Five buses carrying Malawian nationals returning from South Africa arrived in Blantyre on Monday as the government’s voluntary repatriation programme continues to bring citizens back home.
The returnees have been accommodated at a temporary camp established at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, where they are receiving assistance before being reunited with their families and communities.
The latest arrivals come a day after Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. George Chaponda, visited the camp and assured repatriated citizens that they are safe, protected and free.
Addressing the returnees on Sunday, Chaponda encouraged them to use the skills and experience they acquired while working in South Africa to rebuild their lives and contribute to Malawi’s economic development.Meanwhile, Commissioner for the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), Wilson Moleni, said the repatriation exercise is progressing steadily.
According to Moleni, 2,218 Malawians have already returned home, while another 514 are currently travelling back to the country.He further revealed that approximately 15,000 Malawian nationals remain in South Africa and are awaiting repatriation under the ongoing programme.
The government says it remains committed to ensuring the safe and orderly return of all citizens who have expressed a willingness to come back to Malawi, with support services being provided at the temporary camp in Blantyre.
The repatriation initiative is aimed at assisting Malawians who wish to return home and helping them reintegrate into society upon their arrival.
