Departing Malawian national Beck Chitsulo shared his opinion with the Fourways Review, on South Africa’s immigration challenges, saying he believes stronger enforcement of immigration laws and improvements to the justice system could help curb undocumented migration.

After living and working in South Africa since 2014, Chitsulo was among those who boarded buses back to Malawi on May 29, after spending several days waiting outside the Malawi Consulate in Woodmead, neighbouring Sunninghill.

Reflecting on his years in South Africa, Chitsulo said he believes many people are drawn to the country because they perceive that immigration laws are not consistently enforced.

“To be honest, I think the justice system is weak. Many people believe they can come here without the proper documents because they don’t think they will face the legal consequences.”

Drawing on his own experiences, Chitsulo alleged that encounters with law enforcement had influenced his opinion.

“I’ve been stopped by police before, but instead of following the legal process, things were dealt with there and then with money. That is why I believe the justice system needs to be strengthened.”

He said stronger implementation of the law could discourage undocumented migration. “When the system works properly, people will respect the law.”

Despite his criticism, Chitsulo expressed gratitude for the opportunities he found in South Africa over the past 11 years.

“We thank South Africa. Many of us lived and worked here peacefully, and we learned a lot. People hear stories that life is better in South Africa and they come looking for greener pastures. But I think it’s time for us to go back and build our own country.”

As the buses departed from Woodmead, Chitsulo said he was leaving with appreciation for the time he spent in South Africa and optimism about starting a new chapter at home.

“Home is still home. Now it’s our turn to build our future there.”

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