Helps pours in, but stranded Malawians still await transport home
Food, blankets, medical care, and security have brought some relief to hundreds gathered outside the Malawi Consulate General in Woodmead, yet uncertainty remains as they continue waiting for assistance to return to Malawi.
Hundreds of Malawian nationals remain gathered outside the Malawi Consulate General in Woodmead on Sunday, with community members continuing to provide food, shelter, and other essential supplies.
The Sandton Chronicle visited the site again, where over 300 people were still waiting outside the consulate. While conditions had improved since earlier in the week through the efforts of residents, churches, and humanitarian groups, many said they were still waiting for transport home.
Speaking on behalf of the group, James Mackie said several positive developments had taken place since they first gathered outside the consulate. “Since Friday up to today, we have seen some changes. A mobile clinic has come to assist those who are sick, we have received a tent where we can wait, and residents have continued bringing us food and water.”
Read more: Residents rally to support stranded Malawians outside consulate in Woodmead
Mackie thanked residents, volunteers, and the South African Police Service for their support. “I would like to thank the government of South Africa for providing security. The police have been with us day and night to make sure we are safe. I also thank all the well-wishers who have continued helping us with food and everything we need.”
Despite the assistance, he said the group’s main concern remains unresolved. “What we are still crying for is transport to take us from here back to Malawi. We are still waiting to hear what will happen to us.”
Ward 106 councillor Chris Santana said residents were becoming increasingly concerned about the lack of communication surrounding the situation. “It saddens me that the consulate has, in my view, not been present to deal with this issue. The biggest concern from residents is that nobody has communicated how this process is going to unfold, or how these people are going to be assisted.”
He added that discussions had previously suggested people would be transferred directly to a repatriation centre, before boarding buses to Malawi, reducing disruption in the area. “Clearly that has not transpired. As you can see, people are still waiting here for transport, or some form of communication about what comes next.”
Santana said the matter falls under national government departments and diplomatic authorities, including diplomatic police and the department of home affairs, but expressed hope that a solution would be found soon.
A local resident, who has been volunteering to assist those gathered, said many residents had stepped in simply because they saw people in need. “My understanding is that people are being dropped off here because this is the only place they know where they can seek assistance from their country’s representatives. Unfortunately, nobody from the consulate appears to be engaging with them.”
The resident questioned why community members had been left to co-ordinate humanitarian assistance. “Why isn’t the consulate assisting its own people? Why do residents have to bear the responsibility? We shouldn’t have to. There should be communication between the relevant authorities and the consulate, so everyone understands what is happening.”
Also read: Hundreds of Malawians gather outside Malawi Consulate in Woodmead, pleading for help to return home
The volunteer stressed that they were not representing any organisation or political party. “I’m just a resident. I walk this road every day with my dog. When I saw what was happening, I wanted to help make sure nobody goes hungry.”
@caxtonjoburgnorth Ward 106 councillor Chris Santana raises concerns about what he describes as a lack of communication from the Malawi Consulate General in Woodmead regarding the process, saying residents have been left without clear information on how the situation is being managed at the Malawi Consulate General in Woodmead on June 28, 2026. Photo: Xoliswa Zakwe #Sandton #Woodmead #Fourways #Malawi #June30 #illegalforeigners
♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North – Caxton Joburg North
The resident praised community members and organisations that have worked tirelessly to provide meals and other necessities. “There are many people helping. Some volunteers stayed here until 01:00, preparing and distributing food. It’s been an incredible community effort.”
@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Ward 106 councillor Chris Santana shares an update from outside the Malawi Consulate General in Woodmead, where hundreds of Malawian nationals remain gathered while awaiting transport back to Malawi. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe and Ayanda Ntshingila #Sandton #Woodmead #Malawi #Fourways #June30 #illegalforeigners
♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North – Caxton Joburg North
While many of those gathered continue to rely on donated food, water, and shelter, they remain hopeful that arrangements will soon be made to transport them back to Malawi.
Pretoria diplomatic units police remained on site while residents and volunteers continued supporting those waiting outside the Malawi Consulate General.
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