By: Isaac Kwabena Boadu Date: 8th June, 2026
The Malawian government started a voluntary repatriation exercise on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, sending the first two buses from the Western Cape to bring their citizens, home. The 150 Malawians left Mossel Bay after being displaced by anti-immigrant attacks and are expected to arrive at Mwanza Border Post today, Monday, June 8th, 2026, before heading to Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre for processing.
Malawi’s High Commission in South Africa opened registration last month after hundreds of nationals requested help due to unemployment and xenophobic violence in townships. The government is covering transport costs and says the buses will make multiple trips over the next two weeks for citizens who registered at missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg. Officials stress the exercise is voluntary and will prioritize women, children, and the elderly.
Malawi and South Africa have a long history of labor migration, with thousands working in SA mines, farms, and construction. Returnees arriving in Malawi will be screened by health officials and linked to reintegration programs by the Ministry of Labour and IOM. The government has not given a final number but says buses will keep running as long as there is demand and funding.
AFRICAN VOICES INTERNATIONAL, FREEDOM IN AFRICA
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