The Malawi Government has appealed for private sector support to sustain its mission of bringing home Malawians stranded in South Africa, saying the growing repatriation exercise requires resources beyond what the state can provide alone.
Speaking as he welcomed 171 returnees at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Tuesday, Chief Secretary to the Government Dr Justin Saidi said President Peter Mutharika had directed relevant departments to ensure every affected Malawian receives assistance and a safe journey home.
Saidi said the President was deeply concerned by the attacks and believed bringing citizens back would allow them to rebuild their lives and contribute to the country’s development.
“The President was touched when he heard about the incidents happening in South Africa and decided that we should act so that the people can come back and help develop this country. Development does not come from one person alone, everyone has a role to play in helping,” he said.
Saidi said the government would continue engaging South African authorities while urging the private sector and other organisations to support the ongoing repatriation exercise so that more stranded Malawians can return home safely.
Blantyre City Mayor also welcomed the returnees, describing the repatriation exercise as a timely decision that had saved lives following the recent xenophobic attacks.
He said the most important thing was that the returnees had arrived home safely and thanked the President for prioritising their welfare.
“Let us thank God that you have come back alive. It is better here at home. We will eat our vegetables and have freedom than eat meat while we are in trouble,” he said.
The 171 returnees are part of thousands of Malawians fleeing attacks and displacement in different parts of South Africa in recent weeks.
