Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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PRO ALLY Partners with Word Café Podcast to Host Echoes of Dark Gold, A Special Storytelling Session on Nigeria’s Oil and Gas (1903 – 1958) History

Source: APO – Report:

In commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on October 1st, PRO ALLY (https://PROALLYWorld.com/), in collaboration with the Word Café Podcast, is proud to present Echoes of Dark Gold, a special storytelling session that revisits the untold stories and historical foundations of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry from 1903 to 1958.

Oil has long been at the heart of Nigeria’s economic and political landscape, yet its beginnings remain largely hidden from public consciousness. This initiative seeks to illuminate that history, sparking dialogue and reflection on the journey that has shaped Nigeria’s present and future.

Through this storytelling experience, Echoes of Dark Gold will transport audiences into the early days of exploration, the first discoveries, and the complex dynamics that positioned oil as the “dark gold” of the nation. Beyond recounting history, it will also provide a platform for meaningful conversations on legacy, national identity, and the future of resource governance in Nigeria.

Speaking on the collaboration, Tunbosun Afolayan, Managing Director, PRO ALLY stated: “Nigeria’s independence anniversary is not only a time for celebration but also reflection. By partnering with Word Café Podcast, we aim to bring history closer to the people, helping us understand how the past continues to shape our collective destiny.”

The event will hold on October 1st, 2025, as a virtual event, offering listeners in Nigeria and beyond the chance to engage with an immersive narrative woven with historical insights, cultural reflections, and thought-provoking perspectives.

PRO ALLY and Word Café Podcast invite all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria around the world to join in this commemorative session as the nation marks its 65th year of independence.

To be invited, you can register your interest here: https://apo-opa.co/4pI5uzq

– on behalf of PRO ALLY.

About PRO ALLY:
PRO ALLY is a sustainability communications consulting company for the energy and extractive sectors. With a vision to democratise knowledge and opportunities, we remain committed to supporting our clients to champion progressive causes, simplify communication, and amplifying the impact of their work for socio-economic development.

About Word Café Podcast:
The Word Café Podcast is a storytelling and thought-leadership platform that amplifies voices, explores history, and sparks conversations that matter.

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Limpopo man sentenced to life in prison for rape

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, September 26, 2025

The Seshego Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo on Thursday sentenced Poulis Ngwepe (44) to life imprisonment for the rape of a 13-year-old in the Ga-Ramoshoana village in the Matlala policing area.

The court heard that on the night of 10 August 2020, the victim went outside her house to fetch a bucket when the accused spotted and followed her. 

He grabbed the victim and covered her mouth with his hands before taking her to his residence, where he raped her and threatened to kill her if she disclosed the ordeal.

After being released, the victim reported the incident to her grandmother, who immediately alerted the police. 

A case of rape was registered at Matlala South African Police Service (SAPS) and the matter was referred to the Seshego Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for further investigation.

“The meticulous and dedicated investigation by Sergeant Victor Mokhudu led to the accused being arrested and charged with rape,” the SAPS said in a statement. 

“The accused was initially granted bail during his court appearances but was ultimately found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of a minor,” the police said.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, welcomed the sentence imposed by the court, saying it reflects the seriousness of the offense and the justice system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society. – SAnews.gov.za

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Acting President pays respects to Premier Mabuyane after mother’s passing

Source: Government of South Africa

Acting President Paul Mashatile has visited Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane’s home to pay his respects after the passing of his mother, Nolandile Mabuyane.

Mama Mabuyane, affectionately known as Mambathane, passed away on 16 September 2025, at the age of 79, after a long illness.

“On behalf of government and the people of South Africa, and in my personal capacity, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the passing of your beloved mother,” said the Acting President on Thursday. 

Acting President Mashatile said her legacy was evident not just in her family but also in the numerous lives impacted indirectly through Premier Mabuyane’s leadership in the province and his public service to the citizens.

“The strength, compassion and dedication with which you have served the people of the Eastern Cape and the nation speak volumes about the woman who raised you.“

The Acting President remembered her as a woman of faith and dignity. 

“Her warmth, humility and quiet strength were qualities that not only enriched your family but also anchored her community in love and principle. The pain of losing a mother is immeasurable.” 

The Acting President described a mother as “the cornerstone of the family, the source of wisdom, and the quiet force behind our strength”.

“Though she may no longer be with you in the physical, the values she embodied will live on through the lives of those she nurtured and the legacy she has left behind, including in the Premier as Leader of this province,” he added.

