Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: APO

The eighth edition of the AIPS Sport Media Awards reached its deadline on a high note, with 1,979 submissions representing 130 nationalities from the five continents. It was another tremendous display of the global reach and unity of AIPS (www.AIPSMedia.com), reaffirming the Awards as the most prestigious recognition for sports journalists and storytellers worldwide, open to professionals and freelancers alike, and free from language barriers.

The AIPS Sport Media Awards were born eight years ago, having understood the need to celebrate our profession in difficult times, and with the #SportMediaExcellence as path, to build bridges with the new generations of journalists, photographers, videomakers and sports storytellers. Colleagues from 166 countries have participated since then, showing the absolute need of being together in a fast-changing professional scenario. Ceremonies were held in Europe, Africa and Asia, also highlighting the international character of the Awards. 

WHAT’S NEXT All submissions will now be duly processed in the coming weeks, before the start of the five-round voting system. Each work will first be evaluated individually by the initial panel of mentors, EC members and jurors. The highest-rated pieces will advance to the longlist, to be announced in January 2026.

The second round will be conducted by the AIPS Executive Committee, representing 24 different countries, to determine the shortlisted candidates, revealed in February 2026. Finally, in March 2026, the AIPS Jury, composed of 12 distinguished figures from the international sport media industry, will review the shortlists and decide the Top 10 finalists, the Podium Nominees, and, on the eve of the ceremony, the winners.

THE PRIZES Awards for the eight senior categories include 5,000 USD for first place, 3,000 USD for second, and 2,000 USD for third. In the Young Reporters categories, three winners will be selected, each earning an AIPS scholarship to cover a major international sports event.

SPECIAL MENTIONS AND CONTINENTAL RANKINGS On top of the existing categories, all investigative works received will be taken into consideration for the special Investigative Reporting Award. A Life in Sport is another special category not open to submissions, celebrating the remarkable career of a seasoned journalist.

During the ceremony, special mentions representing the core values of AIPS will also be announced. These values include the fight against racism and discrimination in sport, the defence of press freedom, access to sources, equal gender representation, and proper coverage of women’s sport, among many others.

The continental rankings, another milestone to celebrate achievements on a regional level, will also be revealed during the gala.

CERTIFICATES All participants will receive a certificate of participation. Depending on their final position, they will also receive a certificate of merit for their progress, including those reaching the longlist, shortlist, Top 10, special mentions and continental rankings.

EYES ON LAUSANNE 2026 The Awards ceremony will take place in Lausanne, Switzerland, headquarters of AIPS, on the eve of the AIPS Congress in April 2026. All podium nominees will receive an invitation including a round ticket and accommodation to attend the gala.

THANK YOU From the entire AIPS Sport Media Awards team – AIPS President Gianni Merlo, Awards Director Martin Mazur, and all AIPS staff members – our heartfelt thanks go to every participant for making this another global success story.

Good luck to all!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Sports Press Association (AIPS).

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on Police has expressed grave concern over the persistent weaknesses within the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) supply chain management (SCM) system, describing it as a breeding ground for corruption that urgently requires decisive corrective action.

The committee concluded a rigorous meeting with the SAPS following a briefing from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) on the police service’s 2024/25 financial and performance outcomes.

Weak Supply Chain Oversight Fuels Irregular Expenditure

Committee Chairperson Mr Ian Cameron said the committee was alarmed by the Auditor-General’s findings, particularly that irregular expenditure increased by 140% over the 2024/25 financial year, reaching R640 million. “The fact that irregular expenditure increased so dramatically, or that SAPS admitted its Bid Evaluation Committee members lack training and fail to exercise due diligence when evaluating tenders, is deeply concerning,” said Mr Cameron.

The committee stressed that procurement laws and regulations exist to safeguard public funds and prevent abuse. Spending that does not comply with the Public Finance Management Act or other procurement legislation, even when not directly linked to fraud, creates an environment ripe for corruption.

Mr Cameron warned that weaknesses in procurement undermine efficient resource use within SAPS’s R113 billion annual budget, especially when there are repeated calls for increased allocations. “Weaknesses in procurement will lead to wastage in the system, diverting funds from critical policing needs,” he added. The committee highlighted the Medicare 24 Tshwane District contract awarded to Mr Vusimuzi Matlala as a key example of procurement irregularities. The bid was awarded to a supplier who did not meet all evaluation criteria, in violation of procurement procedures.

