AGP Executive Report

Malawi–South Africa Migration Fallout: Malawians and Zimbabweans are still stranded around the closed Durban Drive-In repatriation site, even as eThekwini says the facility is permanently shut and processing moved to Musina. Border Enforcement & Numbers: South Africa says it has processed tens of thousands at Beitbridge and intensified repatriations amid anti-immigrant protests. Civil Service Pay Crisis: Malawi’s civil servants were left without June salaries after a “technical glitch” at the Accountant General’s Office, with payments restarting on 2 July. Governance & Corruption Watch: Investors are increasingly raising governance and corruption concerns in Malawi, with the World Bank flagging corruption as a top obstacle. Parliamentary Probe—Chilima Crash: Testimony continues in the Chikangawa plane crash inquiry, with witnesses alleging they received information about Chilima’s fate before official announcements. Local Government Funding: Panic is growing over delays in reformed Constituency Development Fund disbursements, though government says Treasury will release funds this week. Justice & Safety: Police arrested 11 people over violent unrest in Nkhotakota linked to a land allocation dispute involving Ethanol Company Limited. Health Policy: Malawi launched a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug, Lenacapavir, aiming to cut new infections below 4,000 by 2030.

South Africa Xenophobia Spillover: In Johannesburg’s Yeoville, immigrant families say they were stoned, beaten and looted during Tuesday’s anti-immigrant protests, with police reporting 900 arrests nationwide for public violence and looting. Border Management: At Beitbridge, Malawi-linked repatriations continue amid biometric profiling to prevent mis-repatriation and stop fugitives, as BMA says over 35,000 undocumented foreigners have been processed since 7 June. Diplomatic Fallout: Ghana has lodged a formal protest after a Ghanaian man was reported killed during the unrest, while South Africa’s police say they have no record of the specific Khayelitsha incident. Malawi Politics & Governance: MEC reports by-election results sharing seats—MCP wins Lilongwe-Bwaila, DPP takes Balaka-Mulunguzi, while local wards go to People’s Party and DPP. Public Services & Rights: MAPUSU plans talks with government over 100% public university tuition hikes, warning against campus vandalism. Health Policy: Malawi launches a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention jab (Lenacapavir) to cut new infections below 4,000 by 2030. Economy & Infrastructure: FDH Bank extends MK100bn credit for Golomoti–Monkey Bay Turnoff Road rehabilitation, while Nsipe-Chingeni-Liwonde Road delays push completion to 2027. Energy Regulation: CDEDI opposes MERA’s push to revive PML as the single buyer, arguing it’s unnecessary reform. Agriculture Strategy: Malawi’s agriculture minister gives experts 90 days to reshape the national food and agriculture investment strategy. Sports Administration: CAF A coaching course approved for Malawi’s FAM, and Sudesh Singh appointed technical adviser for the Scorchers ahead of WAFCON.

University Access Under Pressure: Malawi’s public universities have hiked tuition fees by 100% for the 2027/28 academic year, with generic undergraduate fees rising from K650,000 to K1.3 million and KUHeS moving to K2 million, while a K60,000 medical cover contribution adds to the burden—sparking backlash from opposition and education rights groups warning poor students will be priced out. Elections Governance Row: The Malawi Electoral Commission has pushed back hard on a leaked audit report about the 2025 General Election, saying it has not received the preliminary findings and that the circulated document is incomplete and undermines the official process. Agriculture Strategy Reset: Malawi’s Agriculture Minister has given technical experts just 90 days to reshape the national food and agriculture investment strategy, with the new plan meant to drive delivery under the 2024 agriculture policy and Malawi 2063 implementation blueprint. Mining Moves From Plan to Blast: Lindian Resources has fired the first production blast at the Kangankunde rare earths project, starting active mining and setting up first output for the December quarter. Regional Politics and Human Impact: Across South Africa, anti-immigrant “March and March” protests linked to a June 30 departure deadline have triggered arrests, looting incidents, and renewed fear among Malawians and other migrants, with reports of people being stranded and repatriation processes under strain. Pension Fund Oversight: Malawi’s regulator has appointed a statutory manager for the Public Service Pension Trust Fund after dismissing its board, aiming to protect members’ interests while governance is stabilised. Talent and Business News: TNM launched a K120m music star search for young Malawians, while Standard Bank appointed Alex Mkandawire as substantive board chairperson.

