About 1,000 Malawians Wait Outside Johannesburg Consulate for Transport Home

Close to 1,000 Malawians gathered outside the Malawian consulate in Johannesburg on Monday seeking transport after leaving areas around Johannesburg, the East Rand, and the Free State. Many have slept outside the consulate for several days. The Malawian government indicated it would assist with repatriation, but the operation has largely been left to volunteers and private donors.

Dumisani Nleya, part of the Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign coalition launched in June 2026, said volunteers are arranging buses, compiling passenger lists, and distributing food through donations. Between 100 and 300 people have arrived daily, and seven buses departed Sunday night.

Doctors Without Borders provided medical care on Monday. Teams treated men, women, and children for flu, headaches, body pain, and stress-related conditions. A psychologist identified people requiring mental health support, including one or two acute cases.

Mposa, who has lived in South Africa for one year and five months, said he was attacked by a mob outside Benoni on 30 June and still experiences pain. He plans to return to his village in Malawi. Neo Tsotetsi of MSF Southern Africa said one patient had reportedly been assaulted a week earlier and another, who was pregnant, was experiencing high stress levels.

Some buses organized by the consulate travel directly to Musina, while others provided by Home Affairs go to the Lindela Repatriation Centre.