Thousands of Malawian migrants are sheltering in a makeshift camp in Durban after fleeing rising anti-foreigner threats and attacks in South Africa.
More than 3,000 Malawians, including hundreds of children, have been staying in an open field in Durban while awaiting repatriation, according to reports. Some accounts put the number of stranded Malawians at more than 7,000 as transport and documentation challenges slow evacuation efforts.
The crisis follows weeks of anti-migrant agitation, including a June 30 deadline issued by groups demanding that undocumented foreigners leave South Africa. The deadline triggered fear among migrant communities from Malawi, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and other African countries.
Many of those camped in Durban say they left their homes and workplaces after threats, harassment and violence against foreigners intensified. Humanitarian groups have warned of overcrowding, poor sanitation, food shortages and growing distress among families waiting to return home.
South African authorities have deployed police to prevent further violence, while President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged citizens to reject xenophobia and allow immigration issues to be handled through the law.
Malawi’s government and community groups are working to repatriate affected citizens, but the process has been slowed by logistics, long travel distances and the large number of people seeking assistance.
The situation has renewed concern over recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, where migrants are often blamed for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. Rights groups say those claims ignore deeper economic problems and place vulnerable communities at risk.
As the Durban camp grows, aid workers warn that urgent support is needed to provide food, shelter, medical care and safe transport for displaced migrants.
