Category: South Africa Government

As South Africa commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela says the task ahead is clear: to create opportunities for the country’s youth through education, skills development and pathways into employment.

“For millions of young people, access to education and skills development represents a pathway to dignity, economic participation and a better future. That understanding has strengthened my resolve to ensure that our institutions are responsive, accountable and focused on delivering opportunities,” he said in an interview with SAnews.

South Africa commemorates Youth Month and Youth Day in June to remember and honour the role young people have played in the fight against apartheid. The Soweto Uprising of 1976 was a turning point in the struggle for liberation.

Marked annually on 16 June, Youth Day commemorates a day on which thousands of courageous students stood together to march against oppressive apartheid education policies.

The activism demonstrated by the youth of yesteryear is something the Minister identifies with.

“Having served as a youth activist and leader in a number of youth and student movements, I have travelled a journey from activism to leadership. I now find myself in a position where I can contribute directly to realising many of the aspirations we fought for as students and youth. That is a responsibility I take very seriously. The issues we raised then – access to education, equality, dignity, opportunity and social justice – remain central to the work I do today as Minister,” he explained.

Manamela has previously served as the Deputy President of the South African Students Congress (SASCO) and as President of the South African College Student Association (now known as the South African Technical Vocational Education and Training Student Association).

Prior to his appointment as Minister of Higher Education and Training Department (DHET) on 21 July 2025, Manamela was the Deputy Minister of the same department and has a deep appreciation for both the opportunities and challenges within the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system.

He has used his time in office to engage extensively with students, lecturers, university leaders, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college principals, organised labour, business leaders and communities across South Africa.

He describes his appointment as Minister as a great responsibility, reflecting of his time at the helm of the Ministry.

“My experience to date has also confirmed that we are at an important turning point. The country faces a pressing need to align education and training more closely with the demands of a changing economy. 

“This is why we have placed significant emphasis on the skills revolution, the expansion of occupational qualifications, the strengthening of TVET colleges, the modernisation of our qualifications framework, and the introduction of a dual system of learning and earning that combines classroom learning with workplace experience. We cannot continue producing qualifications in isolation from the realities of the labour market,” he explained.

His comments come as Statistics South Africa’s (Stats SA) Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the first quarter of 2026 revealed that the number of unemployed youth (aged 15-34) increased by 181 000 to 4.7 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2025.

In addition, the number of employed youth  decreased by 258 000 to 5.6 million.

“As a result, the youth unemployment rate increased by 2.0 percentage points to 45.8% in the first quarter of 2026,” Stats SA said of the household-based sample survey that collects data on the labour market activities of individuals aged 15 years and older.

Reforms 
In the DHET Budget Vote tabled in May, the Minister announced that 24 new occupational qualifications were introduced at TVET colleges in January 2026. 

Asked about progress made in the rollout of the qualifications, the Minister said the rollout forms part of a broader reform of the country’s PSET system.

“[It] is aimed at ensuring that our qualifications remain relevant, credible and responsive to the needs of a modern economy. The new qualifications are designed in close partnership with industry and focus on providing learners with practical, workplace-relevant skills that improve employability and support economic growth.

“They form part of government’s broader objective of strengthening the link between education, training and the world of work. The rollout is supported by significant progress across the skills development system.

“To date, 948 occupational qualifications and part-qualifications have been registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), creating a strong foundation for the expansion of occupationally directed learning pathways,” said the Minister.

The NQF stipulates standards for qualifications and part-qualifications. 

In addition, the department is working with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), TVET colleges, employers and industry partners to ensure that the necessary quality assurance, curriculum support, workplace learning opportunities and funding arrangements are in place. 

“The transition was necessitated by the need to modernise parts of the qualifications system that were no longer adequately responding to changing industry requirements and emerging economic opportunities,” he said.

Meanwhile, the DHET is expected to table the Turnaround Strategy for TVET colleges later this year, with the Minister saying that President Cyril Ramaphosa has given the  department the skills revolution mandate.

“We are very clear that, to achieve the revolution, we have to put TVET colleges at the centre because of their centrality to economic growth and industrialisation. The strategy will be informed by consultations with colleges, industry and organised labour. It will address infrastructure, lecturer development, student support and workplace partnerships.  We have started with workplace partnerships and are receiving positive feedback from industry. We will be intensifying these partnerships.”

