Questions ring as hundreds of Malawian nationals shelter in a Newlands church
A church in Newlands became temporary shelter for hundreds of Malawian nationals, resulting in community members voicing concerns as emergency services provided assistance during a cold and rainy Sunday.
Questions remain unanswered after hundreds of Malawian nationals, including women, children, and newborn babies, arrived in Newlands, where they were temporarily accommodated at a church amid cold and rainy weather.
Ward 82 councillor Marilyne Smouse said eight buses, carrying about 400 Malawian nationals, arrived in Newlands on the evening of June 20. By Sunday morning, word of their presence had spread through the community and residents gathered outside the church where the group had been housed. Smouse said residents were concerned by the sudden arrival of such a large number of people and questioned how they would be accommodated and cared for.
Read more: National government must look at employers giving jobs to illegal immigrants, Joburg mayor urges
She stressed that the concerns expressed by community members should not be interpreted as xenophobia. “Our community is already struggling, and we simply do not have the means to cater for these people.”
@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Ward 82 councillor Marilyne Smouse speaks the 400 Malawian nationals placed in Newlands on June 21, 2026. Video: Neo Phashe #Ward82 #Malawi ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
As rain and cold weather swept across the city on Sunday, community members stood outside the church in protest, while police maintained a heavy presence at the scene as a precautionary measure, to ensure the safety of those being sheltered there.
Inside, humanitarian assistance continued. Provincial ambulance services attended to mothers and their newborn babies, while volunteers delivered buckets of food and sanitary products for women.
Also read: Migration tensions escalate ahead of proposed June 30 national shutdown
Later in the day, buses arrived and the group was moved from the church to another place of safety. At the time of publication, however, little was known about the new location or who had arranged the relocation.
Police remained on scene over night to maintain order and safeguard those involved.
Authorities are yet to provide detailed official comment on the circumstances surrounding the group’s arrival in Johannesburg, as well as the arrangements being made for their continued care and eventual repatriation.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
