Category: South Africa Government

Government has assured citizens that it is actively managing migration through lawful, coordinated and constitutional measures, as planned demonstrations against illegal migration take place across the country.

“Our objective remains clear: a South Africa where immigration laws are respected and enforced, where borders are secure, where communities are safe, where businesses compete fairly, and where human dignity and constitutional values are upheld,” a statement issued by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration (IMC) said on Tuesday.

Government said it will continue to intensify efforts to combat criminality, corruption, human trafficking, labour exploitation and all forms of illegality associated with irregular migration, while ensuring that enforcement actions are carried out within the framework of the Constitution and the law. 

“We call on all South Africans to remain calm, reject misinformation and xenophobia, and continue working with government and law enforcement agencies to build safe, stable and cohesive communities.

“Together, we can manage migration in a manner that protects our national interest, promotes the rule of law and advances the values upon which our democracy is founded,” the IMC said.

Government further acknowledged genuine concerns about migration, border management, service delivery, public safety and economic opportunities.

“These concerns deserve to be heard and addressed through lawful and democratic processes. Government particularly welcomes the fact that most participants rejected violence, vigilantism, intimidation, looting and damage to property. Such actions have no place in a constitutional democracy and undermine the very goals that communities seek to achieve,” the IMC said.

Government also reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to implementing the President’s Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management.

The five-point plan focuses on strengthening the enforcement of immigration and labour laws, securing borders, improving migration management systems, closing legislative and policy gaps, and working with countries across the continent to address migration challenges in a coordinated manner.

Meanwhile, government expressed its sincere appreciation to all South Africans who are exercising their constitutional right to protest peacefully and responsibly.

“We commend citizens, community leaders, organisers, civil society formations, religious leaders and law enforcement agencies for their commitment to peace, restraint and respect for the rule of law throughout the country,” the IMC said.  

Government said the peaceful conduct displayed today reflects the strength of democracy and demonstrates that South Africans can voice their concerns firmly and lawfully while respecting the rights and dignity of others. –SAnews.gov.za

0

By Bernice Swarts
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is concluding National Environment Month with a renewed commitment to strengthening collaboration among all three spheres of government, government entities, the private sector, research institutions, academia and civil society to tackle pollution and improve South Africa’s air quality.

This commitment is one of the key outcomes of the National Priority Air Quality Summit, recently held in Rustenburg, North West. Led by the DFFE, the summit brought together air quality officials and stakeholders from across the country to strengthen intergovernmental coordination and cooperation on air quality management in South Africa’s Priority Areas. 

The summit also provided an important platform for sharing experiences, best practices and innovative solutions to challenges experienced in the implementation of Priority Area Air Quality Management Plans.

When opening the summit, I challenged delegates to work together to find practical solutions to our country’s air pollution challenges. I am encouraged by a range of interventions explored to improve air quality and reduce pollution in our communities.

One of the interventions discussed was the role of greening initiatives in improving environmental quality. The DFFE is already implementing an ambitious programme to plant ten million trees on Heritage Day, 24 September 2026, under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Presidential One Billion Trees Programme.

Through this initiative, government aims to plant one billion trees over the coming years to improve air quality, combat climate change and create greener communities.

We are excited to be driving this important programme and building on the success of our campaign to plant one million trees in a single day on Heritage Day last year.

The National Priority Air Quality Summit took place during Environment Month, a period when we reflect on our shared responsibility to protect the environment and improve the quality of life of all South Africans. It also coincides with Youth Month, reminding us that the decisions we make today will directly affect the health, wellbeing and opportunities of future generations.

Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa guarantees everyone the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing. This constitutional right places a responsibility on all of us – government, industry, civil society, academia and citizens – to work together to reduce air pollution, improve the quality of the air we breathe. 

The theme of this year’s Summit, “Collective Accountability for Clean Air: Clean Air is Not a Privilege, but a Fundamental Right “– captures the spirit of our Constitution. It recognizes air quality as a basic human right, ensuring that there is accountability across government, industries, and civil society in prioritising our wellbeing as a collective. 

Poor air quality affects the most vulnerable members of our society disproportionately. Children, the elderly, and individuals with existing respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses often bear the greatest burden of pollution. Clean air therefore remains fundamental to achieving sustainable development, improving public health, reducing inequality and building resilient communities.

The 2026 Priority Area Summit focused on several key themes, including:
•    Building technical capacity among government institutions and stakeholders within the new priority area regulatory framework;
•    Assessing lessons learnt from the implementation of the Highveld Priority Area Air Quality Management Plan;
•    Using those lessons to better prepare for the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area and Waterberg-Bojanala priority areas.

