Category: South Africa Government

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has reiterated the call for greater investment in psychosocial services as South Africa confronts an escalating suicide crisis, one of the most severe on the continent.

The call comes as South Africa’s suicide rate stands at approximately 23.5 deaths per 100 000 people, placing the country among the highest in Africa.

According to data from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29.

Studies further show that nearly one in five learners has attempted suicide at least once, with many more reporting persistent sadness, depression, hopelessness, trauma, bullying, and the emotional impact linked to socio-economic hardship.

Young people with disabilities face heightened vulnerability due to persistent stigma, social exclusion, and limited access to appropriate support services.

In a statement on Sunday, the DWYPD expressed deep concern over the escalating rates of suicide among young people, emphasising that “suicide is preventable” when timely support is available.

“Protecting the mental well-being of young people requires a society-wide commitment. Families, schools, government departments, faith-based organisations, youth formations, and communities must collectively create safe, supportive environments where young people feel seen, heard, and valued,” the department said.
The department called for coordinated action across several priority areas, including: 
•    Expanded access to mental health support within schools, communities, and youth-serving institutions.
•      Strengthened early intervention systems to identify warning signs before crises occur.
•     Community – driven awareness campaigns to reduce stigma around mental illness and encourage help-seeking behaviour.
•    Support for families and caregivers, equipping them to respond compassionately and effectively.

The department also urged the public to remain alert to symptoms of emotional distress among young people, such as withdrawal, sudden changes in behaviour, expressions of hopelessness, substance abuse, and talk of self-harm.

“Early intervention is critical—and can save lives. A reminder to all young people that help is available, and they can reach out.”
Reaffirming its commitment to advancing the rights, protection, and empowerment of South Africa’s youth, the department stressed that preventing suicide requires shared responsibility.
“Together, we can safeguard the mental well-being of our young people and build a society where every youth has hope, opportunity, and support,” it said.

Anyone experiencing emotional distress or in need of immediate assistance is encouraged to contact the SADAG Suicide Crisis Line at 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Tygerberg Hospital has reached a major national milestone by performing South Africa’s first fully internal bone transport and limb-lengthening reconstruction. 

The hospital is a flagship tertiary facility of the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness (WCDHW). 

In partnership with Stellenbosch University, the hospital now stands among only a few centres worldwide with the capability to perform this advanced limb salvage technique within the public sector. 

The provincial department said the patient, a 64-year-old former police officer, had lived with the long-term consequences of a severe gunshot injury sustained in 2018. 

“Despite multiple surgeries elsewhere, he continued to struggle with chronic pain, an unhealed fracture, and a substantial difference in leg length that affected his quality of life.” 

Professor Nando Ferreira said: “This operation demonstrates how far we have come in building world-class limb reconstruction capacity within the South African public sector. For patients who have lived for years with chronic pain and disability, advanced internal bone transport offers a genuine second chance at normal function.”

The surgeons had to reconstruct a 50 mm bone defect and correct a 30mm limb-length discrepancy. 

The fully internal device allows surgeons to complete both bone transport and subsequent limb lengthening without external frames, improving comfort, reducing complication risks, and shortening recovery. 

The newly regenerated bone is expected to form over roughly 100 days, followed by several months of consolidation

According to the International Centre for Limb Lengthening, bone transport is a procedure to grow new bone in a region where there is a missing section of bone due to infection, trauma or disease.

Ferreira said his unit was selected as one of only a few centres worldwide to use this procedure during its limited market release. 

“This level of innovation reflects the strength of our surgical team, our academic partnership, and our commitment to delivering patient-centred care at an international standard,” he continued. 

Expanding on the clinical benefits, Dr Edward Fuzy explained how this method allows them to tackle complex bone loss in a single operation while avoiding many of the complications of traditional approaches. 

Tygerberg Hospital CEO, Dr Matodzi Mukosi, welcomed the milestone as evidence of the institution’s excellence. 

“This breakthrough highlights the incredible talent and innovation within our hospital. It shows what is possible when clinical excellence and strong partnerships work together for our patients.”

The department said the milestone reflected the Western Cape’s broader effort to build a health system that supports people throughout their life journey. The advanced trauma and limb reconstruction services play a vital role in helping residents live well by restoring mobility, dignity, and independence. 

