Over 2,449 Malawians flee South Africa as xenophobic attacks intensify

At least 2,449 Malawians have returned home from South Africa within just 17 days at Mwanza Border and 11 days at Dedza Border as renewed xenophobic violence tightens fear and panic among foreign nationals living in the Rainbow Nation.

Statistics gathered from the country’s two main entry points from South Africa show a sharp rise in the number of returnees, with immigration officials linking the surge directly to escalating anti-foreigner attacks.

At Dedza Border, Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services spokesperson William Kalanje said the number of Malawians returning from South Africa has 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 steadily rising throughout the year:

• January: 1,160 returnees
• February: 1,169
• April: 1,178
• May (first 17 days only): 1,672

Kalanje said the trend is abnormal and worrying.

“Normally, Malawians return home in large numbers during December holidays, but this year we have seen an increase in returnees following the resurgence of xenophobic attacks,” he said.

At Mwanza Border, immigration spokesperson Sophie Chibenthu said the border had already recorded 777 returnees from South Africa within just 11 days.

“In normal circumstances, we receive about 400 people over a similar period. What we are seeing now is clearly above average,” she said.

Chibenthu further disclosed that authorities are now receiving seven buses every week carrying about 490 Malawians deported from South Africa.

The growing numbers expose the worsening fear among Malawians who migrated to South Africa seeking jobs and better economic opportunities but are now returning under pressure, fear and uncertainty.

Foreign nationals from several African countries have once again become targets of violent attacks, intimidation and forced removals in parts of South Africa.

According to Xenowatch, a monitoring platform developed by the African Centre for Migration and Society (ACMS) at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa has recorded 1,053 xenophobic incidents since 1994.

The attacks have displaced at least 125,572 people and killed 663 others.

The violence has intensified again in recent years, with the controversial movement Operation Dudula emerging at the centre of anti-foreigner campaigns.

Operation Dudula — meaning “to force out” in Zulu — was founded in Soweto in 2021 and openly campaigns for the removal of 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.

People’s Federation for National Peace and Development executive director Edward Chaka urged Malawians in South Africa to prioritise safety over economic survival.

“We applaud Malawians who have returned home because safety 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 have no disposable income and no opportunities here at home. Government must create economic growth and jobs if we want to reduce migration,” Chirwa said.

Last month, the Malawi Government announced plans to assist about 200 Malawians seeking repatriation from South Africa.

Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks, saying the violence does not represent South Africa’s values.

But despite the assurances, fear continues to spread among foreign nationals as attacks and intimidation persist across some communities.

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