Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

The Presidency has noted the latest order issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the case brought by South Africa against Israel under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. 

On 21 May 2026, the ICJ issued an order setting a deadline of 22 November 2027 for South Africa to file its Reply to Israel’s written pleading, which was submitted in March 2026.

Israel will then have until 22 May 2029 to submit a Rejoinder.

According to the Presidency, the order follows a meeting held in The Hague on 29 April 2026 between representatives of the parties and the President of the Court to discuss the next procedural steps in the matter.

The Presidency explained that a second round of written pleadings is common in ICJ cases and has been followed in all previous cases brought under the Genocide Convention.

It also noted that Israel has objected to the jurisdiction of the court in its Counter-Memorial submitted in March 2026.

“As Israel has now objected to the jurisdiction of the Court in its Counter-Memorial, submitted in March 2026 – and not, as contemplated in the Rules of Court, ‘as soon as possible, and not later than three months after the delivery of the Memorial’ (i.e. January 2025) – South Africa will now have to address these objections to the Court’s jurisdiction in its Reply,” the Presidency said.

In terms of the Rules of Court, written pleadings remain confidential until the court determines otherwise.

The Presidency noted that at the time of filing its Counter-Memorial, Israel’s counsel publicly declared that “its Counter-Memorial [proves] its legitimate objectives in the war have always been to eliminate the military and governing capabilities of Hamas and other terrorist organizations”.

Responding to this position, the Presidency said: “Whether or not Israel’s war on Gaza is authorised by, or has complied with, the international law regarding self-defence, as claimed by Israel’s counsel, South Africa’s response is a simple one: self-defence is not a defence to genocide, there is none.”

The Presidency further emphasised that Israel remains bound by the three provisional measures orders issued by the ICJ at South Africa’s request.

The court previously determined that the rights of Palestinians in Gaza are under “real and imminent risk of irreparable prejudice”.

According to the Presidency, the orders require Israel, among other things, to ensure that its military does not commit genocidal acts in Gaza and to ensure “without delay, in full co-operation with the United Nations, the unhindered provision…of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance”.

The orders also require Israel to ensure the “unimpeded access” of United Nations commissions of inquiry, fact-finding missions and other investigative bodies to the Gaza Strip.

South Africa instituted proceedings against Israel at the ICJ in December 2023, arguing that Israel’s actions in Gaza violate obligations under the Genocide Convention. – SAnews.gov.za

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As concern over illegal migration grows, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has reiterated that government is addressing the issue and implementing measures to protect the economic rights and interests of South Africans.

“We cannot allow the problem of illegal migration to threaten national security and social cohesion. As the President has indicated, government has been implementing measures to deal with illegal immigration in South Africa,” Ntshavheni said on Tuesday in Parliament, while tabling The Presidency’s Budget Vote for the 2026/27 financial year.

She also warned South Africans not to take law enforcement into their own hands in response to illegal migration.

“Law enforcement must be left to law enforcement authority, and the authorities will deal decisively with those acting against our laws and the Constitution of our Republic,” the Minister said.

As part of government’s measures to tackle illegal migration, the Border Management Authority (BMA) was established in 2023 to strengthen border control.

The BMA is responsible for border law enforcement functions at land, air and maritime ports of entry, as well as in border law enforcement areas.

“The Department of Home Affairs has been increasing the number of deportations of undocumented foreign nationals year on year since 2022, despite capacity constraints,” the Minister said.

Cabinet also approved the revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection in March 2026.

The approval followed an extensive public consultation process led by the Department of Home Affairs, which covered all nine provinces and drew thousands of submissions from stakeholders and members of the public.

The revised White Paper sets out policy priorities for what government describes as the most significant reform of South Africa’s citizenship, immigration and refugee protection frameworks in a generation.

It aims to curb fraud and abuse, strengthen national security, improve service delivery through digital transformation, and support economic development.

“The Department of Employment and Labour has finalised the National Labour Migration Policy, which introduces maximum quotas for documented foreign nationals and provides for the prosecution of employers who hire undocumented foreign nationals.

“In addition, Cabinet has approved for submission to Parliament the Employment Services Amendment Bill, which empowers the Minister of Employment and Labour to set quotas for the employment of foreign nationals in any economic sector or occupational category,” Ntshavheni said.

Currently, 26 364 foreign nationals who are criminal offenders are being held in Correctional Services facilities.

Ntshavheni said this disproves the claim that law enforcement is unable to arrest foreign nationals who commit crimes in South Africa.

“The Department of Small Business Development is continuing to implement the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Informal Business Licensing Framework, which restricts business licensing to South Africans and individuals with valid immigration status,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za

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As the country commemorates Youth Month in June government continues to work towards improving young people’s access to the labour market and economy, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli said.

