As Malawi officially concluded its government-funded voluntary repatriation program for citizens in South Africa on August 12, diplomatic discussions have shifted toward the operation's expenses. According to OkayAfrica, the South African government is formally seeking reimbursement from Malawi, Nigeria, and Ethiopia for the costs incurred while deporting and repatriating over 80,000 immigrants. South Africa's Home Affairs department stated that these unplanned costs included bus transport, staff overtime, and temporary shelters. The Malawian Department of Disaster Management Affairs confirmed that the emergency initiative safely returned 56,723 citizens before the final buses departed this week.
Meanwhile, Malawian diplomatic efforts continue at the regional level ahead of the 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State. According to official communications from SADC, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation George Chaponda is currently in Durban, South Africa, to lead the national delegation at the Southern African Development Community Council of Ministers meeting. The council, which runs from August 12 to August 14, is evaluating regional integration progress, economic strategies, and security matters across the bloc.