“In this moment of sorrow, we pray that the Almighty grants you and your family comfort, peace, and the courage to face the days ahead. May you take solace in the beautiful memories you shared with her, and may her soul find eternal rest.

“May her legacy be eternal and may she continue to rest in peace and power,” he added. 

The Premier’s mother will be laid to rest on Saturday, 27 September 2025, at her home in the Deberha Locality, eNgcobo. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Ekuvukeni Water Supply Project to improve lives of KZN communities

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has officially handed over the completed works of the Ekuvukeni Water Supply Project in KwaZulu-Natal’s Alfred Duma Local Municipality.

Addressing community members, traditional leaders, and government stakeholders at the Ekuvukeni Sportsfield at the handover on Thursday, Hlabisa emphasised the constitutional importance of water as a basic human right.

“Section 27 of the Bill of Rights affirms that every person in South Africa has the right to sufficient water. This right is not negotiable. It is a human right that government must deliver,” he said.

The Ekuvukeni Water Supply Project – implemented by the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) and funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) – marks a significant milestone in addressing long-standing water infrastructure challenges in Wards 30 to 36 of the Alfred Duma Local Municipality. 

The project benefits over 14 500 households, reaching approximately 75 655 people.

Hlabisa provided an overview of the completed works, which include the installation of over 1.5 km of bulk pipeline and 8.4 km of reticulation pipelines. 

In addition, 52 valve chambers and 25 communal standpipes were installed, along with multiple yard connections. 

The project also involved the partial refurbishment of the Oliphantskop Water Treatment Works and the Petronella Booster Pump Station, and an 8-million-litre (ML) steel reticulation tank was constructed to improve water storage capacity.

He also highlighted the socio-economic impact of the project, including the employment of 32 local labourers, with a focus on youth and women and the appointment of eight local subcontractors through the Project Steering Committee, with contracts exceeding R6.1 million.

The Minister also announced the installation of communal standpipes in schools and villages, improving access to clean water. 

“This project is not just about pipes and pumps. It is about people,” said Hlabisa. 

“It means that a grandmother in Uitval no longer walks kilometres to fetch water. It means that children in Etholeni go to school with clean uniforms and better health.”

However, he acknowledged remaining challenges, including water losses due to leaks and illegal connections, three production boreholes nearing completion, seasonal raw water shortages and limited reservoir capacity and the funding gaps, with R18 million still required for full system stabilisation. 

To address these issues, a Section 63 intervention agreement was signed on 19 August 2025 between CoGTA, the Department of Water and Sanitation, Umngeni-uThukela Water, and the uThukela District Municipality. 

This agreement empowers Umngeni-uThukela Water to manage water infrastructure in the district for the next five years.

“This infrastructure was built for you, your children, and generations to come. You must see yourselves as the first line of defence – guarding these facilities against vandalism, theft, and misuse. When you rise together as a united community, you protect what you have and ensure lasting change,” said Hlabisa.

Hlabisa concluded the handover ceremony by congratulating the Alfred Duma Local Municipality on being selected as a recipient of the Intermediary Cities Grant under the Intermediate City Municipalities (ICM) Programme. 

This grant supports smaller urban areas in planning and implementing development projects to overcome challenges such as spatial inequality. 

According to the department, it also funds infrastructure investments, improves governance and financial management, and promotes sustainable urban development in crucial but often overlooked cities. 

The event was attended by KwaZulu-Natal CoGTA MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the Mayor of Alfred Duma Local Municipality Zama Sibisi, the Mayor of uThukela District Municipality Inkosi Ntandoyenkosi Shabalala, and representatives from the Department of Water and Sanitation, uThukela District Municipality, Umngeni-uThukela Water, MISA, and local leadership. – SAnews.gov.za

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Líderes africanos apelam a uma acção ousada e unida para enfrentar a crise sanitária mundial e manter o progresso na luta contra a malária

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Os chefes de Estado e Governos africanos reuniram hoje os líderes globais num evento de alto nível, à margem da 80ª Assembleia Geral das Nações Unidas, com o intuito de fazer soar o alarme sobre as crescentes ameaças à segurança sanitária global.

Convocado sob o tema “Unidos para a segurança sanitária global”, o evento conjunto reuniu a Rede de Líderes Globais para a saúde de mulheres, crianças e adolescentes, presidida por S. Exa o Presidente Cyril Ramaphosa da África do Sul, e a Aliança de Líderes Africanos contra a Malária (ALMA), presidida pelo Presidente Advogado Duma Gideon Boko do Botswana. Os debates foram moderados pela Rt Hon. Helen Clark, Presidente da Parceria para a saúde materna, neonatal e infantil e Ex Primeira-Ministra da Nova Zelândia.

