Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Deputy President Paul Mashatile paid a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, on Monday in Johannesburg.

President Shanmugaratnam is on a Working Visit to South Africa, where he is, among other things, attending the World Bank High-Level Advisory Council on Jobs and the Group of Thirty Spring Plenary Meeting in Cape Town.

The meeting between Deputy President Mashatile and President Shanmugaratnam provided an opportunity to reinforce strong bilateral political and economic relations, and to consolidate cooperation in priority areas such as trade, investment, skills development, and governance.

It also provided an opportunity to exchange views on economic transformation, job creation, and inclusive growth, while maintaining momentum in high-level engagements and strengthening South-South cooperation.

“Singapore remains our key economic partner and an important gateway to Southeast Asia, providing significant potential to expand cooperation in trade, investment, logistics, and financial services, as well as to enhance air and trade connectivity,” the Deputy President said during the meeting.

South Africa and Singapore maintain strong and growing bilateral relations, supported by regular high-level engagements and shared priorities in economic development, governance, and innovation.

In May 2023, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong paid an Official Visit to South Africa. Deputy President Mashatile paid a reciprocal Official Visit to Singapore in December 2023, which led to further bilateral interactions between the two countries on the margins of the G20 and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-related engagements in 2024 and 2025.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Shanmugaratnam undertook to facilitate South Africa’s engagement with the ASEAN economic bloc to advance trade and investment for the benefit of both South Africa and Singapore. –SAnews.gov.za

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The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, has confirmed that the BMA has successfully processed 663 Ghanaian nationals for repatriation from South Africa to Ghana through OR Tambo International Airport over the weekend. 

The repatriation process was coordinated through the Port Management Committee (PMC), comprising various government stakeholders responsible for facilitating lawful and orderly movement across the port of entry.

On Saturday, a group of 332 Ghanaian nationals was brought to OR Tambo International Airport by the Ghanaian High Commission in Pretoria for repatriation. Following an extensive check-in process, the travelers proceeded to BMA Immigration for verification and clearance.

“Of the travelers processed, 170 were travelling on Ghanaian ordinary passports, while 162 were using Emergency Travel Certificates issued by the Ghanaian High Commission in Pretoria. Emergency Travel Certificates are single-use travel documents issued to facilitate the return of citizens to their country of origin,” the BMA said in a statement.

During immigration processing, 321 travelers were found to have overstayed their allocated period of stay in South Africa by 30 days or longer. Consequently, they were declared undesirable in terms of Section 30 of the Immigration Act, read together with Regulation 27(3)(c) of the Immigration Regulations.

At the conclusion of the immigration process, 323 passengers were found eligible to depart and subsequently boarded a chartered flight arranged by the Government of Ghana through its High Commission in Pretoria.

Nine passengers were, however, offloaded from the flight. These included two couples and their five children. 

“The wife of one couple and the husband of the other were declared medically unfit to travel by airline personnel. Airport paramedics were called to assist and subsequently transferred the two travelers to the airport clinic for further medical attention.

“On Sunday, a further group of 331 Ghanaian nationals was brought to OR Tambo International Airport by the Ghanaian High Commission for repatriation. Following check-in procedures, the travelers proceeded to BMA Immigration for processing.

“Among those processed, 117 travelers were using Ghanaian ordinary passports, while 90 were travelling on Emergency Travel Certificates issued by the Ghanaian High Commission in Pretoria. In addition, 37 minor children born in South Africa were also processed using Emergency Travel Certificates,” the BMA said.

BMA Immigration officials further processed 25 asylum seekers, who voluntarily submitted withdrawal letters to cancel their asylum applications. 

During the verification process, 170 travelers were found to have overstayed their allocated period of stay in South Africa by 30 days or longer and were consequently declared undesirable in terms of Section 30 of the Immigration Act, read together with Regulation 27(3)(c) of the Immigration Regulations.

At the end of the process, 341 passengers, including 10 deportees brought by the Department of Home Affairs from Lindela Holding Facility, were cleared for departure. 

One traveler did not check in, but the remaining 340 boarded a chartered flight arranged by the Government of Ghana through its High Commission in Pretoria. The flight departed at 09h30 SA local time.

The repatriation of these Ghanaian nationals demonstrates effective cooperation between the Government of Ghana, through its High Commission in Pretoria, and South African authorities responsible for migration management and border security.

