Category: Africa

North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, says the South African Police Service (SAPS), together with its law enforcement and government partners, is united in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

This as illegal immigration protests are expected to take place on Tuesday.

“Morning parades were held across all districts, where SAPS members were joined by representatives from the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Social Development, Provincial and Local Traffic Services, Intelligence Services and Community Policing Forums in a powerful display of collaboration in ensuring safer communities,” North West police said in a statement.

The Provincial Commissioner said the situation in the province this morning was calm and it was business as usual.

“Law enforcement agencies have intensified deployments across the province, and PROVJOINTS will continue to serve, protect and keep communities safe,” the police said.

On Monday evening, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structures (Natjoints) Chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili warned that where criminality presents itself, law enforcement agencies would respond swiftly, proportionately and decisively within the confines of the law.

Mosikili said specialised operational units were ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

“Our intelligence structures continue to monitor developments in real time, and operational commanders are receiving continuous updates to ensure swift and decisive decision-making,” she said. –  SAnews.gov.za
 

Five people have been arrested for allegedly breaking into a tuck shop in Woody Glen, on the outskirts of Hammarsdale, as authorities have heightened security during protests against illegal immigration across KwaZulu-Natal.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli commended police and other law enforcement agencies for the swift arrests, saying criminal activity would not be tolerated under the guise of protest.

“We acknowledge and respect that civil society has the right to protest and voice their concerns. However, we urge all those participating in today’s marches against illegal immigration to do so within the prescript of the law,” Ntuli said.

He described the arrests as a warning to anyone considering engaging in criminal behaviour.

“The arrest in Woody Glen is a stern warning to everyone that we will not tolerate any acts of criminality. We cannot and will not allow anarchy and lawlessness to be the order of the day,” he said.

Ntuli said law enforcement agencies, private security companies and community safety structures had been deployed to monitor the area throughout the day and would continue maintaining a visible presence to ensure law and order.

The Premier also announced that the provincial government had established a rapid response nerve centre in Durban and similar centres in all district municipalities to coordinate a swift response to any incidents of crime or unrest.

In addition, all members of the provincial executive council have been deployed to their respective districts to work with local leadership in preventing disruptions.

Ntuli said the coordinated deployment was aimed at reinforcing the rule of law across KwaZulu-Natal during the protests and beyond. – SAnews.gov.za

The Beaufort West Municipality has called on residents to remain calm, vigilant and responsible ahead of anticipated activities expected to take place on Tuesday.

In a statement issued on Monday, the municipality said it had worked with law enforcement and emergency services to implement precautionary measures aimed at ensuring public safety, maintaining law and order, and protecting essential services.

Municipal officials said the relevant authorities will remain on high alert and are prepared to respond swiftly should any incidents occur.

The municipality reminded residents that government has confirmed Tuesday, 30 June, as a normal working day. Businesses, schools, government offices and essential services are expected to operate as usual, with residents encouraged to continue with their daily routines.

Beaufort West Executive Mayor Gina Duimpies reiterated the municipality’s support for the constitutional right to peaceful protest but warned that criminal behaviour would not be tolerated.

“The safety and well-being of every resident remain our highest priority. We call on everyone to act responsibly, remain peaceful, and work together to keep Beaufort West safe,” Duimpies said.

She added that acts of violence, intimidation, vandalism, xenophobia, discrimination, hate speech and any other criminal conduct would be dealt with decisively by law enforcement agencies.

The municipality also urged residents to obtain information only from official communication channels and to avoid sharing unverified reports or misinformation on social media.

Officials said maintaining public safety would require the cooperation of all residents as authorities continue to monitor the situation. – SAnews.gov.za
 

More than 15 000 undocumented Malawian nationals had been processed at the temporary Durban Drive-In repatriation site in eThekwini before operations were relocated to Musina in Limpopo.

Since early June, eThekwini Municipality has provided humanitarian assistance to undocumented Malawian nationals in line with its constitutional and humanitarian responsibilities.

In a statement on Monday, eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba said the city had closed the temporary Durban Drive-In repatriation site, following the relocation of undocumented Malawian nationals to Musina.

The individuals were initially accommodated in Sherwood before being moved to the Durban Drive-In site to improve operational efficiency.

The relocation followed concerns that the Sherwood facility had reached capacity, creating potential health and safety risks.

The larger Drive-In site enabled the government to improve processing while providing more suitable temporary accommodation.

“The repatriation operation gained momentum after the Department of Home Affairs and the Government of Malawi agreed to facilitate voluntary repatriation, replacing the lengthy deportation process that required court proceedings.

“Government further accelerated the process by extending the jurisdiction of the Musina Refugee Reception Office near the Beitbridge Border Post to undertake verification and processing,” the city said.

All logistical arrangements were put in place to facilitate the onward repatriation of Malawian nationals through the Government of Malawi, the United Nations, and the International Organisation for Migration.

