WATCH | Concern grows over influx of Malawians at Mayor’s Walk camp
Alley said that over the past 10 days there had been a noticeable increase in Malawian nationals relocating to the camp.
The continued arrival of Malawian nationals at the Mayor’s Walk refugee camp in Pietermaritzburg has raised fresh concerns ahead of planned anti-illegal immigration marches set to take place on Tuesday.
IFP PR councillor in Msunduzi Municipality, Shameel Ally, said the growing number of foreign nationals arriving at the temporary camp from outside Pietermaritzburg was placing increasing pressure on the site and local authorities.
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Speaking to The Witness, Ally said that over the past 10 days, there had been a noticeable increase in Malawian nationals relocating to the camp, despite many not having previously resided in the city.
It is a grave concern that more foreign nationals from outside Pietermaritzburg continue to arrive at the camp.
“The site was never intended to become a permanent destination for people from across the country. There must be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the camp,” said Ally.
His comments come as community organisations prepare to stage marches on Tuesday, demanding stricter enforcement of South Africa’s immigration laws and action against illegal immigration.
While acknowledging the frustrations expressed by many residents, Ally stressed that any intervention must be carried out within the confines of the law.
“We recognise that communities are frustrated, but immigration laws must be enforced through lawful and orderly processes. We cannot allow lawlessness or vigilantism to replace the rule of law,” he said.
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Ally called on national and provincial authorities to urgently strengthen immigration enforcement while ensuring that humanitarian considerations and constitutional rights are respected.
The Mayor’s Walk camp has become the centre of an ongoing immigration debate in recent weeks after thousands of foreign nationals gathered at the site seeking registration and assistance.
The situation has sparked widespread public debate, with some residents arguing that the influx is placing additional strain on municipal resources, while human rights organisations have called for the protection of vulnerable migrants.
