The number of Malawians caught up in attacks in South Africa has risen to over 10,000, leaving government strained as it scrambles to mount a response and raise over K1 billion for repatriation.
In a joint statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) described the unfolding situation as a national humanitarian mission requiring collective action from all sectors of society.
“Government, therefore, calls upon development partners, the private sector, humanitarian organizations, faith-based institutions, transport operators, corporate entities and all well-wishers to support this critical undertaking through financial contributions, transport services, humanitarian relief and other forms of assistance,” reads the statement.
The two institutions said only a united response would ensure affected Malawians return home safely, with dignity and hope for a fresh start, assuring the public that all donations will be managed transparently and used exclusively for repatriation, reception and support of returnees.
Meanwhile, prominent Malawian writer and social media activist Stanley Onjezani Kenani has launched a parallel fundraising initiative to support stranded Malawians.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Kenani painted a grim picture of citizens evicted from their homes and facing a two-week deadline to leave South Africa or risk being killed.
“Remember, they have less than two weeks to leave the country or they will be killed. We cannot let them die. We need to help them,” he wrote. “As Malawians, we always come together to help each other in times of need. This is the time.”
Kenani said the initiative had already raised K2 million and that he had added K200,000 from his own pocket, bringing the total to K2.2 million, while appealing for more public support to help save lives.
