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Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Mmapaseka Steve Letsike has called for stronger regional cooperation and collective action to accelerate efforts to end gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) across Southern Africa.

Addressing the Southern Africa Regional Convening on GBV Action Coalition Commitments on Tuesday, Letsike said the conclusion of the Generation Equality Forum’s five-year action period must not be mistaken for the end of the struggle against violence and inequality.

She said the true measure of commitments made between 2021 and 2026 will be whether they had translated into national laws, budgets and functioning institutions that improve the lived safety, dignity and freedom of women and girls.

“A cycle may close and a commitment may be recorded as completed. Still, the true measure of our work lies in whether the social and economic conditions that reproduce violence are being changed.

“The credibility of Generation Equality will therefore not be judged by the number of commitments announced in Paris in 2021, but by whether those commitments travelled from international platforms into national laws and budgets, through functioning institutions, and ultimately into the lived safety, dignity and freedom of women and girls,” Letsike said.

She said GBVF remains a profound public, constitutional and developmental concern in South Africa, as violence frequently occurs in intimate relationships, including homes, schools, universities, workplaces, places of worship, and increasingly in digital spaces.

While violence may occur behind closed doors, its consequences extend into health facilities, classrooms, workplaces, police stations, shelters and courts, while also placing significant social and economic costs on families, communities and the State.

Letsike cited research showing the scale of the crisis, including findings from the Human Sciences Research Council that 33.1% of women aged 18 and older have experienced physical violence during their lifetime.

She also highlighted South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) research indicating that approximately 60% of women murdered in 2020/21 were killed by an intimate partner.

“These figures do not represent unrelated incidents.

“They reveal unequal power reproduced across relationships, institutions and generations,” the deputy minister said.

Legislative and policy protections

Letsike said addressing GBVF requires more than criminal justice interventions, as violence is influenced by social norms, economic conditions, institutional cultures and the quality of the State’s response.

She pointed to South Africa’s constitutional and policy framework, including the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, which identifies six areas of action: leadership and accountability; prevention and social cohesion; justice, safety and protection; response, care, support and healing; economic empowerment; and research and knowledge management.

The deputy minister also highlighted legislative reforms since April 2022, including amendments to laws dealing with domestic violence, sexual offences, bail, sentencing and the participation of complainants in criminal proceedings.

However, Letsike warned that laws do not implement themselves and that their effectiveness is ultimately tested through survivors’ experiences.

“Prevention must begin long before a police docket is opened,” Letsike said. 

She called for interventions in schools, higher education institutions and workplaces to challenge harmful gender norms and promote dignity, consent and equality.

Letsike also stressed the need to ensure that services are accessible to survivors, noting the importance of shelters, psychosocial support, healthcare, the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre, Thuthuzela Care Centres and the criminal justice system.

During 2024/25, the National Prosecuting Authority recorded 3697 convictions for sexual offences, while more than 44 000 victims received support through 66 Thuthuzela Care Centres.

However, Letsike said institutional activity must be measured against whether it result in reduced violence, improved access to justice and safer communities.

She further called for greater recognition of violence experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI), and other people of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics.

Letsike welcomed the establishment of the National Council on GBVF as an opportunity to strengthen coordination and accountability across government, civil society and other sectors.

She called for stronger SADC cooperation on prevention, trafficking, migration, technology-facilitated violence, survivor services, comparable data, and sustainable financing.

“If violence and anti-rights organising can cross borders, our solidarity, knowledge and accountability must do the same,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration Management has prioritised three interventions to address about 2 400 non-compliant buildings across South Africa’s metropolitan municipalities, including a national funding model for temporary emergency accommodation.

The interventions follow the IMC’s consideration of a consolidated report on so-called bad and hijacked buildings across the country’s eight metropolitan municipalities.

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said the report showed that municipalities already had the necessary by-laws, structures and enforcement processes to identify and act against hijacked buildings, with the main challenge lying in executing court orders for evictions and remediation.

“The constraint lies at, among other things, the point of execution because court orders for eviction or remediation cannot lawfully be carried out because municipalities have no funded temporary emergency accommodation to place occupants in. The Constitutional Court has confirmed on several occasions that this duty rests with the municipalities,” Kubayi said. 

The report drew on submissions from the Cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane, eThekwini, Ekurhuleni, Nelson Mandela Bay, Mangaung and Buffalo City, together with published information on the City of Cape Town.

