Popular prophet and leader of Enlightened Christian Gathering church Shepherd Bushiri has committed to providing 10 buses to assist with the repatriation of Malawian nationals who wish to return home from South Africa.
In a message posted on his official Facebook page, Bushiri said the buses would be used to transport Malawians back to their country amid ongoing repatriation efforts.
“Preparing 10 buses to go and get our people in South Africa. Let’s stand together and help our people,” he wrote.
His announcement comes as the Malawian government ramps up efforts to bring home citizens affected by growing hostility towards undocumented migrants in some parts of South Africa.
The repatriation programme is being coordinated by Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.
Authorities say hundreds of Malawians have already been assisted through the initiative. The first group arrived in Malawi on June 9, while additional returnees have continued to make the journey home.
On June 15, a fleet of eight buses carrying 645 Malawian nationals departed from Sherwood Town Hall in Durban as part of the operation. Earlier convoys also transported citizens from a temporary holding facility in Gauteng.
However, officials have acknowledged that limited funding and transport capacity remain major obstacles to the programme.
According to the government, an estimated 10,000 Malawians in South Africa are seeking assistance to return home, placing significant pressure on available resources.
“Government is resolute in its commitment to bring home every Malawian who wishes to return from South Africa,” authorities said.
Officials added that the size of the operation requires substantial financial support and logistical coordination to meet the growing demand.
As a result, the government has appealed to businesses, humanitarian organisations, transport companies, religious groups and members of the public to contribute towards the repatriation campaign.
The government also thanked donors and organisations that have already provided assistance.
“The government of Malawi extends its sincere gratitude to all co-operating partners, members of the private sector, faith-based organisations, humanitarian agencies and individual citizens who have already contributed toward this effort,” the statement said.
Authorities noted that the support received so far has helped ease the burden on affected citizens and their families.
The government has further assured donors that all contributions will be administered transparently and used exclusively for repatriation and humanitarian support.
“We believe this is a national humanitarian mission that requires the collective effort, compassion and solidarity of all stakeholders. Together, we can ensure affected Malawians return home safely, with dignity and hope for a fresh start.”
