A recent night-long street celebration by Malawians in Johannesburg has reignited debate over South Africa’s immigration enforcement.
Hundreds of Malawian nationals recently took to the streets in Johannesburg at to celebrate the election of their president Peter Mutharika.
Circulating, videos show crowds dancing, chanting, and waving Malawi’s flag through the city’s CBD after Mutharika’s election victory.
South Africans question night march by Malawians
The timing of the march, held after dark, left many South Africans questioning whether participants were trying to avoid immigration officers who rarely conduct night operations.
The celebration caused traffic chaos and drew complaints from residents who said immigration officers were absent during the night, allowing undocumented migrants to move freely.
“Maybe one or two are documented… our country is a joke!,” commented @Sinembali2023 on X.
Here is how some South Africans reacted to Malawians’ celebrations:
@Thabiso_M: “So these people can march freely in town at midnight, and no one asks for papers? Try that as a South African in Malawi — you’ll see how fast they deport you.”
@Nolwazi_K: “I’m not against people celebrating their president, but why do it at night and block roads? This country already feels lawless.”
@KgosiTheReal: “If Home Affairs worked properly, we’d know how many of them are actually here legally. Every celebration turns into an immigration debate because no one enforces the law.”
4. @Sindi_N: “They’re brave enough to take over the CBD at night, but during the day they hide from police. That tells you everything.”
@Jabu_Ndlovu: “Instead of celebrating elections from another country, they should fix their home first. South Africa is not a refugee camp.”
Locals expressed frustration, saying the authorities seem powerless to control such gatherings.
Many believe South Africa’s lenient immigration enforcement fuels illegal migration from neighboring countries.
Malawians in Johannesburg
Johannesburg is home to a large Malawian community. Many of them make a living through informal trading.
They sell fruits, vegetables, second-hand clothes, cellphone accessories in busy areas such as the CBD, Hillbrow, and Yeoville.
Over the years, Malawians have built tight-knit communities, often sharing accommodation and pooling resources to support families back home.
Celebrating the new president
Mutharika, who is now 85, took oath as the seventh president of Malawi on Saturday.
Mutharika’s inauguration in Lilongwe marks a stunning political turnaround.
The courts annulled his disputed re-election, ending his first term, which lasted from 2014 to 2020.
This time, he secured victory with about 56% of the vote, defeating incumbent Lazarus Chakwera, who garnered 33%.
