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Captain Mokgosi celebrated for her efforts to protect the most vulnerable

Source: Government of South Africa

Captain Mokgosi celebrated for her efforts to protect the most vulnerable

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has paid tribute to 44-year-old Captain Julia Mokgosi for her resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the most vulnerable members of society.

Mokgosi, who is attached to Head Office’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Investigation Unit, is being honoured for her role in the SAPS as part of the Women’s Month campaign, shining a light on extraordinary women in blue.

Her career commenced in 2002 when she was appointed as a Personnel Officer within Detective Services. 

Through dedication, professionalism, and perseverance, she progressed within the Detective environment and was appointed captain in the FCS Investigation Unit in May 2012.

With 24 years of dedicated service, Captain Mokgosi has consistently demonstrated commitment to the SAPS mandate and the pursuit of justice.

“Driven by a desire to make a meaningful contribution to the fight against crimes committed against women, children, and other vulnerable groups, Captain Mokgosi later transitioned into the FCS environment to broaden her experience and strengthen efforts aimed at protecting victims and supporting investigations into gender-based violence and related crimes.

“What makes her journey particularly inspiring is that her commitment to this cause is deeply personal. As a child, Captain Mokgosi experienced traumatic abuse and survived an attempted rape herself,” the SAPS said on Friday.

Instead of allowing these experiences to define her, she transformed her pain into purpose. 

“Through remarkable courage and resilience, she chose to dedicate her life to helping and protecting others who find themselves facing similar circumstances.

“Her personal experiences have given her a profound understanding of the fear, vulnerability, and emotional trauma often endured by victims of abuse. 

“This strengthened her determination to ensure that victims are treated with dignity, compassion, and professionalism while contributing towards creating an environment where justice can prevail, and hope can be restored,” the police said.

In her current role, Captain Mokgosi contributes to several key areas within the FCS environment, including the coordination of complaints against the police, conducting preliminary investigations into complaints against SAPS members, provincial coordination, performance management and Crime Administration System (CAS) fault coordination. 

Through her dedication and attention to detail, she contributes towards strengthening accountability, improving service delivery, and enhancing the effectiveness of the FCS environment nationally.

The SAPS said Captain Mokgosi’s professionalism, integrity, and commitment to continuous growth are evident in how she executes her responsibilities. 

“She has consistently demonstrated that leadership is not merely about position, but about service, empathy, and the ability to positively influence the lives of others.

“Through both her actions and her example, she reminds others that adversity does not have to determine one’s destiny and that challenges can be transformed into opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” the SAPS said.

Her resolve is inspired by her personal motto: “Make your life your message and be the change you wish to see in the world.” 

This principle guides her both personally and professionally. It reflects her belief that meaningful change begins with individual action, courage, and accountability. 

“As we celebrate Women’s Month, Captain Julia Mokgosi stands as a powerful example of resilience, courage and selfless service. 

“Her journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and illustrates how adversity can be transformed into a lifelong commitment to protecting others,” SAPS said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Soudan du Sud : les élections pourraient accroître le risque de crimes atroces, alertent des enquêteurs de l’Organisation des Nations unies (ONU)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Dans son nouveau rapport, la Commission des Nations Unies sur les droits de l’homme au Soudan du Sud constate que « de multiples facteurs de risque de crimes atroces convergent », notamment la reprise du conflit armé dans plusieurs régions du pays, l’abandon d’une politique inclusive à Juba, ainsi que l’affaiblissement de l’espace civique et des garanties constitutionnelles.

Selon cette commission mandatée par le Conseil des droits de l’homme des Nations Unies, des pans importants de la population restent exclus d’une participation politique significative. « Sans un retour à un dialogue authentique et inclusif, la lutte politique autour des élections risque d’aggraver les divisions existantes plutôt que d’offrir un moyen pacifique de les résoudre », alertent les enquêteurs onusiens.

« Les Sud-Soudanais méritent une élection qui leur donne la parole, et non une élection qui mette leur vie en danger », a déclaré Yasmin Sooka, présidente de la Commission.

Les risques d’une nouvelle flambée de violences

« Une démocratie pacifique ne peut se construire sur les fondements du conflit armé, de la peur et de l’exclusion. Or, les garanties mêmes destinées à empêcher un retour à la guerre sont en train d’être démantelées alors que le pays se dirige vers les urnes. »

Au-delà des postures politiques, la Commission alerte sur une accumulation de facteurs susceptibles de faire dérailler le processus électoral et de raviver les violences. Selon le cadre d’analyse des crimes atroces de l’ONU, ces facteurs de risque se renforcent mutuellement.

