Category: South Africa Government

The Refugee Appeals Authority (RAA) has called on all asylum seekers with pending appeals, who are currently gathered outside the Durban Refugee Reception Office, to report to the Authority’s offices as a matter of urgency to receive and acknowledge notices relating to their appeals.

These appellants form part of the RAA’s priority backlog programme aimed at expediting the finalisation of outstanding appeals.

“In terms of Rule 10 of the Refugee Appeals Authority Rules, appellants are ordinarily entitled to receive at least 30 days’ notice of a hearing,” the Department of Home Affairs said in a statement. 

However, given the urgent circumstances and the need to address pending appeals as swiftly as possible, the Authority invites affected appellants to consent to a reduced notice period of 10 days.

Consent to the reduced notice period will enable the Authority to schedule and finalise hearings on an expedited basis, thereby providing appellants with an opportunity to obtain a final determination of their asylum status without further delay.

“Failure to report for service of notices may result in an appeal being determined on the documents before the Authority, as provided for in law. Such determinations will constitute the final determination of the appeal,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Revenue Service (SARS), working with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), has secured the seizure of 30 bricks of cocaine at the Port of Durban.

Tuesday’s interception at the KwaZulu-Natal coast follows closely on the heels of another major seizure just three days earlier, during which approximately 90 kg of cocaine concealed in trucks arriving from Brazil was intercepted at the same port. 

READ | Crackdown on drugs continues as SARS intercepts Durban port consignment 

These operations point to intensified efforts by organised crime syndicates to move narcotics through South Africa’s trade gateways, matched by a coordinated and robust response from law enforcement agencies.

The interception forms part of ongoing collaborative efforts between SARS and both local and international law enforcement partners to combat illicit trade and transnational organised crime. 

Through intelligence-led risk profiling and targeting methodologies, a container vessel originating from South America was identified for inspection upon arrival at the Port of Durban.

The Durban Customs team boarded the vessel and located the targeted container, which was positioned below the waterline. 

During the inspection process, customs officials identified signs that parts of the container apparatus had been tampered with. This prompted a more intrusive inspection, which led to the discovery of concealed narcotics. A mobile testing kit subsequently confirmed the substance to be 30 bricks of pure cocaine.

The consignment was identified through intelligence-led profiling and risk assessment conducted by SARS Customs officers. Targeted inspections, supported by detector dogs and on-site verification, resulted in the detection and recovery of the concealed drugs.

SARS Commissioner, Dr Johnstone Makhubu and Acting National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Sphesihle Nkosi, highlighted the strength of coordinated enforcement efforts across government agencies.

“This is what it means to act as one government. SARS and the Hawks are cooperating seamlessly, with one agency acting on intelligence and handing over to the other as part of a single value chain. 

“These interceptions demonstrate that we are disrupting and closing down the space for criminal networks to operate. 

“We are strengthening monitoring at our ports through improved cargo profiling and targeted inspections. Our message is clear: South Africa’s borders are not open to illicit trade,” Dr Makhubu said.

“Drugs are destroying families, communities and the country as a whole. This is not a localised problem; it cuts across every sector of society. We will continue to work with our partners to dismantle these networks and protect our economy and our people,” he said.

Lieutenant General Nkosi said the results underscore the value of focused cooperation between agencies.

“These successes are the result of disciplined cooperation. When we pool our capabilities, we are better able to detect, intercept and investigate complex criminal operations. Drug trafficking is not only a law enforcement issue; it is a national threat. It fuels violence, weakens communities and harms our children.

“We will pursue those responsible wherever they operate, both locally and across borders, and hold them accountable. Law enforcement is working as a united front to strengthen our response. Those who traffic drugs into this country will be identified, tracked and brought to book,” Nkosi said.

SARS and law enforcement partners will continue to strengthen controls at all ports of entry. These recent seizures form part of a broader effort to dismantle organised criminal networks, protect legitimate trade and safeguard South African communities. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Acting Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to tackling illegal immigration, while warning that vigilantism and violence against foreign nationals have no place in South Africa.

Delivering his department’s Budget Vote speech in Parliament on Tuesday, Cachalia said government agrees that illegal immigration is unacceptable and that stronger measures are needed to improve border security and enforce immigration laws.

“Our country’s sovereignty and the rule of law are not negotiable. But I must make myself absolutely clear: we condemn any violent protest action targeting people from other countries,” he said.

