The Presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa will speak at 18h00 on Sunday, 7 June 2026, from the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where he is expected to outline the government’s management approach to illegal migration and the recent surge in protests against foreign nationals. The SABC will provide a broadcast feed to media houses, while PresidencyZA will livestream the address on digital platforms.

The address comes amid rising tensions over March and March’s 30 June deadline, which the anti-illegal immigration movement has set for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa. The deadline has triggered fear in some communities and intensified debate over how the government should respond to illegal migration without allowing intimidation, vigilantism or violence to take root.

In recent weeks, anti-illegal immigration protests have spread across parts of the country, with police intervention required in some areas after threats were reportedly made against foreign nationals and their property. The Citizen reported that March and March are among the organisations at the forefront of the protests and have set what it described as a hard 30 June deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country.

However, the 30 June deadline is not an official government deadline. AFP Fact Check reported that the government has not issued any directive ordering undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa by 30 June, warning that fake notices using state symbols have been circulated to mislead communities and cause panic.

The President’s address is expected to place the government under intense public scrutiny. On one side are communities demanding stronger action against illegal migration, border weaknesses, alleged job competition, and crime. On the other hand, there are fears that public anger may spill over into xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals, including those who are legally in the country.

The government has already warned citizens not to take the law into their own hands. SA News reported that Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the government has introduced measures to curb illegal immigration, including the establishment of the Border Management Authority in 2023 to strengthen border control. She also warned against vigilantism in response to illegal migration.

The situation has also drawn international concern. Reuters reported that Mozambique said five of its nationals had died in South Africa amid anti-immigrant violence, while hundreds of Mozambican citizens were being repatriated following attacks and rising fear.

Ramaphosa has previously condemned violence directed at foreign nationals, saying such acts do not represent South Africa’s people or government policy. In a recent weekly letter, he said everyone in South Africa must respect and uphold the country’s laws.

Sunday night’s address is therefore expected to be more than a routine presidential statement. It comes at a moment when the government must show that it can enforce immigration laws, protect communities, secure the country’s borders, and prevent South Africa from descending into violence against foreign nationals.

For Ramaphosa, the challenge will be to speak firmly enough to reassure South Africans demanding action, while making it clear that no organisation, political formation, or protest movement has the authority to enforce immigration laws outside the Constitution.

The nation will be watching closely at 18h00. For many, the key question is whether the President will announce a concrete plan, or simply appeal for calm as the 30 June deadline approaches.

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A major cross-border operation unfolded at the Lebombo Port of Entry on Tuesday as South African authorities facilitated the departure of 933 Mozambican nationals, marking one of the largest single-day repatriation movements recorded at the busy border crossing.

The large-scale operation, coordinated by the Border Management Authority (BMA), brought together multiple government departments and law enforcement agencies in an effort to ensure that every traveller was processed in accordance with South Africa’s immigration laws.

By the end of the day, hundreds of individuals had crossed back into Mozambique following extensive verification procedures, while a small number were prevented from leaving due to unresolved documentation and immigration concerns.

Hundreds transported from Lindela and Mossel Bay

According to the BMA, 349 Mozambican nationals were transported from the Lindela Holding Facility as part of the Department of Home Affairs’ deportation programme.

A further 584 individuals travelled from Mossel Bay after arrangements were made through the Mozambican High Commission.

The operation transformed the normally busy border post into a carefully coordinated processing centre, with officials working throughout the day to manage the movement of nearly a thousand people.

Rigorous checks before departure

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato confirmed that all travellers underwent strict screening measures before being authorised to leave South Africa.

These included identity verification processes, biometric checks and assessments of each individual’s immigration status.

Authorities said the measures were designed to ensure that departures were lawful, orderly and fully compliant with immigration regulations.

Among those processed were 38 minors. Officials from the Department of Social Development assisted with the handling of these cases to ensure compliance with child protection requirements and safeguard the rights of children involved in the operation.

The BMA also confirmed that 17 individuals who had overstayed their legal period of entry into South Africa were processed in terms of the Immigration Act.

Seven travellers stopped at the border

While the overwhelming majority of travellers successfully crossed into Mozambique, seven individuals were not permitted to leave.

According to the BMA, these cases involved travellers who failed to meet cross-border requirements, individuals whose nationality or immigration status required further verification, and minors who did not possess the necessary documentation.

Authorities said these cases will undergo additional assessment before any further action is taken.

Multi-agency operation completed without incident

The operation was conducted without any reported security incidents.

Officials from BMA Immigration Services, Port Health, law enforcement agencies and the South African Police Service worked alongside Mozambican authorities to manage the large movement of people safely and efficiently.

The successful completion of the operation highlights the increasingly important role played by border authorities in managing migration, enforcing immigration laws and ensuring compliance at one of South Africa’s busiest border crossings.

Masiapato: Border movement must remain lawful and orderly

Commissioner Masiapato said the operation demonstrated the importance of maintaining a structured and lawful immigration system.

“The management of cross-border movement must be conducted in a manner that is lawful, orderly and consistent with South Africa’s immigration framework,” he said.

