The Leadership Institute for Transparency and Accountability (Lita) has expressed concern over escalating crisis affecting Malawian and other African immigrants in South Africa.
In a statement on Friday signed by executive director Goodwell Logeya, it said reports point to serious human rights violations, including xenophobic attacks, harassment and physical abuse.
“Our people are being molested, harassed and maimed in xenophobic attacks and unlawful actions,” said Logeya, adding that such acts undermine human dignity and violate national and international human rights standards.
He stressed that no African should face violence or discrimination because of their immigration status.
Lita has called on the Malawi Government to intensify diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Malawians.
It has also urged government to speed up voluntary evacuation and repatriation efforts, provide reintegration support through economic opportunities and skills development, and avail psychosocial counselling to victims.
Further, it has appealed to civil society organisations to coordinate responses through documentation of abuses, provision of legal aid, mobilisation of humanitarian assistance and awareness campaigns aimed at countering xenophobia.
Lita said churches and faith-based organisations have a responsibility to defend vulnerable people and should offer pastoral care, psychosocial support, safe spaces and humanitarian assistance to affected migrants.
“We must act with urgency, compassion and solidarity to protect lives, restore hope and reaffirm our commitment to human rights and good governance. An injury to one African is an injury to all Africans,” further reads the statement.
But speaking during a virtual media briefing on Friday, South Africa Government Communication and Information Systems (GCIS) chief director William Baloyi, said the rainbow nation will continue supporting Malawi in repatriation of its citizens.
He also said they will not allow anarchy to take place and that all immigrants will be protected.
“The June 30 deadline given to immigrants is not a government pronouncement and we will not allow any instability,” he said.
While allaying reports of abuse of Malawians awaiting repatriation, Baloyi said consultations between Malawi and South Africa will continue to ensure safe return of all Malawians.
The Malawi Government is repatriating Malawians in phases.