Cachalia warned that attacks on foreign nationals damage South Africa’s standing in the region and globally, undermining efforts to attract investment and grow the economy.

“[It] limits foreign investment and undermines our chances to grow our economy and create jobs. It also could harm the cooperation we need with our regional neighbours to address organised criminal networks that bring drugs into our country and that traffic people across our borders,” he said.

He stressed that only the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Border Management Authority (BMA) are authorised to arrest people for immigration offences.

“You cannot build a country that effectively implements the rule of law by breaking those laws,” Cachalia said, adding that police will continue to act against both illegal immigration and those who resort to violence during protests.

The Minister noted that police officers are already under immense pressure as they confront crime under often difficult and dangerous conditions.

Bringing back accountability

Turning to the recent suspension of senior SAPS officials, Cachalia said accountability remains a key pillar of the Police Reset Agenda.

“The most recent suspensions announced by the Acting National Commissioner on Tuesday are pursuant [to the] terms of an internal SAPS investigation. The Acting National Commissioner and I are fully aligned in pursuing consequence management,” he said.

READ | SAPS suspends additional five senior police officers

At the same time, Cachalia praised the vast majority of police officers, who continue to serve communities with dedication and professionalism.

“Your contribution is highly appreciated, and I stand with you,” he said, while also paying tribute to officers who have been killed or injured in the line of duty.

Cachalia described attacks on police officers as unacceptable, citing the deaths of Captain Louis Nel and Sergeant Mandla Khuzwayo of Crime Intelligence in KwaZulu-Natal. The officers were attacked by armed men while on duty in Verulam. Captain Nel died at the scene, while Sergeant Khuzwayo succumbed to his injuries 25 days later.

On the police budget, Cachalia said the allocation is about more than funding.

“It is about whether a child in Lusikisiki can walk to school safely, whether a woman in Thohoyandou can return home from work without fear, and whether a business in eThekwini or Ekurhuleni can invest and create jobs with the confidence that the State will protect its people,” he said.

As the largest institution in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, SAPS has been allocated R127.072 billion for the 2026/27 financial year, increasing to R135.8 billion by 2028/29. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Employment Services Amendment Bill has been introduced to Parliament, proposing significant changes to South Africa’s labour market framework, including new measures to regulate the employment of foreign nationals and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.

The Bill aims to amend the Employment Services Act of 2014 by updating and clarifying several definitions within the legislation, while extending its application to include foreign nationals, workers, and private employment agencies that do not operate for profit.

A key feature of the proposed legislation is the introduction of a more comprehensive framework governing the employment of foreign nationals in South Africa.

The Bill seeks to align labour migration policies with the objectives of the Employment Services Act, as well as existing provisions contained in the Immigration Act and the Refugees Act.

It introduces substantially tougher penalties for employers who fail to comply with the new rules governing the employment of foreign nationals.

Before recruiting a foreign worker, employers will be required to satisfy themselves, in a manner prescribed by regulation, that there are no suitably qualified South African citizens, permanent residents, refugees or asylum seekers available to fill the position.

Employers who breach these requirements could face escalating fines imposed by the Labour Court, ranging from up to R100 000 for a first offence, R200 000 for a repeat offence within three years, and up to R1 million or 10% of annual turnover for employers found guilty of multiple contraventions.

The proposed measures are aimed at ensuring that foreign recruitment takes place only where genuine skills shortages exist, while strengthening deterrents against the unlawful employment of foreign nationals.

Under the proposed amendments, the Minister of Employment and Labour will be granted additional powers to develop regulations relating to labour migration and the employment of foreign workers.

The Bill also proposes expanding the responsibilities of the Employment Services Board to strengthen oversight and policy implementation.

The legislation further provides for the establishment and governance of Supported Employment Enterprises, which are intended to create and support employment opportunities for designated groups of workers.

Authorities are expected to receive stronger powers to investigate and act against non-compliant employers and employment agencies.

The proposed amendments also make provision for exemptions from certain requirements of the Act and empower the Minister to issue further regulations where necessary.

Government says the changes are intended to improve labour market governance, promote fair employment practices, and ensure that the employment of foreign nationals is managed in a manner that supports South Africa’s economic and social objectives.

The Bill is currently before Parliament and will undergo the legislative process, including committee scrutiny and opportunities for public participation, before any amendments can be enacted into law.