Reprise du conflit, affaiblissement des institutions, impunité, gouvernance exclusive, corruption, recul de l’espace civique et discours incendiaires se conjuguent, tandis que les garde-fous – surveillance du cessez-le-feu, justice indépendante et dialogue politique inclusif – ont été affaiblis ou suspendus.

Dans ces conditions, la Commission note qu’il ne faut pas laisser les élections se transformer en un « nouveau théâtre de violences ». Alors que les armes refont leur apparition, les garanties d’une compétition politique pacifique disparaissent. 

« Il s’agit là d’une trajectoire extrêmement dangereuse. Le Soudan du Sud ne peut pas construire un avenir démocratique en excluant ceux avec lesquels il est en désaccord. Les parties doivent renouer un véritable dialogue, rétablir le consensus et créer les conditions permettant une compétition politique sans exclusion ni violence », a insisté Barney Afako, expert de la Commission.

Conditions indispensables pour un scrutin crédible et pacifique

La Commission énumère plusieurs conditions indispensables à un scrutin crédible et pacifique : une cessation effective et contrôlée des hostilités, des forces de sécurité nationales unifiées sous un commandement non partisan, des institutions électorales indépendantes et un mécanisme impartial de règlement des litiges.

Les enquêteurs demandent également des mesures contre les discours de haine et l’incitation à la violence, ainsi qu’une participation politique équitable de l’ensemble des partis. 

Dans cet avis, la Commission appelle le gouvernement et les signataires de l’Accord de paix régional à mettre fin aux hostilités et à relancer sans délai un dialogue inclusif associant notamment la faction Mouvement populaire de libération du Soudan en opposition (SPLM-IO) de Riek Machar, les groupes dissidents, la société civile, les femmes et les jeunes. Elle réclame aussi la libération des opposants détenus, dont Riek Machar, à moins qu’ils soient rapidement jugés par une juridiction indépendante et impartiale, dans le respect des normes internationales. 

La Commission exhorte enfin l’Union africaine, l’Autorité intergouvernementale pour le développement (IGAD), l’ONU et les partenaires internationaux à renforcer leur diplomatie préventive.

Distribué par APO Group pour UN News.

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Les marchés africains du carbone gagnent en dynamisme à mesure que les opportunités de financement climatique se développent

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Les marchés africains du carbone entrent dans une nouvelle phase. Les gouvernements renforcent leurs politiques, les investisseurs recherchent des projets crédibles et l’attention se porte de plus en plus sur la manière dont le continent peut mobiliser davantage de financements climatiques. 

Ces opportunités seront au cœur du Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) 2026, qui se tiendra du 13 au 15 octobre 2026 à Kigali, au Rwanda. Des décideurs politiques, investisseurs, développeurs de projets carbone, acheteurs d’entreprises et acteurs clés du marché, venus de toute l’Afrique et du monde entier, se réuniront pour examiner comment des marchés à haute intégrité peuvent soutenir l’investissement et le développement durable sur le continent. 

Le sommet intervient alors que la mise en œuvre de l’Article 6 de l’Accord de Paris progresse à l’échelle mondiale et que les gouvernements africains passent progressivement de la préparation à la mise en œuvre concrète. Sur le continent, plusieurs signes témoignent d’un marché de plus en plus actif. L’Union africaine déploie son Plan d’action africain sur les marchés du carbone, tandis que des pays comme le Ghana développent des portefeuilles de projets au titre de l’Article 6 ainsi que des systèmes d’autorisation. Les Principes africains pour l’équité et l’intégrité des marchés du carbone d’AUDA-NEPAD accordent également une attention accrue à la gouvernance, à la transparence, au partage des bénéfices avec les communautés et à la confiance dans le marché. 

Pour l’Afrique, le prochain défi consiste à transformer ces avancées en transactions et en investissements. Les acheteurs et les investisseurs accordent une attention croissante à la qualité, à la fiabilité des systèmes de mesure, de notification et de vérification (MRV), à la conformité, à la sécurité des transactions et à la clarté des politiques. Pour permettre au marché de se développer, les projets solides devront être mis en relation avec les capitaux, les acheteurs, les normes, les infrastructures et le soutien institutionnel appropriés. 

Accueilli par le Ministère de l’Environnement du Rwanda, CMAS 2026 réunit des institutions de premier plan des secteurs public et privé impliquées dans les marchés africains du carbone. Le Programme des Nations Unies pour le développement (PNUD) et la Banque africaine de développement (BAD) sont les organisations hôtes, la Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) est le partenaire hôte et AUDA-NEPAD le partenaire institutionnel stratégique. 

