Minister Dina Pule receives repatriated children at OR Tambo International Airport, 3 Sept

Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule, will on Thursday, 03 September 2026, receive two South African girl children at OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, Gauteng Province.The children, aged 9 and 15 respectively, were trafficked across South Africa's borders to Malawi and have since been identified as victims of human trafficking.

Their return forms part of South Africa's repatriation process aimed at ensuring the safe return of children who have been subjected to trafficking and exploitation.Their reception forms part of government's ongoing efforts to protect children from trafficking and exploitation, ensure their safe repatriation into the country, and facilitate access to appropriate care, protection and support services.

To date, the Department of Social Development has repatriated 22 children. As the custodian of the Children's Act, the Department works closely with various government departments, entities and civil society organisations to ensure the safe return and reintegration of children who are victims of human trafficking. 

These include the Departments of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Home Affairs, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), the Border Management Authority (BMA), and civil society organisations.Minister Pule will be accompanied by senior government officials and relevant stakeholders who will oversee arrangements for the children's safe return, care and access to the necessary support services.

Members of the media are invited to cover the Minister's arrival and the reception of the children as follows:

Media Briefing Programme 

Date: Thursday, 3 September 2026
Time: 11h00
Venue: OR Tambo Airport Media Centre, OR Tambo International Airport, Kempton Park, Gauteng Province