DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal – What began as days of uncertainty at Sherwood Hall ended in emotional relief on Friday, as buses finally arrived to transport Malawian nationals back home, marking a deeply charged moment of departure from Durban.

The scene shifted within minutes. Where there had been waiting, exhaustion and quiet anxiety, there was suddenly movement, sound and relief. As the buses pulled in, voices rose across the venue in unison: “Siyahamba! Siyahamba!” We are going, we are going.

For many, the arrival of transport represented the first clear sign in days that the long wait was coming to an end. The Malawian nationals had been staying at Sherwood Hall while awaiting arrangements for their onward journey to Malawi, with uncertainty hanging over timelines and logistics.

Some had spent several days at the venue, carrying only what they could manage. Bags, blankets and personal belongings were kept close as families, individuals and groups waited for confirmation that they could finally leave KwaZulu-Natal.

When that moment arrived, the atmosphere transformed. Relief replaced frustration. Conversations gave way to hurried preparation. People began packing their belongings, folding blankets, gathering scattered items and preparing for boarding.

There were visible scenes of emotion as the reality of departure set in. For many, the wait had been exhausting, defined by uncertainty and the strain of not knowing when they would be able to continue their journey home.

As boarding preparations continued, the hall that had served as a temporary shelter during the waiting period became a space of organised movement and quiet reflection, as groups made final arrangements before departure.

By the time the buses were ready, the mood had fully shifted. What remained was a sense of closure to a difficult chapter, as those gathered prepared to leave Durban behind and begin the long journey back to Malawi.

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