More than 700 Malawians who fled xenophobic violence in South Africa through the Lebombo Border Post into Mozambique are stranded in Maputo awaiting government-assisted repatriation.
Minister of Foreign Affairs George Chaponda has told Parliament, citing the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA), said the number of Malawians seeking assistance continues to grow despite an estimated 30,000 already returning home as of July 6, 2026.
He said the latest group crossed into Mozambique through the Lebombo Border Post before travelling to Maputo after fleeing areas affected by anti-foreigner attacks in South Africa.
The minister described the violence as the worst to affect Malawians in recent years, saying organised vigilante groups forced hundreds of migrants from their homes and workplaces across several provinces.
He said about 270 Malawians in St Francis Bay were ordered to leave within seven days, while another 147 in Kwa Zulu Natal were barred from their workplaces for more than a month, leaving many destitute and facing eviction.
Chaponda said DODMA activated an emergency response, deploying an inter-agency team to South Africa while government mobilised about 55 buses to transport returnees from Mwanza Border. South African authorities also provided buses after shifting from deportations to voluntary repatriation.
“According to DODMA, as of 6 July 2026, an estimated total of 30,000 Malawian nationals have returned home. However, more than 700 others are currently in Maputo awaiting onward repatriation,” Chaponda told Parliament.
The minister also disclosed that 23 Malawians died in two separate road accidents involving returning migrants in Zimbabwe and South Africa. He said Malawi remains grateful to the governments of Mozambique and South Africa for supporting stranded citizens as diplomatic efforts continue to bring all affected nationals home safely.
Credit: Malawi24
