Category: South Africa Government

The Department of Home Affairs has withdrawn South Africa’s 90-day visa exemption for Palestinian ordinary passport holders, following investigations that found the provision was being deliberately abused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actors linked to “voluntary emigration” efforts for residents of the Gaza Strip – the Department of Home Affairs has withdrawn the exemption,” the department said in a statement on Saturday.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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Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has sent her condolences to the family of Marius van der Merwe, who was shot and killed in front of his family in Brakpan last night.

Van der Merwe was “Witness D” at the Madlanga Commission and had recently testified before the Commission.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” Kubayi said.

Addressing the media in Pretoria this morning, Kubayi said Van de Merwe was offered security but he declined the offer, saying he had his own security and he owned a security company.

“After this development, I did interacted with Advocate Khumalo, who is responsible for security at the Commission, to discuss security issues. There is a need to review security issues,” Kubayi said. 

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Van der Merwe.

Van der Merwe was a Brakpan-based security industry member and former Ekhurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department official. He was shot and killed outside his Brakpan home. 

The South African Police Service has launched a manhunt for the suspects involved in the killing of Van der Merwe. 

The Madlanga Commission — officially called the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System — this morning issued a statement on the passing of Van der Merwe.

“The Commission has noted with profound sadness the brutal killing of one of its witnesses, Mr Marius van der Merwe. 

“The Commission would like to acknowledge Mr Van der Merwe’s contribution towards uncovering serious allegations of criminality and corruption in the Ekhuruleni Metropolitan Municipality and Ekhuruleni Metropolitan Police Department.

“The Commission extends its deepest condolences to the Van der Merwe family.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has sent her condolences to the family of Marius van der Merwe, who was shot and killed in front of his family in Brakpan last night.

Van der Merwe was “Witness D” at the Madlanga Commission and had recently testified before the Commission.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” Kubayi said.

Addressing the media in Pretoria this morning, Kubayi said Van de Merwe was offered security but he declined the offer, saying he had his own security and he owned a security company.

“After this development, I did interacted with Advocate Khumalo, who is responsible for security at the Commission, to discuss security issues. There is a need to review security issues,” Kubayi said. 

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Van der Merwe.

Van der Merwe was a Brakpan-based security industry member and former Ekhurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department official. He was shot and killed outside his Brakpan home. 

The South African Police Service has launched a manhunt for the suspects involved in the killing of Van der Merwe. 

The Madlanga Commission — officially called the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System — this morning issued a statement on the passing of Van der Merwe.

“The Commission has noted with profound sadness the brutal killing of one of its witnesses, Mr Marius van der Merwe. 

“The Commission would like to acknowledge Mr Van der Merwe’s contribution towards uncovering serious allegations of criminality and corruption in the Ekhuruleni Metropolitan Municipality and Ekhuruleni Metropolitan Police Department.

“The Commission extends its deepest condolences to the Van der Merwe family.” – SAnews.gov.za

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The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has welcomed the 20-year sentence imposed on an Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officer for the murder of his partner in 2023.

On 21 September 2023, at around 13:00, two Constables from EMPD went to fetch their colleague, Constable Robert Ngobeni from home on their way to work.

Upon arrival at 469 Canary Street, Lekaneng Section in Tembisa, they found the gate locked. A neighbour alerted the two officers that he had heard gunshot sounds coming from the accused’s room the previous night, which prompted them to enter the premises by jumping the fence.

Bloodstains were discovered at the doorstep of Ngobeni’s room. After a child provided the officers with keys to unlock the burglar door, the officers discovered the body of deceased, Constance Phalane, on the bed with multiple gunshot wounds. 

A four-year-old with a gunshot wound to the upper right shoulder and the accused, Constable Ngobeni, was lying on the floor in a pool of blood, with his firearm close to his reach.

Emergency services were summoned to the scene and the child and accused were transported to various medical facilities for medical attention. The accused was placed under police guard.

A subsequent investigation revealed a history of domestic violence between the accused and the deceased.

The South Gauteng High Court sentenced the accused to 15 years imprisonment for murder and 15 years for attempted murder. 

