For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Halima Frost.

Making headlines: Amnesty International demands govt action on rising anti-migrant vigilantism; Politicians laud voter registration drive with surge in registrations by youth, women; And, Treasury says infrastructure bonds to become permanent part of funding activity

Amnesty International demands govt action on rising anti-migrant vigilantism

Amnesty International South Africa has urged government to immediately stop vigilante groups from targeting migrants and businesses, citing a rise in unlawful, violent actions.

Executive director Shenilla Mohamed warned that failure to take decisive action against a growing trend of vigilantism is encouraging further human rights violations. The organisation is demanding that police investigate and hold perpetrators accountable.

The crisis intensified ahead of a June 30 deadline issued by the group March and March, which ordered undocumented migrants to leave South Africa.

With the deadline passing, coordinated intimidation, harassment, and anti-migrant protests continue to disrupt communities, the organisation notes.

Mohamed emphasised that government statements are no longer enough to deter these groups.

Politicians laud voter registration drive with surge in registrations by youth, women

Politicians have hailed the conclusion of the final voter registration weekend as a definitive reaffirmation of public faith in South Africa’s democratic structures.

The Independent Electoral Commission’s final registration weekend concluded with 29-million citizens successfully registered on the national voters' roll.

The ANC welcomed the voter turnout, viewing the high registration numbers as proof of the resilience of South Africa's democratic project.

In a statement, Parliamentary leadership, led by National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, noted that South Africa's “strong registration metrics” sends a global message regarding the health of its democracy, particularly at a time when civic participation is facing global decline.

Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice Jane Mananiso, echoed these sentiments, calling the registration growth a sign of a maturing democracy.

And, Treasury says infrastructure bonds to become permanent part of funding activity

National Treasury director-general Dr Duncan Pieterse says there is strong interest from institutional investors to support government’s public investment ambitions, citing recent developments in relation to government’s issuance of infrastructure bonds.

Pieterse said following the R11.8-billion raised in the debut issuance of the new infrastructure bond on 8 December 2025, the first auction tapping these instruments was conducted on the 8th of July.

R5-billion was on offer, but total bids of R17.8-billion were received and Treasury decided to allocate R4.4-billion.

He explained that both infrastructure bonds on auction cleared close to market, which is remarkable for new and relatively illiquid instruments, indicating that the next infrastructure bond auction would take place on October 21.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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