Here’s HOW many foreigners were deported since 30 June shutdown

Since the 30 June national shutdown, South Africa has deported and/or repatriated 53 449 foreign nationals. Whether you agree with the March & March rallies or not, that is more than double the roughly 25 000 processed through the rest of the year.

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi held a briefing in Pretoria this week giving context to all those deported. Malawians make up around 80% of everyone processed so far, with Zimbabweans and Mozambicans the next highest group. Beyond the greater SADC region, 2 615 were sent home with Nigeria topping that list at 1 159, Uganda 939, Kenya 431 and DRC 86.

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FIVE-POINT PLAN FOR MORE DEPORTED

Moreover, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a new five-point migration plan on 7 June. It targets immigration law violations and heightened border security, among other things. Government is now expanding logistical support for the deported, as it is reported that several neighbouring countries cannot afford to bring their citizens home.

As such, a temporary processing centre has opened in Musina near the Zimbabwean border. It replaces several smaller collection points and is able to process more than 20 000 people, claims the minister. However, the high-water market already appears to have subsided. Daily numbers of deported are dropping: Repatriations of 4 850 on 5 July were down to 1 139 by 11 July.

WHO’S FOOTING THE BILL?

One of the many overflowing camps in South Africa. Image: File

However, Minister Kubayi calls the temporary measures costly and assures parliament they were never meant to be permanent. Malawi can’t afford enough buses to bring its citizens home. So, Pretoria stepped in to cover transport, security and accommodation costs. In contrast, most outside SADC were able to arrange their own flights – Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya and DRC among them.

Likewise, authorities warn the public against house-to-house searches for undocumented migrants/identity checks. Anyone caught faces prosecution with no exception. The police have already registered 205 criminal cases and 350 arrests linked to intimidation and incitement of violence.

NOVEMBER ELECTIONS LOOM LARGE

Nevertheless, anti-migration sentiment is gaining traction locally ahead of municipal elections in November 2026. Parties now face voters angry about unemployment, crime and crumbling public services. Rightly or wrongly, undocumented migrants increasingly become the target for such grievances.

As such, government plans to pitch Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana a business case later this month. The ask is to fund a multi-year border infrastructure upgrade. Whether Godongwana bites is a story for another briefing …

But what do you think about the spate of deported nationals since 30 June 2026? Do you think they’ve been unfairly treated? Or do you believe they are taking away opportunity from South Africans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below …

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