The court further ruled that the 10-year sentence for attempted murder will run concurrently with the 15-year murder sentence. Therefore, the deceased will serve 20 years imprisonment. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong has called on Southern Africa’s journalists to take ownership of the region’s story, saying the SADC Media Awards remain one of the most powerful platforms for shaping a shared regional identity.

Speaking at the 2025 SADC Media Awards dinner — where the 2026 competition was also launched — Morolong said the awards, established in 1996, continue to recognise media work that strengthens regional cooperation and integration.

“The story of Southern Africa cannot be left to be told by others. It must be told by us, in our voices, through our own lens and lived experiences. Through the awards, we honour excellence… and the crucial role journalists play in shaping narratives that strengthen our regional identity and solidarity,” he said at the ceremony in Pretoria on Friday. 

Morolong stressed that the awards celebrate depth, accuracy and integrity rather than sensationalism.

“The awards judge entrants not by the number of headlines they provoke, but by the depth, accuracy and integrity of their craft.

“The media professionals we celebrate today have dedicated hours, weeks and even months investigating matters of public interest.”

He said such commitment is vital in an era “dominated by disinformation and misinformation”, adding that the awards honour journalists not only as storytellers but as guardians of truth and connectors of citizens across borders.

“Through their words, images and voices, they document the collective growth and development of our people.

“By celebrating their work, we acknowledge the importance of authentic storytelling in strengthening democracy and promoting mutual respect among our peoples.”

Morolong added that every story reflecting cooperation in energy, transport, water, trade or security “serves as a thread in the greater fabric of regional unity”.

Winners reflect on the power of authentic journalism

This year, 29 entries were submitted for regional adjudication, with South Africa contributing four across all categories.

BBC Radio journalist Mpho Lakaje, who won the Radio Category (Regional), said the recognition was encouraging.

“It energises one to keep going and to do more,” he told SAnews, urging emerging journalists to “stick to the basics of journalism” and maintain authenticity.

Lakaje freelances for outlets including BBC Radio Africa and eNCA, and is the creator of Against All Odds with Mpho Lakaje, which aired over 200 episodes between 2012 and 2016.

Dikeledi Molobela from SAnews, winner of the Print Category (National), said the award was deeply affirming.

“Journalism can be a tough and often thankless profession, so being recognised in this way truly means a lot.

“Part of my job is to cover The Presidency, and I’ve had the privilege of reporting on President Ramaphosa’s strong commitment to peace, stability and cooperation in our region. It’s always a pleasure to tell those stories and help keep our people informed about the work being done to build a safer, more united SADC.”

Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) communicator Rinae Nemaungani, a second-time award recipient, was honoured in the Photography Category. She first won in 2023 as an intern in the GCIS Radio Unit.

“A few years ago, I was honoured to stand behind this very podium receiving a SADC Media Award in the Radio Category, and now to be recognised again, this time in Photography, is something I’m deeply grateful for,” she said.

Winning in a new category reminded her that “growth never stops”.

“For me, this journey shows how powerful storytelling can be, no matter the medium,” Nemaungani said.

The Television Category winner was Reitumetse Sankola from the SABC.

2026 competition officially open

Morolong officially opened entries for the 2026 SADC Media Awards, which close in February next year. The competition is open to journalists from all SADC member states.

Since 1996, the awards have recognised excellence in print, photo, television and radio journalism that advances regional cooperation and integration. — SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his deep condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Marius van der Merwe, who recently testified before the Madlanga Commission.

Van der Merwe was a Brakpan-based security industry member and former Ekhurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department official. He was shot multiple times in full view of his family outside their Brakpan home on Friday evening, 5 December 2025.

The President has extended his deep condolences to the family of Van der Merwe and has wished them “strength for their recovery from the deadly trauma”.

“While our law enforcement agencies establish the circumstances leading to this heinous act, I am appalled and saddened by this attack on a former public servant, who recently served the cause of justice and integrity by testifying at the Madlanga Commission,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa established the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, better known as the Madlanga Commission, in July 2025.

“My thoughts are with the deeply traumatised family, who came under attack last night. 

