Category: South Africa Government

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

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

Motorists, commuters and residents travelling through Johannesburg are being urged to plan ahead, as the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has warned of significant traffic disruptions on Tuesday, 30 June.

Three legally approved marches are scheduled to take place simultaneously across the Johannesburg inner city, Hillbrow and Midrand (Glen Austin), with authorities expecting widespread delays and road closures.

Integrated law enforcement teams, including JMPD and SAPS Public Order Policing, will be deployed across the city to monitor procession routes, manage traffic flow and ensure public safety.

“Significant traffic disruptions and delays are anticipated between 07:00 and 16:00. Furthermore, integrated law enforcement teams will remain on high alert and will be actively deployed to monitor and manage the entire city before, during and after 30 June,” JMPD said in a statement.

The department said the proactive deployment is aimed at maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety and responding swiftly to any spontaneous protests, pickets or gatherings that may arise.

“Motorists are strongly advised to avoid affected streets and use alternative routes where possible,” the department said.

The first march, organised by March & March, will focus on inner-city safety, youth development and access to community services.

An estimated 5 000 participants are expected to gather at Beyers Naudé Square before marching to Constitution Hill, where a memorandum will be handed to the Hillbrow Station Commander.

The procession will begin at 10:00 and continue until 14:00, moving along Helen Joseph Street, Troye Street, Twist Street, Kotze Street and Queen Street.

The second march, organised by the Labour and Civic Organisation (LACO), is expected to draw around 1 200 participants.

The march aims to raise concerns around illegal immigration policies and engage the Department of Home Affairs.

Participants will gather at the intersection of Kotze and Hospital streets in Hillbrow before proceeding to the Department of Home Affairs on Plein Street, where a memorandum will be submitted. The procession is expected to run from 09:00 to 12:00.

In Midrand, the Mayibuye Youth Activism Movement will lead a labour march focused on youth employment opportunities.

Around 800 participants are expected to gather at the Dale Road and Modderfontein Road open space before marching to Sandton Plant Hire Offices to submit a memorandum related to local employment concerns.

This procession will run from 10:00 to 12:00, with dispersal expected at 13:00.

JMPD warned that rolling road closures and temporary barricades will be implemented along all approved routes as the marches progress.

“Please exercise extreme patience, follow the directions of JMPD and law enforcement officers on the ground, or plan your travel outside the affected areas during these times,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has successfully concluded his working visit to China, undertaken at the invitation of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) chairperson, Ren Hongbin.

The visit focused on strengthening trade, investment and industrial cooperation between South Africa and China, further reinforcing the strong strategic partnership between the two nations.

Ren welcomed the Deputy President and the South African delegation, underscoring the significance of South Africa’s participation in the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE).

Mashatile expressed appreciation to the CCPIT for the invitation and for hosting the expo, reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to deepening trade and investment ties with China.

Discussions between the two sides explored opportunities to improve market access, expand business participation and unlock greater cooperation across trade and investment platforms.

In a sign of growing bilateral engagement, Mashatile participated in CISCE for the second time, highlighting South Africa’s continued commitment to this influential global platform.

Addressing the expo, the Deputy President emphasised the importance of building resilient, diversified and sustainable global supply chains amid shifting economic realities, while reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to strengthening its comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

“South Africa is an attractive investment destination, supported by sophisticated industrial capabilities, a world-class financial sector and well-established logistics infrastructure. We remain committed to reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, accelerating infrastructure development and strengthening industrial competitiveness,” he said.

During the expo, the Deputy President toured the exhibition floor, engaging with exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge developments in digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, green energy, agriculture, smart mobility and supply chain services.

As part of the visit, Mashatile also held a bilateral meeting with Han Zheng. The two leaders reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between South Africa and China and discussed closer cooperation in trade, investment, industrial development and multilateral engagement.

In efforts to attract greater investment into South Africa, the Deputy President met with several leading Chinese companies, including China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), Geely Automobile, Chery Automobile, Green Minerals and Metals, Beijing GeoEnviron Engineering & Technology and SANY Group.

