The Border Management Authority (BMA) has confirmed that nearly 1,000 Mozambican nationals have left South Africa.  

The BMA Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, said it has processed the departure of 933 Mozambicans at the Lemobobo Port of Entry on Wednesday, 3 June.

More than 580 of them are from Mossel Bay.

“The remaining 584 individuals travelled from Mossel Bay through arrangements facilitated by the Mozambican High Commission,” read the BMA statement on social media.

349 nationals are being deported as part of a Home Affairs deportation programme.

The departure of Mozambicans from Mossel Bay follows recent unrest in Garden Route town and the weekend deaths of two Mozambican nationals. 

At the same time, Malawian nationals have been given the opportunity to return to their home country, amid demonstrations against foreign nationals in South Africa.

“The Ministry would further like to inform the public that the Government is making the necessary arrangements and undertaking the request processes to provide consular support to Malawians affected by the attacks in some parts of South Africa,” read the Malawian government’s statement on social media.

Malawi’s Foreign Affairs Ministry advised that it would soon begin a voluntary repatriation process for those who express an interest in returning to the country.

It added that it has been in communication with nationals in South Africa, as well as national government agencies with which it says talks have been positive.

“The Ministry also commend the Government of the Republic of South Africa for taking decisive steps to address concerns raised by the Republic of Malawi.”

Malawian nationals are urged to contact the High Commission in Pretoria or the Consulate in Johannesburg for more details.