PRETORIA — The Border Management Authority (BMA) has repatriated and deported more than 13,000 foreign nationals through the Beitbridge border post and O.R. Tambo International Airport over the past five days. This major enforcement operation comes amid growing calls for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country ahead of the June 30 deadline.
BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato stated that authorities have significantly intensified operations to enforce immigration laws and manage cross-border movement. He noted that heightened activity is primarily concentrated along the northern corridor via the N1 to Beitbridge, the eastern corridor toward the Lebombo border post, and at O.R. Tambo International Airport.
Detailed Breakdown of Repatriations
Addressing the specific numbers processed over the five-day period, Masiapato explained that while the BMA handles its normal daily throughput—such as the 15,000 to 18,000 people moving through Beitbridge and Lebombo daily—the recent repatriation and deportation figures are substantial.
At the Beitbridge border post, authorities processed approximately 9,000 Malawians and around 700 Zimbabweans. Along the eastern corridor at Lebombo, about 1,000 Mozambicans were processed. Meanwhile, at O.R. Tambo International Airport, the BMA handled roughly 900 Ghanaians and 260 Nigerians.
Masiapato emphasized that deportations and repatriations are highly complex processes requiring extensive due diligence, which intensifies the workload for border officials beyond their normal daily duties.
Logistics and Police Escorts
Addressing recent media reports regarding repatriation buses departing from Durban and Cape Town—some of which were reportedly found stranded in the south of Johannesburg—the BMA Commissioner clarified the coordination efforts in place.
He explained that repatriations are facilitated in collaboration with the respective national embassies. Once buses are assembled, the South African Police Service (SAPS) provides escorts. For instance, KZN SAPS escorts buses from Durban along the N3, handing them over to Gauteng authorities, who then push them along the N1 to Limpopo teams for the final border crossing. A similar escort model is utilized for deportations originating from the Lindela repatriation center, which is managed by the Department of Home Affairs. Masiapato assured that the BMA coordinates closely with inland law enforcement and is not experiencing challenges with these convoys.
Regional Cooperation and Border Security
When discussing cross-border management, Masiapato confirmed that regional cooperation for repatriations and deportations is functioning at 100 percent. Strict protocols, including paperwork and body receipts, are followed to ensure individuals are properly accounted for by receiving countries, preventing any violations of international non-refoulement protocols.
However, he highlighted a persistent challenge regarding inward illegal migration, noting a lack of sufficient assistance from neighboring countries in patrolling their side of the borders to intercept individuals attempting to enter South Africa illegally.
Readiness for the June 30 Deadline
Despite the heightened tensions and increased numbers, Masiapato assured that the BMA is fully prepared for any potential surge in exits leading up to the June 30 deadline. Operating under the broader Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security cluster, including NATJOINTS and PROVJOINTS, the BMA has deployed targeted officials to active ports.
He noted that all exiting individuals are duly processed, fingerprints are taken, and those deported for being in the country illegally are declared undesirable, banning them from re-entering South Africa for five years.
Budget Constraints and Future Strategies
The briefing also touched on the BMA’s funding. Masiapato acknowledged that the authority had requested R4 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year but was allocated just under R2 billion. Currently, the BMA has received R900 million over a three-year medium-term period to build additional capacity. This comes amid public discussion regarding a R600 million allocation given to SAPS for inland operations related to the June 30 deadline.
Masiapato reiterated that the President has emphasized border security as a top government priority, expressing hope that further investments will follow to break the cycle of illegal migration.
Looking ahead, the BMA is shifting its strategy from manual, paper-based systems to advanced electronic solutions. Masiapato highlighted the push by Minister of Home Affairs Dr. Leon Schreiber to introduce an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system and facial recognition technology. These biometric advancements aim to accurately track everyone entering the country, effectively addressing the complexities of individuals who enter legally but overstay their visas.
