The Office of the Malawi Consulate has confirmed that plans are in place of getting buses to assist with the repatriation process.
Image: Supplied
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, led by Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, is continuing to coordinate a multi-sectoral humanitarian response for 1,638 Malawian nationals currently accommodated at Mayor's Walk.
The Department of Public Works has declared the site unfit for occupation. Of those being accommodated, 906 are men.
Several government departments, municipalities and stakeholders have mobilised resources to provide immediate relief and ensure the safety and dignity of those on site.
Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers has donated food, sanitary towels, nappies and other essential supplies. The Department of Health is set to deploy a mobile clinic, while the Departments of Social Development, Sport, Arts and Culture, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Disaster Management, Home Affairs, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and private security partners continue to provide support.
Premier Ntuli said the occupation of the site must remain temporary due to safety concerns and rising costs of maintaining the facility.
He appealed to the business community to assist with transportation arrangements to facilitate the safe and orderly return of the Malawian nationals.
The Office of the Malawi Consulate has confirmed that plans are in place to secure buses for the repatriation process.
“No one must be harmed. Whether they are from Africa or beyond our continent, every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and humanity. We must ensure that this process is managed peacefully and responsibly,” said Ntuli.
Meanwhile, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has issued a strong plea for peace and restraint amidst escalating tensions surrounding migration, urging the Zulu nation to reject violence against foreign nationals.
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