Stranded Malawians in Durban say landlords misled them to not leave SA
Landlords misled stranded Malawians in Durban, according to dozens of migrants who gathered outside the Durban Drive-In shelter after claiming they were persuaded by landlords not to leave South Africa before the June 30 deadline. The migrants say they were assured they would remain safe despite mounting tensions and widespread anti-illegal immigration demonstrations. However, many now find themselves homeless, without food, and appealing to authorities for urgent humanitarian assistance.
The latest developments come after thousands of undocumented Malawian nationals voluntarily left South Africa during a government-supported repatriation programme. Those who remained behind say they believed promises from landlords that there was no immediate danger, only to later be evicted or forced to flee as protests intensified.
With more families arriving at the Durban Drive-In site every hour, concerns are growing over shelter, food security, and the welfare of women and children exposed to harsh winter conditions.
Stranded Malawians in Durban seek urgent humanitarian assistance
More than 300 Malawian nationals, including women, children and elderly people, spent a cold night outside the Durban Drive-In shelter, where thousands of undocumented migrants had previously been accommodated by eThekwini Municipality during June.
The migrants say they have nowhere else to go after leaving their homes amid fears of violence linked to recent anti-illegal immigration protests across several parts of Durban.
Many described difficult living conditions as they waited for government officials to respond to their requests for temporary accommodation, food, blankets and medical assistance.
Community members said conditions worsened overnight as temperatures dropped, leaving children sleeping on cardboard and blankets while parents worried about their safety.
The gathering represents another chapter in the ongoing humanitarian response involving undocumented migrants who have sought refuge after public demonstrations demanding stricter immigration enforcement.
Malawian migrants South Africa explain why they stayed
Many of the Malawian migrants South Africa interviewed said they had intended to remain in the country because their landlords convinced them it was safe to do so.
Andrew Jutseko explained that many residents trusted property owners who assured them that the protests would not affect them.
“Most of the landlords deceived us and told us that there would not be any problem because we were working well with them. That’s why we stayed, but all of a sudden we saw some landlords changing their minds and sending us away. We don’t have an option.”
His account reflects the experiences of many others now stranded outside the Durban Drive-In site.
Another migrant shared a similar experience.
“Some of us never left where we were staying because the landlord told us not to leave and that they would protect us. On June 30, some of us slept outside because people were going door to door.”
These testimonies have placed renewed attention on the circumstances surrounding those who chose not to participate in earlier voluntary repatriation efforts.
Anti-illegal immigration protests spark fear
The recent anti-illegal immigration protests have significantly impacted undocumented foreign nationals living across Durban and other parts of South Africa.
Many migrants say they left their accommodation after hearing reports of organised marches and door-to-door inspections in certain neighbourhoods.
Although authorities have continued monitoring demonstrations and maintaining public order, undocumented migrants remain fearful of harassment and possible attacks.
Human rights organisations have repeatedly called for calm, urging communities to distinguish between lawful immigration enforcement and vigilantism.
The situation has also reignited debate about immigration management, border security and the responsibilities of municipalities when humanitarian emergencies emerge.
Durban Drive-In shelter becomes gathering point
Hundreds continue arriving
The Durban Drive-In shelter has once again become a focal point for displaced migrants seeking assistance.
Initially established to accommodate thousands of undocumented Malawians preparing for repatriation, the site is now seeing fresh arrivals who say they have exhausted all other options.
Community leaders estimate that numbers continue growing as more migrants abandon accommodation due to safety concerns.
Officials have yet to confirm how many additional people may require temporary shelter over the coming days.
Families need immediate support
Aid remains the most urgent concern.
Many families report lacking access to:
- Food
- Clean drinking water
- Blankets
- Sanitation facilities
- Medical care
- Safe accommodation
Children remain among the most vulnerable, with humanitarian workers expressing concern about prolonged exposure to cold weather.
Local volunteers have begun providing limited relief, but they say government intervention remains essential.
Voluntary repatriation South Africa programme
The voluntary repatriation South Africa programme enabled thousands of undocumented Malawian nationals to return home during June.
The initiative involved cooperation between South African authorities, Malawian officials and humanitarian partners to facilitate safe transport back to Malawi.
Large numbers accepted the offer after concerns over their safety increased during public demonstrations.
However, those who remained now say they believed they could safely continue living and working in Durban.
Some insist they delayed leaving because landlords assured them conditions would stabilise after the protests.
Their current situation highlights the difficult decisions many undocumented migrants faced during a rapidly evolving humanitarian crisis.
Government urged to respond
Migrants camping outside the shelter are calling on national, provincial and municipal authorities to intervene urgently.
Their requests include:
- Temporary emergency accommodation
- Food parcels
- Medical assistance
- Protection for vulnerable women and children
- Clear communication regarding future repatriation opportunities
Many say they are willing to return to Malawi if transport arrangements become available again.
Others hope authorities will provide guidance on legal processes and available humanitarian assistance while decisions are being made.
Growing humanitarian concerns
Relief organisations continue monitoring developments as the number of displaced migrants increases.
Humanitarian experts warn that prolonged outdoor exposure could create additional health risks, particularly among children and elderly people.
Social workers have also expressed concern over trauma experienced by families who fled their homes fearing violence.
The latest arrivals underscore how quickly humanitarian needs can escalate when vulnerable communities lose access to accommodation.
Aid agencies say coordinated responses involving government departments, municipalities and non-governmental organisations remain essential.
Community reactions remain divided
Public opinion surrounding undocumented migration continues to divide communities across South Africa.
Some residents support stronger immigration enforcement, arguing that undocumented migration places pressure on public services and employment opportunities.
Others believe humanitarian assistance should remain available regardless of immigration status, particularly for women and children caught in crisis situations.
Civil society organisations continue urging peaceful dialogue while discouraging intimidation and unlawful actions against foreign nationals.
They emphasise that immigration enforcement should remain the responsibility of law enforcement authorities operating within the law.
What happens next?
As more migrants arrive at the Durban Drive-In site, uncertainty continues over the government’s next steps.
Officials are expected to assess immediate humanitarian needs while determining whether further voluntary repatriation South Africa arrangements may be necessary.
For many of the stranded Malawians, immediate priorities remain basic survival, protection and safe accommodation.
Their testimonies also raise important questions about the role landlords played in influencing decisions that ultimately left hundreds without shelter.
Whether additional assistance arrives in time could determine the welfare of hundreds of vulnerable people currently camping outdoors.
Conclusion
The claim that Landlords misled stranded Malawians in Durban has become central to the experiences shared by hundreds now seeking refuge outside the Durban Drive-In shelter. Many say assurances from landlords convinced them not to participate in earlier repatriation efforts, only to later face eviction and homelessness as anti-illegal immigration protests intensified.
As humanitarian needs grow and more migrants continue arriving, authorities face increasing pressure to provide emergency assistance while exploring further voluntary repatriation options. The unfolding situation highlights the complex intersection of immigration enforcement, public safety, humanitarian responsibility and the protection of vulnerable communities during times of crisis.
References
- eNCA – Stranded Malawians in Durban say landlords misled them not to leave South Africa: https://www.enca.com/news/stranded-malawians-durban-say-landlords-misled-them-not-leave-sa
- SABC News – Coverage of undocumented Malawians and voluntary repatriation efforts: https://www.sabcnews.com/
- News24 – Reporting on anti-illegal immigration protests and migrant developments in Durban: https://www.news24.com/
- Reuters – Coverage of migration and humanitarian issues in Southern Africa: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/
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