Thousands of Malawian nationals are gathering at Sherwood Hall in Durban as South African authorities accelerate the repatriation of undocumented migrants.

The surge creates a burgeoning humanitarian crisis in the eThekwini municipality. The situation follows a series of protests against undocumented foreign nationals, which triggered a government crackdown and an increase in deportations.

Sherwood Hall serves as a temporary deportation center. Mayor Cyril Xaba said the facility is seeing a significant influx of people as the June 30 repatriation deadline approaches [3]. Officials expect the number of foreign nationals seeking refuge at the site to reach about 13,000 [1].

The influx has accelerated over the past two weeks, straining the capacity of the temporary shelter. Those staying at the facility have reported severe sanitary failures. One Malawian national said he had not bathed in seven days [2].

Home Affairs officials said that the Malawian nationals currently held at Sherwood Hall are not linked to criminal activity [4]. Despite this, the pressure on the facility continues to grow as more individuals arrive to avoid potential arrest or to organize their return home.

Local authorities are managing the site under intense scrutiny as the deadline for legal status or departure nears. The concentration of people in a temporary setting has raised concerns regarding basic human rights, and the ability of the municipality to provide adequate water and sanitation services.

“Officials expect the number of foreign nationals seeking refuge at the site to reach about 13,000.”

The crisis at Sherwood Hall reflects the tension between South Africa's domestic political pressure to curb undocumented migration and the logistical reality of mass repatriation. The looming June 30 deadline creates a bottleneck that transforms a legal enforcement action into a public health risk, potentially straining diplomatic relations between South Africa and Malawi.