By Bulelwa Hoala
- Self-proclaimed Malawian prophet Shepherd Bushiri has pledged 10 buses to help transport thousands of Malawian nationals stranded in Durban as repatriation efforts continue.
- More than 6000 Malawians are currently camped at Sherwood Hall awaiting transport home, with protests erupting over delays and authorities warning that the site has exceeded its capacity.
- The Malawian government says about 10 000 citizens require repatriation assistance, has already facilitated the return of 755 people, and is appealing for donations and support to meet the operation’s financial, logistical and humanitarian demands.
Self-proclaimed Malawian prophet Shepherd Bushiri has announced plans to provide 10 buses to help thousands of Malawian nationals stranded in Durban return home as repatriation efforts continue.
“Preparing 10 buses to go and get our people in South Africa. Let’s stand together and help our people!” Bushiri wrote on social media.
Thousands await repatriation in Durban
His announcement comes as more than 6000 Malawian nationals are still camped at Durban’s Sherwood Hall grounds while awaiting repatriation.
Reports indicate that Malawian nationals are currently protesting over delays in the repatriation process, with police reportedly deploying stun grenades as authorities warn that the facility has exceeded its capacity.
Thousands of Malawians have gathered at Sherwood Hall in recent weeks as they seek assistance to return home, citing concerns over alleged vigilante attacks targeting foreign nationals in some parts of South Africa, as well as difficult economic conditions.
Malawi appeals for support
According to eNCA, an estimated 755 Malawian nationals left South Africa on Sunday, 14 June 2026, and Monday, 15 June 2026, aboard buses provided by the Malawian government.
The repatriation effort follows an update issued by Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) on Monday regarding the voluntary return of Malawian nationals from South Africa. In the update, the Malawian government also asked for donations to support the repatriation of its citizens.
“Government is resolute in its commitment to bring home every Malawian who wishes to return from South Africa. However, with an estimated 10,000 citizens in distress and awaiting repatriation, the scale and urgency of the operation have created unprecedented financial, logistical and humanitarian demands,” the department said in a statement.
“We believe this is a national humanitarian mission that requires the collective effort, compassion and solidarity of all stakeholders. Government therefore calls upon development partners, the private sector, humanitarian organisations, faith-based institutions, transport operators, corporate entities and all well-wishers to support this critical undertaking through financial contributions, transport services, humanitarian relief and other forms of assistance.
“Together, we can ensure that affected Malawians return home safely, with dignity and hope for a fresh start.”
Bushiri’s legal battle with South Africa
Bushiri’s involvement comes amid his long-running legal battle with South African authorities.
The Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church leader and his wife, Mary Bushiri, left South Africa for Malawi in 2020 while out on bail on charges including fraud and money laundering.
The couple deny the allegations and continue to oppose efforts to extradite them to South Africa to stand trial.
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