Durban mayor thanks stakeholders as Malawian repatriation site closes

eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba has thanked government departments, humanitarian organisations, volunteers and local communities following the closure of the temporary Durban Drive-In repatriation site, as undocumented Malawian nationals are relocated to Musina, Limpopo.

The temporary facility has been dismantled after processing more than 15,000 undocumented Malawian nationals since early June.

Xaba expressed appreciation to all spheres of government, non-profit and faith-based organisations, volunteers, law enforcement agencies, municipal officials and partner organisations for supporting the humanitarian response and repatriation operation.

He also thanked residents and businesses in Sherwood and Ward 26, as well as community crime prevention structures, for their patience and cooperation during the operation.

“We fully appreciate the inconvenience that residents and businesses had to endure,” Xaba said.

“As I have indicated before, this was an unforeseen situation that required an urgent humanitarian response. Through the tireless efforts of government officials, volunteers and our partners from various non-profit and