Thokozile Mnguni
Malawian and Mozambican nationals have begun returning home from South Africa through repatriation programmes coordinated by their governments.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Malawi says the first two buses carrying 150 Malawian nationals left the Western Cape over the weekend.
The group had been staying in temporary camps in Mossel Bay following recent unrest and reported xenophobic attacks.
The ministry says the operation was supported by a Malawian task team deployed to the Western Cape under the Malawi High Commission in South Africa.
The group is travelling by road through Zimbabwe and Mozambique. They are expected to arrive at the Mwanza Border Post on Monday.
From there, they will proceed to Blantyre for processing at Kamuzu Stadium before continuing to their home areas.
The Malawian government says it will continue providing consular and transit support to affected citizens.
Mozambican nationals have also been assisted in returning home.
The Border Management Authority says 933 Mozambican nationals were processed for departure through the Lebombo Port of Entry on 3 June.
Of these, 349 came from the Lindela Holding Facility under the Department of Home Affairs deportation programme.
The remaining 584 departed from Mossel Bay through arrangements facilitated by the Mozambican High Commission.
Last month, Ghana began facilitating the voluntary return of its nationals from South Africa as part of an organised repatriation process supported by the Ghanaian High Commission.
About 300 people left in the first group, while more than 800 have registered for repatriation.
Many of those departing say they no longer feel safe staying in the country, citing harassment, intimidation and hostility in certain areas.
Tensions have been rising in parts of the country, with anti-immigrant sentiment linked to protests and community unrest.
Videos circulating on social media have further heightened concern among migrant communities, prompting urgent requests for assistance to return home.