The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, as well as the Chairperson of the Interdepartmental Committee (IMC), Mmamosolo Kubayi announced on Sunday that as of the end of the working day on July 11, exactly 53,449 foreign nationals had been processed.
Intensification of Migration Control
Amid growing pressure related to illegal immigration and border security, the government stated that over 53,000 foreign nationals have undergone processing for deportation and repatriation as part of an intensified campaign to enforce migration legislation. The Interdepartmental Committee on Migration reported strengthening migration management systems and tightening border controls.
During a media briefing, Kubayi presented the government's progress in implementing President Cyril Ramaphosa's five-point plan for migration management, which was first presented on June 7. This strategy aims to combat violations of immigration laws, ensure the security of South Africa's borders, optimize the immigration system, address gaps in existing policy, and strengthen cooperation with neighbouring states.
Reaction to Protests and Warning
This report came after protests against illegal immigration in several provinces, where demonstrators demanded stricter border protection measures and mass deportations. Acknowledging the legitimate concerns of South Africans regarding unemployment, service delivery failures, and public safety, Kubayi emphasized that these issues must be addressed through legal channels.
Kubayi stated that in implementing the plan, they aim to ensure orderly and regular migration that considers the concerns of the public while preserving human rights and the dignity of all people in the country, regardless of their citizenship or migration status.
Warning Against Vigilantism
The Minister issued a stern warning against private citizen groups conducting unauthorized searches of homes and businesses suspected of harboring undocumented individuals. Kubayi noted that media reports indicate the presence of such protest groups carrying out searches in houses and companies where illegal immigrants may be present. She stressed that this is illegal and warned community members to refrain from such actions.
She reiterated that migration management, border control, and deportations remain the exclusive responsibility of the state. It was stated that no private individual or group has the authority to use force, intimidate, or illegally evict anyone from the community. Law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to take action against those who continue to conduct such illegal checks and searches.
To date, authorities have registered 205 cases and arrested 350 people for illegal behaviour, intimidation, and incitement related to migration. Sixty-nine cases are under active investigation, and 112 have already been referred to court.
High-Profile Interpol Arrest
Kubayi also highlighted the recent high-profile arrest of Mkhanyisi Ndodana Tshuma, a fugitive sought in the UK on charges of murdering his wife and two children. Tshuma arrived at OR Tambo International Airport from Britain on July 5 and was detained in Kensington, Johannesburg, after receiving a notification from Interpol by South African authorities. Although British authorities did not flag Tshuma upon his departure, a multi-disciplinary team of South African law enforcement successfully located him.
Kubayi expressed approval of SAPS and Interpol for the arrest of Mr. Mkhanyisi Ndodana Tshuma, adding that Tshuma will be extradited to the UK once she signs the official request.
Distinction Between Deportation and Repatriation
To dispel common misunderstandings, Kubayi clarified the legal differences between the two main return mechanisms used by the state. Repatriation is the voluntary return of a person to their country of origin, strictly regulated by international law (including the 1951 UN Convention). The government provided assistance in this process after Malawi faced a shortage of funds for repatriation buses starting on June 14.
Deportation is a formal, legal process under Section 34 of the Immigration Act, through which the government sends non-citizens who have violated South African laws. Malawian nationals constituted over 80% of the total 53,449 processed individuals, followed by citizens of Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Repatriations to countries outside SADC (Southern African Development Community) amounted to 2,615 people. Among them, 1,159 were returned to Nigeria, 939 to Uganda, 431 to Kenya, and 86 to the Republic of Congo.
Deportation Statistics
Standard immigration deportations continued parallel to the repatriation assistance program. Between April 1 and June 30, 15,398 deportations were carried out, supported by 2,519 joint law enforcement operations. In June, 4,898 deportations were processed from Malawi (1,929), Zimbabwe (1,384), Mozambique (1,200), and Lesotho (342).
Between June 14 and July 8, 2,801 deportations were processed during the overlapping period of intensified control. Kubayi concluded that South Africa remains committed to enforcing its immigration laws, strengthening border management, protecting communities, combating crime, and upholding the dignity and rights of all people. She urged the public to report criminal activity directly to the police instead of acting as vigilantes, and appealed to communities to stop spreading unverified information online that could provoke violence or social unrest.
