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Africa Finance Corporation Reports US$50 Billion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Impact and 7 Million Jobs Created Through Scalable Infrastructure Model

Source: APO

  •  166 projects across 36 countries delivering real-world impact at scale
  • Climate-smart infrastructure avoiding annual 8.8 million tons of CO₂ emissions
  • Africa’s largest and fastest-growing renewable energy platform delivers 1.4 GW of clean electricity, and on track to reach 3 GW by 2030

Africa Finance Corporation (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has published its annual Development Impact Report, presenting a comprehensive, data-driven account of AFC’s cumulative development outcomes across Africa. The report reveals that AFC-backed projects have to date added over US$50 billion to GDP and supported the creation of 7 million jobs across 36 countries.

The report also highlights the establishment of the continent’s largest and fastest-growing renewable energy platform, Infinity Power, now delivering 1.4GW of clean electricity, and on track to reach 3GW by 2030 – a clear marker of AFC’s leadership in Africa’s energy transition.

“This report is a record of the tangible, large-scale impact we’ve always aimed for—driven by disciplined capital, strategic partnerships, and a focus on outcomes that matter,” said Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC. “From clean energy to industrial ecosystems and regional rail links, AFC’s investments are transforming challenges into opportunities and unlocking Africa’s potential at scale.”

The report tracks outcomes across 166 projects, drawing from over 250,000 data points validated by a rigorous methodology. AFC’s development model, grounded in its Theory of Change, prioritises four pillars: industrialization, energy transition, regional integration, and digital inclusion.

Further key cumulative metrics include:

  • US$14 billion in capital mobilised
  • 4.1 million homes connected to electricity
  • 8.8 million tons of CO₂ emissions avoided annually

The report also details broad social outcomes, including inclusive employment across gender and age, among significant community-level impacts. For example, AFC investments in Gabon’s ARISE Industrial Platform resulted in 42% female workforce participation. Women are employed across manufacturing, services and off-grid energy sectors, advancing gender equity in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Digital inclusion initiatives like M-KOPA, a pay-as-you-go mobile and solar energy finance platform, empowered 1.7 million first-time mobile internet users, while investments in providers like MTN and Airtel have connected over 100 million people to mobile and broadband services.

AFC’s model links strategic project development with exit discipline, crowding in private capital once projects are commercially viable. The report highlights notable investment outcomes, including:

  • Infinity Power/Lekela acquisition – now Africa’s largest renewable platform, with large-scale wind and solar operations spanning Egypt, Senegal, and South Africa
  • The Red Sea Power project – setting Djibouti on course to become the first African nation powered entirely by renewable energy
  • Lobito Rail Corridor – linking Angola, DRC and Zambia to shorten export timelines from 45 to 7 days, cut 300,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually, and unlock trade routes for minerals critical to the global energy transition,
  • Takoradi Port exit (Ghana) – a demonstration of transition to private capital, preserving impact and redeploying funds
  • Kamoa-Kakula – the world’s lowest-emission copper mine, contributing 6% to DRC’s GDP

All data is aligned with international benchmarks, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), GIIN IRIS+ and the Joint Impact Model (JIM)

As global demand grows for sustainable, high‑yield investments, AFC’s blended finance model offers a replicable approach to accelerating Africa’s infrastructure development. The report concludes with a call to partners – governments, investors, and development institutions – to collaborate in scaling proven models that drive structural transformation, climate resilience, and inclusive growth.

Access the full report here : https://apo-opa.co/3HfWvUY

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Media Enquiries:
Yewande Thorpe
Communications
Africa Finance Corporation
Mobile +234 1 279 9654
Email: yewande.thorpe@africafc.org

About AFC:
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.

Eighteen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 45 member countries and has invested over US$15 billion in 36 African countries since its inception.

 www.AfricaFC.org

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President Boakai Consoles Republic of Ghana

Source: APO


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The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has sent a condolence message to the Government and people of the Republic of Ghana following the unfortunate and tragic military helicopter crash, which occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, within the Ashanti region of Ghana, resulting in the deaths of at least eight (8) people, two senior level officials of Government of Ghana along with six (6) other.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Boakai, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Liberia and in his own name, expressed profound and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family for the irreparable loss sustained.  

