Luchenza,Malawi – Thousands of Malawians head home from South Africa,fleeing violence against foreigners. Among them,Janet Kapito, 27-year-old mother. Left her village seeking better life,returned with just her baby after anti-foreigner protests. Hopes of building a house gone, arrived back with only 70,000 Malawian kwacha (about $40) after belongings stolen on way home.
Malawi government is helping repatriate its citizens. Around 6,936 Malawians returned since program began. Estimated 10,000 in distress in South Africa, prompting government response plan for "safe,orderly and dignified" return . Meanwhile, South African authorities processed over 15,162 Malawian nationals for deportation and repatriation.
Returnees like Thokozani Mphola, 33, faced tough choices. Found work in South Africa packaging groundnuts,but returned home for safety. “I said if I am going to die,let me die in my home country,” she stated, relieved but with dashed dreams of new house. Plans to start small business with whatever capital she can find.
Returnees recount harsh conditions in South Africa. Borrowed money at high interest to migrate,only to find livelihoods disrupted by COVID-19 lockdowns and rising violence. Many fled to open fields in Durban,escaping attacks. Idrissah Akilemu,lost home in Johannesburg during night raid. “I realized this was war,not demonstration,” he said,grateful to survive. Hopes to rebuild life, start small business after losing everything.
Recent violence stirs fear among Malawians in South Africa,especially during election periods with heightened anti-foreigner sentiments. Some returnees hesitant to speak to media, stigma of deportation looms. Influx of returnees expected to continue in coming weeks.
As situation unfolds,emotional toll on returnees is clear. Many,like Kapito, face shattered dreams and reintegration challenges in a country with high unemployment . “We have come back like babies since everything we worked for was looted or burned down,” Akilemu lamented. Reflects profound loss…