“South Africans are …asking for work that can be seen, felt and trusted. Essentially, South Africans want a government that works for all, especially its young people who constitute 59% of the country’s total population,” Mhlauli said on Tuesday.

The Deputy Minister was speaking in support of the Presidency Budget Vote tabled by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the National Assembly.

“The youth of this country have for the past 50 years since June 16 1976, and beyond; demonstrated that they do not lack ideas, talent, and courage to stand up for their future. What they lack is access,” she said.

Initiatives like the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) which the  President launched in 2020, are actively expanding that door to access with the recently released quarter 3 results for 2025/26 having demonstrated real, quantifiable momentum in the drive to transition young people from learning to earning.

In the third quarter alone,  the PYEI facilitated 294,530 new earning opportunities while more than 5.77 million young people had registered on the SA Youth platform.

READ | Presidential Youth Employment Intervention continues to produce results 

“Since its inception, the PYEI has facilitated access to more than 2.36 million earning opportunities,” she said adding that over 70% of the opportunities accessed through SA Youth have been taken up by young women, helping close historical gender gaps.

Mhlauli said the success of the PYEI reflects government’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment through targeted intervention and innovation. 

“At a time when youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s greatest challenges, the programme stands as evidence that government action can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people,”  she explained.

The Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund exceeded its targets this quarter, enrolling over 9,170 young people and successfully placing more than 7,200 into employment. 

“This is funding real outcomes,” said the Deputy Minister.

Meanwhile, the Revitalised National Youth Service continues its rapid expansion, having placed 132,784 young people in paid service opportunities to date, with additional 100 000 opportunities currently available on SA Youth.Mobi. 

She called on youth between the ages of 18 and 35 to participate in the programme that is focused on community service, skills development and gain meaningful work experience. 

In addition, the Youth Employment Service (YES), a private sector led initiative in partnership with the Presidency, has created over 228 000 youth jobs with an absorption rate of 60% into fulltime employment post the programme.

The Deputy Minister added that 17% of YES alumni have started their own business with the support of the programme across sectors. 

“Through sustained investment in youth employment and empowerment programmes, partnerships with the private sector, and the allocation of public resources to create opportunities for young people, this government has enabled hundreds of thousands of youth to gain work experience, skills, and pathways into the labour market.”

She said the country has made progress over the years as stated in Statistics South Africa’s General Household Survey.

“South Africa’s total life expectancy at birth increased from 55.2% in 2002 to nearly 67% in 2025,” she said adding that 84% of households live in formal dwellings and with more than half of these households owning their homes.

She added that 94.9% of South Africa’s households have access to electricity  and that 87.4% of South African households have access to piped water with 8.1 million more households having gained piped water since 2002. 

On education, 96.6% of school participation is achieved by age 15 and 52.9% of South African adults now have at least Grade 12, with an enrolment of 1.9 million students in public institutions of higher learning as of 2024. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi has welcomed Telkom SOC Limited’s annual results, which showed revenue of R44.5 billion and continued growth in its data-driven business, including an increase in mobile subscribers to 25 million.

The performance was reported in Telkom’s annual financial results for the year ended 31 March 2026.

“The results reflect continued progress in the implementation of Telkom’s strategy and demonstrate the value of disciplined execution, operational efficiency and a sustained focus on growth areas. The results highlight the growing importance of digital connectivity and data services in South Africa’s economy,” the Minister said on Tuesday.

Telkom, a JSE-listed telecommunications company in which the South African government holds a 40.5% stake, remains a strategic asset in the country’s digital ecosystem and a significant contributor to economic activity.

The group’s stronger financial position enabled the board to raise its dividend payout ratio and declare an ordinary dividend of 270 cents a share, up 65.7% from the previous year.

“As a shareholder, the South African government will receive approximately R559 million in dividend income, up from R540 million in the previous financial year. This income adds to the resources available to support the state’s broader developmental priorities and public service delivery commitments.

“Telkom’s extensive fixed and wireless infrastructure continues to play an important role in expanding connectivity and supporting South Africa’s digital transformation objectives. Its national fibre backbone, metropolitan networks and wireless access platforms form part of the critical infrastructure that enables economic participation, innovation and access to digital services,” he said.

The Minister said he looks forward to Telkom building on this performance while helping to create a more connected, inclusive and competitive digital economy in South Africa.

He congratulated the Telkom board, led by chairperson Geoffrey Qhena, the executive leadership team under Group Chief Executive Officer Serame Taukobong, and all employees on the group’s performance. –SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of widespread bitterly cold, wet, and windy conditions across several provinces, while light snowfall is expected over the higher mountains of the Cape provinces and Drakensberg mountains. 

