Category: MIL-OSI

Government has issued a stern warning against individuals impersonating Home Affairs officials conducting unlawful identity searches on foreign nationals, saying those involved in intimidation, extortion and other illegal activities will face the full might of the law.

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said this on Sunday as the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration provided an update on the implementation of government’s Five-Point Plan on Migration Management. 

Kubayi said government has become increasingly concerned about incidents involving individuals conducting unauthorised identity checks on foreign nationals and businesses, while falsely claiming to be officials from the Department of Home Affairs.

“We have observed that there are still individuals who impersonate Home Affairs officials and target foreign nationals and some businesses for these illegal identity searches and sometimes extortion.

“We want to urge whoever is involved in this wrong practice to desist from it or face the might of the law,” the Minister said. 

She said the South African Police Service (SAPS) had already been requested to investigate incidents brought to the attention of the IMC and confirmed that law enforcement authorities had arrested seven suspects in Polokwane.

“We are glad to report that our law enforcement authorities acted swiftly in arresting about seven of these individuals in Polokwane and we would like to issue a stern warning to everyone who is involved in this to stop,” she said. 

The Minister also warned against attempts to obstruct lawful law enforcement operations, citing a recent confrontation between officers and foreign nationals during an operation in Bellville in the Western Cape. 

“We have also noted that some groups tend to confront and seek to resist lawful operations by our law enforcement authorities. A case in point is the confrontation between law enforcement officers and some foreign nationals who were resisting law enforcement operations in Bellville a few days ago,” Kubayi said. 

She stressed that those who undermine the work of law enforcement agencies would face legal consequences.

“Again, we would like to issue a strong warning against those who undermine the work of our law enforcement officers or otherwise face the consequences,” she said. 

Kubayi confirmed that the reported death of an individual during the Bellville operation is being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), with the findings to be made public once investigations have been concluded.

The Minister also briefed the media on progress made in implementing government’s Five-Point Plan on Migration Management, which seeks to strengthen migration management, uphold the rule of law, secure South Africa’s borders and maintain the country’s constitutional commitment to human dignity, social cohesion and human rights. 

Kubayi said the implementation of the plan is beginning to produce measurable results through stronger law enforcement, enhanced border security, closer cooperation with neighbouring countries and ongoing policy reforms.

“The implementation of the Five-Point Plan is yielding tangible progress.

“We are strengthening law enforcement. We are securing our borders. We are working closely with partner countries. We are improving policy and legislation, and we are ensuring that humanitarian considerations remain central to our response,” the minister said. 

Law enforcement crackdown

Kubayi said integrated operations involving the South African Police Service, the Border Management Authority (BMA), the Department of Home Affairs, the Hawks and other law enforcement agencies continue to target criminal networks that exploit migration vulnerabilities. 

The operations focus on illegal border crossings, human trafficking networks, labour exploitation, fraudulent documentation syndicates, illegal mining operations and criminal enterprises facilitating unlawful migration.

“To date, law enforcement authorities have registered 354 cases of arrests and prosecutions against individuals who are in contravention of the law related to the issue of migration,” she said. 

She added that a further 69 people were arrested in Jeffrey’s Bay last weekend and appeared in court on Monday.

“Government is making it clear that migration management is fundamentally a rule-of-law matter. Criminality will not be tolerated, regardless of who is involved,” she said. 

Kubayi also highlighted a major breakthrough against organised crime after the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority secured a High Court preservation order against a R100 million property in Rietfontein linked to a crystal meth laboratory.

The order authorises the seizure and sale of the property, together with R27 800 in cash confiscated during a police operation in November 2024.

“A Mexican national was arrested in connection with the operation, making a significant strike against international drug syndicates,” she said. 

Border security strengthened 

On the second pillar of the Five-Point Plan, Kubayi said the Border Management Authority continues to strengthen surveillance, improve border control measures and enhance coordination with security agencies.

Since April, authorities have conducted 93 joint borderline operations targeting the illegal movement of illicit goods, human trafficking and drug syndicates.

Government has also strengthened border operations during peak periods to improve the management of movement across ports of entry and reduce opportunities for illegal entry and transnational crime.