“The skills developed through this procedure could strengthen orthopaedic care for children who start life with congenital limb differences or experience early trauma, helping them start well.”

This means older adults, who are increasingly vulnerable to injury and complex fractures, could benefit from safer surgical innovation that helps them age well with greater confidence and mobility. 

“Achievements like this are only possible because the provincial health system continues to run well through strong governance, academic partnerships, and the commitment of clinicians who serve the 85% of residents who rely on public healthcare.” 

The department said that for many patients in the Western Cape, particularly those from vulnerable communities who carry the long-term burden of trauma-related injuries, this breakthrough offers a realistic pathway back to work, independence, and improved quality of life. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Advisory Panel to select a new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has announced interview dates for candidates vying for the job.

The post will become vacant in January 2026 at the retirement of current incumbent, Advocate Shamila Batohi.

“The Advisory Panel for the selection of the National Director of Public Prosecutions, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has advanced to the next phase of the recruitment process and will interview six shortlisted candidates who met the minimum requirements.

“The interviews will take place over two days, on 10 and 11 December 2025 at the Auditor-General South Africa Offices, 4 Daventry Street, Lynnwood Bridge Office Park, Lynnwood Manor, Pretoria, South Africa,” the Department  of Justice and Constitutional Development said in a statement on Sunday.

The six shortlisted candidates are:
•    Advocate Nicolette Astraid Bell
•    Advocate Hermione Cronje
•    Advocate Andrea Johnson
•    Advocate Xolisile Khanyile
•    Advocate Adrian Mopp
•    Advocate Menzi Simelane

The interviews are expected to commence from 10am on Wednesday and will be livestreamed on the department’s YouTube channel.

In November, President Ramaphosa told Parliament that the decision to appoint an Advisory Panel for the Selection of the National Director of Public Prosecutions is aimed at instilling public confidence in the process and the person who will fill the vacancy.

READ | President Ramaphosa confident in panel tasked with selecting new NDPP

Current NDPP, Advocate Shamila Batohi, is set to retire from the position in January 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The National Treasury has announced the successful issuance of US$3.5 billion in the international capital markets.

The transaction consisted of two dollar-denominated bonds, a 12-year bond maturing in 2037 and a 30-year bond maturing in 2055, each of which were US$1.75 billion.

The 12-year bond priced at a re-offer yield of 6.25%, compared to the 7.1% at which government issued a 12-year dollar bond in 2024. The 30-year bond priced at 7.375% compared to 7.95% in 2024. 

“Lower yields translate into lower debt service costs, which create greater fiscal space for government to fund other urgent social and developmental priorities. 

“Investor demand was exceptionally strong, with the transaction attracting an orderbook of US$13.1 billion, which was 3.7 times oversubscribed,” National Treasury said.

Investors from the United Kingdom, North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and other regions participated, with orders placed by a wide range of high-quality investors, including fund managers, insurance companies, pension funds, hedge funds, banks, and other financial institutions.

“The robust demand and broad participation by investors reflects continued confidence in our sound macroeconomic policy framework and prudent fiscal management,” said the Director- General of the National Treasury, Duncan Pieterse, on Friday.

The 2025 Budget pencilled in US$5.3 billion in foreign currency borrowings for 2025/26. Of this, approximately US$2.8 billion has already been secured from multilateral development banks and international financial institutions. 

“It had been intended that the remaining US$2.5 billion would be raised on international capital markets. However, while executing the transaction, government raised the allocation to US$3.5 billion to take advantage of favourable pricing. 

Government will set aside US$1 billion of this to prefund the 2026/27 foreign currency funding requirement of US$4.3 billion,” National Treasury said.

In addition, the National Treasury appointed Deutsche Bank and Nedbank as Joint Bookrunners for the transaction, with RHO Capital acting as the empowerment partner.

The Treasury appreciated the strong support from the global investor community and remains committed to responsible fiscal stewardship and the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s public finances.

“Government’s funding strategy focuses on lowering its overall cost of borrowing while diversifying its sources of funding and strengthening its resilience against external market volatility.

“Government will continue to mobilise concessional funding and engage with bilateral lenders. It is also introducing new instruments on the domestic market such as the Infrastructure and Development Finance Bond launched in November 2025,” it said. –SAnews.gov.za
 

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Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo is leading South Africa’s delegation to the 10th International Water Regulators’ Forum (IWRF) in Bangkok, Thailand.