Three interventions prioritised

Following engagements with mayors from all eight metropolitan municipalities, the IMC has resolved to prioritise three measures.

The first is the development of a national funding model for temporary emergency accommodation, led by the Department of Human Settlements.

The second is the prioritisation of hijacked-building matters by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development in the Magistrates’ and High Courts.

The third is the adoption of a single national definition and reporting template, to be coordinated by the Department of Cooperative Governance.

This common definition and reporting system is intended to ensure that the scale of the problem is measured consistently across all eight metropolitan municipalities.

The IMC’s engagements with mayors also highlighted the financial and infrastructure pressures created by hijacked buildings, including lost municipal revenue resulting from non-payment of rates and excessive consumption of water and energy when buildings are used beyond their approved regulatory capacity.

Repurposing vacant buildings

Mayors also called for consideration to be given to repurposing underutilised and vacant buildings for student accommodation and affordable rental housing.

The proposal is intended to serve as a preventative measure against inner-city decay and dilapidation, while also addressing the criminal activity that has taken hold in many hijacked buildings.

Kubayi said the IMC’s approach is not only about addressing the condition of buildings but also tackling criminal networks operating from them.

“Again, we would like to emphasise that we are undertaking this important assignment to bolster our efforts to rehabilitate the dilapidated inner-city environment [and] also to get rid of the criminal enclaves in these buildings. 

“Our law enforcement is also geared towards dealing with the criminal syndicates that operate these buildings through illegal collection of rent and other forms of abuse suffered by illegal occupiers,” the Minister said. 

The IMC said hijacked and abandoned buildings were, in many cases, illegally occupied and being used for criminal activities, including human trafficking, drug dealing, illicit goods trading and substance abuse.

Mayors expressed support for a coordinated national effort to reclaim hijacked buildings, including joint law enforcement operations and cooperation between relevant government departments.

The measures form part of the broader implementation of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Five-Point Plan on Migration Management, which seeks to restore public confidence, strengthen the rule of law, protect South Africa’s borders, modernise migration systems and enhance cooperation with regional and international partners. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government is stepping up efforts to secure South Africa’s borders through improved infrastructure, technology, surveillance and coordinated law enforcement operations, as part of the implementation of the Five-Point Plan on Migration Management.

At a media briefing on Tuesday, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi noted that significant progress had been made in strengthening border management and improving coordination among agencies operating at ports of entry and vulnerable border areas.

The minister announced that Cabinet has approved the Borderline Infrastructure Improvement Plan (2026–2030), which will be implemented across all seven border provinces. 

The plan is intended to improve border security, patrol mobility, operational response times, personnel safety, infrastructure maintenance and intergovernmental coordination, while deterring illegal cross-border incursions.

More than 4200 intercepted

Despite the progress, government continues to face challenges along the country’s extensive borders.

More than 4 200 undocumented foreign nationals were intercepted attempting to enter South Africa outside formal ports of entry between April and July 2026.

Most were intercepted along the northern corridor bordering Zimbabwe, followed by areas bordering Lesotho and Mozambique.

Almost 90 000 people have been repatriated, while 81 joint border law enforcement operations were conducted in July.

“South Africa has an extensive land borderline of approximately 4471km, shared with six neighbouring countries and traversing varied and challenging terrain. Overtime, border security infrastructure has deteriorated significantly, with large sections of fencing damaged, vandalised, or absent and critical access roads in poor condition.

“This has negatively affected border safeguarding operations, limiting patrol mobility, delayed response time, increased strain on personnel and equipment, and creating vulnerability exploited by illegal crossing, smuggling and transnational crime.

“A cabinet memorandum on the proposed borderline infrastructure improvement solution was approved by cabinet recently and National Treasury is finalising the funding model for the project,” Kubayi said.

Technology to strengthen border control

At the same time, the Department of Home Affairs has intensified efforts to modernise the border management environment through the Electronic Traveller Authorisation and the upgraded Enhanced Movement Control System, launched at OR Tambo International Airport by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 12 August 2026.

The IMC said that the Customs Online Traveller Declaration system also began operating on 1 July 2026 and is functioning without major concerns. 

The Minister added that scanners are also operational at all major land ports, airports and seaports.

