Over 3,000 Malawians Camp in Durban Park Amid Rising Anti-Immigrant Tensions in South Africa

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – More than 3,000 Malawian nationals, including hundreds of children, are sleeping in the open in Durban after fleeing what they describe as growing threats, intimidation, and attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.

The displaced group has established a makeshift camp in Sherwood, a suburb of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal Province, as fears mount over escalating anti-immigrant sentiment and calls for undocumented migrants to leave the country. Many of those sheltering at the site say they now want to be repatriated to Malawi because they no longer feel safe.

The group gathered in a park in the port city on Wednesday, transforming the area into a temporary transit camp as humanitarian organisations, community groups, and volunteers worked to provide food, blankets, and other essential supplies. The situation follows weeks of demonstrations in several communities where groups of South Africans reportedly marched carrying sticks, whips, and shields while demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country by 30 June.

Many of the displaced Malawians said they fled their homes after receiving threats or witnessing acts of intimidation directed at immigrants. The camp now includes families with young children, pregnant women, and elderly people, many of whom left their belongings behind when they fled.

The demonstrations have been backed by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party), led by former South African president Jacob Zuma. The party has been vocal in its criticism of undocumented migration, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, where it enjoys significant political support. Following calls for action against undocumented migrants, large numbers of demonstrators reportedly joined marches demanding stricter immigration enforcement. Some protesters have accused foreign nationals of taking jobs, business opportunities, and public services that should benefit South African citizens.

Malawi is not the only country responding to the situation. Authorities from several African nations have begun assisting citizens who wish to return home amid growing concerns about their safety. According to reports, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Ghana have already repatriated hundreds of nationals from South Africa this month. A flight carrying Nigerian citizens who have opted for voluntary repatriation is also expected to depart from Johannesburg in the coming days.

In addition to the Malawians camped in Sherwood, approximately 150 migrants from several countries, including Zimbabwe, Burundi, and Ethiopia, are reportedly being accommodated at a nearby government facility. Aid organisations continue to provide emergency assistance while authorities assess options for temporary shelter, protection, and repatriation for those wishing to return to their countries of origin.

The developments have reignited debate over immigration, unemployment, and social tensions in South Africa, which hosts one of the largest migrant populations on the continent.

Human rights organisations have repeatedly called for the protection of migrants and refugees, warning that violence and intimidation against foreign nationals could deepen humanitarian challenges and strain regional relations.

As authorities work with foreign embassies and community leaders, thousands of displaced migrants remain uncertain about their future, with many hoping for a safe return home after days spent sleeping in the open.

Malawians in Durban