Investing in higher education
Minister Manamela has previously highlighted that the country’s universities could not accommodate the large numbers of students applying for placement. On whether government is looking to increase the number of public universities in the future, Manamela said the State is continuously assessing future capacity needs across the sector, not just universities.

He explained that while universities remain important, the answer is not simply to provide more university places. 

Currently, South Africa has 26 public universities.
“The answer is more pathways into skills, employment and economic participation.

“In our 2026 Budget Vote Speech, we emphasised both infrastructure expansion and digital transformation across the Post-School Education and Training sector. When we speak about expanding infrastructure, we are not referring only to building more lecture rooms, campuses and workshops. We are also investing in digital infrastructure that enables flexible learning opportunities, expands access to education and prepares students for a rapidly digitising economy.”

Honouring the past and moving SA forward 
As South Africa prepares to commemorate Youth Day, with the national commemoration due to be held at the FNB Premium Parking (open field adjacent to the FNB Stadium) in Nasrec, City of Johannesburg, Manamela said the 50th anniversary of the June 16 uprising is a reminder of one of the most defining moments in the nation’s history. 

“The courage, sacrifice and determination of the young people of 1976 helped change the course of South Africa and laid the foundation for the democratic society we enjoy today. The 50th anniversary of June 16 is certainly a celebration. It is a celebration of the resilience of young people, the victories of our democracy and the progress we have made as a nation,” he explained.

In addition, over the past 30 years, South Africa has made significant strides in expanding access to education and training, with the doors of learning that were once closed to the majority having been opened to millions. 

He added that today, more young people than ever before have access to universities, TVET colleges, Community Education and Training colleges, bursaries, student funding and skills development opportunities.

“At the same time, this anniversary is also a moment of reflection. While we have come a long way, we must honestly acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. Too many young people continue to face unemployment, poverty and inequality. Many still struggle to access opportunities that can enable them to participate meaningfully in the economy and society,” he explained.

On what keeps him up at night, the Minister said: “The four million South Africans who are functionally illiterate; the many young people who are not in education, employment or training; and the unemployed graduates who have left our system.”

Government is clearly working to smooth out the bumps and overcome the challenges in the higher education sector. –SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD), in partnership with the Centre for Social Justice at the Stellenbosch University, will host the #Action4Inclusion (AFI) Social Justice Walk in Stellenbosch.

The walk – to be held on 16 June – is in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the student uprising as well as to observe the 30th Anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

“Held under the theme: From Soweto to Social Justice, the Social Justice Walk seeks to honour the legacy of the youth of 1976 while mobilising society to address contemporary barriers to education, particularly student debt and exclusion.

“The initiative reaffirms the constitutional right to education and promotes social justice, inclusion, and active citizenry among young people,” the department said.

Expected participants Include:
•    Former Public Protect and current Director of the Centre for Social Justice, Professor Thuli Madonsela;
•    Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University;
•    Student Representative Council leaders from institutions across South Africa;
•    Representatives from government, civil society, academia and community organisations.

“The annual 16-kilometre walk follows the symbolic Journey of Hope route from Stellenbosch to Kylemore and brings together students, government leaders, civil society, academia, and community members in solidarity with young people whose educational aspirations continue to be hindered by financial constraints.

“The walk forms part of broader efforts to promote constitutional literacy, encourage youth participation in democratic processes, including the upcoming local government elections, and advance dialogue on student debt as a social justice issue,” the DJCOD stated. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The South African and Malawian governments have intensified efforts to facilitate the repatriation of Malawian nationals, with 980 people having already left the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp.

More Malawian nationals were also preparing to return home.

This as the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration briefed the media on Sunday, where it outlined progress in implementing measures aimed at managing irregular migration and strengthening immigration enforcement.

Chairperson of the IMC, Mmamoloko Kubayi, who is also the  Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, reported that members of the committee recently visited two sites in the City of eThekwini, Che Guevara and Sherwood Park, where about 457 and 7000 Malawian citizens gathered for repatriation to their country.

