June 16, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
The Malawian government has launched a nationwide fundraising campaign to support the evacuation and reintegration of approximately 10,000 citizens seeking to return home from South Africa amid rising fears over xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant violence.
Officials described the operation as one of Malawi’s largest humanitarian rescue missions in recent years, as thousands of Malawians across South Africa continue to register for voluntary repatriation following reports of intimidation, insecurity, and attacks targeting foreign nationals.
In a statement, Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) said the scale of the crisis has stretched available resources, prompting authorities to seek financial and logistical support from businesses, religious groups, development partners, transport operators, and members of the public.
The government noted that the operation goes beyond transportation, requiring emergency shelter, food supplies, medical assistance, psychosocial support, and reintegration programmes for returning citizens.
Authorities revealed that the repatriation effort is being coordinated alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Malawi High Commission in Pretoria.
Officials are currently registering affected citizens, verifying identities, issuing emergency travel documents, and organizing transportation for those wishing to return home.
The first group of evacuees reportedly arrived in Malawi on June 9, while additional returnees are expected in the coming weeks as the operation expands.
Temporary reception centres have been established at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, where returnees are receiving accommodation, meals, counselling services, healthcare support, and transportation assistance to their home districts.
Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, Wilson Moleni, described the initiative as a national humanitarian mission aimed at ensuring the safe return of every Malawian affected by the crisis.
He acknowledged that evacuating nearly 10,000 citizens presents significant financial and logistical challenges and called on individuals and organizations to contribute to the rescue effort.
The emergency appeal comes amid growing concerns across Southern Africa over recurring xenophobic sentiments and attacks that continue to leave many foreign nationals fearful for their safety and future.
