Minister of Foreign Affairs George Chaponda on Friday met High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to Malawi Mavivi Myakayaka-Manzini over xenophobic violence and intimidation.
A statement by the ministry indicates that Chaponda expressed disheartenment and concern, arising from the distress of Malawians due to the recent wave of xenophobic violence and intimidation in South Africa, particularly in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal Provinces and Johannesburg.
He inquired measures that the Government of the Republic of South Africa is currently undertaking to protect foreign African nationals from further attacks and intimidation and restore order. He further inquired of efforts to arrest and prosecute the vigilante groups, including those associated with Operation Dudula.
Further, Chaponda highlighted that there are a lot of South African Nationals who are freely running their businesses in Malawi with full protection of the law and security machinery of the country.
“He, however, noted with regret that the situation in South Africa has already compelled the Government of Malawi to activate emergency repatriation plans for an initial 600 nationals, as well as, the deceased and survivors of a fatal accident in the Republic of Zimbabwe who were fleeing from South Africa due to the attacks.
“He therefore, requested the South African Government’s full cooperation in ensuring the safe and dignified movement of Malawian nationals who voluntarily wish to return home, including facilitation of exit processes, protection of their remaining property, and non-harassment at points of departure,” reads the statement in part.
In response, according to the statement, Myakayaka-Manzini highlighted the long standing relations between Malawi and South Africa spanning back from the time gold was discovered in the country.
“She highlighted Malawi’s contribution to the development of South Africa as part of the long connections between the two countries. She further highlighted that the Government of the Republic of South Africa has deployed Police Officers in demonstrations hotspots in order to provide protection and restore order. She expressed confidence that those arrested, will face the full arm of the law.
“Myakayaka-Manzini underscored that the government of the Republic of South Africa is doing everything possible through diplomatic channels to ensure that repatriation is only voluntary and not those that are legally in South Africa. She then committed to transmit the message and concerns raised by the Honourable Minister to the leadership of the country.
“In Conclusion, Chaponda requested a formal update on the specific actions the South African Government is undertaking to control and resolve the situation,” reads the statement.
