Category: South Africa Government

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has appointed Dr Praveena Sukhraj-Ely as the Acting Director-General of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD). 

Sukhraj-Ely, who is totally blind, is an Advocate of the High Court with extensive experience in governance, constitutional law, disability rights, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), public administration and policy development. 

She holds a PhD in Public Policy and a Master of Arts in Political Science, awarded Cum Laude, and has built a career focused on advancing inclusive governance, democracy, and human rights. 

As the state’s representative on the Commission for Employment Equity, Sukhraj-Ely has advocated for a target of 7% employment of persons with disabilities by 2030. 

She has also represented South Africa at international platforms, including the United Nations, the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), and the International Disability Alliance, promoting disability rights.

Her public service record includes contributing to the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act, the development of the Femicide Strategy and the drafting of the Disability Access to Justice Policy.

Chikunga said the appointment signifies government’s commitment to advancing equality, dignity, and inclusive leadership.

Welcoming Sukhraj-Ely to the department, Chikunga commended her integrity, legal expertise and understanding of constitutional mandates, especially in advancing rights for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

“The appointment underscores the government’s focus on inclusive leadership and reflects efforts to promote equal representation,” the Minister said.  

Chikunga expressed full confidence in her leadership to enhance the department’s performance and promote rights and socio-economic development. – SAnews.gov.za
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed Toyota South Africa Motors’ R10.4 billion investment in the production of the ninth-generation Hilux as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s economy, saying it demonstrates South Africa’s ability to convert investment commitments into jobs, industrial growth, and exports.

Speaking at the official line-off launch of the Toyota ninth-generation Hilux at the company’s Prospecton plant in eThekwini on Thursday, the President said the milestone represented far more than the launch of a new vehicle.

“Today is about much more than the launch of a new vehicle. It is about confidence in South Africa. It is about the enduring value of long-term investment.

“It is about the strength of South African workers, engineers, technicians, and entrepreneurs. And it is about our shared determination to build an economy that produces, innovates, exports, and creates jobs,” the President said. 

He added that the Hilux has become part of South Africa’s story over the past five decades, and although it carried one of the world’s most respected automotive brands, it was proudly regarded as a South African vehicle because it is “designed for our conditions, built by South African hands and exported from South African shores.”

As South Africa marks National Science month, the launch of Toyota’s new-generation hybrid vehicle highlights the growing role of science, technology and innovation in modern manufacturing in the country. 

The President said Toyota’s investment reflected exactly the type of investment South Africa was seeking to attract. 

“The R10.4 billion investment in the new-generation Hilux programme demonstrates precisely the type of investment that South Africa seeks to attract,” he said. 

The President said the real value of the investment was not in machinery or buildings but in the opportunities it creates for workers, suppliers, and young people entering the labour market.

“Its true value lies in the opportunities it creates. It lies in the thousands of South Africans whose livelihoods depend on this plant. It lies in the workers whose skills continue to grow. It lies in the supplier companies that have expanded their production. It lies in the young people who will find employment because businesses such as Toyota continue to invest in our economy.

“This is what inclusive industrial development looks like,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa said the launch also showed that South Africa was delivering on investment commitments made to investors.

“Today’s occasion is powerful evidence that South Africa can convert investment commitments into tangible economic outcomes. It is also a reminder of the powerful multiplier effect of industrial investment,” he said. 

He noted that about one-third of Toyota’s investment had been directed towards strengthening local supplier capacity and tooling, while suppliers themselves had invested an additional R2 billion to expand localisation.

“That is how resilient industrial ecosystems are built. That is how domestic manufacturing capabilities deepen. That is how small and medium enterprises grow. And that is how sustainable economic development is achieved,” the President said. 

Importance of SA’s automotive sector

According to the President, the automotive industry remains one of the pillars of South Africa’s industrial economy, contributing around 5% of gross domestic product, supporting more than 115,000 direct manufacturing jobs, and over half a million jobs across the value chain.

He said the government was committed to ensuring the country remained globally competitive as the automotive sector transitioned towards cleaner mobility and new technologies.

“We are strengthening incentives for component manufacturing. We are supporting battery value chain development. We are promoting research, innovation, and skills development in new-energy vehicles. Above all, we are providing policy certainty that encourages investment, localisation and long-term growth,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa also highlighted South Africa’s critical mineral resources as a strategic advantage in the global shift towards future mobility.

