Bakili Muluzi Donates K10 Million to Support Repatriation of Malawians Fleeing South Africa Violence
By Burnett Munthali Former President Bakili Muluzi's K10 million donation has strengthened nationwide efforts to repatriate Malawians displaced by xenophobic violence in South Africa. Former Malawian President Dr. Bakili Muluzi has donated K10 million to support the repatriation of Malawians d
’s K10 million donation has strengthened nationwide efforts to repatriate Malawians displaced by xenophobic violence in South Africa. Former Malawian President Dr. Bakili Muluzi has donated K10 million to support the repatriation of Malawians displaced by recent xenophobic violence in South Africa, adding significant momentum to a nationwide humanitarian campaign spearheaded by award-winning musician Patience Namadingo and social activist Stanley Onjezani Kenani. The donation comes as efforts intensify to bring home hundreds of Malawians who were forced to flee their homes following attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa. Many of those affected remain in temporary shelters, awaiting transportation and assistance to rebuild their lives. Namadingo and Kenani launched the fundraising initiative after witnessing the plight of stranded Malawians, appealing to citizens, businesses and development partners to contribute towards evacuation, transportation and immediate humanitarian support. Following the success of an initial fundraising drive, Namadingo is now mobilizing support to raise a further K30 million to expand the repatriation and resettlement programme. In a recorded message shared on Namadingo’s Facebook page, Muluzi praised the musician for transforming his influence into meaningful humanitarian action. The former president commended Namadingo’s decision to personally travel to Durban to meet displaced Malawians sheltering in emergency camps, describing the initiative as a powerful act of patriotism and compassion. Muluzi urged fellow Malawians to rally behind the campaign, saying the crisis demanded a collective national response to ensure citizens caught up in the violence could return home safely and begin rebuilding their lives with dignity. The repatriation effort has also received a major boost through a partnership with the internationally respected humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers, which is working alongside Namadingo to coordinate relief operations and transportation logistics. The collaboration is expected to strengthen evacuation efforts while ensuring returning families receive immediate humanitarian assistance upon arrival in Malawi. Reflecting on the partnership, Namadingo praised the organisation’s commitment to vulnerable communities. “What I have witnessed from Gift of the Givers is more than humanitarian assistance—it is genuine love in action,” he said. “Seeing the organization stand with Malawians during such a difficult time has inspired me to be part of this mission, and together we can give our brothers and sisters not only relief, but hope for a better tomorrow. ”As part of the ongoing humanitarian response, Namadingo and Gift of the Givers are expected to be at Mwanza Stadium, which has been designated as the reception centre for returning Malawians. The team will distribute food parcels, essential household supplies and other relief items to families arriving home after weeks of uncertainty and displacement. Muluzi’s contribution is expected to encourage further donations from individuals, businesses and institutions, reinforcing a growing spirit of national solidarity as Malawi works to assist its citizens affected by one of the region’s latest waves of xenophobic violence.