JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — As the June 30 deadline rapidly approaches, bus operators in Johannesburg are witnessing a massive surge of migrants traveling to neighboring countries, particularly Zimbabwe and Malawi. The unprecedented rush at the Newtown Bus Station has drastically altered daily transit operations and driven up travel costs for those departing South Africa.
The usually busy terminal is currently experiencing a level of activity typically reserved for the peak December holiday season. Over the past week, transport providers have noted a steady and significant increase in passengers boarding long-distance routes. To accommodate the overwhelming demand, operators have ramped up their schedules, with as many as 20 buses now departing the station daily—a figure far higher than their ordinary daily operations.
Bus operators note that the high volume of passengers has forced them to deploy third coaches, a significant jump from their standard first and second coach deployments. The continuous turnaround has left drivers with no time to rest between trips, as they execute immediate return journeys to ferry more passengers back to their home nations.
The sudden spike in demand has also impacted pricing. Operators at the Newtown Bus Station have increased their original bus fares by R500 per person. Meanwhile, local transport networks, including taxis and small trucks, are working overtime to ferry the departing migrants from various parts of the city to the main bus stations.
Among the crowds boarding the buses, migrants are displaying mixed emotions about their departure. For many, leaving South Africa is a difficult transition, as they have spent years building lives, raising families, and pursuing dreams in the country. Conversely, others view the relocation as a positive opportunity to reunite with loved ones and start fresh in their home nations.
“I’m not excited. Actually, I’m sad, but I have nothing to do. We have to follow the procedure,” one migrant expressed, highlighting the reluctance some feel about the mandatory departure process. Another traveler noted that while returning home has its comforts, the mass move is heavily influenced by current political issues and government policies.
Official channels are also feeling the impact of the exodus. The Border Management Authority has confirmed a notable increase in human movement, specifically along the N1 corridor toward the Beit Bridge port of entry and the N4 corridor toward the Lebombo border post. The Authority stated that it is actively collaborating with neighboring countries and foreign missions to facilitate and manage these voluntary repatriations smoothly.
In the broader community, civil society groups are preparing for the social implications of the deadline. Several organizations, including the Grace Bible Church, have issued appeals for calm ahead of a march planned for this coming Tuesday.
