More Malawian nationals await repatriation in Durban as thousands continue arriving at temporary transit sites despite nearly 20,000 people already being transported back to Malawi over recent weeks. The growing humanitarian operation has placed increased pressure on authorities, with many undocumented migrants waiting for transport while government works to accelerate verification and repatriation processes.

The Department of Home Affairs estimates that around 90% of those seeking assistance do not have legal documentation. More than 8,000 people have already departed Durban during the past two days, but thousands more remain at temporary holding sites waiting for available transport.

The repatriation programme follows increased migration enforcement efforts and has prompted government to establish additional facilities, including a planned Musina repatriation centre, to help manage the growing number of people returning home.

More Malawian Nationals Repatriation Continues

The More Malawian nationals repatriation programme has become one of South Africa’s largest recent migration operations.

Authorities report that migrants are arriving not only from Durban but also from Pietermaritzburg and parts of the Eastern Cape.

Many have voluntarily presented themselves for processing after deciding to return to Malawi amid increased immigration enforcement.

Although buses continue leaving Durban daily, the number of arrivals has remained high, creating long waiting periods for those seeking transportation.

Officials say the operation remains ongoing, with additional logistical arrangements being implemented to improve efficiency.

Durban Migrant Transit Camp Under Pressure

The temporary Durban migrant transit camp, established at the old Durban drive-in site, has become the main processing centre for Malawian nationals awaiting repatriation.

Women, men and children continue arriving throughout the day.

Before boarding buses to Malawi, migrants undergo identity verification and administrative processing.

Limited capacity inside the transit camp has created significant congestion.

Many people are forced to wait outside until sufficient space becomes available.

Only after previous groups depart are additional migrants allowed to enter the processing area.

Authorities continue working to expand capacity while maintaining order and ensuring humanitarian assistance is available.

Department of Home Affairs Verifies Documentation

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that approximately 90% of migrants seeking repatriation are undocumented.

Verification remains one of the most important stages of the repatriation process.

Officials must establish each person’s identity before travel arrangements can be completed.

This process has contributed to delays, particularly given the large number of people requiring assistance.

Government says verification procedures are necessary to ensure compliance with both South African legislation and international obligations.

Despite the challenges, officials have significantly increased processing capacity over recent weeks.

Personal Stories Highlight Human Impact

Behind the statistics are thousands of personal stories.

Gift Siyabu, one of those waiting for transport, explained that he had lived in South Africa since 2017.

Working independently as a plumber and construction worker, he built a livelihood that supported his family.

However, he has now decided to return to Malawi despite leaving behind both his partner and daughter.

He described the difficult emotional decision to leave his family after his partner declined to relocate with him.

Another migrant, Moosa Lodge, expressed hope that he could eventually return legally.

He said he understood government efforts to enforce immigration laws and believed proper documentation should determine who is allowed to work in South Africa.

According to Lodge, many Malawian nationals contributed to the economy through employment across multiple industries.

He hopes future legal migration pathways will allow skilled workers to return.

Pregnant Women Among Those Awaiting Repatriation

Humanitarian concerns continue growing inside the Durban migrant transit camp.

Among those awaiting transport is Mildred Maas, who is five months pregnant.

She said doctors had previously planned a caesarean section because of medical complications.

Despite those concerns, she decided to return to Malawi rather than remain in South Africa.

Health authorities continue providing medical support to vulnerable migrants during processing.

Reports indicate that pregnant women, elderly people and young children remain among those requiring additional humanitarian assistance.

Musina Repatriation Centre to Ease Pressure

Government has announced plans to establish a temporary Musina repatriation centre in Limpopo.

The facility is expected to reduce pressure on Durban by allowing verification and repatriation procedures to be conducted closer to the Zimbabwean border.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration confirmed that foreign nationals currently gathered in Durban will gradually be transported to Musina.

Although officials have not announced specific timelines, the additional facility is expected to improve processing efficiency.

The committee believes decentralising operations will help reduce overcrowding while accelerating deportation and voluntary repatriation efforts.

More Than 15,000 Already Processed

Government officials report that over 15,000 Malawian nationals have already undergone verification for deportation or voluntary repatriation.

Thousands more remain in various stages of processing.

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said urgent measures had become necessary because of the rapidly increasing numbers.

To improve efficiency, government has expanded the jurisdiction of the Musina Refugee Reception Office.

Officials have also activated additional logistical arrangements to support transportation and verification activities.

These measures aim to reduce waiting times while ensuring all legal requirements are satisfied.

Humanitarian Conditions Raise Concern

Authorities have acknowledged increasingly difficult humanitarian conditions at temporary accommodation sites.

Sherwood Hall in Durban has experienced particularly severe overcrowding.

Officials confirmed that at least twelve babies have been born to Malawian women while awaiting repatriation.

The growing number of births illustrates the prolonged nature of the operation and the vulnerability of many families currently awaiting transport.

Government says healthcare workers, humanitarian organisations and municipal services continue supporting migrants during the process.

Nevertheless, officials recognise that conditions remain challenging because of the sheer number of people requiring assistance.

eThekwini Municipality Implements Emergency Measures

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba has outlined several emergency interventions aimed at improving conditions.

These include expanding processing capacity, strengthening public health services and reducing humanitarian risks.

Municipal authorities are also working closely with national government departments to improve coordination.

Officials believe these interventions will help stabilise operations while ensuring repatriation efforts continue safely and efficiently.

Public health remains a major priority given the high concentration of people within temporary accommodation sites.

Government Balances Legal and Humanitarian Responsibilities

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said government remains committed to fulfilling both domestic legal obligations and international humanitarian responsibilities.

She acknowledged that the situation had become increasingly difficult because of the large numbers of migrants arriving for processing.

According to Kubayi, emergency interventions were introduced to protect public health while ensuring migrants receive appropriate assistance before returning home.

Officials continue emphasising that immigration enforcement must be conducted lawfully and humanely.

What Happens Next?

The More Malawian nationals repatriation programme is expected to continue over the coming weeks as authorities process thousands of remaining migrants.

Additional buses are expected to transport people from Durban to both Malawi and the planned Musina repatriation centre.

Government has not announced a final completion date, but officials remain focused on accelerating verification procedures while maintaining humanitarian standards.

The success of the operation will largely depend on available transport capacity, processing resources and continued cooperation between national, provincial and municipal authorities.

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Conclusion

The situation in Durban highlights the scale of South Africa’s ongoing migration challenges.

As More Malawian nationals await repatriation in Durban, authorities continue balancing immigration enforcement with humanitarian responsibilities.

The Department of Home Affairs, supported by the Inter-Ministerial Committee and local municipalities, is expanding processing capacity through the Durban migrant transit camp and the planned Musina repatriation centre.

While thousands have already returned home, many more remain in temporary facilities awaiting transport, making the coming weeks critical for the success of the More Malawian nationals repatriation programme.

References

1. Reuters. (2026, June 26). Thousands seek way out as South Africa braces for anti-immigrant protests.
   https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/thousands-seek-way-out-south-africa-braces-anti-immigrant-protests-2026-06-26/
2. Associated Press (AP). (2026, June 18). South Africa builds another site to ease overcrowding and speed up deportation of Malawian nationals.
   https://apnews.com/article/e47af182af5f2db41dc5202d815a947c
3. SABC News. (2026). More than 7,000 Malawian nationals repatriated from Durban.
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhBWIU89Aiw