The committee also expressed dismay at SAPS’s failure to implement corrective action, warning that such inaction not only results in irregular expenditure but also exposes SAPS to costly litigation. While the committee noted that the contract is currently under investigation, it called for a comprehensive review of all SAPS procurement processes, including those related to Covid-19 personal protective equipment. The committee is further concerned that the head of SCM and procurement somehow remains in his position despite successive annual findings of irregular expenditure. “The committee will intensify oversight of SAPS procurement processes, going as far back as the Covid-19 period to uncover systemic weaknesses and ensure accountability,”
Mr Cameron said.

Poor Forensic Laboratory Performance Hampers Justice

The committee further expressed serious concern that none of the six performance targets within SAPS Forensic Science Laboratories were achieved during the reporting period. “In a country struggling with the scourge of gender-based violence, the non-performance of forensic laboratories is an indictment on the SAPS and undermines efforts to secure justice for victims,” Mr Cameron emphasised. Delays in forensic analysis, including DNA testing, it was noted, stall investigations, delay justice and erode confidence in the criminal justice system.

Crime Intelligence Claims Questioned

The committee dismissed as implausible SAPS’s claim that its Crime Intelligence programme achieved 100% of its targets, citing the ongoing rise in organised crime, drug trafficking and kidnappings nationwide. “A fully functional Crime Intelligence unit cannot realistically claim success when the lived experience of ordinary South Africans suggests otherwise,” said Mr Cameron. The committee also noted the Auditor-General’s finding that 30% of SAPS’s reported programme achievements were unreliable as more plausible and called for senior management to hold station and provincial commanders accountable for inaccurate reporting.

Weak SCM Affects Frontline Policing

The committee emphasised that wasteful expenditure caused by poor SCM practices directly undermines frontline policing. Despite SAPS reporting 85.54% vehicle availability, many police stations continue to experience vehicle shortages, hampering emergency responses. “A prudent and transparent SCM system would ensure optimal use of resources and prioritisation of essential policing tools such as vehicles,” Mr Cameron said.

Rising Contact Crimes Cause Concern

The committee raised alarm over the increase in contact crimes, particularly those affecting women, children, and persons with disabilities.

• Crimes against women increased by 0.52% (from 202,633 in 2023/24 to 203,692 in 2024/25).
• Crimes against children rose by 2.15% (from 46,052 to 47,044).

These trends were particularly concerning given SAPS’s target of reducing contact crimes. “SAPS must strengthen its policing strategies to reduce contact crimes, which remain a major driver of crime statistics and community insecurity,” Mr Cameron said.

Commitment to Transparency on Crime Statistics

The committee welcomed the assurance by the National Commissioner that the Quarter 1 and 2 crime statistics will be released by 28 November 2025. The committee also noted positively that the forthcoming statistics will include disaggregated data on crimes against women and children, which will now form a permanent feature of crime statistics reporting.

“Regular and transparent release of crime statistics is critical to assessing the effectiveness of policing strategies and maintaining public confidence,” Mr Cameron concluded.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources and the Portfolio Committee on Police have resolved to undertake an urgent joint oversight visit to Bloemfontein. This follows a petition from the Heidedal community raising grave concerns about the Witherow Dam quarry, where up to 50 drownings have reportedly occurred over the years.

The committees’ decision aims to obtain firsthand information, hold government departments and the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality accountable and engage directly with the affected community of Heidedal regarding safety, rehabilitation and regulatory compliance at the site.

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mr. Mikateko Mahlaule, underscored the seriousness of the matter, stating: “The petition remains a powerful tool for communities to seek Parliament’s intervention. It is deeply concerning that the body of water has not been fenced off, endangering the lives of children in the area. Equally worrying is the apparent disregard for several key legislations, including the National Environmental Management Act, the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act and the National Water Act.”

The committees are alarmed that, despite more than a decade of community appeals and numerous drownings, no action has been taken to secure the site or hold the responsible parties accountable. The committees further noted the broader challenge of mine rehabilitation in South Africa, calling for stronger, tangible measures from the relevant departments to ensure compliance and safety.

