By Mapaballo Borotho

- Repatriated Malawian nationals have expressed relief after returning home following weeks of uncertainty in South Africa.
- Their return comes ahead of the planned 30 June demonstrations against illegal immigration in South Africa.
- Home Affairs says none of the Malawian nationals processed for deportation in Durban have been linked to criminal activity, with screening procedures continuing before deportations.
Repatriated Malawian nationals have thanked the Malawian government for ensuring their safe return following weeks of uncertainty in South Africa.
Hundreds of returnees who were repatriated on Wednesday and Thursday finally touched home soil after living in the Southern African country illegally for several years.
According to media reports, the returnees said they finally feel safe in their home country as South Africa’s 30 June 2026 deadline looms.
This is the date on which members of the March and March movement, along with other South Africans, are expected to protest against illegal immigration in the country.
The movement has called on all undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country as South Africa grapples with pressure on resources, particularly in healthcare, policing and employment.
Undocumented migrants have also been accused of contributing to rising crime levels, with some arguing that it is difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace individuals who entered the country illegally.
The Malawi government has deployed 10 additional buses to return more of its citizens from South Africa. The repatriation is aimed at displaced citizens who had been staying at temporary shelters in KwaZulu-Natal.
The returnees are expected to enter Malawi through the Mwanza Border Post on Friday and Saturday before being processed and transported to their home areas.
Some Malawian nationals in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape are reportedly calling on their government to extend the repatriation programme to assist them as well.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs officials in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) said none of the Malawian nationals who have been processed for deportation in Durban have been linked to criminal activity.
Provincial Home Affairs Manager Cyril Mncwabe said South African Police Service fingerprint experts are screening every male migrant appearing in court as part of the deportation process.
Authorities say the screening process was introduced to ensure that undocumented foreign nationals with possible criminal records are identified before deportation.
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