Pretoria: Government has announced that it will scale down operations at the Musina Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre (TRPC) from 20,000 to 1,500 capacity from 1 August, as the implementation of its Five-Point Plan on Migration Management continues to yield results. The decision follows a sustained decline in the number of undocumented foreign nationals requiring processing at the facility, which was established in June to manage increased migration pressures and facilitate orderly repatriations.
According to South African Government News Agency, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi reported on the progress of the Five-Point Plan on Sunday, emphasizing the government's commitment to strengthening migration management while ensuring humanitarian support and constitutional obligations are central to its approach. Minister Kubayi stated, "The IMC has taken a decision at its regular meeting on Friday, 24 July 2026, that as of the 1st of August 2026, operations at the TRPC will be scaled down from 20,000 capacity to 1,500 capacity, after analysis of data trends for the past three weeks."
The Minister assured that the phased reduction will not compromise the government's ability to process undocumented foreign nationals or carry out deportations and repatriations. She reaffirmed the state's legal obligation to continuously manage migration issues, guided by the Five-Point Plan and immigration laws, with oversight by the Cabinet.
Significant progress has been made in processing undocumented foreign nationals since migration pressures intensified in June. "Regarding deportations and repatriations, we can confirm that since Malawian nationals assembled at Sherwood in KwaZulu-Natal between the 14th of June 2026 to 24 July 2026, a total of 68,138 foreign nationals have been processed," Minister Kubayi stated. The Border Management Authority (BMA) has also processed 72,906 repatriations through all ports of entry between 7 June and 14 July.
South Africa's dedicated immigration courts have been processing migration-related cases at an accelerated pace, with 28,736 cases finalized between 1 April and the end of June. Government plans to establish a dedicated immigration court at OR Tambo International Airport and upgrade the Lindela Court at the deportation facility.
Minister Kubayi highlighted the government's commitment to protecting vulnerable people requiring humanitarian assistance. Concerns raised about conditions at the Musina TRPC have been addressed through healthcare services, access to food, water, sanitation, child protection measures, and coordination with various organizations.
The establishment of the TRPC has enabled the government to manage migration pressures in a coordinated and humane manner. The facility facilitated orderly and dignified departures through a central processing system, reducing immediate safety risks and improving coordination among government departments and humanitarian organizations.
Minister Kubayi expressed appreciation to institutions and organizations that supported the operation of the center, including the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Department of Home Affairs, Border Management Authority, and others. The business community, particularly MTN, contributed significantly by donating R15 million to support essential services.
Although operations at Musina will be significantly reduced, the government has identified assembly points across municipalities to respond quickly if migration pressures increase again. Minister Kubayi urged stakeholders to continue supporting these designated assembly points.
The Minister reiterated that migration management is a long-term national program involving various government levels, law enforcement agencies, border authorities, municipalities, and social partners. "The implementation of the Five-Point Plan is yielding tangible progress," she said, emphasizing the commitment to a secure, humane, lawful migration system aligned with constitutional values.
