Pretoria – More than 260 Malawian nationals are sleeping on the pavement outside their country’s consulate in Sandton, Johannesburg, after fleeing violence in various parts of Gauteng, with the consulate now relying on public donations to hire buses to transport them to the Lindela Repatriation Centre.
The group, made up of men, women, children and pregnant women, has been stranded outside the consulate for days, dependent on humanitarian aid and NGOs for food and basic essentials while exposed to cold conditions.
One of those camped outside, James Mackie, told The Citizen he fears for his life after he and others were warned they would be killed one by one if they did not leave their community in the east of Johannesburg.
Despite their pleas, Consul General Max Biwi has reportedly indicated there are no resources available to assist them. According to broadcaster Newzroom Afrika, Biwi said the consulate is relying on the kindness of strangers and donations to hire buses to move the group to Lindela for repatriation. If the donations do not come through, the group faces another night sleeping outside the building.
Mackie said part of his frustration is that the Consul General has not come out to address them at all.
“They haven’t said anything. They haven’t come out to welcome us. They didn’t say what they will do for us; they won’t even open the gate. There are women who have children and some who are pregnant. We are very worried about them.”
The anxiety stretches far beyond Johannesburg. Mackie said his family back in Malawi are desperate for news.
“I have three children back home. My children, wife and parents back home are crying. I sent them pictures of what it is like here, and they ask me to get back home, but I don’t know how.”
While Biwi has not spoken directly to the group and is currently in the province for a separate matter, he has reportedly instructed officials in Gauteng not to allow a repeat of scenes that unfolded in Durban. Two portable toilets have been set up outside the consulate, and officials are keeping close watch to ensure no tents are erected.
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