“If we combine these natural resources with advanced manufacturing, local beneficiation, technological innovation, and world-class automotive production, South Africa can become a leading global hub for future mobility,” he said. 

The President stressed that improving logistics remains essential to unlocking further industrial growth, welcoming improvements in freight rail and port performance.

“In the ten months to February this year, Transnet’s vehicle terminals in Durban, Gqeberha, and East London handled more than 792,000 fully built vehicles – the highest productivity levels achieved in recent years,” the President said. 

He said government will continue strengthening public-private partnerships in rail and ports to position South Africa as a globally competitive export platform.

Concluding his address, President Ramaphosa thanked Toyota South Africa Motors, government partners, organised labour, suppliers, and employees for contributing to the investment while paying tribute to the workers at the Prospecton plant.

“Every Hilux that leaves this production line carries with it your skill, your discipline, your craftsmanship, and your pride,” the President said. 

He said the new-generation Hilux should carry a broader message to the world.

“That South Africa is open for business. That South Africans can compete with the very best in the world. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

Western Cape Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism MEC, Dr Ivan Meyer, has launched the Western Cape Export Strategy 2035, positioning expanded market access as a key driver of economic growth, investment and job creation.

Speaking at the launch on Wednesday, Meyer said the strategy provides a practical roadmap for implementing the Western Cape Government’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, which aims to build R1 trillion, and inclusive annual economic growth of between 4% and 6%.

“Growth for Jobs is our vision. The Export Strategy is our roadmap. Market access is the bridge that connects Western Cape businesses to global opportunity, investment and jobs,” Meyer said.

The MEC said the strategy recognises that the domestic market alone cannot deliver the level of economic growth required to create sustainable employment opportunities.

According to Meyer, expanding exports will enable Western Cape businesses to access new markets, improve competitiveness, drive innovation and strengthen resilience in an increasingly competitive global economy.

He said the province is already home to world-class exporters across agriculture, manufacturing, technology and services.

“The strategy seeks to expand these successes by supporting more businesses to enter export markets and helping existing exporters grow their international footprint. By 2035, the Western Cape aims to significantly increase the value of exports, grow the number of active exporters by 1 000, unlock at least 10 new export product opportunities and accelerate broader economic growth through export-led expansion,” Meyer said.

Meyer added that market access remains the central priority of the strategy.

“Market access is about opportunity. It is about ensuring that a Western Cape farmer, entrepreneur, manufacturer or service provider can successfully connect with customers around the world. When businesses gain market access, they gain the opportunity to grow. And when businesses grow, jobs follow,” the MEC said.

The strategy focuses on improving access for international markets, strengthening compliance with global standards, leveraging trade agreements, enhancing logistics and export infrastructure, and advocating for the removal of trade barriers.

The MEC also stressed the importance of collaboration between government, business and industry stakeholders.

“Government does not export; businesses export, businesses invest, businesses innovate, and businesses create jobs. Our role is to create the conditions that enable exporters to succeed,” he said.

Meyer thanked Wesgro [official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency], provincial departments, municipalities, export councils, industry associations and exporters for contributing to the development of the strategy, and continued role in growing the provincial economy.

He said the success of the strategy will ultimately be measured by tangible outcomes rather than the publication of the document itself.

“Our success will be measured by new markets opened, new exporters supported, new investment secured and new jobs created. The Western Cape Export Strategy 2035 is a commitment to action and a commitment to building a more competitive, resilient and inclusive economy,” Meyer said.

A copy of the strategy can be downloaded at  https://www.westerncape.gov.za/edat/western-cape-export-strategy-2035. – SAnews.gov.za

By William Baloyi
The goal of building a better South Africa is a partnership that requires the active participation of its citizens. A nation is not defined only by its institutions but by the people who give it meaning—their values, their contributions, and their commitment to the common good of the country. South Africa is shaped by the millions of people who call this country home and who continue to play their part in strengthening its social fabric.

As we observe Mandela Month this July, social cohesion is at the heart of our collective responsibility to build a united, inclusive, and resilient South Africa where every person can thrive. It is also a time to celebrate South Africans who continue to uphold the values that define our democracy—human dignity, compassion, equality, and a shared commitment to building a better future for all.

