AGP Executive Report

Migration Crackdown in South Africa: South Africa says it has repatriated 2,745 foreigners in a week after President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed tougher action on illegal immigration, with mobs ordering people without residency papers to leave by June 30. Malawi Repatriation from Durban: Malawi’s government has started sending buses from Sherwood Park in Durban, where thousands of Malawians have been sheltering amid safety fears; officials say around 300 are expected to leave by end of today, with more departures continuing as paperwork verification goes on. More Arrests, More Tension: South Africa’s Justice Minister says over 40,000 illegal immigrants have been arrested since January, while the country also faces international backlash and travel warnings from partners like Australia. ESCOM Procurement Questions: In Malawi, governance and human rights advocates are urging the ACB to investigate alleged interference in ESCOM’s transformer procurement, warning it could undermine trust in public procurement rules. Digital Identity Push: Malawi and Huawei are partnering on a MK311 billion digital identity project aimed at cutting repeated paperwork and improving public service delivery. Albinism Rights: Malawi’s Gender Minister reaffirmed government commitment to protecting persons with albinism as the country marks International Albinism Awareness Day.

Football (Airtel Top 8): FCB Nyasa Bullets were held 1-1 by Ekhaya FC in the first-leg quarter-final at Bingu National Stadium, with George Chaomba scoring early in the second half before Allen Chihana levelled in the 70th minute; Blue Eagles also drew 0-0 with Civil Service United, setting up tense return legs. Chess (FIDE upgrade): Malawi’s chess federation has been upgraded to FIDE developmental level three, a milestone credited to stronger structures, more tournaments, and rising school and girls’ participation. Humanitarian logistics: The Middle East conflict is disrupting global aid shipments, delaying medicines and emergency supplies and raising costs for UN and partners. Health (child survival): Malawi hospitals using the AI IMPALA monitoring system report major reductions in child deaths, with some wards seeing 40% to 51% fewer deaths. Migration pressure (South Africa): Malawi expects the return of 980 citizens from South Africa, with buses and border processing arranged after xenophobia-linked displacement and deportations. Independence Day: Malawi has cancelled government-funded Independence Day celebrations for 6 July, redirecting resources to national prayer and thanksgiving. Rights (albinism): The Malawi Human Rights Commission calls for urgent action to end job discrimination and protect people with albinism from attacks and trafficking.

Albinism Rights Push: Malawi’s Human Rights Commission is calling for urgent action after it said people with albinism remain shut out of jobs and equal opportunities, while attacks and killings linked to body-part trafficking continue. Inclusion for “Little People”: A Lilongwe-based rights activist says Malawians living with dwarfism face discrimination in offices, transport and hiring, urging the government to count them in planning and budgets. South Africa Repatriations: Malawi expects 980 citizens back today after South Africa deported them amid xenophobia and immigration crackdowns; officials say buses and border processing are being coordinated for safe returns. Regional Crime Probe: Zimbabwe has arrested a third suspect in the Kruger National Park couple murders, with cross-border police cooperation involving South Africa and Mozambique. World Cup Entry Tensions: Ghana’s Thomas Partey was refused entry into Canada for the Black Stars opener, highlighting how visa rules are disrupting FIFA 2026 plans. Football (Local): Rumphi hosts a headline NBS Bank NDL Matchweek 4 clash as Songwe Border United take on Embangweni United. Economy Watch: The AfDB warns Malawi’s recovery is held back by low growth, high inflation, forex shortages and debt stress.

Xenophobia and repatriations: Malawi’s Home Affairs says it has boosted processing for Malawians fleeing violence in Durban, with aid groups providing food, water and temporary shelter at Sherwood Park as numbers surge; officials also report the largest single-day deportation so far, with 980 Malawians leaving South Africa on 14 buses, while thousands remain in limbo. Regional justice: Zimbabwe police have arrested a third suspect in the Kruger National Park murders, a 26-year-old Mozambican, after earlier arrests in Mozambique; the case highlights cross-border cooperation among police services. Rights for persons with albinism: Human Rights Watch urges Malawi to intensify protection after a report presented to Vice President Jane Ansah documents attacks, discrimination and barriers to education and work. Weather resilience: Malawi is moving ahead with a new weather radar at Kasamba Hills in Blantyre to improve real-time forecasts and early warnings for floods and cyclones. Power sector: ESCOM steps up anti-vandalism campaigns with police and chiefs in Lumbadzi, warning that transformer theft and damage disrupts services and development. Politics and party shifts: MCP Second Deputy SG Uchizi Mkandawire resigns from active politics, citing a desire to make space for others. Public health and education: Malawi launches the next polio immunisation campaign (June 16–19) and a K400 million fundraising drive for corrective orthopedic surgeries for 256 children.