The summit also focused on the implementation of the recently enacted National Dust Control Regulations, which seek to shift dust management from a reactive to a proactive approach. These discussions are critical as they aim to strengthen implementation capacity, improve accountability and accelerate measurable improvements in air quality management.

While the Summit acknowledged that notable progress has been achieved through enhanced monitoring networks, improved planning and increased stakeholder engagement, many communities continue to experience unacceptable levels of air pollution. We recognise the concerns expressed by communities regarding emissions from industrial activities, domestic fuel burning, transportation, waste burning and other pollution sources. 

We also acknowledge concerns raised by civil society organisations regarding the pace of implementation, transparency, compliance and accountability. Government takes these concerns seriously, and the Summit provided an opportunity to move beyond identifying challenges towards developing practical and implementable solutions.

My message remains clear: government cannot solve air pollution challenges alone. Industry, civil society, academia and communities all have important roles to play.

I also acknowledge and appreciate the support government has received through its partnership with the Clean Air Fund. This philanthropic organisation has partnered with the department since 2024 and has supported our Priority Area Summits since then.

The Clean Air Fund deployed 200 low-cost air quality sensors across Gauteng, North West and the Free State during 2025 and is working with the department to install additional sensors across the country. The organisation is also supporting municipalities and the department through public outreach and community awareness programmes, as well as strengthening the development of air quality management plans.

In addition, the Clean Air Fund has supported research institutions such as the South African Medical Research Council in conducting studies that help government better understand the health impacts of air pollution on communities. This evidence strengthens the case for urgent action to address pollution in Priority Areas.

These partnerships are unlocking valuable opportunities and enabling government to accelerate programmes that were previously constrained by limited resources. We encourage more stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration and partner with government through public-private partnerships to strengthen our collective efforts to improve air quality.

In conclusion, I want to emphasise that our communities have a right to know what they are breathing.
We recognise the growing importance of citizen science and community-based environmental monitoring. Around the world, communities are becoming active participants in environmental observation and data collection. Through the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS), government continues to improve public access to air quality information and strengthen environmental transparency.

We have also enhanced systems that allow members of the public to report air pollution incidents and complaints online, enabling quicker responses and improved accountability.

However, communities must not only be informed – they must also be empowered to participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their health and environment. To this end, the department will host community air quality dialogues across South Africa, especially at all Priority Areas. We will expand public awareness and education initiatives on air quality and pollution. We will increase the number of Air Quality Dialogues across the country and ensure that information is communicated in all official languages so that communities are fully informed and able to participate.

The Summit further resolved to develop a clear and practical plan to strengthen community participation in efforts to reduce pollution and improve air quality. I therefore call on all South Africans to join government, industry and civil society in tackling air pollution and building healthier, cleaner and more sustainable communities for current and future generations.

*Swarts is the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

7

Overburdened consumers will be in for some relief from tomorrow after the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) announced a decrease in fuel prices, excluding LP Gas.

The adjustment for prices from July are as follows:
Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): R2.01 decrease.
Petrol 95 (ULP &LRP): R1.96 decrease.
Diesel (0.05% sulphur): R3.13 decrease.
Diesel (0.005% sulphur): R3.58 decrease.
Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): R5.23 decrease.
Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: R6.97 decrease.
Maximum Retail Price of LPGas: 16c/kg increase and nineteen cents per kilogram (19.00 c/kg) increase in the Western Cape.

This means that a litre of 95 petrol which currently costs R28.06 in Gauteng will now cost R26.10 as of Wednesday. In the coast the price will come down from R27.19 to R25.23 a litre.

“The average Brent Crude oil price decreased from 104.59 US Dollars [USD] to 86.53 USD during the period under review. This is due to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran which has improved global supply outlook.

“The average international product prices followed the decreasing trend of crude oil during the period under review. These factors led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 295.97 cents per litre, 498.47 [cents a litre] and 510.51 [cents a litre], respectively. The prices of Propane and Butane increased during the period under review,” the department said.

During the same period, the Rand strengthened against the dollar from R16.52 to R16.38 per USD.
“This led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and Illuminating Paraffin by 11.27 cents a litre, 13.75 cents a litre and 13.37 cents a litre respectively,” the department stated.

The DMPR also announced that the short-term fuel levy relief by government has “been phased out”.

“The short-term relief measures have been completely phased out and the full fuel levies of 429.00 cents per litre on petrol and 416.00 cents per litre on diesel will be reinstated,” the DMPR said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

0

North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, says the South African Police Service (SAPS), together with its law enforcement and government partners, is united in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

This as illegal immigration protests are expected to take place on Tuesday.