Musina will now serve as another temporary repatriation processing centre, allowing the operation to continue after the temporary Durban Drive-In site was closed and its infrastructure dismantled.

Mayor Xaba reaffirmed the Municipality’s commitment to working with all spheres of government and humanitarian partners in responding to complex humanitarian situations, while safeguarding the dignity, safety and well-being of all affected persons.

The Mayor thanked all spheres of government, community members, non-profit and faith-based organisations, volunteers, law enforcement agencies, Municipal officials, and partner organisations for their commitment and cooperation throughout the operation.

He also expressed special appreciation to the residents and businesses of Sherwood and Ward 26, as well as community crime prevention structures, for their patience, understanding and support during this period.

“We fully appreciate the inconvenience that residents and businesses had to endure. As I have indicated before, this was an unforeseen situation that required an urgent humanitarian response. 

“Through the tireless efforts of government officials, volunteers, and our partners from various non-profit and faith-based organisations, we ensured that the repatriation process was conducted in a humane, safe, and lawful manner,” Xaba said. –SAnews.gov.za

Police in the Northern Cape remain on standby to deal with any incidents during protests against irregular migration in the province.

According to police, members have been deployed to all five districts in the province to ensure that Tuesday’s marches are conducted peacefully and safely.

“Deputy Provincial Commissioners and the five District Commissioners…are leading operations in the Northern Cape to assure communities that comprehensive operational plans have been implemented to ensure a safe, secure, and peaceful environment during the planned [marches], today and beyond.

“Members in all five districts have been strategically deployed and remain on standby to respond effectively to any incidents that may arise,” a South African Police Service (SAPS) statement read.

Multi-disciplinary parades were conducted this morning in anticipation of the marches with police warning that any illegal action will be dealt with.

“The SAPS respects the constitutional right of individuals to express their views and participate in lawful activities.

“However, any acts of criminality, intimidation, violence, damage to property, or disruption of essential services will not be tolerated and will be addressed decisively within the framework of the law.

“Operational teams will continue to monitor developments, engage with stakeholders, and maintain a visible policing presence throughout the province to promote safety and stability,” the statement continued.

Residents are urged to “remain calm, cooperate with law enforcement officials, and report any suspicious or unlawful activities through the appropriate channels”.

“The SAPS remains committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors in the Northern Cape while upholding the rule of law,” the statement concluded. 

Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and chair of the Inter-ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration, Mmamoloko Kubayi has reiterated that the South African state will ensure that law and order prevails as protestors take to the streets against irregular migration.

The Minister was speaking during an early morning media briefing at Mayfair in Johannesburg, Gauteng on Tuesday.

READ | ‘Today is about keeping South Africans safe’ – Justice Minister

Strong police presence has been deployed in the province which was earmarked as a hotspot for anti-illegal migration marches.
– SAnews.gov.za

By Ronald Lamola, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation 

This year, South Africa commemorates two defining milestones in our democratic journey: the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising of 16 June 1976 and the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution. 

Both milestones remind us that democracy is neither inevitable nor self-sustaining: it is built through sacrifice, protected through active citizenship and strengthened through each generation’s commitment to freedom, justice and equality. 

On 16 June 1976, young people took to the streets to peacefully protest against the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. Despite the brute violence with which the apartheid security forces responded, the courage of the young people of 1976 awakened the conscience of the world and reinvigorated the struggle against apartheid. 

The sacrifices of the youth of 1976 contributed immensely to the broader movement for freedom, justice and equality. They demonstrated that young people are not merely beneficiaries of change but are often its most powerful drivers. This year marks the Golden Jubilee of that historic moment. 

Importantly, this commemoration is not only about remembering the past. It is about connecting the aspirations of 1976 to the realities of 2026. 

The youth of 1976 fought for equal access to education and human dignity. The challenge today is to ensure that young people have meaningful access to economic opportunities, quality education, skills development, entrepreneurship and participation in society. 

This year’s focus, “Mapping the Barriers: Auditing Access for Economic Inclusion”, calls on all sectors of society to identify and remove the obstacles that continue to prevent young people from realising their full potential. 

The greatest tribute we can pay to the class of 1976 is not simply to honour their memory. It is to ensure that today’s generation is empowered to lead, innovate and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

One of the most important discussions taking place globally today concerns the role of young people in peacebuilding, governance and diplomacy. The adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security was a watershed moment in international policy. 

It recognised that young people are not merely victims of conflict or passive observers of political processes. They are partners in peacebuilding, governance and sustainable development.

Africa is the youngest continent in the world. By 2050, nearly one in four people globally will be African. This demographic reality presents a tremendous opportunity. 

If properly empowered, Africa’s youth can drive economic growth, innovation, democratic participation and peacebuilding across the continent. If excluded, however, the consequences will be felt across every sector of society. 