In his condolence message to the Ghanaian President His Excellency Mr. John Dramani Mahama, President Boakai pray that the Almighty God will grant President Mahama and the people of Ghana, especially those affected, strength, courage and fortitude that will be a solace to the people of Ghana as they endure this period of national mourning. 

He then hoped that the resilience and strength that the people of Ghana have always demonstrated during challenging circumstances will be brought to bear during this difficult period of national mourning. 

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

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The United States (US) Senator Ted Cruz to Discuss Strategic U.S.-Africa Energy Engagement at African Energy Week

Source: APO

African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies, the continent’s premier energy event, is set to welcome U.S. Senator Ted Cruz as a featured speaker at its 2025 edition. Senator Cruz, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Commerce and Foreign Relations Committees and one of Washington’s most prominent energy voices, will address delegates in Cape Town, highlighting the strategic value of deeper U.S. commercial and diplomatic engagement in African energy markets.

At a time when global powers are racing to secure energy and critical mineral supply chains, Senator Cruz’s participation underscores a broader push by the U.S. to reinforce ties with African energy producers, particularly as the continent emerges as a pivotal source of hydrocarbons, LNG and transition minerals. From Nigeria to Namibia, American companies are ramping up activity, yet competition from China, Russia and others has intensified, prompting renewed attention from U.S. lawmakers and policy leaders.

On the exploration and production front, U.S.-based companies to the likes of ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips and Vaalco Energy are driving transformational projects in Africa. ExxonMobil is maximizing output at producing fields across the continent, through projects such as the Erha and Owowo fields in Nigeria and the Kizomba deepwater development in Angola’s Block 15. On the gas front, ExxonMobil is leading projects such as the Rovuma LNG development in Mozambique, targeting 18 million tons per annum. The company plans to reach a final investment decision in 2026. Meanwhile Chevron is driving exploration in West and Southern Africa through projects in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, Equatorial Guinea’s offshore Blocks EG-06 and EG-11 and Namibia’s Walvis Basin. The company has also expanded gas production capacity in Angola through the Sanha Lean Gas Connection Project and the upcoming New Gas Consortium project.

Houston-based ConocoPhillips strives to reach between 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) and 700,000 bpd at the Waha concession in the Sirte Basin. The company is prioritizing collaborations, work-over programs and pipeline integrity at the concession, which currently produces 375,000 bpd. Another Houston-based player, Vaalco Energy, is modernizing FPSO infrastructure in Africa to support production growth. The company is active in Ivory Coast and Gabon, where it plans a drilling campaign in 2026 and 2025 respectively. In Egypt, Vaalco Energy brought five wells online in 2025, while in Equatorial Guinea, is targeting first oil at Block P in 2026.

U.S.-based service providers are also strengthening their presence across the African market. Baker Hughes’s African footprint includes markets such as Nigeria and Namibia, where it offers world-class oilfield services and skills development programs. NOV is involved in strategic initiatives across the African energy value chain, from offshore exploration and production to processing and logistics. Focusing on digitalization and efficiency, Halliburton supports a variety of African energy projects. The company brings advanced technology solutions to enhance production efficiency and optimize resource extraction.

Stepping into this picture, Senator Cruz’s participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies is expected to further strengthened U.S.-Africa energy ties. Known for his strong advocacy of energy independence and market-driven growth, Senator Cruz’s message at the event is expected to center on expanding private-sector investment, supporting American energy companies operating in Africa, and bolstering energy infrastructure that aligns with both African development goals and U.S. strategic interests. His appearance follows recent signals from Washington – including a bipartisan call for deeper energy cooperation with Africa – as the U.S. seeks to reclaim ground in a region critical to global energy security.

“Being a Senator from Texas, Senator Cruz not only understands what oil and gas means to the economy of Texas but also for the transformation of Africa. Senator Cruz speaking to energy industry and African leaders sends a loud message: the U.S. is not sitting out the future of African energy. He understands the stakes – from gas deals in to infrastructure buildouts– and his presence proves America is serious about competing, investing and showing up where it matters,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, adding that Senator Cruz recognizes that the key to African countries’ economic prosperity lies in embracing free markets, minimizing government intervention, promoting individual responsibility and upholding the rule of law.

“We at the AEC strongly believe that markets – rather than pseudo-intellectuals – should drive the future and foster innovative growth and development,” he notes.  

