By Akani Nkuna
The Malawian government says it will soon begin a voluntary repatriation exercise for its citizens in South Africa who have asked for help to return home, as anti-immigration protests and attacks on African migrants intensify in parts of the country.
In a statement posted on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it was monitoring “reports of vigilante demonstrations and attacks on African Migrants in some parts of the Republic of South Africa”.
The ministry said it had, through the Malawian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg, been in contact with leaders of Malawian diaspora groups in South Africa to assess the situation and provide support to those affected.
It said it had also undertaken several diplomatic initiatives with the South African government since the onset of the demonstrations and attacks.
The ministry said the engagements with South Africa were “conducted in a cordial and candid manner and reflective of the longstanding relations between the two countries”.
It also said it “commends the Government of the Republic of South Africa for taking decisive steps to address the concerns raised by the Republic of Malawi.”
The ministry said it was making the necessary arrangements and undertaking the required processes to provide consular support to Malawians affected by the attacks.
“In this regard, the Government will soon commence a voluntary repatriation exercise for Malawian nationals that have requested Government support for their return home,” the ministry said.
“The repatriation exercise is intended only for Malawian nationals who have voluntarily indicated their willingness to return home and require logistical support from the Government.”
It said the public would be informed of the final logistics of the repatriation exercise once all preparations had been completed and the necessary arrangements were in place to ensure the safety and well-being of nationals.
It also warned Malawians in South Africa not to fall victim to people falsely claiming to be acting on behalf of the government.
“Malawian nationals are advised to take every precaution not to be duped by any individuals masquerading as representatives of Government on this matter.”
The ministry said any queries or requests relating to the matter should be directed to the Malawi High Commission in Pretoria or the Consulate in Johannesburg.
The announcement comes amid rising diplomatic concern over anti-immigration protests in South Africa, where several African countries have warned their citizens to remain vigilant and avoid demonstrations.
Anti-illegal immigrant group March and March, led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, has been among the most visible groups mobilising around illegal immigration. Former Ukhozi FM presenter Ngizwe Mchunu and cultural activist Nkosikhona “Phakel’umthakathi” Ndabandaba have also been prominent voices in the ongoing campaign.
The groups and their supporters have staged protests in cities and towns they say are hotspots for illegal immigration, and have demanded stronger enforcement against undocumented foreign nationals.
The campaign has also warned undocumented immigrants to leave South Africa by 30 June, a date that has been set by supporters as a “national shutdown” against illegal immigration.
Several other African countries have issued safety advisories to their citizens in South Africa, urging them to be vigilant, avoid protest areas where possible and follow guidance from their diplomatic missions as tensions continue to rise.
Last week, almost 300 Ghanaians returned home from South Africa in the first group repatriated under Ghana’s voluntary return programme, also because of the increased anti-foreigner sentiment.
Only 10 of the 300 people repatriated were legally in the country.
On Tuesday, the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria temporarily suspended new registrations for its voluntary repatriation programme, saying officials needed time to verify and process applications after more than 1,500 people had already registered.
The commission said the suspension did not mean the programme had been closed indefinitely, and that a new registration phase would be announced in due course. It appealed to Ghanaian nationals to exercise patience while applications already received were processed.
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