Social cohesion refers to the bonds that unite people in a society: the trust, shared values, sense of belonging, and collective responsibility that enable communities to work together despite their differences. It is about building a South Africa where diversity is embraced, where every person feels valued, and where citizens actively contribute to the common good.

The strength of South Africa lies in citizens who embody responsible patriotism—people whose resilience, commitment, and love for their country continue to shape the nation we are building. Through their everyday actions, South Africans demonstrate a remarkable spirit of unity, responsibility, and solidarity that strengthens the social fabric of our country.

The spirit of responsible patriotism demonstrated by South Africans today is rooted in a long history of courage, sacrifice, and collective action. The freedoms and democratic rights we enjoy were made possible by generations of South Africans who stood firm against injustice and dedicated their lives to the pursuit of equality, dignity, and human rights. From those who participated in the struggle against apartheid to communities and individuals who made sacrifices in the pursuit of freedom, their actions shaped the democratic South Africa we know today. Their commitment to justice and reconciliation laid the foundation for a society built on constitutional values.

Since the dawn of democracy in 1994, South Africa has made significant progress in transforming society and expanding opportunities for millions of people who were previously excluded. Access to basic services has improved substantially: more than 90% of households are now connected to electricity, and significant strides have been made in expanding access to water and sanitation. Education has been transformed into a more inclusive system, with millions of learners accessing public schooling and women now representing most graduates at public universities.

South Africa has also strengthened healthcare access through one of the largest public health systems in the world, including a life-saving HIV treatment programme that has benefited millions of people. Through initiatives aimed at expanding economic participation, supporting vulnerable communities, and creating opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship, the country continues to advance towards the constitutional vision of a more equal, inclusive, and prosperous society.

These achievements reflect the resilience of our democracy and the collective efforts of government, communities, civil society, and citizens who continue to work towards the vision of a united, inclusive, and prosperous South Africa. At the centre of these achievements are the people of South Africa, citizens whose determination, resilience, and contributions continue to give meaning to our democracy. The progress we have made as a nation reflects the millions of South Africans who have participated in building communities, creating opportunities, supporting one another, and contributing to the country’s social and economic development.

As we commemorate Mandela Month, it is important to celebrate these acts of responsible patriotism and recognise that nation building is carried forward through the everyday actions of ordinary citizens. From educators shaping future generations and healthcare workers serving communities, to entrepreneurs creating opportunities; farmers strengthening food security, researchers advancing innovation, and volunteers supporting those in need.

Nation building is also carried forward through the everyday actions of ordinary South Africans who make a meaningful difference in their homes, workplaces, and communities. It is reflected in the neighbour who supports others in times of need, the community member who volunteers, the parent who nurtures future generations, the worker who serves with dedication, the entrepreneur who creates opportunities, and every citizen who respects the dignity of others and contributes positively to society. South Africans continue to demonstrate that the strength of our nation lies in its people.

While we celebrate the progress South Africa has made, we must also acknowledge the challenges that continue to affect many communities. Poverty, unemployment, inequality, crime, and gender-based violence remain significant obstacles to building the inclusive society envisioned in our Constitution. These challenges remind us that the journey towards a more united and prosperous South Africa is ongoing and requires sustained commitment from all sectors of society.

However, our challenges cannot stop us from achieving our aspirations. They present an opportunity for South Africans to strengthen the spirit of solidarity and responsible patriotism that has carried our country through difficult moments. Each citizen has a role to play in building the South Africa we want to see by respecting the dignity of others, rejecting discrimination, supporting communities, protecting public spaces, creating opportunities, and contributing positively to society. 

South Africa is her people. Our nation’s greatest strength lies in the millions of citizens who, through their everyday actions, continue to uphold the values of our democracy and contribute to building a better future. From communities standing together in times of need to individuals serving, supporting, and uplifting one another, the spirit of unity and solidarity remains at the heart of our national identity.

As we observe Mandela Month and social cohesion, let us recommit ourselves to the values that have guided our democratic journey: unity, compassion, resilience, and a shared responsibility for the future of our country. We are stronger when we stand together, when we embrace our diversity, and when we recognise that nation-building is a responsibility shared by all.

