South African woman who fled anti-immigrant violence marries in Malawi

A South African woman who left the country with her Malawian partner amid anti-immigrant tensions has married him in Malawi and taken citizenship in the country.

Nokwazi Ncuku was among the people who temporarily sought refuge at Sherwood Hall in Durban before the June 30 deadline that anti-immigrant groups had demanded for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa.

But while many Malawian nationals at the hall were preparing to return home, Ncuku had a different reason for making the journey.

She had chosen to leave South Africa to be with her partner, Rasheed.

At the time, Ncuku made it clear that she was willing to leave her life in South Africa behind for the relationship.

She has now followed through on that decision.

South African woman marries Malawian partner

Ncuku and Rasheed have since tied the knot in a Nikah ceremony in Mangochi, Malawi.

In a social media video, the newlywed celebrated her marriage while addressing people who had questioned her relationship.

“Here is the money for lobola. We will send it tomorrow at home. I will make a video so you can stop taking me for granted. I’m Rasheed’s wife now,” she said.

Her marriage marks a major development in a journey that began when she left South Africa with her partner during a period of heightened tensions surrounding undocumented migrants.

Ncuku has also reportedly become a Malawian citizen, further cementing her new life in the country.

From Sherwood Hall to a new life in Malawi

Ncuku’s story unfolded against the backdrop of a much larger humanitarian crisis at Sherwood Hall.

Thousands of Malawian nationals gathered at the Durban facility after seeking safety amid pressure on undocumented migrants to leave South Africa.

The number of people at the site reportedly grew to about 10 000, creating severe pressure on available resources.

Families and individuals faced overcrowding, limited access to basic necessities and uncertainty over their future as authorities worked to find solutions.

Nearly 49 000 migrants processed in Limpopo

Ncuku’s move comes as South Africa continues to deal with pressure linked to irregular migration.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration recently reported that the Musina Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre in Limpopo processed 48,948 migrant nationals before it closed in August.

Of those processed, 46 744, or 95.5%, were classified as border jumpers, while 2 204, or 4.5%, reported through a port of entry.

The centre was established on June 26 as a temporary measure to help manage migration pressures and facilitate the legitimate, orderly and dignified processing of undocumented migrants requiring assisted repatriation.

While many migrants processed through the system returned to their countries of origin, Ncuku’s story has taken a different path.

She went to Malawi with her partner and has now turned that move into a permanent new beginning, becoming Rasheed’s wife and starting a new life in the country.