Picture: Bantwana Bantwana players during training/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
28 June 2026 – South African U17 Women’s National team coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo has named a squad of 23 players to face Kenya in the crucial third and final round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Bantwana will host the East Africans in the first leg on 4 July 2026, at the Lucas Moripe Stadium before travelling to Kenya for the return fixture scheduled for 12 July.
Khumalo said she has kept the bulk of the team that was triumphant over Tanzania in the second round, making only three changes with Akhona Simamane, Sinenhlanhla Dutywa and Leonay Kock taking the places of Palesa Jacobs, Mpondo Monyamane and Mmasello Ledwaba. She further said the squad assembled for camp on 26 June 2026, in Johannesburg.
“This will be the final hurdle in the U17 Women’s qualifiers with the winner between South Africa and the East Africans booking their ticket to the 10th edition of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup scheduled to be played in Morocco between 17 October and 7 November 2026.
“Both Bantwana and Kenya have travelled different paths to the third round,” added Khumalo.
25 June 2026 – Government’s wide-ranging and coordinated migration management strategy is aimed at strengthening border security, intensifying enforcement against illegal immigration, addressing asylum system backlogs, and closing legal and administrative gaps in the country’s immigration framework.
President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated the measures taken by government to address issues relating to illegal immigration, while responding to oral questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday, reassuring that government had adopted a comprehensive approach to managing migration challenges.
He said illegal immigration has been identified as a significant national concern.
“The government has identified illegal immigration as a significant challenge in our country, which has implications for social cohesion, national security, and the provision of services to our people,” he said.
The President said Cabinet adopted a comprehensive migration management approach on 3 June 2026, which has since been endorsed through various governance structures, including the Presidential Coordinating Council, and engagements with social partners.
The first pillar of the strategy focuses on strengthened enforcement of immigration and labour laws.
“Law enforcement agencies are intensifying the identification and deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. This work will be supported by dedicated immigration courts,” he said.
He said compliance monitoring at workplaces will also be increased through inspections and stricter penalties for employers who violate immigration laws.
“The Department of Employment and Labor is recruiting 10 inspectors, as I announced in the State of the Nation address, and will increase penalties for employers breaching the immigration act,” he said.
The second pillar focuses on border management and infrastructure upgrades.
“We are directing resources to border infrastructure technology, as well as bringing in more personnel to guard our borders,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said government will redevelop the country’s six busiest ports of entry, while refugee reception centres will be relocated closer to border posts to improve efficiency and control.
The third pillar of the approach is the modernisation and digitisation of the immigration system.
“We are establishing an intelligent population register with biometric data underpinned by a digital ID and phasing out the green ID books that enable identity theft,” he said.
He added that the electronic travel authorisation system will be expanded to all airports and major land ports of entry.
Government is also taking steps to address corruption and inefficiencies in the system through increased use of technology and data integration across departments.
The fourth pillar focuses on legal and policy reforms.
Cabinet has approved a revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection, which will guide a unified legal framework for migration management.
The National Labour Migration Policy and the Employment Services Amendment Bill are expected to introduce quotas for the employment of foreign nationals as part of efforts to regulate labour migration more effectively.
On asylum management, the President said government is working to resolve long-standing backlogs in the system.
“The Refugee Appeal Authority has recruited a number of advocates as additional adjudicators and continues to receive capacity support from the UN High Commission for Refugees to determine and finalize outstanding appeals,” he said.
The fifth pillar focuses on regional and continental cooperation, recognising that migration pressures cannot be addressed in isolation.
“South Africa cannot address migration alone through SADC, the African Union and bilateral relations that we have with many countries, we will work together to tackle political instability, conflict, and economic hardships that drive people to leave their homes and to come here,” he said.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that migration enforcement must remain a state function and warned against vigilantism.
“We’ve made it clear that every person within the borders must be here more. We have also said that responsibility for enforcing our laws rests with the state and the state law, and that no individual may stop any person to demand documentation or proof of identity or nationality,” he said.
He warned against discrimination and intolerance. The President said government remains prepared to deal with any attempts to destabilise the country.
“As government, as government, we have put in place security and other measures to deal with any attempts to destabilize our country, whether by citizens or foreign nationals, and we will not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the country by anyone, whether marching or otherwise.”
“Our security forces are ready, and those who transgress the measures that we are putting in place will definitely meet the might of the law,” the President said.
On labour enforcement, President Ramaphosa said government will continue strengthening compliance mechanisms, including inspections and enforcement actions against exploitative practices.
He also addressed the recruitment of labour inspectors, confirming that government remains committed to deploying 10 000 inspectors announced in the State of the Nation Address, but said implementation will be phased due to fiscal constraints.