*Mr William Baloyi is the Deputy Government Spokesperson
 

In a world that has become more inward-looking, the principle of ubuntu should continue to be a crucial part of how we show up as a nation this Mandela Month, writes Neo Semono.

This week, we celebrate what would have been President Nelson Mandela’s 108th birthday on Saturday, 18 July. One can say that selfishness and not taking others with us as we progress in life are taking us away from how we were raised. 

Many were raised on borrowed cups of sugar and flour from neighbours. We were taken in by neighbours if our parents were not yet home by the time we came back from school. There was an overall culture of sharing what little we had with others.

We cannot afford to lose our innate hospitality. While commemorating the birth of our first democratically elected President, Nelson Mandela, 18 July and the month of July are, at their core, about caring for one another.

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead,” the late statesman said back in May 2002.

And while we all want to get ahead in life, especially in tough economic conditions exacerbated by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and geopolitical tensions, such as those around the Strait of Hormuz, the ongoing unemployment challenge and cost-of-living crunch on home soil are also adding to the unpleasant cocktail.

Measures like the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) continue to connect young people to earning opportunities,  of which 155 161 new opportunities were secured during the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. 

Other initiatives like the SA Youth.mobi recruitment platform, which now has more than 5.7 million young people registered, have been created to connect job seekers with potential employers. In addition, the Department of Employment and Labour’s Budget Vote in May 2026 announced a R350 million commitment towards a government and business partnership aimed at placing 130 000 young people into learning and employment opportunities. 

Government has also been calling on young people to become entrepreneurs who create work for themselves and others and is supporting this through the National Youth Development Agency’s grant programme, which is designed to provide entrepreneurs with the opportunity to access both financial and non-financial business development support, among others.

Other government initiatives, including the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), while temporary in nature, are a deliberate attempt by the public sector to use expenditure on goods and services to create work opportunities for the unemployed.

Given our inherent nature to care for one another, government also continues to provide social grants and free basic services for the most vulnerable in society.

Our humanity, based on the principle of “I am because you are”, must remain and apply to every human being.

Nelson Mandela Day and Nelson Mandela Month are a call to action for individuals, communities and organisations to reflect on Tata Madiba’s values and principles of nation-building, social cohesion and reconciliation, among others, and use them to contribute meaningfully to change in society.

Cabinet too has called on South Africans to dedicate their time and efforts during Mandela Month to help build a South Africa that works for South Africans.

As you mull over how to spend your 67 minutes with this Mandela Day, symbolically representing the number of years Tata Madiba devoted to  the quest for justice and freedom, remember that time spent in the service of others is not wasted.

So, whether you will be helping to paint an orphanage, cooking for the elderly, or contributing towards buying groceries for a child-headed household, it will help to grow and regenerate the fabric of our society. Simple things like sharing a meal or a cup of tea with the elderly who seldom get visitors can make a world of a difference to those who feel marginalised or isolated.

It also need not be a once-off affair; 67 minutes in the service of others can spark a lifelong friendship you never saw coming; teach you a new skill you can pass on to others, or teach you new things about yourself or the world.

We must not lose touch with the culture of caring for one another in our own quest to make it in the world. No person is an island.

“A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of,” Madiba once said.

Let us make Mandela Day and Month this July count. – SAnews.gov.za  

*Neo Semono is a Features Editor at SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has called for stronger collaboration among all stakeholders as the death toll of the 2026 Winter Customary Initiation Season climbed to 43.

Expressing deep concern over the continued loss of life and other incidents recorded during the season, Hlabisa said while customary initiation remains an important cultural practice that marks the transition to adulthood, the tradition must be conducted in a manner that safeguards the dignity, health and lives of initiates.

According to preliminary reports from Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees, 43 initiates have died during the season, including 18 in Mpumalanga, 14 in the Eastern Cape, two in Gauteng, three in Limpopo, four in North West and two in the Free  State. 

Authorities have also recorded 12 abductions, while 58 illegal initiation schools were identified, 42 of which have since been closed.

The reports further indicate that 180 initiates have been rescued; 75 hospitalised; three assault cases and one injury were recorded.  

Law enforcement agencies have opened 150 criminal cases, resulting in 40 arrests.

