The Department of Disaster Management Affairs confirmed that the Reserve Bank of Malawi has established dedicated accounts in both local and foreign currency to mobilise funding for the repatriation of an estimated 10 000 Malawians.
The initiative forms part of a broader voluntary return programme described by authorities as a “national humanitarian mission”, aimed at assisting Malawians who wish to return home following reported tensions involving undocumented foreign nationals in SA.
Phaskani Msiska, from the Malawi Diaspora Voluntary Return Support Programme, said the initiative was designed to complement government efforts.
“We came up with an initiative to support government efforts… in assisting affected Malawians who want to go back home,” Msiska said.
Msiska rejected suggestions that government lacked funding capacity, instead describing the situation as overwhelming and requiring broader support. “The situation is very overwhelming. Government cannot manage on its own. We really need people to come on board,” Msiska said.
Authorities have also engaged the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to coordinate interventions and secure additional financial assistance.
Msiska said thousands of Malawians have already reached out for help, with numbers continuing to grow.
“We have more than 20 000 Malawians who have already reached out. Some estimates go even higher, around 30 000,” Msiska said.
He said many affected individuals are facing difficult living conditions while awaiting assistance, including a lack of shelter, income and access to basic services. “Some of them have lost jobs… others don’t even have accommodation,” Msiska said.
–ChannelAfrica–
