Key Takeaways
- Ngizwe Mchunu, an anti‑immigrant activist, visited a Malawian refugee encampment at Sherwood Hall in Durban on a “goodwill” mission, provoking anger among the roughly 10 000 migrants present.
- Police had to intervene as the crowd accused him of provoking unrest and demanded he leave.
- The encampment swelled from about 75 people a week earlier to nearly 10 000 after a surge of anti‑migrant protests and heightened fears of deportation.
- Mchunu, representing the amaBhinca nation and eZokobho SA, is part of a nationwide campaign demanding that all illegal foreigners depart South Africa by 30 June, a move that has sparked diplomatic tensions with Ghana, Nigeria and other African states.
- Government officials, including Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and Deputy Home Affairs Minister Njabulo Nzuza, warned that the backlash is damaging South Africa’s international brand and affecting local businesses and artists.
- Repatriation efforts by the Malawian government stalled as numbers rose, with only about 1 000 migrants processed and confirmed to be in the country illegally; logistical and funding challenges hinder further bus departures.
- Local residents and rate‑payers complain of noise pollution, inadequate sanitation, and health‑safety risks, while ward councillor Warren Burne notes the site’s capacity is exceeded and calls for relocation to venues such as Tills Crescent or People’s Park.
- The KwaZulu‑Natal premier is scheduled to visit the encampment, and civil‑society groups criticize municipal leaders for failing to act swiftly to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
Encampment Growth and Immediate Tensions
The Sherwood Hall grounds in Durban, initially sheltering roughly 75 Malawian nationals, swelled to an estimated 10 000 occupants within a week as anti‑immigrant protests intensified across the city. The rapid influx overwhelmed existing facilities, prompting concerns over sanitation, water supply, and safety. When anti‑immigrant activist Ngizwe Mchunu arrived on Monday claiming a “goodwill” visit, the crowd’s reaction shifted quickly from curiosity to hostility. Many migrants shouted demands for him to leave, accusing him of stirring unrest, while a few initially posed for photographs before the mood turned confrontational.
Police Intervention and Activist’s Account
Law‑enforcement officers tasked with protecting the encampment had to step in as tensions rose, preventing the situation from escalating into violence. Ngizwe later told TimesLIVE that his intention was to show goodwill, urge the Malawians to engage with their own government about economic liberation, and reiterate his belief that illegal foreigners burden South Africa’s system. He acknowledged that some individuals were receptive, but he chose to depart early to avoid provoking further conflict, emphasizing that his movement seeks to achieve its goals without resorting to criminal elements that could destabilize their efforts.
Background of the Anti‑Immigrant Campaign
Ngizwe is affiliated with the amaBhinca nation and the eZokobho SA platform, joining former broadcaster Jacinta Ngobese‑Zuma and activist Phakelu Mthakathi from the Insizwe Nobunsizwa Foundation in a nationwide drive to expel all illegal immigrants by 30 June. The campaign has generated significant diplomatic pushback, with countries such as Ghana and Nigeria arranging repatriation flights for their citizens stranded in South Africa. Critics argue that the movement fuels xenophobia and harms South Africa’s reputation abroad, a concern echoed by government officials.
Government Reaction and Brand‑SA Concerns
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, speaking during an inter‑ministerial briefing on irregular migration in Pretoria, warned that the growing backlash is already affecting South African companies operating continentally and limiting opportunities for local artists. As chairperson of the committee, she admitted that the immigration‑related unrest is beginning to damage “Brand SA,” the nation’s international image. President Cyril Ramaphosa had earlier highlighted the issue in a televised address, announcing tougher measures to curb illegal foreign presence.
Repatriation Efforts and Logistical Hurdles
The Malawian government commenced repatriation on Saturday with eight buses, but the operation was halted on Monday as the encampment’s population continued to climb. Deputy Home Affairs Minister Njabulo Nzuza reported that approximately 1 000 Malawians at Sherwood Hall had been processed and verified, all found to be in the country illegally. Malawi Consul General Max Biwi noted the growing humanitarian crisis, citing noise pollution, insufficient sanitation, and mounting health risks. He appealed for additional funding to secure more buses, stressing that while authorities are working quickly, the cost of repatriation remains high.
Local Officials’ Observations and Site Limitations
Ward councillor Warren Burne observed that Sherwood Hall and its surrounding park are inadequate for the current influx, estimating the population could reach as high as 10 000. He noted that the first batch of eight buses departed with women and children on Saturday, yet no further buses have left since then. Seven additional buses arrived from Limpopo but await servicing and certification before they can travel to Malawi. Burne said that despite communications with Mayor Cyril Xaba and other officials proposing relocation to sites such as Tills Crescent in Overport or People’s Park near the Moses Mabhida Stadium, no response has been forthcoming, leaving the encampment stranded.
Community and Rate‑payer Criticism
Asad Gaffar, chairperson of the eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement (ERPM), denounced the municipality’s inaction, stating that the encampment has long surpassed the capacity of Sherwood Hall grounds and is now unfit for purpose. He argued that residents and rate‑payers in the surrounding area face escalating inconvenience, while health and safety risks for both migrants and locals increase by the hour. Gaffar insisted that relocating the foreigners earlier would have prevented the current humanitarian and public‑order crisis, and he criticized both Mayor Xaba and Councillor Burne for failing to act decisively.
Anticipated Developments and Ongoing Challenges
The KwaZulu‑Natal premier, Thami Ntuli, is scheduled to visit the encampment on Tuesday, potentially bringing higher‑level attention to the situation. Meanwhile, the Malawian government continues to grapple with funding and logistical constraints as it seeks to arrange additional transport for the thousands awaiting repatriation. The broader anti‑immigrant campaign led by figures like Ngizwe Mchunu remains a flashpoint, underscoring the tension between domestic political pressures, international diplomatic relations, and the urgent humanitarian needs of those seeking refuge in South Africa. Until sustainable solutions—whether through accelerated repatriation, improved site conditions, or relocation to adequate facilities—are implemented, the Sherwood Hall encampment will remain a flashpoint of social unrest and humanitarian concern.