MUSINA, LIMPOPO — The Home Affairs Department has confirmed that the Musina Repatriation Centre has successfully processed over 70,000 undocumented migrants in just three weeks. As the overall volume of foreign nationals arriving at the facility begins to decline, officials emphasize that operational conditions are steadily improving and voluntary repatriation efforts remain highly effective.
Albert Matsaung, representing Limpopo Home Affairs, noted that while the massive initial influx has slowed due to coordinated government and civil society efforts, daily figures naturally fluctuate. The center remains fully operational, prioritizing the swift and dignified processing of individuals who voluntarily raise their hands to seek repatriation support.
Illustrating this daily variance, Matsaung pointed out that a recent Sunday saw a low of 696 individuals processed, requiring 10 transport buses. However, by Monday, July 13, 2026, the center experienced a notable surge, repatriating more than 1,100 people in a single day. This effort utilized 17 buses: 15 were dispatched to transport Malawian nationals, while two buses facilitated the return of 132 Zimbabwean citizens.
Since its opening, the facility at the Beitbridge border post has managed to account for and process more than 70,000 people. Matsaung credited this milestone to the relentless collaboration between Home Affairs officials, various government departments, and charitable organizations. This teamwork has prevented backlogs and ensured that individuals do not unnecessarily overstay at the center, except for those arriving late at night from other provinces.
Addressing a specific, sensitive case, Matsaung highlighted the department’s caution regarding a woman and her three children, intervening to prevent the accidental deportation of a potential South African citizen. The Department of Social Development has since taken over the matter, presenting preliminary identification documents and a certificate. Matsaung stressed that Home Affairs must physically verify these documents against the national population and birth registration systems to conclusively confirm the family’s citizenship status before any repatriation steps are considered.
“All relevant stakeholders remain on the ground, fulfilling their respective roles to ensure things run smoothly,” Matsaung concluded. He reaffirmed the department’s commitment to continuously monitoring arrivals and providing the necessary support to process every individual safely and efficiently as they come through the center.