Over 1,000 Migrants Flee Durban Informal Settlement After Eviction Threats

More than 1,000 immigrants, mostly from Malawi, have fled their homes in Burnwood informal settlement in Durban after South African residents told them to leave on Sunday.

Immigrants who spoke to GroundUp said people were questioned about their nationality, and some were assaulted. Many fled without taking their belongings.

Hundreds of people have since spent several days camped in the open in a field in nearby Sherwood.

Humanitarian organisations have provided blankets, mattresses, food and baby supplies, while volunteers have been cooking meals over open fires.

Ernest Machwela said he ran for his life after seeing a group of people approaching his shack.

“I took whatever I could carry and ran away with my wife and our [seven-month-old] child. The group was shouting, ‘Abahambe, abahambe!’, meaning we must go back home”, said Machwela.

“Some were carrying sjamboks, golf sticks, and bush knives. It’s not easy to open a case because I escaped unharmed.

“We hope the South African government and police will help us so we can be safe.”

Jennifer Moses, who is seven months pregnant, said she has been living in South Africa for four years.

She said she was stabbed and robbed two years ago by two men who took her bag, including her passport.

Sydenham SAPS spokesperson Simo Joli said that on Sunday at around 8 pm, about ten intoxicated local men went to shacks in Burnwood settlement and demanded that immigrants leave.

“Approximately 75 Malawian nationals initially sought refuge at the Sherwood grounds next to Sherwood Hall. Members of the local Muslim community provided meals and blankets. By Tuesday, 9 June, the number had increased to over 1,000,” said Joli.

He said arrangements were being made with immigration authorities and the Malawian embassy for repatriation.

Adam Ali, from the Malawian embassy’s disaster response team, said most people had indicated they were ready to be repatriated because they no longer felt safe in South Africa.

“We are grateful for the humanitarian assistance, especially as many women are heavily pregnant,” said Ali.

“Security has also improved with the presence of police and private security. We expect the first group to be repatriated early next week.”

He said there were now about 1,200 Malawians at the site, who had gathered there after fleeing their homes and were now waiting for assistance and possible repatriation arrangements.

Fiaz Magid, director of Gift of the Needy, said the organisation had provided water, instant porridge, biscuits, cereals and oranges, as well as baby formula, nappies, wet wipes, toilet paper and sanitary products.