Politics

DURBAN - Buses have arrived at Durban’s Sherwood Hall playground to begin repatriating thousands of displaced Malawian nationals to their country of origin.

The group had sought refuge at the site after targeted threats from anti-foreigner groups forced them to flee their communities. Vulnerable children and the elderly were exposed to harsh winter conditions. Humanitarian groups, including Gift of the Givers, have continued to provide emergency relief while authorities coordinate the repatriation process.

“On Sunday, while the team was there on site, the Malawian Government, as well as the South African Government, were working together. Buses have arrived and they’ve begun the repatriation process. Those who are documented or undocumented have been given documents validating that they can depart and leave the country,” says Gift of the Givers Spokesperson Bilal Jeewa

Jeewa says that as the Gift of the Givers, they gave those who are boarding the buses their hygiene and water for their long journey back. “The estimated number is between four and 6 000. As the numbers are decreasing with the buses that are leaving, I think we were there yesterday at 6 pm, I think there was about four buses that had that were full and left. But there are more people coming in daily,” adds Jeewa.

Buses have arrived at Durban’s Sherwood Hall playground to begin repatriating thousands of displaced Malawian nationals to their country of origin. (Courtesy pic)