GOVERNMENT SCALES DOWN MUSINA REPATRIATION CENTRE AS FIVE-POINT MIGRATION PLAN YIELDS RESULTS
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PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – Delivering a progress report on behalf of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi highlighted significant milestones achieved under the government's Five-Point Plan on Migration Management.
Key among the announcements is a decision to scale down the capacity of the Musina Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre (TRPC) in Limpopo from 20,000 to 1,500 effective 1 August 2026, following a sharp, sustained decline in processing demand over recent weeks.
Warnings Against Unauthorized Identity Searches and Lawlessness
Before outlining progress across the Five-Point Plan, Minister Kubayi issued stern warnings against vigilantism, illegal identity checks, and resistance to state authorities:
Impersonation & Extortion: The State warned individuals impersonating Home Affairs officials to conduct illegal identity searches and extort foreign nationals and local businesses. Police recently arrested seven perpetrators in Polokwane following targeted interventions.
Confrontations with Law Enforcement: The IMC strongly condemned groups attempting to block or violently resist lawful police operations, referencing recent confrontations in Bellville, Western Cape.
IPID Investigation: Regarding a fatal incident reported during the Bellville operation, Minister Kubayi confirmed the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating, with findings to be made public in due course.
Pillar 1: Law Enforcement, Processing, and Processing Scaledown
Over 68,100 foreign nationals—primarily Malawian, Zimbabwean, and Mozambican citizens—have been processed for voluntary repatriation or deportation through the Musina TRPC and related sites since mid-June 2026.
Dedicated Immigration Courts: Between April and June 2026, specialized immigration courts finalized 28,736 cases (Gauteng: 13,312; KZN: 4,973; Western Cape: 3,334; Eastern Cape: 2,019). Preparations are underway to establish a dedicated court at OR Tambo International Airport and upgrade the Lindela Repatriation Facility Court.
Musina TRPC Capacity Shift: Following three weeks of declining arrivals, the 20,000-capacity facility will scale down to 1,500. Regional assembly points across municipalities will remain on standby should processing spikes recur.
Cracking Down on Crime: Multi-agency operations (SAPS, BMA, DHA, Hawks) have logged 354 arrests and prosecutions for migration offences, plus 69 recent arrests in Jeffreys Bay.
Asset Forfeiture Breakthrough: The SAPS and NPA secured a High Court preservation order against a property in Rietfontein linked to a R100 million crystal meth laboratory operated by a Mexican national.
Pillar 2: Border Security & Infrastructure Upgrades
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has intensified operations along critical border corridors:
Border Operations: Conducted 93 joint borderline operations since April targeting human trafficking, illicit goods, and drug syndicates.
Cabinet Submission: A cabinet memorandum will be tabled to launch physical and technological borderline infrastructure upgrades.
Port Redevelopment: Redevelopment plans for six major land ports of entry (Beitbridge, Lebombo, Oshoek, Ficksburg, Maseru, and Kopfontein) are approaching financial close, with construction slated for early 2027.
Pillar 3: Continental Engagement & International Relations
Addressing regional concerns, South Africa reiterated its focus on diplomatic engagement and lawful cooperation:
African Union Summit: Minister Kubayi welcomed plans to include continental migration as a formal agenda item at the upcoming African Union Heads of State Summit to address root causes like economic instability and governance.
ICC Filing Assessment: Regarding a petition filed with the International Criminal Court (ICC) by two Ghanaian citizens, legal advisors confirmed the filing fails to satisfy the court's statutory and jurisdictional requirements.
African Commission Response: Government has submitted a formal response to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights regarding concerns over xenophobic violence and requested country visits.
Pillars 4 & 5: Legislative Reform and Sectoral Engagements
Key Legislation: Legislative amendments under review include the Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection Bill, Employment Services Amendment Bill, and Business Licensing Bill—the latter seeking to reserve specific small-business sectors exclusively for South African citizens.
Economic Stream Consultations: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) will convene sector engagements with hospitality, agriculture, and tourism leaders to review local hiring compliance and regional trade impacts.
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