Hundreds of Malawians begin journey home as repatriation buses arrive in Woodmead
With five government-arranged buses and one funded by the Malawi Diaspora Humanitarian Support Initiative, the long-awaited repatriation process has begun for hundreds of Malawian nationals who had been camped outside the Malawi Consulate General in Woodmead.
After spending days gathered outside the Malawi Consulate General in Woodmead, hundreds of Malawian nationals finally began their journey home today.
Malawian nationals expressed excitement as buses arrived to collect them, as many have been sleeping outside the consulate while relying on donations from residents, churches, and humanitarian organisations.
Read more: Hope for Malawians outside consulate as humanitarian initiative secures buses home
One of those preparing to leave, Abisom Hezeckia, said he was relieved to finally be heading home. “Our bus is here now, so we are very happy. I believe all of us will be able to go back to our country today.”
Although he was uncertain about the exact travel arrangements, Hezeckia said he understood they would be transported towards the border before continuing to Malawi. “I’m feeling very happy because we are finally leaving to go back home. Our journey is moving very fast now.”
Also read: Helps pours in, but stranded Malawians still await transport home
@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: After spending several days gathered outside the Malawi Consulate General in Woodmead, sleeping under donated tents and relying on food, blankets, and medical assistance from residents and humanitarian organisations, hundreds of Malawian nationals finally began their journey home on Monday, as buses arrive to transport the first groups towards the Beitbridge transit centre on the South Africa/Zimbabwe border. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe and Ayanda Ntshingila #Sandton #Woodmead #Fourways #Malawi #illegalforeigner
♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North – Caxton Joburg North
He said is unsure whether he would come back to South Africa. “It’s not easy to get the papers or an ID here. I’m not sure if I will return, but I will first see how things are in my country.”
Phaskani Msiska, national co-ordinator for the Malawi Diaspora Humanitarian Support Initiative, confirmed that the first bus organised by the initiative had already departed. “Our first bus has left and is on its way to Beitbridge. It is carrying 25 women, 27 children, and 13 men.”
Also read: Residents rally to support stranded Malawians outside consulate in Woodmead
He described the departure as a proud milestone for the initiative, which was established to provide humanitarian support to stranded Malawians. “This is proof that when communities and well-wishers come together, something can happen. Mountains can move. We are grateful to everyone who donated and made this possible.”
Msiska said a second, 70-seater bus, equipped with a trailer to accommodate passengers’ belongings, was expected to leave later in the day. “There are still hundreds of Malawians waiting here with the little belongings they have left. We hope to assist as many people as possible.”
Also read: Hundreds of Malawians gather outside Malawi Consulate in Woodmead, pleading for help to return home
He explained that the buses would first transport passengers to a transit camp at Beitbridge, near the South Africa/Zimbabwe border, where South African and Malawian authorities would co-ordinate the next phase of the repatriation process. “The plan is to move Malawians from hotspot areas like the consulate to the transit camp at Beitbridge. From there they will be processed, profiled, and assisted to cross the border.”
@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Buses outside the Malawi Consulate General in Woodmead earlier today, repatriating Malawian nationals who were camping outside the centre due to the June 30 deadline. Video: Ditiro Masuku #Sandton #Woodmead #Malawi #illegalforeigner #Fourways
♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North – Caxton Joburg North
Msiska said the repatriation effort was now being co-ordinated by both the South African and Malawian governments, alongside humanitarian organisations. “As we speak, there are also four buses arranged through the South African and Malawian governments that are here to transport Malawians.”
Four buses had already been filled, but more are still standing by outside the Malawi Consulate General as officials continued co-ordinating the movement of remaining passengers.
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