The forum started on Saturday, 6 December and will conclude on Friday, 12 December.

Seitlholo’s participation in the IWRF comes at a pivotal moment for South Africa, as the Department of Water and Sanitation advances amendments to key water legislation — including the National Water Act and the Water Services Act — which are central laws governing water resource protection, allocation, services delivery and regulatory oversight. 

The International Water Regulators Forum is the world’s premier gathering of regulatory authorities, bringing together more than 100 high-level regulators and supervisory agencies responsible for water, sanitation and wastewater management. 

The 10th edition, themed: “Building Effective and Adaptive Water and Sanitation Regulatory Frameworks for a Resilient Future” seeks to elevate the global conversation on how countries can fortify regulatory systems to respond to climate pressures, governance challenges and rising demands on essential water and sanitation services.

Seitlholo’s leadership at this year’s Programme Committee highlights South Africa’s commitment to bold and adaptive reform. His active role will help advance critical discussions on regulatory innovation, accountability and long-term sustainability, and place South Africa firmly within the global arena of water and sanitation reform. 

South Africa’s presence at the forum will also be strengthened by the department’s Director-General, Dr Sean Phillips, whose extensive expertise in water governance, sector reform and climate resilient sanitation will support and reinforce the Deputy Minister’s leadership. 

The IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition (WDCE) is taking place concurrently in Bangkok. The congress runs from 8 – 12 December and is co-hosted by the Asian Institute of Technology. 

The department the WDCE remains one of the most influential platforms for shaping policy, innovation and technology across the global water sector. 

Building on the success of the 2023 Kigali edition, the 2025 congress will convene nearly 3 000 experts from over 100 countries under the theme: “Water, Sanitation and Innovation – Pathways to Progress and a Resilient Future”.

South Africa’s participation will spotlight the country’s leadership in advancing legislative reform, strengthening governance, promoting climate-resilient sanitation technologies, and forging strategic partnerships.

The congress programme spans five critical thematic areas:

•              Ensuring safe drinking water through innovative treatment and supply methods.

•              Advancing wastewater treatment and sanitation services for all.

•              Smart and integrated water management.

•              Enhancing utility management and operations.

•              Strengthening governance and financial systems for long-term development.

“Through this engagement, the Deputy Minister will champion South Africa’s reform journey, contribute to shaping the global agenda, and explore opportunities to accelerate domestic priorities, including scaling water efficient and climate resilient sanitation solutions.

“South Africa’s active participation reaffirms its commitment to global cooperation and sector transformation. This will ensure that resilient, equitable and sustainable water and sanitation services become a reality for all,” the Department of Water and Sanitation said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

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Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Dr Micheal Masiapato has unveiled an expanded Festive Season Operational Plan that will see the deployment of advanced surveillance technology and strengthened regional coordination to manage the holiday travel surge.

Briefing the media in Pretoria on Sunday, Masiapato said the four-phase plan — covering planning, execution, demobilisation and sustenance — is designed to ensure smoother traveller processing and tighter border security during one of the busiest periods of the year.

He said the planning phase, which began on 15 September and concludes on 9 December, has included extensive consultations with public and private sector stakeholders.

“The planning phase is characterised by extensive consultative engagements with multiple stakeholders in the country operating in both public and private sectors. As a result, we have managed to secure few critical partnerships with various stakeholders as guided by section 5(c) of the Border Management Authority Act,” he said.

Among these new partnerships are agreements with the South African Freight Forwarders Association, the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters, and the South African Association of Ship Operators and Agents, which will help fund some BMA operations through a cost-recovery model.

Technology companies such as DCD Protected Mobility, Aselsan South Africa and Unipro Protective Wear will assist in rolling out a suite of surveillance and protective tools.

“Drones and body cams will be fully operational to improve our detection capability and also address possible corruption from our team members,” Masiapato said.

To ease congestion at key ports, the BMA has also partnered with TRAC and SANRAL to strengthen traffic flow management at the busy Lebombo port of entry.

Masiapato added that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will again provide temporary infrastructure — including lighting, ablution facilities, barricades and Jojo tanks — across ports and corridors.