Xenophobia Fallout in South Africa: As anti-immigrant violence continues to ripple across the region, thousands of Malawians are sheltering at Durban’s Sherwood Hall, with numbers reportedly jumping from 75 to about 6,000 in days while officials scramble for buses and basic services. Repatriation Pressure: Home Affairs says Malawians are being processed for voluntary return, with 980 leaving on 14 buses from Lindela, but uncertainty and slow documentation leave many stranded in limbo. Security for People with Albinism: A new report warns that attacks on persons with albinism have surged again, with eight incidents recorded since August, including killings and grave exhumations. ESCOM Anti-Vandalism Drive: ESCOM is stepping up protection of transformers and conductors, including community sensitisation in Lumbadzi and a crackdown in Blantyre that uncovered an illegal aluminium pot factory made from stolen ESCOM equipment. Health & Fundraising: Sparc Systems and Beit-CURE launch a MK400 million campaign to fund corrective surgeries for 256 children. Governance Scrutiny: Debate grows over President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s repeated “private” trips to South Africa for medical checks, amid questions about access to care at home.

Xenophobia Fallout in Durban: About 4,000 Malawians have gathered at Sherwood Park in Durban after threats from anti-illegal immigration groups, with Home Affairs expected to double staff to speed up manual processing for voluntary repatriation; officials warn of health risks as families—many women and children—wait in harsh conditions. Road Safety Crackdown: In Limpopo, an overloaded bus on the N1 North near Botlokwa was intercepted carrying 104 passengers against a legal capacity of 60; 34 passports were found invalid and the excess passengers were transferred for onward travel. Food Security Watch: Maize prices in Malawi are easing as the main harvest progresses, with FEWS NET noting production may be average, but weather shocks still threaten yields in some zones and hunger risk remains. Cotton Farmers in Limbo: Admarc’s delayed entry into the 2026 marketing season is leaving thousands of cotton growers unable to sell, raising fears over competition and price stability. Digital Push: Malawi unveiled a $180m Huawei partnership to drive digital transformation, including a citizen portal and national broadband network. Human Rights Alarm on Albinism: HRW and the African Albinism Network report ongoing discrimination and barriers to work, education and services for people with albinism, despite fewer killings than before. Fuel Governance Row: NOCMA defended its fuel import role as critics question procurement practices and a leaked ESCOM “No Objection” letter, while legal experts urge caution until investigations conclude.

Xenophobia Fallout: South Africa’s anti-immigrant violence continues to ripple across the region, with Nigeria’s first repatriation flight bringing 262–268 Nigerians to Lagos, while South Africa has processed 586 for return and declared them “undesirable persons,” with some forced to cancel asylum status first. Malawi Displacement in Durban: Thousands of Malawians displaced by threats and violence are sheltering at Sherwood Hall in Durban, with officials warning of health risks as families wait for buses home and documentation to be completed. Poverty Pressure in Malawi: An Afrobarometer survey says 8 in 10 Malawians are in severe poverty, citing unemployment, rising costs, and weak confidence in the economy’s direction. Health Update: Malawi is set for a polio vaccination drive next week targeting children under 10 after detection of vaccine-derived polio in Blantyre. Fuel Cost Debate: CDEDI is calling for fuel price cuts, accusing cartels and NOCMA of driving up pump prices and weakening the kwacha. Public Safety: Malawi police report a 60-year prison sentence for a Lilongwe man convicted of rape and robbery.

Xenophobia and repatriations: Nigeria has started evacuating its citizens from South Africa after renewed xenophobic attacks, with the first batch of 262 Nigerians expected to land in Lagos on Thursday; at the same time, South Africa’s Home Affairs says the first group of 268 Nigerians being repatriated are not there legally, with a 30 June deadline and five-year travel bans. Human rights on albinism: Human Rights Watch has presented a report to Malawi’s Vice President Jane Ansah documenting attacks and deep inequality against people with albinism, urging full funding of the National Action Plan on Albinism. Child protection crisis: In Mulanje, two girls gave birth during PSLCE exams; the district commissioner ordered arrests of those accused of impregnating them and warned the district will not tolerate abuse of school-going girls. Sports funding and milestones: FDH Bank has donated K100m to support Team Malawi’s Commonwealth Games preparations, while preparations for the Mount Mulanje Porters Race 2026 are 30 days out with registrations already above 80. Health access: Mangochi District Hospital has reportedly run out of condoms for two weeks, forcing some residents to use unsafe alternatives. Local governance and justice: A High Court in Lilongwe set aside an ACB restriction notice affecting tobacco stocks, and a magistrate court ordered the release of former State House chief of staff Prince Kapondamgaga pending legal review.

