The repatriation debate Malawi must address

BELEKANYAMA—Strengthen emergency response mechanisms By Francis Belekanyama: Public discourse surrounding the Government of Malawi's appeal for donations to support the repatriation of Malawians affected by violence and insecurity in South Africa has largely polarised into two positions. One emphasises that taxpayers already fulfil their obligations through various levies and should not be called upon for additional contributions. The other stresses the moral and patriotic duty of citizens to support fellow nationals in distress. While both perspectives contain valid elements, they risk obscuring a more fundamental set of issues: the need for robust institutional frameworks to manage large-scale migration emergencies and address the underlying economic drivers of outward migration. The reported figure of approximately 10,000 distressed Malawians underscores that this is not a routine consular operation but a complex humanitarian exercise. It requires coordinated cross-border transportation, temporary shelter, food security, healthcare, documentation, protection and sustainable reintegration. Even advanced economies face significant challenges in mounting such responses at scale. The central question, therefore, extends beyond immediate funding availability to whether Malawi possesses the anticipatory capacity and institutional infrastructure necessary for effective management of such contingencies. Concerns regarding the use of public resources are legitimate in any democracy. Citizens contribute taxes with the expectation of protection and service delivery during emergencies. Accordingly, the government has a responsibility to provide transparent accounting of disaster preparedness allocations and to clarify the specific funding gaps that necessitate external appeals. Full disclosure of funds raised and their utilisation, through regular public reports and independent audits, would strengthen public confidence and accountability. At the same time, government budgets are structured around ongoing commitments; including public sector salaries, debt servicing, healthcare, education, security and development programmes. Sudden large-scale humanitarian needs often require supplementary resources, which is why governments globally seek support from development partners, the private sector, humanitarian organisations and citizens during exceptional circumstances. A further dimension warrants careful consideration. Reports indicating that some repatriated individuals are returning to South Africa, despite prevailing risks, highlight that repatriation, while essential for immediate protection, does not automatically resolve the underlying drivers of migration. For many Malawians, the decision to migrate has been shaped primarily by economic factors, including unemployment, limited opportunities and household income constraints at home. Sustainable return requires more than physical relocation; it demands viable livelihood prospects in Malawi. Transportation can facilitate physical return. Reception facilities can provide short-term support. Emergency assistance can address immediate needs. However, long-term success depends on economic reintegration. A meaningful measure of effectiveness would, therefore, assess outcomes several months after arrival; such as employment rates, participation in skills development programmes and successful integration into productive activities; rather than solely the number of individuals crossing the border by the June 30, 2026 target date. HAS OFFERED BUSES TO AFROPHOBIA VICTIMS— Prophet Shepherd Bushiri This situation reflects a broader development challenge manifesting through migration patterns. Addressing it effectively requires both immediate humanitarian action and sustained structural responses. The government should enhance transparency by issuing regular situation reports that detail the number of individuals registered, transported, received and supported, alongside financial inflows and expenditures. It should also establish a dedicated Returnee Reintegration Fund to link repatriation efforts with economic recovery, thereby providing returnees with access to skills training, agricultural inputs, micro-enterprise support and employment facilitation. In addition, improved systems for monitoring the welfare of Malawians abroad and for identifying emerging risks at an early stage would strengthen migration intelligence. The development of a standing National Repatriation Framework, complete with dedicated budgetary provisions and logistical protocols, would better prepare the country for future large-scale operations. Finally, sustained diplomatic engagement with South African authorities remains essential to enhance the protection of Malawian migrants and to promote regional cooperation on migration matters. Well-wishers and the private sector can diversify forms of support beyond financial contributions, with entities in transport, logistics, telecommunications, accommodation, and food services providing valuable in-kind assistance. Businesses and organisations should explore opportunities for internships, employment, mentorship and entrepreneurship programmes specifically targeting returnees to support livelihood creation. Contributors can pair their support with continued calls for transparent management and effective oversight of resources. Throughout these efforts, all parties should maintain a focus on the welfare of affected individuals and avoid allowing discussions to become dominated by partisan considerations. The core question is not whether the government should seek public support for this operation. Rather, it is whether Malawi's economy and institutions are positioned to provide sustainable, dignified livelihoods for returning citizens should large-scale repatriation become necessary on an ongoing basis. Answering this question honestly is essential for building resilience against future shocks. The current situation offers an opportunity to strengthen both emergency response mechanisms and domestic economic opportunities. By addressing these interconnected challenges with transparency, foresight and coordinated action, Malawi can transform a humanitarian crisis into a catalyst for more robust migration and development policy. *The author is a Member of Parliament

Times Malawi Times Malawi · Wire Report · Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:26:49 · 5 min read