Le réseau croissant qui accompagne l’édition 2026 reflète la diversité des expertises nécessaires au développement d’un marché du carbone opérationnel. Parmi les nouveaux partenaires et contributeurs figurent GIZ, BeZero Carbon, Trees for the Future, Welthungerhilfe, FSD Africa, le Programme des Nations Unies pour l’environnement (PNUE) et Carbon Standards International.  

Le programme actualisé se concentre sur certaines des grandes questions auxquelles le marché est aujourd’hui confronté. Comment l’Article 6 et le CORSIA peuvent-ils passer des politiques aux transactions concrètes ? Quels types de projets les acheteurs et les investisseurs sont-ils prêts à financer ? Qu’est-ce qui rend un projet bancable, assurable et vérifiable ? Et comment l’Afrique peut-elle renforcer ses capacités en matière de MRV et de validation tout en préservant l’intégrité du marché ? 

Ces échanges comprendront des contributions et des analyses techniques d’organisations telles que la Convention-cadre des Nations Unies sur les changements climatiques (CCNUCC) et la Commission européenne. Plus de 10 gouvernements africains et plus de 20 investisseurs et financiers seront également représentés, réunissant ainsi les acteurs qui élaborent les politiques, financent les projets et contribuent au développement du marché. 

Le programme abordera notamment l’Article 6 et le CORSIA, la demande volontaire et les réalités liées aux accords d’achat, les systèmes MRV de haute qualité et les notations, la préparation des politiques, l’harmonisation régionale des marchés du carbone et le financement carbone en phase initiale. Il examinera également les évolutions réglementaires mondiales, la réduction des risques liés aux capitaux privés, les processus d’autorisation dans la pratique, l’interopérabilité des registres ainsi que les moyens permettant à l’Afrique de renforcer ses capacités en matière de MRV et d’organismes de validation et de vérification (VVB). 

Une Nature Deal Room organisée par le PNUE réunira des gouvernements africains, des acheteurs d’entreprises, des investisseurs, des organismes de normalisation et des intermédiaires du marché afin de contribuer à accélérer les transactions à haute intégrité fondées sur la nature. 

« Je pense sincèrement que l’Afrique pourrait devenir une force déterminante sur les marchés mondiaux du carbone », déclare Shikha Sharma, Global Technical Lead – Offsets & Removals chez SGS. « Le continent possède des ressources naturelles extraordinaires. Si l’Afrique parvient à mettre en place une gouvernance adéquate, à investir dans les capacités locales et à maintenir l’intégrité au cœur de son approche, elle ne se contentera pas d’approvisionner le marché. Elle influencera la manière dont le marché fonctionne à l’échelle mondiale. » 

Pour le CMAS 2026, l’intégrité va de pair avec l’investissement et la mise en œuvre. Les gouvernements renforcent leurs cadres politiques, les investisseurs recherchent des opportunités fiables et évolutives, et les acheteurs souhaitent avoir davantage confiance dans la qualité des projets qu’ils soutiennent. Réunir ces différentes composantes du marché sera essentiel pour permettre à davantage de financements climatiques d’atteindre les projets africains. 

« Pour le PNUD, la véritable valeur des marchés du carbone réside dans ce qu’ils rendent possible : le financement des priorités nationales, des emplois décents, des moyens de subsistance résilients et le développement durable. La tâche qui nous attend à Kigali consiste à construire des marchés crédibles, propices à l’investissement et conçus pour apporter une réelle valeur aux pays et aux communautés africaines », a déclaré Fatmata Lovetta Sesay, Représentante résidente du PNUD au Rwanda. 

Pour l’avenir, Emmanuelle Nicholls, Portfolio Director, a souligné que la collaboration sera essentielle pour libérer le potentiel croissant des marchés africains du carbone. 

« Les marchés africains du carbone entrent dans une période déterminante, alors que les gouvernements renforcent leurs cadres politiques et que la confiance des investisseurs progresse. Cela représente une occasion importante de mobiliser des financements climatiques, d’attirer des investissements et de générer une valeur économique, environnementale et sociale durable. Pour concrétiser ce potentiel, une collaboration étroite entre les gouvernements, les investisseurs, les développeurs de projets et le secteur privé sera indispensable. 

CMAS 2026 est conçu pour réunir ces acteurs afin de partager les connaissances, de renforcer les partenariats et d’accélérer les actions concrètes qui soutiendront le développement des marchés africains du carbone. » 

Pour plus d’informations ou pour vous inscrire : Inscription au CMAS 2026 (https://apo-opa.co/4gn9fGN)

Distribué par APO Group pour VUKA Group.

