Prophet Shepherd Bushiri of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) Church has announced plans to deploy 10 buses to help Malawians wishing to return home from South Africa amid growing uncertainty surrounding a June 30 deadline issued by anti-immigrant groups.
The announcement comes at a time when thousands of Malawians living and working in South Africa are reportedly seeking ways to return home due to fears of possible xenophobic attacks and increasing pressure from anti-immigration movements.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Bushiri expressed his commitment to supporting affected citizens by providing transportation for those stranded or unable to finance their journey back to Malawi.
“Preparing 10 buses to go and get our people in South Africa. Let’s stand together and help our people,” wrote Bushiri, signalling his willingness to assist Malawians facing uncertainty in the neighbouring country.
The cleric’s intervention has attracted attention as concerns continue to grow among foreign nationals residing in parts of South Africa, where anti-immigrant sentiments have periodically sparked tensions and violence in recent years.
Reports indicate that many Malawians are racing against time to return home before the June 30 deadline, fearing potential attacks or harassment linked to the activities of anti-immigration groups.
The Malawi Government has also stepped up efforts to facilitate the safe return of its citizens, coordinating repatriation arrangements through various transport initiatives aimed at assisting those affected.
Hundreds of Malawians have already returned home through government-supported transportation and other private arrangements, according to reports from authorities monitoring the situation.
Observers say Bushiri’s offer of 10 buses could provide significant relief to many families struggling to secure transport, especially amid the rising demand for travel arrangements from South Africa to Malawi.
As the deadline approaches, both government authorities and private individuals continue to mobilize resources to ensure Malawians wishing to return home can do so safely and with dignity, while calls for calm and protection of migrants remain ongoing.