The Border Management Authority is currently operating five drones at critical border points in Lebombo, Maseru, Oshoek, Beitbridge and KwaZulu-Natal, while procurement of nine additional drones is underway.

About 40 body-worn cameras are also being deployed at critical ports of entry to improve operational visibility and combat internal corruption.

Repatriation operations return to normal

Between 14 June and 20 August 2026, some 86 596 foreign nationals were processed for deportation and repatriation through coordinated law enforcement operations.

Malawians constituted the largest group, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans.

The IMC’s data indicates that 90% of repatriated foreigners entered the country illegally, with 95% classified as border jumpers.

The Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre in Musina has also since been shut down and decommissioned following a significant decline in demand.

The centre, which had capacity for 20 000 people, processed more than 4000 repatriations at its peak. However, this declined to 58 repatriations in August.

The repatriation operations at the centre were shut down on 21 August 2026, marking a return to normal immigration law enforcement operations.

Government said it would continue working with neighbouring countries and regional structures to strengthen border security and address undocumented migration.

“Government remains committed to improving surveillance, inspections and operational coordination at ports of entry to ensure that South Africa’s borders are secure while facilitating legitimate travel and trade,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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The Department of Health (DoH) has reported “significant progress” in the rollout of the twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention medication, Lenacapavir.

The medication, officially launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June this year, together with Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has since been rolled out to some 360 public health facilities across 24 districts in six provinces.

“More than 55 123 people had been initiated on Lenacapavir as of 7 September 2026, reflecting strong demand for this long-acting HIV prevention option. Majority [or 71%] of the recipients are females, mostly the pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

“Gauteng province has recorded the highest number of Lenacapavir initiations, with more than 26 357 people initiated, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 11 941, North West 4 479, Western Cape with 4 446, Mpumalanga with 4294 and Eastern Cape with 3 606,” the department said.

The rollout has been carried out with the collaboration of stakeholders, including provincial Health Departments. Healthcare workers and implementing partners are monitoring uptake, commodity availability, quality of service delivery, client follow-up and safety”.

“Lenacapavir is being offered within a comprehensive PrEP-choice programme alongside other available HIV prevention options. 

“Lenacapavir has been approved and registered by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority as safe and effective for preventing HIV infection, following a thorough review of preclinical, clinical and manufacturing data. Individuals who experience serious or persistent adverse events after receiving the injection are encouraged to report these promptly to healthcare workers at their nearest health facility. 

“The department remains committed to the safe, responsible and evidence-based implementation of Lenacapavir and other medical products, supported by strengthened pharmacovigilance, clinical monitoring and rapid investigation of any serious adverse events,” the DoH stated. – SAnews.gov.za

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The overall situation regarding migration management in South Africa has significantly improved since the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) last reported on progress in implementing the Five-Point Plan on Migration Management. 

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi made the assessment on Tuesday when providing an update on government’s efforts to implement the plan announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 7 June 2026.

“The situation has significantly improved since then and on behalf of government and the entire team that is hard at work in implementing these interventions, we would like to appreciate and thank the support of all role players, including the fraternity of non-governmental organisations, who continue to support our efforts in this regard. 

“We also want to thank the people of South Africa, who continue to heed our call for conducting peaceful protests, [with] vital cooperation with law enforcement authorities,” Kubayi said. 

The Five-Point Plan is aimed at restoring public confidence, strengthening the rule of law, protecting South Africa’s borders, modernising migration systems and enhancing cooperation with regional and international partners.

Government has reported progress across the five areas, including intensified law enforcement operations, strengthened border management, reforms to the immigration system, legislative and policy interventions, and increased cooperation with neighbouring countries.

More than 350 000 inspections conducted

As part of the crackdown on migration violations, multidisciplinary law enforcement operations have targeted illegal border crossings, fraudulent documentation, labour exploitation, human trafficking networks, illegal mining operations and other forms of organised crime linked to migration vulnerabilities. 

To date, 205 cases have been registered, with 354 people arrested and 123 cases on the court roll.

More than 350 000 inspections have also been conducted across industries and sectors, including factories, supermarkets and spaza shops.

Government said a number of businesses were found to be non-compliant with labour and health-related standards and legal requirements, particularly in relation to the employment of undocumented migrants.

Government has warned employers to comply with the law and desist from deliberately employing undocumented migrants.

