Malawians trapped in fear and uncertainty in South Africa are finally seeing a lifeline emerge as government moves in with a large-scale evacuation plan.
The Government of Malawi has deployed 55 buses to South Africa to repatriate citizens affected by renewed xenophobic attacks, as pressure mounts with more Malawians continuing to seek urgent evacuation support.
Director of Preparedness and Response at the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), Charles Matabwa, said on Thursday that the government remains committed to helping all Malawians who want to return home.
Speaking at Kamuzu Stadium, where returnees are being received, Matabwa said 10 buses carrying Malawians from Cape Town were already on their way to Malawi.
He added that the government was also making arrangements to evacuate Malawians stranded in other provinces across South Africa.
“The number of Malawians in need of assistance is still rising, and government will help them all,” Matabwa said.
To support their reintegration, returnees are receiving transport assistance to travel to their homes.
Those heading to the Northern Region are being given K150,000, while returnees travelling to the Central and Southern regions are receiving K100,000 and K70,000, respectively.
The latest deployment expands an ongoing repatriation exercise launched in response to xenophobic attacks reported in parts of South Africa.
According to government figures, more than 900 Malawians have so far been brought back to the country under the programme.
Authorities say the evacuation exercise will continue as more Malawians come forward and seek assistance to return home.