Out of the 457 individuals who were at Che Guevara, only three were found not to have legal status to remain in South Africa.

“At Che Guevara, the IMC communicated the government’s stance that South Africa does not have refugee camps and that there is no intention to create camps even on a temporary basis. Accordingly, the people who are legally in South Africa were advised to either reintegrate into the communities in which they have been residing, and they will receive protection from the police like all other citizens of our country, or they could opt to be repatriated/deported back to their country of origin,” the Minister said at the briefing held in Pretoria.

To facilitate the return of Malawian nationals at Sherwood, Kubayi said the Malawian government has commissioned eight buses to transport its citizens home today.

“To expedite the repatriation process, our government will support the effort with 10 additional buses for the deportation of some Malawian nationals. So far, 980 Malawians have been deported from Lindela on 10 June 2026, as part of the crackdown.

“Going forward, the re-establishment of a court at Lindela will ensure that deportations from Lindela centre will be expedited. Engagement between Home Affairs and the Department of Justice and the Gauteng Judge President has commenced in this regard,” Kubayi said, adding that the work to re-establish a court is at an advanced stage and will be completed within a month.

In his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said government is working on setting up dedicated courts that will tackle immigration and speed up support for the deportation of undocumented migrants. 

Kubayi said work to establish a priority court that handles, among others, immigration cases is also advanced, and that the Airport Company of South Africa (ACSA) has provided space.

In addition to Malawi, government announced that the governments of Ghana and Nigeria are also working closely with South Africa to facilitate the return of their citizens.

The Department of Home Affairs has identified a number of foreign nationals who had overstayed their visas and were residing in the country unlawfully. In accordance with the Immigration Act, these individuals have been formally declared undesirable persons and barred from re-entering South Africa for a period of five years. 

The same measures have been applied to undocumented immigrants from other countries.

Legal authority
The government reiterated that only the Department of Home Affairs has the legal authority to determine whether an individual is lawfully present in South Africa and to take the necessary administrative actions, including deportations and declarations of undesirability.

“They have a duty to ensure individuals who are here illegally exit our ports of entry by facilitating temporary documentation for exit purposes.”

The IMC emphasised that migration remains a regional challenge requiring coordinated diplomatic engagement. To this end, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) will continue working with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and foreign ministries of affected countries to coordinate repatriation protocols, share operational information, and ensure that actions taken are consistent with regional commitments and mutual assistance arrangements.

“Our government appreciates the initiatives by several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Malawi, on repatriating their citizens from South Africa. Government is actively cooperating with them to facilitate the safe, orderly, and voluntary repatriation of its citizens. We maintain that our immigration challenges must be addressed strictly through lawful, peaceful, and constitutional means,” Kubayi said.

Meanwhile, the IMC said that over 40 000 illegal foreign nationals have been arrested since the beginning of 2026, with over 7 400 arrests made in the past month alone.

READ | Over 40 000 illegal foreign nationals have been arrested- IMC on Migration
– SAnews.gov.za

The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration has developed an implementation plan to strengthen migration management, focusing on improved border infrastructure, access to social services, registration of small businesses and informal traders, and a review of asylum and refugee procedures.

The IMC unveiled the plan during its media briefing on Sunday, following its establishment by President Cyril Ramaphosa to coordinate government’s work on migration in South Africa. 

The IMC is also tasked with overseeing the implementation of various interventions, as outlined during President Ramaphosa’s address to the nation last Sunday, 7 June 2026.

The committee noted that several technical workstreams have been established to oversee areas including law enforcement, border management, legal and regulatory economic sectors, humanitarian welfare, social sectors, international relations, systems development and data integration, and communication and stakeholder management.

READ | Over 40 000 illegal foreign nationals have been arrested- IMC on Migration

IMC Chairperson, Mmamoloko Kubayi, said the monitoring of the implementation plan will take place through weekly IMC meetings, receiving reports from workstreams and lead champions on the matters.

“Furthermore, the IMC will conduct oversight visits to confirm the received reports where needed, and this will be done in a transparent manner for accountability to the public,” Kubayi said.

