Malawi launches cash scheme for returnees from SA

by MAVHUTO BANDA
LILONGWE, (CAJ News) – MALAWI has launched a cash transfer programme for vulnerable women who returned from South Africa following the outbreak of xenophobic violence.

Dr Justin Saidi, the Chief Secretary to the Government, commenced the distribution in the Southern Region.

He assured the returnees of the continued support of the government to help the returning individuals rebuild their lives.

More than 500 women are to benefit from K90 000 (US$51.89) per beneficiary.

A non-governmental organisation has donated K50 million to assist the women.

Wilson Moleni, Commissioner for the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), also speaking at the event on Wednesday, said the government had repatriated 62 800 citizens by July this year following the attacks in South Africa.

That followed a June 30 “deadline” some anti-migrant groups had set for foreign nationals to leave South Africa. A new so-called deadline has been set for September 30.

The Malawians who left suffered economic losses and, upon arrival, have not been spared the poverty afflicting the Southern African country.

– CAJ News