Category: South Africa Government

Cabinet has commended South Africans who participated peacefully in protests against unregulated migration, while also praising the National Joint Operations and Intelligence Structures (NATJOINTS) for maintaining order during demonstrations held this week.

The commendation followed a Cabinet meeting held in Cape Town this week, where government also received an update on the implementation of the Comprehensive Approach to managing migration, announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 7 June 2026.

Cabinet further commended the Inter-Ministerial Committee, led by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi, for its work in driving the implementation of the approach.

The approach focuses on strengthening border security, upholding the constitutional principle of the rule of law, stamping out corruption in the immigration system, cracking down on violence and lawlessness, and refining the country’s legislative framework.

It also includes collaboration with other African countries to forge a broader and more cohesive response to migration challenges across the region and the continent.

Speaking at a media briefing on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni updated the public on government’s efforts to manage migration.

Ntshavheni said the work includes increased labour inspections at companies suspected of employing undocumented foreign nationals, under the guidance of Deputy Ministers Jomo Sibiya of Employment and Labour, Njabulo Nzuza of Home Affairs, and Dr Polly Boshielo of Police.

Since 7 June 2026, the Border Management Authority (BMA) has intercepted irregular migrants attempting to enter the country unlawfully. These included undocumented migrants, undesirable persons and travellers refused entry due to non-compliant travel documents.

“NATJOINTS has detailed criminal cases opened against criminality, including public disorder and incitement-related criminal cases that have been registered, suspects arrested and cases that are before the courts and those under active investigation,” Ntshavheni said.

On Thursday, members of the IMC conducted site inspections at the Beitbridge Border Post and temporary Musina repatriation centres in Limpopo.

In May, Cabinet approved the National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP) White Paper 2025 for implementation, marking a significant step towards regulating the movement and employment of foreign nationals in South Africa.

The NLMP introduces quotas on the total number of documented foreign nationals with work visas that can be employed in major economic sectors such as agriculture, hospitality and tourism, as well as construction, among others. 

“The policy complements other interventions such as enforcement of a list of sectors where foreign nationals cannot be allocated business visas and amendments to the National Small Enterprise Act, 1996 (Act 102 of 1996), as amended, to limit foreign nationals establishing small, medium and micro enterprises, and trading in some sectors of the economy,” the Minister explained.

The NLMP is the country’s first comprehensive policy aimed at managing labour migration both into and out of South Africa.

The policy is designed to promote a “brain gain” by attracting skilled workers to South Africa, while also addressing the “brain drain” caused by the emigration of skilled professionals.

One of the bill’s more contentious features is the potential introduction of employment quotas, which would limit the number of immigrants that businesses can hire and require employers to prioritise the hiring of South African citizens. – SAnews.gov.za

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Cabinet is calling on all South Africans to dedicate their time to  help build a better country that works for all.
This as the country commemorates Mandela Month in July.

“South Africa will in July commemorate Mandela Month under the theme ‘It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity’. Cabinet calls on all South Africans to dedicate their time and efforts during Mandela Month and on Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July 2026, to help build a South Africa that works for South Africans,” it said in a statement on Friday.

In addition, the month of July is also used to commemorate National Science Month, which will be launched on 4 July 2026 at the Vaal University of Technology Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park in Sebokeng.

The launch will be held under the theme: “Science, Technology and Innovation are for everyone”. 
The month-long science celebration aims to build a science-literate society that can form independent opinions on science, technology and innovation. It seeks to promote a community with confidence in science, scientists, and scientific institutions. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The 2026 National Bee Conference has positioned the North West province as an emerging hub for beekeeping and pollination-related investment while highlighting the sector’s growing contribution to food security, economic growth and rural development.

Hosted by the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in partnership with the South African Bee Industry Organisation (SABIO), the conference took place at Sun City in Rustenburg from 30 June to 1 July under the theme, “Pollinators for Food Security, Economic Growth and Rural Transformation.”

The two-day event brought together emerging and commercial beekeepers, researchers, agricultural stakeholders and industry representatives from across South Africa to discuss opportunities, challenges and innovations shaping the country’s beekeeping industry. 

Delegates explored ways to strengthen collaboration, promote innovation and expand the sector while examining the role the North West Province can play in creating sustainable economic opportunities through beekeeping.

Discussions focused on the importance of pollinators in supporting crop production, improving agricultural resilience and strengthening food security. Participants also considered measures to protect and expand pollinator populations as a strategic agricultural resource.