No meio da crescente preocupação com a estagnação do progresso rumo aos Objectivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável para a saúde, os líderes apelaram a compromissos financeiros urgentes, parcerias mais fortes e acções ousadas e conjuntas para proteger os mais vulneráveis do mundo, incluindo mulheres, crianças e adolescentes, de doenças preveníveis como a malária.

“A luta contra a malária está a tornar-se cada vez mais complexa”, afirmou o Presidente Advogado Duma, Gideon Boko. “Orçamentos reduzidos, a crescente resistência biológica, as crises humanitárias e o impacto das alterações climáticas estão a contribuir para a criação duma tempestade perfeita de desafios”, acrescentou.

A diminuição de financiamentos ameaça o progresso

Nos últimos anos, testemunhamos uma erosão drástica da assistência oficial ao desenvolvimento (AOD) para a saúde, e os líderes africanos estão a avisar que os programas que salvam vidas correm o risco de entrar em colapso devido à falta de financiamento urgente e sustentado. Só entre 2021 e 2025, a AOD para a saúde em África caiu cerca de 70%, mesmo com o aumento das disparidades de equidade, conflitos e deslocações, que aumentaram tanto as necessidades como a vulnerabilidade.

S. Ex.ª o Presidente Cyril Ramaphosa enfatizou o impacto destes cortes: “programas essenciais para eliminar a malária foram comprometidos. o que deixa milhões de pessoas sem tratamentos e destrói décadas do progresso alcançado até o momento”.

Uma reposição bem-sucedida do Fundo Global é fundamental

Os líderes reiteraram o apoio à próxima 8ª reposição do Fundo Global para o Combate à SIDA, Tuberculose e Malária, que visa angariar US$ 18 mil milhões no congresso de Novembro de 2025. O Fundo Global, criado em 2002, tem sido essencial para o progresso na luta contra as três doenças, o que já salvou mais de 70 milhões de vidas. Os líderes salientaram que a próxima reposição é crucial, não só para manter o ritmo, mas também para evitar a reversão das conquistas arduamente conquistadas no meio a ameaças cada vez maiores. O presidente da ALMA emitiu um apelo à mobilização sobre a próxima reposição: “Apelo a todos os países e doadores para que invistam ousadamente na reposição do Fundo Global. Se todos nos unirmos, salvaremos 23 milhões de vidas da malária, SIDA e tuberculose, e ao mesmo tempo fortaleceremos os nossos sistemas de saúde”.

Reforço da apropriação, a nível nacional, mobilização de recursos e produção local inovadoras

À medida que enfatizaram a importância da solidariedade global, os líderes africanos observaram que a apropriação e a responsabilização africanas devem estar no âmago da resposta, com S. Exa, Presidente William Ruto, da República do Quénia, a afirmar que “o futuro do financiamento da saúde em África está nas nossas mãos. É encorajador constatar que, em todo o continente, a mudança já está em curso”.

Através de iniciativas como os Conselhos e fundos nacionais para a eliminação da malária, os países estão a adoptar abordagens inovadoras de financiamento para aumentar o conjunto de recursos para a malária, com 11 países africanos já a ter mobilizado mais de US$ 166 milhões, o que ilustra o poder da colaboração multissectorial. 

Ao mesmo tempo, os líderes africanos recomendaram inovações testadas e comprovadas, e pediram à Associação Internacional de Desenvolvimento (AID) do Banco Mundial a criação dum 2º Programa de Reforço da Malária. O primeiro programa de reforço da malária (fase I e fase II), entre 2005 e 2015, resultou em milhões investidos no controlo da doença e na prevenção de milhões de casos e vidas salvas. Este programa vital ajudou a “reforçar os sistemas de saúde locais, como os profissionais da área da saúde, e a melhorar os sistemas de dados e a vigilância”, afirmou S. Exa Muhammed B.S Jallow, Vice-Presidente da República da Gâmbia.

Com a recente reposição do IDA21, temos uma oportunidade de implementar um programa semelhante para enfrentar os desafios que enfrentamos hoje, com o Presidente da ALMA, o Presidente Advogado Duma Gideon Boko, a afirmar: “como ALMA, estamos a apelar à Associação Internacional de Desenvolvimento do Banco Mundial para que estabeleça um segundo Programa de Reforço da Malária”, disse.

