Category: South Africa Government

Saldanha Bay Municipality says roads, services and daily operations remain unaffected by protest action linked to illegal immigration, as planned demonstrations take place across the country on Tuesday.

In an update, the municipality said the situation remains calm and is being monitored closely.

“Traffic is flowing normally across the municipality, and all municipal services and daily operations are continuing as usual. Residents are encouraged to continue with their normal activities,” the Municipality said.

The Municipality’s Public Safety Services team, together with relevant stakeholders, remains on high alert and continues to monitor developments closely.

“Should any confirmed incidents occur that may impact public safety or traffic flow, the public will be informed through the Municipality’s official communication channels.

“The Municipality encourages members of the public to rely only on verified information and to refrain from sharing unconfirmed reports or rumours that may cause unnecessary concern.”

Saldanha Bay Municipality thanked stakeholders and community members for their cooperation, saying it remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. –SAnews.gov.za

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Chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structures (Natjoints), Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, says law enforcement agencies will respond to criminality swiftly, proportionately and decisively within the confines of the law.

“To those who intend to break the law tomorrow, our message is simple: do not test the resolve of the State. To those who intend to demonstrate peacefully, we assure you that your constitutional rights will be protected,” Mosikili said.

This comes as several groupings will be protesting undocumented immigration on 30 June.

Addressing the media on Monday night, Mosikili said the Natjoints, Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structures, and all operational command centres were functioning on a 24-hour basis.

“Our operators are on the ground across all nine provinces. The first responders tasked with responding to public gatherings and any emerging incidents are fully deployed and on high alert. Public Order Policing units are in position,” Mosikili said.

She 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.

“Every law enforcement officer understands their mandate. Every commander understands their responsibility. Every operational plan is in motion.  

“Let there be no doubt. Government is ready. We will secure every lawful and peaceful demonstration. We will protect every community. We will safeguard critical infrastructure. We will maintain public order,” she said.

Mosikili warned those who intend to break the law that “they should not test the resolve of the State”.

“To those who intend to demonstrate peacefully, we assure you that your constitutional rights will be protected. To every South African, be confident that your safety remains our highest priority,” Mosikili said.

She said contingency plans had been tested and law enforcement was ready, adding that the Air Wing would provide aerial surveillance and operational support wherever required.

“There is a clear distinction between exercising democratic rights and committing criminal offences. Anyone who crosses that line must expect the full and immediate consequences of the law,” she said.

She warned that no individual or group will be allowed to undermine the authority of the State.

“No one will be allowed to intimidate communities. No one will be allowed to shut down the economy. No one will be allowed to prevent law-abiding citizens from going to work, attending school, accessing healthcare facilities or conducting business. No one will be permitted to damage public infrastructure, loot businesses, attack law enforcement officers or incite violence.

“No dangerous weapons including firearms, knives and traditional weapons will be allowed, in terms of Section 17 of the Constitution. The State will act decisively against any person who seeks to exploit tomorrow’s demonstrations to commit acts of lawlessness,” she said.

With regard to arrests, Mosikili said from 1 March to date, the police have registered 103 cases with 195 suspects arrested.

A breakdown of cases per province:

• In KwaZulu Natal, 39 cases have been reported with 11 arrests. 
• In the Eastern Cape 12 cases were reported with 9 suspects arrested. 
• In the Free State, 29 cases were reported with 153 arrests. 
• In the Western Cape, 15 cases were reported and 14 arrests were affected. 
• In Gauteng, 4 cases were registered with 5 suspects arrested.   
• In Mpumalanga, 3 cases were registered with 3 arrests.

Mosikili said the leader of the march linked to the Abahambe protests, Simphiwe James Bonile, remains in custody following his arrest in May in the Western Cape.

More than 25 000 foreign nationals have been repatriated.

“This is an ongoing process. All buses transporting repatriated foreign nationals are travelling under strict law enforcement escort from departure to the designated ports of entry.

“Along the routes, a number of verification checkpoints have been established where law enforcement officials confirm passenger numbers, verify identities and nationalities, and ensure that all processes comply with the law,” she said.

In his weekly newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the right to protest is enshrined in the Constitution, but that does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has approved a series of measures aimed at strengthening its support for Madagascar’s political reform process, including expanding the mandate of its Panel of Elders and establishing a liaison office in Antananarivo.

