Category: South Africa Government

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on Chinese medical device and healthcare technology manufacturer Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics to consider expanding its footprint in South Africa through manufacturing, assembly and localisation opportunities.

“We would also welcome discussions around expanding local operations, developing regional service and training centres, and exploring opportunities for medical technology manufacturing, assembly and localisation in South Africa,” Mashatile said on Thursday.

Mashatile made these remarks on Thursday during his Working Visit to the People’s Republic of China, where he undertook a guided tour of Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics. 

The company showcased a range of cutting-edge technologies and Artificial intelligence (AI) solutions deployed in primary healthcare services.

The engagement formed part of efforts to deepen cooperation between South Africa and China in strategic sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, digital technologies, skills development and innovation.

“Through this visit, we are seeking to deepen cooperation in strategic sectors that are critical to South Africa’s growth and development objectives, including manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, digital technologies, healthcare, skills development and innovation.

“Our objective is not merely to attract investment, but to establish long-term partnerships that contribute to industrialisation, technology transfer, localisation, skills development and sustainable job creation,” Mashatile said.

He emphasised that his visit reflects the importance that South Africa attaches to its strategic partnership with China and shared commitment to strengthening trade, investment, industrial cooperation and people-to-people relations.

China remains South Africa’s largest trading partner and one of its most important sources of investment, technology and industrial collaboration. 

“As South Africa continues to strengthen its position as a gateway to the African continent, we believe there are significant opportunities for Mindray to utilise South Africa as a strategic base for serving healthcare markets across Africa.

“Through the African Continental Free Trade Area, companies investing in South Africa have access to one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, creating opportunities for regional expansion and long-term growth,” Mashatile said.

He encouraged Mindray to participate in South Africa’s Investment Conference and explore the extensive opportunities available through the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The Deputy President added that the company can work closely with InvestSA and utilise the One Stop Shop facility, which supports investors with the administrative processes involved in establishing a business in the country.

The One Stop Shop serves as a focal point of contact in government for all investors to coordinate and facilitate the relevant government departments involved in regulatory matters, registration, permits and licensing.

“We look forward to deepening our partnership with Mindray and working together to improve healthcare outcomes, drive innovation and create lasting value for both our countries.

“Mindray’s proposal to support digital health transformation and healthcare skills development aligns strongly with South Africa’s priorities.

“We are particularly interested in exploring opportunities to establish centres of excellence, training facilities and partnerships with South African universities, hospitals and research institutions to strengthen healthcare capabilities and promote knowledge exchange,” Mashatile said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, says the BMA continues to facilitate the lawful and orderly repatriation of foreign nationals through the Beitbridge port of entry, with 8 230 persons having been processed to date.

Between 12 and 24 June 2026, the BMA successfully processed 6 709 Malawian nationals for repatriation, transported in 112 buses and 1 521 Zimbabwean nationals transported in 26 buses. 

“All foreign nationals arriving for repatriation are processed in the presence of officials from their respective embassies to verify identity, travel documentation and compliance with applicable immigration requirements.

“On 25 June 2026, 17 buses transporting foreign nationals arrived at the port without the required Emergency Travel Certificates (ETC). 

“In order to decongest Beitbridge, these buses could not be processed and were directed to the Musina truck stop area until the necessary documentation was obtained and verified. 

“The BMA also noted that a significant number of buses transporting repatriated foreign nationals are registered in South Africa and do not possess the required cross-border permits. In line with the law, buses without valid cross-border permits are not allowed to cross the border,” Masiapato said.

Furthermore, some drivers attempting to transport foreign nationals across the border were found not to be in possession of any passports, which is mandatory for cross-border travel.

The BMA called on all transport operators involved in repatriation activities to comply fully with immigration and administrative requirements before arriving at the port of entry. 

This includes ensuring that buses are roadworthy, drivers are in possession of valid passports, and that all required cross-border permits have been obtained. 

Masiapato said the port of entry will not be used as a waiting area for buses and compliance with these requirements will contribute significantly to the smooth and efficient processing of repatriations.

The BMA called on all foreign nationals participating in voluntary repatriation processes to ensure that they have first been processed by the Department of Home Affairs before presenting themselves at the port of entry. 

Masiapato said Department of Home Affairs-related verifications, as well as all South African Police Service (SAPS)-related clearances, which include ensuring that wanted suspects are not part of the repatriation, must first be completed at the Musina Refugee Reception Centre before arrival at Beitbridge. 

This measure is necessary to prevent delays within the port environment and to improve the efficiency of processing operations.

“The BMA remains committed to working closely with the Departments of Home Affairs and International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), foreign embassies, all law enforcement agencies, border entities and transport operators to ensure that all repatriation processes are conducted in a lawful, safe, dignified and orderly manner,” Masiapato said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile held a bilateral meeting with the Communist Party of China Secretary of Shenzhen,  Jin Lei, at the Futian Shangri-La Hotel in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, to discuss strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

According to the Presidency, the meeting engaged on the critical need to heighten trade, investment and friendship between South Africa and China.