The repatriation debate Malawi must address

Image via wire syndication · Times Malawi

WIRE — BELEKANYAMA—Strengthen emergency response mechanisms By Francis Belekanyama: Public discourse surrounding the Government of Malawi's appeal for donations to support the repatriation of Malawians affected by violence and insecurity in South Africa has largely polarised into two positions. One emphasises that taxpayers already fulfil their obligations through various levies and should not be called upon for additional contributions. The other stresses the moral and patriotic duty of citizens to support fellow nationals in distress. While both perspectives contain valid elements, they risk obscuring a more fundamental set of issues: the need for robust institutional frameworks to manage large-scale migration emergencies and address the underlying economic drivers of outward migration. The reported figure of approximately 10,000 distressed Malawians underscores that this is not a routine consular operation but a complex humanitarian exercise. It requires coordinated cross-border transportation, temporary shelter, food security, healthcare, documentation, protection and sustainable reintegration. Even advanced economies face significant challenges in mounting such responses at scale. The central question, therefore, extends beyond immediate funding availability to whether Malawi possesses the anticipatory capacity and institutional infrastructure necessary for effective management of such contingencies. Concerns regarding the use of public resources are legitimate in any democracy. Citizens contribute taxes with the expectation of protection and service delivery during emergencies. Accordingly, the government has a responsibility to provide transparent accounting of disaster preparedness allocations and to clarify the specific funding gaps that necessitate external appeals. Full disclosure of funds raised and their utilisation, through regular public reports and independent audits, would strengthen public confidence and accountability. At the same time, government budgets are structured around ongoing commitments; including public sector salaries, debt servicing, healthcare, education, security and development programmes. Sudden large-scale humanitarian needs often require supplementary resources, which is why governments globally seek support from development partners, the private sector, humanitarian organisations and citizens during exceptional circumstances. A further dimension warrants careful consideration. Reports indicating that some repatriated individuals are returning to South Africa, despite prevailing risks, highlight that repatriation, while essential for immediate protection, does not automatically resolve the underlying drivers of migration. For many Malawians, the decision to migrate has been shaped primarily by economic factors, including unemployment, limited opportunities and household income constraints at home. Sustainable return requires more than physical relocation; it demands viable livelihood prospects in Malawi. Transportation can facilitate physical return. Reception facilities can provide short-term support. Emergency assistance can address immediate needs. However, long-term success depends on economic reintegration. A meaningful measure of effectiveness would, therefore, assess outcomes several months after arrival; such as employment rates, participation in skills development programmes and successful integration into productive activities; rather than solely the number of individuals crossing the border by the June 30, 2026 target date. HAS OFFERED BUSES TO AFROPHOBIA VICTIMS— Prophet Shepherd Bushiri This situation reflects a broader development challenge manifesting through migration patterns. Addressing it effectively requires both immediate humanitarian action and sustained structural responses. The government should enhance transparency by issuing regular situation reports that detail the number of individuals registered, transported, received and supported, alongside financial inflows and expenditures. It should also establish a dedicated Returnee Reintegration Fund to link repatriation efforts with economic recovery, thereby providing returnees with access to skills training, agricultural inputs, micro-enterprise support and employment facilitation. In addition, improved systems for monitoring the welfare of Malawians abroad and for identifying emerging risks at an early stage would strengthen migration intelligence. The development of a standing National Repatriation Framework, complete with dedicated budgetary provisions and logistical protocols, would better prepare the country for future large-scale operations. Finally, sustained diplomatic engagement with South African authorities remains essential to enhance the protection of Malawian migrants and to promote regional cooperation on migration matters. Well-wishers and the private sector can diversify forms of support beyond financial contributions, with entities in transport, logistics, telecommunications, accommodation, and food services providing valuable in-kind assistance. Businesses and organisations should explore opportunities for internships, employment, mentorship and entrepreneurship programmes specifically targeting returnees to support livelihood creation. Contributors can pair their support with continued calls for transparent management and effective oversight of resources. Throughout these efforts, all parties should maintain a focus on the welfare of affected individuals and avoid allowing discussions to become dominated by partisan considerations. The core question is not whether the government should seek public support for this operation. Rather, it is whether Malawi's economy and institutions are positioned to provide sustainable, dignified livelihoods for returning citizens should large-scale repatriation become necessary on an ongoing basis. Answering this question honestly is essential for building resilience against future shocks. The current situation offers an opportunity to strengthen both emergency response mechanisms and domestic economic opportunities. By addressing these interconnected challenges with transparency, foresight and coordinated action, Malawi can transform a humanitarian crisis into a catalyst for more robust migration and development policy. *The author is a Member of Parliament

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