Cae Town – South Africa has spent over R52 million in five months to deport more than 19,000 illegal immigrants, according to Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber.
Schreiber said that the number of deportations has increased significantly compared to the previous year, with Schreiber projecting a potential 164% rise in deportations for the year.
The minister said this in a written response to a question posed by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Thapelo Mogale during a parliamentary session.
“In just 4 months, 19 750 persons who violated our immigration laws were deported. In annualised terms, Home Affairs is set for the strongest immigration enforcement performance in years,” said Schreiber.
🛂 In just 4 months, 19 750 persons who violated our immigration laws were deported. In annualised terms, Home Affairs is set for the strongest immigration enforcement performance in years.
📈 We are now on track to outperform last year by a full 50%, when there were 39 627…
— Leon Schreiber (@Leon_Schreib) October 21, 2024
He added: “We are now on track to outperform last year by a full 50%, when there were 39 627 deportations over 12 months. We are also on course for a whopping 164% increase in deportations compared to 2022/23, when the number was only 22 436 over a full year.
“We are determined to play our part in restoring the rule of law in South Africa – while we work to enhance the future efficiency of law enforcement operations through the wholesale digital transformation of Home Affairs.”
According to The Citizen, opposition MP Thapelo Mogale criticised the expenditure, arguing that the funds could be better allocated to enhance border management and prevent unauthorised entries.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
