Category: South Africa Government

By Sandile Nene 
The pressing crisis of high unemployment in South Africa can no longer be addressed by government alone, it requires a collective effort from the public sector, private sector, labour, civil society and communities themselves. The time has come for young people to seize the power of small businesses and create employment opportunities in their own communities. 

The latest Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) Quarterly Labour Force report revealed that unemployment stood at 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026. These figures should keep us all awake at night. The country’s unemployment rate remains a deeply concerning reality, and sadly, the burden falls most heavily on the youth and women who make up a substantial proportion of our population. This growing crisis demands bold action and entrepreneurship at the local level must be part of the solution.

Most people think that becoming an entrepreneur requires a big idea and substantial capital, yet that is not always the case. Small businesses are proving to be a powerful way to revive township economies and at the same time create much-needed jobs. 

Starting a small business to meet identified needs in our communities will not only provide our youth with an income but can also begin a cycle of community upliftment. It is for this reason that South Africans, in particular, women and young people with an aptitude for business, are encouraged to seize the opportunity and start their own small businesses.

Over the years, government has introduced a range of interventions aimed at empowering young people and creating pathways into the economy. Programmes such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the Youth Employment Service, skills development initiatives, public employment programmes and support for entrepreneurship are part of broader efforts to ensure that young South Africans are not left behind. 

Through the Department of Small Business Development, and institutions such as the Small Enterprise Development Agency and the National Youth Development Agency, government continues to invest in skills training, funding access, and business support. 

Additionally, the Transformation Fund continues to be instrumental in supporting black-owned businesses and historically disadvantaged individuals. Furthermore, R350 million has been committed for ‘a government and business partnership’ aimed at placing 130 000 young people into learning and employment opportunities.

This is in addition to R95 million committed to the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to support Youth Employment Innovation Projects also aimed at placing 7 000 young people into productive economic activities. 

Government led by the Department of Employment and Labour, has also declared 2026 as “The Year of Putting Young South Africans to Work, in Honour of the 1976 Youth and Commemoration of the Youth Uprising Golden Jubilee.” This is a clarion call to repositioning and repurposing government interventions, to respond more effectively to South Africa’s deepening unemployment crisis.

Government recognises the youth as the future leaders of our country and in addition to entrepreneurship calls on young people to also choose careers that are in high demand such as engineering and information technology. 

*Nene is the Acting Deputy Director-General at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)

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The Department of Home Affairs is continuing work to replace the green barcoded ID books with secure smart IDs.

Responding to questions at an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration media briefing on Sunday, Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, said the green ID is the most defrauded piece of identity document in South Africa.

“There are studies that it is the most defrauded identity document on the African continent and it is easy to understand why, it has got a physical photograph that can be manipulated or exchanged or swapped. If you lose your green ID, or someone steals it, it can easily be manipulated by putting another photo in there,” Schreiber said.

The Minster added that artificial intelligence can also be used to manipulate documents with criminal syndicates and illegal foreign nationals having the ability to manipulate IDs.

He added that there are about 16 million green ID books that are still in use.

“Our job is to replace those with secure smart IDs,” he said.

Schreiber said that through the digital partnership with the banking sector, people are able to walk into bank branches and apply to switch from the green ID to a smart ID. 

“We are moving very rapidly to expand this. We want to get to 750 bank branches by the end of this year. we are live  now in more than 178 branches throughout the country [and] many of them are in rural areas where previously people did not have access to the services,” he said. 

Last week it was announced that government will establish an Intelligent Population Register containing biometric data for every person in South Africa and introduce new regulations to prevent the misuse of Traffic Registration Numbers (TRNs).

This is part of a broader effort to strengthen migration management while upholding constitutional values and human dignity.

As part of the process, government will progressively phase out the green barcoded identity book, which President Cyril Ramaphosa said has been exploited by undocumented immigrants and criminal syndicates to facilitate identity theft. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

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Parliament will convene the National Youth Parliament on Monday, in Johannesburg, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Student Uprisings and mark 30 years of South Africa’s transformative Constitution.

Taking place under the theme: “Youth Empowerment for a Suitable Future,” the 2026 Youth Parliament will reflect on whether the Constitution has delivered on its promise to build an equal and cohesive society, with a particular focus on youth development, economic participation and social cohesion.

The day will feature a reflection on the 1976 Uprisings, including a panel discussion with survivors and activists titled: “We planned it, we marched it: what happened on 16 June and why it matters.”

National Youth Day is celebrated on June 16 to honour the role young people played in the fight against apartheid and the Soweto Uprising of 1976. 

This year’s commemoration marks the 50th Anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprising, one of the defining moments in South Africa’s liberation struggle. 

The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, will deliver the high-level opening address and the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, will present the closing remarks. 

Representatives from faith-based organisations, LGBTQ+ youth, youth in arts, disabled youth forums and unemployed graduates will participate in the session. –SAnews.gov.za

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The Gauteng provincial government has congratulated all participants in the 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon, from elite athletes and seasoned ultramarathoners to first-time finishers who took on one of the world’s greatest tests of human endurance.

“Every athlete who stood on the start line and every runner who crossed the finish line is deserving of recognition. The Comrades Marathon is far more than a race; it is a celebration of perseverance, sacrifice, discipline and the limitless potential of the human spirit,” MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile said on Monday.

The MEC said the 2026 Comrades Marathon once again showcased the very best of the human spirit, with thousands of runners demonstrating extraordinary courage, discipline, resilience and determination over the demanding 85.7km up run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

He extended special congratulations to George Kusche on his victory in the marathon, describing his performance as a masterclass in endurance running and a fitting reminder of what can be achieved through preparation, belief and determination.

“The Comrades Marathon once again demonstrated the power of sport to unite people. Regardless of race, gender, language, social standing or background, runners stood together in pursuit of a common dream. This spirit of unity and social cohesion is one of the greatest strengths of our country and something we must continue to celebrate and protect,” Maile said.

He added that one of the most inspiring aspects of the race was seeing thousands of South Africans from different races, cultures, languages, communities and backgrounds sharing the same road, pursuing the same goal and encouraging one another throughout the journey.

The MEC also congratulated the Comrades Marathon Association for successfully organising another world-class event that brought together runners from across South Africa and the world in a celebration of athletic excellence and human endurance.

Public servants from across the Gauteng provincial government were among the thousands of athletes who participated in this year’s race.

They included 42 participants from the Department of Education and 42 from the Gauteng Department of Health.

Social Development followed with 13 participants; e-Government had nine; Human Settlements, Roads and Transport, and Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation had four each; the Office of the Premier and Provincial Treasury had three each; Community Safety and Economic Development had two each; and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Infrastructure Development and the Gauteng Liquor Board had one each.

“Our runners have made Gauteng proud. They have demonstrated exceptional discipline, endurance and perseverance. We encourage more people to take up running, build healthy communities and become ambassadors for wellness and social cohesion. 

“Looking ahead, we believe Gauteng has the talent, determination and depth to produce a future Comrades Marathon champion. As we celebrate the achievements of the 2026 race, we also set our sights on the landmark 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon in 2027,” Maile said. –SAnews.gov.za

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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

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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
 

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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