Daily Archives: July 8, 2026

Committee impressed with coordinated efforts of DHA

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Picture: The committee visits repatriation centres

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 July 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has expressed satisfaction with the coordinated efforts of the Department of Home Affairs and its partners in facilitating the processing, deportation and repatriation of undocumented foreign nationals at the Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre (TRPC) in Musina, Limpopo. The committee conducted the first day of its urgent oversight visit to the TRPC on Tuesday as part of its constitutional responsibility to oversee the implementation of immigration legislation, assess operational readiness and ensure that the rights and dignity of all persons are upheld throughout the repatriation process.

The chairperson of the committee, Mosa Chabane said during the visit, the committee received a comprehensive briefing on the operations of the facility and observed the processing systems first-hand. Chabane said members of the committee were informed that more than 38 000 foreign nationals had been processed for deportation and repatriation in less than a week as of Saturday, 4 July 2026.

“The committee was further informed that the cumulative number of foreign nationals processed has since exceeded 45 000. The committee noted that the TRPC was established under the auspices of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration to facilitate the efficient registration, verification and processing of undocumented foreign nationals while ensuring the provision of humanitarian services, including food, healthcare and other essential support.

“Situated on land belonging to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the facility has the capacity to accommodate up to 20 000 people at any given time. We commend the collaborative approach adopted by all stakeholders involved in the operation,” he said.

He further said the committee has been encouraged by the level of coordination demonstrated by the Department of Home Affairs, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, diplomatic missions and humanitarian organisations. Chabane added that such cooperation is essential to ensuring that immigration laws are implemented effectively while safeguarding the dignity and fundamental rights of every individual throughout the process.

“The committee was particularly encouraged by the efficiency with which large numbers of people had been processed within a relatively short period. Our oversight responsibility is to satisfy ourselves that the systems in place are lawful, efficient, humane and capable of responding to operational demands.

“The information presented to the committee and the observations made on site indicate significant progress in this regard. We will, however, continue to monitor the implementation of these processes to ensure that they remain compliant with the Constitution, applicable legislation and South Africa’s international obligations,” he said.

Chabane said the committee has also appreciated the Limpopo and Kwa-Zulu Natal provincial governments and their respective municipalities in the manner they carried and availed resources to compliment the work of the national government. He said, however, it remains concerned about the underfunding of the Border Management Authority (BMA), reiterated during the BMA’s briefing.

“The committee together with sister committees in the security cluster will await a comprehensive report from the IMC once the process has been finalised. Today, the committee will continue with the second day of its oversight visit at the Beitbridge Port of Entry, where it will assess border management operations and the implementation of repatriation processes at one of the country’s busiest ports of entry,” said Chabane.

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Tourism set to boost economy and create more jobs

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Picture: The North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane

By BAKANG MOKOTO

8 July 2026 – The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane has outlined a bold programme of action to position tourism as a leading driver of jobs, investment and community development, while strengthening the biodiversity economy and accelerating environmental compliance and waste management reforms in the 2026/27 financial year. Lenkopane who recently tabled the Department’s Budget Vote said, the budget reflects a deliberate shift towards unlocking the full economic potential of the province’s tourism assets.

She further emphasised that tourism remains one of the most powerful engines for inclusive growth in the province, adding that the budget ensures that natural and cultural assets are converted into real and tangible opportunities for communities. Lenkopane added that the department’s tourism programme takes centre stage, anchored by a structured tourism commercialisation programme aimed at unlocking the economic value of provincial tourism and conservation assets.

“This model is designed to attract private-sector investment into underutilised facilities while ensuring that ownership remains with the people of the North West. Through this approach, the province has already received investment proposals and projects valued around R1.8 billion progressed through due diligence, investor capability assessments and compliance processes.

“We are not only attracting investment, but we are deliberately restructuring the tourism economy in a way that places communities at the centre of ownership and benefit-sharing. The commercialisation framework ensures that communities participate directly in tourism development through structured shareholding arrangements linked to assets located on or near their land,” she said.

Lenkopane said, moreover, her department continues to strengthen tourism as a key contributor to the provincial economy. She said during the 2025/26 financial year, tourism generated an estimated R10.9 billion, supported approximately 9242 jobs and benefited 344 tourism enterprises.

“The province also recorded over 4.17 million domestic tourists and approximately 462 463 international arrivals, reflecting sustained recovery and continued growth. In addition, the department has allocated R70 million towards tourism development and promotion in the 2026/27 financial year.

“This allocation will support destination marketing, investment promotion, tourism safety, heritage tourism, youth employment and enterprise development. The department is intensifying collaboration with North West University (NWU) to reposition the Mahikeng and Taung hotel schools as accredited hospitality training centres,” said Lenkopane.

She further noted that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sun City is being finalised to create structured pathways for experiential learning, internships and employment opportunities. Lenkopane said they are deliberately building bridges between training and employment so that the young people do not remain outside the tourism economy.

“Adding to that, engagements with Sun City will facilitate the placement of 81 hospitality and tourism graduates, strengthening the pipeline from education to work opportunities. The department has also profiled 562 accommodation establishments, confirming 6614 rooms and 12 676 beds, with capacity exceeding 4.1 million visitors annually.

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A man jailed for contravention of a protection order

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By STAFF REPORTER

8 July 2026 – A man sentenced to four years imprisonment for contravention of a protection order, assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and malicious damage of property. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 20 September 2025, at approximately 12:00, when the accused, Franklin Tieties (32), verbally and physically assaulted his neighbours aged 25 and 66.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane, said during the incident, the accused allegedly used abusive language towards the victims, threw a stone that struck the victim (66) in the face and damaged windows at the victims’ residence. Shemane said at the time of the incident, the victims were protected by valid protection orders against the accused and subsequently opened a criminal case.

“The accused was arrested and charged with contravention of a protection order, assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), and malicious damage to property.

“He remained in custody throughout the court proceedings. On 3 July 2026, Tieties was found guilty and convicted on all charges in the Kenhardt Magistrate’s Court,” he said.

Shemane further said Tieties was sentenced to four years imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm. He added that the ZF Mgcawu District Management commended Detective Constable Charlton Januarie for his meticulous investigation, which led to the successful conviction and sentencing of the accused.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) remains committed to protecting vulnerable members of society, including the elderly and ensuring that perpetrators of violence and intimidation are brought to justice,” said Shemane.

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