MUSINA, Limpopo — The repatriation of illegal immigrants at the temporary centre in Musina continues to see fluctuating daily numbers, according to the Department of Home Affairs, as the government programme progresses into its second month of operation.
Department of Home Affairs Chief Director Albert Matsaung confirmed that illegal immigrants from Zimbabwe, Malawi, and a smaller contingent from Mozambique continue to arrive and depart from the facility. Matsaung noted that daily processing numbers remain variable. While recent weekend figures showed a decline—with 696 individuals processed on Sunday and 707 the following day—numbers rebounded significantly by midweek. Matsaung estimated that between 2,000 and 2,500 illegal immigrants were present at the centre for processing on a recent morning, though daily counts no longer consistently reach the thousands.
Since the repatriation project commenced on the 14th of last month, the interministerial committee has reported that countrywide daily processing has stabilized into the dozens. To date, a total of over 55,900 individuals have voluntarily come forward for repatriation across the country. The Musina centre alone has successfully processed more than 34,000 of these individuals, with Malawian citizens making up the majority of those currently being handled at the facility.
Among those processed was 32-year-old Malawian resident Moffat Hendrisonn, who stated he is leaving South Africa voluntarily. Hendrisonn, who recently worked as a bricklayer in Paarl, Western Cape, explained that South Africa remains his primary hope for employment due to a lack of formal qualifications. He intends to secure the necessary legal travel documents in Malawi so he can return to South Africa to work legally in the future.
Hendrisonn highlighted the economic disparities driving his decision, noting that in Malawi, government job creation heavily favors the educated. In contrast, he observed that South Africa offers employment opportunities even for those without formal education, allowing individuals to sustain themselves through physical labor.
To support vulnerable populations during this transition, a non-governmental humanitarian organization is actively providing aid at the facility. This includes a dedicated station for mothers and infants, which is stocked daily with baby formula, food, and essential hygiene packs.
In a separate development, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed the death of a 41-year-old Zimbabwean woman who passed away on Tuesday at the Beitbridge Port of Entry. Officials clarified that the deceased was not among the illegal immigrants processed at the Musina Repatriation Centre. She had traveled directly to the border post from Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The circumstances surrounding her death are currently under official investigation.
