The Malawi Government says it is spending between K50 million and K60 million per bus to repatriate Malawians affected by ongoing xenophobic attacks and humanitarian challenges in South Africa.
Commissioner for the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), Wilson Moleni, disclosed the figures while providing an update on the repatriation exercise, describing the situation facing Malawians in South Africa as increasingly alarming.
“The situation is worsening every day in South Africa. We have thousands of Malawians who need assistance, and the processes of registration and identification remain a huge task,” said Moleni.
He revealed that the government is spending between K50 million and K60 million for each bus transporting returnees from South Africa to Malawi, placing a significant financial burden on the repatriation programme.
According to Moleni, many Malawians are arriving at temporary camps without adequate food, clothing, or medical care. He added that vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly, are among those most affected.
“The situation in the camps is bad. Children, women, men, and the elderly are arriving without food and proper clothing. Some pregnant women are giving birth in camps or while in transit, and some Malawians are returning home seriously ill,” he said.South Africa Deports 490 Malawians for Immigration Violations
The DoDMA Commissioner appealed for increased support from individuals, organisations, and the private sector to complement government efforts.
He said well-wishers can directly sponsor buses to assist with transportation or donate food, clothing, and other non-food items needed by displaced Malawians.
The repatriation exercise comes amid growing humanitarian concerns over the welfare of Malawians affected by violence, displacement, and deteriorating living conditions in South Africa.