Kubayi announced that a memorandum will be tabled before Cabinet this week seeking approval to commence critical borderline infrastructure projects.

The phased projects will include the deployment of technological infrastructure to counter increasingly sophisticated criminal syndicates exploiting weaknesses along the country’s borders.

She said redevelopment of six of South Africa’s busiest ports of entry, Lebombo, Beit Bridge, Oshoek, Ficksburg, Maseru and Kopfontein is moving towards contractual and financial close, paving the way for construction to begin at the start of 2027.

“While more work remains to be done, South Africa is steadily building a modern, integrated border management system capable of protecting national sovereignty while facilitating legitimate travel and trade,” she said. 

Working with neighbouring countries 

Kubayi emphasised that migration is a regional, continental and global challenge requiring collective solutions rather than unilateral action.

She said government has intensified engagements with neighbouring countries and countries of origin to strengthen cooperation on migration management, documentation, repatriation processes and information sharing.

Current engagements include continued cooperation with Malawi and Zimbabwe regarding migration management and repatriation arrangements.

The Minister also welcomed moves to place migration and allegations of Afrophobia in South Africa on the agenda of the next African Union Heads of State Summit.

She echoed the sentiments of International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola that the discussion presents an opportunity to ensure migration across the continent becomes “a choice rather than a necessity”.

Government believes that addressing the root causes of irregular migration, including governance, democracy and economic stability, will help develop a pragmatic and comprehensive continental response.

“The solution lies in collaboration, not confrontation,” Kubayi said. 

Kubayi also addressed the petition submitted to the International Criminal Court by two Ghanaian civilians, saying government had received legal advice that the filing does not satisfy the statutory legal triggers or jurisdictional requirements necessary for action by the court.

She further confirmed that government has responded to correspondence from the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights regarding concerns over xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals and a request to undertake a promotional mission to South Africa.

Legislative reforms under review

Kubayi said government is reviewing several pieces of legislation to strengthen migration management over the long term.

Among these are the Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection Bill, the Employment Services Amendment Bill and the Business Licensing Bill, which seeks to reserve certain business activities and sectors wholly or partly for South African citizens.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition [dtic] will also hold discussions over the next two weeks with the hospitality, agriculture and tourism sectors on the employment of locals and broader economic issues.

In addition, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the dtic will engage South African businesses operating elsewhere on the continent to better understand the impact of current migration challenges.

Coordinating with municipalities

Kubayi said the IMC recently met the leadership of the City of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni to discuss interventions relating to hijacked and abandoned buildings, land invasions, illegal mining and illegal trading.

The three metros outlined the work already underway, challenges experienced and areas where support is required from national government.

The IMC has directed the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) to finalise a framework and operational plan to tackle these issues, which pose public safety risks and contribute to revenue losses.

Concluding the briefing, Kubayi said government remains committed to implementing a migration system that protects national interests while remaining firmly rooted in constitutional values.

“The IMC will continue to provide regular updates as implementation progresses and remains committed to ensuring that South Africans receive factual, balanced and accurate information on migration management.

“Together, we can build a migration system that protects our national interest, promotes social cohesion and upholds the rule of law,” she said. –  SAnews.gov.za

0

Government has announced that it will scale down operations at the Musina Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre (TRPC) from 20 000 to 1 500 capacity from 1 August, as the implementation of its Five-Point Plan on Migration Management continues to yield results.

The decision follows a sustained decline in the number of undocumented foreign nationals requiring processing at the facility, which was established in June to manage increased migration pressures and facilitate orderly repatriations.

Delivering a progress report on the implementation of the Five-Point Plan on Sunday, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said government remains committed to strengthening migration management, while ensuring that humanitarian support and constitutional obligations remain central to its approach. 

“The IMC has taken a decision at its regular meeting on Friday, 24 July 2026, that as of the 1st of August 2026, operations at the TRPC will be scaled down from 20 000 capacity to 1 500 capacity, after analysis of data trends for the past three weeks,” Kubayi said. 

The Minister said the phased reduction in operations will not compromise government’s ability to process undocumented foreign nationals or carry out deportations and repatriations.

“We envisage that the phased scaling down of the centre will not negatively impact or compromise both the deportation and repatriation processes we are undertaking.