To bolster enforcement capacity, 6 317 labour inspectors have been finalised for multidisciplinary law enforcement operations, comprising 4 017 interns recruited and 2 300 inspectors released for joint blitz operations.

A further 301 Department of Home Affairs Immigration Inspector posts have been advertised, with recruitment expected to be finalised by the end of September.

Strengthening the regulatory environment

Government is also progressing with reforms affecting small businesses, particularly spaza shops.

Thirty-four municipalities have adopted the Standard Draft By-laws for Township and Rural Economies, while 105 have adopted them through council resolutions and 21 are in the process of adoption.

The Business Licensing Bill was presented to the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) in June 2026 and seeks to reserve certain businesses to citizens.

Government has also acted against the abuse of the Traffic Register Number system. All dormant Traffic Register Numbers that could not be verified were cancelled as of 4 September 2026. A Traffic Register Number is a temporary identification number used in South Africa’s National Transport Information System to allow foreign nationals and non-legal entities to conduct lawful road traffic and vehicle-licensing transactions. 

“These operations demonstrate government’s zero-tolerance approach to criminality, irrespective of nationality, while ensuring that all enforcement actions are undertaken within the framework of the law and respect for human rights,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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At least 28 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in Cala, Eastern Cape, have received a combined R1.6 million worth of learning and teaching materials which will strengthen the centres’ programmes and provide children with resources to support their physical, mental and emotional development.

The initiative will ultimately benefit 1 034 children in Cala and surrounding villages, with materials covering key developmental and learning areas, including gross and fine motor development, fantasy play, reading, tabletop activities and ring activities.

The National Development Agency (NDA) and Eskom started handing over the materials on Monday, with 12 ECD centres receiving support on the first day of the programme.

The support will assist beneficiary centres in delivering effective ECD programmes and strengthening foundational learning, particularly in communities with limited access to educational resources. The materials will also help create stimulating and exploratory environments that support children before they progress to formal schooling.

The handover gives practical expression to the ECD component of the partnership between the NDA and Eskom, which contributes to efforts to eradicate poverty by supporting civil society organisations (CSOs) to improve their growth and sustainability.

Collaborative efforts

The working relationship between Eskom and the NDA began in 2013 and was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in February 2025.

NDA Eastern Cape Provincial Manager Nokulunga Skeyi said the initiative demonstrates the value of partnerships in supporting community development.

“This handover demonstrates what can be achieved when the public sector and corporate social investment institutions combine their strengths in support of community development.

“Through our partnership with Eskom, and in collaboration with the Sakhisizwe NPO Forum, we are investing in the capacity of Early Childhood Development centres to provide children with an improved foundation for learning and development,” Skeyi said.

The partnership is guided by a joint Programme Steering Committee and combines the mandates, resources and capabilities of the NDA and Eskom to support community-based development.

Through the MoU, the parties jointly identify and implement interventions that address the needs of poor and vulnerable communities. Eskom supports the NDA in identifying and assessing NPOs in need, provides resources subject to available funding and assigns representatives to support the project management team.

The NDA mobilises CSOs, identifies eligible non-profit organisations (NPOs) for support and provides capacity building and grant funding within approved plans and budgets. It also allocates expertise and resources and monitors project performance.

Eskom Cala Senior Supervisor in the Cape Coastal Cluster Sive Rabaza said the initiative is an investment in early learning, and the organisations serving children and families.

“Our collaboration with the NDA reflects our commitment to supporting sustainable initiatives that make a meaningful difference in communities. Providing learning and teaching support materials to these 28 ECD centres is an investment in early learning and in the organisations that serve children and families at community level,” Rabaza said.

Rabaza emphasised that the initiative is more than delivering materials, but an investment in children, and laying a foundation for lifelong learning in stimulating and exploratory environments.

The partnership MoU spans all provinces and is currently active in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape. The most recent handover took place in Khayelitsha in June 2026, where 31 ECD centres received support.

The Cala handover programme will continue until the end of this week, with deliveries to centres in villages including Manzimdaka, Upper Mnxe and Cacadu completing the cycle of support to all 28 centres.

The Sakhisizwe ECD Forum, which has worked with the NDA since 2015, welcomed the initiative and acknowledged previous NDA interventions, including training for ECD practitioners.

Mayor Boniswa Phonoshe welcomed the contribution, saying the resources will help the municipality and government nurture future leaders in Cala. – SAnews.gov.za

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