Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Dr Ben Phiri has commended Prophet Shepherd Bushiri for pledging 10 buses to assist in the repatriation of Malawians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Speaking in Lilongwe on Wednesday during the launch of Presidential Order No. 2 of 2026 on Sanitation, Phiri described Bushiri’s gesture as a patriotic act that demonstrates the importance of citizens and the private sector supporting national efforts during times of crisis.
“I took the time to thank Prophet Shepherd Bushiri for his kindness in assisting the government with repatriating stranded Malawians in South Africa. Delegating such responsibilities alone is not progressive, and I call on all Malawians and companies to support the repatriation effort,” said Phiri.
The minister said Malawi’s development and ability to respond to emergencies depends on collective action from citizens, businesses and institutions.
“If our millionaires, banks, companies and citizens collaborate using our resources, our brothers and sisters could be back home quickly. Malawi’s future depends on Malawians’ decisions,” he added.
Bushiri announced on Tuesday that he was preparing 10 buses to transport Malawians wishing to return home from South Africa following reports of vigilante attacks targeting foreign nationals in some areas.
His pledge came a day after the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) appealed for public support to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of affected Malawians.
According to DoDMA, about 10,000 Malawians have expressed interest in returning home from South Africa amid growing safety concerns.
Government, through DoDMA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is coordinating the repatriation exercise with the Malawi High Commission in Pretoria.
Meanwhile, several individuals and organisations have responded to the government’s appeal.
The first group of returning Malawians arrived in the country on June 9, with more expected in the coming days.
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