Yasmin Bilal
Labour inspections have intensified, immigration courts have reopened, and border enforcement has been strengthened as government steps up efforts to tackle irregular migration.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the measures form part of the Comprehensive Approach to Managing Migration announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 7 June.
She was addressing the media today on the outcomes of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.
“Cabinet extended its appreciation to South Africans who participated in peaceful protests against irregular migration and commended the National Joint Operations and Intelligence Structures (NatJOINTS) for enforcing peaceful protests on 30 June 2026,” Ntshavheni said.
The minister said the Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, had made significant progress in implementing the migration strategy.
According to Ntshavheni, labour inspections have been intensified at businesses suspected of employing undocumented foreign nationals. The operations are being coordinated by the deputy ministers responsible for Employment and Labour, Home Affairs and Police.
Government has also strengthened its immigration enforcement capacity. Specialised immigration courts have been re-established in Durban and at OR Tambo International Airport. A court at the Lindela Repatriation Centre has also resumed operations to speed up deportation processes.
“We are ensuring orderly and lawful deportations,” Ntshavheni said.
The minister said a temporary repatriation centre had also been established in Musina to support the return of undocumented migrants under dignified and humane conditions.
Ntshavheni thanked humanitarian organisations, including Gift of the Givers, Ashraful Aid and the Mahlasela Foundation, for assisting with the repatriation process.
Since 7 June, the Border Management Authority has intercepted more undocumented migrants attempting to enter the country illegally, Ntshavheni said.
Those intercepted included undocumented migrants, undesirable persons and travellers with non-compliant documents.
NatJOINTS has also registered several criminal cases linked to public disorder and incitement. Ntshavheni said investigations are continuing, while some suspects have already appeared before the courts.
Members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee also visited the Limpopo-Zimbabwe border on Thursday to inspect infrastructure and assess planned improvements aimed at strengthening border management.
Ntshavheni also congratulated Bafana Bafana on reaching the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time since the country’s tournament debut in 1998.
“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 minister also welcomed the country’s improved performance in the 2026 World Competitiveness Yearbook, where it climbed 10 places from 64th to 54th.
Ntshavheni said the improved ranking reflected gains in government efficiency, growing business confidence and improved infrastructure management.