“The State remains with the legal obligation to continuously manage the issue of migration in the country and will continue to do so guided by the Five-Point Plan and immigration laws of our country, and the work being monitored by Cabinet,” she said. 

Thousands processed

Kubayi said government has made significant progress in processing undocumented foreign nationals since migration pressures intensified in June.

“Regarding deportations and repatriations, we can confirm that since Malawian nationals assembled at Sherwood in KwaZulu-Natal between the 14th of June 2026 to 24 July 2026, a total of 68 138 foreign nationals have been processed, with the majority repatriated following processing at the Musina Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre,” she said. 

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has also processed 72 906 repatriations through all ports of entry between 7 June and 14 July for various nationalities, including those processed through the TRPC.

“The majority of nationals processed at the TRPC centre were Malawian nationals, followed by Zimbabwean and Mozambican nationals,” the Minister said. 

Kubayi said South Africa’s dedicated immigration courts have also been processing migration-related matters at an accelerated pace.

She said between 1 April and the end of June, immigration courts finalised 28 736 immigration-related cases, mainly dealing with deportations.

Of these, Gauteng accounted for 13 312 cases, representing 46% of the total, while KwaZulu-Natal finalised 4 973 cases, most of them through the dedicated courts in Durban Central and Sherwood. The Western Cape completed 3 334 cases and the Eastern Cape finalised 2 019 cases.

Government is now working to establish a dedicated immigration court at OR Tambo International Airport on a site identified by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), while upgrades to the Lindela Court at the deportation facility are also expected to commence.

Humanitarian response

Kubayi said while government has intensified migration enforcement, it has remained committed to protecting vulnerable people requiring humanitarian assistance.

She noted concerns raised by some sectors regarding conditions at the Musina Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre and stressed that government had worked closely with social partners to provide assistance.

These interventions include healthcare services and medical screening, access to food, water, sanitation and other basic relief support, child protection measures, support services for women and vulnerable groups, as well as coordination with embassies, consulates, faith-based organisations, non-governmental organisations and international partners.

Government also identified and referred individuals requiring emergency social support and protection services.

“We have undertaken all these interventions because we recognise the plight of those affected by this situation.

“But we also want to emphasise that South Africa has, in many instances, provided humanitarian and logistical support beyond what is ordinarily required under international repatriation arrangements, particularly where vulnerable individuals are involved or where receiving-country logistical arrangements are still being finalised,” kubayi said. 

Benefits of the temporary centre

Kubayi said the establishment of the TRPC has enabled government to manage migration pressures in a coordinated and humane manner.

The facility facilitated orderly and dignified departures through a centralised processing system that provided transportation, documentation and humanitarian assistance to those being repatriated.

It also reduced immediate safety risks by creating a centralised processing site and improved coordination among government departments, municipalities, embassies and humanitarian organisations.

The centre enabled humanitarian relief to be monitored by organisations including United Nations agencies — the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the South African Council for Churches, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs and the Limpopo Provincial Legislature Committee on Transport and Safety.

Kubayi said the facility also reinforced South Africa’s constitutional and international obligations by ensuring protection and assistance for vulnerable groups, including asylum seekers and refugees.

Government thanks partners

The Minister expressed appreciation to the many institutions that supported the operation of the centre, saying it became operational within four days after the IMC resolved to establish it on 26 June.

She thanked officials from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Department of Home Affairs, Border Management Authority, South African National Defence Force, Department of Social Development, South African Police Service, Department of Health, Musina Municipality and Limpopo Provincial Government for operating the facility seven days a week.

Kubayi also acknowledged the cooperation of embassies that assisted in repatriating their nationals.

She thanked the business community, particularly MTN, for donating R15 million to support Gift of the Givers in providing essential services at the centre, while MTN and Vodacom also provided network connectivity.

Government further expressed appreciation to humanitarian organisations and community groups, including Gift of the Givers, the Al-Imdaad Foundation, Africa Muslim Agency, Musina Reformed Church and Mahlasedi Foundation, which provided food parcels, water, infant formula, nappies, sanitary products and other essential supplies to vulnerable people.

