SIHMA Press Review for December 2024 and January 2025

PRESS REVIEW - SOUTH AFRICA

01 - Undocumented foreign learners to be admitted in schools

IOL, 01/25/2025

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) in South Africa has directed its officials to allow undocumented foreign parents and guardians to enroll their children in schools for the 2025 academic year and register for matric examinations, even if they lack required documents. Basic Education Director-General Mathanzima Mweli highlighted complaints from civil society organizations about learners being denied admission or prevented from registering for the 2024 final national senior certificate (NSC) examinations due to missing identity documents or asylum seekers permits. Mweli clarified that undocumented learners cannot be barred from registering and writing NSC examinations.

Umalusi, the education quality assurance council, confirmed that an identity document is not mandatory for issuing an NSC certificate. The recently enacted Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act, which came into effect in September, mandates that any learner, regardless of documentation status, should be allowed to attend school. Schools are required to advise parents or guardians to obtain the necessary documents.

Despite the pressures on the education system, including unplaced learners in Gauteng, the DBE is committed to ensuring no learner is left without a classroom. However, anti-migrant group Operation Dudula opposes this policy, arguing that South African children should be given preference over illegal immigrants and advocating for the employment of local teachers.

02 - SA's porous borders | Taxi driver arrested for smuggling illegal foreign nationals | Johannesburg - High Alert at the Border Management Authority

ENCA, 11/12/2024

The Border Management Authority (BMA) is on high alert after a taxi driver was arrested for attempting to smuggle 25 undocumented foreigners from Zimbabwe into South Africa. Among the passengers were 20 children, who have now been taken to a place of safety. Jane Thupana, Deputy Commissioner of Corporate Affairs at the BMA, confirmed the arrest and noted a recent spike in the smuggling of illegal persons into the country.

03 - BMA working with Zimbabwe to prevent entry of illegal immigrants

SABC News, 01/03/2025

As the festive season draws to a close, authorities at the border post connecting South Africa with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region have assessed readiness at the largest land port. Yesterday, officials also launched a crime-fighting campaign to address pressing challenges at this critical juncture.

Dr. Masiapato stated that they expect an increase in vehicles and people towards the end of the weekend. Given its high volume of travelers and goods, the border post is a hotspot for illicit activities, including the smuggling of contraband. The Beitbridge Border Post sees South Africa and Zimbabwe joining forces to prevent the smuggling of goods and border jumping.

04 - As anti-immigration rages, migrants from Zimbabwe jump the border into South Africa with ease

Sky News, 01/06/2025

South Africa’s porous border with Zimbabwe has become a key entry point for undocumented migrants and smuggled goods, exposing the country’s ineffective border controls and rising anti-immigrant tensions. The Limpopo River, which runs dry for much of the year, has turned into an unofficial crossing where people move freely, unchallenged by border patrols. Many Zimbabweans fleeing economic collapse, drought, and political instability use this route to seek work and a better life in South Africa.

Some, like Precious, a mother of three, cannot afford the $50 passport fee, forcing them to cross illegally. She is among many Zimbabweans stuck in Musina, a border town where shelters are overcrowded with migrants searching for jobs. Human traffickers also take advantage of the situation, with children being smuggled across the border.

Despite the lack of enforcement at the border, South African authorities have intensified crackdowns on illegal immigrants in cities like Johannesburg. Raids and deportations, fueled by public discontent and anti-immigrant groups like Operation Dudula, have created a hostile climate for foreign nationals. Many South Africans argue that migrants take jobs and resources, while human rights advocates call for structured immigration policies that balance security with humanitarian needs.

The government’s response remains inconsistent—while migrants move across the Limpopo with ease, those already inside South Africa face increasing hostility. This growing anti-immigrant sentiment stands in stark contrast to Nelson Mandela’s vision of a pan-African haven, as the country struggles to reconcile its past with its present challenges.

