By Andrea Naicker
South Africa's duty to protect its citizens, maintain the rule of law and protect the integrity of its borders is not only a constitutional duty, but also a moral imperative. In recent years, the Government has shouldered this responsibility with determination, innovation and measurable progress. Through focused interventions, strong legislation and decisive campaigns like Operation New Broom, the country is undergoing a meaningful transformation in the way it addresses illegal immigration and organized crime.
Operation New Broom reflects the government's unwavering commitment to securing the nation and its launch in 2025 marks a turning point in immigration enforcement. The operation harnesses the power of digitization and biometric technology and has significantly increased the ability of authorities to quickly and accurately verify immigration status, closing the door on fraudulent documentation that undermines the justice system. The results of these interventions have been substantial, as by early December 2025, nationwide enforcement operations had led to the arrest of more than 1,400 illegal immigrants. This milestone is clear evidence that technology-driven enforcement and integrated policing strategies deliver tangible results.
Over the past two financial years, the Home Department has deported approximately 110,000 illegal immigrants from South Africa to their home countries. During the first year of the current administration, the number of deportations increased by 30%, from 39 672 in 2023/24 to 51 560 in 2024/25.
This is followed by an annual increase of 12% to 57 784 in 2025/26. Over the past two financial years, deportations have increased by a cumulative 46%, totaling 109 344 by 31 March 2026.
Commenting on these figures, Dr Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, said: “These numbers show that we are now reaping the fruits of reforms focused on greater efficiency and intensified enforcement against immigration violators. Through ongoing operations such as Operation New Broom, as well as the increased use of biometric verification tools, we have already increased deportations by 46%. Our message is clear: if you are in South Africa illegally, Self-deport now before we find you and legally ban you from entering our country in the future.”
These sentiments are evidence that border security has been elevated as a national priority, with the government increasing investment in infrastructure, advanced technology and skilled personnel to ensure that South Africa's borders are no longer vulnerable points of entry, but secure gateways that support legitimate trade and travel. The deployment of drones and advanced surveillance technology along the border has strengthened real-time surveillance and quick response capabilities, signaling a firm stance that illegal infiltration will not be tolerated.
The Government's zero tolerance approach towards illegal immigration and related criminal activities, such as trafficking, organized crime and corruption, underpins a comprehensive commitment to protecting jobs, industries and communities from the destructive effects of the illicit economy. In line with the commitments made in the 2026 State of the Nation Address, the Government has established a National Illicit Economy Disruption Programme, also known as Operation Ukubusa, which also leverages data analytics and artificial intelligence. This reflects a visionary strategy aimed at rooting out counterfeiting and smuggling networks.
Important digital reforms are further strengthening this effort. The expansion of electronic travel authorization systems at all international airports and busy land border crossings is modernizing entry controls. The government also aims to set up a world-class digital forensic laboratory to strengthen investigations into corruption and organized crime. These initiatives are structural reforms that modernize the state's ability to effectively enforce the law.
The central cornerstone of effective law enforcement along our national borders is the Border Management Authority. By bringing together key government departments under one centralized structure, South Africa has improved coordination, accountability and enforcement across our national borders. The work of the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum demonstrates that corruption and syndicate activity at ports of entry will be vigorously combated to ensure that legitimate movement is facilitated and illegal activities are prevented.
These enforcement measures have been reinforced by intensive operations on the ground, including raids, expanded border guarding capacity, the deployment of an additional 5500 police officers and support from the South African National Defense Force. Importantly, South Africa is not acting alone. Cooperation and intelligence sharing with neighboring countries is enabling more coordinated regional responses to cross-border crime and illegal movement.
These actions are firmly rooted in South Africa's democratic and constitutional framework. The Immigration Amendment Bill passed in December 2025 strengthens immigration controls while ensuring judicial oversight and respect for constitutional rights. The revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection aims to create a coherent framework by consolidating citizenship, immigration and refugee law. It aims to strengthen policy implementation and align migration governance with national development, security and regional security principles such as the safe country first approach.
This principle states that asylum seekers who have been granted refugee status or legitimate protection in another country, or who transit through safe third countries to reach South Africa, are ineligible for asylum in South Africa.
These reforms strike the necessary balance between national security, rule of law and human dignity.
Overall, these interventions represent more than policy adjustments, they reflect a state that is asserting its authority, modernizing its systems, and restoring public confidence. Operations like New Broome show that when the government acts decisively, invests strategically and upholds the Constitution, change is inevitable. Together we can make South Africa a better, safer and more secure nation.
*Naikar is Assistant Director in Government Communication and Information Systems.