Yasmin Bilal
Prophet Shepherd Bushiri has called for unity, resilience and coordinated national support following the return of Malawian citizens from South Africa under a government-led repatriation programme.
Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) leader Bushiri said he experienced mixed emotions as he observed the return of affected citizens. He described sorrow over their suffering and relief that they had arrived home safely.
“Yesterday, as I watched fellow Malawians arriving home from South Africa under the Government’s repatriation initiative led by President Arthur Peter Mutharika, my heart was filled with both sorrow and gratitude,” he said.
The development follows ongoing repatriation efforts that have seen more than 300 Malawian nationals transported back from the Western Cape and other parts of South Africa after reports of unrest and xenophobic tensions.
Authorities have also confirmed the deportation of about 520 undocumented Malawian citizens, while more than 2000 others in KwaZulu-Natal are awaiting assistance for possible return.
Bushiri said many returnees had endured violence, discrimination, trauma and severe disruption to their livelihoods.
“Sorrow because many of our brothers and sisters have returned carrying deep wounds. Some have endured physical assaults, emotional trauma, discrimination, and humiliation,” he said.
“Others have been forced to abandon businesses, employment, investments, and long-held aspirations,” he added.
Despite these challenges, Bushiri said he welcomed their safe return.
“Yet I was also filled with gratitude because, despite everything, they are finally home. Safe among their own people,” he said.
The Malawian prophet also addressed returnees directly, reflecting on his own experiences in South Africa, including legal proceedings and public scrutiny linked to his residency status.
“In the end, I had no choice but to come back home,” he said.
Bushiri said he returned to Malawi with limited resources and relied on faith to rebuild his life.
“Like many of you, I returned with nothing. But I held firmly to my faith in God,” he said.
He urged returnees not to allow their current circumstances to define their future, adding that Malawi remained a place of opportunity.
“Do not allow your current circumstances to define your future. Malawi is not a place of defeat. It is a land of opportunity,” he said.
Bushiri further called for coordinated support from government institutions, churches, businesses and communities to assist reintegration efforts.
He and his wife, Mary, have previously said they left South Africa in late 2020 in a move to protect their lives. They stated that their departure followed concerns about their safety, saying they faced threats and felt they were not adequately protected by the authorities.
They further indicated that they would be prepared to return to South Africa to clear their names in relation to fraud and money laundering charges.
This would be on condition that certain requirements are met, including firm assurances of their safety, the continuation of their bail terms, and the replacement of the investigating team.