Story perspectives

South Africa demands R292 million deportation reimbursements from three states

8/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

South Africa formally asked Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia to reimburse the R292 million spent on deportations this year.
Director-General Tommy Makhode told lawmakers transport costs drove spending to R292 million, far above the R60 million budget.
Home Affairs minister Leon Schreiber called the surge in repatriations and deportations unprecedented amid anti-immigration protests.
Law enforcement reported arrests of nearly 60,000 illegal migrants between April and July, including 16,208 in July.

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Story summary

South Africa formally asked Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia to reimburse the R292 million spent on deportations this year.
Director-General Tommy Makhode told lawmakers transport costs drove spending to R292 million, far above the R60 million budget.
Home Affairs minister Leon Schreiber called the surge in repatriations and deportations unprecedented amid anti-immigration protests.
Law enforcement reported arrests of nearly 60,000 illegal migrants between April and July, including 16,208 in July.