The Zimbabwean government is encouraging its citizens to embrace the return of nearly 60,000 Zimbabweans from South Africa. President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed the nation, stating that 11,065 individuals were repatriated through inter-governmental efforts, while an additional 47,703 returned voluntarily. Among those repatriated by the South African and Zimbabwean governments, 2,449 were adult men, 2,407 were adult females, and 4,955 were minors. Mnangagwa appealed to families and communities to welcome the returnees with compassion and love, highlighting government programs designed for their seamless reintegration. Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet George Charamba emphasized the value these returnees bring, noting their unique skills, particularly in horticulture, which are needed to help Zimbabwe meet its export quotas. A temporary repatriation facility, including a processing office, sleeping quarters, and ablutions, was established at the Beitbridge border post in approximately 96 hours. Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson stated that the facility aims to ensure the dignity of migrants leaving South Africa, while Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber affirmed readiness to handle repatriations in a lawful, orderly, and dignified manner.
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Reports suggest that Tony Leon's public relations firm, Resolve Communications, attempted to influence administrations in Democratic Alliance-led municipalities. Former DA leader Mmusi Maimane, now leader of Build One South Africa, and ActionSA's national chairperson Michael Beaumont have questioned the firm's director, Tony Leon. Maimane stated he tried to limit Leon's access to party members in leadership positions after former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba allegedly informed him of similar approaches by the firm. Maimane criticized the firm's access to DA ministers, calling it a "very dangerous practice." Leon denied any wrongdoing, asserting that his dealings with government entities were legitimate and involved strategic communications and crisis management. ActionSA has filed a complaint with the Public Protector, requesting an investigation into Resolve Communications and the ministers and deputies it interacts with. The party also plans to ask parliament to summon DA ministers and deputy ministers, and potentially representatives of Resolve Communications, to investigate the extent of their collaboration, citing concerns about potential "state capture."
South Africa's government has lost its bid to overturn a court ruling that could allow the export of legally harvested rhino horn. A private conservationist, Wicus Diedericks, owner of a game reserve in the Northern Cape province, sued the government to authorize the export of over 500 white rhino horns. In 2025, the Northern Cape High Court ruled in his favor, stating that horn from captive-bred white rhinos for conservation could qualify for export certificates. The same court dismissed the government's application for leave to appeal this judgment on Friday. Diedericks stated this decision validates the rights of private conservationists to fund their protection efforts, potentially saving the species and funding conservation. The environment department indicated that Minister David Maynier is considering the judgment and will decide on a further appeal. Trade in rhino horn has been globally banned since 1977 under CITES. While supporters argue the ban protects wild rhino populations, advocates for legal trade believe regulated sales could fund conservation and reduce black-market demand. The British NGO Environmental Investigation Agency called Diedericks' lawsuit a "reckless gambit," fearing it could increase demand and fuel illegal trafficking. South Africa has the world's largest rhino population but is also a poaching hotspot due to demand for rhino horn in Asia.
Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced that the South African government is investigating former President Jacob Zuma's recent visit to India, where he met with Ajay Gupta, who faces corruption charges related to state capture. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation is reviewing the visit and considering a review of Zuma's post-presidency privileges. Ntshavheni stated that privileges extended to former state presidents can be reviewed if they are abused to undermine the laws of the republic. She criticized Zuma's meeting with Gupta, calling it "very disturbing" and an act of "hobnobbing" with a wanted individual. The minister added that Dirco Minister Ronald Lamola requested a report from South African High Commissioner to India Anil Sooklal, who accompanied Zuma, and indicated that "drastic steps would be taken" if wrongdoing is evident. Ntshavheni concluded that Zuma's actions show a disregard for South Africans, especially given the financial losses incurred due to the Gupta brothers' activities.