EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba, today oversaw the clean-up of the Drive-In site following its official closure after it had served as a temporary processing centre for Malawian nationals.
Mayor Xaba thanked all stakeholders who contributed to the successful implementation of the operation, including all spheres of government, the Government of Malawi, non-profit organisations, and law enforcement agencies.
To date, more than 20 000 Malawian nationals have been processed and repatriated through the Sherwood and Drive-In sites.
The departure of the final three buses today marked the completion of the repatriation operation and the official closure of the Drive-In site.
“We made a commitment to the residents and business community in this area that the site would be closed within 14 days, and indeed we have honoured that commitment. EThekwini is a tourism destination, and we are pleased that work is underway to clear the site so that it can return to its normal state,” said Mayor Xaba.
To support the repatriation process, government procured more than 300 buses, of which the Municipality contributed 150 on a cost-recovery basis.
The Mayor also clarified that the bus involved in the incident near Musina, in which one person lost their life, did not depart from the Drive-In site in Durban.
The Municipality has commenced clean-up operations to restore the site and remains committed to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.
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