Leon Schreiber Says 51,000 Illegal Immigrants Deported Since GNU Formed, SA Asks How Many Returned
- Leon Schreiber confirmed that the Department of Home Affairs is making great strides in deporting illegal immigrants
- The Home Affairs minister also noted plans to fix South Africa's border, an area that has often drawn criticism
- South Africans shared their thoughts on Schreiber's stats, and many were not impressed with the numbers
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – While many South Africans remain upset with the number of foreign nationals in the country, Leon Schreiber is celebrating that there are significantly fewer illegal immigrants in SA.
The Minister of Home Affairs confirmed that his department has deported more than 51,000 illegal immigrants since the Government of National Unity was formed on 30 June 2025. Schreiber confirmed that this figure exceeds the total number of deportations under the previous government over the past five years.
The minister confirmed the stats in his presentation during a PSG Think Big webinar on Tuesday, 26 August 2025.
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What did Schreiber say?
After noting the successes when it came to deportations, the minister also touched on the issue of the borders. South Africa’s borders have often been criticised as being porous.
“The best investment we can make is to beef up border control,” the minister said.
He added that a revitalised and reformed Home Affairs, which used the latest technologies, could become a template for change in the rest of the state.
Organisations march against illegal immigrants
Frustrations over illegal immigrants have increased in recent months, with Operation Dudula and March and March taking to the streets to protest against foreigners accessing services in the country.
The group even prevented illegal immigrants from using healthcare facilities in various areas. The move has drawn condemnation from the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), which argued that the Constitution allowed for everyone in South Africa to access healthcare.
Source: Getty Images
How did South Africans respond to Schreiber’s statement?
Social media users were divided by the minister’s confirmation of deportation. While some praised him, others stated that the individuals would just sneak back into the country.
@sanizwe stated:
“Well done, but I'm sure at least 75% of them are back.”
@VuzileM asked:
“Great numbers. How sure are you that they’re not back in the country? Remember, we don’t have borders, hence the influx. Are you not trying to pour water into a leaking bucket? How about you deport and simultaneously fix the borders?
@Billy_PMS questioned:
“How many have re-entered ?”
@AkukariaSA suggested:
“At least we in Operation Dudula can now sleep well at night. Well done, minister.
@callmebakerj stated:
“Great effort. Looking forward to our borders being closed permanently.”
@MdkBros asked:
“And how many have you rearrested because they found their way back in the country? And how many times are you going to deport the same people over and over again?
@22theboy said:
“51k is literally a drop in the ocean compared to the number of illegal foreigners there are in the country.”
@DDT_PM noted:
“Lol, they return daily. Go to the Musina border to see it for yourself.”
@Ed_Sekete said:
“51,000 deported, but 1,000,000 came into the country. What a waste.”
@matjipe_robert said:
“90% of them are back.”
@TieOnto added:
“A wild guess is that 50% of them are already back, thanks to corrupt border management and Home Affairs officials. Good numbers to report, nonetheless”
Home Affairs introduces deportation buses
Briefly News reported that Home Affairs had introduced deportation buses to deport illegal immigrants.
Minister Leon Schreiber said the purpose of these buses was to enforce the rule of law in the country.
South Africans supported the minister's announcement, saying it was a sign that his department was working.
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Source: Briefly News
