Africa-Press – South-Africa. The government of South Africa announced the deportation of 2,745 foreigners to their home countries within a week, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s pledge to take stricter measures against illegal immigration amid rising tensions and anti-foreigner protests in several areas of the country.
The South African Minister of Home Affairs confirmed on Sunday, June 14, that most of those deported were residing in the country illegally.
The announcement came days after President Ramaphosa acknowledged increasing concerns regarding illegal immigration, emphasizing that authorities would not tolerate any violations of the law.
South Africa has witnessed protests for several months demanding the deportation of illegal immigrants, with some movements escalating into violence targeting foreigners and their properties.
Recent incidents of looting and assaults have prompted citizens from Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique to join voluntary repatriation programs organized by their governments.
In this context, the joint ministerial committee on immigration held a press conference to review government measures aimed at curbing illegal immigration. These steps come amid calls from protest groups for illegal immigrants to leave the country by June 30.
Authorities indicated that the violence associated with this crisis has resulted in the deaths of at least two citizens from Mozambique, while thousands of Malawian citizens have sought refuge in a temporary camp in Durban to escape the assaults. Several African countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, have begun organizing operations to repatriate their nationals.
For her part, the Minister of Justice and Chairperson of the Immigration Committee, Mamoloko Kubayi, sought to reassure the public regarding security and immigration, affirming that the government is in control of the situation and is effectively managing illegal immigration.
Kubayi explained that the Border Management Agency has enhanced its technical capabilities by using drones and thermal cameras to monitor the borders and prevent illegal crossings.
She also revealed the launch of an awareness campaign to combat corruption at border crossings, aimed at addressing practices that facilitate illegal immigration and ensuring more effective law enforcement.
