South Africa: Cabinet Outlines Action On Drugs, Ebola Preparedness

Carmel Ndomba Mbikayi/UNICEF
A UNICEF water and sanitation expert explains Ebola prevention measures to students at a primary school in Bunia, Ituri, DR Congo.
5 June 2026
SAnews.gov.za (Tshwane)

Cabinet has reaffirmed government's commitment to intensifying the fight against organised crime and strengthening South Africa's contribution to the continental response to Ebola outbreaks.

Briefing media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said government remains focused on addressing issues that affect the safety, health and wellbeing of citizens, while advancing development priorities.

Cabinet commended law enforcement agencies for recent successes in disrupting major drug trafficking operations and dismantling criminal syndicates operating in the country.

The Border Management Authority (BMA), the Hawks, South African Police Service (SAPS) K9 units and other law enforcement agencies were praised for an intelligence-driven operation that intercepted a drug consignment valued at nearly R1 billion at the Beitbridge Port of Entry.

Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn

The operation, conducted on 27 May 2026, led to the interception of a truck travelling through Zimbabwe into South Africa. Authorities discovered approximately 713 000 grams of methaqualone, commonly known as ABBA, a substance widely used in the manufacture of Mandrax.

"Furthermore, Cabinet commended the South African Police Service for the arrest of 11 suspects, including four Mexican nationals, following the discovery of a multimillion-rand drug manufacturing laboratory on a farm in Swartruggens in the North West province," the Minister said.

The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by government to combat transnational organised crime, drug trafficking networks and the proliferation of illicit substances in communities.

SA supporting continental fight against Ebola

On health matters, Cabinet expressed support for South Africa's contribution of US$5 million towards a continental preparedness and response plan aimed at containing Ebola outbreaks currently affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

The contribution forms part of a broader African response plan valued at US$319 million.

While the World Health Organisation has declared the Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, Cabinet stressed that there is currently no cause for alarm in South Africa.

"Ebola is not endemic to South Africa and human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected, symptomatic person," Ntshavheni said.

Government has continued to monitor developments closely, while working with continental and international partners to strengthen preparedness measures and support affected countries.

Read the original article on SAnews.gov.za.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2026 SAnews.gov.za. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.