As part of ongoing consultations, the IMC will embark on stakeholder engagement sessions, starting on Monday, 15 July 2026, with virtual meetings with Chapter 9 institutions and Chapter 10 institutions.

On Wednesday, 17 June, the MIC will engage with traditional and Khoi-San leaders to gather input and provide updates on government’s migration strategy.

“We will communicate other stakeholder engagements once they are confirmed. These engagements are meant to explain the plans and how government is addressing the matter and [to] receive feedback from these critical stakeholders,” Kubayi said.

The committee also warned against the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media, saying manipulated videos and false narratives have contributed to tensions in some communities and risk fuelling violence against foreign nationals.

While acknowledging public concerns about irregular migration and pressure on public services, government urged citizens to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully and to allow law enforcement agencies to carry out immigration enforcement functions.

“As government, we are fully aware of the impact of this challenge on our economic resources and the general strain this causes on the provision of social and economic services. All those who are protesting on our streets are within their constitutional right to do so.

“We must however, remind ourselves that constitutional rights are accompanied by obligations and responsibilities. One of these is peaceful protest and avoidance of violence and lawlessness in exercising these rights. Whatever march or protest is planned or undertaken should be within the confines of the law,” Kubayi said.

The committee reiterated government’s commitment to work hand in hand with all those involved in protests, including consistent engagements with organisers of the protests.

“We must safeguard and protect the safety of all South African citizens,” she said.

The IMC maintained that South Africa’s migration challenges will continue to be addressed through lawful, constitutional and humanitarian measures, while protecting national security and maintaining regional cooperation.

READ | South Africa and Malawi governments collaborate on repatriation efforts

It also disputed the false narrative that South Africa is inherently xenophobic or unwelcoming to people from outside our borders, stating that “South Africa has historically welcomed and continues to host people from diverse countries across the globe.”

“Our nation remains deeply committed to the African Union Agenda 2063, which seeks to promote a better, more integrated Africa for all. As a constitutional democracy, we fully comply with international migration frameworks and remain a committed signatory to numerous global conventions that promote human dignity, equality, and the rule of law,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African and Malawian governments have intensified efforts to facilitate the repatriation of Malawian nationals, with 980 people having already left the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp.

More Malawian nationals were also preparing to return home.

This as the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration briefed the media on Sunday, where it outlined progress in implementing measures aimed at managing irregular migration and strengthening immigration enforcement.

Chairperson of the IMC, Mmamoloko Kubayi, who is also the  Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, reported that members of the committee recently visited two sites in the City of eThekwini, Che Guevara and Sherwood Park, where about 457 and 7000 Malawian citizens gathered for repatriation to their country.

Out of the 457 individuals who were at Che Guevara, only three were found not to have legal status to remain in South Africa.

“At Che Guevara, the IMC communicated the government’s stance that South Africa does not have refugee camps and that there is no intention to create camps even on a temporary basis. Accordingly, the people who are legally in South Africa were advised to either reintegrate into the communities in which they have been residing, and they will receive protection from the police like all other citizens of our country, or they could opt to be repatriated/deported back to their country of origin,” the Minister said at the briefing held in Pretoria.

To facilitate the return of Malawian nationals at Sherwood, Kubayi said the Malawian government has commissioned eight buses to transport its citizens home today.

“To expedite the repatriation process, our government will support the effort with 10 additional buses for the deportation of some Malawian nationals. So far, 980 Malawians have been deported from Lindela on 10 June 2026, as part of the crackdown.

“Going forward, the re-establishment of a court at Lindela will ensure that deportations from Lindela centre will be expedited. Engagement between Home Affairs and the Department of Justice and the Gauteng Judge President has commenced in this regard,” Kubayi said, adding that the work to re-establish a court is at an advanced stage and will be completed within a month.

In his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said government is working on setting up dedicated courts that will tackle immigration and speed up support for the deportation of undocumented migrants. 

Kubayi said work to establish a priority court that handles, among others, immigration cases is also advanced, and that the Airport Company of South Africa (ACSA) has provided space.

In addition to Malawi, government announced that the governments of Ghana and Nigeria are also working closely with South Africa to facilitate the return of their citizens.