This is due to a Cut-Off Low (COL) pressure system that is expected to significantly affect the southern provinces of South Africa from Wednesday into Thursday.

Some areas of the Western and Eastern Cape, recently affected by the previous cut-off low system, are at high risk of flooding. 

“Rainfall associated with the Cut-Off Low is expected to become widespread from Wednesday into Thursday, particularly over the Garden Route District of the Western Cape, extending into the central and western parts of the Eastern Cape, taking into consideration that most of these areas are still recovering from the impacts of the previous cut-off low system. 

“The anticipated rainfall may lead to localised to significant flooding of susceptible areas, including roads, bridges, low-lying settlements, and river crossings,” the weather service said.

Fast-flowing streams and rivers may pose a danger to life, while major transport routes could be affected by flooding and poor visibility.

In addition to rainfall, the weather system is expected to cause a significant drop in daytime temperatures across affected regions. 

“Freezing levels in the lower atmosphere are forecast to drop to a sufficiently low altitude above the ground to support mostly light, non-disruptive snowfall over higher-lying terrain over the Cape provinces, the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg as well as the Clarens area of the Free State,” the weather service added.

While the current modelled expectation of accumulated depth of snowfall suggests only “light snowfalls”, travellers and communities in mountainous areas are nevertheless advised to remain informed of forecast updates issued by the SAWS, as conditions may change when fresh output from Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) weather models becomes available. 

While snowfalls are expected to occur over the Drakensberg mountains of KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, 4 June 2026, the depth of snowfall is not expected to cause any significant disruption over the Van Reenen’s Pass region of the N3 highway.

Strong winds and rough sea conditions are expected along the south-western and southern coastline of the Western Cape as well as the southern coastline of the Eastern Cape. 

These conditions may make navigation at sea difficult, particularly for small vessels and personal watercraft.

The public are therefore strongly advised to:

• Monitor official weather updates and warnings issued by the South African Weather Service. 
• Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain and flooding. 
• Never attempt to cross flooded roads, bridges, or swollen rivers. 
• Secure loose outdoor objects that may be displaced by strong winds. 
• Exercise extreme caution along coastal areas and avoid fishing or recreational activities at sea during the warning period. 
• Provide adequate shelter, warmth and protection for livestock and pets. 
• Prepare emergency kits, including flashlights, batteries, warm clothing, blankets and essential supplies. 

–SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has assured Parliament that it is ready to assume full operational responsibility for the Mangaung Correctional Centre from the beginning of next month.

The department’s 25-year public-private partnership with Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts will conclude at the end of June.

“In preparation for the transition, the department has undertaken extensive planning and implementation processes to ensure a seamless transfer of operations.

“The department has presented its operational readiness plans and can confidently affirm that all systems are in place for the successful assumption of responsibility,” the DCS assured in a statement.

The centre will now fall under the Grootvlei Management Area covering the Northern Cape and Free State and will be incorporated into DCS’s operational structure.

“To coordinate the transition, the department established seven dedicated workstreams, each tasked with specific areas of responsibility.

“These workstreams have systematically executed their mandates to ensure uninterrupted service delivery, security and offender management from the first day of the department’s administration,” the statement continued.

A “comprehensive recruitment process” is also underway, aimed at strengthening staff capacity.

“A total of 668 centre-based posts, including professional, specialist and artisan positions, were advertised on 17 April 2026, with the recruitment and selection process expected to be finalised by 30 June 2026. A total of 76 officials have already assumed duty at Mangaung Correctional Centre.

“In addition, 60 Emergency Support Team officials have been identified, trained, and deployed to conduct a comprehensive gang profiling exercise at Mangaung Correctional Centre as part of strengthening security and ensuring a stable correctional environment,” the statement read.

The department noted legal processes underway relating to a Labour Court judgment concerning the “transfer of employees currently employed by G4S at Mangaung Correctional Centre”.

In April this year, the court ruled that the department must absorb at least 500 workers after the termination of G4S’s contract.

The private security company attracted infamy when rapist and murderer Thabo Bester escaped from custody at the Mangaung facility while it was running the prison.

“The department has exercised its right to appeal the judgment, and the matter remains subject to legal processes.

“The department further confirms that all offenders accommodated at Mangaung Correctional Centre have approved Correctional Sentence Plans in place and that all inmates currently remain classified as maximum-security offenders.

“Appropriate offender management systems have been reviewed and aligned to ensure continuity and compliance with departmental standards,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Western Cape Education Department has announced the temporary closure of all public ordinary and special needs schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education Districts on Wednesday and Thursday due to severe weather conditions forecast for the region.