“Regarding immigration, we have determined that indeed we will be bringing in all those 10,000. We are doing it in phases. We’re doing it in phases largely because of the budgetary concerns and restrictions that we have,” he said.
He said training will be prioritised to ensure inspectors are properly equipped for their responsibilities.
Responding to concerns over migrant deaths in the Northern Cape, the President expressed condolences and emphasised the need for humane treatment of all people within South Africa’s borders.
“As South Africans, we pay our condolences to their families and to the governments of their countries, and we want this whole process of immigration to be handled within the parameters of our law and as smoothly as possible, for they too are human, and as South Africans we must handle all these matters in accordance with our human rights culture and in accordance with our values,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa also noted that a number of undocumented migrants have opted for voluntary return processes.
“A number of them have opted to leave on a voluntary basis, and so therefore we are facilitating that almost 10,000 of them, particularly from Malawi, have opted to leave, and our officials are processing all that through the various reception centers in a number of our provinces,” the President said.
He added that government’s Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, through NatJoints, has developed contingency plans to respond to any potential unrest linked to migration enforcement operations.
The President concluded by stressing that migration reform must be balanced, lawful and coordinated across all spheres of government and regional partners. – SAnews.gov.za
25 June 2026 – The Department of Home Affairs has reached another historic milestone on its path-breaking journey of digital transformation, with 203 bank branches now live in the new digital partnership model with the banking sector.
Additionally, over a quarter of a million people have already used this service to obtain a replacement Smart ID card since it was launched on 9 March.
Given that, under the previous model, only 248 Home Affairs offices and 32 bank branches offered Smart ID replacement services, the addition of 203 bank branches means that access to this critical service has been expanded by 73% in a little over three months.
The unprecedented success of this project is dramatically enhancing access to Smart ID services and accelerating efforts to replace the vulnerable Green ID Book faster than ever before.
Approximately 16 million South Africans still rely on the Green ID Book, which is prone to fraud and identity theft.
As recently affirmed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, replacing it with the Smart ID card is essential to strengthening the integrity of South Africa’s identity system, protecting citizens against fraud and identity theft, and securing the population register that underpins citizenship, immigration and national security.
The Home Affairs @ home reform programme is now making that transition possible at an unprecedented scale.
The 203 branches that are now live include 109 Capitec branches, 74 Standard Bank branches, and 20 FNB branches. Inside these branches, it now takes as little as five minutes to apply for a Smart ID through a fully biometric process that requires no paperwork, no prior booking, and leaves no room for discretion.
Home Affairs said this milestone represents the largest reform and expansion of access to its services since the dawn of democracy.
“Reaching more than 200 participating bank branches and processing over 250 000 transactions in just over three months since the launch of this project is a remarkable achievement and a powerful demonstration of the progress being made through our Home Affairs @ home reform programme. Smart ID replacement services are now closer to all South Africans than ever before,” Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber said.
“In the context of this spectacular progress, I am excited to share that there is much more still to come. Not only will we expand the Smart ID replacement service to 750 branches by the end of this year, but we will shortly also add first-time Smart ID applications, Passport applications, and home deliveries to all of these bank branches,” Minister Schreiber said.
“I reiterate my call to the people of South Africa: if you still have a Green ID book, help us to eradicate identity theft that feeds illegal immigration and financial fraud by switching to the Smart ID today.
“Our digital partnership with the banks has made it easier than ever to switch. Just visit dha.gov.za/banks to find your nearest branch and switch today,” the minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
25 Seetebosigo 2026 – Mmelaelwa wa dingwaga di le 35 o tshwere mabapi le kgothoso ya mo ntlung le petelelo kwa Mmabatho gaufi le Mahikeng. Go begwa fa sepodisi se ile sa bolotsa dipatlisiso tse di tseneletseng morago ga go bulwa ga kgetsi.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Anne Magakoe are dipatlisiso tse, di boloditswe ke maloko a sepodisi a lephata le le rebang dintwa tsa mo malapeng, tshireletsego ya bana ga mmogo le dipetelelo, mme ba thusana le lephata la botlhodi go tswa kwa Brits ga mmogo le setlhopa sa sepodisi se se tlhopilweng. Magakoe are go begwa fa mmelaelwa a ile a latlha mogala wa gagwe wa letheka ka motsi wa fa a ne a dira bosinyi jo.
“Batlhankela ba forensiki ba ile ba bona mogala o wa letheka kwa lefelo la tiragalo, mme ba o batlisisa. Go begwa fa mogala o, o ile wa golaganya mmelaelwa le ditiragalo tse. Mmelaelwa o, o solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Mmabatho fa kgwedi ya Seetebosigo e tlhola matsatsi a le 26.
