South Africa Launches Mass Deportation Campaign, Over 53,000 Migrants Removed

The South African government reports that more than 53,000 foreign nationals have been deported or repatriated since launching a “migration management” campaign five weeks ago.

Officials say the majority of those removed were from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and the number is likely to rise as further operations continue.

The campaign follows weeks of anti‑immigration protests, which have seen violence, intimidation and looting at the hands of demonstrators who demand tighter border controls and mass deportations.

Responding to concerns, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi told a press conference in Pretoria that the process helps identify people wanted by police for alleged criminal activity.

"We are striving to achieve an orderly and regular migration which is mindful and sensitive to the concerns raised by our people, while observing human rights and dignity of all people in our country, irrespective of their citizenship and immigration status," Teresa Kubayi said.

The government also warned protesters against unauthorized searches of homes and businesses suspected of sheltering undocumented migrants.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged public concerns about immigration but condemned attacks against migrants, urging citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

South Africa, the continent’s wealthiest nation, has long attracted migrants seeking better opportunities, including many who enter the country illegally.