At least 300 stranded Malawian nationals spent Thursday night in the cold outside the Durban Drive-In site near North Beach, seeking shelter and assistance after reportedly being forced from their homes.
The site previously housed thousands of undocumented migrants in June as part of a voluntary repatriation process facilitated by eThekwini authorities.
Claims of Being Misled
The group said they remained in South Africa past the 30 June deadline because their landlords allegedly assured them there would be no threat to their safety.
Andrew Jutseko said many tenants were advised not to leave.
“But most of the landlords deceived us and told us that there will be any other problem when we are there, because we were working nice with them, that’s why we stay, but all of a sudden, we saw that some of the landlords changed their mind and they are sending us away. We don’t have an option.”
Another migrant echoed this sentiment:
“Some of us never left where we were staying because the landlord told us to not leave and that they will protect us. On June 30th, some of us slept outside because they were going door to door.”
Safety Concerns After Protests
Many of those gathered outside the site said they fled their residences due to safety fears following widespread anti-illegal immigration protests held on Tuesday.
The demonstrations, which took place across the country, have heightened anxiety among undocumented foreign nationals.
Thousands of Malawians had previously volunteered to return home in June, making use of buses arranged as part of the repatriation effort.
However, those now camped outside the drive-in site say they did not anticipate being forced out or facing renewed hostility.
Growing Numbers, Urgent Needs
As the hours passed, more Malawian nationals reportedly arrived at the site to join the group.
Among those sheltering outside are women and children, many without adequate protection against the cold.
The group has appealed to authorities for urgent humanitarian assistance, including shelter, food and basic necessities.
It remains unclear what immediate steps will be taken by local or national government to assist those currently stranded outside the facility.