“They faced death in circumstances that suggest Van der Merwe’s brave testimony angered elements in our society who want to undermine the rule of law and set back the quest for truth and consequences in the fight against corruption.

“Amid this trauma, we must remain resolute to end corruption and bring to justice those who have done wrong and are plotting to do more.

“As government, we will redouble our efforts to protect whistleblowers, including witnesses before the Madlanga Commission and the Commission itself, as they serve the nation with bravery in the face of criminal threats,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa has urged law enforcement agencies to undertake a thorough investigation and to ensure that the perpetrators face justice. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a manhunt for the suspects who shot and killed “Witness D”, who had testified at the Madlanga Commission. 

The National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, will meet and brief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga on investigations into the murder of Witness D. Madlanga is the chair of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System. 

Masemola will utilise the opportunity to also discuss efforts to improve and enhance safety and security measures for all role-players at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. 

At the crime scene outside the home of Witness D, where he was fatally shot, various units of the SAPS, including Ballistics and crime scene experts, Crime Intelligence officers and members of the Serious and Violent Crime Unit, worked until the early hours of this morning, combing the scene for available material evidence. 

“Police can thus confirm that evidence gathered at the scene confirms an AK47 automatic rifle was used in the commission of the crime.

“According to a preliminary investigation, Witness D arrived at his home just after 20:30 with his wife and as he was about to open the gate, he was shot and sustained wounds to his upper body. 

“He was certified dead at the scene. His wife, who was a passenger in the car, escaped unharmed and it should be noted that nothing was taken from Witness D, seeing that his firearm, cell phone and wallet were still in his possession,” the police said.

A case of murder has been registered and police have launched a manhunt for the hit orderer and the hitmen who shot and killed Witness D. Police are also looking for the murder weapon. 

Masemola has also ordered the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) co-chair, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, to urgently convene a NATJOINTS meeting over the weekend to discuss and look at ways of improving the safety and security of commission officials, as well as all witnesses. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa has accelerated its efforts toward a just, inclusive, and community-centred transition, even as some countries remain slow to implement climate action. 

“In this ever-uncertain environment, South Africa stands proud. We have not wavered on our commitments and have in fact scaled up our climate action,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday in Pretoria. 

Over the past five years, the establishment of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) played a pivotal role in shaping government policy to advance a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy and society. 

This comes at a time when global momentum on climate action is waning, raising concerns about the world’s ability to meet the Paris Agreement targets.

“The state of climate financing for vulnerable countries remains perilous, hampering the ability of these countries to scale up their levels of ambition for both mitigation and adaptation. We know that these are challenging times for global climate action.

“Nine years since the signing of the Paris Agreement and with just five years to go before the world aims to meet the Sustainable Development Goals – countries of the world are way off track on climate goals,” the President said.

According to the World Meteorological Organisation, last year was the warmest year on record. 

“We are on a trajectory to exceed the 1.5 degree Celsius warning limit. Despite this dire warning being sounded by experts for years, there has been noticeable climate action backsliding in a number of countries, including in the Global North,” he said.

The President made these remarks during the 20th Ordinary Commission Session where the PCC handed over its Five-Year Legacy and Review Report to the President as its term has come to an end.

WATCH | 

In July 2021, the PCC delivered the first set of recommendations on South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), advocating for more ambitious emissions targets with lower transition risk.

Just Transition Framework

“A year later, based on recommendations from the Commission, we released our Just Transition Framework, that sets out the actions that government and social partners will take to achieve to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient economy and society.

“It contains outcomes to be achieved over the short-medium, and long-run. On the advice of this Commission, we have been clear that the Just Transition must find expression in the Medium Term Development Plan, Annual Performance Plans as well as in the budget processes of every department,” the President said.

Furthermore, sectoral policies, including around energy, agriculture and industrial policy, should be aligned with a robust climate regulatory system.

“The Framework lays out the skills development, economic diversification, social support, governance and finance mechanisms required to make low carbon economy a reality. It also highlights the need to provide comprehensive social security safety for displaced workers and communities.

