Bushiri Offers Transport As Malawians Flee Xenophobic Violence In South Africa
Published on June 17, 2026 at 2:34 PM by Evance Kapito
The BBC has reported that South Africa is becoming increasingly unsafe for foreign nationals from other African countries, including Malawi, particularly those without valid immigration documents.
The report comes as a deadline issued by groups involved in anti-foreigner demonstrations draws to a close, heightening fears among migrant communities across parts of the country.
Among those affected is 36-year-old Malawian national Esnat Joseph, who is currently sheltering at a camp housing more than 7,000 displaced people, many of them Malawians who have fled the unrest.
Speaking to the BBC, Joseph said she is living in fear and uncertainty after being forced to leave her home in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, nearly two weeks ago.
The mother of one-year-old triplets was seen comforting her children at the camp as displaced families continue to grapple with difficult living conditions and an uncertain future.
Meanwhile, Shepherd Bushiri has announced plans to assist affected Malawians. In a social media post on Tuesday night, Bushiri said preparations were underway to deploy 10 buses to South Africa to help transport Malawians wishing to return home.
“Preparing 10 buses to go and get our people in South Africa. Let’s stand together and help our people!” Bushiri wrote.
The situation continues to raise concerns over the safety and welfare of foreign nationals in South Africa, with humanitarian organisations and community leaders calling for protection and support for those displaced by the violence and threats.
