JOHANNESBURG - From preparations for November’s local government elections to a growing repatriation operation in Durban and political tensions within the Government of National Unity, these are some of the stories that made headlines this week.
Voter registration weekend gets underway
The IEC is urging eligible South Africans to register to vote, update their details and verify their voting information during this weekend’s voter registration drive.
The registration weekend takes place on 20 and 21 June ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections on 4 November. More than 23,700 registration stations will be open nationwide from 8am to 5pm.
The IEC has also expressed concern about low youth participation, revealing that more than 70 percent of eligible 18- and 19-year-olds are not yet registered to vote.
Thousands of Malawians await repatriation
Thousands of Malawian nationals remain at Sherwood Hall in Durban as authorities continue processing migrants seeking repatriation.
Tensions boiled over this week when police used stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse frustrated crowds protesting delays in transport arrangements.
Authorities say the site has exceeded capacity, while many migrants remain uncertain about when they will be able to return home.
The Malawian government has appealed for donations to assist with what it describes as an unprecedented humanitarian and logistical operation.
More than 2,900 foreign nationals have already left South Africa in recent days.
DA announces cabinet changes, ANC pushes back
The Democratic Alliance announced plans to reshuffle its representatives in the Government of National Unity, including a proposal to move Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen to a deputy minister position and replace him with Willie Aucamp.
DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis said the changes are aimed at strengthening the party’s contribution to government and improving performance in key portfolios.
The move drew criticism from the ANC, which argued that only President Cyril Ramaphosa has the constitutional authority to appoint or remove members of the executive.
The party accused the DA of attempting to undermine the president’s authority through a public announcement of proposed changes.