Xenophobia Fallout in Durban: More than 1,000 Malawians fled Burnwood informal settlement after armed residents demanded they leave, with families now sheltering at Sherwood Hall as Home Affairs processes people for possible repatriation. Repatriation Pressure: Malawi says it is planning to repatriate thousands, while displaced families report intimidation and beatings and fear a June 30 deadline. Immigration Law Shift (South Africa): South Africa’s amended immigration rules now require judicial oversight for detention pending deportation, with courts reviewing cases within 48 hours. Lilongwe Crime: Police in Lilongwe are investigating the death of a mechanic who allegedly took sex-enhancing tablets at a lodge; toxicology tests are pending. Finance & Digital Push: National Bank of Malawi says digital banking is central to its growth strategy, but warns that transaction levies could push people back to cash. Sports—Malawi on the Pitch: The Flames drew Ethiopia 1-1 in a friendly, with coach Kallisto Pasuwa saying Malawi still has work to do. Governance & Rights: Malawi Human Rights Commission voices concern over gender imbalance in public appointments, including an all-male tribunal.

Xenophobia and repatriation: Community and faith leaders in South Africa’s Dunoon are trying to stop an anti-immigrant march, warning it could spark more violence, as Malawi continues voluntary returns of its citizens after attacks and intimidation. Humanitarian situation in Durban: Dozens of Malawians, including children and a heavily pregnant woman, are reported sheltering in the open at Sherwood Hall in Durban after being forced out of accommodation ahead of June 30. Malawi repatriation push: Malawi says it is helping bring home stranded nationals, with government welcoming returnees in Blantyre and urging private support to sustain the operation. Kuwait domestic worker rules: Kuwait has restricted domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries and banned hiring from 27 others, including Malawi, affecting labour migration routes. Polio vaccination: Lundazi vaccinated over 40,800 children under five in the second polio campaign round, reaching and slightly exceeding the target. Fuel pricing inquiry (regional): Zimbabwe’s parliament has launched an inquiry into fuel prices and the spread of service stations near residential areas. Local development in Lilongwe: A K1.1bn extension to Chinsapo Health Centre was commissioned to cut overcrowding and improve care for about 74,000 people.

Malawi–South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: Malawi says it needs more than K1 billion (about R9.5m) to repatriate over 3,000 citizens stranded in South Africa, as the first 150 Malawians arrive home under a voluntary return programme; authorities also plan loan support for returnees to restart businesses. Humanitarian Pressure in Durban: Displaced Malawians in Sherwood Hall, Durban are seeking urgent transport back home, with numbers expected to rise and volunteers scrambling to set up temporary shelter. Regional Migration Crackdown: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa announced intensified action against undocumented migrants, but civil society groups say his speech didn’t tackle the violence and failures driving fear. Police Accountability Back Home: The ICC says more than half of complaints against the Malawi Police Service since 2020 remain unresolved, citing shortages of staff, vehicles and funding. Governance & Oversight: Malawi’s IMF mission is in-country for talks on a possible ECF, focusing on fiscal discipline, reforms, and restoring economic stability. Sports & Culture: Malawi’s football fans get a World Cup buzz as Multichoice launches street coverage in Ndirande, while Mzinda Lifestyle returns with a fashion showcase in Lilongwe.

Amaryllis Hotel Probe: Malawi Police have confirmed the arrest of former Chief of Staff Prince Kapondamgaga, linking him to investigations into the controversial Amaryllis Hotel deal, though officials say full details and charges are still to be released. Judicial Oversight Strain: The Judicial Service Commission says funding delays have stalled operations, with new commissioners yet to be sworn in, further slowing judicial reforms. Police Accountability Push: Malawi’s Independent Complaints Commission reports progress on complaints against police, but is calling for legal reforms to strengthen its independence and enforcement powers. Education Check-in: PSLCE exams began with spot-checks reporting no major disruptions across several districts, as Maneb continues managing the June schedule. Climate Funding Talks: SADC states are meeting in Lilongwe to build consensus on accessing Loss and Damage climate disaster money, with Malawi urging faster, better-funded disaster response. Power Woes: EGENCO warns blackouts may continue as Nkula B’s 20MW unit remains offline due to delayed spare parts delivery. South Africa Xenophobia Spillover: Anti-migrant protests continue despite Ramaphosa’s crackdown pledge, while Malawi reports voluntary repatriation of 150 citizens from South Africa amid safety concerns. Consumer Protection: CFTC fines banks over unfair practices, including Standard Bank and FDH Bank penalties and refund orders for affected customers. Local Crime: Police in Lilongwe and Dowa arrest suspects in a motorcycle theft spree after a string of similar cases.

