Category: English

While it is fitting that the Delville Wood Memorial has evolved from being a monument associated primarily with white South African sacrifice into a place that seeks to commemorate all South Africans who served in the war, the true test of remembrance lies in what future generations are taught of the war effort.

“While it is fitting, therefore, that the Delville Wood Memorial has evolved from being a monument associated primarily with white South African sacrifice into a place that seeks to commemorate all South Africans who served.

“This transformation is an important act of historical justice. But memorials alone are not enough. The true test of remembrance is what we teach our children. It is the stories we include in our textbooks. It is the names we speak at national ceremonies. It is the dignity we afford to the descendants of those who served,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday.

The President, who is on an Official Visit to France ,attended the 110th Commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood in Longueval, northern France. 

The President remembered South African soldiers who fought in the battle.
“We remember them not merely as names inscribed upon stone, nor as figures recorded in military archives, but as human beings whose lives were interrupted by war. They were sons, husbands, fathers and brothers.”

He said South Africa remembers all those whose contribution was diminished, ignored or deliberately excluded from the official history of the country.

“We gather to affirm that the memory of a nation cannot be divided according to race. Sacrifice has no colour- and courage belongs to no single community.”

In July 1916, during the Battle of the Somme, the 1st South African Infantry Brigade was ordered to capture and hold a small wooded area near the French village of Longueval.
It was called Delville Wood.

The South African soldiers were given an instruction to  take and hold the wood- at all costs which saw more than 3,000 South African soldiers enter Delville Wood on 15 July 1916.
For six days and five nights, the South Africans endured relentless shelling, repeated attacks and close-quarter fighting.

“Of the more than 3,000 men who went into the wood, only a small fraction were able to walk out in organised formation. Hundreds had been killed. Thousands had been wounded, captured or reported missing. Delville Wood became a symbol of South African courage,” adding that it also became a symbol of the terrible cost of war.

While honouring their courage, the President said the conditions under which they died should not be romanticised.

“The true honour lies not in war itself, but in the courage, loyalty and humanity shown by those who endure it. The men of Delville Wood endured what few human beings should ever be asked to endure. Their sacrifice deserves the eternal gratitude of our country.”

He added that the story of South Africa in the First World War does not end at Delville Wood and cannot be told only through the experience of white combat soldiers. He said it must also include the thousands of Black South Africans who served in the South African Native Labour Contingent.

“Under the racial policies of the Union of South Africa, Black South Africans were generally not permitted to carry arms as equal soldiers in the European theatre of war. They were willing to serve. But they were denied the status, recognition and dignity afforded to white combatants.”

More than 20,000 Black South African men travelled to France to perform essential labour in support of the Allied war effort, including unloading ships, maintaining railway lines and carrying supplies.
“The contribution of the labour contingents was therefore not secondary to the war effort. Yet, for decades, their service was treated as though it mattered less. Their names were absent from prominent memorials.”

The President also referred to the tragedy of the SS Mendi, which had been carrying over 800 members of the South African Native Labour Contingent towards France. The Mendi sank in February 1917 and its sinking, he said, remains one of the greatest maritime disasters in South African history.

“The men of the Mendi were not armed soldiers. But they died in the service of a war effort to which South Africa had committed them. Their deaths were deaths in service. But the nation did not fully acknowledge the debt it owed them. The same was true of many members of the Cape Corps and other South Africans of colour who served in various theatres of war.”

He said the task today was not merely to add forgotten names to old memorials but that a democratic South Africa must remember differently from the governments of the past.

“We cannot repeat a history that elevates some lives and diminishes others,” he said.
He said the country cannot speak of national sacrifice while excluding the majority of the nation and that a common memory must be built.
“Black servicemen often served under discriminatory conditions and were denied equal military status.”

Confronting history 
He said future generations must be taught the full story of the past.

“We must tell them that South Africans fought with extraordinary bravery in the fields and forests of Europe.
“Above all, we must teach them that a nation is strengthened when it has the courage to confront all of its history.”

