The Department of Home Affairs has hastily retracted its recent directive regarding the acceptance of asylum seeker applications, citing immediate risks to public safety and the overwhelming burden on existing infrastructure.
This directive was put into effect on September 28, 2026, in response to a Constitutional Court ruling from July 7 that addressed the legal situation involving the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town.
However, the implementation of the ruling led to unexpected logistical challenges.
Within a matter of days, Refugee Reception Offices (RROs) nationwide experienced a surge in applications that overwhelmed their capacity.
The department reported that this rapid increase not only halted operational processes but also placed officials in jeopardy, creating potentially dangerous conditions that could disrupt public order.
To address political speculation, the department made it clear that the initial directive was solely an internal operational initiative by the Director-General to comply with court orders.
Home Affairs stated that this decision was made independently, without prior consultation with the Minister of Home Affairs or other political figures, refuting suggestions that the directive had political motivations.
Looking ahead, Home Affairs has announced plans to reevaluate its approach and develop a new strategy that ensures a sustainable operational model.
The department reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and the judiciary, promising to seek a safer, more organized way to adhere to the directives of the Constitutional Court while safeguarding public safety.