Closing an Extraordinary Virtual SADC Summit on Monday, SADC Chairperson President Cyril Ramaphosa said the decisions reflected the regional bloc’s commitment to restoring constitutional order, democratic governance and long-term stability in Madagascar.

President Ramaphosa said the summit had approved reports from three shuttle diplomacy missions submitted to the Extraordinary Troika Summit of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

He commended the Panel of Elders, led by former Malawian President Joyce Banda, the Mediation Reference Group and the SADC Secretariat for providing an evidence-based assessment of developments in Madagascar.

“We have agreed that SADC shall remain seized with the situation in Madagascar and will continue to accompany the Malagasy people on this journey,” the President said.

The summit agreed that political reforms in Madagascar should serve as a transitional process leading, within a defined timeframe, to the restoration of constitutional order and democratic elections.

“Our region cannot afford cycles of transition without resolution. Stability is not sustained by indefinite processes, but by credible institutions and legitimate, elected governance,” he said.

SADC called on the Organ Troika to meet more frequently to assess progress and determine further interventions as the reform process unfolds.

Among the key decisions was the expansion of the Panel of Elders’ mandate to include facilitation and reconciliation functions, while a new SADC Liaison Office in Antananarivo will coordinate regional support on the ground with Malagasy authorities and other partners.

President Ramaphosa said the new mechanisms would ensure SADC remained “present, responsive and effective” throughout the transition.

The summit further agreed to strengthen oversight through quarterly reports to the SADC Secretariat, with any deterioration in the political situation or failure to meet agreed milestones to be escalated immediately to the Organ Troika.

The President reiterated SADC’s call for the release of political prisoners, an end to arbitrary arrests and the return of political exiles, describing the measures as essential to fostering trust and creating conditions for meaningful national dialogue.

He urged all stakeholders in Madagascar, including government, political parties, civil society, youth, women and traditional leaders, to participate in the reform process in good faith and place national interests ahead of partisan concerns. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Madagascar’s return to constitutional rule, with regional leaders meeting virtually on Monday to assess progress on political reforms following last year’s change of government.

Opening the Extraordinary SADC Summit, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the regional bloc remained committed to accompanying Madagascar through its transition until constitutional order is restored.

President Ramaphosa told the Heads of State and Government that the summit comes at “a decisive moment” for both the region and Madagascar, as leaders review the implementation of resolutions adopted during an Extraordinary SADC Summit in December 2025.

Those resolutions followed a technical fact-finding mission to Madagascar in October last year, which assessed the political and security situation after the country’s change of government in 2025.

President Ramaphosa said the December summit had acknowledged the restoration of relative calm in Madagascar and the launch of national consultations by the transitional authorities.

However, he stressed that reforms must remain inclusive, time-bound and led by the Malagasy people.

“The reform process must create space for all stakeholders, including political exiles, to participate meaningfully in shaping Madagascar’s future,” he said.

The summit had previously directed Madagascar to submit a dialogue readiness report and a draft National Roadmap by the end of February 2026, alongside regular progress updates.

President Ramaphosa described these as essential measures to ensure accountability, transparency and trust in a process aimed at delivering credible elections.

SADC also approved the deployment of a Panel of Elders, led by former Malawian President Dr Joyce Banda, supported by the Mediation Reference Group and the SADC Secretariat, to assist Madagascar’s reform process.

The regional body further instructed its Secretariat to work with the African Union and international partners to mobilise financial, technical and logistical support while ensuring efforts remain coordinated and centred on Malagasy-led solutions.

The report before the summit would determine whether Madagascar had taken advantage of the opportunity provided by SADC by maintaining stability, advancing inclusive national dialogue, strengthening representative institutions and implementing meaningful reforms.

The President said leaders were looking forward to receiving the report of the Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit held on 22 June 2026 on the political and security situation in Madagascar.

He called on all stakeholders in Madagascar—including government, opposition parties, civil society, youth, women and traditional leaders—to act in good faith and prioritise the country’s national interests. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) has issued a public advisory warning motorists and residents of planned road closures and traffic disruptions during a march scheduled for Tuesday, 30 June 2026.

According to the metro police, the march is being organised by March & March and is aimed at protesting against illegal immigrants.

Participants are expected to gather at Church Square in Pretoria’s city centre from 10:00 before marching to Sunnyside Police Station.

The procession is expected to conclude at approximately 15:00.