“Morning parades were held across all districts, where SAPS members were joined by representatives from the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Social Development, Provincial and Local Traffic Services, Intelligence Services and Community Policing Forums in a powerful display of collaboration in ensuring safer communities,” North West police said in a statement.

The Provincial Commissioner said the situation in the province this morning was calm and it was business as usual.

“Law enforcement agencies have intensified deployments across the province, and PROVJOINTS will continue to serve, protect and keep communities safe,” the police said.

On Monday evening, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structures (Natjoints) Chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili warned that where criminality presents itself, law enforcement agencies would respond swiftly, proportionately and decisively within the confines of the law.

Mosikili said specialised operational units were ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

“Our intelligence structures continue to monitor developments in real time, and operational commanders are receiving continuous updates to ensure swift and decisive decision-making,” she said. –  SAnews.gov.za
 

0

Five people have been arrested for allegedly breaking into a tuck shop in Woody Glen, on the outskirts of Hammarsdale, as authorities have heightened security during protests against illegal immigration across KwaZulu-Natal.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli commended police and other law enforcement agencies for the swift arrests, saying criminal activity would not be tolerated under the guise of protest.

“We acknowledge and respect that civil society has the right to protest and voice their concerns. However, we urge all those participating in today’s marches against illegal immigration to do so within the prescript of the law,” Ntuli said.

He described the arrests as a warning to anyone considering engaging in criminal behaviour.

“The arrest in Woody Glen is a stern warning to everyone that we will not tolerate any acts of criminality. We cannot and will not allow anarchy and lawlessness to be the order of the day,” he said.

Ntuli said law enforcement agencies, private security companies and community safety structures had been deployed to monitor the area throughout the day and would continue maintaining a visible presence to ensure law and order.

The Premier also announced that the provincial government had established a rapid response nerve centre in Durban and similar centres in all district municipalities to coordinate a swift response to any incidents of crime or unrest.

In addition, all members of the provincial executive council have been deployed to their respective districts to work with local leadership in preventing disruptions.

Ntuli said the coordinated deployment was aimed at reinforcing the rule of law across KwaZulu-Natal during the protests and beyond. – SAnews.gov.za

0

The Beaufort West Municipality has called on residents to remain calm, vigilant and responsible ahead of anticipated activities expected to take place on Tuesday.

In a statement issued on Monday, the municipality said it had worked with law enforcement and emergency services to implement precautionary measures aimed at ensuring public safety, maintaining law and order, and protecting essential services.

Municipal officials said the relevant authorities will remain on high alert and are prepared to respond swiftly should any incidents occur.

The municipality reminded residents that government has confirmed Tuesday, 30 June, as a normal working day. Businesses, schools, government offices and essential services are expected to operate as usual, with residents encouraged to continue with their daily routines.

Beaufort West Executive Mayor Gina Duimpies reiterated the municipality’s support for the constitutional right to peaceful protest but warned that criminal behaviour would not be tolerated.

“The safety and well-being of every resident remain our highest priority. We call on everyone to act responsibly, remain peaceful, and work together to keep Beaufort West safe,” Duimpies said.

She added that acts of violence, intimidation, vandalism, xenophobia, discrimination, hate speech and any other criminal conduct would be dealt with decisively by law enforcement agencies.

The municipality also urged residents to obtain information only from official communication channels and to avoid sharing unverified reports or misinformation on social media.

Officials said maintaining public safety would require the cooperation of all residents as authorities continue to monitor the situation. – SAnews.gov.za
 

0

More than 15 000 undocumented Malawian nationals had been processed at the temporary Durban Drive-In repatriation site in eThekwini before operations were relocated to Musina in Limpopo.

Since early June, eThekwini Municipality has provided humanitarian assistance to undocumented Malawian nationals in line with its constitutional and humanitarian responsibilities.

In a statement on Monday, eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba said the city had closed the temporary Durban Drive-In repatriation site, following the relocation of undocumented Malawian nationals to Musina.

The individuals were initially accommodated in Sherwood before being moved to the Durban Drive-In site to improve operational efficiency.

The relocation followed concerns that the Sherwood facility had reached capacity, creating potential health and safety risks.

The larger Drive-In site enabled the government to improve processing while providing more suitable temporary accommodation.

“The repatriation operation gained momentum after the Department of Home Affairs and the Government of Malawi agreed to facilitate voluntary repatriation, replacing the lengthy deportation process that required court proceedings.

