Joburg Crisis Alliance warns of humanitarian crisis for Malawian migrants in South Hills

The Joburg Crisis Alliance (JCA) has issued an urgent appeal on 29 June 2026, warning that a humanitarian crisis is unfolding in South Hills as growing numbers of Malawian nationals wait to be repatriated amid mounting anti-migrant tensions and limited government intervention.

Stranded while awaiting repatriation

According to the JCA, groups of Malawian nationals have gathered in South Hills while awaiting voluntary repatriation. The alliance said delays in securing cross-border transport permits and logistical arrangements have left many stranded and raised concerns about their safety.

Civil society stretched, state response limited

The alliance warned that civil society organisations providing food, shelter and basic assistance cannot sustain the response indefinitely.

“While civil society organisations are currently providing temporary food and shelter, this community-led intervention is unsustainable without coordinated state planning,”

the JCA said.

Calls for urgent government action

The JCA called on the City of Johannesburg and national authorities to intervene immediately to prevent a humanitarian crisis. It urged an integrated response involving the City of Johannesburg, the Department of Home Affairs and the Malawian High Commission.

Deadline, security and logistical demands

The alliance expressed particular concern after reports that anti-migrant groups have imposed a June 30 deadline for foreign nationals to leave the area.

“With anti-migrant groups enforcing a June 30 deadline, fear and logistical backlogs are escalating rapidly,”

the statement said.

To prevent deterioration, the JCA set out key demands including:

• immediate activation of municipal disaster management structures;
• provision of secure temporary accommodation with sanitation, healthcare and social support;
• acceleration of repatriation logistics;
• increased visibility of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD);
• urgent social assessments to identify vulnerable people, including pregnant women, children and the elderly.

Warnings about repeating past failures

The JCA warned that Johannesburg risks repeating events in Sherwood, eThekwini, where, the alliance said, delayed state intervention left thousands of displaced migrants without adequate shelter or support.

“The JCA is deeply concerned that Johannesburg faces a repeat of the recent crisis in Sherwood, eThekwini, where delayed state action left thousands of displaced migrants stranded, straining local resources and heightening community tensions,”

the organisation said.

Request for transparent, decisive action

Although the Office of the Executive Mayor indicated a briefing is being prepared through the provincial security cluster, the JCA said immediate operational action is required.

“While the Office of the Executive Mayor has indicated that a briefing is being prepared via the provincial security cluster, civil society cannot shoulder this operational burden alone,”

the statement said. The alliance urged authorities to act transparently and decisively to maintain public confidence and community stability and to ensure an orderly, dignified return for those choosing voluntary repatriation.

Context and broader concerns

The warning from the JCA comes amid wider reports of rising anti-immigrant sentiment in parts of South Africa and repeated calls from civil society for faster government responses to community tensions. The alliance said a coordinated state response would reduce the risk of xenophobic violence and address urgent humanitarian needs.