Thousands of Malawians are reportedly camping at Sherwood Hall in Durban while waiting for transport to return home. Image: X
1Min
South Africa
Bushiri pledges 10 buses as Malawi appeals for help repatriating 10,000 citizens from South Africa
Malawian prophet and businessman Shepherd Bushiri has stepped in to support the repatriation of thousands of Malawians stranded in South Africa, pledging 10 buses as the government appeals for donations to fund the operation.
The Malawian government has appealed for financial assistance to help repatriate an estimated 10,000 citizens currently stranded in South Africa amid growing uncertainty linked to immigration enforcement operations and anti-illegal immigration protests.
Thousands of Malawians are reportedly camping at Sherwood Hall in Durban while waiting for transport to return home. The government says the scale of the operation has placed enormous financial, logistical and humanitarian pressure on authorities.
In a significant boost to the repatriation effort, Malawian prophet and businessman Shepherd Bushiri has pledged 10 buses to assist in transporting affected citizens back to Malawi.
Bushiri’s intervention comes as authorities race against time to facilitate the safe return of thousands of people before the June 30 deadline announced by Malawian officials.
The Malawian government has already begun limited repatriation efforts, with several groups successfully returning home in recent weeks. However, officials say available resources remain insufficient to meet the growing demand.
To strengthen coordination and ensure the safety of citizens during the process, authorities have deployed a dedicated task team tasked with overseeing protection measures, transport logistics and the welfare of returnees.
Many of those awaiting repatriation say they are facing uncertainty after recent enforcement actions and demonstrations targeting undocumented foreign nationals in parts of South Africa. The situation has prompted concerns over accommodation, food security and transport arrangements for those seeking to return home.
Government officials have urged businesses, organisations and members of the public to contribute towards the repatriation programme, saying additional support is critical to ensuring that all affected Malawians can return home safely and with dignity.
The repatriation effort is expected to continue over the coming weeks as authorities work to secure funding and transport for the thousands still awaiting assistance.