The decision was taken in the interests of learner and teacher safety following consultations with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre. Authorities cited heavy rainfall warnings issued for the affected areas as the primary reason for the precautionary measure.

The department said the affected schools in the two districts have received official notification of the closure from the Head of Department and have been instructed to inform parents and guardians accordingly.

The department emphasised that the closure applies only to schools within the Eden and Central Karoo Education Districts.

“All other schools in the Western Cape will be open, unless approval has been granted for closure, which will be done on a case-by-case basis,” the department said in a statement.

Education authorities reiterated that their preferred approach is to keep schools operational wherever possible.

“Our default position is always to keep schools open and only close schools in exceptional circumstances, but we are mindful of the severity of the warnings in place,” the department said.

All affected schools are expected to reopen on Friday, 5 June.

The department said it will continue to closely monitor weather developments and assess conditions on an ongoing basis.

“If any further individual school closures are necessary after Thursday, communication will be sent to the parents of the affected schools directly.”

McGregor Bridge reopening delayed by at least two months

Meanwhile, Motorists and residents awaiting the reopening of the McGregor Bridge will have to wait at least two more months after engineers uncovered significant structural damage during ongoing repair work.

In a road closure update issued by the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure on Wednesday, substantial damage had been discovered at the bridge’s ear walls during the repair process.

“Following structural engineering assessments, it was determined that these would need to be rebuilt before other works can continue. This means that the reopening to traffic is set back by at least two months, but safety remains our first priority,” the department said.

To ensure some level of access for residents and pedestrians, the department said temporary pedestrian access will remain in place in the interim, while reconstruction work continues.

The department has committed to providing regular updates as repairs progress and additional assessments are completed.

The McGregor Bridge has been undergoing repairs following damage that necessitated its closure, during severe weather that devastated parts of the province early last month. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) has issued a call for entries for this year’s Legal Essay Writing Competition.

The competition is aimed at young legal minds pursuing LLB or LLM qualifications in South Africa.

“[From] this season onwards and for the next five years of the competition, the Legal Essay Writing Competition will be dedicated to honour the late Justice Yvonne Mokgoro’s distinguished contribution to constitutional jurisprudence, human rights, transformation and the advancement of justice in South Africa,” the commission said.

Mokgoro, who died in 2024, boasted an illustrious legal career, which included her appointment as South Africa’s first black female justice of the Constitutional Court in 1994 – a position she held for some 15 years.

“Drawing on the inspirational legacy of Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, the SALRC, in partnership with sponsors Juta and Company, invites law students studying towards an LLB or LLM at a South African university to submit their innovative ideas reflecting how law reform has contributed to South Africa’s democracy in celebration of 30 years of democracy.

“Join the ranks of legal scholars destined to play a future role in shaping South Africa’s evolving jurisprudence by entering this prestigious competition and stand a chance of winning prizes,” the commission said.

Essays are due on 31 July 2026 at midnight and should be submitted to Reform@justice.gov.za and copy ADzebu@justice.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

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Police in KwaZulu-Natal have issued a stern warning to residents to refrain from posting, distributing and sharing voice messages or social media posts, commenting on social media posts, or making statements on any public platform that promote violence or destruction of property.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), KwaZulu-Natal has been experiencing a wave of marches, and although the marches have largely been peaceful, police have noted social media posts and public statements made by certain individuals, which have the potential of inciting violence and lawlessness during planned marches.

“Members of the public are reminded to take note of Section 14 of the Cybercrimes Act, Act No. 19 of 2020, which says that any person who discloses, by means of an electronic communications service, a data message to a person, group of persons or the general public, with the intention to incite the causing of any damage to property belonging to or violence against a person or a group of persons, is guilty of an offence,” the police said in a statement.

Police in KwaZulu-Natal have successfully used this section of the Act to charge Philani Ronnie Gumede, who was a member of Operation Dudula in March 2022.

After distributing inflammatory voice note promoting the chasing away of foreign nationals out of Durban, entering into their shops, salons and their workplaces, the court found him guilty and was sentenced to a fine of R10 000 or three years’ direct imprisonment.

“The right to march is protected in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, however such a right comes with the responsibility to be exercised within the confines of the law, and in consideration of the rights of others. 

“Police are monitoring the public space and cybercrimes officers will be profiling posts and statements that are deemed to be inciting violence.

“Police have already made pronouncements that the planners of the 30 June 2026 march have promised peaceful demonstrations. Police will however, deploy accordingly pre, during and post 30 June 2026 to ensure stability, peace and order,” the police said.

The police warns that anyone who will be found to be breaking the law will be dealt with in accordance with the law without fear, favour or prejudice. – SAnews.gov.za   

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