Approximately 7,000 displaced immigrants have been transferred from a temporary repatriation site at the old Durban Drive-In to a processing facility in Musina, Limpopo. The eThekwini Municipality confirmed that transport operations, involving a fleet of 140 buses, were underway by Monday morning to facilitate the movement of individuals seeking repatriation.
Logistics And Operational Oversight
According to the eThekwini Municipality, 58 buses had departed for the northern border region by Monday morning, with a further 10 following shortly thereafter. The municipality, in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs and various non-profit organisations, is managing the relocation process, which the local authority has described as a commitment to ensuring safety and order.
However, the operation has faced significant logistical hurdles regarding documentation and vehicle compliance. The Border Management Authority (BMA) reported that 17 buses were previously redirected to a truck stop in Musina after failing to provide the mandatory emergency travel certificates required for transit. Between 12 June and 24 June 2026, the BMA processed more than 8,200 foreign nationals at the Beitbridge border post for repatriation.
Community Impact And Broader Context
The mass relocation comes in the wake of heightened anti-immigrant sentiment across South Africa, exacerbated by a campaign known as ‘March and March’ which led to widespread displacement in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. Thousands of foreign nationals subsequently sought assistance from government and municipal services to return to their countries of origin, primarily Malawi and Zimbabwe.
“We have to guard the dignity of all people. We are all Africans. As Africans, we need to make sure that we work for the development of Africa… I don’t know what this will achieve except that Africans will remain vulnerable,” an anonymous observer noted regarding the ongoing situation.
With the temporary repatriation site in Durban now closed, authorities are expected to continue monitoring the processing centre in Musina to ensure the efficient movement of those awaiting final travel authorisation.