His participation comes as African nations are seeking to scale production, expand infrastructure and attract capital to meet growing domestic and global energy demands. The U.S., with its technological expertise and investment capital, is poised to play a pivotal role in supporting Africa’s ambitions, from deepwater exploration to gas-to-power projects and beyond. With major discoveries across oil, gas and hydrogen, and a wave of African governments prioritizing energy security and local beneficiation, the continent is ripe for strategic partnerships built on mutual interest and long-term impact.

As AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 approaches, Senator Cruz’s participation is expected to galvanize support for deeper U.S. involvement in African energy markets and sends a clear signal to American companies: Africa is open for business, and the U.S. intends to compete. His presence is also likely to draw increased attention from private investors, service providers and project developers seeking access to emerging upstream and infrastructure opportunities across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About AEW: Invest in African Energies
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Message on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire

Source: APO


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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, extends his heartfelt congratulations to the Government and the people of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire on the celebration of their Independence Day.

This important occasion is a proud reflection of the resilience, unity, and aspirations of the Ivorian people. It marks not only the commemoration of national sovereignty but also the ongoing journey of Côte d’Ivoire as a pillar of economic dynamism and regional leadership within the African continent.

Côte d’Ivoire’s unwavering commitment to peacebuilding, democratic governance, and continental integration continues to serve as a source of inspiration for the African Union and its Member States. As an influential voice in both regional and global affairs, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire remains a key partner in advancing Africa’s Agenda 2063.

The African Union reaffirms its full solidarity and support to the people and leadership of Côte d’Ivoire as they pursue a future marked by stability, prosperity, and social inclusion.

Happy Independence Day!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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National dialogue poised to lay foundation for a more inclusive SA

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Cabinet has reaffirmed that the upcoming National Dialogue is not merely a platform for discussion but a powerful mechanism for action aimed at laying the foundation for a more inclusive and united South Africa.

The remarks come as the country prepares for the convening of the first of the two conventions of the National Dialogue scheduled to take place from 15 to 17 August 2025 at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Pretoria.

Speaking at a media briefing on the outcomes of Cabinet meetings, held on 22 July and 6 August 2025, Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Cabinet has received and considered a report on the progress made to date towards the convening of the first of the two conventions of the National Dialogue.

“This first convention is aimed at mobilising consensus on the focus areas for the National Dialogue that is planned to include South Africans from all walks of life coming together to define a vision for our country for the next 30 years.

“The National Dialogue is planned to [host] over 13 400 ward dialogues, in addition to 50 000 citizen-led engagements over the next 12 months from the convening of the first Convention,” Ntshavheni said.

She said the initiative has already seen an overwhelming interest, with 737 organisations from more than 30 sectors registering to participate, “reflecting the strong desire among South Africans to shape their shared future”. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy Minister in the Presidency unveil new state-of-the-art TUT FM studios

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong and the Board of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) will on Friday unveil new state-of-the-art TUT FM and Tshwane FM studios in Pretoria.

Morolong will deliver a keynote address at the unveiling of the digitised studios, which were made possible by funding from the MDDA as part of its mandate to support community media in Gauteng and across the country.

TUT FM 96.2 is a community radio station based at the Soshanguve South campus of Tshwane University of Technology, which broadcasts within a 50km radius to a listenership of 61 000. 

The station targets youth aged between 15 and 35 and broadcasts in six languages including English, Setswana, Sepedi, IsiZulu, Tshivenda and Xitsonga. 

Tshwane FM is the official student radio station of Tshwane University of Technology and broadcasts in a 50km radio across Greater Tshwane, Atteridgeville, Laudium, Mamelodi, Centurion, Midrand and parts of northern Johannesburg on the 93.6 FM frequency. – SAnews.gov.za

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Le président de la République centrafricaine, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, prendra la parole lors de African Energy Week (AEW) : Investir dans les énergies africaines 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Faustin-Archange Touadéra, président de la République centrafricaine (RCA), a confirmé sa participation à l’African Energy Week (AEW) : Invest in African Energies 2025, qui se tiendra du 29 septembre au 3 octobre au Cap. Son annonce intervient dans le sillage d’un coup de pouce majeur à la stratégie de résilience climatique de la RCA, la Banque mondiale ayant récemment approuvé un financement de 9,175 millions de dollars pour le projet « Villes inclusives et résilientes ». Ce projet vise à améliorer l’adaptation au climat et le développement urbain durable à Bangui et dans les villes secondaires en améliorant les infrastructures, le drainage et la prestation de services.

