South Africa reduces Musina migrant centre capacity amid large‑scale repatriations

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi announced that South Africa will scale down operations at the Musina Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre (TRPC) from a 20,000‑person capacity to 1,500 effective 1 August 2026. The decision follows a sharp decline in the number of undocumented foreign nationals processed since the centre opened in June.

Between 14 June and 24 July the government processed 68,138 foreign nationals, the majority through Musina, and the Border Management Authority recorded 72,906 repatriations at ports of entry during the 7 June–14 July period. Most of those repatriated were Malawian nationals, followed by Zimbabwean and Mozambican citizens. The government affirmed that the scaled‑down will not compromise ongoing deportations or humanitarian support such as health care, food, water and child‑protection services.

In parallel, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa welcomed a second wave of 150 Ghanaians returning from South Africa after xenophobic attacks, providing each with a GH₵5,500 reintegration package and noting the role of local churches in sheltering evacuees. Mozambique also reported over 1,400 of its nationals repatriated amid the same crisis.