasized that the assembly is not a mob; rather, it consists of terrified individuals who were directed to the stadium under the impression that it was an official pickup point for repatriation to their home countries.
The primary catalyst for this sudden gathering is severe xenophobic intimidation. Mr. Richards highlighted the harrowing experience of a woman from Nazareth who fled her home via Uber. She was given an immediate eviction notice, and her furniture was forcibly removed from her lounge while she was still standing inside, leaving her with only the bags she could carry. In another distressing incident, a man who had lived in a local area, since 2009 was threatened with death by a neighbor of two decades. Mr. Richards noted he knows the victim personally, as he had worked for a company where Mr. Richards served as a director.
According to Mr. Richards, the immigrants are profoundly shocked and saddened by the hostility. While they acknowledge that illegal immigration is a systemic issue, they struggle to comprehend the violent treatment and the reality of fellow Africans turning against one another, deeming the behavior unacceptable under any circumstances.
In stark contrast to the violence, the local Chatsworth community has rallied with deep humanitarian compassion. Rather than fear, residents have expressed profound sadness. The civic group has maintained a 24/7 presence to allay any tensions and coordinate with law enforcement. Community members have actively provided sustenance, including delivering food and water at 2:00 a.m. on a recent Saturday. Furthermore, local WhatsApp groups have been flooded with prayers for the immigrants’ protection, guidance, and safe passage home.
Many locals have drawn poignant historical parallels, reminding others that during the apartheid era, it was African neighbors who provided sanctuary to South Africa’s freedom fighters. They question the current wave of hostility, asking why such treatment is being inflicted upon their continental brethren.
As evening sets in, conditions at the Shallcross Stadium campsite remain dire. The immigrants are enduring extremely cold temperatures without any tents or ablution facilities. Although some food has been distributed, urgent calls for additional humanitarian assistance continue as vehicles are still seen dropping off more vulnerable arrivals into the night.
