The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration announced on 26 July that it has processed more than 68,000 foreign nationals for repatriation or deportation since June and will reduce operations at the Musina centre from 1 August.
Committee chairperson Mmamaloko Kubayi provided the update at a media briefing in Pretoria. She said 68,138 foreign nationals had been deported or voluntarily repatriated between 14 June and 24 July, with most processed through the Musina Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre. The Border Management Authority separately handled 72,906 repatriations through ports of entry between 7 June and 14 July.
Kubayi warned against vigilantism and stated that only state authorities may enforce immigration laws. She condemned groups impersonating officials and noted that seven people had been arrested in Polokwane for such activities. The committee also reported that dedicated immigration courts finalised 28,736 matters between April and June.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola addressed concerns raised by Ghana at the same briefing. He dismissed calls for African Union debate as cheap political point-scoring and urged focus on root causes such as economic challenges and governance issues across the continent. The government will consult remaining metropolitan municipalities before finalising a framework on migration-related issues in cities.
