The Malawi government has launched a nationwide fundraising campaign to help bring home about 10,000 citizens currently stranded in South Africa as fears over anti-immigrant violence continue to grow.
In a statement, Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) said the initiative is one of the biggest humanitarian operations the country has undertaken in recent years.
Thousands of Malawians living in different parts of South Africa have reportedly signed up for voluntary repatriation after weeks of unrest, intimidation, and attacks directed at foreign nationals.
The DoDMA said the growing number of people seeking assistance has stretched the government’s resources beyond their limits, forcing the government to seek support from development agencies, private companies, churches, transport operators, and the general public.
“With an estimated 10,000 citizens in distress and awaiting repatriation, the scale and urgency of the operation have created unprecedented financial, logistical and humanitarian demands,” the government said in a statement.
The department explained that the operation goes beyond simply transporting citizens back home, stressing that returnees will also receive temporary shelter, food, healthcare services, counselling, and support to help them settle back into their communities.
The repatriation exercise is being carried out jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, DoDMA, and the Malawi High Commission in Pretoria.
Authorities are currently registering Malawians who wish to return, confirming their identities, issuing emergency travel documents to those without valid papers, and arranging transport from shelters and affected areas in South Africa to departure centres.
The first batch of evacuees arrived in Malawi on June 9, and more are expected to return in the coming weeks as the operation expands.
To assist the returnees, the government has set up temporary reception centres at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, where evacuees are being provided with meals, short-term accommodation, counselling, protection services, and transportation to their home districts.
Wilson Moleni, Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, described the programme as a national humanitarian mission aimed at ensuring that every Malawian who wants to leave South Africa can do so safely.
He said the government is determined to protect its citizens but admitted that helping around 10,000 people return home comes with major financial, logistical, and humanitarian demands.
“The government cannot shoulder this burden alone,” Moleni said, urging individuals and organisations to support the effort.
“We believe this is a national humanitarian mission that requires the collective effort, compassion and solidarity of all stakeholders,” the statement said. “Together, we can ensure that affected Malawians return home safely, with dignity and hope for a fresh start.”
Under the fundraising campaign, donations can be paid into designated government accounts operated by the Reserve Bank of Malawi.
Authorities added that people and organisations outside the country can also make contributions through international banking channels.
The government assured the public that all donations would be used strictly for evacuation efforts, reception services, welfare programmes, and helping returnees rebuild their lives after arriving home.
Authorities also thanked individuals, businesses, and organisations that have already supported the mission, saying their contributions have helped many vulnerable Malawians leave unsafe conditions and reunite with their families.
The fundraising appeal comes at a time of increasing concern across South Africa over recurring anti-immigrant tensions and attacks, which have left many foreign nationals worried about their safety and uncertain about what lies ahead.
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