Malawian nationals begin move from Durban to Musina ahead of nationwide protests

The eThekwini Municipality has resolved to move Malawian nationals, currently accommodated at a temporary repatriation site in Durban, to another site in Limpopo.

Hundreds of Malawian nationals who are awaiting to be bused to their country have been camping at the Durban Drive-In temporary repatriation site for days.

According to the municipality, the Malawian nationals would now be moved to a newly established temporary repatriation processing centre in Musina.

“This decision follows a resolution of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, taken on [Friday], as part of the government’s coordinated response to managing irregular migration and expediting voluntary repatriation processes,” the municipality said in a statement on Saturday.

The move comes as the province, in particular eThekwini, is finalising preparations for nationwide demonstrations against undocumented foreign nationals.

READ | Chaos in KZN as immigrants rush to pop-up repatriation sites

eThekwini is regarded as the epicentre for anti-immigrant protests that have been taking place across the country in the past few weeks.

The municipality said the new facility in Musina had been established to enhance the verification and processing of undocumented foreign nationals; facilitate faster and more efficient repatriation through the Beitbridge Port of Entry, and reduce the pressure on existing repatriation facilities and improve overall operational efficiency.

According to the municipality, the national government has confirmed that more than 15 000 Malawian nationals have already been processed for deportation and voluntary repatriation, while verification of additional individuals continues.

“The relocation process is being led by the inter-ministerial committee and the relevant national departments, with support from the affected spheres of government within their respective mandates.”

The municipality said it would continue to support and coordinate with the relevant national departments and stakeholders, within its mandate, to facilitate the implementation of the inter-ministerial committee’s decision.

“The municipality continues to engage with the relevant national departments and stakeholders as operational plans are being finalised. The Durban Drive-In temporary repatriation site will be decommissioned once all operational arrangements have been finalised and the relocation process has been successfully concluded,” the municipality said.

It added that the relocation was being undertaken in close collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Transport, the South African Police Service, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the process was conducted safely, orderly, humanely and in accordance with the law.

“Residents are urged to remain calm, avoid spreading misinformation, and allow the responsible government authorities to carry out this process. The municipality remains committed to supporting lawful government interventions within its mandate while ensuring public safety and maintaining service delivery to all communities.”