South Africa's Department of Home Affairs has spent nearly R300 million on the deportation and repatriation of more than 80,000 foreigners since June, according to official statements. The costs were not budgeted for, and the department is seeking reimbursement from Malawi, Nigeria, and Ethiopia, whose nationals make up a significant portion of those repatriated.
In a separate development, the Constitutional Court has denied an appeal in the Phala Phala farm robbery case, effectively closing legal avenues for the applicant. The decision was announced on Wednesday, 13 August 2026, and marks a significant legal milestone in the ongoing saga.
The repatriation figures were confirmed by the Minister of Home Affairs, who stated that the department is engaging with the affected countries to recover the costs. The total number of deportations includes both voluntary and forced repatriations, with the majority being economic migrants.
Legal experts note that the Constitutional Court's refusal to hear the Phala Phala appeal means the earlier ruling stands, which had dismissed claims of misconduct against President Cyril Ramaphosa. The case had drawn widespread attention due to its political implications.
