Update: Following earlier reports of ongoing South Africa repatriations, the governments of Malawi and South Africa have increased efforts to return Malawian nationals, according to SAnews. The South African Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration confirmed on Sunday that 980 Malawians recently left the Lindela Repatriation Centre as part of a voluntary return and deportation programme. The South African government noted it is collaborating bilaterally with Malawi to facilitate the returns. Malawi24 reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also working with diplomatic missions in Zimbabwe and Mozambique to coordinate the safe transit of the returning citizens.
Update: Expanding on previous coverage of Human Rights Watch detailing albinism discrimination, Minister of Gender Mary Navicha reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting the rights of persons with albinism as Malawi commemorated International Albinism Awareness Day on Saturday, Nyasa Times reports. The statement follows a joint report released on Friday by Human Rights Watch and the African Albinism Network, which documented discrimination in Malawian workplaces, barriers to education, and fears of violence. Navicha stated that the government is partnering with civil society groups to improve inclusion, noting that a K2 billion Disability Trust Fund has been directed toward programmes addressing these social and economic issues.
Update: Following earlier coverage of his travels, President Peter Mutharika departed for South Africa on Friday for another private visit, according to Nyasa Times. The trip marks his third private visit to the neighbouring country within the past six months. A press release from Chief Secretary Justin Saidi confirmed the President left through Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe. The frequency of these private trips has attracted public scrutiny, as the Head of State departed without either of his vice presidents, Jane Ansah and Enock Chihana, or other senior government officials.