The Department of Home Affairs has identified a number of foreign nationals who had overstayed their visas and were residing in the country unlawfully. In accordance with the Immigration Act, these individuals have been formally declared undesirable persons and barred from re-entering South Africa for a period of five years. 

The same measures have been applied to undocumented immigrants from other countries.

Legal authority
The government reiterated that only the Department of Home Affairs has the legal authority to determine whether an individual is lawfully present in South Africa and to take the necessary administrative actions, including deportations and declarations of undesirability.

“They have a duty to ensure individuals who are here illegally exit our ports of entry by facilitating temporary documentation for exit purposes.”

The IMC emphasised that migration remains a regional challenge requiring coordinated diplomatic engagement. To this end, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) will continue working with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and foreign ministries of affected countries to coordinate repatriation protocols, share operational information, and ensure that actions taken are consistent with regional commitments and mutual assistance arrangements.

“Our government appreciates the initiatives by several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Malawi, on repatriating their citizens from South Africa. Government is actively cooperating with them to facilitate the safe, orderly, and voluntary repatriation of its citizens. We maintain that our immigration challenges must be addressed strictly through lawful, peaceful, and constitutional means,” Kubayi said.

Meanwhile, the IMC said that over 40 000 illegal foreign nationals have been arrested since the beginning of 2026, with over 7 400 arrests made in the past month alone.

READ | Over 40 000 illegal foreign nationals have been arrested- IMC on Migration
– SAnews.gov.za

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has described His Majesty King Enock Makhosoke II Mabhena as a transformative monarch and a mighty tree who cared a lot about people.

“King Makhosoke II Mabhena was a transformative Monarch who prioritised education and health for the betterment of his people, guided by ancestral wisdom. His initiatives aimed to enhance the future of the Kingdom while ensuring the physical and spiritual wellbeing of those he led. 

“Through various initiatives, he ensured that his people were not only enlightened and economically empowered but also active participants in preserving life, dignity, and communal harmony,” the Deputy President said on Sunday.

The Deputy President was delivering the eulogy at the Special Official Funeral service of the late His Majesty King Makhosonke II, King of the amaNdebele nation. The service was held at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.

“A mighty tree has fallen, and its shade no longer shelters the amaNdebele people. Ascending the throne in 1986, His Majesty led with dignity and humility for four decades, preserving the sacred traditions that kept amaNdebele songs, murals, and rituals vibrant. He viewed heritage as a living force that shapes identity and strengthens community,” said Mashatile.

He added that the late King institutionalised the Komjekejeke to honour King Silamba, transforming it into a revered annual gathering, a symbol of resilience, unity, and cultural pride. 
The King was also credited with advancing programmes that promoted men’s health and sustained the overall well-being of the communities.

“His Majesty’s leadership was not confined to the boundaries of the AmaNdebele people. He understood that South Africa, in all its diverse ethnicities, is one nation.  His voice did not echo only in the valleys of his people; it reverberated across the broader landscape of traditional leadership in our country.”
His legacy, he said, illustrated that Traditional Leadership transcends inheritance, serving as a bridge between ancestral memory and contemporary democracy.

The late King served as Chairperson of the Enkangala District House of Traditional Leaders, rose to Deputy Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, and was entrusted as a Member of the inaugural National House of Traditional Leaders, where he presided as Chairperson of the Traditions, Customs and Culture Committee.

His Majesty was also serving as Chairperson of the Majesties Forum, a sacred council of the recognised Kings and Queens of South Africa, where he worked to uphold unity, strengthen cooperation, and preserve the dignity and sanctity of traditional leadership.

The Deputy President recalled how the King played a significant role in strengthening the relationship between the Majesties and traditional leaders with government at all levels.

“He passionately, together with his fellow Majesties, coordinated development programmes and projects for the benefit of the traditional communities. One of his notable contributions in this regard was the preservation of the AmaNdebele Royal lineage, which kept the Kingship connected to its historical, customary, and ancestral roots,” he explained.

The late King also encouraged pride in language, customs, and royal institutions.
“He understood that a people who know their history stand taller in the present and walk more confidently into the future.”