As South Africa continues to face growing pressure on its borders, Tuesday’s operation at Lebombo stands as one of the most significant examples this year of coordinated immigration management between South African and Mozambican authorities.

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According to the BMA, the consignment was discovered on 27 May 2026 during an intelligence-driven operation coordinated by the BMA’s National Border Targeting Centre.

Border guards intercepted a truck travelling from Malawi into South Africa. The truck was subjected to a non-intrusive inspection through a cargo scanner, where suspicious substances were detected.

Officials then conducted an extensive physical search of the truck, which lasted approximately eight hours. During the search, they discovered a substance identified as methaqualone, also known as ABBA, which is commonly used in the manufacturing of Mandrax.

The South African Police Service K-9 Unit and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, were called in to assist with processing the crime scene and further investigations.

Authorities confirmed that the truck was carrying approximately 713,000 grams of the substance, with an estimated street value of R998.2 million.

Three suspects were arrested during the operation and are currently detained at the Musina Police Station. They are expected to appear in court soon on charges relating to drug trafficking and contravention of South African laws.

Investigations are now underway to determine the intended destination of the substance and whether the syndicate forms part of a broader transnational criminal network operating in the region or globally.

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato commended border guards and law enforcement agencies involved in the operation, saying the interception demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led border security operations and collaboration among law enforcement agencies.

“This interception sends a strong message that South Africa’s borders are not a safe passage for organised criminal activities. The BMA remains committed to strengthening border security, combating transnational crime, and protecting the country from illicit activities that threaten our communities and economy,” said Masiapato.

The BMA said it continues to strengthen its operational capabilities through advanced technology, intelligence coordination, and strategic partnerships to secure South Africa’s borders.

Pictures courtesy of the BMA.

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BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said the group was processed as part of a repatriation operation facilitated by the Ghanaian government through its High Commission in Pretoria.

According to the BMA, 25 of the Ghanaian nationals came from the Lindela holding facility and were brought by the Immigration Inspectorate of the Department of Home Affairs. The remaining 275 were brought by the Ghanaian High Commissioner.

During the check-in and immigration process, the BMA said about 90% of the travellers were found to be undocumented. The Ghanaian Embassy then issued Emergency Travel Certificates to affected travellers. These are one-way documents that allow travellers to return to their country of origin.

The BMA further stated that most of the travellers had overstayed in South Africa by more than 30 days, while some had overstayed by a year or more. As a result, they were declared undesirable in terms of Section 30 of the Immigration Act, read with Regulation 27(3)(c) of the Immigration Regulations.

At the end of the processing, 295 passengers were found eligible to depart. They boarded a chartered flight arranged by the Ghanaian government through its High Commission in Pretoria and departed for Ghana.

However, five travellers were refused departure.

According to the BMA, one passenger had a valid asylum seeker permit and could not be allowed to depart without cancelling his application for protection in South Africa. The BMA said allowing him to leave without cancelling the application would have been tantamount to refoulement.

Another passenger was denied departure because he did not have a valid travel document. The BMA said he was in possession of an expired passport and had not been issued an Emergency Travel Certificate by the Embassy.

A woman was also stopped from leaving the country with two minor children who are understood to belong to her sister. According to the BMA, she did not have documents proving her relationship to the children, nor the required consent documentation from the alleged parent.

The travellers who were denied departure were handed back to the Ghanaian High Commissioner for future repatriation once they meet the relevant immigration requirements.

Commissioner Masiapato said the operation demonstrated the BMA’s commitment to enforcing South Africa’s immigration laws while facilitating the legitimate movement of people and goods.

“This decisive action underscores the BMA’s uncompromising implementation of the South African legislative framework in its facilitation and management of people and goods movement in and out of the country,” Masiapato said.

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Departmental Spokesperson Mashudu Mabata says it necessitates the convening of various stakeholders to strengthen interventions aimed at addressing illegal movements and ensuring compliance with South African laws.

It is confirmed that the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, will conduct an operational visit to the Beitbridge Port of Entry in Musina on Thursday, (28 May 2026) to monitor activities relating to illegal movements and cross-border operations.

As part of the visit, Commissioner Masiapato will convene a Port Management Committee meeting involving key law enforcement and border management stakeholders operating in the area, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), South African Revenue Service (SARS), and Traffic Management authorities.

The Commissioner will also engage with external stakeholders, including bus and taxi operators operating in the Beitbridge area, to streamline operations and strengthen compliance measures aimed at ensuring the lawful movement of people and goods across the border.

A site inspection of identified vulnerable areas around Beitbridge will be conducted.

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More than 50 officials working at South Africa’s ports of entry have been dismissed after being implicated in corruption schemes that allowed undocumented travellers to enter the country illegally.

The Border Management Authority (BMA) confirmed the dismissals as part of an intensified anti-corruption drive aimed at restoring integrity at the country’s borders.

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said investigations revealed that some officials were involved in activities such as fraudulent passport stamping and illegally extending the stay of travellers in South Africa.

According to Masiapato, certain officials were “selling days”, a corrupt practice where travellers whose legal stay had expired were illegally granted additional time in the country.