This comes after government has announced plans to intensify action against employers who hire undocumented foreign nationals, with President Cyril Ramaphosa warning that businesses found flouting immigration and labour laws will face tougher penalties and stricter enforcement.

President Ramaphosa said illegal immigration continues to undermine efforts to create decent jobs, protect labour standards and expand employment opportunities for South Africans.

Addressing the nation on Sunday, the President said some employers deliberately hire undocumented migrants because their vulnerable legal status makes it difficult for them to challenge unfair treatment in the workplace.

Investigations have uncovered workplaces where undocumented foreign nationals are subjected to poor working conditions, low wages and excessive working hours without proper compensation.

He warned that employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers are not only breaking the law but are also undermining fair competition and weakening labour protections for all workers.

As part of government’s Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management, authorities will step up inspections at companies suspected of employing undocumented foreign nationals.

The inspections will involve joint operations by the South African Police Service, the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Employment and Labour.

In a move aimed at strengthening enforcement capacity, the Department of Employment and Labour has begun the phased recruitment of 10 000 labour inspectors during the current financial year.

President Ramaphosa said authorities can no longer allow employers found guilty of exploiting undocumented workers to simply pay fines and continue operating without consequence.

The latest measures signal government’s intention to tighten oversight of labour migration while tackling worker exploitation and promoting compliance with South Africa’s employment and immigration legislation.

The Bill can be accessed at https://www.labour.gov.za/DocumentCenter/Bills/Employment%20Services%20Amendment%20Bill.pdf. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences following the passing of His Majesty King Makhosonke II of the AmaNdebele nation.

“It is with deep sadness that I mourn the passing away today, Tuesday, 9 June 2026, of His Majesty King Makhosonke II – Enock Makhosonke Mabhena – reigning King of the AmaNdebele nation,” the President in a statement on Tuesday.

His Majesty, the traditional leader of the AmaNdebele akwaManala, passed away at the age of 65 after 40 years on the throne.

“My thoughts and prayers – and I know those of the nation – go out today to the Royal Household, Her Majesty Queen Sekhothali, AmaNdebele and the Basotho nation from whom Her Majesty is descended.

“We will in due course pay tribute to the King as a pillar of national unity in diversity and as a champion of development, with education and land restitution as part of his vision,” said the President.

He added that the nation stands alongside AmaNdebele in this moment of grief.

“We offer our deep condolences to the Royal Household once more,” said President Ramaphosa. –SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, will today visit the scene of a crime where 12 people were killed in Cleveland.

The provincial Commissioner’s visit on Wednesday follows the deadly shooting, which also left several others injured at Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland on Tuesday evening, 9 June 2026.

“It is reported that at approximately 11:10pm, SAPS members responded to a complaint of a shooting in progress at the informal settlement. Upon arrival, police found numerous victims, who had sustained gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Services were immediately summoned to the scene to assist the injured,” said the police on Wednesday.

Preliminary investigations reveal that eight adult males and three adult females were declared dead at the scene, while one additional male victim later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. At least nine other victims were transported to various medical facilities for treatment of gunshot wounds.

It is alleged that more than 10 suspects were dropped off by a white Toyota Quantum near a petrol station in Cleveland. 

The suspects allegedly entered the informal settlement through both entrances and moved through the area, opening fire on residents and community members at multiple locations before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle.

Provincial and district detectives, supported by crime intelligence and forensic experts, have been mobilised to investigate the incident and track down the suspects.

“The motive for the attack is currently unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation. No arrests have been made at this stage,” said police.

Meanwhile, SAPS is calling on anyone with information that may assist with the investigation to contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application. –SAnews.gov.za

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After more than a decade of intense negotiations, historically land-dispossessed communities living around the Kruger National Park can finally put a painful chapter behind them, following a landmark agreement that recognises their economic and heritage rights to the land.

This follows the government’s recent signing of the Beneficiation Scheme Framework Agreement with all claimant communities living around one of South Africa’s most iconic national treasures, the Kruger National Park.

Addressing members of Parliament on the agreement on Tuesday, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp said at a time when the nation continues to grapple with poverty, inequality and unemployment, the agreement offers a powerful example of what can be achieved when government, communities and conservation institutions work together towards a common purpose.

“This agreement is far more than a legal document. It is far more than signatures on paper. It represents restoration. It represents empowerment. 