North West beekeepers were among the top performers at the National Honey, Mead and Value-Added Products Competition, held in collaboration with the Honey Judges’ and Stewards’ Guild of South Africa.

Among those recognised for excellence were Kenalemang Mooketsi, Gabathata Matshidiso, Thato Lesufi, Peter Mputle, Lukas Radise and Lenah Mosiapoa. The awards recognised outstanding achievements in honey production, mead-making and value-added bee products, reflecting the growing expertise and innovation within the province’s beekeeping sector.

Delegates concluded the conference by adopting several resolutions aimed at strengthening South Africa’s beekeeping industry.

The resolutions include implementing the National Beekeeping Strategy as the sector’s guiding framework; strengthening national bee health systems; recognising pollination as strategic agricultural infrastructure; protecting forage resources; improving colony resilience; expanding participation in beekeeping; promoting evidence-based decision-making; improving consumer confidence and industry competitiveness; and enhancing coordination among government, industry and research institutions.

SABIO Chairperson Tumi Mobu thanked the province and the beekeeping community for contributing to a successful conference.

“Thank you to the North West Province for its warm hospitality and to all the beekeepers, partners and stakeholders whose participation contributed to the success of this conference. The conference resolutions will be implemented through collaboration between industry stakeholders, government departments and research institutions, including the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Agricultural Research Council,” Mobu said. 

North West Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Madoda Sambatha said the conference demonstrated the province’s potential to become a key player in South Africa’s growing beekeeping industry.

He said beekeeping offers practical opportunities for young people, women and rural entrepreneurs to participate meaningfully in agriculture.

“With the right technical support, mentorship and access to markets, beekeeping provides opportunities to build sustainable enterprises that contribute both to household incomes and to the wider agricultural economy. Our focus should be on creating an environment where these enterprises can grow into successful businesses that create jobs and invest back into their communities,” Sambatha said.

The MEC also commended participants, exhibitors and competition winners for contributing to the success of the conference.

He said the department would continue working with industry stakeholders, research institutions and beekeepers to create an enabling environment for the sector to grow and support sustainable enterprises.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from government, industry and research partners to strengthen collaboration and implement the adopted resolutions, to build a more competitive, inclusive and sustainable beekeeping sector that supports food security, economic growth and rural transformation. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Cabinet has approved the publication of the National Environmental Management Laws Amendment (NEMLA) as well as the Electronic Deeds Registration and Recordal Systems Amendment Bills for public comment.

At a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday, Minister in the Presidency Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the NEMLA Bill seeks to amend the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998).

It also seeks to to strengthen environmental compliance and enforcement by empowering environmental inspectors to issue compliance notices and enable municipalities to issue directives for environmental violations. 

“The Bill also introduces an administrative penalty system into South Africa’s national environmental legislation. This will complement existing criminal sanctions by providing an alternative to criminal prosecution for less serious environmental contraventions, enabling more efficient enforcement while avoiding the delays and reputational risks associated with criminal proceedings,” she explained.

In addition, at its meeting held on Wednesday, Cabinet approved the submission of the Electronic Deeds Registration and Recordal Systems Amendment Bill to Parliament. 

The Bill seeks to amend the Electronic Deeds Registration Act (Act 19 of 2019), the Deeds Registration Act (Act 47 of 1937) and the Sectional Titles Act (Act 95 of 1986) to modernise the legislative framework governing deeds registration and recordal systems.

“The Bill advances the objectives of an inclusive economy and enhanced security of land tenure. The proposed amendments are largely technical in nature and are intended to strengthen the security of title and improve the administration of land and property rights for the benefit of landowners and rights holders,” said the Minister. – SAnews.gov.za

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The uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) has recommended that eThekwini Municipality prioritise reducing water losses and improving the efficiency of its existing water distribution network rather than investing in new package water treatment plants to address ongoing water supply challenges.

The recommendation forms part of a preliminary feasibility study presented to the municipality’s Executive Committee (EXCO) on Thursday.

The municipality had commissioned the study to assess the feasibility of establishing package water treatment plants in communities experiencing prolonged water shortages.

According to UUW, water demand management interventions would deliver faster, more sustainable, and cost-effective benefits than constructing new supply infrastructure.

The utility said demand management interventions would enable the municipality to recover significant volumes of non-revenue water, making more water available to consumers without increasing current bulk water supply.