Migration management continues

Although operations at Musina will be significantly reduced, Kubayi said government has already identified assembly points across municipalities – through the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs – to ensure it can respond quickly, should migration pressures increase again.

She urged all stakeholders to continue supporting designated assembly points, in partnership with municipalities.

Kubayi reiterated that migration management is a long-term national programme involving all spheres of government, law enforcement agencies, border authorities, municipalities and social partners.

“The implementation of the Five-Point Plan is yielding tangible progress. We are strengthening law enforcement. We are securing our borders. We are working closely with partner countries. We are improving policy and legislation, and we are ensuring that humanitarian considerations remain central to our response.

“While challenges remain, government is firmly committed to implementing a migration system that is secure, humane, lawful and aligned with the values of our Constitution,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

10

By Dr. Fateh Boutbig, President of the Pan-African Parliament

The First Ordinary Session of the Pan-African Parliament will be held at a particularly critical juncture at both continental and international levels. Geopolitical transformations are unfolding alongside economic, security, social and environmental challenges, compelling African institutions to move beyond diagnosis towards action, and from the management of crises to the shaping of the future.

We gather not merely to inaugurate a new parliamentary session, but to launch a new chapter in African parliamentary action, founded upon reform, renewal and effectiveness, while restoring parliamentary diplomacy to its rightful place as one of the African Union’s foremost instruments for advancing peace, stability, development and integration.

The time has come for the Pan-African Parliament to become a more influential actor in shaping continental decision-making, more responsive to the transformations taking place across our continent, and more closely attuned to the aspirations of African citizens. Africa no longer needs institutions that merely deliberate; it requires institutions that take the initiative and lead the change.

The new leadership of the Parliament is guided by a clear vision of comprehensive continental parliamentary transformation. This vision seeks to modernise our working methods, strengthen institutional performance, enhance transparency and governance, and improve the quality of legislation, oversight and evaluation, thereby positioning the Parliament as a principal driver of the implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the realisation of its slogan: “The Africa We Want”.

Agenda 2063 is far more than a strategic document; it is a civilisational project reflecting the collective determination of Africa’s peoples to build a strong, united, prosperous and peaceful continent. Accordingly, the Parliament must serve as an active partner in monitoring the implementation of the Agenda, assessing continental public policies, and advancing legislative proposals and initiatives that foster economic integration, promote sustainable development, and create new opportunities for youth, women and innovation.

No discussion of Africa’s future can overlook economic integration. The African Continental Free Trade Area represents the greatest economic opportunity the continent has witnessed in decades. Yet its success depends upon the removal of barriers, the harmonisation of legal frameworks, investment in modern infrastructure, the promotion of investment, and the expansion of intra-African trade. In this regard, the Parliament has a pivotal role to play by supporting this historic undertaking through the harmonisation of national legislation, strengthening parliamentary oversight of the implementation of agreements, and advocating for a more complementary and equitable African economy.

At the same time, peace and security remain at the forefront of our priorities. There can be no development without stability, and no complementarity without security. The persistence of armed conflicts, the growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism, the proliferation of organised crime, and the increase in unconstitutional changes of government all require a unified African response founded upon dialogue, mediation, conflict prevention, constitutional legitimacy and the rule of law.

Parliamentary diplomacy must therefore assume a more prominent role in crisis management. It must contribute to building trust among States and peoples, support the African Union’s mediation and peacebuilding efforts, and promote a culture of dialogue and consensus as the most effective means of resolving disputes and preventing division.

Likewise, respect for human rights, the consolidation of democracy, broader political participation, and the empowerment of women and youth are not merely political slogan, they constitute the essential pillars of the modern African State. The Parliament must remain the voice of Africa’s peoples and the guardian of their dignity and rights, while promoting the principles of good governance, transparency, accountability, and the protection of rights and freedoms throughout the continent.

During this session, the Parliament attaches particular importance to the issue of water security and sanitation, recognising it as one of the most pressing strategic challenges confronting Africa in the decades ahead. Water has become a matter of national and developmental security, linked to health, food, energy and social stability. It is therefore our responsibility to strengthen African cooperation in the management of shared water resources, expand investment in water and sanitation infrastructure, and ensure every African citizen enjoys access to safe water and adequate sanitation services, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063.