Um impulso para a apropriação nacional foi feito pela Dra. Sania Nishtar, CEO da GAVI, que afirmou: “Acreditamos firmemente que os países, e não as instituições mundiais de saúde, devem estar no centro da saúde global”. A Dra. Nishtar destacou o Acelerador Africano para o Fabrico de Vacinas da GAVI, que, segundo ela, “promove a autossuficiência africana no fabrico de vacinas”. A CEO da GAVI partilhou ainda que a aliança de vacinas está a “realizar a implementação mais rápida da vacina nos 25 anos de história da GAVI”, com a introdução de vacinas contra a malária em 23 países africanos, com evidências iniciais que apresentam uma queda de 13% na mortalidade infantil por todas as causas nas áreas vacinadas.

A necessidade de parcerias público-privadas para fornecer financiamento sustentável

Os líderes solicitaram o estabelecimento dum Acelerador de Saúde com Parceria Público-Privada para responder ao declínio do financiamento tradicional, com o Presidente Advogado Duma Gideon Boko a encorajar os outros líderes a “pensar mais além e aumentar a nossa rede de contactos para mobilizar ainda mais recursos para atender aos sérios desafios de saúde”.

Esta parceria irá gerar novos investimentos e impulsionar o progresso rumo à cobertura universal de saúde. Espera-se que o acelerador potencialize as parcerias com o sector privado, fundações filantrópicas, indivíduos de património elevado e a diáspora, enquanto reforça ao mesmo tempo os compromissos nacionais. “Precisamos dum acelerador de saúde com uma parceria público-privada que impulsione o progresso de toda a sociedade rumo aos Objectivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável  ODS através de investimentos contínuos de alto valor”, partilhou o presidente da ALMA.

Este apelo a parcerias público-privadas recebeu o apoio dos outros líderes, e o Vice-Presidente da República da Gâmbia afirmou que estas parcerias “podem nos ajudar a fornecer financiamento contínuo neste momento crítico e levar o nosso continente à prosperidade”.

O Grande Impulso contra a malária

No início deste ano, o Centro Africano de Controlo e Prevenção de Doenças (Africa CDC) revelou uma estratégia ousada para transformar o financiamento da saúde em todo o continente, em meio a um cenário financeiro global volátil e em constante evolução. Este impulso foi amplificado em Abuja com o lançamento do “Grande Impulso” para eliminar a malária no início de Setembro, o que coloca a eliminação da malária no centro da agenda de saúde e desenvolvimento de África. Com base neste facto, os líderes africanos na Assembleia Geral da ONU solicitaram uma mudança de paradigmas em investimentos para apoiar a luta contra a malária e contra os desafios de saúde cada vez maiores no continente.

O evento conjunto assinalou uma determinação renovada para enfrentar crises simultâneas com urgência, inovação e unidade, com S.  Exa, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-Geral dos  Centros Africanos de Controlo e Prevenção de Doenças, a exortar os líderes a continuarem a transformar estas crises em oportunidades para “começar a angariar financiamento contínuo, construir o nosso próprio sistema de dados pertencente ao continente, começar a fabricar as nossas próprias vacinas e medicamentos e a criar um sistema de vigilância forte. Agora a África está a liderar o mundo”.

À medida que os países africanos avançam rumo a uma maior apropriação dos nossos sistemas de saúde e agenda de desenvolvimento, a Professora Senait Fisseha, defensora dos direitos à saúde sexual e reprodutiva, incentivou os líderes a “garantir que esses direitos reflectem os nossos valores, aquilo em que acreditamos, o que é certo e o  seu pleno potencial”.

“Juntos, vamos erguer-nos para este momento. Vamos provar que os sistemas de saúde resilientes são a pedra basilar da dignidade, da segurança e da prosperidade”, disse S.  Exa. O Presidente William Ruto, da República do Quénia, concluiu o seu discurso, reiterando o Presidente da ALMA, o Presidente Advogado Duma Gideon Boko, que afirmou: “Podemos tornar a eliminação da malária uma realidade. Podemos proporcionar um futuro saudável às mulheres, bebés, crianças e adolescentes. O momento para agir é agora”.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA).