“In 2023, the Commission supported the release of the Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan 2023-2027. This Plan, developed under the guidance of the Commission and international partners, is what we have been able to take to the international climate finance community and international forums as tangible proof of our resolve to walk the talk on climate action,” President Ramaphosa explained.

It covers the necessary reforms, investments and concrete projects for the energy transition, with a strong focus on social justice.

“At COP30 in Brazil last month, having a credible, tangible plan in place to support meeting our climate targets bolstered South Africa’s credibility, and lent weight to our commitment to equity, ambition and international cooperation.

READ | SA welcomes outcomes of COP30

“The passage of the Climate Change Act last year was a crowning achievement for our country. One that was brought into being with the support of a wide range of stakeholders across society, including the Commission.

“This is not all. As we have worked to overcome a debilitating energy crisis, this Commission has lent its counsel to the restructuring of the energy sector, notably Eskom – and to aiding government in resolving contradictory policy pronouncements.”

Reflections 

The President hailed the Commission for its counsel on the restructuring of the energy sector, notably Eskom – and to aiding government in resolving contradictory policy pronouncements.

Furthermore, the Commission initiated a three-sector study into water, built environment and agriculture, and into the development of an adaptation and resilience investment plan.

It has held consultations around the updated Integrated Resource Plan; supporting the development of municipal Just Energy Transition (JET) readiness assessments; and working on a Climate Finance Landscape report.

“The Commission’s evidence-based recommendations, inclusive processes, internationally respected thought leadership and engagements with international partners have raised South Africa’s profile in multilateral forums. This is particularly so with respect to the climate finance negotiations.

“It would be no understatement to say that the past five years have seen our reputation grow as a respected, principled, and above all pragmatic contributor to the global climate effort,” the President said

By convening business, labour, civil society, academia and government around the Just Transition, the Commission has helped shape conversations around equity, transition financing and the various dimensions of climate action not just domestically but globally.

“The prominence accorded to a just transition at the recent Group Twenty (G20) Summit bears testimony to this. 

“The G20 Leaders’ Summit pledged to amongst other things increase the quality and quantity of climate finance to developing economies, and support country platforms like the Just Energy Transition Partnerships. We also saw substantial sums pledged to expand renewable energy across Africa,” the President said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Two remaining bodies of three residents who were swept away by floods in New Hanover have been identified, as recovery and humanitarian efforts continue across affected communities.

KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma reported that the Mayor of Umshwathi Local Municipality Mandla Zondi, Ward 02 Local Councillor Sikhumbuzo Nxumalo, and uMgungundlovu Disaster team, informed the department that the body of one resident who was swept away has been identified. All known victims have been recovered.

Giving an update on intervention by Human Settlements, following a visit by Minister Thembi Simelane, Duma said the department’s roving team has been deployed to support the ongoing recovery process and to work closely with municipal and disaster officials on the ground.

Duma expressed his deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.

The MEC confirmed the close to 19 homes that were destroyed by the floods and the recent hailstorm in New Hanover will receive urgent assistance.

He commended Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane for her swift intervention following her oversight visit to the area on Monday.

“Her visit on Monday has augmented our intervention. We have agreed that landlords who built houses along the riverbank will no longer be allowed to rent out their places. Tenants will look for safe alternative places to rent.

“People who live in both mud and block houses, not built by government, will be given Temporary Residential Units (TRU) and their houses will be demolished,” Duma said.

Duma said the department is also managing the possibilities of relocating four families who are living in houses built by the government, as the policy does not allow them to receive state housing support twice.

“Engineers will be assessing houses built away from the riverbank, which are also flooded during rainy days.”

Following another storm on Tuesday night, Duma said the department has been receiving reports from the roving teams from human settlements in various district municipalities that houses across municipalities have sustained damage.

He said information is still being consolidated as teams collaborate with disaster management officials to ensure that “no one is left behind.”

On transport, Duma said the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) team is monitoring traffic and ensuring the safety of motorists.

“We have our engineers who are also assessing road infrastructure. They will indicate if there is any need to close certain road networks. We urge motorists to keep a following distance and reduce speed,” Duma said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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