By Suleman Chitera

The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has concluded the Government-funded voluntary repatriation programme for Malawians affected by violence and xenophobic tensions in South Africa.

The programme officially ended on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, following the departure of the final buses carrying Malawian nationals from South Africa.

According to DoDMA, the last buses left the Malawi Consulate in Johannesburg and the Malawi High Commission in Pretoria at midday, marking the end of the government-funded phase of the repatriation exercise.

The department says the reception centre established in Mwanza to receive returnees will now be decommissioned as the organised repatriation programme comes to an end.

DoDMA Commissioner Wilson Moleni said Malawians who still wish to return to the country will now be responsible for making their own travel arrangements.

However, the Government has indicated that assistance for Malawians requiring consular services will continue.

The Malawi High Commission in Pretoria and the Malawi Consulate in Johannesburg will remain available to provide consular assistance, including the issuance of emergency travel documents to eligible Malawians who may need them to facilitate their return.

As part of the transitional arrangements, the Government will waive fees for emergency travel documents for a limited period, allowing affected Malawians to obtain the necessary documentation without incurring additional costs.

DoDMA says it will also continue monitoring developments in South Africa despite the conclusion of the organised repatriation programme.

The department says should circumstances change and another significant influx of Malawians seeking to return home occur, Government will assess the situation and respond on a case-by-case basis.

Repatriation followed reports of attacks

The voluntary repatriation programme was launched after increased reports of attacks, threats and xenophobic tensions involving foreign nationals in some parts of South Africa.

The developments raised concerns among Malawian nationals living and working in affected areas, with some seeking assistance from the Malawi Government to return home.

The Government subsequently coordinated the repatriation exercise through DoDMA, working with Malawi’s diplomatic missions in South Africa and other relevant authorities to facilitate the movement of affected citizens.

The organised programme provided transport for Malawians who voluntarily opted to return home and established arrangements for their reception and temporary assistance after arrival in Malawi.

The conclusion of the programme means that Government-funded transportation for returnees is no longer being provided under the current operation.

DoDMA has therefore urged Malawians who remain in South Africa and wish to return home to make their own travel arrangements while continuing to seek assistance from Malawi’s diplomatic missions where necessary.

Consular support to continue

Although the repatriation programme has ended, Malawi’s diplomatic missions in South Africa will continue providing consular support to citizens.

The High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate in Johannesburg will particularly assist Malawians facing documentation challenges, including those who require emergency travel documents.

The temporary waiver of fees for such documents is intended to ease the transition following the end of the Government-funded transport programme.

DoDMA says it will remain alert to developments affecting Malawian nationals in South Africa and will continue coordinating with relevant authorities and diplomatic missions.

The department’s case-by-case approach means that any future requests for organised assistance will be assessed according to the circumstances prevailing at the time.

The Government’s decision to end the programme comes after the completion of the planned voluntary repatriation operation, with the final buses departing South Africa on Wednesday.

Malawians remaining in South Africa have consequently been advised to use normal travel arrangements for their return while accessing consular support where required.Soweto ProtestFDH Bank plcPresident Peter Mutharika Returns from South Africa22