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Zimbabwe’s Deputy Mining Minister to Speak at African Mining Week (AMW) as Country Emerges as Lithium Powerhouse

Source: APO – Report:

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Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development Polite Kambamura has confirmed his participation as a speaker at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 conference, Africa’s premier platform for mining investment and policy dialogue. With his participation, Deputy Minister Kambamura is well-positioned to highlight Zimbabwe’s sector reforms, investment opportunities and downstream beneficiation drive.

Zimbabwe’s mining sector is undergoing a period of growth and transformation, with mineral exports up 27% year-on-year in the first half of 2025 and full-year revenues projected at $6.2-$6.5 billion. The country is targeting over 7% sector growth this year, underpinned by strong gold and coal performance, alongside rapid expansion of its lithium industry. Backed by more than $1 billion in Chinese investment and new processing facilities at Bikita and Sandawana, Zimbabwe is positioning itself as Africa’s leading lithium producer.  

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting http://sales@energycapitalpower.com .

Key mining projects in the country include integrated resource group Tharisa’s Karo Platinum Mine, set for 2025 commissioning, and platinum group metals (PGMs) miner Zimplats’ new Mupani mine, targeting 2.2 million tons of production annually. With rising investor confidence and sustained capital inflows, Zimbabwe is strengthening its role as one of Africa’s fastest-growing mining markets. Recent policy reforms – including the gazetting of a new Mines and Minerals Bill and the launch of a digital mining cadaster system – are further enhancing transparency, regulatory oversight and investor certainty.

With capital expenditure projected at $600 million this year and formal mining employment set to expand by 3%, Zimbabwe offers significant opportunities across lithium, gold, PGMs, coal and diamonds. The country’s emphasis on beneficiation, infrastructure expansion and regulatory modernization is expected to unlock long-term growth and strengthen its competitiveness on the global stage. Gold has delivered a particularly robust performance, with deliveries to Fidelity Gold Refinery up nearly 46% in the first half of 2025, driven largely by artisanal and small-scale miners and record global prices. Meanwhile, lithium concentrate exports rose 30% in the same period, underscoring Zimbabwe’s resilience to price volatility and its emerging role as a key supplier of critical minerals.

As such, AMW 2025 provides a strategic platform for Deputy Minister Kambamura to showcase these opportunities, engage with global financiers and outline the country’s commitment to value addition, transparency and sustainable sector growth.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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President congratulates newly elected leader of Malawi 

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, September 26, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his warm congratulations to Professor Peter Mutharika on his electoral victory in the Republic of Malawi’s general elections.

The President wished Professor Mutharika, who won the elections on 16 September 2025, every success as he prepares to undertake the weighty responsibility conferred upon him by the people of Malawi. 

“South Africa looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with Professor Mutharika’s administration, working in concert to strengthen the enduring bonds of friendship and solidarity between our two nations. This partnership is essential for the mutual benefit of our peoples and for the advancement of regional integration,” the President said on Thursday.

He further commended the people of Malawi for their active and peaceful participation in the electoral process, which reaffirms their steadfast commitment to democratic principles, thereby setting a positive example for the region.

In the same spirit, President Ramaphosa expressed his profound appreciation to President Lazarus Chakwera for his dedicated leadership. 

“During his tenure, President Chakwera meaningfully strengthened bilateral cooperation between our countries and was a committed advocate for regional unity. 

“His contributions to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), notably during Malawi’s chairmanship of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, were instrumental in promoting peace, development, and prosperity across the continent.

“South Africa eagerly anticipates working with the incoming Government and the people of Malawi to advance our shared aspirations for the wellbeing of our citizens and the broader African family,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA companies to showcase their products at Anuga International Trade Fair

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, September 26, 2025

South African agro-processing companies from six provinces will get the opportunity to attract the attention of international food importers from across the world when they showcase their products at the Anuga International Trade Fair in Cologne, Germany.

In total, 30 South African companies are expected to take part at the Anuga International Trade Fair from 4-8 October 2025.

The theme is: “Sustainable Growth”, which calls for concerted efforts aimed at creating a balance between economic prosperity and the environmental protection.

The biennial event is regarded as the world’s largest and most important food and beverage fair. It attracts distributors, retailers, importers and wholesalers of food and beverages from all continents.

In the 36th edition of Anuga in 2023, more than 7 900 companies from 118 countries exhibited, and more than 140 000 trade visitors from 200 countries flocked to the event.

The participation of the South African companies in Anuga has been made possible by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) through its Export and Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) Scheme.

One of the objectives of the scheme is to facilitate market entry for South African products and services into new markets.