La RCA réalise également des progrès significatifs dans le domaine du développement énergétique afin de stimuler une croissance durable. Parmi les projets clés figurent le développement des infrastructures solaires, comme le parc solaire de Danzi, qui vise à étendre l’accès à l’énergie propre dans tout le pays. Soutenues par des partenaires internationaux tels que la Banque mondiale et le Fonds pour l’environnement mondial, ces initiatives visent à électrifier les zones rurales et à réduire la dépendance aux combustibles fossiles. En intégrant des solutions d’énergie renouvelable, la RCA s’attaque à la pauvreté énergétique, favorise les opportunités économiques et renforce la résilience face au changement climatique.

AEW : Invest in African Energies est la plateforme de choix pour les opérateurs de projets, les financiers, les fournisseurs de technologies et les gouvernements. Elle s’est imposée comme le lieu officiel pour la signature d’accords dans le secteur de l’énergie en Afrique. Rendez-vous sur http://www.AECWeek.com pour plus d’informations sur cet événement passionnant.

Depuis son inauguration en novembre 2024, la centrale solaire de Danzi, d’une puissance de 25 MWc, est équipée d’une batterie de stockage de 30 MWh et a réduit de 90 % la dépendance du pays à la production diesel. Le projet a également augmenté la capacité nationale de 40 %, améliorant ainsi l’accès à l’électricité pour plus de 300 000 personnes. L’extension en cours de la centrale solaire de Danzi à 40 MWc et de nouvelles solutions hors réseau visent à atteindre plus d’un million de personnes d’ici 2027.

Au-delà de la production d’électricité, la RCA et la République démocratique du Congo mettent en œuvre conjointement un projet historique de gestion des ressources en eau soutenu par la Banque mondiale. Conçu pour renforcer la coopération transfrontalière, ce projet soutient la prévision des inondations, le partage des données hydrologiques et la planification intégrée des bassins versants dans le sous-bassin de l’Oubangui. Cette initiative favorise la durabilité écologique, la préparation aux catastrophes et la gestion équitable des ressources entre les deux pays.

Parallèlement, la RCA et l’Ouganda ont commencé à renforcer leur coopération diplomatique et technique grâce à un partage des connaissances en matière de déploiement des énergies renouvelables et de planification hydroélectrique. L’expérience de l’Ouganda dans la gestion des solutions hors réseau et l’intégration régionale de l’électricité s’avère précieuse pour la RCA, qui poursuit la modernisation et l’expansion de son paysage énergétique.

« L’engagement de la République centrafricaine en faveur du développement des énergies renouvelables et de la collaboration régionale offre des opportunités intéressantes pour les investisseurs dans les domaines de l’énergie, de l’eau et des infrastructures. Grâce au soutien solide de ses partenaires de développement et à la vision claire de son gouvernement, le pays est en passe de transformer son secteur énergétique, avec à la clé un impact durable et des rendements attractifs », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Call to bring murderers of prosecutor to book

Source: Government of South Africa

Call to bring murderers of prosecutor to book

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has called on police to “leave no stone unturned” to bring the murderers of Eastern Cape Regional Court prosecutor, Tracy Brown, to justice.

The Minister was speaking at the memorial service for the slain prosecutor on Thursday.

Brown, who was attached to the New Brighton Magistrates Court in Gqeberha, was shot and killed while arriving at her home just months after the murder of another prosecutor in the province.

“We call on the police to leave no stone unturned in bringing the cowards who murdered Tracy to book. But more importantly, let this be a wake-up call to the policing services that we need to strengthen the protection of the prosecutors.

“All of us in the security cluster should be concerned about this development. The lives of prosecutors are endangered by the type of work they do. Without protection, prosecutors will be unable to perform their duties without fear or favour, and they will not be able to exercise their independence. There should be more police visibility in our communities so these types of senseless killings can be reduced,” the Minister said.

Kubayi bemoaned the loss of an “incredibly gifted woman”.
“[This loss] is made even more devastating by the promise of what else she might have accomplished had she also had the gift of time. With her passion for the pursuit of justice, she would have been the first to say that her life’s work was not about her.