Xenophobia Fallout (South Africa): Anti-migrant protesters marched outside Johannesburg as Cyril Ramaphosa promised a crackdown on groups accused of fuelling xenophobic violence, while warning citizens not to enforce immigration rules themselves. Malawi Repatriation: Malawi’s government says the first two buses carrying 150 displaced Malawians left Western Cape on Saturday and are travelling by road via Zimbabwe and Mozambique to Mwanza Border Post, with processing planned at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre. Employer Crackdown (South Africa): Ramaphosa’s plan includes tougher penalties for employers hiring undocumented workers, plus more labour inspections and special courts to speed up deportation cases. Consumer Protection (Malawi): Malawi’s Competition and Fair Trading Commission fined Nitro Phos Ltd K50 million over defective fertilizer supply and unfair liability exclusions, alongside other penalties totalling K361 million for related violations. Crime (Lilongwe/Dowa): Kawale Police arrested three suspects over a motorcycle theft spree, linking them to nine cases. Education (Malawi): PSLCE exams begin today with 254,486 Standard 8 learners, while 78 inmates sit the exams inside prison facilities. ICT Skills (Malawi): Malawi launched a Huawei youth digital skills programme to close the tech talent gap.

PSLCE Security: 254,486 Standard Eight learners in Malawi begin PSLCE exams today, with Maneb saying tight security is in place as papers run from 8am English to Wednesday’s Arts and Life Skills. Xenophobia Fallout: Malawi has started voluntary repatriation of citizens displaced in South Africa; the first 150 are travelling by road via Zimbabwe and Mozambique, expected to reach Mwanza on Monday and be processed in Blantyre. Immigration Crackdown in SA: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa says his government will crack down on illegal migration, including tougher action against employers, while warning against vigilantism and street identity checks. Rural Power Delays: Marep’s slow rollout leaves some rural schools and villages in the dark, with one Nsanje learner describing how missing electricity affects safety and learning. Environment Warning: Malawi’s new State of the Environment report urges faster shift away from biomass energy and better land restoration, warning environmental losses are draining about 7% of GDP yearly. Fuel Cost Risk: UNCTAD warns Malawi’s fuel import bill could jump by about 2.2% of GDP if oil prices rise after Middle East disruptions. Health Milestone: Africa CDC welcomes approval of Coartem Baby, a malaria treatment made for newborns and infants, trialled in Malawi among other countries. Local Business Tensions: Lilongwe’s Mgona Market dispute over foreign traders turns tense, with threats reported and a court injunction at the centre of the standoff.

South Africa immigration crackdown: President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed to act against groups behind xenophobic violence and illegal-migration protests, saying only authorised officials can enforce immigration laws and warning against street identity checks and vigilante action. Malawi repatriation begins: Malawi has started voluntary repatriation of its nationals from South Africa, with the first two buses carrying 150 people leaving Western Cape and expected to arrive in Malawi on Monday for processing in Blantyre. Regional health security: Kenya and Uganda launched a joint Ebola preparedness assessment at the Busia border post with ECSA-HC, focusing on screening gaps and standard operating procedures to stop any viral threat crossing undetected. Lilongwe local politics: In Chinsapo, a district minister said construction of a new multi-storey market in Lilongwe will start this month, alongside youth sports and choir competitions tied to a by-election campaign. Governance and services: FOCSU alleges selective implementation of a civil service recruitment/promotion freeze, while Malawi scales up tobacco harm-reduction training for 500+ nurses and midwives through new online CPD modules. Business tensions in Lilongwe: Mgona Market traders face rising fears of violence amid a dispute involving foreign traders and a court injunction.

South Africa Migration Watch: Despite xenophobic violence and repatriation talk, IOM and UNHCR say there’s no surge in requests for assisted voluntary returns from South Africa, even as Nigeria plans to repatriate over 1,000 citizens and Ghana has already sent hundreds back. Malawi Electoral Crisis: Malawi’s High Court has blocked government’s move to relocate the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) from Lilongwe to Blantyre until the main case is heard, keeping the constitutional fight in the spotlight. IMF Support: The IMF says it is stepping up financial help for at least four African countries and is in accelerated talks with Malawi on a new assistance programme. Food Safety Crackdown: Malawi Bureau of Standards destroyed about 300 bales of expired soya chunks and fined a Blantyre wholesaler K2 million after market surveillance found products expired since March. Eastern Region Football: ERFA launched the 2026/27 Durata Premier Division with sponsorship rising to K36 million, boosting grassroots momentum. Sports—Malawi Teams: Flames lost 1-0 to Ethiopia, while Scorchers drew 0-0 with Tanzania in WAFCON preparations, with finishing still a key concern.