Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
MALAWIAN Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Retired General Peter Namathanga, today toured Beitbridge Border Post to assess the assistance being provided to Malawian nationals transiting through Zimbabwe from South Africa.
The visit focused on evaluating the efficiency of border processes and the welfare of Malawian citizens travelling home through the busy regional transit point.
During the tour, Ambassador Namathanga visited the transit holding area, immigration clearance points and the bus terminal, where he interacted with immigration officials, health personnel and Malawian nationals awaiting onward transportation.
He commended the Government of Zimbabwe for facilitating the smooth movement of travellers and providing essential support services at the border.
“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 Sunday, the Malawian Government had evacuated over 4 000 of its nationals from South Africa.
“These are mainly coming from KwaZulu-Natal and the Cape provinces in South Africa,” Ambassador Namathanga said.
“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.”
Ambassador Namathanga said Malawi will continue to coordinate with Zimbabwe to support nationals in transit.
Zimbabwe’s Immigration head of Southern Regional, 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 are checking travel documents, assisting families with children, and working 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.”