“It advances transformation, promotes inclusion, strengthens participation, and opens pathways for meaningful economic opportunities.  

“This agreement is not an endpoint; it is a foundation. A foundation upon which economic opportunities, skills development, enterprise participation, tourism benefits and long-term partnerships will grow,” he said.

Through the Beneficiation Scheme, South African National Parks (SANParks) is enabling structured access to commercial and non-commercial opportunities for qualifying previously land-dispossessed communities through investment, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.

These include shareholding and concessions, enterprise and supply development, a percentage of net revenue, a bursary fund, skills transfer, and long-term livelihood creation linked to the park economy.

The non-commercial opportunities include naming rights and access rights.

He emphasised that the true measure of success will not be found in the signing ceremony, but in the lives that are changed.

“It will be found in the opportunities created for young people. It will be found in stronger communities, and it will be found in a conservation model that delivers both ecological and social value.

“This agreement provides certainty. It confirms that claimant communities understand that the Kruger National Park will remain protected as a national conservation asset and that residential occupation within the park is not possible. 

“At the same time, it formally establishes mechanisms through which communities can derive meaningful and lasting benefits from the park’s success,” Aucamp said.

The land claims associated with the Kruger National Park were lodged in the early 2000s. 

By 2008, Cabinet had recognised the Kruger National Park as a strategic national asset and affirmed the need to balance the protection of this globally significant conservation area with the legitimate aspirations of claimant communities for redress and justice.

“Formal negotiations commenced in 2012, and today, 14 years later, we stand before this House proud to say that the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, together with SANParks, claimant communities and many dedicated stakeholders, have achieved a milestone that many once believed impossible.

“What matters is that we never abandoned the process. What matters is that all parties remained committed to dialogue. What matters is that we remained focused on finding common ground. And today, that commitment has borne fruit,” the Minister said.

He said the future of conservation in South Africa depends on communities seeing themselves not as spectators, but as partners and beneficiaries.

“As partners, they will also have the best interests of Kruger at heart. As one of the community leaders said to me, Minister, now that we will benefit from Kruger, our communities will go out of their way to protect Kruger,” Aucamp said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Government is moving to improve access to justice for all with the implementation of the rationalisation of the courts.

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi briefed the media on Tuesday on the department’s plans to ensure that the courts better serve communities.

“An independent judiciary and a well-functioning court system that gives full effect to the right to justice for all is the cornerstone of our democracy.

“Though significant progress has been made, post 1994, in configuring the court system in a way that increases access to justice for all, the court system that existed in South Africa prior to the democratic transition was left largely intact.

“As a result, the legacy of colonialism and apartheid continues to plague South Africa with spatial injustices and to impede access to courts for communities that reside in the areas that formed part of the defunct homelands and self-governing territories, as well as remote rural villages,” the Minister said.

To remedy this, the Interim Rationalisation of Jurisdiction of the High Court’s Act of 2001 introduced minimum changes and in 2014, the department commenced with the implementation of the rationalisation of Magisterial Districts in the provinces.

Furthermore in 2021, then Justice Minister Ronald Lamola, established a Committee on The Rationalisation of the Areas under the Jurisdiction and Judicial Establishments of the Divisions of the High Court of South Africa chaired by retired Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke.

“In essence, the committee was established to identify key elements of the current structure of our high courts that need to be changed with a view to ‘establishing a judicial system suited to the requirements of the Constitution’.

“The Rationalisation Committee’s report was completed in two phases, each with own recommendations,” she explained.

Kubayi noted that Cabinet has now approved the committee’s report and implementation which will be done in two phases.

The first phase includes:
•    Implementation of the immediate recommendations of the Rationalisation Committee, which entails, recommendations regarding the Magisterial Districts and Sub-Districts in respect of which the Main and Local Seats of the respective Divisions of the High Court shall exercise jurisdiction, with the view to enhance access to justice, recommended by the Rationalisation Committee.

•    With regards to local seats, Phase 1 of the implementation will entail gazetting and the usage of courts where infrastructure is already available, this comes into effect by 1 July 2026.

“The review of the guidelines for the appointment of Acting Judges has been completed. The final draft of the guidelines have been signed off by the Chief Justice and they will be gazetted for implementation and also comes into effect from 1st July 2026.

“A process has been initiated with National Treasury and Office of the Chief Justice to effect the 20% increase of the judicial posts to deal with the capacity challenges across the Divisions of the High Court, as recommended by the Rationalisation Committee,” Kubayi said.