“In Tracy, we have lost a dedicated prosecutor, a lawyer with integrity, a hard-working public servant and a patriot. 

“Her untimely death is a huge loss to the [Department of] Justice family. Death has robbed us of a warrior of justice, who prosecuted without fear or favour. As our hearts are heavy with pain and grief in mourning Tracy’s lost life. We are also here to celebrate a life well lived; a life of a person who found a purpose and she pursued it relentlessly.”

The Minister told those working in the justice system to continue their work in the same vein that Brown did.
“As we bid farewell to a devoted partner, a loving mother, a sister, an exceptional and patriotic public servant and our dear friend, let us resolve to pick up where Tracy left off. 

“She put her skills, her time and her courage at the country’s disposal and for that, we owe her a great debt of gratitude. Let us resolve to continue the work that she began.

“[Let] us renew our commitment to building the more just society that Tracy Brown wished to live in; the more just society that was her life’s defining pursuit; the more just society that through our efforts we will one day achieve,” the Minister urged.

According to the Minister, Brown rose rapidly through the ranks of the National Prosecuting Authority – a testament for her “achievements and unblemished record as a prosecutor”.

“As we celebrate Women’s Month, let us pay tribute to patriots such as Tracy, who have dedicated themselves to human progress. Let her life and work serve as an example of the kind of passion and dedication that all of us should demonstrate to achieve a just society where women and children can be safe.

“On behalf of our government, let me again send our sincere condolences for this tragic loss. Let me also thank the family for lending Tracy to work with us and serve the people of South Africa. We will continue to cherish her legacy as a prosecutor, and we shall never dishonour her memory,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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Women’s Day 2025 celebrations to be held in Limpopo

Source: Government of South Africa

Women’s Day 2025 celebrations to be held in Limpopo

South Africa is gearing up to commemorate National Women’s Day at Nkowankowa Stadium in Tzaneen, Limpopo, on Saturday.

This year’s commemoration will be held under the theme: ’Building Resilient Economies for All’. 
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said this theme aligns with South Africa’s Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) and its commitment to the principles of solidarity, equality, and sustainability.

Ntshavheni was speaking at a post Cabinet media briefing on Thursday.

According to the Minister, the programme emphasises advancing women’s participation in leadership and economic life, promoting financial inclusion and confronting gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as a critical barrier to women’s empowerment.

“Women’s Month is not only a celebration to honour the resilience and contribution of women in all their diversity, but a call to action to ensure women’s full and equal inclusion in shaping South Africa’s future,” the Minister said. 

Every year on 9 August, South Africans from diverse backgrounds, races, and cultural groups come together to celebrate National Women’s Day.

On 9 August 1956, a significant number of women launched a campaign aimed at ending the pass laws imposed by the government at that time.

These pass laws required all black individuals to carry a special “pass” or identification document, which they had to present to prove they were allowed to enter certain areas designated for white people. 
This regulation severely restricted the freedom of movement for black citizens.

The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS) will also host a GBVF awareness and prevention activation imbizo on Friday, 8 August in Ga-Kgapane, Limpopo.  The activation will bring together government departments, civil society, traditional leaders and the local community to raise awareness and strengthen community-driven responses to the scourge of GBVF.

Sindisiwe Chikunga, the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, launched Women’s Month 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg last Friday.

READ | Government to strengthen gender equality measures

At the launch, Chikunga said that South Africa will over the next five years focus on strengthening and monitoring systems that are meant to advance gender equality and women empowerment. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms

Source: Government of South Africa

SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning of severe thunderstorms for Thursday in Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

These weather conditions are expected to cause localised flooding, small hail and wind damages due to a cut off low pressure system moving over the region. 

“Rainfall amounts up to 15 to 20mm in an hour is expected in some places. Maximum temperatures are also expected to be low due to the cut off low pressure system’s core moving over Gauteng,” SAWS said.

READ | SAWS warns of cold weather conditions

As a result of these weather conditions, residents should expect traffic disruption incidents, localised flooding in populated areas, large amounts of small hail over populated areas and wind damages to formal/informal structures.

Additionally, the weather service will continue to monitor any further developments relating to the weather systems and will issue subsequent updates as required.

Weather updates will be shared on the following platforms: X (@SAWeatherServic), Facebook (South African Weather Service) or other SAWS-supported social media. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

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