MUSINA, LIMPOPO — The Musina Repatriation Centre has successfully processed more than 70,000 undocumented migrants over the past three weeks, according to the Home Affairs Department. As the number of foreign nationals arriving at the facility continues to decline, officials report that conditions are steadily improving while voluntary repatriation efforts remain fully operational.
Albert Matsaung, representing Limpopo Home Affairs, confirmed that while daily intake numbers naturally fluctuate, the center is efficiently managing the processing and transport of individuals. He noted that recent coordinated efforts have significantly reduced backlogs, ensuring that those volunteering for repatriation receive timely support without unnecessary delays.
Highlighting recent operational fluctuations, Matsaung detailed that the facility processed a recent low of 696 individuals on a Sunday, utilizing 10 transport buses. However, by Monday, July 13, 2026, arrivals increased, prompting the deployment of 17 buses. This surge facilitated the repatriation of over 1,100 individuals in a single day. Of those, 15 buses were dedicated to transporting Malawian nationals, while two buses were allocated for Zimbabwean citizens, successfully moving 132 people across the border.
Cumulatively, more than 70,000 people have been processed and repatriated through the Beitbridge border post since the center opened three weeks ago. Matsaung emphasized that this progress is the result of rigorous collaboration between Home Affairs officials, other government departments, and civil society organizations, which have helped account for and process tens of thousands of individuals efficiently and humanely.
Addressing a specific ongoing case, Matsaung mentioned a woman and her three children whose repatriation was temporarily halted. Home Affairs officials intervened to prevent the potential wrongful deportation of a South African citizen. The Department of Social Development is currently investigating the matter and has presented preliminary identification documents. Matsaung stated that Home Affairs must physically verify these certificates against the national population and birth registration systems to conclusively determine the citizenship status of the woman and her children before any further action is taken.
“All relevant stakeholders are still on the ground, making sure they fulfill their roles,” Matsaung stated. “Things are running smoothly. We are monitoring the numbers that continue to come in, and as they arrive, we ensure they are processed swiftly and with the necessary support.”
As daily numbers stabilize, the focus at the Musina Repatriation Centre remains on dignified, lawful, and efficient processing for all foreign nationals seeking to return to their home countries.
