Introduction

South Africa announced the construction of a second temporary deportation centre on 18 June 2026 in the Durban area. The facility was created in response to a sharp rise in the number of Malawian nationals gathered at the Sherwood camp, where an estimated 10,000 people had been living in cramped conditions for more than a week.

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The new centre is intended as an overflow site to reduce overcrowding and to provide a safer environment for families. Women and young children, who had been packed together with thousands of men, are now expected to be accommodated in separate sections. Officials reported that at least twelve women gave birth at the original Sherwood location, highlighting urgent health concerns.

South African home affairs officials explained that all migrants must appear in court because they are in the country without legal documentation. The repatriation process has been slowed by an insufficient number of buses sent by the Malawian government. According to officials, only ten buses have left Durban so far, and an additional eight buses were expected to transport 700 people on Thursday.

Mayor Cyril Xaba described the new facility as a temporary measure that will operate for up to fourteen days and will not become a permanent settlement or refugee camp. Home affairs official Cyril Mncwabe emphasized that the centre will help process the growing queue, but warned that the backlog could extend for several more weeks as officials work through the cases.

Both South African and Malawian authorities are coordinating to facilitate the return of the migrants, who have expressed fear of violence amid anti‑immigrant protests. The deported individuals will face a five‑year ban on re‑entry to South Africa.

Conclusion

The opening of the second temporary deportation centre reflects South Africa’s effort to manage a growing humanitarian challenge while addressing public safety concerns. By providing a short‑term solution for the overflow of Malawian migrants, the government aims to improve living conditions, expedite legal processing, and reduce the tensions that have fueled recent protests.