Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Malawi’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, General (Retired) Peter Namathanga, has commended the Zimbabwean Government for facilitating the smooth transit of Malawian nationals returning home from South Africa through the Beitbridge Border Post.
The envoy visited the border post to assess the support mechanisms put in place for Malawians travelling from South Africa amid rising anti-migrant tensions in parts of that country.
During the visit, Ambassador Namathanga toured the transit area, clearing desks and bus terminal, where he interacted with immigration officials, health personnel and Malawian nationals awaiting onward transportation to their home country.
He expressed satisfaction with the assistance being provided by Zimbabwean authorities.
“I appreciate the services being provided here. Zimbabwe has opened its doors and made the transit smooth for our people coming from South Africa. This shows good neighbourliness,” he said.
Ambassador Namathanga said many Malawians had opted to leave South Africa following escalating anti-migrant tensions and were using Zimbabwe as a transit corridor to return home by road.
He added that the South African Government had provided buses to facilitate the transportation of Malawian nationals through Zimbabwe.
According to the ambassador, the Malawian Government had by yesterday evacuated more than 4 000 of its citizens from South Africa.
“These are mainly coming from KwaZulu-Natal and the Cape provinces in South Africa. There is a lot of pressure and a lot of Malawians have returned independently while the Government is also helping others. The exercise is daunting but we appreciate the state of preparedness on the ground,” he said.
Ambassador Namathanga said Malawi would continue working closely with Zimbabwean authorities to ensure the safe movement of its nationals transiting through the country.
Zimbabwe’s Immigration head for the Southern Region, Joshua Chibundu, said authorities were currently processing an average of 18 buses carrying Malawian nationals every day.
“We are processing at least 18 buses going to Malawi daily. Our officers are working long hours to clear travellers fast and keep movement orderly,” he said.
Mr Chibundu said immigration teams were checking travel documents, assisting families travelling with children and working closely with health officials and other border agencies to ensure the process remained efficient and orderly.
Some Malawian travellers also expressed gratitude to both governments for facilitating their journey home.
“We are moving in groups,” said one passenger from Blantyre. “Zimbabwe’s help makes the journey less stressful.”
