POLOKWANE – Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has intensified the province’s campaign against illegal immigration, announcing a series of engagements with traditional leaders as authorities continue large scale operations targeting undocumented foreign nationals.

The move signals the provincial government’s determination to strengthen immigration enforcement in rural communities, where traditional leaders remain influential and are often regarded as the first line of local governance.

Speaking during a law enforcement operation in Greenside, outside Polokwane, Ramathuba said the provincial government would not retreat from its efforts to enforce South Africa’s immigration laws. Instead, her administration plans to work directly with traditional leaders across Limpopo’s five districts, with the first round of dialogues scheduled to begin on 31 July 2026.

The Premier said the initiative reflects the realities of Limpopo, where approximately 90% of the province consists of rural communities under traditional leadership.

Ramathuba made the announcement while accompanying law enforcement officials on a door to door operation aimed at identifying undocumented foreign nationals and ensuring compliance with immigration legislation.

She was joined by Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers, MEC for Transport and Community Safety Violet Mathye, and representatives from several government departments and law enforcement agencies.

The operation produced significant results.

Authorities searched 478 people, stopped and inspected 148 vehicles, and conducted compliance inspections at 34 spaza shops to verify that businesses were operating within the law and to protect consumers.

Officials also identified 339 undocumented foreign nationals, primarily from Zimbabwe and Malawi. The individuals will now be processed in accordance with the Immigration Act by the relevant authorities.

The operation also resulted in the arrest of one suspect wanted in connection with a murder and robbery case. Two additional suspects were arrested for the illegal sale of illicit cigarettes.

Several women identified during the operation were instructed to gather their belongings before being transported to the Department of Home Affairs’ temporary repatriation processing centre in Musina, where their cases will be handled.

Ramathuba also issued a direct appeal to communities and traditional leaders, urging them not to harbour undocumented foreign nationals or register spaza shops on behalf of individuals who are in South Africa illegally.

The upcoming engagements with traditional leaders are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation between government and rural communities to improve compliance with immigration laws while addressing concerns surrounding undocumented migration.

The provincial initiative comes as South Africa continues an intensified national immigration enforcement campaign.

According to the latest figures released by the South African government in mid July 2026, 53,449 undocumented foreign nationals had been processed for deportation or voluntary repatriation since intensified enforcement operations began in June.

Government data shows that more than 80% of those processed were Malawian nationals, while others came from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya.

Officials further confirmed that more than 20,000 undocumented foreign nationals passed through the temporary repatriation processing centre in Musina during the ongoing operations.

As Limpopo prepares for province wide consultations with traditional leaders, the discussions are expected to play a significant role in shaping how local communities participate in the enforcement of immigration laws, particularly in rural areas where traditional authorities continue to wield considerable influence.

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