South Africa has made important progress through the National Youth Policy and a range of youth development initiatives. However, there is growing recognition that we must continue strengthening the institutionalisation of youth participation across governance, peacebuilding and development processes. 

Just as South Africa has developed a National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, there are important lessons to be learned from countries such as Finland and several other states that have developed dedicated Youth, Peace and Security National Action Plans. Such initiatives help ensure that youth participation is not ad hoc, but systematic, meaningful and sustained. 

The 50^th anniversary of 16 June 1976 coincides fittingly with the 30^th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution. Adopted on 10 December 1996, entering into force on 04 February 1997, the Constitution stands as the cornerstone of our democratic order. It is the product of decades of struggle against oppression and injustice. It reflects the aspirations of a people determined to build a society founded on human dignity, equality, freedom and the rule of law. 

For thirty years, the Constitution has guided South Africa’s democratic development. It has provided the framework for democratic governance, constitutional accountability, social transformation and the protection of human rights. 

Over the past three decades, South Africa has established robust democratic institutions, conducted free and fair elections, expanded access to education and healthcare, strengthened constitutional governance and advanced the rights of millions who were historically excluded. 

Yet, we must also acknowledge that the work of transformation remains unfinished. Persistent inequality, unemployment, poverty, corruption and social exclusion continue to challenge our democratic project.

We mark these two important anniversaries during a time when the world is experiencing increasing strategic competition, technological disruption, economic uncertainty and growing pressure on multilateral institutions. 

Competition over strategic resources, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, technological innovation and global supply chains is reshaping international relations. In this environment, diplomacy has become more important than ever 

As the previous Chair of the G20, South Africa consistently advocated for more representative, equitable and inclusive global governance institutions. 

The increasingly complex nature of international relations also requires broader societal participation in foreign policy discussions. It was precisely this recognition that informed the revival of the South African Council on International Relations (SACOIR). 

The revival of SACOIR reflects the understanding that diplomacy and foreign policy benefit from diverse perspectives and informed public engagement. SACOIR will provide a platform for dialogue and debate involving government, academia, business, civil society and foreign policy practitioners.

South Africa’s foreign policy continues to be guided by the pursuit of peace, development, multilateralism, solidarity and a rules-based international order. – SAnews.gov.za

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and chair of the Inter-ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration, Mmamoloko Kubayi has reiterated that the South African state will ensure that law and order prevails as protestors take to the streets against irregular migration.

The Minister was speaking during an early morning media briefing at Mayfair in Johannesburg, Gauteng on Tuesday.
Strong police presence has been deployed in the province which was earmarked as a hotspot for anti-illegal migration marches.

“The state today is not going out to threaten its own citizens, but we have an obligation as government to ensure that there is law and order. We have an obligation as government to ensure that no one’s rights are infringed.

“That’s why we said today is a normal day. Anyone who makes a decision that they want to continue with [their daily lives], the environment must be conducive to do that,” she said.

The Minister noted that by around 8am, no major incidents had been reported in Gauteng.

“And it’s because there’s been preparedness from the state. I know people have asked why we are preparing but we have [learnt] that July 21st [2021] must never happen again in South Africa and we are ensuring that.

“We want to reiterate the right to protest, their right to express themselves where they are not happy with their own government. That cannot be taken away from them. But also, we are appealing to those who will be joining to do this in a peaceful manner and not cause harm.”

She assured South Africans that government continues its work to resolve challenges of irregular migration.

“We do not have a deadline of 30 June. As the IMC, our work continues. On the 2nd [of July] we are going to the border to visit the area. We will be looking at the border line and not just the entries. So, it’s continuous. Enforcement of migration laws continues, where we have been able to deport and deal with a lot of things.

On Monday, the IMC conducted a site inspection at the Beitbridge border post in Limpopo.

“The inspection forms part of government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen border management and enhance migration governance,” the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said in a post on social media platform, X at the time.

READ | IMC visits Beitbridge border post

“Today, however is about keeping South Africans safe,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Saldanha Bay Municipality says roads, services and daily operations remain unaffected by protest action linked to illegal immigration, as planned demonstrations take place across the country on Tuesday.

In an update, the municipality said the situation remains calm and is being monitored closely.

“Traffic is flowing normally across the municipality, and all municipal services and daily operations are continuing as usual. Residents are encouraged to continue with their normal activities,” the Municipality said.

The Municipality’s Public Safety Services team, together with relevant stakeholders, remains on high alert and continues to monitor developments closely.

“Should any confirmed incidents occur that may impact public safety or traffic flow, the public will be informed through the Municipality’s official communication channels.

“The Municipality encourages members of the public to rely only on verified information and to refrain from sharing unconfirmed reports or rumours that may cause unnecessary concern.”

Saldanha Bay Municipality thanked stakeholders and community members for their cooperation, saying it remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. –SAnews.gov.za