Documented and undocumented foreign nationals are currently displaced across eThekwini (Durban) following threats and protests from armed local groups demanding they leave the country. Thousands of individuals - primarily from Malawi and Mozambique, along with other African nations - are sheltering in makeshift camps and open fields.
Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has expressed serious concerns regarding the inadequate sanitation facilities for Malawian nationals at Sherwood, following a recent monitoring visit.
KwaZulu-Natal provincial manager Pavershree Padayachee confirmed that temporary tents and portable sanitation facilities had been installed, with humanitarian organisations providing food and other assistance.
"The commission conducted monitoring at the Sherwood and has noted that temporary tents have been set up to accommodate the non-nationals," Padayachee said.
However, she warned that sanitation infrastructure appeared inadequate for the large number of people gathered at the facility.
"While the commission is still considering its observations, the number of ablution facilities is insufficient to cater for the high number of non-nationals that have gathered at Sherwood, being approximately 6,700 persons.
"This would impact on various rights such as the intrinsic right to human dignity as well as to other socio-economic rights, such as proper sanitation and adequate water."
Scores of foreign nationals, with some carrying babies on their backs, still remain displaced in Sherwood. Private entities have provided them with temporary shelters such as stretch tents, food and hygiene essentials.
Image: TUMI PAKKIES/Independent Newspapers
Padayachee said the commission's initial assessment identified concerns relating to dignity and adequate accommodation, although security measures involving private security personnel, SAPS and metro police were in place.
She reiterated that the accommodation arrangements were intended as a temporary measure while the Department of Home Affairs processed individuals for potential reintegration, deportation or repatriation.
"The main obligation of both local and national government is to ensure proper compliance with the respective legislation, policy and other prescripts that pertain to immigration and one's legal status to be in the country, while maintaining the right to human dignity of all those affected."
Padayachee stressed that undocumented foreign nationals could not remain indefinitely without legal status.
"In these instances, they would have to be deported in terms of the governing legislation. These processes also have to be conducted in a manner that ensures the protection of their human dignity and safety,” she said.