Category: Africa

Government has commended Bafana Bafana for an outstanding and historic FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign following their encounter against Canada.

The match resulted in a 0 – 1 win for Canada.

In a statement after the game on Sunday night, government expressed “immense pride” in what Bafana Bafana has achieved in the duration of the World Cup.

“For the first time in South Africa’s history, Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, inspiring millions of South Africans and making the Southern African region proud.

“Throughout the tournament, the players, coaches and technical team displayed courage, resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to representing the country with honour and distinction. Their performances demonstrated that South African football can compete confidently on the biggest stage in world football.”

Government also thanked all South Africans who united behind the national team throughout the tournament. 

“The overwhelming support shown by citizens across the country reflected the spirit of unity, patriotism, and hope inspired by Bafana Bafana.

“Although this marks the end of South Africa’s FIFA World Cup 2026 journey, Bafana Bafana has left an enduring legacy and laid a strong foundation for the future of South African football. The nation celebrates this historic achievement and looks forward with confidence to even greater success in the years ahead.

“Thank you, Bafana Bafana. You made South Africa proud!” – SAnews.gov.za

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Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has called on law enforcement officers to uphold the law without fear, favour or prejudice, as preparations intensify for nationwide deployments on 30 June.

Addressing officers in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, Cachalia said their role carries a significant constitutional responsibility to maintain public order while protecting the rights of all individuals.

“Our role is to uphold the Constitution, enforce the law without fear, favour or prejudice, and ensure that public order is maintained,” he said.

He stressed that the rights of demonstrators and those of other members of the public are not in conflict, but are complementary constitutional obligations that must be balanced.

“You are entrusted with protecting both the rights of those who choose to demonstrate and the rights of every other person who lives, works or travels through affected communities,” he said.

Cachalia said the South African Police Service (SAPS) is not deployed to stop lawful demonstrations, but to ensure that they take place safely, securely and in an orderly manner.

“We are there to protect life, safeguard property, prevent criminality and respond swiftly where individuals seek to exploit legitimate grievances to commit violence, intimidation, vandalism or any other offence,” he said.

He reminded officers that their authority is derived from the law, and must always be exercised within its limits.

“Professionalism, discipline and restraint are not optional. They are fundamental to policing in a constitutional democracy,” he said.

“Every decision, every instruction and every action must be lawful, proportionate and accountable.”

Cachalia urged officers to treat all members of the public with dignity and respect, while remaining firm where the law is broken.

“Do not be provoked into conduct that undermines the badge you wear or the oath you have taken. At the same time, do not hesitate to act decisively where criminality occurs,” he said.

He warned that public gatherings can evolve rapidly, requiring heightened alertness, coordination and discipline on the ground.

“Good planning, clear communication and effective coordination will be critical to ensuring the safety of both demonstrators and the wider public. Remain vigilant and support one another throughout your deployment,” he said.

Cachalia said the public would ultimately judge both the outcome of operations and the conduct of officers on duty.

“Your professionalism has the power to build confidence in policing and demonstrate that the rule of law remains the cornerstone of our democracy,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the training and commitment of officers, urging them to carry out their duties with integrity and courage.

“The overwhelming majority of South Africans want peace, stability and safety. They are looking to you for reassurance through your presence and professionalism,” he said.

“As you deploy, remember you are ambassadors of the South African Police Service and custodians of the constitutional values we have all sworn to protect. Carry out your duties with discipline, respect and courage, and return home safely once your mission is complete.”

Meanwhile, government has reiterated that 30 June 2026 will be treated as a normal working day, warning that any acts of intimidation, violence or disruption will be met with the full force of the law.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration said this at a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday following its weekly meeting to assess government’s response to irregular migration.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamaloko Kubayi said enforcement of the law remains the responsibility of the State, which is prepared to protect all people in the country, including citizens and foreign nationals, from intimidation or abuse.