Masiapato commended the Port Management Committee and all officials involved in facilitating the operation. 

He further encouraged foreign missions to continue working closely with relevant government departments and entities to ensure the smooth and lawful facilitation of repatriation movements.

“The successful processing of these repatriation movements reflects the importance of coordinated efforts between foreign missions and South African authorities. Such cooperation contributes to effective migration management, while ensuring compliance with the country’s immigration laws,” said Masiapato. – SAnews.gov.za

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In a demonstration of the intensified crackdown on illicit trade and crime, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has intercepted a consignment suspected to bear drugs at KwaZulu-Natal’s Durban port.

The consignment – targeted during a Customs and Excise operation at the port – contained some 90 bricks of cocaine.

“Through intelligence-led operations, SARS is targeting high-risk consignments with precision, disrupting cross-border smuggling and illicit financial flows that erode the domestic economy and undermine compliant trade.

“SARS will sustain its crackdown on illicit trade. Our modernised customs capability allows us to target high-risk shipments with precision while facilitating compliant trade. This operation shows how we are restoring the integrity of our border environment and working with law enforcement to dismantle organised criminal networks.

“The Port of Durban remains a key trade gateway, and SARS will continue to strengthen enforcement through enhanced cargo profiling, technology-enabled inspections, and multi-agency cooperation,” SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu said of Saturday’s incident.

The revenue service said the consignment was singled out during the “inspection of heavy-duty excavation equipment imported from South America”.

“SARS detector dogs alerted to suspicious parcels concealed within two excavators. The South African Police Service [SAPS] secured the scene, after which the parcels, estimated at approximately 90 large bricks of pure cocaine were removed. Preliminary testing using a SARS mobile drug detection kit indicates the substance to be cocaine.

“The intercepted consignment forms part of SARS’ intensified crackdown on illicit trade and cross-border smuggling. The material has been seized and handed to SAPS for further forensic analysis and criminal investigation,” SARS explained.

Tech aids fight against crime

The operation, SARS added, is a demonstration of modernised technology used to cut criminality at the knees.
“Investments in advanced cargo profiling systems, non-intrusive inspection technology, and data-driven risk engines are enabling faster, more accurate detection of illicit goods.

“These capabilities improve customs efficiency by allowing SARS to identify and intercept high-risk shipments without delaying legitimate trade, thereby supporting economic activity while enforcing compliance,” the revenue service added. 

READ | Multimillion rand drug bust at Durban Harbour

On Friday, Cabinet reaffirmed government’s commitment to intensifying the fight against organised crime. 

Last month an operation by the Border Management Authority (BMA), the Hawks, SAPS K9 units and other law enforcement agencies led an intelligence-driven operation that intercepted a drug consignment valued at nearly R1 billion at the Beitbridge Port of Entry on 27 May. 

A truck was intercepted 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.

Cabinet also 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 in May. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Electoral Commission (IEC) has noted with concern instances of political parties, potential candidates and their supporters using the Commission’s name, logo, designs and other intellectual property in their election campaign material.

In a statement on Monday, the Commission reminded all political parties, independent candidates, campaign teams and supporters that such conduct is unlawful and constitutes a contravention of the Electoral Act. 

“The Commission is constitutionally mandated to manage elections and ensure that they are free and fair. It does not endorse, support or campaign for any political party, independent candidate or political interest.

“The use of the Commission’s name, logo or branding in campaign material may create the false impression that a particular party or candidate enjoys the endorsement, support or approval of the Electoral Commission.”

The IEC warned that such conduct has the potential to mislead voters and to undermine public confidence.

“The Electoral Commission therefore calls on all political parties, independent candidates, campaign managers and supporters to immediately cease the unauthorised use of the Commission’s intellectual property and to ensure that all campaign material complies with the provisions of the Electoral Act.”

Section 21A of the Electoral Commission Act expressly prohibits any person from using: 

• The name: “Electoral Commission,” “Independent Electoral Commission,” “IEC” and 
• Logo of the IEC, design, mark or other material owned by the Electoral Commission, for purposes connected with a political party or candidate’s election campaign activities. 
• Any identifier associated with the Electoral Commission in connection with any trade, business, profession or occupation. 

The purpose of these provisions is to protect the independence, integrity and impartiality of the Electoral Commission and to prevent any misrepresentation of its role in the electoral process. 