It also affirmed Shenzhen’s strategic location as the fastest-growing Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in China, which has risen to take its place amongst the notable metropolises in the region and the world. 

The Presidency said Shenzhen’s fortunes were defined by it being accorded the status of an SEZ, its wide-ranging reforms and a strong market system approach to economic development.

The Deputy President reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening its comprehensive strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China and welcomed the growing practical cooperation between South Africa and Shenzhen, noting the important role played by the South Africa–China Shenzhen Chamber in advancing trade, investment and people-to-people relations.

“Deputy President Mashatile expressed confidence that Ambassador Letsatsi-Duba’s tour of duty in China would further strengthen the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between South Africa and China.

“He further reflected on recent high-level engagements undertaken during his visit to China, including discussions with Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing and his meeting earlier this week with the leadership of the International Department of the CPC,” the Presidency said.

These engagements followed the successful convening of the Ninth South Africa-China Binational Commission held in Cape Town in March 2026, which reaffirmed the depth and strategic nature of bilateral relations.

The Deputy President reiterated South Africa’s unwavering commitment to the One China Policy, as reaffirmed in the Joint Statement issued during President Ramaphosa’s State Visit to China in September 2024, and underscored South Africa’s intention to expand its diplomatic representation through the proposed establishment of a Consulate-General in Guangdong Province.

South Africa welcomed China’s decision to extend 100% duty-free market access to African countries, which took effect on 1 May 2026, noting with pride that it was the first country to export apples to China under this framework.

Deputy President Mashatile further welcomed the signing of the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement in February 2026 and emphasised the importance of concluding the Early Harvest Agreement currently under negotiation between South Africa and China to facilitate expanded access for South African products to the Chinese market.

In discussions on economic cooperation, the Deputy President highlighted several priority areas for enhanced collaboration, including the finalisation of the Early Harvest Agreement, progress on matters relating to the Southern African Customs Union framework, support for South Africa’s Trade and Investment Package (2025–2029), mobilisation of investments from Shenzhen, and the promotion of value-added South African exports to China.

Deputy President Mashatile reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to ensuring a conducive environment for Chinese nationals and businesses operating in the country.

He emphasised the importance of continued cooperation in addressing immigration-related challenges in a constructive manner.

“Concluding the meeting, the Deputy President reiterated South Africa’s determination to deepen the All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era and to translate the strong foundation of trust, solidarity and shared values between the two countries into tangible benefits for their respective peoples.

“South Africa looks forward to continuing high-level engagements and to advancing the implementation of decisions taken under the South Africa-China Binational Commission,” the Presidency said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Government has unveiled a wide-ranging and coordinated migration management strategy aimed at strengthening border security, intensifying enforcement against illegal immigration, addressing asylum system backlogs, and closing legal and administrative gaps in the country’s immigration framework. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined the measures while responding to oral questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday, where he said government had adopted a comprehensive approach to managing migration challenges.

He said illegal immigration has been identified as a significant national concern.

“The government has identified illegal immigration as a significant challenge in our country, which has implications for social cohesion, national security, and the provision of services to our people,” he said. 

The President said Cabinet adopted a comprehensive migration management approach on 3 June 2026, which has since been endorsed through various governance structures, including the Presidential Coordinating Council, and engagements with social partners.

The first pillar of the strategy focuses on strengthened enforcement of immigration and labour laws.

“Law enforcement agencies are intensifying the identification and deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. This work will be supported by dedicated immigration courts,” he said. 

He said compliance monitoring at workplaces will also be increased through inspections and stricter penalties for employers who violate immigration laws.

“The Department of Employment and Labor is recruiting 10 inspectors, as I announced in the State of the Nation address, and will increase penalties for employers breaching the immigration act,” he said.

The second pillar focuses on border management and infrastructure upgrades.

“We are directing resources to border infrastructure technology, as well as bringing in more personnel to guard our borders,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa said government will redevelop the country’s six busiest ports of entry, while refugee reception centres will be relocated closer to border posts to improve efficiency and control.

The third pillar of the approach is the modernisation and digitisation of the immigration system.

“We are establishing an intelligent population register with biometric data underpinned by a digital ID and phasing out the green ID books that enable identity theft,” he said.

He added that the electronic travel authorisation system will be expanded to all airports and major land ports of entry.

Government is also taking steps to address corruption and inefficiencies in the system through increased use of technology and data integration across departments.

The fourth pillar focuses on legal and policy reforms.

Cabinet has approved a revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection, which will guide a unified legal framework for migration management.

The National Labour Migration Policy and the Employment Services Amendment Bill are expected to introduce quotas for the employment of foreign nationals as part of efforts to regulate labour migration more effectively.

On asylum management, the President said government is working to resolve long-standing backlogs in the system.

“The Refugee Appeal Authority has recruited a number of advocates as additional adjudicators and continues to receive capacity support from the UN High Commission for Refugees to determine and finalize outstanding appeals,” he said. 

The fifth pillar focuses on regional and continental cooperation, recognising that migration pressures cannot be addressed in isolation.