Malawi–South Africa Migration Fallout: South Africa’s June 30 anti-migrant marches triggered arrests, looting and fresh fear across cities, with thousands of foreign nationals fleeing and governments scrambling to evacuate. Border & Repatriation Pressure: Malawi-linked returnees faced delays and chaos at Beitbridge and Musina processing points, while a Limpopo repatriation bus crash killed the driver and injured 11. Fake Eviction Panic: In Cape Town, a fake notice claiming landlords face a R10,000 fine for renting to undocumented migrants sparked panic and mass displacement. Chikangawa Plane Crash Probe: Malawi’s parliamentary inquiry continues to sharpen questions around communication and protocol, including testimony on how Chilima’s attendance at Ralph Kasambara’s funeral depended on securing an MDF aircraft. MEC-GATE Election Fraud Claims: Malawi’s Electoral Commission faced renewed scrutiny after audit findings alleged MK732 million irregularities tied to Grand Palace Hotel training invoices that exceeded the hotel’s capacity. MEC Pushback on Leaked Audit: MEC also said a purported Auditor General report circulating online is incomplete and was presented as final. Inflation & Policy Response: RBM deputy governor Kisu Simwaka warned Malawi won’t reach single-digit inflation without tackling forex shortages, climate shocks, high borrowing and weak policy coordination. WASH Targets: Experts say Malawi can still hit 2030 WASH goals, but financing gaps and coordination problems must be fixed fast. Education Costs: CSEC criticised steep public university tuition hikes, warning they could price many students out. Economy & Recovery Debate: An IMF mission update renewed questions about whether Malawi can sustain a new credit programme and meet reform targets. Regional Security Leadership: Homeland Security Minister Peter Mukhitho highlighted Malawi’s role in SADC public security cooperation, citing early domestic gains in crime reduction. Humanitarian & Social Issues: Witchcraft accusations continue to endanger older women in Malawi, while Malawian artists and digital platforms raised millions to support stranded nationals in South Africa.

South Africa Anti-Immigration Protests: Nationwide marches demanding “mass deportation” hit boiling point, with police and soldiers deployed across Johannesburg and Durban after isolated looting and arrests. Protesters in Durban marched largely peacefully but targeted buildings they believe house undocumented migrants, while organisers vowed weekly action until demands are met. Humanitarian Fallout for Malawians: As repatriation capacity struggled, thousands of Malawians faced delays, harsh conditions and long queues for exit documents and biometrics at sites like Musina and Mayor’s Walk in Pietermaritzburg, where a temporary shelter closed after processing over 7,000 people. Regional Evacuations: Uganda joined voluntary repatriation efforts, announcing charter flights for citizens from South Africa, following similar moves by Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria and Mozambique. Malawi By-Elections: Malawi Electoral Commission by-elections in Lilongwe City Bwaila, Machinga Mikoko and Balaka Mulunguzi saw low turnout around 20%, with early results showing tight contests and vote counting still underway. Governance and Rights: HRDC suspended a planned Karonga–Chiweta M1 road shutdown after police and district council refused permission, citing business disruption and rights of other road users. Malawi Courts: Finance Bank of Malawi’s K1.1 trillion claim assessment is set for July 20 after a Supreme Court ruling found RBM’s 2005 licence revocation unlawful. Politics and Accountability: A fresh debate on political handouts and Malawi’s democracy resurfaced, questioning why the law targets givers while accountability for recipients remains weak.

Anti-immigration protests in South Africa: South African authorities deployed thousands of police across Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town as anti-illegal immigration marches hit on June 30, with businesses shuttering and transport disrupted; reports pointed to isolated looting and clashes, while President Cyril Ramaphosa urged peaceful demonstrations and warned against violence. Malawi nationals caught in the fallout: Malawi’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Gen (Ret.) Peter Namathanga, praised Zimbabwe’s support at Beitbridge as Malawians transit home, with South Africa also providing buses; in Johannesburg, hundreds queued at the consulate for repatriation processing amid tense waits. Governance and accountability at home: Malawi’s Electoral Commission says it is fully prepared for by-elections, citing safeguards and dual systems for voter verification and results transmission. Water and sanitation pressure: Malawi’s WASH push toward 2030 is under strain, with officials calling for faster reforms, stronger accountability and better financing as systems keep failing. Energy reliability push: Escom began replacing wooden transmission poles with concrete under a K11bn project to cut maintenance and vandalism. Sports and courts: CRFA endorsed Fam president Fleetwood Haiya for a 2027 term, while a legal dispute over Yan Diomande image rights heads to court.

