By Andrea Naicker
South Africa’s duty to protect its citizens, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard the integrity of its borders is not only a constitutional duty, but also a moral imperative. In recent years, government has tackled this responsibility with resolve, innovation and measurable progress. Through focused interventions, strengthened legislation and decisive operations such as Operation New Broom, the country is undergoing a meaningful transformation in how illegal immigration and organised crime are addressed.
Operation New Broom reflects government’s unwavering commitment to securing the nation and its launch in 2025 marked a turning point in immigration enforcement. This operation harnesses the power of digitalisation and biometric technology and has significantly enhanced the ability of authorities to verify immigration status quickly and accurately, closing the door on fraudulent documentation that undermined the justice system. The results of these interventions are substantial, by early December 2025, nationwide enforcement operations led to the arrest of more than 1 400 illegal immigrants. This milestone is clear evidence that technology driven enforcement and integrated policing strategies delivers tangible outcomes.
Over the past two financial years, the Department of Home Affairs has deported nearly 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 was followed by a further annual increase of 12%, to 57 784, in 2025/26. Over the past two financial years, deportations have surged by a cumulative 46%, totalling 109 344 by 31 March 2026.
Commenting on these statistics, the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, 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 campaigns like Operation New Broom, as well the increasing use of biometric verification tools, we have already increased deportations by 46%. Our message remains clear: If you are in South Africa illegally, self-deport now before we find you and ban you from ever entering our country legally in future.”
These sentiments are testament that border security has been elevated as a national priority, with 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 instead are secure gateways that support lawful trade and travel. The deployment of drones and advanced surveillance technology along the borderline has strengthened real time monitoring and rapid response capabilities, signalling a firm stance that illegal crossings will not be tolerated.
Government’s zero tolerance approach to illegal immigration and associated criminal activities, such as illicit trade, organised crime and corruption, underscores a broader commitment to protecting jobs, industries and communities from the destructive effects of an illicit economy. In line with the commitments made in the 2026 State of the Nation Address, government has established a National Illicit Economy Disruption Programme, also known and Operation Ukubusa, which also leverages data analytics and artificial intelligence. This reflects a forward looking strategy with the purpose of dismantling counterfeit and smuggling networks at its root.
Critical digital reforms are further reinforcing this effort. The expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system to all international airports and the busy land border posts is modernising entry controls. Government also aims to establish a world class digital forensics laboratory to strengthen investigations into corruption and organised crime. These initiatives are structural reforms that modernise the state’s capacity to enforce the law effectively.
A central cornerstone to effecting law enforcement at our national borders is the Border Management Authority. By bringing together key government departments under a centralised structure, South Africa has improved coordination, accountability and enforcement at our national frontiers. The work of the Border Management and Immigration Anti Corruption Forum demonstrates that corruption and syndicate activity at ports of entry will be confronted head on, to ensure legitimate movement is facilitated and unlawful activities are blocked.
These enforcement measures are reinforced by intensified operations on the ground, including raids, expanded border guard capacity, the deployment of an additional 5 500 police officers and support from the South African National Defence Force. Importantly, South Africa is not acting alone. Collaboration and intelligence sharing with neighbouring countries are enabling more coordinated regional responses to cross border crime and illegal movement.
These actions are firmly anchored in South Africa’s democratic and constitutional framework. The Immigration Amendment Bill passed in December 2025 strengthens immigration control 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 legislation. It seeks to strengthen policy implementation, and align migration governance with national development, security and regional protection principles such as the First Safe Country approach.
This principle states that asylum seekers who have been granted refugee status or lawful protection in another country, or who pass through safe third countries to reach South Africa, are ineligible for asylum in South Africa.
These reforms strike the necessary balance between national security, the rule of law and human dignity.
Taken together, these interventions represent more than policy adjustments, they reflect a state that is asserting its authority, modernising its systems and restoring public confidence. Operations such as New Broom show that when government acts decisively, invests strategically and upholds the Constitution, transformation is inevitable. Together we can make South Africa a better, safer and more secure nation.
*Naicker is Assistant Director at the Government Communication and Information System.
