First 150 Malawians leave Western Cape in voluntary repatriation

One hundred and fifty Malawian nationals began their return from South Africa under a voluntary repatriation exercise when two buses left Mossel Bay in the Western Cape on Saturday, 6 June 2026. The movement was organised by Malawi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Departure and transit route

The Ministry confirmed the first two buses carrying the 150 nationals departed the Western Cape on 6 June 2026. The returnees are travelling by road, transiting through the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of Mozambique, and are expected to arrive at the Mwanza Border Post on Monday, 8 June 2026.

Processing and onward travel in Malawi

After arrival at Mwanza, the returnees will proceed to the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre for administrative processing before continuing to their respective home districts.

Coordination and support

The operation was facilitated through a multi-agency effort and involved a Malawi Task Team deployed to South Africa under the coordination of the Malawi High Commission in South Africa.

“The first 2 buses carrying 150 Malawian Nationals under the Voluntary Repatriation Exercise departed Western Cape Province, in South Africa, on Saturday, 6 June 2026,” the statement read.

The Ministry, based at Capital Hill in Lilongwe, said authorities would provide administrative processing and reintegration procedures as part of a structured support plan. It added:

“The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all affected Malawians and readiness to provide the necessary transit and consular support in coordination with all relevant Government Ministries, Agencies and Departments.”

Context

The repatriated group forms part of foreign nationals who had been displaced and accommodated in temporary camps in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape Province.