The planned route will begin at Church Square before proceeding along Paul Kruger Street, Francis Baard Street, Lilian Ngoyi Street, Madiba Street, Nelson Mandela Drive, Kotze Street, Van Boeschoten Avenue, Robert Sobukwe Street and Leyds Street, ending at Sunnyside Police Station.

The TMPD has advised motorists to avoid the affected areas and make use of alternative routes, including Nana Sita Street, Visagie Street, Justice Mahomed Street, Jeff Masemola Street, Bosman Street, Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Struben Street, Bloed Street, Kgosi Mampuru Street and Eskia Mphahlele Drive.

Authorities also announced that no private vehicles will be permitted at the gathering point at Church Square.

A designated drop-off zone for buses will be located at the corner of WF Nkomo and Bosman streets, after which buses will proceed to the Old Putco Depot in Marabastad for parking.

Private vehicles will be directed to an open parking area at the corner of Kgosi Mampuru and Madiba streets.

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

Residents and commuters are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and expect delays in and around Pretoria’s central business district during the march. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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By Narend Singh

South Africans often face a false choice, that we must either protect the environment or grow the economy. Our future depends on doing both.

The health of our rivers, wetlands, oceans, forests and protected areas is not separate from the wellbeing of our people. These natural systems provide water, support agriculture, sustain tourism, create jobs and protect communities from the growing impacts of climate change. When they are degraded, the consequences are felt not only by conservationists, but by ordinary citizens through water shortages, lost livelihoods, rising food insecurity and increased vulnerability to floods, droughts and extreme weather events.

This is why environmental protection cannot be viewed as a luxury or an afterthought. It is a fundamental investment in South Africa’s economic future and social wellbeing.

As government, we recognise that many of our conservation institutions face serious challenges. Years of financial pressure, ageing infrastructure, vacancies and rising operational costs have placed enormous strain on conservation authorities across the country. Rangers and environmental officials often work under difficult circumstances, confronting organised wildlife crime, illegal activities and the growing impacts of climate change.

These realities demand honesty and decisive action, hence, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has initiated a focused assessment of protected areas to identify weaknesses, strengthen governance and improve conservation management. We cannot afford complacency when it comes to safeguarding South Africa’s natural heritage.

At the same time, conservation in a democratic South Africa must be about people as much as it is about nature.

Communities living alongside protected areas must see tangible benefits from conservation efforts. Environmental protection must create opportunities, support livelihoods and contribute to local development. This is why government continues to expand benefit sharing initiatives, support previously disadvantaged businesses in the biodiversity economy and strengthen partnerships that ensure communities participate meaningfully in conservation outcomes.

The biodiversity economy represents one of South Africa’s most significant untapped opportunities. Through targeted interventions and the implementation of the revised Biodiversity Economy Strategy, we aim to unlock hundreds of thousands of jobs over the next decade. These opportunities are particularly important for young people, women, rural communities and persons with disabilities who are often excluded from mainstream economic activity.

Environmental programmes already demonstrate what is possible when ecological restoration and job creation work hand in hand. Programmes such as Working for Water, Working for Wetlands, Working on Fire and Working for Coast continue to create employment while protecting critical natural resources.

These initiatives show that environmental investment is not a cost to society; it is an investment that delivers social, economic and ecological returns and climate change further reinforces the urgency of this approach.

South Africa is already experiencing the effects of a warming planet through more frequent droughts, devastating floods, increased wildfire risks and pressure on water resources. Climate change is not a distant threat. It is a present reality affecting communities, businesses and municipalities across the country.

The implementation of the Climate Change Act marks a significant step forward in strengthening South Africa’s response to both mitigation and adaptation. Building resilience requires investment in ecological infrastructure, improved planning and access to climate finance that enables developing countries to respond effectively to a crisis they did little to create.

Climate finance should never be viewed as charity. It is an instrument of global justice and shared responsibility. Developing countries must have the resources necessary to pursue sustainable development while adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Equally important is ensuring that environmental laws are enforced fairly and consistently. Communities have a right to clean air, safe water and healthy ecosystems. Municipalities, institutions and companies that fail to comply with environmental legislation must be held accountable. Environmental degradation cannot become normalised simply because it occurs gradually or because those responsible possess significant resources.

South Africa has made meaningful progress in strengthening environmental enforcement through improved training, intelligence led operations and closer collaboration between government agencies. However, continued vigilance will be required as environmental crimes become increasingly sophisticated and transnational in nature.

Ultimately, budgets alone do not solve problems, they are translated into measurable outcomes, stronger institutions, greater public trust and meaningful improvements in people’s lives.