“These interventions can also be implemented over a shorter period and at a substantially lower cost than developing new water supply schemes,” the municipality said in a statement following the meeting.

While acknowledging that package treatment plants could provide interim relief in some communities, UUW warned that they would require substantial capital investment and may not represent the most cost-effective long-term solution.

For the proposed package plant serving the Qadi area in Umzinyathi, UUW estimated that a 10-megalitre-per-day (ML/day) plant would cost about R1.2 billion, while a 30 ML/day facility would require an investment of about R3.5 billion.

The utility estimated that water produced by the plant would cost approximately R53 per kilolitre over 20 years. The estimated monthly capital unit charges would amount to approximately R12.6 million for the 10 ML/day plant and R37 million for a 30 ML/day plant, excluding applicable bulk water tariffs.

UUW also advised that the provincial Department of Water and Sanitation is unlikely to approve additional water abstraction above the existing licence for the proposed Qadi scheme. Any increase in abstraction would require a corresponding reduction in water drawn by the Wiggins and Durban Heights water treatment works.

The utility further noted that the long-term viability of the Qadi plant may be limited by the planned commissioning of the uMkhomazi Upper Dam from 2034, which is expected to significantly increase bulk water availability to the municipality.

The feasibility study also assessed proposed package plants for Mfume, Craigieburn and Umbumbulu.

The estimated capital cost for the Mfume plant is approximately R650 million.

For Craigieburn and Umbumbulu, UUW said construction would likely be completed only after major regional bulk water projects become operational. The Lower uMkhomazi Dam is expected to begin supplying southern areas of eThekwini from 2029, while the uMkhomazi Upper Dam is projected to supply the entire municipality, including Umbumbulu, from 2034.

UUW also warned that a package plant at Umbumbulu would draw from the same source as the Amanzimtoti Water Treatment Works, potentially reducing water availability to areas already supplied through Amanzimtoti.

The utility added that its ability to undertake large capital projects is constrained by reduced tariff increases, limited borrowing capacity and the shortened economic lifespan of projects that could be superseded by larger regional water schemes.

“EXCO noted the preliminary findings and agreed that the feasibility study should be finalised before any decisions are taken regarding the available options. UUW will return to EXCO to present the completed study together with its final recommendations,” the municipality said.

Progress in reducing 2-Methylisoborneol

Meanwhile, the UUW reported that interventions at the Wiggins Water Treatment Works have significantly reduced 2-Methylisoborneol (2-MIB) levels, the naturally occurring compound responsible for the earthy taste and odour detected in water supplied to parts of eThekwini in recent months.

According to UUW, the problem resulted from increased algal activity in Inanda Dam, which affected the quality of raw water entering the treatment works.

To address the issue, the utility has strengthened water quality monitoring from the catchment to consumers, implemented multi-level abstraction to draw water from lower levels of the dam where appropriate, and applied advanced treatment chemicals to remove taste and odour compounds.

UUW said ongoing daily monitoring confirms that treated water remains safe for human consumption and continues to comply with the South African National Standard for Drinking Water. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Cabinet has approved the publication of the draft Strategic Petroleum Stocks Policy for public comment, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Friday.

Briefing reporters in Pretoria, the Minister said the policy aims to strengthen South Africa’s energy security and minimise the economic impact of supply shocks.

“It follows a comprehensive study commissioned by government in 2024 on the country’s strategic petroleum stocks, which identified areas requiring attention, including the need to strengthen stockholding arrangements and increase domestic refining capacity,” she said.

She added that the policy proposes a mixed stockholding model under which the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) will maintain strategic reserves equivalent to 60 days of net imports for both crude oil and refined petroleum products, with a phased increase to 90 days over the long term.

“The policy will contribute to safeguarding national energy security, improving resilience against global supply shocks and supporting sustainable economic growth,” she said.

Meanwhile, Cabinet also approved the Integrated Social Facilitation Framework  (ISFF) as a binding national policy instrument to standardise and institutionalise community engagement in infrastructure delivery across all spheres of government, state-owned entities and infrastructure development stakeholders.
The framework is intended to address community protests, project disruptions, vandalism, delays and security risks by promoting structured community participation throughout the infrastructure project lifecycle, thereby strengthening public trust, social cohesion and protection of infrastructure investments.