“The Commission will continue to monitor compliance and reserves the right to take any appropriate legal or regulatory steps available to it in cases where violations are identified.”

As South Africa approaches the 4 November 2026 Local Government Elections, the Commission urges all electoral stakeholders to conduct their campaigns in a manner that upholds the law, strengthens public trust in democratic institutions and contributes to an environment conducive to free and fair elections. 

The Electoral Commission further encourages all eligible South Africans to take the first step towards participation by going to their voting stations to register to vote or ensure that their registration details are up to date on 20 June and 21 June 2026. 

Registration can also be completed anytime, anywhere through the Commission’s online voter registration portal at registertovote.elections.org.za. All voters are encouraged to check their details by sending an ID number to the following SMS line: 32810. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has reiterated its call for the inclusion of young people with disabilities in the economy to advance the legacy of the 1976 youth uprising.

“The inclusion of young people with disabilities in the economy is vital for a fair and prosperous South Africa,” DWYPD spokesperson, Cassius Selala, said.

The call comes as South Africa marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprising, honouring the courage and resilience of the young people who fought against injustice and demanded equal opportunities.

According to the department, the struggle of 1976 was not only about political freedom but also about creating a society where all young people could participate fully in social and economic life.

While significant progress has been made since the advent of democracy, the department noted that many young people with disabilities continue to face barriers to education, employment, entrepreneurship, and broader economic opportunities. These challenges contribute to high levels of unemployment, poverty and social exclusion among persons with disabilities.

The department said South Africa’s Constitution, the National Development Plan, National Youth Policy and the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities all affirm the right to full and equal participation in society.

South Africa is also a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which promotes equal access to employment and economic opportunities.

Selala said the legacy of 1976 reminds us of that freedom without opportunity is incomplete.

“Economic inclusion is a human rights issue, not charity. Young people with disabilities have talent, creativity, and leadership potential that can boost economic growth. Administering access to entrepreneurship, procurement, and jobs helps youth with disabilities become active economic participants.

“An inclusive economy strengthens communities, reduces inequality, and promotes social cohesion. It ensures no young person is left behind in South Africa’s development,” Selala said.

As the country honours the sacrifices made by the youth of 1976, Selala said it must also commit to ending all forms of exclusion that continue to affect young people today.

The department has called on government, the private sector, civil society organisations, educational institutions, and development partners to work together to expand opportunities for young people with disabilities.

“The spirit of 1976 calls for action: to build an economy that is accessible, inclusive, and meets the aspirations of all young people, including those with disabilities. True freedom occurs when every young person has the chance to learn, work and shape South Africa’s future,” Selala said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government is responding to the genuine concerns that South Africans have expressed regarding illegal migration and its impact on the country.

The President reiterated this in his weekly newsletter published on Monday. 

Migration has come into sharp focus over the past few weeks with protests against illegal immigration across the country.

“We are responding to real concerns that communities have about the effects that unchecked illegal immigration has on jobs and economic opportunities. We know that some companies employ – and exploit – undocumented foreign nationals in violation of the law. There is also a perception that spaza shops owned by foreign nationals are squeezing out local traders in communities.

“People are also concerned that illegal immigration puts increased pressure on public services like clinics, hospitals and schools. In reality, when one looks at the statistics, foreign nationals account for a very small proportion of users of these public services. Nevertheless, there is a perception among some people that our public services are being overwhelmed,” the President acknowledged.

He assured that through the Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management – already adopted by Cabinet – and other interventions, government is “cracking down on violations of immigration, labour and other laws”.

Some of the interventions have yielded the following results:

• Over the past year alone, the Border Management Authority has intercepted and stopped some 450 000 people who attempted to enter South Africa illegally.
• In the past three weeks alone, more than 5 000 illegal immigrants have been arrested for contravening the Immigration Act.
• Since 1st January 2026, law enforcement operations conducted across the country have resulted in the arrest of 34 798 illegal immigrants and in the previous financial year, 76 588 illegal immigrants were arrested.

Furthermore, dedicated courts are being set up to tackle immigration and speed up support for the deportation of undocumented migrants. 

“We are [also] deploying more resources and technology to secure our borders. Government is also stamping out corruption and improving the efficiency of our immigration system.

“Another part of our comprehensive approach is to close the gaps in our citizenship and immigration laws. We are introducing legislation which allows quotas for foreign nationals in different sectors and ensuring that informal businesses are properly registered.