South Africa Anti-Immigration Deadline: South Africa braced for June 30 protests as police deployed across cities to prevent looting and violence tied to an unofficial “deadline” for undocumented foreigners, with thousands of migrants—especially Malawians and Zimbabweans—fleeing or camping at consulates while governments organise repatriation. Malawi’s Response to the Crisis: Malawi’s President Arthur Peter Mutharika returned from South Africa and said the June 30 date is “not the end,” promising continued cooperation with Ramaphosa to settle and integrate returnees. Repatriation on the Ground: Durban’s Drive-In repatriation site is closing and operations shifting to Musina, leaving some people waiting as buses continue to move Malawians home. Regional Politics and Law & Order: President Cyril Ramaphosa met movement leaders and warned protests must be peaceful, while COSATU and xenophobia opponents blamed Home Affairs for migrants being left in limbo. Malawi Domestic Politics: By-elections are underway in five Malawi constituencies/wards, and the Education Ministry says MSCE candidate numbers dipped due to open and distance learning fluctuations. Other Malawi Business: MPICO declared a MK1.149bn dividend for 2025, payable July 24.

Explosives at Beitbridge: South Africa’s Border Management Authority intercepted explosive cables worth about R100,000 hidden in a bag of rice on an Interlink bus from Malawi; a Malawian suspect was arrested and bomb disposal units were called in. Xenophobia deadline pressure: Ahead of the June 30 anti-immigrant protests, South Africa says more than 25,000 foreign nationals have been repatriated, with many still awaiting processing as Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and others run voluntary return logistics. Malawians moved for safety: eThekwini says Malawians at Durban’s drive-in are being relocated to Musina, Limpopo, with buses under security escort as the camp shutdown nears. Health and rights warnings: South Africa’s medical bodies and leaders urged peaceful protest and protection of clinics, while President Ramaphosa issued a strict warning against intimidation and violence. Malawi governance and economy: The IMF signalled readiness for a new Malawi credit programme tied to reforms, and the Reserve Bank warned damaged banknotes could cost K69.8bn this year. Local politics and accountability: HRDC says it will still hold a July 1 Karonga–Chiweta road shutdown despite police warnings. Gender and child protection: Malawi’s Gender Ministry says child marriage fell from 42% to 32% but insists the pace is too slow, launching a five-year push to end the practice.

South Africa Migration Crisis: Public health experts warn that anti-immigrant rhetoric ahead of the 30 June deadline could spark violence, as misinformation fuels fear and targets refugees, migrants and even people mistaken for foreigners. Malawi Repatriation Pressure: Hundreds of Malawians camped outside the Sandton consulate in Johannesburg after it reportedly stayed closed, while Malawi says thousands have already been repatriated and more returns are underway despite logistical limits. Rule of Law Push: President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that protest groups cannot issue ultimatums or intimidate others, and criminal acts will be met with the full force of the law. Humanitarian Strain in SA: The Joburg Crisis Alliance says Malawians in South Hills face a fast-growing humanitarian gap as state support lags and civil society struggles to keep up. Malawi Governance & Rights: In Lilongwe, the DC stopped HRCC from holding a planned demonstration over anti-immigrant attacks in South Africa, citing late notification and required stakeholder processes. Regional Politics: Malawi’s Second Vice-President Enock Chihana represents President Peter Mutharika at an Extraordinary SADC summit focused on security and political stability. Climate & Food Security: UN agencies say Malawi is among countries set to benefit from a $202m El Niño anticipatory action appeal, while local voices urge farmers to protect food stocks ahead of the season.

