"WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU".MALAWI REACHES OUT TO XENOPHOBIC VICTIMS

By Masauko Alfred Mzongwe 

In the hushed corridors of Capital Hill, where diplomacy often speaks in measured tones, an urgent message was being carved into ink. The Republic of Malawi, a nation known as the "Warm Heart of Africa," was about to issue a cold, hard warning to its children living in the shadows of South Africa’s unrest.

The press release, dated June 2, 2026, and bearing the stamp of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, tells a story not just of policy but of panic, prayer, and the promise of a way home.

A Vigilant Diaspora

For weeks, grainy cellphone videos had bled across WhatsApp groups in Blantyre and Lilongwe: African migrants, some visibly Malawian, being chased down dusty streets in parts of the Republic of South Africa. Vigilante demonstrations had escalated into targeted attacks. In response, the Malawian government revealed that it has been “following with keen interest” reports of the violence.

But behind the diplomatic jargon lies a more human truth. Mothers in Mzuzu have not slept. Fathers in Zomba have been refreshing news feeds obsessively. Through its High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Johannesburg, the Ministry has been in the trenches—not with generals, but with leaders of the Malawian diaspora.

“We are assessing the situation,” the release states, “and providing the necessary support to those affected.” It is a quiet acknowledgment that for many Malawians in South Africa, a job, a room, and a future have suddenly become a liability.

The Diplomatic Dance

Beneath the surface, something significant was happening. The Ministry undertook “several diplomatic initiatives” to engage the South African government. The resulting high-level meetings, the release notes, were conducted in “a cordial and candid manner.”

Those two words—cordial and candid—carry the weight of history. Malawi and South Africa share deep ties, from labor migration to liberation solidarity. But candidness implies that behind closed doors, Lilongwe did not hide its dismay. And to its credit, the release applauds the South African government for taking “decisive steps” to address Malawi’s concerns.

The Lifeline: Voluntary Repatriation

Perhaps the most arresting section of the press release is the quiet announcement of a “voluntary repatriation exercise.”

This is not an evacuation order. It is an offer of grace. For Malawian nationals who have “voluntarily indicated their willingness to return home and require logistical support,” the government is making arrangements. Buses? Flights? Corridors through border posts? The details are still being finalized. But the promise is clear: If you want to come home, we will help you.

Still, the Ministry is bracing for a secondary crisis: fraud.

In block letters between the lines of protocol, a stark warning emerges. “The Ministry has not engaged any individual or institution to handle the repatriation exercise on its behalf.” It urges Malawians in South Africa not to be “duped” by impostors masquerading as government representatives. In the chaos of survival, con artists often thrive. The government is trying to build a fence at the top of the cliff.

The Lifelines on the Page

At the bottom of the release, phone numbers and emails sit like lifebuoys flung across the ocean:

· Pretoria: +27 12 342 0146 / +27 12 430 9900

· Johannesburg: +27 11 234 8577

· Hotline: +27 60 303 1325

· Email: info@malawihighcommission.co.za / info@malawiconsulate.co.za

In an age of instant messaging, there is something almost archaic and deeply moving about a government printing phone numbers on an official release. It says: Call us. We are real. We are here.

The Unfinished Story

As the Malawian winter sets in over Lilongwe, and the South African autumn turns colder for migrants, this press release stands as both a shield and a bridge. It acknowledges that sons and daughters of Malawi are bleeding. It affirms that diplomacy has been working. And it offers a door not pushed, but left ajar for those who wish to return.

The public will be informed of final logistics “once all preparations have been completed.” Until then, the phones in Pretoria and Johannesburg will keep ringing. And on Capital Hill, officials will keep working, hoping that the next call is not a cry for help, but a voice saying:

“I’m safe. I’m coming home.”

OPC DISMISSES CLAIMS MUTHARIKA SKIPPED CABINET MEETING

By Masauko Alfred Mzongwe

The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that President Arthur Peter Mutharika did not chair the Cabinet meeting held on May 27 and instead delegated the responsibility to a Cabinet minister.

In a press statement released on Sunday, the OPC said it had noted "with grave concern the circulation of misleading and fabricated reports on social media intended to misrepresent the Presidency and the Government."

The statement, signed by Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Adack K. Saidi, PhD, described the allegations as "entirely false and devoid of any factual basis."

"The truth of the matter is that all Cabinet Meetings since he ascended to power, on September 16, 2025, have been chaired by His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika," reads part of the statement.

According to the OPC, President Mutharika personally convenes and chairs Cabinet meetings in line with his constitutional mandate and responsibilities. The office said any suggestion to the contrary is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and undermine confidence in the Presidency.

The OPC also addressed criticism surrounding the President's decision to delegate representation at some official functions, emphasizing that the Constitution expressly empowers the President to assign responsibilities and representation whenever deemed necessary.

"In exercising this constitutional authority, His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika is guided by the principles of efficiency, relevance, and prudent stewardship of public resources," the statement said.

The Presidency further maintained that such decisions are intended to promote efficient governance, reduce unnecessary public expenditure and ensure value for money amid prevailing economic challenges.

The statement noted that the President remains focused on addressing economic difficulties, strengthening public service delivery, combating hunger and creating opportunities for growth.

"He remains unwaveringly focused on this mission and will not be distracted by rumour-mongering, misinformation, or politically motivated attempts to divert attention from the Government's development agenda," the OPC stated.

The office has since called on Malawians to exercise freedom of expression responsibly and refrain from spreading unverified information, saying misinformation risks eroding public trust in national institutions.

The Government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources while assuring citizens that the Presidency remains united and dedicated to serving the nation.