Additional ICT technicians will be deployed to support the movement control system, with further remote assistance from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Department of Home Affairs.

Masiapato said South Africa had also held discussions with neighbouring countries — Lesotho, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, eSwatini and Botswana — to streamline cross-border operations. 

“As a result, we have agreed to adjust operating hours at some of the key ports which do not operate on a 24-hour basis,” he said.

The execution phase will run from 10 December 2025 to 15 January 2026, split into a departure period (10 – 31 December) and a return period (1 – 15 January).

During this phase, enforcement measures will be tightened. 

“We will be intensifying our measures to detect and seize narcotics, illicit goods, and even stolen vehicles. We want to warn all travellers to desist from committing any act of criminality around the ports or even in the border law enforcement areas as they will be detected and arrested,” Masiapato said.

Demobilisation will take place on 16 January, when ports that had extended operating hours revert to normal schedules. 

The final sustenance phase begins on 17 January, with operations stabilising ahead of the 2026 Easter period. – SAnews.gov.za

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The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) on Saturday met with officials of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry following the killing of Marius van der Merwe.

Van der Merwe, who was killed on Friday, 5 December, recently testified before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System as Witness D.

Officials from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development also formed part of the meeting to discuss the safety and security of witnesses and officials.

The meeting, held in Pretoria at the NATJOINTS Operations Centre, agreed to enhance the Commission’s security operational plan over the next two days. 

“While extensive measures have been put in place to secure witnesses and officials since the start of the Commission, the meeting identified a need to heighten these measures by roping in the NATJOINTS and all other relevant role players.

“As investigations proceed into the murder of Mr Van Der Merwe, members of the public are urged not to speculate,” NATJOINTS said, adding that media will be briefed in due course. 

Van der Merwe was shot in full view of his family outside their Brakpan home. He was a Brakpan-based security industry member and former Ekhurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department official. – SAnews.gov.za

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Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato says South Africa is facing one of its busiest travel periods in recent years, with traveller movements increasing sharply and enforcement operations yielding thousands of interceptions.

Briefing the media on festive season law enforcement plans for 2025/26, Masiapato said BMA immigration officers processed 9 283 658 travellers in the second quarter of the current financial year — a 23% jump from the 7 576 650 movements recorded in the same period last year.

He said the uptick in movements coincides with strengthened border enforcement supported by surveillance technology, especially drones. During the quarter, 8 135 apprehensions were recorded across ports of entry and vulnerable segments: 4 092 undocumented individuals, 2 061 inadmissible travellers, and 1 982 undesirables.

“The majority of the intercepted foreign nationals were Basotho, followed by Mozambicans, Zimbabweans and Swati nationals, reflecting a consistent long-standing migration pattern within the sub-region,” Masiapato said.

Masiapato added that since the Border Guards were first deployed in July 2022, officers have stopped about 505 065 individuals from entering the country illegally.

Interceptions during the quarter also included 15 high-powered suspected stolen vehicles, believed to have been targeted by criminal syndicates for smuggling out of South Africa. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has taken over further processing. 

“The incremental figure stands at about 349 vehicles since the deployment of the first contingent in July 2022,” Masiapato said.

BMA officers also seized 1 700 kg of counterfeit clothing and footwear valued at R1.28 million, bringing the cumulative value of counterfeit goods intercepted since July 2022 to about R220 million.

Additional seizures included half a kilogram of crystal meth, 240 grams of heroin, illicit cigarettes valued at R827 500, and 40 fraudulent travel documents confiscated mainly at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA), Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) and Vioolsdrift.

Port health operations screened 172 858 travellers, with 73 refused entry for failing to present valid yellow fever vaccination certificates. Officials processed 997 mortal remains — 964 exports and 33 imports — and returned 25 due to incomplete documentation.

Masiapato said port health teams also handled 43 729 health-related consignments, while intercepting and destroying 5 000 units of illicit birth control pills and 117 medical test kits, including skin lightening creams.

“In this regard, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has warned that many of these products contain harmful and illegal ingredients, including high concentrations of mercury, hydroquinone and tropical steroids, which pose serious health risks,” he said.

Health teams tested 969 travellers for malaria, confirming 57 positive cases, who were transferred to medical facilities. In the agricultural stream, 39 316 consignments were processed.