05- Shift in political winds complicates familiar migration patterns for South Africa

The Washington Times, 01/07/2025

South Africa’s Beit Bridge border crossing with Zimbabwe is a major transit point for migrants and goods, but corruption, worsening immigration controls, and natural challenges have made crossing more difficult. Despite upgrades, the border remains chaotic, with touts charging migrants bribes to bypass security. The Limpopo River, usually an easy route for undocumented crossings, has become hazardous due to flooding, leading to drownings.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s government, under pressure from rising anti-immigrant sentiment, is tightening border enforcement. New regulations from Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber require stricter documentation for permanent residents, causing confusion and delays at entry points. Critics fear these measures will worsen tensions as youth unemployment fuels resentment against foreign workers, many of whom operate small informal businesses. ANC officials have also called for the deportation of undocumented shop owners, exacerbating xenophobic attitudes that have previously led to violence. The situation is further strained by the ongoing crisis in Mozambique, which has driven thousands of refugees into neighboring countries, including South Africa.

Despite tougher policies, bribery and smuggling remain rampant. Minibus drivers like Ryson Mokwena profit from transporting undocumented migrants, who pay extra for safe passage. He argues that corruption enables migration, and until Zimbabwe’s economic woes and Mozambique’s instability are resolved, people will keep coming—regardless of South Africa’s border policies.

Read the full article here:
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/jan/7/shift-political-winds-complicates-familiar-migrati/

PRESS REVIEW - REGIONAL

01 - Children on migration face exploitation, violence, UN says

The Standard, 01/28/2025

Children on migration journeys face significant violence, exploitation, and abuse. A report by UNICEF, IOM, Save the Children, and UNHCR reveals that millions of children are on the move worldwide, with many taking dangerous routes. As of 2020, 6.2 million international migrant children were reported in Africa. From January to October 2024, IOM tracked 28,578 child migrants along the Eastern Route, with 36% being girls and 26% unaccompanied.

The Southern Route towards South Africa poses greater risks to children due to a lack of information. Migrant children also face heightened risks on Northern and Eastern routes to Europe and the Middle East. Children are three times more likely than adults to suffer violence and abuse during migration, including detention and trafficking into forced labor and sexual exploitation.

Detained children face long-lasting physical, mental, and emotional health impacts. Organizations argue that detaining children violates their rights and suggest governments establish child-sensitive identification and screening procedures. There is a need for cross-border cooperation, addressing the root causes of irregular migration, and enhancing the resilience of children and their families.

Climate-induced disasters, conflict, and poverty push people to migrate in search of safety and better living conditions. UNICEF, IOM, and other organizations call for inclusive child protection systems and policies to safeguard children on the move, emphasizing their right to protection and care at every stage of their journey.

02 - Thousands displaced as post-election unrest grips Mozambique

UNHCR, 12/31/2024

Post-election violence in Mozambique has forced thousands to flee, with around 2,000 people crossing into Malawi and another 1,000 arriving in Eswatini. Many refugees, including pregnant women, children, and the elderly, have endured long journeys with little food or water.

UNHCR is providing emergency aid, but overcrowded shelters and inadequate sanitation pose serious health risks. In Eswatini, refugee centers are overwhelmed, while Mozambique’s recent cyclone damage complicates relief efforts. UNHCR urges urgent international support to help host countries manage the escalating crisis.

03 - ‘It’s the only way’: Migrants, army face-off along S Africa-Zimbabwe border

Al Jazeera, 01/07/2025

Fadzai Musindo, a Zimbabwean mother, crosses the border into South Africa daily, working as a "runner" to transport goods. To avoid passport costs and long delays at the Beitbridge border post, she often takes the more dangerous informal routes across the Limpopo River, assisted by smugglers known as goma-gomas. Migrants face the risk of robbery and assault, but many, like Musindo, feel they have no choice.

South Africa's Operation Corona has intensified border patrols, deploying soldiers along the 233-km Limpopo border to curb illegal crossings and smuggling. While this has reduced irregular migration, gaps in security remain, especially with damaged border fences. The crackdown has led to arrests and deportations, but many migrants attempt to return, seeking work or better living conditions.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwean authorities have increased inspections at Beitbridge to stop illicit imports, leading to long delays. Experts argue that addressing economic hardship and crime in South African cities is more critical than stricter border control. Despite increased security, many Zimbabweans still take the risk, hoping for a better future across the border.

04 - Zambia reforms immigration laws

African Law & Business, 01/02/2025

Zambia has expanded its visa-free travel policy to 53 additional countries as of January 1, 2025, in an effort to boost tourism, trade, and investment. Home Affairs Minister Jack Jacob Mwiimbu announced the move, aligning with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision of economic diversification beyond copper mining. The new list includes countries from Europe, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, bringing the total number of visa-exempt nations to 167.

