SA wants Nigeria, Malawi and Ethiopia to reimburse repatriation costs

The South African government has written to Nigeria, Malawi and Ethiopia seeking reimbursement for the repatriation of their nationals over the past month.

The Home Affairs department says nearly  R300 million has been spent on the repatriation operations, following anti-illegal immigration protests in the country.

About 75,000 foreign nationals have so far been processed for repatriation to their home countries.

Home Affairs Director General, Livhuwani Makhode, has described the costs as unprecedented, saying they have placed a significant burden on the department.

“This is an unfunded mandate.  As the Department of Home Affairs and other departments that have been involved in this matter, we have not budgeted for this.”

Makhode added that the department is now awaiting responses from the three countries.

Meanwhile, speaking at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) council of ministers meeting in Durban, International Relations minister, Ronald Lamola, reiterated that addressing the challenges associated with irregular migration must occur within an orderly and lawful framework.

“It is in this wider context that questions of migration and human mobility must also be understood. South Africa is experiencing an increasingly vigorous public debate about irregular migration, the integrity of national borders, access to economic opportunities and the pressures experienced by communities and public institutions.

“However, as we address the legitimate concerns of our citizens, we equally and forcefully reject all forms of vigilantism and human rights violations.”

Lamola has urged SADC member states to work together, saying he believes the region can chart a path towards holistic and lasting solutions to the migration challenges it faces.

“We therefore call on countries within our bloc to sign the protocol on the free movement of people to enable regular and orderly migration.”

Minister Ronald Lamola | Addressing irregular migration, indicating that it requires an orderly, lawful framework that balances national integrity with economic reality. #SADC #SADCSouthAfrica #BetterAfricaBetterWorld pic.twitter.com/wBkam4Dq8E

— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) August 12, 2026