Patriotism
President Ramaphosa said true patriotism does not require one to hide injustice.
“True patriotism requires us to correct it,” saying the First World War was born of militarism, imperial rivalry, nationalism and the failure of diplomacy.

He said the consequences of war remind “us that leaders have a profound responsibility to pursue peace.”

“As South Africa, we must remain committed to the peaceful resolution of conflict. We must support diplomacy, dialogue and negotiation. At the same time, we honour those who serve in our armed forces today,” said President Ramaphosa. –SAnews.gov.za

Some 400 00 informal and micro businesses have been captured on the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) Connect System.

This is according to Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration Chairperson and Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, who briefed the media on Sunday.

“Registration of Informal and micro businesses is continuing. To date, more than 400 00 businesses have been captured on the DSBD Connect System, and the implementation of the plan will increase the number of registered businesses.

“DSBD, SALGA [South African Local Government Association] and COGTA [the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs] are finalising the Project Implementation Plan,” Kubayi said.

The system is a digital platform aimed at assisting the department to regulate and support spaza shops while helping small businesses to, among others, access funding and form OEM [Original Equipment Manufacturer] partnerships.

She added that the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) requires that the DSBD share the database.

“The DSBD is in the process of packaging the required data in the DSBD Connect System and in the Innovation Portal data platforms and will share the data once cleansed and re-packaged for transmission.

“The data will be sourced from other data sources from DSBD Portfolio as well as the partners in the ecosystem i.e. CIPC [Companies and Intellectual Property Commission], municipalities, COGTA and so forth,” she said.

Meanwhile, the IMC’s Borderline workstream has developed an implementation plan for the execution of the Borderline Infrastructure.

“It integrates the programme timeline, task establishment, phased implementation schedule, provincial cost estimates and risk register into a single document.

“The plan establishes formal task assignments between the three implementing organisations, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Defence Works Formation and the SA Army Engineer Corps and provides a management framework for delivery across the next three financial years.

“The IMC will be presenting a detailed business case to the Minister of Finance for the funding of the borderline infrastructure,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za

The recently announced Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre (TRPC) in Musina has commenced operations aimed at enabling the faster processing and verification of undocumented foreign nationals as well as facilitating efficient clearance through the Beitbridge port of entry in Limpopo.

Operations are also aimed at reducing reliance on the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Gauteng and improving overall system throughput.

Addressing the media on Sunday, Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) Chairperson and Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said the TRPC can accommodate some 20 000 people and is serviced by various stakeholders including embassies, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), law enforcement agencies and local government.

“More than 20 000 foreign nationals [Malawians, Zimbabweans and Mozambicans] have been repatriated through the TRPC.

“The repatriation centres utilised in eThekwini and Umsunduzi officially closed on 30 June 2026 and all Malawian nationals who had assembled prior to 30 June were transferred to the TRPC; these include those that were at the Musina Refugee Reception Centre and Musina Showgrounds who were transferred by 03 July 2026

“Repatriation processes are undertaken at the TRPC; however, the process starts at a point where foreign nationals assemble prior to transportation to the TRPC,” Kubayi explained.

Transportation is serviced through the DHA together with municipalities, various embassies, law enforcement and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Kubayi noted that “scores of people continue to arrive across various centres to take advantage of the repatriation process”.

These arrivals, she added, are causing strain on local resources and “pose significant risks of health hazards and outbreaks”.

“In this regard, we have put emergency measures to respond to these spontaneous arrivals and have asked our local authorities to ensure an orderly management of this situation. 

“We will be deploying more resources in this regard, including accelerated transport arrangements to ensure that we clear the pavements and public spaces that are continuously occupied by these arrivals.
“We call on foreign missions and relevant authorities in the fraternity of repatriating countries to continue working with us in this regard and to plead with their respective nationals to follow established protocol in the repatriation process,” Kubayi urged.

Repatriation operations
The repatriation of foreign nationals has declined from 4805 on 5 July to some 1139 people on 11 July 2026.

“As such, we are in discussion with relevant authorities and stakeholders about the process of scaling down our efforts and deployment of resources for this process.