Mashatile called on leaders to draw inspiration from the fact that His Majesty ruled not through fear or distance, but through counsel, listening, and example.
“Indeed, King Makhosoke II Mabhena exemplifies a rare leadership quality, contrasting with many contemporary leaders who prioritise personal gain over the welfare of vulnerable citizens.”

The Deputy President said South Africans must continue to build stronger communities, preserve cultural heritage, expand opportunities for youth, and ensure future generations inherit a more prosperous and united society. 

“We should strengthen systems, uphold accountability, and resist the temptation to exploit power for personal advantage. We should embrace service as a sacred trust, ensuring that our authority is rooted in compassion and responsibility.”

Enhancing relations with traditional leaders
In addition, government is committed to honouring the King’s legacy by enhancing its relationship with traditional and Khoi-San Leaders.

“The government emphasises that traditional leaders will remain relevant and play a crucial role in governance, especially in rural areas. This commitment is backed by the Constitution, which affirms the importance of Traditional Leadership within South Africa’s democratic system.”

To restore dignity and recognition, the government has implemented steps, including the establishment of platforms such as the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, facilitating Traditional Leaders’ involvement in policy-making on pressing issues such as land rights, socio-economic development, and infrastructure support.

In 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa established the Inter-Ministerial Task Team to address these concerns, focusing on five key priorities: advancing land rights and socio-economic growth, enhancing traditional institutions, investing in infrastructure and skills, fostering nation-building, and finalising policy and legislative reforms. Government therefore remains committed to addressing the concerns of traditional leaders nationwide.

READ | Deputy President engages Traditional Leadership on mutual progress

In addition, a review of Traditional Leaders’ remuneration and benefits is underway at the national level, with the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers anticipated to submit its recommendations to the President shortly.

“This process aims to provide much-needed clarity and fairness in the support offered to traditional leaders,” said the Deputy President. –SAnews.gov.za

Over 40 000 illegal foreign nationals have been arrested since the beginning of 2026, with over 7 400 arrests made in the past month alone, as government intensifies efforts to tackle irregular migration and strengthen border security.

The figures were revealed during a media briefing by the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration, which was constituted by President Cyril Ramaphosa to coordinate the government’s work on the issue of migration in South Africa and to oversee the implementation of the various interventions, as outlined during President Ramaphosa’s address to the nation last Sunday.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee is led by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, and constituted by various departments, including Home Affairs, Small Business Development, Defence, International Relations and Cooperation, Employment and Labour, Basic Education, Higher Education and Training, as well as the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The Departments of Transport, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), and Social Development have since been requested to be added.

The Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management, presented by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his nationwide address on Sunday, 7 June, revealed government’s ability to handle illegal immigration where it takes place. 

READ | Government tightens policy, legal controls as it builds a South Africa that works for all

Addressing the media on Sunday, Kubayi said a lot of work has been done in implementing the various interventions that the President announced in his address.

The President outlined the government’s five-point strategy to manage irregular migration, which includes strengthening border security, reiterating the constitutional principle of the Rule of Law, stamping out corruption in the immigration system, cracking down on violence and lawlessness and refining our legislative framework.

This plan and approach also entail collaboration with fellow African nations to forge a broader, more cohesive response to migration challenges across our region and the continent.

Vigilance
Highlighting some of the interventions, Kubayi said the Border Management Authority (BMA) has deployed advanced technologies, including drones and body-worn cameras, and established additional checkpoints along key transport routes leading to major border crossings.

“The BMA and its stakeholders have, on Wednesday, the 10th of June 2026, held an anti-corruption awareness campaign at Oshoek port of entry, the RSA-eSwatini border, to proactively address issues of corruption within the ports. In addition, the BMA and other law enforcement agencies have instituted static checkpoints or roadblocks at key corridors leading to the critical ports, such as Beitbridge, to ensure effective interception of anybody attempting to enter South Africa illegally.

“Currently, there is heightened vigilance across all ports of entry in all the three modalities of land, air and sea. This was demonstrated by the recent interception of nine Bangladeshi nationals at OR Tambo International Airport who attempted to enter South Africa with fraudulent Visas. The interception of ABBA, a precursor for Mandrax with the street value of just below one billion Rands at Beitbridge, is another case in point,” Kubayi said.