“Government further accelerated the process by extending the jurisdiction of the Musina Refugee Reception Office near the Beitbridge Border Post to undertake verification and processing,” the city said.

All logistical arrangements were put in place to facilitate the onward repatriation of Malawian nationals through the Government of Malawi, the United Nations, and the International Organisation for Migration.

Musina will now serve as another temporary repatriation processing centre, allowing the operation to continue after the temporary Durban Drive-In site was closed and its infrastructure dismantled.

Mayor Xaba reaffirmed the Municipality’s commitment to working with all spheres of government and humanitarian partners in responding to complex humanitarian situations, while safeguarding the dignity, safety and well-being of all affected persons.

The Mayor thanked all spheres of government, community members, non-profit and faith-based organisations, volunteers, law enforcement agencies, Municipal officials, and partner organisations for their commitment and cooperation throughout the operation.

He also expressed special appreciation to the residents and businesses of Sherwood and Ward 26, as well as community crime prevention structures, for their patience, understanding and support during this period.

“We fully appreciate the inconvenience that residents and businesses had to endure. As I have indicated before, this was an unforeseen situation that required an urgent humanitarian response. 

“Through the tireless efforts of government officials, volunteers, and our partners from various non-profit and faith-based organisations, we ensured that the repatriation process was conducted in a humane, safe, and lawful manner,” Xaba said. –SAnews.gov.za

0

Police in the Northern Cape remain on standby to deal with any incidents during protests against irregular migration in the province.

According to police, members have been deployed to all five districts in the province to ensure that Tuesday’s marches are conducted peacefully and safely.

“Deputy Provincial Commissioners and the five District Commissioners…are leading operations in the Northern Cape to assure communities that comprehensive operational plans have been implemented to ensure a safe, secure, and peaceful environment during the planned [marches], today and beyond.

“Members in all five districts have been strategically deployed and remain on standby to respond effectively to any incidents that may arise,” a South African Police Service (SAPS) statement read.

Multi-disciplinary parades were conducted this morning in anticipation of the marches with police warning that any illegal action will be dealt with.

“The SAPS respects the constitutional right of individuals to express their views and participate in lawful activities.

“However, any acts of criminality, intimidation, violence, damage to property, or disruption of essential services will not be tolerated and will be addressed decisively within the framework of the law.

“Operational teams will continue to monitor developments, engage with stakeholders, and maintain a visible policing presence throughout the province to promote safety and stability,” the statement continued.

Residents are urged to “remain calm, cooperate with law enforcement officials, and report any suspicious or unlawful activities through the appropriate channels”.

“The SAPS remains committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors in the Northern Cape while upholding the rule of law,” the statement concluded. 

Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and chair of the Inter-ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration, Mmamoloko Kubayi has reiterated that the South African state will ensure that law and order prevails as protestors take to the streets against irregular migration.

The Minister was speaking during an early morning media briefing at Mayfair in Johannesburg, Gauteng on Tuesday.

READ | ‘Today is about keeping South Africans safe’ – Justice Minister

Strong police presence has been deployed in the province which was earmarked as a hotspot for anti-illegal migration marches.
– SAnews.gov.za

 

0

By Ronald Lamola, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation 

This year, South Africa commemorates two defining milestones in our democratic journey: the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising of 16 June 1976 and the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution. 

Both milestones remind us that democracy is neither inevitable nor self-sustaining: it is built through sacrifice, protected through active citizenship and strengthened through each generation’s commitment to freedom, justice and equality. 

On 16 June 1976, young people took to the streets to peacefully protest against the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. Despite the brute violence with which the apartheid security forces responded, the courage of the young people of 1976 awakened the conscience of the world and reinvigorated the struggle against apartheid. 

The sacrifices of the youth of 1976 contributed immensely to the broader movement for freedom, justice and equality. They demonstrated that young people are not merely beneficiaries of change but are often its most powerful drivers. This year marks the Golden Jubilee of that historic moment. 

Importantly, this commemoration is not only about remembering the past. It is about connecting the aspirations of 1976 to the realities of 2026. 

The youth of 1976 fought for equal access to education and human dignity. The challenge today is to ensure that young people have meaningful access to economic opportunities, quality education, skills development, entrepreneurship and participation in society. 

This year’s focus, “Mapping the Barriers: Auditing Access for Economic Inclusion”, calls on all sectors of society to identify and remove the obstacles that continue to prevent young people from realising their full potential. 