Boosting port security

Masiapato also announced a key operational development. The BMA, in partnership with Transnet National Ports Authority, has secured permanent operational space for Coastal Guards at the ports of Mossel Bay, Gqeberha, Richards Bay and East London.

“This is a critical development towards establishing BMA’s full-time presence in these important seaports,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has outlined measures aimed at modernising technology systems and tightening accountability across the justice sector.

At a briefing on Saturday, the Minister said the seventh administration remains committed to building “a modern, transparent and accessible justice system”, where all are equal before the law.

The Minister, supported by Deputy Minister Andries Nel and senior departmental officials, delivered a comprehensive update on progress and challenges in court operations, ICT modernisation, infrastructure upgrades and reforms to judicial governance.

She said the briefing was “an opportune time to pause and reflect on our work”, emphasising that strengthening the justice system is central to public trust and constitutional obligations.

Improving ICT and contract management

A review of the department’s ICT environment found 22 vendor contracts that had been “poorly managed and monitored”, with some extended repeatedly without delivering value for money.

“What is worrying is the brazenness and attitude of service providers,” she said, noting that some had threatened litigation when their contracts come to an end without extension.

Through Operation Vulindlela, a Standard Bank SAP [Systems, Applications and Products] specialist team has been deployed to stabilise ICT systems at the Master’s Office.

The turnaround strategy for the Master’s Office prioritises digitalisation, improved payment systems, and more efficient service delivery.

“The [specialist team has] been able to help us to resolve payment process challenges, stabilise our payment processes and restore operational integrity… 

“In this area, we continue to have loss of money, where people were stealing from our system in the Guardian’s Fund, where money would be taken out and in [some] instances, [we] would pick up that the monies have been withdrawn in casinos and in churches, and when we work with the FIC [Financial Intelligence Centre], some of the monies were irrecoverable,” Kubayi said.

However, the measures being undertaken are leading to a reduction in the instance of fraud.

The Minister said fraud in the Guardian’s Fund had previously cost the department millions a month, but the current interventions are “showing steady improvement”.

Rebuilding capacity in the Office of the State Attorney 

The Office of the State Attorney is undergoing restructuring to address long-standing capacity shortages. Dedicated teams will soon handle Constitutional Court and Supreme Court of Appeal matters, easing pressure on provincial offices.

Staff burnout, the Minister said, remains a concern. 

“You see the signals when people are admitted into hospitals because of work,” Kubayi said, adding that efforts are underway to fill critical legal posts. 

Additionally, payments to legal practitioners, once delayed for up to six months, have now stabilised.

Accountability and disciplinary measures

The Minister said disciplinary processes involving senior officials — including in ICT and security functions — are progressing, and she has made herself available to testify, where required.

During the 2024/25 financial year, 164 labour relations cases were finalised. Fifty-four officials were dismissed for corruption, maladministration, fraud, theft, dishonesty and misconduct. Several cases were referred for criminal investigation.

“We have zero tolerance for corruption and fraud in our institutions,” Kubayi said.

Expanding prosecutorial and judicial capacity

The department is moving to strengthen the magistracy, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and court support roles.

This year, 343 aspirant prosecutors completed NPA training, and recruitment is underway for 161 additional posts. 

The process to appoint a new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) is also advancing, with interviews set for next week. However, the Minister expressed concern that only six of the 35 applicants met the requirements, saying the panel will recommend reforms to attract stronger candidates, including around tenure and remuneration.

The appointments of 68 Regional Court magistrates has been finalised, with training set for February 2026. A further 68 senior magistrate posts await final signatures, while the recruitment of 198 district magistrates is underway. 

Additionally, 68 sheriffs have been appointed nationwide to strengthen court operations.

Advancing a single, independent judiciary

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing a single, fully independent judiciary by consolidating court administration and judicial governance under the Office of the Chief Justice.

Legislation will be developed following consultations with heads of courts, magistracy leadership, Treasury, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the Department of Public Service and Administration DPSA and other key stakeholders.

Meanwhile, public-private partnerships are being expanded to modernise court buildings, including plans for the Johannesburg High Court precinct.