Officials emphasize that the visa waivers align with Zambia’s National Migration Policy, which seeks to manage migration in a way that benefits economic growth. The Department of Immigration stated that the change makes Zambia more accessible to international travelers while integrating it further into the global economy.

To address national security concerns, Zambia is introducing an advanced passenger information system (APIS) to enhance border control and monitor incoming travelers more efficiently. Authorities believe this will allow for easier travel while maintaining security standards.

The announcement was made at a press conference attended by top officials, including Permanent Secretary Josephs Rikki Akafumba, Immigration Director General Japhet Lishomwa, and Zambia Tourism Agency Director General Matongo Matamwandi. They stressed that the visa-free policy is a strategic initiative to position Zambia as a premier international destination for both business and leisure, reinforcing its role as a key hub in the region.

05 - Malawi struggles to feed thousands amid refugee crisis

DW, 01/02/2025

Malawi is facing a growing humanitarian crisis as thousands of Mozambican refugees flee post-election violence in their home country. More than 13,000 asylum seekers have arrived in Malawi’s southern Nsanje district, overwhelming local resources. The displaced individuals, including women, children, and the elderly, are struggling with a severe lack of food, clean water, and shelter in makeshift camps.

Malawian authorities, along with the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), are assessing the needs of the refugees, but aid efforts are hampered by Malawi’s own food shortages. The country is already hosting around 54,000 refugees, primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi, and international funding shortfalls have made it difficult to sustain existing refugee programs.

Local residents and human rights advocates are calling on the Malawian government and the international community to increase humanitarian assistance. Some officials have also urged regional bodies, such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), to engage Mozambique’s government in dialogue to address the root cause of the crisis.

With Mozambique’s political instability ongoing, Malawi faces mounting pressure to balance its own economic struggles with the urgent need to assist refugees seeking safety within its borders.

Read the full article here:
https://www.dw.com/en/malawi-struggles-to-feed-thousands-amid-refugee-crisis/a-71202858

PRESS REVIEW - AFRICA

01 - Migrants Face Brutality and Torture Amid Libya's Chaos

The Pinnacle Gazette, 01/31/2025

The recent arrests in Libya spotlight the ongoing human rights crisis affecting refugees and migrants attempting to escape conflict and human trafficking. The plight of migrants in Libya, marked by severe human rights violations such as torture and trafficking, is aggravated by strict immigration policies from European nations.

A shocking video from January 6, 2025, depicts the brutalization of Naima Jamal, a 20-year-old Ethiopian woman, highlighting the dire conditions faced by migrants. Naima, fleeing conflict in Oromia, fell victim to traffickers in Libya, where her family received distressing footage of her suffering. This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence against migrants in Libya, exacerbated by a chaotic system of resource exploitation and neglect.

Despite a reported decrease in recent arrivals to Europe, the situation for stranded migrants remains dire. Those attempting dangerous Mediterranean crossings are often intercepted and returned to Libya, where they face abuse from militias and traffickers. Recent arrests of two gang members involved in detaining and torturing 263 migrants underscore the severity of the crisis. These criminals exploited the migrants' vulnerabilities, demanding exorbitant ransoms and subjecting them to horrific conditions.

David Yambio, a spokesman for Refugees in Libya, criticized European migration policies, particularly agreements between Italy and Libya, for empowering militias instead of protecting human rights. Italy’s stringent immigration policies, including offshore asylum processing, have faced substantial backlash for undermining asylum rights and violating international law. Despite these policies, over 3,300 migrants have arrived in southern Italy since January, driven by desperation to escape dire conditions.

Libya's political instability, following the ousting of Moamer Kadhafi, has created an environment ripe for smugglers and traffickers, resulting in numerous horror stories. Migrants are caught in the violence and instability, often manipulated by criminal enterprises. Human rights organizations have likened their treatment to slavery and extortion, calling for urgent reform.

Amidst these horrors, solidarity efforts among migrant advocacy organizations offer hope for change. Activists emphasize the need for justice and humane treatment, advocating for structural changes to dismantle oppressive systems. The global community must confront these human rights abuses and support marginalized voices, paving the way for dignity and security for all individuals.

02 - Nigerian immigration deports over 800 illegal immigrants

Business Insider Africa, 01/28/2025

During a recent meeting, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Ojo, announced the deportation of illegal immigrants for various immigration infractions carried out by officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). Among those deported in August 2024 alone were 61 individuals guilty of immigration violations.