According to the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, the assistance provided to the companies to seek export markets for their products across the globe is in line with the country’s export market diversification market initiatives.

“This is part of the South Africa’s government’s contribution towards ensuring that export-led industrialisation aimed at spurring economic growth in the country is stimulated.

“Our total efforts are aimed at increasing South Africa’s capacity for exporting diversified and value-added goods and services to various global markets,” Godlimpi said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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President calls for reforms to address global economic challenges

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on multilateral institutions to develop meaningful reforms that will address the challenges facing the global economy.

“While the global economy has shown some resilience, we must acknowledge pressing issues of low growth, high debt, tightened financing conditions and constrained fiscal space. To respond to these issues, we need meaningful reforms of international financial architecture,” the President said on Thursday.

This as he proposed an increase in grant and concessional financing, enhanced multilateral coordination on debt, drawing in the private sector and ensuring equal participation in decision-making on the international economic order.

He was addressing the Foreign Ministers’ meeting that took place alongside the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly  (UNGA) in New York.

WATCH | President Ramaphosa addresses the Foreign Ministers’ meeting 

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The President welcomed world leaders adopting Seville Commitment, which details the blueprint to address the sustainable development financing gap and solutions to reshape the global financial system.

“As part of our Group Twenty (G20) Presidency priorities, we advocate actions to support low-income and developing economies through debt sustainability and reducing capital costs.

“We have appointed an African Panel of Experts to work on recommendations addressing impediments to growth and development in Africa, including the cost of capital,” he explained.

South Africa recently launched the G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Wealth Inequality to develop the first-ever official G20 paper on global inequality.

“The international community today confronts many challenges. The promise of sustainable development is getting further from our reach.

“More than 85 percent of the Sustainable Development Goals are currently off track, with setbacks particularly acute in fighting hunger, extreme poverty and rising inequality,” the President said.
In addition, the climate crisis is deepening the problem. 

“Extreme weather events are inflicting severe losses, particularly across Africa and other climate-vulnerable regions.

“War and conflict are causing massive loss of life, displacing millions and creating humanitarian catastrophes,” Ramaphosa said.

He pointed out that these crises test societal resilience and expose structural injustices, gradually eroding trust in multilateralism. 

“The world looks to the G20, as the premier forum for international economic cooperation, to provide leadership in addressing these urgent challenges.

“South Africa has placed Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability at the centre of our G20 Presidency. This is driven by our conviction that global challenges can only be resolved through cooperation, collaboration and partnership,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Lamola calls for unified global action to address issues of peace and inequality

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has emphasised the enduring role of the United Nations (UN) in global governance and called for a unified global approach to address the interconnected issues of peace, inequality, and sustainable development.

“Eighty years since its establishment, the United Nations remains most central in the collective global efforts towards addressing global challenges and threats to peace and security,” Lamola said. 

The Minister highlighted the organisation’s core focus on combating poverty, promoting human rights, and maintaining global peace.

He was speaking at the UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday, where South Africa welcomed Foreign Ministers from Group of 20 (G20) member countries and guest nations to the second G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. 

This meeting marked an important occasion as it coincided with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN. 

The gathering underscored the reaffirmation of the international community’s commitment to collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable development and maintaining global peace, and the importance of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). 

“For South Africa, the United Nations General Assembly is and will always remain the chief deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations.” 

He also highlighted South Africa’s commitment to multilateralism and its recognition of the G20’s complementary role in achieving these objectives.

The Minister said the theme of the meeting, “The United Nations at 80: Reaffirming peace as a path to sustainable development” resonated deeply within the current geopolitical climate, marked by escalating tensions and challenges such as poverty and environmental degradation. 

“Peace and development have always been interdependent. Without peace, there can be no sustainable development; similarly, investments in economic development and inclusive growth can contribute to a more peaceful environment.”

He stressed the necessity of enhanced international collaboration in response to the shifting global dynamics.

“We must work together to ensure our aspirations of a peaceful and prosperous society,” he urged the Ministers. 

Lamola highlighted critical areas that require attention from both the G20 and the UN.  

“We need more robust multilateralism and a renewed commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter,” he said, also adding that there has been a decline of trust in global institutions. 

Lamola outlined several key priorities for collective action, including reforming the global financial system to support sustainable development, addressing challenges within the multilateral trading system, fostering inclusivity, and adhering to international law for a fairer global order.

Lamola stressed the need for action and urged the G20 and the UN to seize every opportunity to raise ambitious targets. – SAnews.gov.za