Thousands of Malawians have gathered at an old Durban drive-in site to escape violence linked to upcoming anti-immigrant protests scheduled for 30 June.
Relief workers are supporting about 11,000 people at the site who are seeking repatriation. The location, roughly one square kilometre and near the beachfront, has become a hub for humanitarian aid including tents, food and medical services.
Provincial authorities have processed more than 8,000 Malawian nationals for return, with 22 buses having departed. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli noted that numbers at the sites continue to grow daily.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia confirmed that the South African Police Service has allocated R600-million for security operations ahead of the planned demonstrations. He stated that operational plans are finalised and that police will protect peaceful protests while acting against criminal conduct.
March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma said at a press conference that the movement rejects violence and that responsibility for security lies with the government.