“Lastly, we are seeking to work with countries across our region and continent to address the conflict, instability and economic hardship that compel people to leave their homes,” President Ramaphosa said.

Managing migration

The President called on collective effort to manage migration but cautioned communities from taking the law into their own hands.

“[Only] authorised officials of the State may enforce our immigration laws – but there is a role for all South Africans in upholding our laws and building social cohesion.

“As we undertake all these actions, we are guided by our Constitution, our laws and our international obligations. As a society, we must hold firmly to the rule of law,” the President insisted.

Communities are encouraged to work with government to quell tensions and “stand together against violence, intimidation and intolerance”.

“Importantly, we must not allow anyone to exploit the genuine concerns of South Africans to incite violence, spread misinformation or destabilise our country. 

“We call on traditional and religious leaders, civil society, business, labour, political parties and every South African to work with government to support the actions we have announced to tackle illegal immigration.

“We must actively work against efforts to divide us. We must confront racism, sexism, xenophobia and Afrophobia. Our goal must be to build united and cohesive communities, where all laws are respected and upheld,” the President added.

He reaffirmed that South Africa will adopt a firm but fair approach to migration.

“We are a nation built by migration and we are more diverse, dynamic and stronger for it.

“By strengthening our laws and enforcing them fairly, we can tackle illegal immigration while remaining true to our Constitution and to our shared humanity,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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South African vaccinologist and public health leader Professor Shabir A. Madhi has been recognised with one of the world’s leading infectious disease honours, underscoring his decades-long contribution to vaccine research that has helped save countless lives globally.

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), a leading US-based public health organisation, announced that Madhi, from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) in Johannesburg, will receive the 2026 Maxwell Finland Award for Scientific Achievement. 

The award recognises scientists whose work has made lasting and influential contributions to the prevention and control of infectious diseases.

Madhi’s recognition places a South African researcher at the forefront of global efforts to combat some of the world’s deadliest childhood diseases and pandemic threats.

The NFID said the award honours Madhi’s pioneering work in vaccine research, much of it conducted in Africa’s highest-burden settings, which has reshaped international immunisation policies and improved disease prevention strategies worldwide.

Among his most influential achievements was leading a landmark South African study involving nearly 40 000 children that demonstrated the effectiveness of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. 

The findings helped support the approval of improved vaccines and advanced scientific understanding of how respiratory viruses and pneumococcal infections interact to cause pneumonia. 

Today, pneumococcal vaccines are estimated to have prevented hundreds of thousands of child deaths globally.

Madhi has also played a pivotal role in research on rotavirus vaccines, helping generate evidence that informed global recommendations for their use in low- and middle-income countries, where severe diarrhoeal disease remains a major cause of child mortality.

His contributions extend beyond childhood immunisation. Widely regarded as a pioneer in maternal vaccination, Madhi led the world’s first randomised controlled trial of influenza vaccination in pregnant women, demonstrating protection for both mothers and their infants. 

He has also spearheaded groundbreaking research into maternal vaccines against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Group B Streptococcus.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Madhi again placed South Africa at the centre of global scientific efforts when he led Africa’s first SARS-CoV-2 vaccine trials. The research provided critical early evidence that informed vaccine policy and public health responses during the pandemic.

Announcing the award, Orin S. Levine, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Washington Research Foundation, praised Madhi’s impact on global health.

“Professor Madhi’s work has directly shaped global immunisation policy and the research agenda,” Levine said. “His career reflects the highest ideals of the Maxwell Finland Award: rigorous science, visionary leadership, and lasting global impact on infectious disease prevention.”

Beyond his scientific achievements, Madhi has trained and mentored a new generation of vaccinologists and infectious disease researchers across Africa, helping strengthen the continent’s research capacity and public health expertise.

Madhi will formally receive the Maxwell Finland Award at the NFID Awards Gala in Washington, DC, on 20 October 2026.

The 2026 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award will be presented to Dr Richard J. Hatchett, chief executive officer of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), in recognition of his leadership in global pandemic preparedness and vaccine development. 

The 2026 John P. Utz Leadership Award will be awarded to Dr Kathleen M. Neuzil, director of Polio at the Gates Foundation and a globally respected expert in vaccinology and public health. – SAnews.gov.za

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