Phase two of the implementation includes:
•    A phased-in approach for implementation of the recommendations of the Rationalisation Committee regarding the establishment of additional local seats which entails the establishment of additional local seats through the building of new courts or expansion of the existing magistrates’ courts.

The expansion will include the Gauteng Division at Palm Ridge, Free State Division at Welkom, North West Division at Rustenburg, Northern Cape Division at Upington and the Western Cape Division at Thembalethu.

“After consultations with the Gauteng Judge President, Judge [Aubrey] Ledwaba, and other relevant stakeholders, we have agreed and initiated steps to establish a court in Kempton Park, next to OR Tambo airport.

“Though this initiative is not part of the recommendations of the rationalisation committee, we believe that the circumstances especially regarding immigration demand that we act swiftly to create the necessary infrastructure and justice systems to attend to this important matter,” Kubayi added.

The recommendation to move the seat of the Eastern Cape Division from Makhanda to Bhisho is currently still under consultation with stakeholders.

“As we celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, we must intensify our efforts to achieve the constitutional imperative with regards to rationalisation of Magisterial Districts and Divisions of the High Court.

“As we move with consolidation of court administration and judicial governance, merging magistrates and judges into a single judiciary to enhance independence we must also ensure that Access to justice for all remains at the centre of our efforts,” Kubayi concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the suspension of five additional senior officers in relation to matters arising from the Medicare 24 tender.

“Internal departmental processes are underway, and in the interest of preserving the integrity of these processes, the SAPS will not provide further comment at this stage,” SAPS said in a statement.

Earlier this month, SAPS suspended nine police officers, who served as members of the Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) in relation to the Medicare24 tender process.

The affected members have been placed on suspension pending the finalisation of disciplinary and related investigations. 

“SAPS remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency and ethical conduct in all its operations,” SAPS said at the time. – SAnews.gov.za 

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The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that skills development opportunities reach communities across South Africa, particularly in rural and historically disadvantaged areas, as part of efforts to tackle youth unemployment and expand access to specialised training.

Speaking at the launch of the WorldSkills South Africa (WSZA)-Elangeni Aircraft Maintenance Academy, held recently at Elangeni TVET College in Inanda Campus, north of Durban, Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, said the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector remained committed to taking skills directly to communities often excluded from economic opportunities.

“The Ministry is committed to the efforts of the Post-School Education and Training sector to take skills to the people, especially in rural areas,” Dube-Ncube said.

She said government was determined to ensure that young people’s access to employment opportunities was not limited by their gender, social and economic background, and their environment.

“Our bias remains that we want to see improvement and skills transfer and acquisition happening in areas that are often considered peripheral to the agenda of the skills revolution,” Dube-Ncube said.

The academy, launched through a strategic public-private partnership between Elangeni TVET College, WorldSkills South Africa and Starlite Aviation, is the first academy within the public education sector to offer specialised aircraft maintenance training.

The initiative is expected to play a significant role in developing technical skills for South Africa’s aviation industry while opening career opportunities for young people from underserved communities.

Dube-Ncube described the academy as a tangible demonstration of government’s commitment to ensuring that education and skills development create viable pathways that open the doors to employment and subsequently create a future, where “development is not just an ideal but a realisation.”

“Our commitment to the skills revolution extends beyond the lecture room and classroom. It is a commitment that seeks to ensure that we reduce the harrowing percentage of youth unemployment,” the Deputy Minister said.

Dube-Ncube added that the academy remains a realisation of the work and hope for the youth of South Africa, who should never be limited by their backgrounds.

“The students of Inanda can be artisans, technicians, and belong to the aviation industry too,” she said.

She expressed hope that the academy will also inspire young people across the country, including those living in remote areas of Limpopo, North West and Mpumalanga, to pursue careers in engineering and aircraft maintenance.

“The sky is not the limit. We are encouraged to shatter the glass ceiling [and] see young women and men dominating the skills industry, ” Dube-Ncube said.

The launch comes during Youth Month, a period in which South Africa commemorates the role of young people in the country’s history and reflects on the challenges facing today’s youth.

“This youth month, we say our revolution is present to the needs of the Youth of South Africa. We recognize fully that innovation, African advancement, designing of systems, technical expertise for industry access and improvement, lies solely in the hands of our youth!” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za

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