MUSINA, LIMPOPO — The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration has visited Musina to assess the ongoing repatriation of undocumented foreign nationals, with Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi confirming that 37,000 Malawian citizens have been successfully repatriated so far.
The ministerial visit comes as authorities transition undocumented migrants from the crowded Musina showgrounds to a newly designated processing facility in Limpopo. Justice Minister Kubayi emphasized the critical importance of thoroughly processing every individual before they depart the country. She noted that this orderly approach is necessary to maintain strict immigration records and prevent individuals with criminal cases from leaving South Africa undetected.
The newly established facility offers significantly improved infrastructure and sanitation compared to the temporary conditions at the showgrounds. During the inspection, the Director General walked the committee through the center, highlighting the collaborative efforts between national and provincial authorities to ensure the migrants are properly accommodated while awaiting their return home.
Provincial leadership has mobilized to support the national government’s repatriation efforts. The Limpopo Premier delegated several executive council members to the site, including the MECs for Transport and Community Safety, Health, and Social Development.
Speaking on behalf of the Premier, the acting MEC for Social Development confirmed that the provincial government conducted a thorough inspection of the new center to ensure humane treatment and adequate living conditions for the migrants.
“Regardless of the fact that they are not South African citizens, they are still human beings and must be treated with that respect,” the MEC stated, confirming that the provincial Department of Health is providing medical services and that the Department of Public Works has successfully upgraded the infrastructure, including ablution facilities and water supply.
To further support the migrants, telecommunications giants MTN and Vodacom have deployed teams to the site to ensure network connectivity, allowing the individuals to communicate with their relatives. Additionally, a coalition of local business people has partnered with the national government to provide food for those at the center.
While the processing facility has received praise, the committee’s inspection of the border line between South Africa and Zimbabwe revealed pressing infrastructure challenges. The provincial MEC noted that the border fences require urgent attention and intervention from the national government. During the visit, individuals were observed waiting on the opposite side of the river, poised to cross into South Africa as soon as security patrols moved on.
Regarding border security, the MEC commended the presence of the Border Management Authority (BMA) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), stating they are effectively executing their mandate at the ports of entry. However, following a briefing with the police commissioner, it was noted that security personnel are facing resource constraints that hinder their ability to fully execute their national mandate. Provincial leaders expressed confidence that these challenges will be resolved once the national government provides the necessary support.
Meanwhile, the repatriation process faces logistical hurdles regarding the home countries of the undocumented migrants. While the majority of those at the center are Malawian, there is also a contingent of Zimbabwean nationals. Many of the migrants have expressed frustration over the prolonged delays, accusing their respective home governments of failing to expedite the repatriation process and coordinate effectively with South African authorities.
Authorities continue to process the individuals at the Limpopo facility, working to resolve these diplomatic and logistical bottlenecks as the Musina repatriation operation continues.