Africa possesses abundant natural resources, human capital and economic potential, positioning it to become one of the world’s foremost engines of growth in the coming decades. Yet realising this ambition first requires the emergence of a new continental consciousness—one founded on the conviction that Africa’s future will be shaped by Africans themselves, that our unity is the source of our strength, and that our complementarity is the pathway to sovereignty, development and prosperity.

It is in this spirit that we believe the Pan-African Parliament must evolve into a forum for strategic dialogue, a platform for continental initiatives, a laboratory for ideas and solutions, and a bridge connecting continental institutions, national parliaments and the peoples of Africa.

The period ahead will be characterised by far-reaching reforms within the Parliament. These reforms will encompass the modernisation of procedures, the digitalization of parliamentary performance, the strengthening of the effectiveness of standing committees, enhanced cooperation with the organs of the African Union, and expanded partnerships with regional and international parliaments. Together, these measures will reinforce the Parliament’s standing and enhance its capacity to respond to the challenges of our time.

Our message is clear: we aspire to build a strong, proactive and influential African Parliament—one that embodies the aspirations of more than 1.4 billion Africans and serves as a genuine partner in building a strong, united, integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.

Africa is not merely the continent of the future, it is equally the continent of the present. Our political will, our civilisational heritage and our human potential equip us to lead a new African renaissance—one in which the Pan-African Parliament serves as the home of the African will, the forum for advancing the continent’s interests, and the united voice of its peoples in a rapidly changing world.

Our historic responsibility demands that we rise to the occasion, that we transform aspirations into policies, policies into programmes, and programmes into tangible outcomes that improve the security, livelihoods, dignity and future of every African citizen.

This is Africa’s moment, and it is the moment of its Parliament.

11

Government has called on South Africans to unite behind the national women’s football team, Banyana Banyana, as they continue their campaign in the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

In a statement issued by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Sunday, government urged citizens to show pride, passion and unwavering support for the reigning African champions as they represent the country on the continental stage.

“Our players carry the hopes of the nation and together, we can inspire them to give their very best,” Government said. 

Banyana Banyana are set to take on Tanzania at the Stade Moulay Rachid in Morocco on Monday, 27 July 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 CAT.

Government encouraged South Africans to stand together in support of the team throughout the tournament.

“Let us stand as one, fly the South African flag high and show the world the strength of our unity,” the statement read. 

South Africans have also been encouraged to wear the national colours as part of the Banyana Fridays campaign and continue backing the team during its WAFCON 2026 journey.

“Wear your green and gold on Banyana Fridays and continue to stand united behind our national team throughout their WAFCON 2026 journey,” Government said. – SAnews.gov.za

10

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to liberation struggle stalwart, Shantavothie “Shanthie” Naidoo Tweedie, describing her as a hero whose lifelong sacrifice and commitment helped shape South Africa’s journey to freedom. 

The President expressed his sadness at the passing of Naidoo Tweedie at the age of 91 and conveyed his condolences to her husband, Dominic Tweedie, the Naidoo family, as well as her friends and comrades.

In a statement issued on Friday, President Ramaphosa reflected on Naidoo Tweedie’s enduring contribution to the liberation struggle, saying her passing serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought against apartheid.

“The passing of Shanthie Naidoo Tweedie causes us to revisit and pay tribute to the extraordinary contribution she made to our struggle for freedom.

“Shanthie Naidoo Tweedie was a hero who followed in the footsteps of her politically active family and sacrificially devoted her extended life to fighting for a free, non-racial South Africa,” the President said.

Born in Pretoria in 1935, Naidoo Tweedie became politically active while still at school. She went on to play a prominent role in the then Transvaal Indian Youth Congress, the Federation of South African Women, the South African Congress of Trade Unions and the African National Congress (ANC).

She and her husband later worked for the ANC at the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College in Tanzania after going into exile in the United Kingdom from 1972 until 1991.

Throughout the struggle against apartheid, Naidoo Tweedie endured repeated detention, including periods of solitary confinement under the Terrorism Act, as well as banning orders imposed by the apartheid government.

She was also imprisoned for two months after refusing to testify against Winnie Mandela and 21 other comrades, who had been charged with furthering the aims of the ANC.