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez contacter :
Elize Engle
Pr1@tishalacommunications.com
+27 63 574 5249

Princess Malungani
Pr3@tishalacommunications.com
+27 60 931 8366

À propos du Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) :
Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS), organisé par VUKA Group, est une plateforme de premier plan qui met en relation les personnes, les projets, les capitaux et les politiques qui façonnent les marchés africains du carbone. Le sommet rassemble des gouvernements, des investisseurs, des développeurs de projets, des entreprises, des financiers et des experts du marché afin d’explorer les opportunités offertes par les marchés volontaires et réglementés du carbone. Grâce à des échanges de haut niveau, au partage des connaissances, au réseautage stratégique et à la conclusion d’accords, le CMAS soutient le développement de marchés du carbone crédibles et évolutifs et contribue à mobiliser des financements climatiques pour des projets à travers l’Afrique. 

À propos de VUKA Group :
VUKA Group est une entreprise guidée par une mission qui met en relation les personnes et les organisations afin de générer un impact significatif dans les secteurs clés en Afrique. Grâce à son portefeuille d’événements, de plateformes numériques et de contenus spécialisés, VUKA favorise la collaboration, le partage des connaissances et la croissance des entreprises dans des secteurs essentiels à l’avenir du continent. 

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Ituri: United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) destroys explosive remnants of war in Bule

Source: APO

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) of MONUSCO destroyed several explosive remnants of war on August 18 in the town of Bule, located in Djugu Territory, Ituri Province. The operation eliminated a direct threat to civilians while also strengthening community awareness of the dangers posed by mines and other explosive remnants of war.

Three explosive devices discovered by returning residents

The devices that were neutralized had been discovered the previous week in Bule’s commercial center by residents gradually returning to their homes after spending nearly nine months at the displacement site in Plaine Savo.

Following the report of these dangerous objects, MONUSCO peacekeepers secured the area to prevent any incident while awaiting the arrival of demining specialists. On August 17, the UNMAS team from Bunia traveled to the site to safely carry out the destruction of the devices.

The intervention removed a major threat to residents of this community, which has been severely affected by armed conflict. The violence has left explosive remnants scattered throughout the area, exposing civilians to potentially devastating explosions.

MONUSCO’s action was welcomed by residents of Bule, who were aware of the danger posed by explosives left behind after the fighting.

“We thank MONUSCO for this action and we are very happy, because some of these explosive devices had become lodged in the wall of a house. We thank God for the work you have just done by removing them,” said Etienne Mandje, a businessman from Bule.

According to local sources, other explosive remnants of war may still be present in the town, which has been the scene of intense clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and armed groups in recent months.

In response, traditional authorities and residents are calling for broader demining operations in Bule to ensure the long-term safety of this community of more than 50,000 people and to facilitate the safe return of displaced populations. Local officials believe that comprehensive clearance remains essential to eliminate all remaining explosive threats in the area.

Raising awareness to prevent accidents

In addition to destroying the explosive devices, the UNMAS team conducted awareness sessions for the local population. Residents were informed about the safe behavior to adopt when encountering suspicious objects, particularly the importance of not touching or handling them and of immediately alerting the relevant security services.

This preventive approach is essential in a province where explosive remnants of war continue to pose a permanent threat to civilians.

Explosive devices are regularly reported in several localities in Djugu and Irumu territories, where armed violence has persisted for several years. In this context, demining operations and awareness campaigns conducted by MONUSCO and its partners play an important role in protecting civilians and supporting stabilization efforts in Ituri Province.​

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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Uganda: Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) factory to cut vaccine prices – Minister

Source: APO

Livestock farmers will be counting an extra saving after a factory to locally manufacture the foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccine begins operations.

According to the Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, the factory, a partnership between the governments of Uganda and Egypt, will bring down the cost incurred by farmers to vaccinate their animals.

“With the foot and mouth vaccines that we have in stock, we are vaccinating the four-hoofed animals. Cows are vaccinated at Shs8,000 and goats at Shs4,000. But when the factory is here, the price will drop substantially. 

We are in high gear and have just signed the partnership,” said Tumwebaze, without detailing timelines. 

The minister made the revelation in response to concerns raised by Hon. Richard Ongorok (NRM, Usuk County) during the plenary sitting on Thursday, 20 August 2026, about the cost recovery scheme in line with the FMD vaccination programme.

Ongorok observed that the public, especially animal herders, have not been adequately educated on the policy guiding payment for the FMD vaccine.

Tumwebaze clarified that the policy guides farmers to pay online for the vaccine, noting that cases of indisciplined veterinary officers asking for cash payments have been reported to relevant authorities, for action.