Cabinet said the ISFF introduces a professionalised and coordinated approach to social facilitation, including accreditation of social facilitators, clearer governance arrangements, stronger monitoring and evaluation, and a risk-based approach to managing community-related risks.

In addition, Cabinet approved the release of the Science, Technology and Innovation Funding Report for public comment.

“The report emphasises the need for South Africa to avoid over-reliance on foreign funding and to build local funding capacity to mitigate threats posed to the country’s research programmes in order to safeguard South Africa’s scientific sovereignty,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Cabinet has lauded South Africa’s men’s football team, Bafana Bafana, for their “stellar performance” at the 2026 FIFA World Cup held in Mexico, Canada and the United States of America.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavhen, who conducted the post-Cabinet media briefing on Friday afternoon, congratulated the national squad, on behalf of the executive.

The team played four games at the tournament, including the opening match of the tournament against the Mexico national team.

They progressed to the second round of games at the tournament – making history in the process.

“Cabinet joined the nation in congratulating Bafana Bafana on their stellar performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which saw the team progressing to the Round-of-32 for the first time since South Africa’s 1998 World Cup debut.

“Bafana Bafana also displayed impressive football against Canada in the round of 32 where they heartbreakingly lost to a stoppage time goal. Our nation is extremely proud of our boys, who showed that they could go toe-to-toe with the best on the global stage,” Ntshavheni said.

The team was given a hero’s welcome when they arrived at OR Tambo International earlier this week after defeat in the knockout game against Canada.

“Thank you, South Africa, for your hearty welcome to our Boys. No DNA, just RSA,” Ntshavheni added.

The team’s were not the only athletes lauded by Cabinet with congratulations extended to:

• South African cricketer Temba Bavuma, who was named among the TIME100 Most Influential Sports People of 2026, a prestigious honour awarded by global publication TIME Magazine.
• Bayanda Walaza, for winning the Men’s 100m at the Ostrava Golden Spike in Czechia, crossing the finish line in a remarkable 9.94 seconds.
• Akani Simbine on winning the Men’s 100m race at the FBK Games in the Netherlands with a time of 10.08 seconds
• Prudence Sekgodiso on becoming the first South African woman to win a gold medal at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, following her historic victory in Nanjing, China.
• The Proteas Women for flying the South African flag high and reaching the semi-finals of the T20 Women’s World Cup. They were knocked out of the tournament.
• The Junior Springboks for defeating Uruguay 104 – 7 in their opening match of the World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia.
• Bradley Nkoana, for joining a very exclusive club by becoming the 12th South African to break the 10 second barrier over 100m.
• George Kusche and Gerda Steyn for winning the 2026 men’s and women’s Comrades Marathon respectively

“We want to commend our national teams, our sportsmen and women for continuing to build and bring this nation together, making sure they remind us what we are. We are South Africans,” Ntshavheni concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, has welcomed the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) report showing growing public support for the inclusion, equality and human dignity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) persons in South Africa.

The findings, contained in a landmark national public opinion survey conducted by the HSRC in partnership with civil society foundations, reflect encouraging progress in advancing the universal principles that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

The Deputy Minister said the report reaffirms South Africa’s constitutional values of human dignity, equality, freedom and non-discrimination, while affirming the country’s commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international human rights instruments.

In a statement issued on Friday, Letsike said human rights are universal, indivisible and inalienable.

“Every person, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, is entitled to dignity, equality, freedom, and protection under the law. The progress reflected in this report is a positive affirmation that South Africans continue to embrace the values of our Constitution and shared humanity,” Letsike said.

While welcoming the survey findings, Letsike acknowledged that many LGBTIQ+ persons continue to experience discrimination, violence, exclusion, hate speech and unequal access to opportunities.

She said these realities demonstrate that legal protections alone are insufficient, unless they are matched by societal acceptance, accountability, and respect for the inherent dignity of every human being. 

“The measure of our democracy is not only the rights we guarantee in law, but the dignity we uphold in everyday life. We must continue to challenge prejudice, reject discrimination and create communities where every person can live openly, safely and without fear,” the Deputy Minister said.

As South Africa continues to build a just, inclusive, and democratic society, the Ministry called on all sectors of society to uphold the principles of Ubuntu, respect for diversity, equality before the law and the inherent dignity of every human being.