Nigeria has long struggled with border security, leading to an influx of illegal migrants, including terrorists, from neighboring countries. Retired Assistant Comptroller-General of Immigration, Sunday Fagbamigbe, revealed over 320 unmanned and illegal border routes in Nigeria. The invasion of Nigerian communities by terrorists from neighboring Niger Republic has exacerbated humanitarian crises, particularly in Sokoto State.

Despite multi-billion-naira border surveillance systems launched in 2019, illegal migration persists. Reports indicate that illegal migrants, including bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers, continue to cross into Nigeria from countries like Benin, Chad, Niger, Mali, and Cameroon. Investigations revealed daily crossings of illegal migrants in Kwara State’s Baruten Local Government Area and the infiltration of terror groups in Sokoto State forests.

Nigeria has been deporting illegal immigrants over the years, targeting individuals who entered the country unlawfully. In 2015, the Jigawa State Commandant of NIS deported over 200 illegal Nigerien migrants within six months. During former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, 36 Indian nationals and two from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea were deported for using fake visas and failing to regularize their stay.

03 - Egypt’s Policies and Rhetoric Target Sudanese Refugees

Arab Centre Washington DC, 01/24/2025

The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has indeed created a dire humanitarian crisis. The displacement of over 12 million people, with many seeking refuge in Egypt, highlights the severity of the situation. Egypt's response, including restrictions on entry and residency, has only exacerbated the challenges faced by Sudanese refugees.

It's heartbreaking to see how this conflict has disrupted the lives of so many, including students and academics who are struggling to continue their education under these difficult circumstances. The economic challenges in Egypt, compounded by the devaluation of the Egyptian pound, have made life even harder for those who have fled the violence.

04 - Displaced Families in DR Congo Face Daily Struggle for Survival

 United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Geneva, 01/25/2025

Odette, a 44-year-old woman from Saké, and her family of 11 are among the thousands who have fled their homes due to renewed violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). They arrived at the Lushagala Extension displacement site outside Goma, which hosts over 36,500 families displaced from Masisi territory.

The ongoing conflict in the DRC has displaced over 6.4 million people within the country, adding strain to limited resources. In the first half of 2024 alone, nearly a million people were displaced. Many displaced individuals face security risks, insufficient food, shelter, and healthcare, compounded by soaring food prices and epidemics.

Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, with a significant increase in gender-based violence. Reports indicate that sexual violence and survival sex work are common among those fleeing conflict.

Odette, supported by a small-business promotion scheme from UNHCR, owns a modest shop to provide for her family. Similarly, Mwamini, who trekked 93 kilometers to safety with her children, remains anxious about their future and immediate needs for food and shelter.

The UN Refugee Agency and other organizations strive to meet the essential needs of displaced people, but efforts are hindered by a shortage of funds. Many displaced individuals, like Mwamini and Odette, dream of a lasting peace that would allow them to return home and rebuild their lives.

05 - Over a million people flee to South Sudan as Sudan conflict grinds on: UN

Aljazeera, 01/22/2025

The situation in Sudan is truly heartbreaking. Over a million people have fled the conflict, seeking refuge in South Sudan, which has put immense pressure on the already strained resources of the host communities. The war between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has led to widespread devastation, with tens of thousands of lives lost and millions facing severe hunger.

• Articles
• Migration And Immigration
• Human Rights
• Human Trafficking
• Migrants
• Migration In Africa
• Migration Policies
• Regional Stability

• Bribery
• Xenophobia
• Youth Unemployment
• Border Enforcement
• Corruption
• Immigration Controls
• Political Instability
• Economic Collapse
• Border Patrol
• Limpopo River
• Anti-Immigration
• Undocumented Migrants
• Border Security
• Illicit Activities
• Beitbridge Border Post
• Crime-Fighting Campaign
• Human Trafficking
• Zimbabwe
• Undocumented Immigrants
• Border Management Authority
• Taxi Driver Arrested
• Illegal Foreign Nationals
• Smuggling
• Porous Borders
• Operation Dudula
• Civil Society
• Basic Education Laws Amendment Act
• Asylum Seekers Permits
• Identity Documents
• Matric Exams
• School Enrollment
• Basic Education
• Undocumented Foreign Learners
• South Africa