ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAYOR XABA THANKS STAKEHOLDERS AS DURBAN DRIVE-IN REPATRIATION SITE CLOSES
As the temporary Durban Drive-In repatriation site closes following the relocation of undocumented Malawian nationals to Musina, Limpopo, eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba has expressed his sincere appreciation to all stakeholders who supported the humanitarian response and repatriation operation.
The Mayor thanked all spheres of government, community members, non-profit and faith-based organisations, volunteers, law enforcement agencies, Municipal officials, and partner organisations for their commitment and cooperation throughout the operation.
He also conveyed his special appreciation to the residents and businesses of Sherwood and Ward 26, as well as community crime prevention structures, for their patience, understanding, and support during this period.
“We fully appreciate the inconvenience that residents and businesses had to endure. As I have indicated before, this was an unforeseen situation that required an urgent humanitarian response. Through the tireless efforts of government officials, volunteers, and our partners from various non-profit and faith-based organisations, we ensured that the repatriation process was conducted in a humane, safe, and lawful manner," said Mayor Xaba.
Since early June, the Municipality has provided humanitarian assistance to undocumented Malawian nationals, in line with its constitutional and humanitarian responsibilities.
Individuals were initially accommodated in Sherwood before being relocated to the Durban Drive-In site to improve the efficiency of the operation.
The relocation followed concerns that the Sherwood facility had reached capacity, posing potential health and safety risks.
The larger Drive-In site enabled government to improve processing while providing more suitable temporary accommodation.
The repatriation operation gained momentum after the Department of Home Affairs and the Government of Malawi agreed to facilitate voluntary repatriation, replacing the lengthy deportation process that required court proceedings.
More than 15 000 individuals were processed through the Durban Drive-In site before operations were relocated to Musina.
Government further accelerated the process by extending the jurisdiction of the Musina Refugee Reception Office near the Beitbridge Border Post to undertake verification and processing.
In partnership with the Government of Malawi, the United Nations, and the International Organisation for Migration, all logistical arrangements were put in place to facilitate the onward repatriation of Malawian nationals.
Musina will now serve as another temporary repatriation processing centre, enabling the repatriation operation to continue while the temporary Durban Drive-In site has been closed and its infrastructure dismantled.
Mayor Xaba reaffirmed the Municipality's commitment to working with all spheres of government and humanitarian partners in responding to complex humanitarian situations while safeguarding the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of all affected persons.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality's Marketing and Communications Directorate
