Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
Malawi’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, General (Retired) Peter Namathangavisited Beitbridge Border Post today to assess how Zimbabwe is assisting Malawians travelling from South Africa.
The Ambassador toured the transit area, the clearing desks, and the bus terminal.
He also engaged with immigration officers, health teams, and Malawian nationals who were being processed for onward transportation.
Ambassador Namathanga said he is pleased with the support from the Zimbabwean Government.
“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.
He added that many Malawians left South Africa after rising anti-migrant tensions and were using Zimbabwe as a transit route to go home by road.
The Ambassador said the South African Government had also provided buses to help transport the Malawians through Zimbabwe.
Ambassador Namathanga said as of yesterday, the Malawian Government had repatriated over 4000 of its nationals 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 will continue to coordinate with Zimbabwe to support nationals in transit.
Zimbabwe’s Immigration Head of the Southern Region, Mr Joshua Chibundu said, “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 the teams check travel documents, assist families with children, and work with health staff and other border agencies.
Some Malawian travellers at the border thanked both governments.
“We are moving in groups,” said one passenger from Blantyre. “Zimbabwe’s help makes the journey less stressful.”