She added that no unauthorised individuals are permitted to demand documentation or proof of nationality from members of the public, and that blocking access to essential public services such as schools and healthcare facilities is unlawful. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy Minister in the Presidency Noncemba Mhlauli says career expos are far more than calendar events; they are life-changing platforms that open doors to future opportunities.

Addressing learners at the 10th Annual Ephraim Mogale Career Expo held at the Laerskool sports ground in Marble Hall, Limpopo, Mhlauli encouraged young people to use the opportunity to explore new possibilities and take ownership of their futures.

“Explore careers you may never have considered before. Learn about bursaries, training opportunities, entrepreneurship and higher education. Allow your imagination to be awakened,” she said.

Mhlauli told learners that success is not determined by background, but by discipline, determination and commitment.

“I stand before you today as someone who attended a township school. Others here come from village schools. Yet today we serve our country in positions of leadership. That should tell you one thing — your background does not define your future,” she said.

She stressed that discipline remains the foundation of success.

“Discipline is reflected in how you conduct yourself, how seriously you take your studies, how you respect your teachers and how committed you are to your goals. Good results do not happen by chance,” she said.

“They require consistency, hard work and sacrifice. The future you want starts with the choices you make today.”

Mhlauli urged learners not to treat the career expo as just a break from the classroom, but as an investment in their future.

“Be curious. Ask questions. Explore possibilities. Learn about bursaries, careers and opportunities. Most importantly, believe in your potential,” she said.

She also encouraged learners to apply early to universities, TVET colleges and other institutions of higher learning, noting that applications are currently open.

“Do not wait for your final matric results before applying. Submit your applications now, secure your student number, and update your results later as they improve,” she said.

“If you wait until January, many programmes may already be full. We want every learner here today to leave matric having already taken the first step towards their future.”

Mhlauli further encouraged young people to participate in democratic processes, urging eligible learners to register to vote through the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

“Participating in democracy is not only about voting — it is about shaping the future of your community, your province and your country,” she said.

The career expo brought together learners, government departments, institutions of higher learning, SETAs and industry stakeholders to showcase career pathways, skills development programmes, bursaries, entrepreneurship opportunities and routes to employment. – SAnews.gov.za

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Police Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo has warned that authorities will not tolerate vigilantism, xenophobic violence, intimidation, or any form of lawlessness aimed at dictating who may or may not live within communities.

Addressing a police parade at FNB Stadium on Friday ahead of deployments planned for 30 June, Boshielo said law enforcement officers are bound by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which remains the highest authority guiding their actions.

“Our law enforcement agencies are mandated to arrest and deport those who are in the country unlawfully, but this must be done in a fair, transparent and lawful manner,” she said.

Boshielo emphasised that police officers must remain impartial and must not take sides based on nationality, language or origin.

“Your job is to take the side of the law — to protect the vast majority of law-abiding citizens and foreign nationals who are legally in the country from violence and harm driven by a misguided few and criminal networks seeking to exploit chaos,” she said.

She stressed that the deployment was primarily preventive in nature.

“We are not deploying you only to respond to violence after it occurs. We are deploying you to prevent violence from happening in the first place,” Boshielo said.

She added that visible policing plays a critical role in deterring criminal behaviour.

“A blue uniform, a marked vehicle, and a trained officer on the ground ready to protect communities are often the strongest message that the state is present and alert,” she said.

Boshielo urged officers to act early and decisively where there are signs of potential unrest.

“Do not wait for the first stone to be thrown or the first shop to be looted. When crowds begin to gather or intelligence indicates planned attacks or marches, intervene early, lawfully and decisively,” she said.

She also called for active engagement with community structures.

“Engage community leaders, councillors, business forums and other stakeholders who can help maintain calm. Clearly communicate the legal boundaries — no one has the right to threaten or harm another person,” she said.

Boshielo said crime intelligence and other security agencies were working to identify individuals responsible for instigating violence, including those planning, financing or directing attacks.

