By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Cabinet supports a tougher approach to managing migration following the anti-illegal immigration protests, while praising the peaceful conduct of demonstrations and security.
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.
Bills for public comment
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.
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.
Publication of petroleum stocks policy
Cabinet has approved the publication of the draft Strategic Petroleum Stocks Policy for public comment.
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.