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South Africa has repatriated 2,745 foreigners in the week after President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed tougher action against illegal immigration, the country's home affairs minister said on Sunday. The announcement comes amid a wave of anti-immigrant unrest that has prompted thousands of foreign nationals, particularly Malawians, to seek voluntary repatriation.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber told reporters, "As of last night, the number we can report is 2,745 repatriations that have come in this period since the president spoke. It is a moving target." The government said most of those repatriated were in the country illegally.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from Africa News and AllAfrica provide consistent accounts of the repatriation figures and the broader context of anti-immigrant sentiment. Both outlets emphasize the role of President Ramaphosa's vow and the escalating unrest. However, they differ in their focus: Africa News highlights the personal stories of migrants and the humanitarian conditions, while AllAfrica covers the logistical and governmental aspects, including the establishment of temporary repatriation sites.

One notable discrepancy is the number of Malawians repatriated. Africa News quotes Malawi's High Commissioner, Stella Ndau, saying 1,549 had arrived in Malawi, with a total of 3,509 Malawians repatriated, while another report mentions more than 3,000 deported. In contrast, AllAfrica reports about 7,000 people have been moved from a temporary site in Durban to a new facility, with thousands more awaiting processing.

Key Claims

  • South Africa repatriated 2,745 foreigners in the week after President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed tougher action against illegal immigration, as reported by Africa News, citing Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber.
  • More than 3,000 Malawian nationals have been deported or repatriated, according to Africa News, with High Commissioner Stella Ndau providing a breakdown: 1,549 arrived in Malawi, 1,260 en route, and 700 deported with South African assistance.
  • Malawi's government announced a formal voluntary repatriation on 2 June after what it called vigilante attacks on African migrants across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, as reported by AllAfrica.
  • Over 2,449 Malawians crossed back home through border posts before the repatriation was announced, according to AllAfrica, citing border records.
  • More than 2,000 Malawians in South Africa have asked their government to help them get home, per AllAfrica.
  • About 7,000 displaced immigrants have been moved from the old Drive-In temporary repatriation site in Durban to a new facility in Musina, Limpopo, as reported by AllAfrica, citing eThekwini Municipality.
  • A new temporary repatriation site has been set up at Durban's Old Drive-In site, with thousands of Malawian immigrants being verified and processed, according to AllAfrica, with Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber describing it as "a heck of a big operation."

Perspectives

South African Government: Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber reaffirmed the government's commitment to enforcing immigration laws, noting the repatriation process is a "moving target." He described the operation as logistically challenging but insisted the government is "starting to hit our stride." Officials have condemned the violence and pledged heightened security, warning that anyone taking the law into their own hands will face arrest.

Malawian Government: High Commissioner Stella Ndau provided detailed figures on repatriations, emphasizing the coordination between Malawian and South African authorities. Malawi's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been in contact with diaspora groups, and the government has warned citizens to beware of scammers offering evacuation assistance.

Migrant Testimonies: Personal accounts from returnees like Ahamadi Assani and Fortunate Chilenje illustrate the fear and hardship driving the repatriation. Many express relief at leaving but also uncertainty about their future in Malawi, with some noting the challenges of rebuilding livelihoods after abandoning jobs and homes in South Africa.