A total of 150 Malawian nationals have begun their journey back home from South Africa under a coordinated voluntary repatriation exercise, with the first two buses departing the Western Cape on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, they form part of a group of foreign nationals who were displaced and had been accommodated in temporary camps in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape Province.
The Ministry confirmed that the operation was facilitated through a multi-agency effort involving a Malawi Task Team deployed to South Africa under the coordination of the Malawi High Commission in South Africa.
“The first 2 buses carrying 150 Malawian Nationals under the Voluntary Repatriation Exercise departed Western Cape Province, in South Africa, on Saturday, 6 June 2026,” the statement read.
The nationals are travelling by road through Zimbabwe and Mozambique, with arrival expected at the Mwanza Border Post on Monday, June 8, 2026. From there, they will proceed to the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre for processing before continuing to their respective home districts.
“The Nationals will travel by road transiting through the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of Mozambique and are expected to arrive in the country through Mwanza Border Post on Monday, June 8, 2026,” the Ministry stated.
Upon arrival in Malawi, authorities say the returnees will undergo administrative processing and reintegration procedures as part of the government’s structured support plan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, based at Capital Hill in Lilongwe, reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of affected citizens and pledged continued coordination with partner agencies along the transit route.
“The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all affected Malawians and readiness to provide the necessary transit and consular support in coordination with all relevant Government Ministries, Agencies and Departments,” the Ministry added.
The repatriation marks one of the latest organised movements of Malawian nationals from South Africa as regional coordination efforts continue to manage displacement cases and ensure safe returns.
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Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za