Category: MIL-OSI

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called for a balanced, lawful and sustainable migration framework, urging South Africans to address undocumented migration without compromising the country’s constitutional values or human dignity.

Speaking at the Engangeni Ngesango Summit on Undocumented Foreign Nationals in Durban on Thursday, Ntuli rejected attempts to portray South Africans as xenophobic or Afrophobic, saying concerns about undocumented migration should not be confused with prejudice against foreign nationals.

“Our challenge is not a rejection of fellow Africans or foreign nationals. Our challenge is how to manage migration in a manner that is lawful, humane, orderly and sustainable, while protecting the rights, security and socio-economic interests of all who live within our borders,” said the Premier.

The summit was convened to develop practical solutions to migration challenges and move beyond what the Premier described as “slogans, stereotypes and political posturing”.

Ntuli emphasised that undocumented migration is a global issue requiring coordinated responses, including stronger border management, improved registration systems, regional cooperation and effective governance.

“Durable solutions require effective border management, stronger cooperation between countries, and migration systems that are lawful, efficient and credible.”

The Premier said South Africa’s approach must remain grounded in constitutional principles, international law and regional cooperation, while acknowledging the pressures undocumented migration places on communities, public services and local economies.

Reflecting on the provincial government’s Engangeni Ngesango Iyafohla programme, launched in 2024, Ntuli said the administration had prioritised direct engagement with communities, workplaces, border facilities and international stakeholders.

“We did not approach this matter from boardrooms alone,” he said. “We went into communities, factories and strategic points of entry because effective leadership requires direct engagement with realities on the ground.”

According to Ntuli, these engagements revealed that communities were not motivated by hostility towards foreign nationals but were instead demanding accountability and enforcement of the law.

The Premier confirmed that the provincial government had engaged diplomatic representatives, international organisations and civic groups involved in migration issues, including organisations planning demonstrations later this month. 

He welcomed assurances that any protests would remain peaceful and lawful.

“The right to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, but it must always be exercised responsibly, with due regard for the rights, safety and dignity of all who live in our province,” he said.

He noted that legislative reviews, expert panel discussions and commission sessions had been structured to develop a Programme of Action with clear responsibilities and measurable targets.

The Premier stressed that the success of the summit would be judged by the implementation of its recommendations rather than the speeches delivered during the event.

He called on government, business, labour, civil society, diplomatic partners and communities to work together in developing migration policies that safeguard both citizens’ interests and South Africa’s democratic values. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli will on Friday attend the 10th Ephraim Mogale Career Expo at the Laerskool Sports Ground in Marble Hall, Limpopo.

“The career expo will bring together learners, government departments, higher education institutions, SETAs, and industry stakeholders to provide young people with information on career opportunities, skills development programmes, bursaries, entrepreneurship, and pathways to employment,” the Presidency said in a statement.

As part of the programme, the Deputy Minister will interact with exhibitors, engage with learners, and deliver remarks on government interventions aimed at improving youth employment outcomes through initiatives such as SAYouth.mobi, implemented in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), and the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI).

The PYEI is South Africa’s flagship initiative to create meaningful employment and economic opportunities for young people, aiming to integrate two million youth into the economy over the next decade.

The PYEI is coordinated by a Project Management Office (PMO) in the Presidency and combines the know-how of leading experts, government departments, the private sector, social partners and young people themselves. – SAnews.gov.za

The Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia will on Friday address a parade as law enforcement agencies intensify operational readiness ahead of the planned demonstrations scheduled for 30 June 2026 at the FNB stadium.

“The parade forms part of the SAPS’ nationwide state of readiness and operational mobilisation, following recent briefings by police management and assurances that the constitutional right to peaceful protest will be protected, while acts of violence, intimidation and criminality will not be tolerated,” the police said in a statement.

The Acting Minister will be joined by the Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, the Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, Co-Chairpersons of the NATJOINTS, Provincial Commissioners and senior management of the South African Police Service. – SAnews.gov.za

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says government is demonstrating confidence in the tourism sector through continued investment in tourism infrastructure, aimed at boosting economic growth and job creation, which remain central priorities of government.

“To date, 22 projects from both the public and private sectors have been submitted and are currently undergoing screening to ensure they are investment-ready,” De Lille said on Wednesday in Cape Town while delivering the Department of Tourism’s Budget Vote.

The Department of Tourism has been allocated R2.54 billion for the 2026/27 financial year. In the reporting period, the department will hand over various infrastructure tourism projects that it has invested in.

According to Statistics South Africa’s Tourism Satellite Account, tourism sustained over 954 000 direct jobs in 2024 and contributed 4.9% to gross domestic product (GDP), outperforming sectors such as agriculture, utilities and construction.

De Lille said last year her department launched the Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit, showcasing eight bankable projects with a combined investment value of approximately R1 billion.

“Building on this momentum, we have opened submissions for the second Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit, which will take place in Gauteng on 30 September and 1 October this year.

“The private sector is equally demonstrating confidence in South Africa’s tourism future. This investment is a powerful vote of confidence in South Africa and in the long-term prospects of our tourism economy,” she said.

The Minister emphasised that domestic tourism remains the foundation of a resilient tourism sector. 

“Through our annual Sho’t Left Travel Week campaign, tourism businesses submit discounted travel offers aimed at encouraging South Africans to explore their own country,” the Minister said.

De Lille said with 719 deals last year, this campaign continues to stimulate travel demand while supporting tourism businesses across all provinces.

“In 2025, South Africans undertook 44.7 million overnight trips, generating R111.6 billion in tourism revenue. What is particularly encouraging is that some of our traditionally lesser-visited provinces are recording the strongest growth.

“The Northern Cape recorded the highest growth of 58.4%, reaching 1,9 million overnight trips, followed by the Northwest, which achieved 34% growth, with 4.2 million overnight trips.

“These figures demonstrate that collaboration between national government, provincial authorities, municipalities and the private sector is beginning to unlock new tourism opportunities beyond our traditional destinations,” the Minister said.

The Department of Tourism has been allocated R2.54 billion for the 2026/27 financial year. – SAnews.gov.za

Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, has launched Operation Vala Zonke Pothole Patching and Road Maintenance Programme and the province’s R98 million Yellow Fleet at the Sol Plaatje Municipality in Kimberley.

The Premier led the launch alongside provincial MEC for Roads and Public Works Fufe Makatong, Frances Baard District Municipality Executive Mayor Wende Marekwa and the Executive Mayor of Sol Plaatje Local Municipality, Martha Bartlett.

The Yellow Fleet consists of bright yellow machines, including graders, pavers, trucks and other road maintenance equipment to give maintenance teams teams the tools they need to work faster and more effectively.

“The pothole patching and road maintenance intervention will be implemented over a three-month period across all wards of Sol Plaatje Municipality, while the cleaning programme will continue on an ongoing basis as part of broader efforts to enhance service delivery and restore civic pride. 

“The intervention forms part of the provincial government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure, creating work opportunities and strengthening municipal service delivery through the Operation Vala Zonke and Rooting Out the Dust programmes,” the provincial government said.

Furthermore, the initiative “represents a decisive step towards restoring Sol Plaatje Municipality into a modern, clean, functional and economically vibrant city”.

“Speaking during the launch, Premier Saul…emphasized that the government is committed to addressing infrastructure backlogs, improving the quality of life of residents, and rebuilding public confidence through visible and practical service delivery interventions.

“The programme demonstrates the power of cooperative governance, with provincial and local government working together to deliver tangible improvements to communities across Kimberley, Galeshewe, Roodepan and surrounding areas,” the provincial government said. – SAnews.gov.za