Nearly 500 Malawian nationals are being housed at a temporary facility in Johannesburg while awaiting the final administrative steps before their voluntary return to Malawi as South Africa grapples with heightened anti‑immigrant tensions.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Government Communication and Information System said the group, currently accommodated at a church in Newlands, Sophiatown, was relocated from Cape Town as part of a coordinated repatriation process facilitated by the Malawian Embassy.
It said the individuals were being provided with care and support while administrative processes were finalised.
“We expect the buses to leave very soon,” the statement said, adding that all movements had been arranged lawfully through diplomatic channels.
Departments including Home Affairs are working with the Malawian Consulate‑General to complete documentation and ensure compliance with immigration procedures before the buses depart.
Government appealed to communities to allow officials to manage the repatriation in an orderly and humane manner.
It also urged organisations assisting foreign nationals to work through official structures and obtain the necessary permits to ensure safe and compliant returns.
Law enforcement agencies, including the South African Police Service, have been deployed in the area to maintain order and prevent any attempts to exploit the situation amid the broader climate of anti‑immigrant tensions.
The repatriation comes at a sensitive moment, with South Africa experiencing renewed pressure over immigration enforcement and sporadic flare‑ups of anti‑migrant sentiment.
Recent weeks have seen increased community mobilisation, calls for tougher action against undocumented migrants from other African countries and concerns about potential unrest linked to planned demonstrations.
Authorities have urged calm, warning that inflammatory actions could escalate tensions ahead and after the 30 June deadline set by groups that want nationals of other African countries to leave South Africa.
JN/APA