Cabinet greenlights 10-year licences extension, tightens migration controls
Cabinet has approved a series of significant policy decisions, including extending the validity of driving licences for light motor vehicles to 10 years, intensifying immigration enforcement, and supporting a $13 million regional Ebola response.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced the developments during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, following the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
Ntshavheni said the decisions are aimed at improving service delivery, strengthening regional cooperation and responding to pressing social and economic challenges.
EBOLA SUPPORT FOR THE REGION
Cabinet welcomed emergency funding from the African Development Bank Group to help contain Ebola outbreaks in Central and East Africa.
“Cabinet welcomed the approval of the $13 million in emergency grants to strengthen efforts to contain the Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan,” Ntshavheni said.
The funding will support surveillance, treatment centres, community engagement and cross-border coordination in affected countries. Ntshavheni linked the initiative to South Africa’s broader continental role, noting President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for increased African solidarity and investment in health systems.
CABINET REJECTS 'WHITE GENOCIDE' CLAIMS
Addressing social cohesion, Cabinet dismissed claims of “white genocide” following reports that some white South Africans had sought asylum in the United States.
“Cabinet has reiterated that South Africans, irrespective of their political views, will always have a home in this country without fear of political persecution,” Ntshavheni said.
She acknowledged ongoing socio-economic challenges affecting citizens but stressed these must be addressed collectively. Cabinet also called on South Africans to reject racial mobilisation and recommit to building a non-racial and inclusive society.
INITIATION DEATHS
Cabinet expressed concern over fatalities recorded during the 2026 Winter Customary Initiation season.
A total of 47 initiates died, 93 were hospitalised, and 181 were rescued from illegal initiation schools. Authorities have opened 161 criminal cases, arrested 41 individuals and shut down 42 illegal schools.
“Cabinet conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the families of the 47 initiates who lost their lives,” Ntshavheni said, adding that government will continue working with traditional leaders to enforce the law and prevent further deaths.
DRIVING LICENCE VALIDITY EXTENDED
In a move expected to ease pressure on licensing centres, Cabinet approved extending the validity period of driving licence cards for light motor vehicles from five to 10 years.
“Cabinet approved the extension of the validity period of driving licences for codes A, A1, B and EB from five years to 10 years,” Ntshavheni said.
The change will not apply to heavy commercial vehicles or Professional Driving Permits, which will retain shorter renewal cycles.
Ntshavheni cautioned that the new system would only take effect once legislative amendments are finalised. Motorists are required to continue renewing licences under the current system until then.
MIGRATION CRACKDOWN INTENSIFIES
Cabinet also received a progress report on government’s migration management plan, which has seen a sharp increase in deportations.
Between 14 June and 24 July 2026, a total of 68 327 undocumented foreign nationals were repatriated through coordinated operations with their countries of origin.
“Eighty-one percent were Malawian nationals, 16 percent Zimbabwean and three percent Mozambican,” Ntshavheni said.
Authorities have also recorded a rise in immigration-related offences, with 205 cases registered by 23 July, up from 103 the previous week. A total of 354 arrests were made, with the Free State recording the highest number.
Between April and June, courts finalised more than 28 000 immigration-related cases, most resulting in deportations.
Government is also implementing new border management measures, including the rollout of an Electronic Travel Authorisation system and upgraded movement control systems at major airports. Meanwhile, the Musina Temporary Repatriation Centre will be significantly downsized.
Ntshavheni said the measures form part of President Ramaphosa’s five-point plan to strengthen migration control and improve border management systems.
Cabinet maintained that the combined interventions are aimed at ensuring national security, improving administrative efficiency, and supporting regional stability.
