World Vision Raises Alarm on Rising Mental Health Challenges at Malindza Refugee Centre

World Vision Eswatini (WVE) has observed a concerning increase in mental health challenges amongst refugees living in overpopulated Malindza Refugee Reception Centre.

Speaking at the recent World Refugee Day commemoration held at The George Hotel in Manzini, WVE National Director Tinah Mukunda said the rising mental health challenges among residents at the centre were exacerbated by trauma, stress, and limited psychosocial support. 

“If left unaddressed, mental health issues can evolve into behavioural challenges, domestic tensions, and increased incidents of violence and crime within the Reception Centre,” the ND cautioned, speaking through the voice of WVE’s Operations Director Sakhile Dlamini. 

“If left unaddressed, mental health issues can evolve into behavioural challenges, domestic tensions, and increased incidents of violence and crime within the Reception Centre.”

She also flagged a surge in chronic illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory conditions, calling attention to the strain on health services.

Mukunda added: “We continue to see growing global conflict and insecurity, which continue to displace people, including children and their families.”

She said more and more people are fleeing to other countries in search of safety, dignity, and a better future — including Eswatini. As such, the reality of life at the Malindza Refugee Reception Centre, which currently hosts over 840 asylum seekers, including more than 400 individuals who arrived in December 2024 mainly from Mozambique, was such that it was now too overcrowded. Despite the reported normalisation of the situation in Mozambique, some have remained due to trauma and uncertainty about their future. While the centre provides food, water, shelter, medical care, and safety for the first few months, the sustained influx has overwhelmed infrastructure and essential services.

In response to the growing needs, World Vision, government partners, with support from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR),  have begun implementing the Ndzevane Project, which seeks to reduce overcrowding at Malindza by relocating willing refugee families to a new site in Ndzevane. There, 150 hectares of land has already been cleared for agricultural use, with plans to grow sugarcane, bananas, maize, and beans. The project also includes 20 households from the host community, fostering integration and shared resilience.

World Vision participated in the global event’s commemoration, joining the Ministry of Home Affairs, UNHCR and refugees from the Malindza Refugee Reception Centre and other parts of the country. The event brought together government leaders, development partners, civil society, and the refugee community to reflect on the challenges faced by refugees and reaffirm collective commitment to their protection and wellbeing.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Home Affairs, Honourable HRH Princess Lindiwe, expressed Eswatini Government's appreciation for the support extended by UNHCR and World Vision. 

The Minister stated: “Standing in solidarity with refugees involves the inclusion of host communities and we are committed to continuing to provide resources that enable refugees to live in a safe and conducive environment.”

The Commissioner for Refugees in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Zanele Mlambo, reminded attendees of Eswatini’s obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention, noting the importance of providing refugees with access to social services. She extended her gratitude to private sector partners for their Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives and thanked faith-based organisations for their ongoing support. Mlambo also commended World Vision for their consistent efforts in supporting refugees on the ground.

UNHCR Representative in Eswatini Mmone Moletsane applauded the government’s commitment to the Ndzevane initiative, noting that both refugees and the host community will benefit from livelihood support under the project.

On this World Refugee Day, stakeholders in Eswatini stood united in their resolve to protect refugees and continue working toward sustainable solutions that uphold the dignity of all refugees.