More than 1, 600 Malawian nationals have gathered at the Sherwood grounds, creating an unprecedented humanitarian situation as repatriation efforts gather pace following allegations of intimidation and threats in several communities across the city.

What began as a group of about 75 people fleeing the Burnwood and Foreman Road informal settlements in Clare Estate earlier this week has rapidly grown into a mass congregation of Malawian nationals from across eThekwini, many hoping to be voluntarily repatriated to their home country.

The grounds adjacent to Sherwood Hall have become a temporary refuge for men, women and children, many of whom arrived carrying their belongings and seeking safety amid fears sparked by anti-illegal immigration campaigns and protests taking place in parts of Durban.

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Community activist, Azhar ‘Vice’ Bennett said aid organisations, religious groups and volunteers have mobilised to assist those sheltering at the grounds.

“We have seen an incredible outpouring of support from the community. Food, blankets, tents, baby formula, nappies and sanitary towels have been donated. More than 30 children under the age of four have been assisted thus far. Many of these families arrived with very little and were forced to sleep outdoors during cold and wet conditions,” said Bennett.

Among those seeking refuge is 42-year-old Patrick Mezani, who has lived and worked in South Africa for years, surviving through odd jobs.

“I’ve been at the Sherwood Grounds for three days. It was raining last night, but we had to bear with the rain,” he said.

Mezani said he fears for the safety of his family and fellow countrymen following calls by anti-illegal immigration groups for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country by June 30.

“I came here to make a living. Now we are scared. Going back to Malawi will take more than two days, but we feel we have no choice,” he said. Sydenham SAPS communications officer, Sergeant Simo Jili, said police were first alerted to the situation on Sunday, June 7. “At approximately 8pm, about 10 drunk local African males went to different foreign nationals in the Burnwood Road informal settlement and removed them and asked them to leave. Approximately 75 foreigners from Malawi sought refuge at the Sherwood Grounds together with their belongings. The Muslim community from the Sherwood area got together and provided meals and blankets to the foreigners. Up until June 9, the number of foreigners had increased to 1, 600. The spokesperson for the Malawian Embassy arranged with Immigration and the Malawian Embassy to repatriate them around June 11,” said Sgt Jili. Ward 30 councillor, Warren Burne, confirmed that authorities were monitoring the situation.

“The SAPS, Public Order Police, and Metro Police are keeping an eye on the Malawian nationals currently sheltering at the grounds,” he said.

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The developing situation comes as the Government of Malawi confirmed it is preparing a voluntary repatriation programme for citizens affected by attacks and demonstrations targeting African migrants in parts of South Africa.

In a statement issued on June 2, Malawi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-Operation said diplomatic engagements with South African authorities were ongoing, and arrangements were being finalised to assist nationals wishing to return home.

Meanwhile, anti-illegal immigration group, March and March continued protest action in Durban’s CBD on Wednesday, June 10, ahead of its June 30 deadline.