Immigration Advisory Board composition and perceived conflict of interest; Repatriation of undocumented foreign nationals; Electoral Commission A/B Processing (with Minister)

Video The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs considered the Electoral Commission Amendment Bill, received a briefing on the Immigration Advisory Board (IAB) and a perceived conflict of interest involving a Board member, and received an update on the repatriation and deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. The Committee was briefed on the Electoral Commission Amendment Bill, which seeks to provide for provincial referendums to be called by Premiers, amend the Electoral Commission Act and repeal the Referendums Act. Members questioned why only the President and Premiers could initiate referendums, raised concerns about possible political abuse, campaign regulation, safeguards, parliamentary oversight and the financial implications for the Electoral Commission. The Committee agreed that it was not ready to proceed with a Motion of Desirability, and the Bill was deferred for further consideration. The Committee received approximately 267 public submissions on the IAB, most relating to its composition and a perceived conflict of interest involving a practising immigration attorney serving on the Board. The Department stated that the Board was an advisory body with no executive or enforcement powers and that members were appointed for their expertise in immigration matters. Members nevertheless expressed concern about public perceptions, the adequacy of due-diligence processes, conflict-of-interest declarations, vacancies on the Board and the non-binding nature of its advice. The Committee resolved to seek an independent legal opinion from Parliamentary Legal Services and consider whether amendments to the Immigration Act might be necessary. The Department reported that approximately 82 875 foreign nationals had been processed by early August 2026, including 44 607 deportations in the previous financial year and 16 078 deportations between April and July 2026. Dedicated immigration courts had finalised 28 737 cases, and expenditure on the programme was reported at approximately R292 million. The BMA reported 89 936 repatriations by late July 2026 and outlined measures including strengthened border procedures, surveillance technology, digital immigration systems and joint operations. Members raised concerns about severe resource constraints, inadequate border infrastructure, repeat illegal entry, overstays, human trafficking and smuggling, immigration court capacity, and the long-term sustainability of the repatriation programme. The BMA confirmed that additional support from other security agencies was required because its approximately 600 border guards were insufficient and that more than 12 000 people had been denied entry in the previous three months. The Committee decided to obtain further legal advice on the IAB matter, continue work on the Electoral Commission Amendment Bill, seek explanations regarding procurement and funding for the Musina temporary repatriation facility, and continue monitoring border infrastructure, funding and immigration management reforms.