Water tanks, solar installations and enhanced security measures are being rolled out nationally, particularly to support presiding officers and prosecutors facing threats. Infrastructure upgrades include scanning systems, surveillance and improved coordination with law enforcement agencies.

At the lower court level, reforms are underway to strengthen Small Claims Courts. Their monetary jurisdiction will increase from R20 000 to R30 000 by April 2026, and the number of courts will grow to 418. Additional commissioners will be trained to boost access to justice.

Action against GBV

Marking the 16 Days of Activism campaign, the Minister outlined ongoing efforts to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

Key achievements include:

• Expanding Thuthuzela Care Centres from 62 to 66.
• Maintaining a 70% conviction rate in sexual offence cases.
• Ensuring 72% of convicted offenders are entered into the National Register for Sexual Offences within 10 days.
• Upgrading 40 Domestic Violence Courts.
• Operationalising 79 of 92 Sexual Offences Courts.
• Appointing 103 intermediaries and distributing 150 wheelchairs to support vulnerable court users.

The department also appointed 60 staff to improve turnaround times for verification certificates linked to the Sexual Offences Register, ahead of planned legislative reforms that will expand public disclosure.

Prosecutorial directives now require prosecutors to consult complainants within 22 days, secure appropriate bail conditions, and ensure survivors fully understand their rights.

“Every day must be a day of activism,” Kubayi said, adding that South Africa “owes survivors of GBVF safety, respect and compassion”. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Home Affairs has withdrawn South Africa’s 90-day visa exemption for Palestinian ordinary passport holders, following investigations that found the provision was being deliberately abused by Israeli-linked actors involved in “voluntary emigration” efforts for Gaza residents.

“Following investigations and recommendations by national intelligence structures and consultations conducted within the Security Cluster – which confirmed the deliberate and ongoing abuse of the 90-day visa exemption for Palestinian ordinary passport holders by Israeli actors linked to “voluntary emigration” efforts for residents of the Gaza Strip – the Department of Home Affairs has withdrawn the exemption,” the department said in a statement on Saturday.

Short-stay visa exemptions, the department said, are a commonly used instrument by countries around the world to incentivise tourism and short-term travel. However, investigations into the recent arrival of two charter flights transporting Palestinian passport holders revealed systematic abuse of this exemption, with travel designed not for the purposes of tourism or short-stays as intended, but to relocate Palestinians from Gaza. 

“Rather than using ordinary commercial flights, entire airplanes were chartered not by the travellers themselves, but by intermediaries. Most passengers were given one-way tickets to South Africa and prohibited from bringing luggage with them, while only being allowed to carry US dollars and essentials. 

“Upon their arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, it was further discovered that many of them lacked departure verification and accommodation in South Africa, in addition to not possessing return or onward flight tickets. 

“Taken together, this constituted obvious abuse of the exemption by external actors for purposes other than its intended use,” the department said.

The department said this sequence of events also amounted to abuse of the passengers themselves, as those who arranged the flights were “apparently content to leave the travellers destitute upon their arrival in South Africa”.

The department explained that most of the travellers indicated that they did not want to claim asylum in South Africa, necessitating civil society organisations to take responsibility for their welfare. 

Investigations also indicated that the arrival of these charter flights was not intended to be a once-off events but that they may be part of a broader, ongoing effort to relocate Palestinians to other parts of the world. 

“This includes reports that a Dubai-based broker, with offices in South Africa, recently requested bulk quotations for more charter flights to commence as soon as possible,” the department revealed.

In the wake of the withdrawal of the visa exemption, the department said will duly process any asylum applications submitted by the travellers who arrived on the two charter flights, while upholding the terms of the 90-day exemption for those who do not seek asylum. 

The department said that going forward, visa applications from bona fide Palestinian travellers will be processed accordingly to enable them to visit South Africa, while any further attempts at abuse will be rejected. 

The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, said: “When the most recent charter flight landed at OR Tambo International Airport, President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated that the travellers may have been flushed out of Gaza. Subsequent investigations have confirmed this to be the case. 

“Withdrawing the visa exemption is the most effective way to prevent further flights of this nature, while ensuring that bona fide travellers from Palestine are safely able to visit South Africa without being subjected to abuse. South Africa will not be complicit in any scheme to exploit or displace Palestinians from Gaza.” – SAnews.gov.za

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