In a sudden operational reversal, the Department of Home Affairs has officially withdrawn a newly issued directive concerning the intake of asylum seeker applications, citing immediate threats to public safety and severely overwhelmed infrastructure.

The directive, which was originally implemented on September 28, 2026, aimed to fulfill a Constitutional Court order from July 7 regarding the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town legal matter.

However, the practical application of the ruling quickly triggered unforeseen logistical complications.

Within days, Refugee Reception Offices (RROs) across the country were completely swamped by an unmanageable influx of applicants.

According to the department, the rapid congestion not only brought operations to a halt but also placed Home Affairs officials at severe physical risk, creating volatile environments that threatened broader public order.

In an effort to clear up political speculation, the department clarified that the initial directive was a purely internal operational attempt by the Director-General to satisfy the judiciary’s mandate.

Home Affairs emphasized that the decision was made without the prior knowledge or involvement of the Minister of Home Affairs or any other political office-bearers, firmly denying claims that the roll-out was politically motivated.

Moving forward, Home Affairs has stated it will reassess its strategy and embark on a fresh process to design a sustainable operational approach.

The department reaffirmed its respect for the rule of law and the judiciary, pledging to find a safer, more structured method to comply with the Constitutional Court’s directives without compromising public safety.

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