Through intelligence-led operations, roadblocks, compliance inspections, and multidisciplinary actions involving various government departments, Kubayi said government continues to identify, arrest and process those who are in the country unlawfully.

Government has also intensified multidisciplinary law enforcement operations, led by the Deputy Ministers of Home Affairs, Police and Labour and Employment.

Through these initiatives, business premises and communities in Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Gauteng were visited to respond to community concerns and transgression of immigration and labour laws by employers.

These include an inspection conducted at a residential estate in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, on 03 June 2026, which resulted in the arrest of 15 foreign nationals for immigration-related contraventions.

“In KZN, a multidisciplinary night operation was conducted on 4 June 2026 at two clothing manufacturing facilities operating at the same site in the Riverside Industrial Area, Newcastle, which resulted in the arrest of a business owner who had illegally employed undocumented migrants, who were also arrested. A similar operation was conducted in Tshwane, and 35 arrests were also made, including two employers who were arrested for employing undocumented foreign nationals.

“This is a demonstration that government is not turning a blind eye to illegal immigration and we are intensifying our efforts to bring it under control,” Kubayi said.

In addition, a total of 143 people were arrested for inciting violence. – SAnews.gov.za

Ahead of the commemoration of Youth Day, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will on Monday, 15 June2026, host a Creative and Cultural Industries Youth Career Expo at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria.

“The Creative and Cultural Industries Youth Career Expo is aimed at exposing young people to sustainable career pathways, entrepreneurship opportunities and technical skills within the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI),” the department said ahead of the expo.

Held in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the Department of Basic Education, State Theatre, and National Youth Development Agency, the expo will get underway at 8 am.

The expo will be held under the theme “RESET@50 – The Future Calls”, with the slogan “Our National Commitment to the Future, for Freedom Lives in Every Generation”, and is further anchored by the focus “Mapping the Barriers: Auditing Access for Economic Inclusion”.

“The sacrifices of our nation’s youth immensely contributed towards the movement for freedom, justice and equality, affirming that young people are drivers of transformation. This year marks the 50th anniversary (Golden Jubilee) of the symbolic struggle, a national milestone which will be commemorated through a year-long programme to honour the legacy of the class of 1976,” the department said.

It added that the commemoration serves to bridge the historic struggle for youth empowerment through equal education, inclusive economic participation and skills development.

“It seeks to mobilise society towards practical pathways that connect young people to opportunities. Furthermore, the Youth Month commemoration aims to promote active citizenship and showcase interventions that support youth employment and entrepreneurship. It will also strengthen partnerships across sectors and restore hope to young people facing unemployment, exclusion and related social challenges,” it said.

Cabinet recently called on all sectors of society to support initiatives aimed at empowering young people through education, skills development, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.

This as the country is currently commemorating Youth Month, which is observed annually in June and will be commemorated on Youth Day on 16 June. Cabinet said the month provides an opportunity to honour the legacy of the youth of 1976 while reflecting on the progress made in expanding opportunities for younger generations in a democratic South Africa.

The 2026 national Youth Day commemoration will take place at the FNB Premium Parking (open field adjacent to the FNB Stadium) in Nasrec, City of Johannesburg, under the theme: “RESET @50 – Our National Commitment to the Future for Freedom Lives in Every Generation.”-SAnews.gov.za 

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has been elected Vice Chairperson of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Government Group.

“In a strong show of international confidence, Minister Meth was on Friday, 12 June 2026, overwhelmingly supported by all 187 ILO member states … elected Vice Chairperson of the ILO Government Group,” the Ministry of Employment and Labour said.

In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry said the historic endorsement reflects trust in South Africa’s leadership on global labour matters as well as the Minister’s personal leadership qualities.

The Ministry said the ILO Governing Body serves as the executive council of the International Labour Organization
“It is the supreme decision-making body of the ILO outside the International Labour Conference, responsible for shaping labour policies, setting agendas, adopting the programme and budget, and electing the Director-General.

“A position on the Governing Body, particularly as Vice Chairperson of a major group, carries significant influence over global labour standards and the social justice policies affecting millions of workers worldwide,” the Ministry explained. –SAnews.govza