The Old Mutual Foundation in Malawi has donated K140 million to support the Government of Malawi’s efforts to repatriate Malawian nationals returning from South Africa following recent incidents of xenophobic violence. The contribution is intended to facilitate the safe return of vulnerable citizens while reinforcing broader humanitarian assistance during a period of heightened regional concern over the safety and wellbeing of migrant communities.
The donation was formally presented in Lilongwe by the Foundation’s Chairperson, Tawonga Manda, who said the organisation considered it a national responsibility to support citizens facing hardship beyond Malawi’s borders. He said the funding would be used to transport approximately 140 returnees by financing two buses travelling from Durban to Malawi.
According to Manda, priority will be given to pregnant women, mothers with young children, families and other individuals considered particularly vulnerable. He stated that humanitarian support during periods of crisis reflects shared national values of compassion, solidarity and collective responsibility.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the government, Malawi’s Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr Justin Saidi, welcomed the contribution, describing it as timely support for ongoing repatriation efforts. He said the financial assistance would enable authorities to secure safe transport for citizens returning from South Africa.
Dr Saidi also encouraged employers across Malawi to recognise the skills, professional experience and knowledge acquired by returning migrants during their time abroad. He said the reintegration of returnees into the domestic economy presents opportunities to strengthen national development while helping families rebuild their livelihoods after displacement.
Government figures indicate that approximately 30,000 Malawians have already returned home, with additional returnees expected in the coming days as authorities continue coordinating transportation and reception arrangements.
The recent movement of Malawian nationals reflects wider regional challenges associated with migration, labour mobility and community safety across Southern Africa. South Africa remains one of the continent’s largest destinations for migrant workers from neighbouring countries, contributing significantly to regional economic integration while also exposing migrants to periods of social tension and insecurity.
Across the Southern African Development Community, governments, businesses and civil society organisations have increasingly emphasised the importance of coordinated regional responses that protect the rights, dignity and safety of migrants while promoting peaceful coexistence among communities. Humanitarian interventions such as the Old Mutual Foundation’s contribution illustrate the complementary role that private sector institutions can play alongside public authorities during periods of crisis.
As repatriation efforts continue, attention is also expected to focus on the longer term social and economic reintegration of returning citizens through employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support and community based initiatives that enable returnees to contribute their skills to national development.
The Southern African Times will continue to monitor developments relating to regional migration, humanitarian responses and cross border cooperation across Southern Africa.