The engagements focused on key sectors including infrastructure development, automotive manufacturing, mineral beneficiation, environmental management, healthcare, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, skills development and localisation.

Mashatile encouraged the companies to invest in South Africa and invited them to participate in the next South Africa Investment Conference.

The Deputy President also participated in a South Africa Networking Session hosted at the South African Embassy in Beijing, bringing together government, business and investment stakeholders to deepen economic cooperation and promote South Africa as a preferred investment destination.

During the second leg of the working visit, Mashatile travelled to Shenzhen, specifically the Nanshan District, where he participated in the China (Shenzhen Nanshan)-South Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange at the Go Global Center.

The programme included guided tours and high-level engagements with representatives from government, business and the Communist Party of China.

Key engagements included bilateral meetings with Huang Xiangyue and his delegation; China Everbright Environment led by Chairman Wang Silian; Shenzhen Yujiaocheng Technology (YJC Group); Jiangsu Joylong Automobile, and the South Africa-China Shenzhen Chamber of Commerce, led by Deputy Secretary General Shirley Chan.

Mashatile also toured and engaged with senior leadership of Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics.

On the final day of the visit, the Deputy President held a bilateral meeting with Jin Lei, the China Communist Party Secretary of Shenzhen, and his delegation. He also travelled to Dongguan for a guided tour of the South Africa Commodity China Exhibition and Trade Centre, a platform aimed at strengthening commercial and economic relations between South Africa and China through imports and exports.

“South Africa values institutions that create practical mechanisms for expanding trade, attracting investment and facilitating business partnerships between our two republics,” said the Deputy President as he concluded the visit.

Mashatile was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a Working Visit to France from 10 to 12 July 2026, where he is expected to participate in key engagements focused on education and remembrance.

The visit follows an invitation from UNESCO [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation] Director-General, Khaled El-Enany, to co-chair the UNESCO High-Level Steering Committee on Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on education, scheduled to take place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 10 July 2026.

The high-level engagement will be followed by the Transforming Education Summit (TES) Stocktake, which will assess global progress in advancing inclusive and equitable quality education.

On 12 July, President Ramaphosa is expected to attend the 110th commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood at the South African Memorial in Longueval, located approximately two hours from Paris.

The solemn commemoration will honour the bravery and sacrifice of South African soldiers who lost their lives during World War I.

Proceedings will include a wreath-laying ceremony and the unveiling of a UNESCO plaque, marking the significance of the memorial and its enduring historical legacy.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by several Ministers and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za

The Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) has issued a traffic advisory ahead of a planned march on 30 June 2026, warning motorists of road closures and traffic disruptions in Pretoria’s city centre.

According to the media alert, the march is being held to protest against undocumented foreign nationals.

Participants are expected to gather at Church Square in Pretoria Central at 10:00 before marching to the Sunnyside Police Station. Authorities said no private vehicles will be permitted at the gathering point.

Buses transporting participants will drop commuters off at the corner of WF Nkomo and Bosman streets at the Church Square entrance before proceeding to the Old Putco Depot in Marabastad for parking. Private vehicles will be directed to an open parking area at the corner of Kgosi Mampuru and Madiba streets.

The procession will follow a route from Church Square along Paul Kruger Street before turning onto Francis Baard Street. 

Marchers will then continue via Lillian Ngoyi Street, Madiba Street, Nelson Mandela Drive, Kotze Street, Van Boeschoten Avenue, Robert Sobukwe Street and Leyds Street before arriving at Sunnyside Police Station.

Motorists have been advised to expect delays and make use of alternative routes, including Nana Sita Street, Visagie Street, Justice Mahomed Street, Jeff Masemola Street, Bosman Street, Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Struben Street, Bloed Street, Kgosi Mampuru Street and Eskia Mphahlele Drive.

The march is expected to conclude at approximately 3pm, when participants will disperse from Sunnyside Police Station.

The TMPD said officers, together with members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), will be deployed throughout the day to monitor the march and ensure public safety along the affected routes.

Authorities have urged motorists and commuters to plan their journeys in advance and exercise patience while travelling through the Pretoria CBD during the demonstration. – SAnews.gov.za