The apartheid government initially denied her permission to leave South Africa, only allowing her to go into exile following sustained pressure from supporters locally and internationally, including a campaign led by former liberal Member of Parliament, Helen Suzman.

President Ramaphosa said Naidoo Tweedie’s passing, on the eve of Women’s Month, also highlighted the courage of women who challenged the injustices of apartheid.

“Her passing, on the eve of Women’s Month, draws our attention to the struggles women faced under apartheid and which spurred courageous women to confront a system founded on race and gender discrimination.

“As we mourn Shanthie Naidoo Tweedie’s passing, we also celebrate her legacy and that of the 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings 70 years ago, as well as other women, who have made South Africa a better place for women and girls,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The President called on South Africans to honour her legacy by continuing to build an inclusive society.

“We can only repay Shanthie Naidoo Tweedie by honouring her sacrifice and leadership, and continuing to make South Africa a nation that works for all, and especially women. May her soul rest in peace,” he said.  – SAnews.gov.za

0

Government has issued a stern warning that any attack on members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) or other law enforcement agencies will be met with the full force of the law.

In a statement issued on Friday, Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) said attacks on law enforcement officials undermine the authority of the State and the country’s constitutional order. 

“An attack on law enforcement officials is an attack on the authority of the State and the rule of law,” the statement said. 

Government stressed that it would not tolerate any attempts to intimidate, assault, threaten or obstruct members of the SAPS or any other law enforcement agency operating within South Africa’s borders. 

“Government will not tolerate any attempt by any individual or group within South Africa’s borders to intimidate, assault, threaten or obstruct members of the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies. Those responsible will be pursued, arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the statement said. 

The statement reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting law enforcement officers and ensuring they are able to carry out their constitutional mandate without fear or interference.

“The State will act decisively to protect those entrusted with enforcing the law and maintaining public order. South Africa is a constitutional democracy founded on the rule of law, and every person within its borders is expected to respect the country’s laws and institutions,” Government said. 

Government added that it remains resolute in safeguarding the country’s institutions and maintaining public order.

“There will be no compromise when it comes to protecting the authority of the State and ensuring the safety of those who serve and protect the nation”.  – SAnews.gov.za

0

Government has cautioned the public against trusting or sharing unverified content relating to migration, as misinformation, disinformation and malinformation continue to pose a growing challenge to social cohesion and informed public discourse. 

In a statement on Saturday, Government explained that South Africa manages migration through established laws, policies and institutions, while balancing national interests, human rights, public safety and regional commitments. 

However, the increasing spread of false and misleading information on social media platforms, messaging applications and unofficial websites is creating confusion, fear and division within communities.

“Government recognises misinformation, disinformation and malinformation as a serious threat to social cohesion, public trust and nation-building, and remains committed to ensuring that the public has access to accurate, credible and verified information,” the statement read.

Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information shared without the intention to deceive. Disinformation is the deliberate creation and dissemination of false information intended to mislead, manipulate or create confusion.

Malinformation involves the deliberate use of genuine information that has been taken out of context, altered or selectively presented with the intention of causing harm.

“During periods of heightened public interest, unverified information can spread rapidly, particularly when accompanied by manipulated images, edited videos, deepfakes or emotionally charged content designed to provoke public reaction.

“False claims relating to migrants, border management, deportations, documentation processes, access to public services or law enforcement operations have the potential to inflame tensions, undermine confidence in public institutions and create unnecessary panic,” Government said. 

Government called on all citizens and migrants living in South Africa to act responsibly when consuming and sharing information relating to migration.

“Government urges all members of the public to verify information before sharing migration-related content. Citizens are encouraged to consume information from bona fide media houses and official government channels or a trusted fact-checking platform.

“Rumours, anonymous voice notes, screenshots without context and unverified social media posts should not be regarded as reliable sources of information. Many fake websites and misleading online posts are intentionally designed to manipulate public opinion and encourage the rapid spread of false information,” Government said. 

Government further emphasised that every person within the border of South Africa has a responsibility to communicate honestly, responsibly and respectfully, and to contribute to a society informed by facts rather than falsehoods. – SAnews.gov.za

0