A total of 171 Malawian nationals have returned home from South Africa under a voluntary repatriation programme as concerns grow over rising anti-foreigner sentiment and reported acts of xenophobic violence in parts of the country.
According to the Malawian government, the group arrived on Tuesday after seeking refuge in temporary camps established in Mossel Bay, located in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. The repatriation effort follows reports of intimidation campaigns targeting foreign nationals and incidents of violence that have heightened fears among migrant communities.
The returnees, comprising 115 men, 43 women and 13 children, are the first group of Malawians to be brought back under the government’s voluntary repatriation initiative. Images released by authorities showed hundreds of returnees undergoing registration procedures upon arrival.
The repatriation comes amid growing tensions in South Africa, where anti-migrant groups have intensified calls for undocumented foreigners to leave the country and have reportedly set June 30 as a deadline for their departure.
In response to the escalating situation, President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced a series of measures aimed at tackling illegal migration. While outlining plans to strengthen immigration enforcement and accelerate deportations, he also condemned xenophobia and warned citizens against taking the law into their own hands.
Ramaphosa stressed that South Africa has no place for xenophobia, racism, Afrophobia or any form of intolerance, urging communities to respect the rule of law.
Malawi is not the only country taking action to protect its citizens. Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have also organised evacuation and repatriation efforts following reports of attacks and harassment targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
Zimbabwe recently facilitated the return of 74 of its citizens from Mossel Bay, with some families citing safety concerns as the reason for their departure.
Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions have emerged between Ghana and South Africa over differing accounts of the situation on the ground. South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola criticised comments made by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa regarding alleged attacks on foreign nationals, arguing that some claims lacked supporting evidence.
Ablakwa had previously called for an investigation by the African Union and highlighted concerns about reports of violence against migrants. He also indicated that Ghana had requested compensation for repatriated citizens who left property behind due to the unrest.
As part of its broader immigration strategy, South Africa is also exploring ways to recover deportation costs from countries receiving undocumented migrants. Deputy Home Affairs Minister Njabulo Nzuza said discussions were underway regarding possible cost-sharing arrangements.
Nigeria has similarly stepped up efforts to assist its citizens. Although an evacuation flight scheduled for Monday was postponed due to logistical challenges, authorities say more than 500 Nigerians have already been screened and approved for return.
President Bola Tinubu has authorised five evacuation flights as part of Nigeria’s response, while registration and screening processes continue for affected citizens seeking assistance.
The latest repatriations underscore growing concerns among African governments about the safety of their citizens in South Africa as authorities work to address tensions surrounding migration and foreign nationals.