The choices we make today will shape the South Africa inherited by future generations. Protecting biodiversity, restoring ecosystems, combating climate change and creating sustainable livelihoods are not separate objectives. They are interconnected pillars of a prosperous, resilient and inclusive society.

Our environment is not a barrier to development. It is one of our greatest national assets. If we protect it wisely, it will continue to sustain our economy, strengthen our communities and secure our future for generations to come.

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

 

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By Narend Singh

Each year, World Oceans Day provides an opportunity to reflect on humanity’s relationship with the sea. This year, the theme, “Reimagine: Beyond the world we know, a new relationship with our ocean”, challenges us to think differently about the future we wish to create.

For South Africa, a nation blessed with more than 3,000 kilometres of coastline and an ocean economy that supports livelihoods, trade, tourism and food security, this challenge could not be more urgent.

The ocean is often viewed as something distant from our daily lives a vast expanse beyond our cities and communities. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. The ocean produces much of the oxygen we breathe, regulates our climate, supports biodiversity and sustains millions of livelihoods. Every South African is connected to the ocean, whether they live on the coast or hundreds of kilometres inland.

Reimagining our relationship with the ocean begins by recognising a simple but profound truth, what happens upstream ultimately affects what happens downstream.

The health of our oceans is determined long before rivers reach the coast. The decisions we make in our homes, businesses, municipalities and industries shape the quality of our rivers, estuaries and coastal waters. Pollution entering a river in the interior does not disappear. It travels through catchments and estuaries before eventually reaching the sea.

This Source to Sea perspective is central to South Africa’s environmental governance framework. It recognises that protecting our oceans requires protecting the entire ecological system that feeds into them.

One of the clearest examples of this interconnectedness is plastic pollution.

For too long, plastic pollution has been viewed solely as a waste management issue, while effective waste collection and recycling remain essential, the challenge extends far beyond litter. Plastic pollution affects ecosystems, biodiversity, human health, tourism, fisheries and economic productivity. It undermines the resilience of communities and threatens the natural systems upon which we depend.

Recent scientific studies undertaken in South Africa continue to deepen our understanding of how microplastics and other pollutants move through our river systems and into our oceans. The evidence is increasingly translucent plastic pollution is not a single sector problem and cannot be solved through isolated interventions. It demands coordinated action across government, industry, academia, civil society and communities, and this is why partnerships matter.

Addressing complex environmental challenges requires all spheres of government and all sectors of society to work together. It requires evidence-based policymaking, investment in scientific research, and collaboration that transcends institutional boundaries. When researchers, municipalities, state owned entities, environmental organisations and communities unite around a common purpose, meaningful progress becomes possible.

South Africa is also contributing to international efforts to confront plastic pollution. As negotiations continue towards a legally binding global agreement on plastic pollution, countries around the world are recognising that this challenge knows no borders. Pollution released into one ecosystem can affect another thousands of kilometres away. 

Collective action is therefore not simply desirable, it is essential.
As we commemorate World Oceans Day during Youth Month, we must also recognise the opportunities that a healthier ocean can create for future generations.

The transition to a greener and more sustainable economy offers significant prospects for young South Africans. Environmental restoration, recycling, waste management, marine science, conservation, maritime industries, and broader ocean-based economic activities all hold the potential to create jobs, stimulate entrepreneurship and foster innovation.

Our young people are not merely beneficiaries of environmental protection; they are its future leaders. By investing in environmental skills, research, technology and sustainable industries, we can equip a new generation to participate meaningfully in the blue economy while safeguarding our natural heritage.

Ultimately, reimagining our relationship with the ocean requires more than policy change. It requires a shift in mindset.

We must move away from seeing nature as separate from ourselves and instead recognise our deep interdependence with the ecosystems that sustain life. We must rethink how we produce, consume and dispose of resources. We must strengthen cooperation between institutions and communities. And we must acknowledge that every action taken upstream has consequences downstream.

The renowned oceanographer Sylvia Earle once observed; “With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you’re connected to the sea.”

World Oceans Day reminds us that this connection carries both responsibility and opportunity.

If we are prepared to reimagine our relationship with the ocean, we can build a future where rivers flow free from pollution, where coastal ecosystems are resilient, where sustainable development creates opportunities for our youth, and where our oceans continue to sustain life and prosperity for generations to come.

The future of our ocean begins with the choices we make today.

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

 

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