“We envisage a phased scaling down of the process which will not negatively impact or compromise both the deportation and repatriation processes we are undertaking,” Kubayi said.

She explained that the temporary measures taken to speed up repatriation are “costly to our fiscus [and] were never meant to be permanent”.

“The State however, remains with the legal obligation to continuously deport those who are found to have transgressed the Immigration Act.

“As such, a total of 15 398 foreign nationals have been deported between 1 April 2026 and 30 June 2026. During the same period, 2519 joint law enforcement operations were undertaken,” Kubayi said.

Arm of the law
Meanwhile, immigration dedicated courts in KwaZulu-Natal continue their work with 2640 immigration cases finalised for deportation.

“The re-establishment of a court at Lindela [Repatriation Centre in Gauteng] will ensure that deportations from Lindela Repatriation Centre will be expedited.”

She added that the work to provide designated offices for the court is at an advanced stage and will be completed within a month.

“Similarly, work to establish a court that handles, among others, immigration cases is advanced, and the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) has provided space. The process of setting up the court is envisaged to take three months,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration has strongly condemned illegal actions by isolated groups  conducting identity checks on foreign nationals in South Africa.

This after reports that groups were conducting searches in homes and businesses that are suspected to be housing undocumented migrants.

Speaking at a media briefing on Sunday, IMC Chairperson and Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi noted that although South Africans remain within their right to protest against irregular migration, criminality will not be tolerated.

“This is illegal, and members of the community who are part of these activities are warned to refrain from such conduct.

“Government reiterates that the management of immigration, border management, deportation and facilitated repatriation is the exclusive responsibility of the State, and no individual or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands or to intimidate, threaten or unlawfully remove any person from any community,” Kubayi said in Pretoria.

The Minister emphasised that law enforcement is primed to take action.

“Our law enforcement authorities will not hesitate to act against those who continue to conduct these unlawful searches and identity checks,” she added.

Related to this, Kubayi said law enforcement has, as of 8 July 2026, opened some 205 cases with 350 suspected persons arrested.

“[Some] 69 cases were pending investigation, and 112 cases were on the court roll in relation to incidents linked to unlawful conduct, intimidation, incitement and related offences.

“Government will continue to act firmly against criminality, vigilantism, public violence, intimidation, discrimination and any attempts to conduct informal enforcement of immigration-related concerns,” she assured.

Repatriation and deportation
Government is continuing work to facilitate the return of foreign nationals to their home countries guided by the Five-Point Plan on managing migration which is sensitive to the concerns of South Africans while respecting the principles of human rights and dignity.

“We have seen a tremendous increase in the number of foreign nationals that have either been deported or repatriated. To date [close of business 11 July 20206], a total of 53 449 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation and repatriation, which is dominated by Malawians, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans.

“In addition to the repatriation, the normal immigration deportation processes continued. For the month of June 2026, a total 4898 [Malawi – 1929; Zimbabwe – 1384; Mozambique – 1200; Lesotho – 342] were deported, and lastly, for the period 14 June 2026 to 8 July 2026, a total of 2801 [Malawi – 910; Zimbabwe – 903; Mozambique – 755; Lesotho – 187] were deported,” Kubayi reported. – SAnews.gov.za

With over 400 operating licences at risk of cancellation, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, is appealing to operators who have applied for operating licences, particularly minibus and scholar transport operators, to collect their operating licences.

This follows significant progress made in improving internal operational capacity and streamlining administrative processes to improve turnaround times.

“The department has, however, noted that over 400 valid operating licences remain uncollected despite the considerable progress being made. Operators who have received SMSs or communication through their associations have until Friday, 14 August 2026 to collect their operating licences,” the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport said on Saturday.

Failure to act within the stipulated period may result in the cancellation of the issued operating licence, requiring operators to restart the process in accordance with applicable legislation.

Since November 2025, the department has prioritised the issuing of operating licences to qualifying public transport operators as part of its commitment to reducing the backlog and ensuring compliant operators are able to operate legally.

Over 2000 valid operating licences have been handed over to compliant minibus taxi and scholar transport operators during the period.

