DHA and BMA briefing on repatriation, deportation expenditure, procurement, budget, tools of trade, human resources, permits, visas and application backlogs

Video The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs received briefings from the Border Management Authority (BMA) and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) on expenditure, procurement and funding arrangements associated with the repatriation and deportation programme. The BMA reported that it had spent approximately R3.6 million from its baseline, largely using savings arising from recruitment delays, while awaiting further engagement with National Treasury. It had repatriated 89 936 people and recorded 9 997 deportations between 1 April and July 2026. DHA reported total expenditure of approximately R341 million as at 18 August 2026, with bus transport accounting for the largest share at about R252 million. The Inspectorate's expenditure had exceeded its allocation by approximately R220 million, and DHA had applied for R292 million in unforeseen and unavoidable expenditure. Cabinet had also allocated R60 million after the scale of the operation increased. Members focused on the legality and sustainability of the expenditure, the use of budget overrides, procurement through the Department's travel management company, the inability to obtain three quotations in some instances, overtime controls, provincial expenditure, and the risk of adverse audit findings. Concern was also raised about the broader funding model for irregular immigration and whether deportations could continue if additional funding was not secured. Members questioned whether South African taxpayers should carry the costs of repatriation and called for reimbursement from countries of origin. DHA confirmed that diplomatic engagements were underway through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, while Zimbabwe and Mozambique had already contributed towards some transportation costs. Internal Audit was conducting a pre-audit of the programme, and DHA said no existing departmental programmes had yet been compromised by virements. Deportations would continue, with further reprioritisation considered if necessary. The Committee was unable to proceed with the planned briefings on the budgets, tools of trade and human resources of the Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs (SCRA) and the Refugee Appeals Authority of South Africa (RAASA), as well as the comprehensive briefing on immigration processes, visa and permit backlogs. SCRA and RAASA attributed the failure to provide presentations to a misunderstanding over the agenda, while their written responses had only been submitted late the previous afternoon. The presentation required for the immigration item had also not been received. The Committee therefore stood over the outstanding items and requested DHA to ensure that the SCRA, RAASA and Immigration Services presentations were submitted timeously for a future meeting.