South Africa–Malawi Migration Crisis: Malawi says it has repatriated 6,936 citizens from South Africa, using 93 buses so far, with children among the returnees and another group of about 5,000 expected this weekend as the June 30 anti-immigrant deadline nears. Human Rights Response: The Malawi Human Rights Commission has written to South Africa’s counterpart urging urgent joint action to protect foreigners’ rights amid escalating attacks. Diplomacy on the Ground: Malawians in Johannesburg report being stranded outside consulates, with claims that officials are relying on donations to move people for repatriation. Regional Politics: President Peter Mutharika has again delegated VP Enock Chihana to represent Malawi at a virtual SADC Extraordinary Summit focused on Madagascar’s political and security situation. Domestic Governance & Rights: Malawi’s HRDC challenged police warnings over a planned July 1 Karonga–Chiweta M1 road shutdown, insisting Malawi is a constitutional democracy. Public Services Pressure: Malawi’s public health system is under strain, with survey findings showing many people bypass clinics for pharmacies and shops when sick. Youth Skills: DAPP says it will run 36-month training programmes for young people, women and people with disabilities in several districts, including fashion and motorcycle mechanics.

South Africa Migration Crisis: As the unofficial 30 June deadline nears, Malawians and other foreign nationals are still stranded around consulates and repatriation sites, with Gauteng police warning landlords that renting to undocumented tenants could bring R10,000 fines and criminal action, while government insists June 30 will be a normal day and vows to crush any violence or intimidation. Malawi Economy & Politics: Opposition leader Simplex Chithyola Banda told Bwaila voters that the falling kwacha and rising prices are crushing families ahead of the 30 June by-election, as another story points to Malawi’s shrinking reserves and the knock-on effects on fuel, currency and medicine. Public Services Under Strain: A new report says Malawi’s public health system is being bypassed, with essential medicines out of stock and long queues pushing people toward pharmacies and self-treatment. Prisons Food Crisis: Malawi’s prison food situation is set to worsen, with underfunding, overcrowding and low farm productivity blamed for recurring hunger. Governance & Accountability: Malawi’s football bodies (FAM and SULOM) have reconciled after disputes, while SULOM plans integrated e-ticketing to curb gate revenue leakages. Health & Industry: Malawi Pharmaceutical Distributors signs a landmark deal with Johnson & Johnson to improve medicine access, and the Pharmacy Expo in Blantyre urges more local manufacturing. Transport & Corruption Claims: Minibus operators allege roadside traffic officers demand “unofficial charges,” deepening public frustration over road enforcement. Sports & Community: FAM chief Fleetwood Haiya praises football stakeholders after a successful 2026 AGM, and ESCOM transformer vandals in Thyolo received 18-year sentences.

South Africa–Malawi Migration Crisis: eThekwini Municipality says it has relocated Malawians from Durban’s Old Drive-In to a Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre in Musina, Limpopo, after the Durban site was overwhelmed and verification/processing needed tightening; the Inter-Ministerial Committee led the move and the Drive-In camp will be decommissioned once relocation is complete. June 30 Xenophobia Fallout: South Africa braces for anti-immigrant marches as migrants in Durban and Pietermaritzburg wait in makeshift camps for buses and clearance, with officials reporting thousands already processed and warning conditions are becoming untenable. Malawi Governance & Accountability: Malawi Institute of Education suspends three senior officials after a forensic audit tied to alleged misuse of USAID-funded project materials, following union complaints about “ghost” warehouses. Public Order & Rights: HRDC and Malawi Police clash over a planned July 1 protest on the Karonga–Chiweta M1; HRDC says it notified authorities and is acting constitutionally, while police warn the road must stay open. Energy Theft Crackdown: Thyolo court sentences four transformer vandals to 18 years each for destroying an ESCOM transformer worth MK15.7 million. Health Policy: Malawi to roll out Lenacapavir (twice-yearly HIV prevention jab) from 1 July alongside existing prevention options. Religious Leadership Politics: Muslim Association of Malawi sets a K5 million nomination fee for its July 26 national chairperson elections after a High Court nullified the 2021 polls.

HIV Prevention Upgrade: Malawi will roll out Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention option, from 1 July in public facilities, starting with Area 25 Health Centre in Lilongwe, as officials say it will sit alongside oral PrEP, CAB-LA and other prevention services. South Africa Migration Crisis: With June 30 looming, thousands of Malawians remain stranded in Durban and Pietermaritzburg camps as South Africa processes over 15,000 nationals for deportation and repatriation, while authorities move repatriation hubs to Limpopo and warn that 30 June will be a normal day—yet fear xenophobic violence and intimidation. Utility Theft Crackdown: In Thyolo, four men received 18-year jail terms each for vandalising an ESCOM transformer worth K15.7 million, a case officials cite as a deterrent to infrastructure sabotage. Governance & Procurement: PPDA has again extended the deadline for full migration to the Malawi National Electronic Procurement System to December 2026, allowing some offline procurement for struggling entities. Sports & Politics: Malawi football governance tensions continue as Sulom accuses FAM of enticing clubs to defy an AGM agreement, while FAM leadership urges patience over team performance.