“Mmelaelwa o, o lebagane le tatofatso ya kgothoso mo ntlung le petelelo,” Magakoe wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, Mokomishinara wa sepodisi wa nama-o-sa-tshwere mono porofenseng, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, o akgotse batlhankela ba sepodisi ba ba netefaditseng fa mmelaelwa a tshwarwa. Naidoo are dipatlisiso di a tswelela.
25 June 2026 – The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice, Jane Mananiso said three key issues such as border management and security, the renewal of the South African Police Service (SAPS) following the Madlanga Commission and the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through improved forensic services and access to rape kits have dominated the work of the Select Committee on Security and Justice in recent months. Mananiso said the Border Management and Border Security Border security remains a national priority as South Africa strengthens its response to organised crime, illegal migration, human trafficking, smuggling and other forms of cross-border criminality.
She further said the Border Management Authority (BMA) has committed to intensifying border law enforcement through 158 risk-based operations during the 2026/27 financial year. Mananiso added that these operations will focus on intelligence-led interventions and closer cooperation with the SAPS, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and other law enforcement agencies.
“The BMA has also committed to maintaining the detection and refusal of inadmissible persons at ports of entry and ensuring the apprehension and deportation of individuals who are unlawfully in the country.
“The committee welcomes the BMA’s efforts to modernise border management through the use of surveillance technology, drones, body-worn cameras, improved immigration verification systems and stronger access controls at ports of entry. These measures are essential in reducing opportunities for corruption, improving operational efficiency and strengthening the state’s ability to manage its borders effectively,” she said.
Mananiso said at the same time, they remain concerned about capacity constraints within the BMA. She said the committee has called for increased funding, the urgent filling of vacancies, stronger anti-corruption measures and enhanced cooperation between the BMA, SAPS, municipalities and traditional leaders in border communities.
“The committee recognises that South Africa, as a constitutional democracy and signatory to international conventions, has obligations towards refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. These obligations, however, must be balanced against the state’s responsibility to uphold the rule of law, safeguard national security and ensure orderly migration.
“While those with legitimate claims to protection must be treated fairly and afforded due process, those who enter or remain in the country unlawfully must be dealt with in accordance with South African law,” said Mananiso.
She said illegal migration places significant pressure on public services, law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system. Mananiso said it also creates opportunities for criminal syndicates involved in human trafficking, document fraud, illicit trade and cross-border smuggling.
“In this regard, the One-Stop Border Post Bill, currently before the Select Committee on Security and Justice, represents an important legislative intervention. The Bill seeks to improve cooperation with neighbouring countries through jointly managed border posts, integrated control zones and improved information-sharing mechanisms.
“By reducing duplication, strengthening coordinated border enforcement and improving the movement of people and goods across borders, the legislation has the potential to enhance security while supporting trade and regional integration,” she said.
25 June 2026 – The South African Football Association’s (SAFA) appeal against Bafana Bafana midfielder Themba Zwane’s three-match suspension has been dismissed by the FIFA Disciplinary committee. Zwane is serving a three-match suspension he was handed by the FIFA disciplinary committee following the red card he received in the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening game against tournament co-hosts Mexico last week.
“We are disappointed with the outcome of our appeal because we strongly believe that the punishment is far harsher than the offense that Themba is said to have committed,” SAFA said in a statement.
Zwane will serve his final match on the sidelines when Bafana Bafana face 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts Canada in the Last 32 in Los Angeles on Sunday, 28 June 2026. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena returns to the selection fold after serving his own one-match suspension during the game against South Korea.
Bafana Bafana will return to their base camp in Pachuca, Mexico, this morning before heading to Los Angeles, United States of America, ahead of the Last 32 showdown against Canada.
25 June 2026 – The former askari, Joseph “Joe” Mamasela (74) and his accomplice, Michael “Tebogo” Macitinga (66), briefly appeared before the Benoni Regional Court facing multiple charges, including 15 counts of murder, arson, kidnapping, unlawful possession of explosives, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as defeating or obstructing the administration of justice. These are charges emanating from the Serious Organised Crime Investigation’s Crimes Against the State probe into allegations that came out from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) relating to three incidents, Operation Zero Zero, Nietverdiend 10 and the KwaNdebele 9.
The Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said in all these incidents, the accused are alleged to have deceived the youths into believing they were participating in operations against the apartheid government. Mogale said instead, they met their deaths at the hands of the suspect and two accomplices, who allegedly operated from Vlakplaas under the command of Eugene de Kock.
“Subsequently, the duo proceeded to apply for bail. Bail was granted at R5000 for accused 1 and the second accused was released on a warning. Their bail conditions included tender passports, not to apply for travel documents, stay within Gauteng province, inform an investigating officer of travel plans in writing, and report to Moroka and Benoni police station once per month.
