South Africa’s immigration storm is sending shockwaves through thousands of Malawian families, and Prophet Shepherd Bushiri says he has a way out.
Bushiri has announced plans to deploy 10 buses to help Malawians who wish to return home from South Africa amid growing concerns over the country’s planned crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals and ongoing xenophobic attacks.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the founder of Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) Church said he has prepared the buses to assist affected Malawians.
“Preparing 10 buses to go and get our people in South Africa. Let’s stand together and help our people!” Bushiri wrote on his official Facebook page.
The announcement comes as thousands of Malawians living in South Africa face uncertainty following reports that authorities there intend to intensify the removal of undocumented foreign nationals after June 30.
It also follows continued reports of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, a situation that has affected many Malawians residing in the country.
The Malawi Government has already launched a voluntary repatriation programme for citizens who wish to return home.
According to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), about 10,000 Malawians living in South Africa had been affected by the situation as of June 13, 2026.
The repatriation exercise is being coordinated by DoDMA in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Malawi High Commission in Pretoria and humanitarian partners.
DoDMA Commissioner Wilson Moleni said the increasing number of affected Malawians place ignificant pressure on government resources.
He has appealed for additional financial and logistical support to sustain the repatriation programme and assist those seeking to return home.
The voluntary return programme continues as Malawi authorities work to support citizens affected by the situation in South Africa.