“South Africa cannot address migration alone through SADC, the African Union and bilateral relations that we have with many countries, we will work together to tackle political instability, conflict, and economic hardships that drive people to leave their homes and to come here,” he said.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that migration enforcement must remain a state function and warned against vigilantism.

“We’ve made it clear that every person within the borders must be here more. We have also said that responsibility for enforcing our laws rests with the state and the state law, and that no individual may stop any person to demand documentation or proof of identity or nationality,” he said.

He warned against discrimination and intolerance. The President said government remains prepared to deal with any attempts to destabilise the country.

“As government, as government, we have put in place security and other measures to deal with any attempts to destabilize our country, whether by citizens or foreign nationals, and we will not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the country by anyone, whether marching or otherwise.”

“Our security forces are ready, and those who transgress the measures that we are putting in place will definitely meet the might of the law,” the President said.

On labour enforcement, President Ramaphosa said government will continue strengthening compliance mechanisms, including inspections and enforcement actions against exploitative practices.

He also addressed the recruitment of labour inspectors, confirming that government remains committed to deploying 10 000 inspectors announced in the State of the Nation Address, but said implementation will be phased due to fiscal constraints.

“Regarding immigration, we have determined that indeed we will be bringing in all those 10,000. We are doing it in phases. We’re doing it in phases largely because of the budgetary concerns and restrictions that we have,” he said.

He said training will be prioritised to ensure inspectors are properly equipped for their responsibilities.

Responding to concerns over migrant deaths in the Northern Cape, the President expressed condolences and emphasised the need for humane treatment of all people within South Africa’s borders.

“As South Africans, we pay our condolences to their families and to the governments of their countries, and we want this whole process of immigration to be handled within the parameters of our law and as smoothly as possible, for they too are human, and as South Africans we must handle all these matters in accordance with our human rights culture and in accordance with our values,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa also noted that a number of undocumented migrants have opted for voluntary return processes.

“A number of them have opted to leave on a voluntary basis, and so therefore we are facilitating that almost 10,000 of them, particularly from Malawi, have opted to leave, and our officials are processing all that through the various reception centers in a number of our provinces,” the President said. 

He added that government’s Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, through NatJoints, has developed contingency plans to respond to any potential unrest linked to migration enforcement operations.

The President concluded by stressing that migration reform must be balanced, lawful and coordinated across all spheres of government and regional partners. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned against vigilantism, xenophobia and any attempts to destabilise the country, stressing that the enforcement of immigration laws remains the responsibility of the state.

The President said this while responding to questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday on government’s response to illegal immigration and migration management.

President Ramaphosa said while government had identified illegal immigration as a significant challenge, South Africans should not take the law into their own hands.

“We have also said that responsibility for enforcing our laws rests with the state and the state law, and that no individual may stop any person to demand documentation or proof of identity or nationality,” the President said. 

He emphasised that South Africa remains committed to upholding human rights and protecting all people within its borders.

“There is no place for sexism, for xenophobia, for Afrophobia, or any other form of intolerance,” the President said. 

The remarks come amid growing public debate around illegal immigration and calls by some groups for stronger action against undocumented foreign nationals.

President Ramaphosa said government had already put measures in place to address illegal immigration through strengthened law enforcement, border security, immigration reforms and regional cooperation. 
At the same time, he cautioned against actions that could fuel social tensions or undermine the rule of law.

“As government, we have put in place security and other measures to deal with any attempts to destabilise our country, whether by citizens or foreign nationals, and we will not tolerate any attempts to destabilise the country by anyone, whether marching or otherwise.”

The President said security agencies remain on high alert and are prepared to respond to any threats to public order.

“Our security forces are ready, and those who transgress the measures that we are putting in place will definitely meet the might of the law,” he said. 

Responding to a supplementary question on contingency plans to prevent possible violence and attacks against foreign nationals on the 30 June, President Ramaphosa said government was prepared to maintain law and order.

This as the South African Police Service (SAPS) working closely with other law enforcement agencies, including the metro and private security stands fully prepared for the planned demonstrations on 30 June.

“Our security forces are ready. Natjoints is firmly in charge of what could happen. Therefore, it is our responsibility collectively and it is all of us who are accountable, particularly all of us who are here as leaders,” he said. 

The President expressed confidence that South Africans would reject violence and unlawful conduct.

“I am a strong believer that South Africans are peaceful people. They are not xenophobic, they are not Afrophobic as well, and they want peace,” he said.

He said citizens want to go about their daily lives without disruption and that leaders across society have a responsibility to promote calm and stability.

President Ramaphosa called on political leaders and communities to work with government and law enforcement agencies to prevent any attempts to destabilise the country.

“Where there might be people who want to destabilise the country, we should speak out. We should take whatever action that is necessary on a legal basis, and work with our security forces, and work with our government officials.” 

The President reiterated that while government remains committed to tackling illegal immigration, all actions must be carried out within the confines of the law and in a manner consistent with South Africa’s constitutional values and human rights culture. – SAnews.gov.za.

 

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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
 

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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

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