Beitbridge: Ahead of planned repatriation operations, the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration conducted a site inspection at the Beitbridge border post in Limpopo. The IMC, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, is focused on strengthening border management and enhancing migration governance.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development announced that Minister Kubayi was accompanied by Deputy Minister Andries Nel, Minister of Health Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Public Works Dean Macpherson, Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber, Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia, and Deputy Minister of Police Polly Boshielo. The delegation assessed the operational readiness of the temporary processing center ahead of the repatriation operations.
Last week, Dr. Michael Masiapato, the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), noted that the BMA is facilitating the lawful and orderly repatriation of foreign nationals through the Beitbridge port of entry, with over 8,000 persons processed so far. Minister Kubayi highlighted the government's substantial progress in the deportation and repatriation of undocumented foreign nationals, aligning with the five-point comprehensive approach for managing migration through lawful and coordinated mechanisms.
The government has increased efforts to address illegal immigration through the Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management, as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this month. Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to protest peacefully and responsibly, emphasizing that violence, intimidation, and vigilantism are unacceptable. In his weekly newsletter, the President acknowledged concerns about illegal immigration, border management, and related issues, ahead of planned demonstrations against undocumented immigration.