Thousands of migrants who had been stranded at the Musina showgrounds in Limpopo are being relocated to a newly established repatriation facility at Proefplaas Farm, approximately 20km outside the town.

The transfer follows several days of difficult conditions, during which many individuals waited to be processed for onward travel through the Beitbridge Border Post.

During this period, numerous migrants reported severe hunger, with some relying on relatives or friends for food, while others attempted to raise money informally by selling small goods such as cigarettes, sweets, and cold drinks.One migrant, Richard Isa from Malawi, even resorted to cutting hair for small payments in order to afford food while awaiting repatriation.

Local community organisations and religious groups stepped in to provide humanitarian assistance after concerns were raised about conditions at the site.

The Musina Council of Churches appealed for donations, which resulted in contributions of food and essential supplies such as bread, bottled water, nappies, and hygiene products.Aid organisations, including Gift of the Givers, also distributed thousands of meals and continued supporting efforts at the new centre.

Although conditions at Proefplaas Farm are an improvement compared to the open-air showgrounds—offering tents, mattresses, toilets, water access, and a mobile Home Affairs office—migrants have reported ongoing shortages of food and a lack of bathing facilities.Some individuals, including pregnant women, have expressed concern about not receiving adequate meals despite increased arrivals.

Government officials from multiple departments, including Home Affairs and Justice, inspected the facility and the nearby border operations, stating satisfaction with the progress of the relocation effort.However, humanitarian concerns remain regarding food supply and living conditions as the operation continues.