Humanitarian Crisis Deepens: Malawi Appeals for Public Donations to Evacuate 10,000 Citizens Fleeing Xenophobic Violence in South Africa

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens: Malawi Appeals for Public Donations to Evacuate 10,000 Citizens Fleeing Xenophobic Violence in South Africa

June 16, 2026

The Malawian government has launched an urgent nationwide fundraising campaign to support the evacuation and reintegration of an estimated 10,000 citizens seeking to return home from South Africa amid escalating fears over xenophobic attacks, intimidation, and growing insecurity targeting foreign nationals.

The appeal, described by authorities as one of Malawi's largest humanitarian rescue operations in recent years, comes as thousands of Malawians stranded across various South African communities continue to register for voluntary repatriation following weeks of reported anti-immigrant violence.

In a statement released by Malawi's Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), officials said the magnitude of the crisis has overwhelmed existing government resources, prompting an appeal for financial and logistical support from businesses, development partners, religious organisations, transport companies, humanitarian agencies, and members of the public.

Authorities explained that the operation goes far beyond transporting citizens back home. The government is also responsible for providing emergency accommodation, food supplies, medical assistance, psychological support, and long-term reintegration programmes for returnees upon their arrival in Malawi.

The repatriation effort is being coordinated jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, and Malawi's High Commission in Pretoria.

Government officials said teams are currently working to identify and register affected citizens, verify their identities, issue emergency travel documents for those without valid passports, and arrange transportation from shelters and affected communities in South Africa to designated departure centres.

The first group of evacuees arrived safely in Malawi on June 9, while additional groups are expected to return in the coming weeks as authorities intensify the rescue operation.

To accommodate the influx of returning citizens, temporary reception centres have been established at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, where evacuees are receiving meals, temporary shelter, counselling services, protection support, and transportation assistance to help them return to their respective home districts.

Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, Wilson Moleni, described the initiative as a national humanitarian mission aimed at ensuring that every Malawian wishing to leave South Africa is given a safe pathway home.

He acknowledged that evacuating nearly 10,000 people presents enormous financial, logistical, and humanitarian challenges that the government cannot tackle alone.

"The government cannot shoulder this burden alone," Moleni said, urging citizens, private organisations, and international partners to contribute towards the rescue effort.

As part of the fundraising initiative, authorities have opened designated government accounts managed by the Reserve Bank of Malawi to receive donations. International contributions will also be accepted through corresponding banking arrangements.

The government assured both local and international donors that all funds received would be used exclusively for the evacuation, reception, welfare, and reintegration of returning citizens.

Officials also expressed gratitude to individuals, companies, and humanitarian organisations that have already contributed to the effort, noting that their support has enabled vulnerable Malawians to escape dangerous situations and reunite with their families.

The emergency campaign comes amid growing concerns across Southern Africa over recurring waves of anti-immigrant sentiment that continue to threaten the safety and livelihoods of foreign nationals living in South Africa.

For many affected families, the uncertainty has created an atmosphere of fear, forcing thousands to abandon their jobs, homes, and businesses in search of safety.

The unfolding crisis has reignited debates across the region about migration, economic pressures, and the urgent need for stronger measures to protect African migrants living and working in neighbouring countries.

As Malawi races against time to bring its citizens home, authorities warn that sustained public support will be critical to ensuring that thousands of vulnerable people are not left stranded in increasingly dangerous conditions.