The first group of 150 Malawian nationals displaced by xenophobic violence in South Africa has returned home under a voluntary repatriation exercise, Malawi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has confirmed.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry said the returnees departed Western Cape Province on Saturday and were travelling by road through Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Their expected arrival is scheduled for late Monday at Malawi’s Mwanza Border Post, after which they will proceed to Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre for processing before continuing to their respective local destinations.
“The 150 Malawians are among a number of foreign nationals that were displaced and sought refuge in temporary camps in Mossel Bay, Western Cape Province,” the ministry said.
It said the evacuation and repatriation were facilitated by a multi-disciplinary Malawi task team dispatched to Western Cape under the coordination of the Malawi High Commission in South Africa.
Malawi said it has put in place measures to ensure the safety and well-being of those returning, including transit and consular support in collaboration with relevant government ministries and agencies.
JN/APA