South Africa Migration Crisis: Malawi nationals in Durban and Pietermaritzburg are still stuck in overcrowded processing camps as xenophobic protests and an unofficial June 30 ultimatum for undocumented migrants to leave approach; Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says 15,162 Malawians have been processed for deportation and repatriation, while the Inter-Ministerial Committee insists June 30 will be a “normal working day” and warns against transport blockades. Migration Response Logistics: Dodma is relocating repatriation screening from Kamuzu Stadium to Joyce Chitsulo Stadium in Mwanza, as pressure at Durban sites remains “untenable,” and a repatriation hub is being moved from KwaZulu-Natal to Limpopo near Musina. Malawi Governance & Integrity: SADC anti-corruption chiefs meeting in Lilongwe push reforms to strengthen agencies’ independence and speed up e-procurement, while Malawi’s SRFF leadership is shaken again after Taulo’s removal and Itaye’s takeover. Education & Social Policy: UNIMA tops Malawi in the 2026 Times Higher Education sustainability impact ratings; meanwhile, 250,000 children are supported into early learning but ECD gaps persist, and a scholarship drive targets 500 Form 1–4 students. Economy & Development: World Bank projects over 100,000 jobs from Malawi reforms and launches a Chichewa AI initiative with Gates support. Health & Safety: Older persons in Salima demand stronger protection as abuse and healthcare access problems worsen.

SADC Anti-Corruption Push: Heads of anti-graft agencies meeting in Lilongwe urged stronger regional cooperation, better legal frameworks, whistleblower protection and specialised training to speed up corruption cases. Regional Integration Agenda: SADC also called for faster integration through liberalised skies, AI use and climate-resilient infrastructure. Malawi Governance Watch: The Ministry of Lands launched an investigation after admitting it issued a title deed for Area 26 in Lilongwe without required compensation to families. Skills Over AI: Miss Malawi Thandi Chisi told youth that technical and vocational skills will matter most as AI reshapes work, highlighting training that helps women start businesses. Student Sports Rescue: FDH Bank pledged K100m to send Malawian university athletes to Botswana after funding shortages threatened participation. Transport Costs in Lilongwe: Fuel price cuts did not translate into lower minibus fares, with commuters blaming lack of enforcement. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout (Malawi-linked): As June 30 anti-immigrant protests near, South Africa tightened security and thousands of migrants—including Malawians—kept gathering at repatriation sites; Malawi’s Dodma moved operations to Mwanza’s Joyce Chitsulo Stadium to process returns.

SADC Anti-Corruption Push: Heads of anti-corruption agencies from across the region wrapped up a four-day conference in Lilongwe, calling for stronger legal frameworks, better training for judges and investigators, and faster asset recovery to match the scale of illicit flows. Malawi–Zimbabwe Diplomacy: Zimbabwe and Malawi opened their mid-term review of the JPCC in Harare, with both sides urging action-oriented follow-through on joint programmes and outstanding agreements. Xenophobia Fallout in South Africa, Malawi Repatriation: As anti-immigration protests loom on 30 June, South Africa tightens security and thousands of Malawians keep arriving at repatriation sites; Malawi’s DoDMA says returnees will now be processed at Joyce Chitsulo Stadium in Mwanza instead of Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre to speed up clearance and transport. Governance & Finance: Standard Bank Malawi appointed Nophichuwa Namuthuwa Tsamwa as Head of Governance and Company Secretary, while the RBM reported a Treasury auction coupon rate easing to 10 percent. Land & Courts: The long-running Tichitenji Estate dispute continues as the Kaphwiti family camps on the property, seeking court direction after a stay order blocked enforcement. Labour Pressure at LUANAR: Staff unions at LUANAR declared a deadlock after salary talks collapsed, raising the risk of industrial action.