Project Team

• Dr Martina Lembani, UWC School of Public Health

Migration and Health in light of COVID-19: Lessons from Malawian migrants in South Africa

The unprecedented emergence and global spread of the COVID-19 has resulted in severe social and economic consequences for families globally. Millions across the world have lost their loved ones as well as their sources of livelihood leading to increase in suicide rates due to increased unemployment and financial instability.

Project Period

August 2021 – December 2023

Project Summary

For migrants, this epidemic has further exacerbated the situation as they can   no longer cope in foreign countries due to limited social support fabric from extended family as we all as governments. This study therefore aims to explore the experiences of migrants during COVID-19 with a particular focus on Malawian migrants in South Africa. South Africa is home to many migrants from its neighboring SADC countries and Malawi is one such country.

The study will use a mixed methods approach to explore the experiences of Malawian migrants in South Africa and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected their health and wellbeing. The study will use unstructured interviews to get an understanding of the issues. These qualitative interviews will be conducted with Malawian migrants in South Africa and those who returned Malawi during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, various NGOs and government departments that deal with migrants will also be interviewed to gain insight into the work they do/are doing during the CODID-19 pandemic with regards to the welfare of migrants in South Africa and those who have returned to Malawi. At total of 60 interviews are planned for these unstructured interviews. A survey questionnaire will also be administered online via social media to 250 participants through a Google form link. Thematic analysis will be used to analyze qualitative data and. While quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive and logistical regression analyses.

Partners and Collaborators

Dr Wilson Majee -Missouri University

Publications

• David, Ifeolu, Lembani, Martina, Tefera, Gashaye M., Majee, Wilson, COVID-19 and Immigrant Status: A Qualitative Study of Malawian Immigrants Living in South Africa, Health & Social Care in the Community, 2024, 3417537, 11 pages, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/3417537
• GashayeMelaku Tefera, Martina Lembani, Ifeolu David & Wilson Majee (2023) COVID-19 and Migrant Coping Strategies: A Person in Environment Perspective on Experiences of Malawian Migrants Living in South Africa, Journal of Social Service Research, 49:4, 447-460, DOI: 10.1080/01488376.2023.2236140
• In press
• Majee, Wilson,David, Ifeolu,  Tefera, Gashaye M., Lembani, Martina,  Stay or return: A qualitative exploration of the experiences of Malawian migrants who returned from South Africa during COVID-19. Submitted to Health & Social Care in the Community. Manuscript ID: 9508497
• In process
• Martina Lembani Julius M. Chapunga, and Peter S Nyasulu^. Forced return of Malawian migrants in South Africa during COVID-19: process, experiences and implications for public health policy and practice
• Martina Lembani, Ifeolu David, Kondwani Katundu and Wilson Majee. Unveiling the Tapestry: A Descriptive Exploration of Malawian Migrants in South Africa through Socio-Demographic Lenses
• Martina Lembani, Takunda Satumba and Wilson Majee. The economic impact of Covid-19 on migrants: A case study of Malawian migrants in South Africa