“We must not only arrest the foot soldiers; we must also go after those behind keyboards who spread hate and issue instructions to burn, loot and attack. These individuals are enemies of our society and will be held accountable,” she said.

She warned that anyone inciting violence or targeting foreign nationals would be treated as a criminal suspect.

“Anyone who threatens violence, incites attacks or spreads messages calling for harm will be investigated and prosecuted,” she said.

“If you receive complaints or intelligence about threats, investigate them thoroughly. Trace the origin of messages, identify those responsible and open criminal dockets where there is evidence of incitement or intimidation,” the Deputy Minister added.

Meanwhile, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said R600 million has been redirected within the South African Police Service (SAPS) budget to ensure operational readiness ahead of the planned nationwide demonstrations on 30 June.

He said the anticipated demonstrations are placing additional strain on resources, requiring enhanced coordination and support.

Cachalia added that SAPS, working with metro police and private security partners, is fully prepared to manage the planned demonstrations across the country. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa has successfully concluded the 9th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), marking another significant milestone in advancing regional economic integration, industrialisation and sustainable development in Southern Africa.

The Summit brought together Heads of State and Government from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa to assess progress on SACU’s strategic priorities and provide high-level political direction on strengthening regional cooperation, trade and industrial development.

Proceedings were preceded by a series of technical meetings, the Commission of Senior Officials, a Ministerial Retreat and the SACU Council of Ministers. During these engagements, Member States reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a diversified, competitive, sustainable and equitable industrial base capable of driving structural transformation and deeper regional integration.

Providing an overview of the Summit, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said the successful conclusion of the gathering reaffirmed SACU’s continued relevance as a catalyst for regional development and economic transformation.

“The outcomes of this Summit reaffirm our collective commitment to building a stronger, more industrialised and globally competitive SACU. As the world’s oldest functioning customs union, SACU continues to demonstrate that regional cooperation remains one of our greatest strengths in advancing inclusive growth, expanding trade and improving the lives of our people,” Tau said.

Tau said Member States had reaffirmed their commitment to positioning SACU as a powerful engine for regional integration, economic diversification, increased intra-regional trade and investment, policy harmonisation and sustainable economic growth.

He said the Summit further highlighted the urgent need to strengthen regional productive capacity, improve competitiveness and create a more enabling environment for investment and industrial expansion.

“Industrialisation remains at the heart of SACU’s development agenda. By strengthening regional value chains, promoting investment, improving trade facilitation and supporting productive industries, we are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth, job creation and shared prosperity across Southern Africa,” Tau said.

Member States also recognised the importance of deepening cooperation in customs modernisation, trade facilitation, resource mobilisation and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while maintaining coordinated engagement on regional and global trade matters.

Tau said SACU must fully leverage opportunities presented by the AfCFTA and other preferential trade arrangements to diversify markets, expand value-added exports and strengthen participation in regional and continental value chains.

Using the analogy of preparing a traditional Southern African meal around a shared fire, Tau described SACU’s future as one that requires collective effort, patience and deliberate action.

“The future of SACU requires the right ingredients brought together through partnership and shared purpose. Industrialisation, investment promotion, trade facilitation, AfCFTA implementation, resource mobilisation and effective institutions are all essential ingredients in building a customs union that delivers meaningful benefits for our citizens,” he said.

Tau also expressed appreciation to the Chairperson of the SACU Council of Ministers and Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, for his leadership during the ministerial engagements.

He further congratulated SACU Executive Secretary Dumisani Masilela on his appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the Secretariat into its next chapter.

The Summit reaffirmed SACU’s long-term vision of becoming a dynamic economic community that promotes equitable and sustainable development while strengthening regional competitiveness, industrial cooperation and economic resilience.

As South Africa concludes its hosting of the 9th SACU Summit, the country remains committed to working closely with fellow Member States, including incoming Summit Chair Botswana, to implement the decisions of the Summit and advance a reimagined SACU that drives industrialisation, investment, trade and inclusive economic development across the region. – SAnews.gov.za

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