DURBAN - Over 1,000 Malawian nationals camped in Durban have been processed for repatriation.
Buses have been provided by the Malawi embassy to ferry them to their home country. Officials have so far verified about 1140 people at the Sherwood site in Durban, where thousands of Malawians have camped over a month seeking transport home.
Women and children are given boarding priority.
Thami Ntuli, KwaZulu-Natal Premier, said the process was managed with dignity, human rights and respect.
"I am happy that we are working hand in hand with other countries to assist our brothers and sisters, so that they do not break the law. And when they want to come back, they'll have to get permits," Ntuli said.
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"We are staying with so many who are documented. We don't have a problem, as we understand that we have South Africans in other countries, and we believe that as South Africa, we are a country for everyone, but being in a foreign country, you must have documentation," the premier added.
A Malawian national whose wife and child were leaving said he was excited.
"We are very happy. This is the beginning of the journey. We know that the women and children will go first," he said.
His wife said she cannot wait to go.
"Today I am very, very happy because I am going home. I have suffered for two weeks. Today I am happy that I am going to see my family.
"It is winter and my baby was getting sick. I am happy that I am going home and I can get medical services in our country, because here, they said we cannot go to the hospital because we are foreigners. Now I am free," she said.
Meanwhile, around 980 Malawians were processed from Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp. Fourteen buses were used to transport the group on Thursday night.