Country Report on Terrorism 2024 - Chapter 1 - South Africa

Country Overview:  ISIS continued operating urban cells in South Africa, providing logistical and financial support to ISIS branches in Africa.  Regional dynamics remained a concern as terrorist groups made material gains in the South African Development Community region, including in Mozambique.  The government continued prosecuting terrorism, albeit inconsistently.  The high-profile terrorism prosecution of Sayfudeen Del Vecchio and Fatima Patel, charged in 2018 with murdering British-South African dual nationals Rodney and Rachel Saunders, faced numerous delays, partly due to decentralized terrorism cases.  In late 2024, the couple’s lawyers filed an application to halt the prosecution and secure their release from what the defendants described as “inhumane conditions.”  South Africa’s numerous air, sea, and land ports of entry created significant border security challenges, making the country a major international hub for illicit trafficking of drugs, people, gold, wildlife, and contraband.  Poor communication and insufficient equipment previously hindered siloed border security efforts.  To address these shortcomings, South Africa established the Border Management Authority in 2020.  The integrated agency enhanced border control and coordination.  South Africa remained on the FATF gray list in 2024.  In December, South Africa published draft General Laws amendments for public comment to address deficiencies identified by FATF.  In June, South Africa raised its terror financing risk assessment from medium to high due to Islamic State activity in the region.

2024 Terrorism Trends:  South Africa reported no terrorist incidents in 2024.