The community of Sherwood in Durban is calling on police and the eThekwini Municipality to ensure that local facilities, including the area's sports field, are not used again as temporary refugee camps for displaced foreign nationals.
The appeal comes after thousands of Malawian nationals who had been sheltering in the area were recently relocated to a new site in North Beach in an effort to ease pressure on the suburb.
While residents have welcomed the move, many say they remain anxious that Sherwood could once again become a refuge for foreign nationals seeking assistance to return to their home country.
Community members say the influx of displaced migrants in recent weeks placed significant strain on local resources and public spaces, prompting calls for authorities to develop a more sustainable and coordinated response to humanitarian emergencies.
Residents are now seeking assurances from both law enforcement and municipal officials that measures will be put in place to prevent a recurrence of the situation.
The relocation of the Malawian nationals forms part of an ongoing repatriation effort, with authorities working alongside the Malawian government to facilitate the return of thousands of citizens who sought refuge in Durban following tensions and incidents of violence linked to anti-illegal immigration protests.
Despite the transfer to North Beach, uncertainty remains among Sherwood residents, who say they want clarity on how future displacement crises involving foreign nationals will be managed.
Municipal officials have yet to outline long-term plans for accommodating displaced migrants should similar situations arise in the future.