“These figures are deeply concerning and serve as a stark reminder that much more must be done collectively to eliminate preventable deaths, injuries and criminal activities associated with customary initiation,” Hlabisa said.

The Minister extended his condolences to the families of those who died and wished those injured or still receiving medical treatment a speedy recovery.

Hlabisa reiterated that ensuring the safety of initiates is a shared responsibility requiring the active participation of families, traditional leaders, communities, law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, municipalities, educators, and other stakeholders entrusted with safeguarding this sacred cultural practice.

He also urged parents and guardians to ensure that children attend only legally registered initiation schools and to verify that traditional surgeons and traditional nurses are properly authorised in terms of the law.

“Parents should remain actively involved throughout the initiation process and report any suspicious or illegal activities to the relevant authorities. Parental neglect and the failure to verify the legitimacy of initiation schools place young lives at unnecessary risk,” the Minister said.

The Minister further condemned the continued operation of illegal initiation schools, saying they undermine the integrity of customary initiation and contribute significantly to deaths, injuries, kidnappings and abuse reported each year.

He warned that individuals who establish, facilitate or participate in illegal initiation schools are committing criminal offences and will face the full might of the law.

“The Customary Initiation Act provides a comprehensive legislative framework to regulate customary initiation, protect initiates and preserve the cultural integrity of the practice. 

“The Act requires the registration of initiation schools, establishes Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees, and provides for oversight, inspections and enforcement measures against those who violate its provisions,” the Minister explained.

The Minister commended Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees, including traditional leaders, the South African Police Service, provincial departments, municipalities, emergency medical services and community stakeholders for their ongoing monitoring, inspections, awareness campaigns and enforcement operations throughout the season.

He said these coordinated efforts have led to the closure of illegal initiation schools, the rescue of initiates and the arrest of offenders, demonstrating the value of a united, multi-sectoral response.

Calling on all South Africans to reject practices that endanger lives while protecting the country’s cultural heritage, Hlabisa said respect for tradition must be accompanied by respect for the law and the constitutional rights of initiates.

“Respect for tradition must go hand in hand with respect for the law and every initiate’s constitutional rights to life, dignity and safety. 

“Government remains committed to working with traditional leaders, families, communities and all stakeholders to achieve zero deaths, zero injuries and zero illegal initiation schools. 

“Every initiate deserves to return home safely and with their dignity intact. This requires all of us to play our part,” he said.

COGTA said it will continue working closely with Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees and all relevant stakeholders to strengthen monitoring, enforcement and public awareness throughout the remainder of the winter initiation season. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Minister of Social Development Dina Pule will on Friday lead an Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) in Daggakraal, Mpumalanga, bringing a range of government and social services directly to residents as part of Mandela Month activities.

The outreach programme will take place at the Daggakraal 3 Sports Ground in the Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Local Municipality.

ICROP is one of the South African Social Security Agency’s (SASSA) flagship service delivery initiatives aimed at improving access to essential government services by bringing them closer to communities.

According to the Department of Social Development, the programme helps reduce travel costs, minimises waiting times and provides a variety of services under one roof, while ensuring that government and stakeholder services are more accessible, responsive and citizen-centred.

The outreach takes place a day before International Nelson Mandela Day, observed annually on 18 July, under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”

The department said the initiative seeks to strengthen government’s poverty alleviation, social justice and community development programmes while creating a platform for direct engagement between government, communities and stakeholders on issues affecting poor and vulnerable communities.

The event also forms part of SASSA’s 20th anniversary celebrations, marking two decades of providing social assistance and advancing social protection for millions of vulnerable South Africans.

“The engagement presents an opportunity not only to celebrate this important milestone but also to reaffirm government’s commitment to bringing services closer to the people and strengthening service delivery,” the department said.

In recognition of Mandela Month, the outreach will focus on poverty alleviation, skills development, entrepreneurship, support for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), and the inclusion of persons with disabilities, alongside programmes promoting social cohesion.

The Department of Social Development, together with SASSA, the National Development Agency (NDA), government departments and stakeholder partners, will provide a range of services, including social grant applications and enquiries, employment and career guidance, information on bursaries, student funding, learnerships and entrepreneurship support, social work services and referrals, support for victims of gender-based violence and substance abuse, and civil society organisation registration and support services.

