Cabinet outlines action on drugs, Ebola preparedness and migration management

Cabinet has reaffirmed government’s commitment to intensifying the fight against organised crime, strengthening South Africa’s contribution to the continental response to Ebola outbreaks, and implementing a comprehensive approach to managing migration. 

Briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said government remains focused on addressing issues that affect the safety, health and wellbeing of citizens while advancing development priorities.  

Cabinet commended law enforcement agencies for recent successes in disrupting major drug trafficking operations and dismantling criminal syndicates operating in the country. 

The Border Management Authority (BMA), the Hawks, South African Police Service (SAPS) K9 units and other law enforcement agencies were praised for an intelligence-driven operation that intercepted a drug consignment valued at nearly R1 billion at the Beitbridge Port of Entry.

The operation, conducted on 27 May 2026, led to the interception of a truck travelling through Zimbabwe into South Africa. Authorities discovered approximately 713 000 grams of methaqualone, commonly known as ABBA, a substance widely used in the manufacture of Mandrax.

“Furthermore, Cabinet commended the South African Police Service for the arrest of 11 suspects, including four Mexican nationals, following the discovery of a multimillion-rand drug manufacturing laboratory on a farm in Swartruggens in the North-West Province,” the Minister said. 

The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by government to combat transnational organised crime, drug trafficking networks and the proliferation of illicit substances in communities.

SA supporting the continental fight against Ebola

On health matters, Cabinet expressed support for South Africa’s contribution of US$5 million towards a continental preparedness and response plan aimed at containing Ebola outbreaks currently affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

The contribution forms part of a broader African response plan valued at US$319 million.

While the World Health Organisation has declared the Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, Cabinet stressed that there is currently no cause for alarm in South Africa.

“Ebola is not endemic to South Africa and human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected, symptomatic person,” Minister Ntshavheni said. 

Government has continued to monitor developments closely while working with continental and international partners to strengthen preparedness measures and support affected countries.

Comprehensive approach for managing migration in South Africa 

Cabinet also reflected on migration management, reaffirming government’s commitment to implementing a comprehensive approach that balances national security, economic considerations, regional cooperation and South Africa’s international obligations.

The issue has received growing attention amid increasing migration pressures across the continent and ongoing efforts to improve border management systems.

“Cabinet received and approved a comprehensive approach to migration in South Africa, developed by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, and also approved the National Action Plan (NAP) Country Report on Migration in South Africa. The President will address the nation on this matter,” the Minister said. 

Tourism growth, expanded air transport and tourist safety measures

Cabinet further welcomed positive developments in the tourism sector, which continues to show strong signs of recovery and growth.

According to Statistics South Africa’s International Tourism Report, the country recorded 989 329 tourist arrivals in April 2026, representing the highest monthly year-on-year growth ever recorded.

To sustain this momentum, government continues to expand international air connectivity. LATAM Airlines has brought forward the launch of its three weekly direct flights between São Paulo and Cape Town to July 2026, while Air Europa launched a direct route between Madrid and Johannesburg on 24 June 2026.

Cabinet said the increase in tourist arrivals comes alongside reported declines in key crime categories and improved turnaround times by law enforcement agencies in solving criminal cases.

 

SASSA cards

Cabinet further welcomed progress in modernising social grant payments, noting ongoing efforts to ensure a smooth transition for South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries using the new Postbank black cards.

Beneficiaries were encouraged to replace expiring cards and continue making use of the available support mechanisms to ensure uninterrupted access to grants.

“Cabinet urges all social grant beneficiaries using SASSA Gold Cards to replace them with the new Postbank Black Cards before the deadline of 31 August 2026.

“The replacement process is free of charge and can be completed at designated Postbank service points in participating retail outlets nationwide,” the minister said.

 

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