In line with their constitutional mandate, the committees stressed that government inaction is unacceptable and urgent action is required to ensure accountability. The committees will therefore convene all relevant stakeholders, including the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality to provide clarity and solutions to the community’s longstanding concerns.

The dates of the envisioned oversight visit will be communicated once the necessary parliamentary approval processes have been completed.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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Although food security has begun to improve in areas where fighting has subsided, famine has taken hold in conflict-hit locations that have been cut off from aid or under siege, according to the latest UN-backed IPC food security analysis. 

Famine conditions have been confirmed in Darfur’s El Fasher and Kadugli, where “people have endured months without reliable access to food or medical care,” the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and child rights agency UNICEF said in a joint release.

Ceasefire call

UN chief António Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan on Tuesday as disturbing images of apparent mass killings in El Fasher and elsewhere continue to circulate online.

In a tweet, Mr. Guterres appealed to the Sudanese Armed Forces and the rebel paramilitary Rapid Support Forces “to come to the negotiating table to bring an end to this nightmare of violence”.

Heavy fighting erupted in Sudan in April 2023 between the rival armies which has created a massive humanitarian disaster.

Last week saw the fall of government held El Fasher after more than 500 days of siege by rebels.

Hundreds of civilians – including humanitarian workers – are believed to have been killed, and many others are trapped behind barricades.

Millions still going hungry

The IPC analysis confirmed that roughly 21.2 million people in Sudan – 45 per cent of the population – are facing high levels of acute food insecurity, representing a slight improvement.

Furthermore, an estimated 3.4 million people are no longer facing crisis levels of hunger.

The improvements follow a gradual stabilisation since May in three states – Khartoum, Al Jazirah and Sennar – where conflict has eased and families are returning, among other developments.

“But these gains are limited,” the UN agencies said.  “The wider crisis has shattered the economy and vital services, and much of the infrastructure people rely on has been damaged or destroyed.”

‘Fragile improvements’

Favourable crop growing conditions are also expected after the harvest and into next year, with crisis levels of hunger improving to 19.3 million through January.

They warned, however, that “these fragile improvements are highly localised” as many returning families in Khartoum and Al Jazirah have lost everything and will struggle to benefit from the harvest.  

At the same time, active conflict persists in western regions, notably North and South Darfur as well as West and South Kordofan.

Meanwhile, hunger is expected to worsen starting in February as food stocks run out and fighting continues. 

Famine in besieged areas

The IPC’s Famine Review Committee (FRC) found that famine conditions are occurring in El Fasher, capital of North Darfur state, and Kadugli in South Kordofan, which have been largely cut off due to conflict. 

The UN agencies noted that conditions in Dilling, South Kordofan, “are likely similar to Kadugli, but cannot be classified due to insufficient reliable data – a result of restricted humanitarian access and ongoing hostilities.”

In the Western Nuba Mountains, conditions have shown marginal improvement, but famine remains high unless humanitarian access improves.

The FRC projects a risk of famine in 20 additional areas across Greater Darfur and Greater Kordofan, including rural localities, displacement camps and several new locations in East Darfur and South Kordofan.

Additionally, Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rates are alarmingly high, ranging from 38 to 75 per cent in El Fasher and reaching nearly 30 per cent in Kadugli.

This is happening as outbreaks of cholera, malaria and measles continue to rise in areas where health, water and sanitation systems have collapsed.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

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The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has by Proclamation declared Thursday, November 6, 2025, as National Thanksgiving Day and it is to be observed throughout the Republic as a national holiday. 

According to a Foreign Ministry release, the proclamation calls on Liberians and foreign residents, Priests, Imams, Bishops, Pastors, Clergies, and religious organizations to gather in their various places of Worship, and offer praise to the Almighty God so that He may continuously protect us as a people and a nation. 

The proclamation is in consonance with an Act of National Legislation enacted in 1883 declaring the First Thursday in the Month of November of each year as a National Thanksgiving Day.

The Presidential proclamation stated that it is befitting that a day be set aside for the Nation and its people to give thanks and adoration to the Lord for His dispensation of grace, mercy, and providence, as well as the perseverance of lives. 

The Proclamation recounted that the people of the Republic of Liberia have always given thanks and praises to the Almighty God for His tender mercies and manifold blessings bestowed upon them and the Nation, especially for continuous protection in time of peace, disaster and natural phenomena over the years.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.