Diale-Tlabela reiterated that the department remains committed to contributing to regulatory compliance and facilitating a more efficient, transparent and responsive public transport system.

“We are calling on applicants, particularly minibus and scholar transport operators, to collect their operating licences. We encourage them to collect their operating licences without delay, so they can continue to operate legally and contribute to safer roads across Gauteng,” said the MEC.

On Friday, 10 July 2026, the department issued 208 operating licences to compliant public transport operators at the Derek Masoek Regional Office in Johannesburg.

The ongoing initiative forms part of the department’s commitment to improving regulatory compliance, enhancing service delivery, and supporting a safe, reliable, and efficient public transport system across Gauteng.

“Operating licences play a critical role in ensuring that public transport operators are legally authorised to provide services, while contributing to a well-regulated and sustainable transport sector that serves the needs of commuters across the province,” said the department. –SAnews.gov.za
 

South Africa has urged the United States of America to exempt it from a proposed 12.5% tariff linked to the importation of goods produced using forced labour.

This as the South African Government delegation led by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) participated in the public hearing on the US Section 301 Investigations on Forced Labour. 

Thursday’s session was held in Washington DC, and hosted by the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) regarding Section 301 Investigations of Acts, Policies, and Practices of 60 Economies Related to the Failure to Impose and Effectively Enforce a Prohibition on the Importation of Goods Produced with Forced Labour.

“In the Oral Testimony, South Africa emphasised that the country has laws that prohibit forced labour and that the country has ratified the relevant ILO [ International Labour Organization] fundamental Conventions. Further, that South Africa has the legal framework to enforce the prohibition of the importation of goods produced using forced labour. 

“South Africa maintained that it has enabling legislation that contains provisions that can be invoked to deal with forced labour and administer and enforce a prohibition on the import of goods made (in whole or part) by forced labour,” said the department in a statement on Saturday.

It further added that the International Trade Administration Act empowers the relevant National Executive to prohibit or control the importation of any class of goods and the Customs and Excise Act empowers the revenue authority to stop, detain and seize prohibited goods at the border. South Africa already prohibits products produced through prison labour through Section 113 of the Customs and Excise Act.

“As a result, South Africa requested that the United States consider exempting the country from the 12.5% tariff proposed for countries that failed to impose and effectively enforce prohibition of importation of goods produced using forced labour,” said the department.

In the alternative, a proposal was made that South Africa’s exports to the United States, such as platinum-group and precious metals, vehicles, catamarans, citrus, seafood, wine and nuts, among others, be exempted from any proposed action as there is no evidence that the inputs are produced using forced labour.

The Office of USTR requested that stakeholders submit post-hearing submissions by 16 July 2026. Information for stakeholders wishing to make submissions on the Investigations is available on the USTR website. 

According to Minister Parks Tau, the United States remains an important trade partner and destination for South African exports.

“Government will continue bilateral engagements with the United States on all matters of interest, including on Section 301 investigations, renewal of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Section232 tariffs that affect South African exports of steel and aluminium, and automobiles and auto components,” said the Minister.

The dtic was supported by the Department of Employment and Labour, the International Trade Administration Commission and the Embassy of South Africa in Washington DC. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

Western Cape police are investigating two counts of murder and seven counts of attempted murder following a shooting incident in Wesbank during the early hours of Sunday, 12 July 2026.

In a statement, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said officers responded to a complaint at approximately 4:40 am in Godetia Street, where they found the bodies of a 22-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

“Six adults and an infant were injured in the shooting and were admitted to hospital for medical treatment. The infant was subsequently transferred to Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. The injured victims are reported to be in a stable condition.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that a group of people were gathered outside a residence when unknown suspects opened fire on them. Evidence recovered at the scene suggests that more than one assailant may have been involved in the attack,” said the SAPS.

The motive for the shooting is yet to be established and forms part of the ongoing investigation.

“The possibility that the incident may be gang-related is being investigated. In the wake of the incident, policing in the area has been reinforced to prevent further violence and any possible retaliatory attacks. No arrests have been made, and the suspects are yet to be identified,” said the police.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application. –SAnews.gov.za