ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MUNICIPALITY URGES PUBLIC TO STOP DROPPING OFF FOREIGN NATIONALS AT CLOSED DRIVE-IN SITE
EThekwini Municipality wishes to reiterate that the Durban Drive-In site remains closed and is no longer operational as a temporary repatriation facility.
Despite several previous communications confirming the closure, the Municipality has noted with concern that some employers of undocumented foreign nationals continue to drop off their employees outside the former Drive-In site.
The public, employers and transport operators are urged to refrain from bringing foreign nationals to the site, as no services are being provided there.
The temporary repatriation processing centre for undocumented foreign nationals has been centralised in Musina, Limpopo, under the coordination of the Department of Home Affairs.
The Municipality further wishes to clarify that matters relating to undocumented foreign nationals fall under the mandate of the Department of Home Affairs and not the Municipality.
As such, the Municipality is not in a position to comment further on the repatriation process.
Members of the public and the media are requested to direct all enquiries relating to these matters to the Department of Home Affairs, which is the competent authority to provide information and comment.
Furthermore, the Municipality reiterates that the marches held on 30 June were peaceful and orderly, with no major incidents of violence, loss of life or significant damage to infrastructure reported across the City.
The Municipality also acknowledges the responsible conduct of residents, march organisers and law enforcement agencies in ensuring that the demonstrations proceeded without incident.
The outcome reflects the importance of constructive civic engagement and public safety.
More than 20 000 Malawian nationals were processed and repatriated through the Sherwood and Drive-In sites.
To support the operation, government procured more than 300 buses, of which eThekwini Municipality provided 150 on a cost-recovery basis.
The Municipality has commenced clean-up operations at the Drive-In site to restore the area and remains committed to maintaining a clean, safe and welcoming environment for residents, businesses and visitors.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality's Marketing and Communications Directorate
