South Africa Repatriates 5,000 Malawians

South Africa has repatriated about 5,000 undocumented Malawian nationals as authorities continue operations linked to migration enforcement and public safety concerns.

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi gave the figure during a visit to a temporary repatriation centre in Durban, where Malawian nationals were being processed before returning home.

Kubayi visited the centre with Deputy International Relations Minister Thandi Moraka, Malawi’s High Commissioner to South Africa Stella Ndau and Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane.

The South African government said the process was being handled with Malawian authorities and in line with immigration procedures.

South Africa and Malawi had earlier said 980 people had left the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp, while more Malawian nationals were preparing to return home.

AP reported that South Africa was also building a second temporary deportation centre in Durban to ease overcrowding and speed up processing.

Dimpane said security agencies would act against anyone who engages in unlawful conduct during protests or demonstrations linked to immigration issues.

Reuters reported that South African labour unions had urged workers not to join planned anti-migrant protests, warning that employees who stayed away from work could face consequences.

It was not immediately clear how many Malawian nationals remained at temporary sites awaiting processing.

South African officials said Pretoria would continue engaging regional partners on migration through the Southern African Development Community and the African Union.

SOURCE: TRT Afrika, AP, Reuters, SA News