Bunjiwe Mkwananzi
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
A SOUTH African Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs delegation is today expected in Musina, Limpopo, for a two-day urgent oversight visit to temporary repatriation centres, as thousands of migrants continue leaving the country through the Beitbridge Border Post amid heightened anti-migrant tensions.
The oversight mission comes in the wake of the 30 June 2026 deadline issued by various anti-immigrant groups, which prompted a major humanitarian and administrative response affecting Zimbabweans, Malawians and other undocumented foreign nationals living in South Africa.
In response to the growing number of people seeking to return home, South African authorities established temporary repatriation centres in Musina to facilitate the processing and voluntary return of migrants.
Announcing the visit on Monday, South Africa’s Parliament said the committee would assess the preparedness and operational capacity of the facilities, including administrative processes and coordination among government departments.
On Tuesday, committee members are expected to tour holding areas, registration desks and medical screening points at the Musina repatriation centre.
They will also engage officials from the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Health and humanitarian organisations on issues relating to accommodation, food, water supplies and transport arrangements for migrants awaiting buses to their respective countries.
According to a parliamentary statement, the purpose of the visit is not to endorse deportations but to ensure that the repatriation process is conducted lawfully, orderly and humanely.
“We have a constitutional duty to verify that the dignity and rights of all persons are safeguarded, even as immigration laws are enforced,” reads the statement.
On Wednesday, the delegation will proceed to the Beitbridge Port of Entry to monitor border management during the ongoing repatriation exercise.
The committee said it will assess compliance with the South African Constitution, immigration legislation and the country’s international humanitarian obligations.
The oversight comes as traffic through Beitbridge continues to increase, with footage from the border this week showing long queues of buses and private vehicles carrying migrants returning to neighbouring countries.
Thousands of Zimbabweans, Malawians and other foreign nationals have been leaving South Africa by road in recent days, with many citing fear and uncertainty following community marches and ultimatums issued by anti-immigrant groups in several provinces.
Humanitarian organisations operating at the border said most migrants are returning voluntarily, carrying only essential belongings, while border authorities have extended operating hours to cope with the surge in traffic.
The parliamentary committee is expected to compile a report containing recommendations on improving coordination among departments, strengthening reception conditions at repatriation centres and enhancing communication to prevent exploitation while ensuring the safe and dignified movement of returning migrants.
