South Africa — The Border Management Authority repatriation operations have successfully facilitated the departure of thousands of foreign nationals through major South African land and air ports over the past five days. Border Management Authority Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato confirmed the large-scale movement, which is being executed through coordinated efforts involving multiple government departments and foreign missions.
Detailing the operational volumes, Dr. Masiapato reported significant outward flowing traffic primarily along the N1 corridor at the Beitbridge Port of Entry and the N4 corridor at the Lebombo Border Post. At Beitbridge, authorities processed approximately 9,000 Malawian nationals. These individuals were categorized into two groups: those repatriated through their government’s facilitated processes and those deported via the Department of Home Affairs. Additionally, around 3,000 Zimbabwean nationals were processed and exited into Zimbabwe through the same port.
At the Lebombo Border Post, the authority facilitated the exit of over 1,000 Mozambican nationals. Dr. Masiapato noted that these individuals were primarily relocated from the Cape Town area following recent events in the Western Cape. Meanwhile, at OR Tambo International Airport, officials processed the departure of approximately 900 Ghanaian nationals and around 300 Nigerian nationals.
Addressing inward-flowing traffic, the Commissioner stated that normal processing numbers remain stable and consistent with the current off-season period. However, following the President’s June 7 directive to amplify border consolidation and intercept illegal entries, the authority has apprehended approximately 4,300 individuals attempting to enter the country unlawfully since the speech. These interceptions occurred primarily along the northern corridor at Beitbridge, the eastern corridor bordering Mozambique, and at OR Tambo International Airport.
The repatriation and border security operations are being managed within a broader interdepartmental ecosystem. The initiative involves coordination with the Zimbabwean and Malawian foreign missions, the Department of Home Affairs, and the South African Police Service.
Dr. Masiapato emphasized that the Border Management Authority is interfacing its work with the Njoints and the Justice Crime Prevention and Security (JCPs) cluster to oversee the broader operational environment. Confirming that contingency plans remain stable, the Commissioner assured that all necessary personnel are deployed on the ground to ensure the efficient and orderly processing of all individuals arriving at and departing from the country’s ports of entry.