…asks Govt for business start-up capital
Some Malawians returning from South Africa are arriving back home with painful stories, urging would-be migrants to think twice before travelling to the rainbow country now.
A total of 661 Malawians have been repatriated by the government from South Africa, arriving last night at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on buses arranged for their return home.
What was expected to be a routine return has instead turned into a wave of emotional testimonies, with many of the returnees strongly discouraging fellow Malawians from travelling to South Africa, saying the situation they experienced was unsafe and violent.
Some of the returnees say they endured violent incidents while living in South Africa, forcing them to flee and abandon their plans abroad.
38-year-old Rebecca Yusuf, from Machinga, said her experience in South Africa was marked by violence and fear, adding that she would not consider returning.
“South Africa is not a peaceful country, and I would never consider going back there. I would rather farm in my village,” she said.
Her sentiments were echoed by Ibrahim Khonjera from Mangochi, who described the situation he faced as “very bad,” saying he has no plans to return.
Instead, Khonjera said he is now focused on rebuilding his life in Malawi through small-scale business activities.
As the returnees settled in, attention quickly shifted to how they will restart their lives at home, with several calling on government to step in with financial support.
Mariam George, another returnee, appealed for start-up capital, saying many of them have returned with nothing and need assistance to stand on their feet.
“The government should consider supporting us with free business start-up funds so that we can have something to do instead of remaining idle,” she said.
Meanwhile, health officials were also present at Kamuzu Stadium, administering polio vaccinations to the returnees as part of public health measures aimed at preventing the spread of disease.
Authorities say the vaccinations are part of routine preventive protocols for large groups arriving from abroad, especially in situations involving mass repatriation.
After processing at the stadium, the returnees are expected to proceed to their respective districts, where local authorities will handle further reintegration arrangements.
Government officials are yet to provide detailed information on long-term support plans, including whether financial assistance or livelihood programmes will be introduced for the returnees.
