South Africa's Department of Home Affairs has formally requested Nigeria, Malawi, and Ethiopia to reimburse the government for deportation expenses amounting to nearly R300 million (over KSh 2 billion). This follows the repatriation of approximately 75,000 foreign nationals in a large-scale operation driven by rising xenophobic tensions.
Unprecedented Repatriation Costs
Director General of Home Affairs, Tommy Makhode, described the repatriation exercise as an unfunded mandate that was not budgeted for by any government department. The scale and speed of the operation were unprecedented in South Africa's recent history.
- Approximately 74,000 to 75,000 individuals were deported within a short timeframe.
- The financial burden has placed significant strain on the Home Affairs Department.
Diplomatic Engagements for Reimbursement
The department has routed its reimbursement requests through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), seeking cooperation from the governments of the affected countries. Responses from Nigeria, Malawi, and Ethiopia are currently awaited.
Simultaneously, Home Affairs is consulting the National Treasury to explore ways to absorb the unexpected costs within the national budget.
Human Impact of the Repatriations
The deportation drive followed President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement of a comprehensive migration management strategy amid escalating migration tensions. Thousands of foreign nationals, many of whom had established lives and businesses in South Africa, were displaced.
One notable case is that of Richard Itoro, a Nigerian car dealer deported after 15 years in South Africa. He was separated from his South African wife and their twin children, facing hostility from both communities. Despite his hopes for reunification, his family remains divided.