“The third accused in the case has since been deceased. By midnight tonight, this case will be 41 years old. Matter was transferred to the South Gauteng High court sitting in Benoni on 1 February 2027 for the duo’s next appearance,” said Mogale.
25 June 2026 – The Northern Cape Provincial Joint Structure (PROV JOINTS) comprising of the South African Police Service (SAPS), government departments, municipalities and other law enforcement and security stakeholders, wish to assure communities across the province that comprehensive operational plans are in place to ensure the safety and security of all residents ahead of the planned 30 June shutdown actions and any related activities. The Provincial Joint Structure said it has been closely monitoring developments, including calls for protest action, public gatherings and sentiments targeting foreign nationals.
The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola said while the right to peaceful protest is protected by the constitution of the Republic of South Africa (RSA), this right must be exercised within the confines of the law and should not infringe on the rights, safety and dignity of others. Otola said the security forces will not tolerate any acts of violence, intimidation, destruction of property, disruption of essential services, criminality or any form of discrimination and xenophobic-related actions directed at individuals or communities based on nationality or any other grounds.
“We directed that all operational deployments remain focused, intelligence-driven and coordinated to maintain public order, prevent crime and respond swiftly to any incidents that may threaten the safety of communities.
“Law enforcement officers will be deployed strategically across identified areas to ensure visibility, monitor developments and facilitate a safe environment for residents, businesses, road users and visitors throughout the province,” she said.
Otola further said the public is urged to remain calm and to obtain information from credible sources and are encouraged to work together with law enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activities, acts of violence or criminal behaviour to the relevant authorities. She added that the Northern Cape remains committed to promoting social cohesion, respect for human rights and the rule of law.
“The Provincial Joint Structure further calls on all residents to reject violence, hate speech and actions that may create division within communities. The safety and security of every person living in the Northern Cape remains a collective responsibility.
“The Provincial Joint Structures are ready and committed to ensuring that peace and stability is maintained before, during and after the planned activities,” said Otola.
25 June 2026 – The police in the North West continue to make significant strides in the fight against crime following the successful execution of Operation Shanela II, which resulted in the arrest of 690 suspects for various offences across the province between 15 and 21 June 2026. The intelligence-driven operation focused on preventing and combating serious and violent crime through high-density policing, roadblocks, vehicle control points, stop-and-search operations and the tracing of wanted suspects.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Anne Magakoe said during the week-long operation, police arrested suspects for a range of serious and priority crimes, including five for murder, three for rape, four for illegal possession of firearms, 26 for dealing in drugs, 52 for possession of drugs, 33 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 21 for residential burglary, 11 for business burglary and 83 illegal immigrants. Magakoe said in addition, detectives arrested 529 wanted suspects, including those linked to murder, rape, business robbery, house robbery and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
“The police also confiscated and recovered several illegal items, including three firearms, ammunition, dagga, crystal meth (Tik), mandrax tablets, liquor, packets of illicit tobacco products, cellphones, eight (8) generators and two (2) vehicles, among other exhibits,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Naidoo, reiterated that police will continue to intensify Operation Shanela II, working closely with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders to keep communities safe. Naidoo urges community members to continue working with the police by reporting criminal activities through the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.
Picture: Bafana Bafana players against Republic Korea/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
25 June 2026 – Bafana Bafana have written a new chapter in the history books after advancing to the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup for the first time on a balmy summer evening in Monterrey, Mexico on Wednesday night. The South African senior men’s national team sent Monterrey Stadium into thunderous applause after beating South Korea 1-0 courtesy of a 67th minute strike from man-of-the-match Thapelo Maseko.
The nimble-footed Maseko had tormented the East Asians for long spells during this final Group A match, and his persistence was eventually rewarded when he waltzed his way past the South Korea rear-guard to score the only goal of the match.
Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos said: “I think we played a very good game, tactically. It was very good and everybody did their job. The difference with this game and our previous match (against Czechia) was that when we had the ball, we were very dangerous, and that was very important.
“We had very quick players on the pitch, and we used them very well. We found the spaces during the good moments. And then yeah, we needed that goal. We had a few chances in the first half, and I told the players at halftime to keep on believing. I am very proud of the performance of my team.”
He further said Bafana Bafana had never gone past the group stages of the global tournament after stumbling in the opening stages of the 1998, 2002 and 2010 World Cups. Broos added that they certainly made amends in dramatic fashion in Monterrey when they put the South Koreans to the sword during a dominant display.
“The South African senior men’s national team will now face 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts Canada in the Last 32 in Los Angeles on 28 June 2026,” he said.
The Guardian 