Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the repatriations were carried out through ongoing immigration enforcement operations and coordinated return programs involving several neighboring countries. Speaking at a briefing in Pretoria, Schreiber said the figure reflects departures recorded since Ramaphosa addressed concerns over undocumented migration and public safety.

"As of last night, the number we can report is 2,745 repatriations that have come in this period since the president spoke," Schreiber said, noting that the total continues to change as authorities process additional cases.

The operation comes amid renewed anti-immigrant tensions in parts of South Africa, where groups of residents have staged marches demanding stricter immigration controls and calling on undocumented migrants to leave the country by June 30. Authorities have warned that any immigration-related concerns must be addressed through legal channels and not through vigilante action.

In Durban, one of the centers of recent migrant movements, officials coordinated the departure of hundreds of Malawian nationals who had been sheltering in temporary gathering areas. Malawi Consul General Max Biwi said 560 people, including around 200 children, boarded buses on Sunday as part of a voluntary repatriation effort supported by both governments.

"We are working closely with South African authorities to facilitate the safe return of our citizens," Biwi said.

At departure points, families carrying bags, blankets, and personal belongings waited in queues as officials completed registration and travel procedures. Security personnel maintained a visible presence throughout the operation, which continued under clear weather conditions.

Many migrants cited growing fears for their safety following recent incidents of looting, intimidation, and violence targeting foreign nationals. Fortunate Chilenje, a Malawian migrant preparing to return home, said, "I'm relieved we are finally leaving. It's better than living in fear here."

South Africa remains a major destination for migrants seeking employment opportunities in one of Africa's largest economies. According to official statistics, more than three million foreign nationals live in the country, accounting for approximately 5.1 percent of the population. The issue has become increasingly sensitive amid unemployment levels exceeding 30 percent and growing public debate over migration policy.

The latest repatriations highlight the challenge facing South African authorities as they balance immigration enforcement, public security concerns, and regional migration commitments. Analysts say developments in the coming weeks will be closely watched across Southern Africa, particularly as neighboring countries prepare to receive increasing numbers of returning citizens and manage the economic impact of large-scale movements across borders.