10,000 Malawians stranded in Durban as KZN declares crisis at Sherwood Hall

Around 10,000 Malawian nationals are now sheltering at Sherwood Hall in Durban, turning a community hall into the centre of what KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has called a full-blown crisis.

Speaking at the site on Sunday, Ntuli said the government didn't see this coming. "As government, we didn't anticipate what is happening. Now it's happening and we must step in to ensure that there's a proper plan," he said.

The numbers keep growing. Ntuli warned that no one knows how many will arrive in the coming days. "When we already have over 10,000 people here, you don't know how many will be here tomorrow and next week. We might have more coming into this place," he added.

Winter has made things worse. Night temperatures in Durban are dropping, and thousands are sleeping in the open or in makeshift shelters. Ntuli said the government wants to make sure people aren't harmed by being packed together in large groups.

A committee is being set up to manage the site. Ntuli said the government supports fast-tracking deportations rather than waiting for a slower repatriation process. "I'm happy with the approach that has been taken by our national government to take a route of deportation because we can't wait for repatriation if it's going to take quite some time," he said.

National departments are already mobilised. Processing and transport systems are being expanded to handle the growing numbers. Some of those gathered will be transferred to the Lindela Repatriation Centre to begin deportation procedures.

Meanwhile, the Malawi government has described the situation as a national humanitarian emergency. In a statement, it said the scale and urgency have created "unprecedented financial, logistical and humanitarian demands." It called for coordinated international and domestic support to ensure Malawians return home "safely, with dignity and hope for a fresh start."

"With an estimated 10,000 citizens in distress and awaiting repatriation, the scale and urgency of the operation have created unprecedented financial, logistical and humanitarian demands."

Sherwood Hall is in the suburb of Sherwood, about 10 kilometres from Durban's city centre. It's normally used for community events and meetings. Now it's become an informal camp for thousands of people who have nowhere else to go.

This isn't the first time Durban has seen a large group of foreign nationals seeking shelter. In 2021, hundreds of Zimbabweans camped at the Central Methodist Church in Johannesburg after similar displacement. But the numbers at Sherwood Hall are far bigger.

The crisis has also put pressure on local resources. Neighbours and community groups have been bringing food, blankets and water, but it's not enough for 10,000 people. The government hasn't said how long the operation will take.

For the people at Sherwood Hall, the wait is uncertain. They're sleeping on floors and grass, hoping to either be allowed to stay or sent home quickly. Ntuli promised a plan, but for now, the situation remains fluid.