Approximately 200 document-verified refugees were forced to relocate from the vicinity of the Durban Home Affairs office on 15 June 2026, where they had been camping since 21 May. Police instructed the group to leave immediately, citing an inability to guarantee their safety during a planned protest scheduled for the following day.
Humanitarian Pressure At Sherwood Hall
Following their displacement, the refugees moved to the vicinity of Sherwood Hall, joining an estimated 4,000 to 8,000 foreign nationals already camping at the site. This larger group, consisting primarily of Malawian and Mozambican nationals, has been facing severe conditions, including a lack of adequate shelter and limited sanitation facilities.
The tents that are here are from the local community. The toilets are from the local community. The only thing the state has done is post the police force around here.
This statement was made by civil society activist Yeshelen Govender, who noted the reliance on local assistance to support the displaced populations. The current crisis follows a wave of anti-immigrant sentiment and intimidation in various communities, which has left thousands seeking refuge in temporary locations.
Government Response And Immigration Strategy
The South African government has responded by establishing an inter-ministerial strategy to manage the deepening humanitarian situation at the Sherwood Hall site. Officials are currently prioritising the documentation of individuals to determine their legal status and expedite necessary legal proceedings.
Speaking on the official progress, government spokesperson Nel stated: “Out of those 7 000, 1 876 have been found to be without documentation and 676 have been voluntarily repatriated with the assistance of the government of Malawi. The others are undergoing deportation proceedings.”
The authorities are utilising virtual courts to process cases, aiming to accelerate the deportation of individuals found to be in the country without valid legal status. Future developments remain contingent on the ongoing legal processing of individuals at the site and the continued monitoring by law enforcement agencies.