The South African Cabinet has reaffirmed and strengthened its stance on undocumented migration following recent nationwide protests held on June 30.In a briefing after Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni confirmed that government will intensify border security, expand labour inspections, and accelerate deportation processes as part of its broader Comprehensive Approach to Managing Migration.

The Cabinet also expressed appreciation for the largely peaceful nature of the demonstrations and praised the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) for maintaining law and order during the protests.

Key measures announced include increased inspections at businesses suspected of employing undocumented foreign nationals, the reopening and strengthening of specialised immigration courts in Durban, at OR Tambo International Airport, and at the Lindela Repatriation Centre to speed up case processing.

Authorities also continue to intercept undocumented crossings through the Border Management Authority, while planning infrastructure upgrades and enhanced technological systems at key borders such as Beitbridge to reduce repeat illegal entries.

Ntshavheni clarified that South Africa is not initiating mass repatriations but is assisting neighbouring countries, including Malawi, when requested.She noted that delays in processing deportation documentation are partly due to limited capacity at foreign diplomatic missions.

The government also cautioned citizens against taking immigration enforcement into their own hands, stressing that law enforcement remains the responsibility of the state.

Beyond migration policy, Cabinet approved several additional governance and policy initiatives, including a draft Strategic Petroleum Stocks Policy aiming to secure fuel reserves equivalent to 60 days of net imports, with a long-term target of 90 days.

Environmental regulation will also be strengthened through amendments to existing legislation, granting inspectors greater enforcement powers and introducing administrative penalties for minor offences.

Cabinet further advanced international cooperation by submitting key treaties on regional industrial development and marine conservation for parliamentary ratification.

Updates on state-owned enterprise reforms indicated that 62% of State Capture Commission recommendations have been implemented or substantially completed, including the recovery of billions in assets and multiple prosecutions.