Thousands of Malawian nationals sheltering in South Africa could soon begin their journey home after the Malawian government secured 55 buses to support a large-scale repatriation operation.
The Department of Disaster Management Affairs in Malawi confirmed on Wednesday that the buses had been hired as preparations intensified to return citizens currently accommodated in temporary shelters in KwaZulu-Natal. Eight of the buses had already arrived in Blantyre by Wednesday evening, signalling that the operation is moving into an active phase.
The development follows direct discussions between Malawian President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding the fate of an estimated 10,000 Malawians currently sheltering at Sherwood Town Hall in Durban.
According to officials, the two heads of state held a cordial telephone conversation focused on coordinating the safe and orderly return of Malawian nationals.
The repatriation plans come amid growing tensions at shelter sites housing foreign nationals in KwaZulu-Natal.
Earlier on Wednesday, tensions escalated when South African authorities informed undocumented foreign nationals that those who had completed processing would be transferred to the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp. The announcement triggered clashes involving some foreign nationals and members of the South African Police Service.
Authorities moved quickly to contain the situation.
In response, the eThekwini Municipality, working alongside the Department of Home Affairs and SAPS, implemented measures aimed at reducing overcrowding and restoring calm.
Officials agreed to establish two separate shelter facilities.
Sherwood Town Hall will continue accommodating women, children and families, while the Drive-In Site will be reserved exclusively for single male foreign nationals.
Municipal officials said the additional facility is intended to ease pressure on the Sherwood shelter, where thousands have been housed during the ongoing humanitarian and immigration processing operation.
The city has also introduced a 14-day limit for occupancy at the Drive-In Site. Authorities say the measure is designed to speed up documentation procedures and facilitate the repatriation of foreign nationals to their respective countries of origin.
For many of the Malawians waiting in temporary shelters, the arrival of the buses represents more than just transport. It marks the beginning of a long-awaited journey home after weeks of uncertainty, overcrowding and mounting anxiety about their future.
As logistical preparations continue on both sides of the border, attention now turns to how quickly the repatriation process can be completed and whether it can proceed without further unrest.