The crackdown follows the establishment of the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum, a multi-agency structure led by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

Authorities say tip-offs submitted through the Operation Itebise hotline helped expose some of the corruption schemes.

While more than 50 officials have been dismissed, several are also facing criminal prosecution in courts near major ports of entry including Musina (Beitbridge), Ladybrand (Maseru Bridge) and Komatipoort (Lebombo).

The BMA also confirmed that an additional 38 officials are currently undergoing disciplinary processes that could lead to further dismissals.

To deter corruption, body cameras have been introduced for frontline border officials. Authorities say the cameras are already acting as a strong deterrent.

However, the BMA is currently operating at about 25% capacity. Government has allocated more than R900 million over the next three years to recruit around 700 additional staff members to strengthen border management operations.

Officials say the crackdown forms part of broader efforts to tighten border security, combat illegal migration and restore integrity within South Africa’s immigration system.

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The Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Michael Masiapato, has provided a report on high traveller movement.

Masiapato is currently overseeing operations at the Beitbridge Port of Entry and has ensured that additional resources and operational support have been deployed across other ports of entry nationwide.

He said this is done to manage the increased volumes, multiple processing and interception points have been established at all major ports.

Beitbridge continues to lead with high number volumes in land borders with over 22483 processed on 03 January alone.

At Beitbridge, elevated volumes have been largely driven by the simultaneous arrival of buses from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia mainly and the processing were managed through established border control protocols.

In response to long queues and extreme heat conditions, the BMA has prioritised small children, the elderly and vulnerable travellers.

He said that any traveller presenting signs of illness is assessed by the BMA Port Health officials to prevent the importation of infectious and communicable diseases.

In just two days, 1 and 2 January 2026, the BMA intercepted more than 546 travellers at various ports of entry across the country, the majority of whom were undocumented.

Masiapato said these interceptions affirm that border management systems, deployments, and enforcement mechanisms remain active, responsive, and effective.

He said all undocumented persons intercepted were processed in line with South Africa’s immigration laws, with immediate deportation processes initiated.

In addition to immigration enforcement, the BMA has intensified agricultural, food safety, and biosecurity controls.

“While the Authority operates under limited resources, BMA officers remain fully deployed, vigilant, and committed to defending the Republic’s borders. Daily interceptions, refusals of entry, confiscations, and enforcement actions confirm that illegal entry and prohibited movements are being detected and decisively addressed,” he said.

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Since the start of the 2025/26 festive season operations, the BMA has recorded a successful interception, with more than R350 000 worth of non-perishable food items as well as 210 x car batteries weighing 2063 and valued at over R412 600. The BMA also intercepted a H100 Hyundai truck with the value of R159 000.These interceptions were made successful through the deployment of advanced, multi-faceted surveillance technology in operationally vulnerable areas.

Commissioner Masiapato said the milestone reflects the impact of an intelligence-led and technology-driven approach to border law enforcement.

“As part of the BMA’s intensified law enforcement posture for the 2025/26 festive period, the Authority has partnered with DCD Protected Mobility, a local South African defence company, in collaboration with its partners Aselsan South Africa and Unipro Protective Wear. Through this partnership, the South African Defence Industry is supporting the BMA by demonstrating the effectiveness of integrated surveillance, mobility and command-and-control systems” Dr Masiapato said.

The integrated solution has been deployed at Beitbridge, one of the country’s highest-volume land ports of entry, which is historically vulnerable to cross-border criminal activities. This initiative forms part of a structured pilot project aimed at enhancing visibility, accountability and situational awareness during the busiest travel seasons of the year.

DCD Protected Mobility has supported the BMA with three specialised vehicles for border patrol operations, comprising two Springbuck Standard Duty personnel carriers for patrol duties and one Sherp all-terrain vehicle designed for operations in extremely challenging terrain. These platforms are configured to support command and control, ambulance services and weapon-platform capabilities, significantly strengthening operational reach and responsiveness.

Since the commencement of this support, the BMA has intercepted a variety of illicit goods including illicit alcohol , counterfeit food and clothing and many illegal immigrants who were detected along the borderline. Furthermore, the deployment of this equipment has deterred illegal movements along the borderline further demonstrating the effectiveness of integrated technology and mobility solutions in disrupting organised smuggling activities.

Commissioner Masiapato emphasised that festive season operations are not only focused on facilitating legitimate travel and trade, but also on decisively dismantling criminal networks that undermine the country’s security and economy.

“The message is clear: South Africa’s borders are no longer soft targets. Through innovation, strong partnerships and decisive enforcement, the BMA will continue to protect the sovereignty of the Republic, the integrity of its borders and the safety of its people,” added Commissioner Masiapato.

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The delay followed immigration verification challenges, with officials saying the travellers had not provided information about how long they planned to stay in South Africa or where they would be staying. Despite the initial setback, authorities confirmed that 23 other members of the group had already continued on to other destinations.

The group arrived on a chartered Global Airways flight from Kenya, landing shortly after 8am. After receiving confirmation that Gift of the Givers would cover accommodation and care for the refugees, Home Affairs approved their entry.

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