By Joseph Dumbula
Malawi has formally raised concerns with South Africa following a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Malawians, in several South African provinces.
Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, George Chaponda, said the violence and intimidation against Malawians had forced the government to activate emergency repatriation plans for nearly 600 citizens.
Chaponda raised the matter on Friday during talks in Lilongwe with Mavivi Myakayaka-Manzini.
During the meeting, Chaponda said he was “deeply disheartened” by reports of attacks and intimidation affecting Malawians in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Johannesburg, warning that the situation was causing fear and uncertainty among migrant communities.
He emphasized the need for stronger protection of foreign nationals and urged South African authorities to take decisive action to prevent further violence.
In response, High Commissioner Myakayaka-Manzini acknowledged the concerns raised by the Malawian government and reaffirmed the longstanding ties between the two countries.
She said the South African government had deployed police officers to affected areas to restore calm and ensure the safety of residents, adding that those responsible for the violence would face the full force of the law.
The latest tensions have revived concerns over recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has periodically targeted African migrants and foreign-owned businesses over the years.