Pule will be joined by Mpumalanga MEC for Social Development Nompumelelo Hlophe, as well as municipal and traditional leaders.

Ahead of the main programme, the delegation will visit local community development initiatives before participating in a community engagement session, where residents will have an opportunity to raise issues affecting their community. 

The programme will conclude with the on-site delivery of services by participating government departments and stakeholder organisations. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Home Affairs has announced another major milestone in a groundbreaking digital partnership with the banking sector, as Absa went live with digital Smart ID applications.

This makes Absa the fourth bank to offer the service through the department’s new Digital Partnership Model.

Absa joins the likes of Capitec, Standard Bank and First National Bank, where South Africans can now access Smart ID services through a network of 296 participating bank branches across the country.

As part of today’s rollout, 12 Absa branches have been enabled to provide Home Affairs Smart ID services, with a further 60 Absa branches scheduled to go live before the end of 2026. 

In addition to its branch rollout, Absa will also introduce an innovative mobile service component, Bank on the Move, extending secure Home Affairs services to even more communities. Further details on this innovation will be unveiled during the official rollout event.

More than 385 000 Smart ID applications have already been processed through the Digital Partnership, demonstrating the growing demand for convenient, digitally enabled services that make it easier than ever for South Africans to replace the fraud-prone green barcoded ID book with the far more secure Smart ID Card.

“The rapid expansion of our Digital Partnership with the banking sector demonstrates the success of our vision to fundamentally transform Home Affairs service delivery through digital innovation. 

“Processing more than 385 000 Smart ID applications in just four months demonstrates that South Africans are embracing a faster, more secure and more convenient way of accessing Home Affairs services,” Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, said. 

“Under our Home Affairs @ home reform programme, which includes expanding our new Digital Partnership to 750 participating bank branches by the end of this year, together with innovations such as Bank on the Move, we are bringing secure and dignified access to Smart ID services closer to where people live and work,” Schreiber said. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Police Service (SAPS), in close collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority (BMA), and other government departments, has sharpened its focus on immigration enforcement with 8 896 foreign nationals arrested.

In a statement on Wednesday, the police said the foreign nationals were arrested nationwide in the past 14 days for contravening the Immigration Act (Act No. 13 of 2002). 

Some of these individuals are also facing additional charges involving serious and violent crime, including murder, rape, and the possession of unlicenced firearms. 

These figures reflect government’s commitment to deal decisively with illegal immigration and related offences across the country. 

Just last week, multiple operations conducted across the Gauteng province resulted in the arrest of more than 800 undocumented foreign nationals. In one of the operations, police, supported by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and other stakeholders, arrested 217 suspects at Losberg Kloof Mine in Westonaria on 07 July 2026. 

The operation targeted illegal mining activities and other related criminal offences in the area.

In Reitz in the Free State, intelligence led officers to a biscuit manufacturing factory on 03 July 2026, where nine undocumented foreign nationals were arrested. The suspects remain in custody pending immigration verification. 

The municipality has been engaged, and the factory faces closure while investigations continue. Authorities are weighing further action against the owner for alleged non-compliance.

Meanwhile, the Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has issued a stern warning against unlawful intimidation and harassment of foreign nationals. 

This follows the arrest of five suspects in Lephalale, Limpopo, who posed as Home Affairs officials and unlawfully demanded the removal of foreign nationals from Marapong township. Verification by the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the targeted Nigerian national was legally documented and permitted to operate his business.

In addition, a multidisciplinary team has been appointed to investigate the murder of March and March Gauteng leader, Andile Mvuyiselwa Somgaxa, who was shot in the driveway of his home in Greenfield, Johannesburg, on 04 July 2026 and succumbed to his injuries in hospital on 09 July 2026.

“Violence, whether perpetrated by South Africans or foreign nationals, destroys communities, erodes trust, and will never be tolerated as a solution to resolve disputes. We urge communities to not take matters into their own hands. Our men and women in blue are hard at work in arresting those who contravene the laws of our country,” said Dimpane. 

The SAPS also reminded the public that only authorised law enforcement officials may conduct inspections and verify the legal status of individuals within South Africa. Acts of intimidation, vigilantism or violence will be met with decisive action. – SAnews.gov.za