“Protecting the rights of one group strengthens the rights of all and reinforces our shared commitment to a society founded on justice, compassion and respect for human dignity,” Letsike said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has commended residents, law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders for ensuring that province-wide protests against illegal immigration remained largely peaceful and orderly.

Addressing the media on Thursday following demonstrations held across the province on 30 June 2026, Ntuli said the protests had tested the province’s leadership and security structures but ultimately demonstrated the strength of democratic processes. 

“The province-wide protests and demonstrations vehemently tested our capacity to lead, and we emerged triumphant,” the Premier said.

Ntuli was joined by Acting KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Major General Phumelele Makoba and the province’s newly appointed Director-General, Nokuthula Khanyile.

The Premier commended law enforcement agencies for their determination and diligence in preventing anarchy, chaos and widespread disruption. He also praised communities across KwaZulu-Natal for exercising restraint, responsibility and maturity throughout the demonstrations.

He said the conduct of the majority of citizens demonstrated the province’s commitment to democratic expression, peace and stability.

Fifty-one arrested for looting and vandalism

While welcoming the largely peaceful nature of the protests, Ntuli condemned incidents in which individuals allegedly hijacked the demonstrations for criminal purposes by engaging in acts of looting, vandalism and other criminal activities.

“We commend the police for arresting 51 people implicated in looting and vandalism. This sent a stern warning to lawbreakers that they do not have a place in KwaZulu-Natal,” Ntuli said.

The Premier said the protests also revealed deeper underlying socio-economic challenges facing the province, particularly unemployment, poverty and limited job opportunities.

He said the provincial government will continue to respond decisively to these underlying concerns, through practical interventions aimed at expanding local economic participation.

As part of these efforts, Ntuli announced plans to convene a roundtable on local economic development, with a particular focus on the spaza shop sector.

“The aim of the roundtable is to turn people’s frustrations into economic opportunities,” he said.

The Premier also announced that the provincial government will intensify workplace inspections through Operation Engangeni Ngesango Iyafohla, in an effort to discourage employers from hiring undocumented foreign nationals for positions that could be filled by South Africans.

Ntuli concluded the briefing by expressing appreciation to law enforcement agencies, community safety structures, and other stakeholders for working together to safeguard residents and visitors during the protests.

He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to maintaining law and order, protecting constitutional rights to peaceful protest, and advancing programmes aimed at addressing the economic challenges facing communities across KwaZulu-Natal. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has welcomed the start of heavy construction at the Nyanza Light Metals complex in the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Instead of exporting raw minerals, this facility will process local resources into high-value titanium dioxide (TiO₂) pigment, reversing South Africa’s current 100% reliance on importing this essential chemical commodity and offsetting the national trade deficit,” Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said.

The plant will also utilise process by-products to manufacture critical materials for the energy transition and technology sectors, including Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) and fumed silica (SiO₂).

Over the next 12 months, contractors will install more than 6,000 deep-foundation concrete piles across the 70-hectare site, driving them up to 45 metres into the ground to anchor the infrastructure ahead of final commissioning by the end of 2029.

“Crucially, the complex targets long-term industrial self-reliance through advanced manufacturing and complete import substitution.

“By shifting up the value chain to advanced chemical manufacturing, this project anchors South Africa’s manufacturing self-reliance and secures our position in global green energy, electric vehicle, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) compute infrastructure supply chains,” Tau said.

After 15 years of planning, the project has transitioned from blueprint to active execution.

The milestone advances South Africa’s national strategy to accelerate local mineral beneficiation, reduce import dependence and build advanced manufacturing capacity through the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) framework.

The Minister said the development demonstrates South Africa’s ability to attract high-value Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into mega-industrial projects.

“By leveraging the institutional credibility of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) as a foundational co-developer alongside the regulatory ecosystem of the RBIDZ, the project is mobilising a syndicate of premier pan-African development finance institutions (DFIs).

“This coalition – including the African Development Bank (AfDB), and co-led by Afreximbank and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) acting as Co-Mandated Lead Arrangers and project developers, demonstrates international investor confidence in South Africa’s industrial viability and regulatory stability,” Tau said.

Tau said the project aligns directly with government’s economic objectives by generating measurable economic activity in the local economy.

At its peak, the construction phase will create more than 3,000 jobs, providing industrial employment opportunities and specialised civil engineering skills in the region.

In line with national localisation targets, the project is also onboarding a network of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to support its operational, civil engineering and logistical requirements, contributing to community-level economic growth. – SAnews.gov.za

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