The greatest tribute we can pay to the class of 1976 is not simply to honour their memory. It is to ensure that today’s generation is empowered to lead, innovate and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

One of the most important discussions taking place globally today concerns the role of young people in peacebuilding, governance and diplomacy. The adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security was a watershed moment in international policy. 

It recognised that young people are not merely victims of conflict or passive observers of political processes. They are partners in peacebuilding, governance and sustainable development.

Africa is the youngest continent in the world. By 2050, nearly one in four people globally will be African. This demographic reality presents a tremendous opportunity. 

If properly empowered, Africa’s youth can drive economic growth, innovation, democratic participation and peacebuilding across the continent. If excluded, however, the consequences will be felt across every sector of society. 

South Africa has made important progress through the National Youth Policy and a range of youth development initiatives. However, there is growing recognition that we must continue strengthening the institutionalisation of youth participation across governance, peacebuilding and development processes. 

Just as South Africa has developed a National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, there are important lessons to be learned from countries such as Finland and several other states that have developed dedicated Youth, Peace and Security National Action Plans. Such initiatives help ensure that youth participation is not ad hoc, but systematic, meaningful and sustained. 

The 50^th anniversary of 16 June 1976 coincides fittingly with the 30^th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution. Adopted on 10 December 1996, entering into force on 04 February 1997, the Constitution stands as the cornerstone of our democratic order. It is the product of decades of struggle against oppression and injustice. It reflects the aspirations of a people determined to build a society founded on human dignity, equality, freedom and the rule of law. 

For thirty years, the Constitution has guided South Africa’s democratic development. It has provided the framework for democratic governance, constitutional accountability, social transformation and the protection of human rights. 

Over the past three decades, South Africa has established robust democratic institutions, conducted free and fair elections, expanded access to education and healthcare, strengthened constitutional governance and advanced the rights of millions who were historically excluded. 

Yet, we must also acknowledge that the work of transformation remains unfinished. Persistent inequality, unemployment, poverty, corruption and social exclusion continue to challenge our democratic project.

 

We mark these two important anniversaries during a time when the world is experiencing increasing strategic competition, technological disruption, economic uncertainty and growing pressure on multilateral institutions. 

Competition over strategic resources, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, technological innovation and global supply chains is reshaping international relations. In this environment, diplomacy has become more important than ever 

As the previous Chair of the G20, South Africa consistently advocated for more representative, equitable and inclusive global governance institutions. 

The increasingly complex nature of international relations also requires broader societal participation in foreign policy discussions. It was precisely this recognition that informed the revival of the South African Council on International Relations (SACOIR). 

The revival of SACOIR reflects the understanding that diplomacy and foreign policy benefit from diverse perspectives and informed public engagement. SACOIR will provide a platform for dialogue and debate involving government, academia, business, civil society and foreign policy practitioners.

South Africa’s foreign policy continues to be guided by the pursuit of peace, development, multilateralism, solidarity and a rules-based international order. – SAnews.gov.za

0

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and chair of the Inter-ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration, Mmamoloko Kubayi has reiterated that the South African state will ensure that law and order prevails as protestors take to the streets against irregular migration.

The Minister was speaking during an early morning media briefing at Mayfair in Johannesburg, Gauteng on Tuesday.
Strong police presence has been deployed in the province which was earmarked as a hotspot for anti-illegal migration marches.

“The state today is not going out to threaten its own citizens, but we have an obligation as government to ensure that there is law and order. We have an obligation as government to ensure that no one’s rights are infringed.

“That’s why we said today is a normal day. Anyone who makes a decision that they want to continue with [their daily lives], the environment must be conducive to do that,” she said.

The Minister noted that by around 8am, no major incidents had been reported in Gauteng.

“And it’s because there’s been preparedness from the state. I know people have asked why we are preparing but we have [learnt] that July 21st [2021] must never happen again in South Africa and we are ensuring that.

“We want to reiterate the right to protest, their right to express themselves where they are not happy with their own government. That cannot be taken away from them. But also, we are appealing to those who will be joining to do this in a peaceful manner and not cause harm.”

She assured South Africans that government continues its work to resolve challenges of irregular migration.

“We do not have a deadline of 30 June. As the IMC, our work continues. On the 2nd [of July] we are going to the border to visit the area. We will be looking at the border line and not just the entries. So, it’s continuous. Enforcement of migration laws continues, where we have been able to deport and deal with a lot of things.

On Monday, the IMC conducted a site inspection at the Beitbridge border post in Limpopo.

“The inspection forms part of government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen border management and enhance migration governance,” the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said in a post on social media platform, X at the time.

READ | IMC visits Beitbridge border post

“Today, however is about keeping South Africans safe,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

0