The Mayor of eThekwini, Cyril Xaba, says authorities — including officials from Malawi — have been surprised by the growing number of Malawian nationals coming forward in Durban.
Speaking on the situation, Xaba said local authorities did not expect the numbers to be this high and described the situation as difficult because many of the people are reportedly undocumented.
According to Xaba, even Malawian officials had initially expected that around 3,000 people would come forward, but the numbers have continued to rise.
“They keep coming,” Xaba said while reflecting on the scale of the movement.
The comments come as authorities continue coordinating temporary accommodation and processing arrangements linked to voluntary returns and support efforts.
The developments have also renewed debate around migration management, documentation and the pressures placed on local municipalities.
