Seven buses carrying Malawians displaced by xenophobic attacks have departed Durban, South Africa, as part of a humanitarian repatriation programme being coordinated by the charity organisation Gift of the Givers in partnership with the Malawi High Commission.
The buses are transporting Malawian nationals who were forced to flee their homes following recent xenophobic violence in parts of South Africa. The repatriation exercise is aimed at ensuring that affected citizens return home safely and with dignity after enduring traumatic experiences.
Chindamba said the humanitarian organisation is planning to sponsor up to 50 buses to assist Malawians wishing to return home, highlighting the scale of the operation and the growing number of people seeking repatriation.
She explained that the organisation is working closely with officials from the Malawi High Commission in South Africa, who are responsible for processing travel documentation and verifying the identities of those eligible for repatriation before they board the buses.
“The collaboration between Gift of the Givers and the Malawi High Commission has helped ensure that the repatriation process is conducted in an organised, safe and efficient manner,” she said.
To make the approximately three-day journey more comfortable, every passenger has been provided with essential travel support. Each traveller received hygiene packs containing basic sanitary items, snack packs, freshly prepared sandwiches and five litres of bottled water.
The support is intended to help vulnerable families, children, elderly people and other passengers complete the long journey back to Malawi with improved comfort and dignity.
The humanitarian assistance comes as many Malawians have been left displaced after xenophobic attacks disrupted their livelihoods and forced them to abandon their homes and workplaces in search of safety.Shepherd Bushiri Mobilizes 10 Buses to Repatriate Malawians
Gift of the Givers has been actively involved in providing emergency humanitarian assistance during disasters and crises across Africa and internationally. The organisation’s intervention in South Africa reflects its continued commitment to supporting vulnerable communities affected by conflict, violence and displacement.
Officials from the Malawi High Commission have also intensified efforts to facilitate the return of affected nationals by ensuring all travel requirements are completed before departure. The mission continues to coordinate with humanitarian partners and relevant South African authorities to ensure the process runs smoothly.
Families boarding the buses expressed relief at finally having an opportunity to return home after days of uncertainty and fear. For many, the journey represents not only a return to Malawi but also a chance to rebuild their lives among relatives and communities where they feel secure.Shepherd Bushiri Calls for National Unity in Support of Returning Malawians
The repatriation programme is expected to continue over the coming days, with more buses scheduled to transport additional Malawians who have registered for voluntary return.
Authorities are encouraging all affected Malawians seeking assistance to work through the Malawi High Commission so they can be properly documented and included in the ongoing repatriation exercise.
The latest operation demonstrates the importance of cooperation between humanitarian organisations and diplomatic missions in responding to emergencies affecting migrant communities abroad. It also highlights the urgent need for continued support to people displaced by violence and instability.
As more buses prepare to leave Durban this week, hundreds of Malawians are expected to benefit from the initiative, bringing hope to families eager to return home and begin rebuilding their lives after the devastating impact of xenophobic attacks.
The repatriation effort remains one of the largest humanitarian responses currently assisting Malawian nationals in South Africa, with Gift of the Givers reaffirming its commitment to sponsor up to 50 buses until all eligible citizens wishing to return home have been assisted.
