Malawi 2026 – The Continent, Afrique XXI, Maailman Kuvalehti

In May, Richard Banda fled Durban, South Africa, fearing for his life amid xenophobic violence. Five months later, the 30-year-old Malawian carpenter was waiting for a bus to take him back.

“Now that the xenophobia has calmed down a little, I can go back. I can’t make enough money to survive here.”

Since June, nearly 63,000 Malawians have been repatriated from South Africa following xenophobic threats and attacks. Some are struggling to rebuild their lives, while others are already heading back.

In Mangochi, southern Malawi, generations have relied on remittances from South Africa. The money has transformed villages, replacing thatched roofs with metal sheets. But soaring prices, fuel shortages and scarce jobs leave few alternatives. Young men are once again queuing for buses heading south.

Xenophobic violence continues across South Africa, with recent anti-migrant protests, vehicles set on fire and a foreign national beaten to death during a march in Durban, in an incident still under investigation.

The journey itself brings further risks. At the Dedza border with Mozambique, bus driver Harry describes alleged extortion by police and immigration officials along the route, with payments demanded at checkpoints across several countries.

Ahead of South Africa’s 4 November municipal elections, anti-immigration movements are increasingly involved in politics. March and March has received support from Zuma’s MK Party, while Operation Dudula has registered as a political party.

Back at Lilongwe’s bus station, Charles Junior, from Nkhotakota, is preparing for his first journey to Johannesburg. His brother and sister already live there. Despite the violence, he hopes to find work and support his child.

“God gives us different chances. Others had their experiences, and I’ll have mine.”