DURBAN - Repatriation efforts are continuing in Durban, with the Department of Home Affairs confirming that more buses are expected from Malawi.
Seven buses arrived on Sunday as authorities moved to transport more than a thousand Malawian nationals who had gathered at a Durban park since last week.
Many say they fled their homes amid fears linked to rising anti-migrant tensions.
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KwaZulu-Natal Department of Home Affairs spokesperson Cyril Mncwaba said that once more buses arrive, officials will operate more efficiently.
“This is a process that is not funded by the Government of South Africa. We're dependent upon the Malawian government to send us the buses for the people to go.
“There's no concrete contingency plan that we have developed so far. But there is an indication that ministers, especially those in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, are discussing this issue in terms of saying that if the Malawian government does not continue providing the necessary transport for these people, what could South Africa do?
“But there is no concrete decision around that. So, it is a matter that is being considered.”
Officials have so far verified about 1,140 people at the Sherwood site in Durban, where thousands of Malawians have camped for more than a month seeking transport home.
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Women and children are being given boarding priority.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli said the process was being managed with dignity, respect and consideration for human rights.
“I am happy that we are working hand in hand with other countries to assist our brothers and sisters.”