At least 2,449 Malawians have returned home from South Africa within just 17 days at the Mwanza border and 11 days at the Dedza border as renewed xenophobic violence has heightened fear and panic among foreign nationals living in the Rainbow Nation.
Data collected from South Africa's two main entry points into the country show a sharp increase in the number of returnees, with immigration officials linking the increase directly to rising anti-foreigner attacks.
At the Dedza border, Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services spokesman William Kalanje said the number of Malawians returning from South Africa had increased significantly since xenophobic attacks resurfaced.
From May 1 to May 17 alone, Dedza received 1,672 Malawians returning from South Africa.
The figures have been rising steadily throughout the year:
- January: 1,160 people returned
- February: 1,169
- April: 1,178
- May (first 17 days only): 1,672
Kalanje said that this trend is unusual and worrying.
“Normally, Malawians return home in large numbers during the December holidays, but this year we have seen an increase in returnees following a resurgence of xenophobic attacks,” he said.
At the Mwanza border, immigration spokeswoman Sophie Chibenthu said 777 people had been turned away from South Africa in just 11 days at the border.
“Under normal circumstances, we get about 400 people over the same period. What we're seeing now is clearly above average,” he said.
Chibenthu further revealed that authorities are now receiving seven buses carrying about 490 Malawians deported from South Africa every week.
The rising numbers highlight growing fear among Malawians, who migrated to South Africa in search of jobs and better economic opportunities but are now returning due to pressure, fear and uncertainty.
Foreign nationals from several African countries have once again become the targets of violent attacks, threats and forced expulsions in parts of South Africa.
According to Xenowatch, a monitoring platform developed by the African Center for Migration and Society (ACMS) at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, 1,053 xenophobic incidents have been recorded since 1994.
At least 125,572 people have been displaced and 663 others have been killed in the attacks.
Violence has again intensified in recent years, with the controversial movement Operation Dudula emerging at the center of anti-foreigner campaigns.
Operation Dudula – meaning “forceful expulsion” in Zulu – was established in Soweto in 2021 and openly campaigned to expel foreign nationals, accusing them of contributing to South Africa's unemployment and economic struggles.
The movement has repeatedly been linked to violent raids on foreign-owned businesses and intimidation of migrants.
Edward Chaka, executive director of the People's Federation for National Peace and Development, urged Malawians in South Africa to prioritize security over economic survival.
“We commend Malawians who have returned home because security and human life must come first,” he said.
Economist Happy Chirwa warned that Malawi's worsening unemployment crisis is forcing citizens into risky migration.
“The problem is that people do not have disposable income and there are no opportunities here at home. If we want to reduce migration the government has to create economic growth and jobs,” Chirwa said.
Last month, the Malawi government announced plans to assist approximately 200 Malawians seeking repatriation from South Africa.
Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the attacks, saying the violence does not represent South Africa's values.
But despite the assurances, fear is spreading among foreign nationals as attacks and threats continue on some communities.
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