Durban Drive-In Site Overwhelmed as Malawian Migrants Flee Xenophobic Violence

A humanitarian crisis has unfolded at the Old Drive-In site in Durban, where thousands of Malawian immigrants have sought refuge after fleeing violent attacks and threats. Many of those arriving at the temporary repatriation facility reported losing their jobs or being evicted from their homes due to rising anti-immigrant sentiment and campaigns led by the group March and March.

The facility has struggled to manage the massive influx, reaching full capacity and forcing many new arrivals to sleep outside without access to food, toilets, or water. Home Affairs officials described the situation as a "bottomless pit," as people continue to arrive via e-hailing vehicles and taxis from across the province and other parts of South Africa.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber characterized the verification and repatriation process as "a heck of a big operation." He stated that while approximately 7,000 people have already been repatriated or deported, an estimated 8,000 individuals remain on-site awaiting processing. Because the majority are undocumented, the Malawian High Commission is working to issue group passports to facilitate their return.

Relief efforts have been bolstered by organizations such as Islamic Relief South Africa and the Gift of the Givers Foundation. The latter coordinated buses to transport migrants to Malawi, sponsored by local businesses, and provided essential relief packs. Islamic Relief has focused on providing food, clean water, and hygiene items, specifically targeting women, children, and the most vulnerable.

The crisis follows a pattern of violence, including mob attacks in the Jika Joe informal settlement in Pietermaritzburg, where over 1,600 people sought refuge in a disused government building. In response to the escalating tension, Police Minister Firoz Cachalia announced that R600 million would be spent to prepare for potential volatile protests surrounding a June 30 deadline demanded by March and March for foreigners to leave the country.

Civil society organizations, including the Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign, have urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to hold an urgent meeting to address the forced removals and pogroms. The coalition is calling for an immediate end to the violence, the provision of humanitarian aid, and the arrest of leaders of the anti-immigration movement.