Home Affairs Confirms 12 Babies Born at Sherwood Hall Where Malawian Nationals Await Repatriation

• The Department of Home Affairs confirmed that several babies were born to Malawian nationals at Sherwood Hall
• Thousands of Malawian nationals have been living at the makeshift camp since the beginning of June 2026, ahead of repatriation
• Concerns were raised about the conditions at the camp, as the sanitary issues posed concerns over care for vulnerable groups

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

KWAZULU-NATAL – The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that 12 babies have been born at a makeshift site in Sherwood, Durban, where thousands of Malawian nationals have been sheltering.

The Malawian nations have been camped at the Sherwood Hall grounds since the beginning of June 2026, as they await evacuation back home.

The Malawian government is working to repatriate the nationals ahead of 30 June 2026, which is the deadline given to undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country. March and March, which is spearheading the calls for illegal immigrants to go back to their homes, have also called for a national shutdown on 30 June.

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Home Affairs confirms 12 births

As immigration officers continue processing thousands of Malawian nationals at the makeshift camp, Home Affairs confirmed that 12 babies have been born there since the beginning of the month. The last two were born on 17 July 2026.

Officials from the department also confirmed that the majority of those at the site are in South Africa illegally. As officials wait for repatriation efforts to resume, conditions at the camp have raised concerns, as there have been reports of dehydration and illness.

There are also concerns about the ability to care for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, toddlers, and newborns, due to the sanitary issues and lack of supplies.

How did South Africans react to the news?

South Africans were not surprised by the news, with some making light of the situation online.

Puza Ntlentle noted:

“Even the first group that has arrived in Malawi, some women are expecting.”

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Lehlohonolo Jacob Leboko stated:

“They are not here to seek refuge but to make babies.”

Mpokeleng Mkhize suggested:

“So, they will have an SA birth certificate.”

Zanele Mlangeni Wale Julesburg agreed:

“And they will tell their kids that they are South African.”

Cassie Serithi stated:

“It's disrespectful for a guest to give birth more than the house owner.”

Robyn Tserpes asked:

“Born in SA. So, do they then qualify for SASSA support? And free education, healthcare, etc.? This is why this country is a mess.”

Angry Malawians clash with Ngizwe Mchunu

Briefly News reported that the South African Police Service was on high alert after Ngizwe Mchunu and March and March members sparked anger.

Mchunu, March and March members were present at the Sherwood Hall site, where Malawians were camped out ahead of repatriation.

South Africans took to social media to weigh in on the comments by Malawian nationals and the actions of Mchunu.

Source: Briefly News