Malawian nationals in temporary accommodation in Johannesburg as the government facilitates their voluntary repatriation to Malawi.
Image: Zainul Dawood
The government has confirmed that approximately 500 Malawian nationals are being temporarily housed at a church facility in Newlands, Sophiatown, as authorities work to facilitate their voluntary return to Malawi.
The group, which originated from Cape Town, was transported to Gauteng as part of a coordinated repatriation process being managed by the Malawian Embassy in South Africa.
Government confirmed the individuals are receiving care and support at the church while administrative processes are finalised.
"The movement of these individuals forms part of a coordinated process facilitated by the Malawian Embassy, with the intention of supporting their voluntary return to Malawi," government said.
The South African Police Service has been deployed to the Newlands area to maintain law and order, while the Department of Home Affairs is working alongside the Malawian Consulate-General on documentation, immigration compliance, and the logistics of voluntary repatriation. Government indicated the buses transporting the group were expected to depart "very soon."
The development comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in several South African communities over the presence of undocumented foreign nationals, with recent weeks seeing sporadic incidents of unrest in parts of Gauteng and the Western Cape.
Government used Sunday's statement to appeal directly to communities to resist any actions that could escalate the situation.
"Government calls on all communities to remain calm and to allow the relevant authorities to manage the situation in a lawful, orderly and humane manner," government said.
"Any actions that may inflame tensions or undermine due process will not assist in resolving the matter."
Authorities also directed a warning at private individuals and civil society organisations that have in recent months taken it upon themselves to organise or fund the transportation of foreign nationals, a practice that has drawn criticism for being conducted outside of legal frameworks.
"Government further appeals to all individuals and organisations who have the means and willingness to support the return of foreign nationals to their countries of origin to do so in an orderly and lawful manner by working through the relevant government departments," government said, adding that this included obtaining "the necessary permits and approvals."
Government said its handling of the situation would be guided by "the rule of law, respect for human dignity, and regional cooperation, while safeguarding the safety and stability of communities."
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