RC 261009SAfmAshraf Garda
Friday, 9 October 2026
Violent protests over the Constitutional Court's asylum ruling in Durban, Soweto and Johannesburg dominated, leading Home Affairs to withdraw its intake directive, while Navi Pillay's Nobel Peace Prize drew national pride.
- 15:06
Home Affairs withdrew its directive on asylum application intake after reception offices were overwhelmed and officials were threatened, and says it will design a fresh process to comply with the Constitutional Court order.
- 15:01
Violent protests against the Constitutional Court's asylum ruling broke out in Durban, Soweto and the Johannesburg CBD, with several buildings and cars torched. Deputy President Paul Mashatile called for calm.
- 15:00
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says about 95% of asylum applications are rejected after assessment on their merits, and that access to the application process does not guarantee asylum status.
- 15:03
Former UN human rights chief Navi Pillay won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for strengthening international law and accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. President Ramaphosa congratulated her.