By: Bright Ntuli
The eThekwini Municipality and several government departments, including the Department of Home Affairs, have agreed on a 72-hour intervention plan aimed at urgently accelerating the processing and deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.
The move comes as thousands of Malawian nationals remain camped at Sherwood Hall in Durban, awaiting repatriation to their home country amid ongoing anti-illegal immigration protests in parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Authorities say the temporary shelter has come under increasing pressure due to overcrowding and the growing demand for essential services, prompting the need for a coordinated response from government and other stakeholders.
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said the implementation of the 72-hour plan would help stabilise the situation and ease pressure on municipal resources. He added that the intervention is expected to reduce humanitarian and public health risks associated with large numbers of people being accommodated at the site for an extended period.
Xaba said the municipality is working closely with Home Affairs, law enforcement agencies and other relevant departments to ensure that all processes are carried out efficiently and in accordance with the law, while safeguarding the dignity and rights of those affected.
The municipality has also appealed for calm as efforts continue to facilitate the repatriation process and restore normality in the area.