“We will intensify the announcements in all local languages, to ensure that everybody who has animals that require vaccination, understands how they can acquire the vaccine,” he noted.

The minister also gave guidance to the House that government can no longer offer free maize and coffee seedlings to farmers, noting that they are now required to apply for funding under the Parish Development Model (PDM) to buy the seedlings.

He said this in response to a matter raised by Hon. Patrick Musinguzi (NRM, Kashari North County) during the sitting chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth.

Musinguzi said he had received overwhelming requests for seedlings from his constituents.

“During the State-of-the-Nation Address, the President directed us to awaken our people to effectively utilise the PDM and go into the money economy. As I speak, I need 941 coffee seedlings to support my people who are asking for them,” Musinguzi said.

The minister noted that the policy shifted government’s central procurement of seedlings through NAADS and distribution by MPs through registered cooperatives, to putting the funding under the framework of PDM.

“This is a substantial chunk of money that was sent to the parishes, but the coffee seedling issue seems not to fit well within PDM. The ministry does not have money for seedlings this season, but we will get guidance from the President and Cabinet on how we can handle it,” Tumwebaze said.

The Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, urged Members of Parliament to monitor the effectiveness of all government funded programmes, including Emyooga and the Grow Project.

“PDM is doing very well, despite a few challenges which we must identify and resolve. We also have the Emyooga and Grow projects. When we go to our respective communities, we need to audit how many people have received funds and address challenges of repayment. Our people must learn that these are revolving funds,” Nabbanja said.

She also called upon Legislators representing constituencies in Lango, Teso and Acholi sub-regions to follow-up the Shs5 million per household under the restocking programme, to ensure it reaches the intended beneficiaries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Merck Foundation Transforms Hypertension, Cardiovascular and Diabetes Care in Africa and Asia through 1000 Scholarships for doctors from 52 Countries

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, together with First Ladies of Africa and Asia and their partners including Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, is transforming Hypertension, Cardiovascular and Diabetes Care in Africa and Asia through their Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation shared, “At Merck Foundation, we remain committed to expanding access to quality and equitable care in Hypertension, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Cardiovascular Preventive Care.

Together with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa, and partners like Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, we have provided nearly 1,000 Scholarships for young healthcare providers from 52 countries, of One-Year Online PG Diplomas and Two-Year Online Master’s Degrees in Diabetes, Cardiovascular Preventive Care, Endocrinology, Cardiology, and Obesity Weight Management, as well as One-Year Clinical Cardiovascular Care and Clinical Diabetes Onsite Fellowship Programs.

A key strength of these scholarships is that they support doctors not only from capital cities but from across the country, helping expand healthcare capacity and improve access to hypertension and diabetes care nationwide.”

Merck Foundation has in total provided more than 2650 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Dr. Hazel W. Kariuki, Merck Foundation Alumnus from Kenya shares, “I received the Merck Foundation Scholarship, and I would describe my journey as transformative. The training program has significantly strengthened my clinical knowledge and practical skills in cardiovascular and diabetes care. Through this opportunity, I have been able to enhance patient management practices and contribute more effectively to improving healthcare services in my community. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to impact and to make a meaningful contribution to cardiovascular outcomes in my country.”

Merck Foundation scholarships are of great value, given that as per WHO data, the African region has the highest prevalence of hypertension, with approximately 27% of adults affected.

As part of their community awareness programs, Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa and Asia has also launched children’s storybooks ‘Mark’s Pressure’ and ‘Sugar free Jude’ to raise awareness about hypertension and diabetes respectively. Both books also encourage children and families to adopt healthier lifestyles because this is the most effective way to prevent hypertension, diabetes and many related complications.

Merck Foundation has also adapted storybooks to develop interesting animation films.

“Our storybooks and animation films are aimed at educating children and youth about the importance of healthy habits such as reducing salt and sugar intake, exercising regularly, eating balanced meals and avoiding smoking. Small changes today can lead to a healthier tomorrow” emphasized Dr. Kelej.

Watch the “Mark’s Pressure” Animation movie here: https://apo-opa.co/4wKjs6n

Watch the “Sugar Free Jude” Animation film here: https://apo-opa.co/4ztiZrN

Merck Foundation’s pan African TV program “Our Africa”, that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and features African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness about social and health issues, has episodes dedicated to raise awareness about Hypertension, Diabetes and Promoting Healthy Lifestyle.

Watch the Episodes here:

https://apo-opa.co/4zsgTZ0

https://apo-opa.co/4gaKP4p

“Our Africa” TV Program has been broadcasted on National and Prime TV stations of many African countries like Burundi, Botswana, Ghana, The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zambia and is currently on social media handles of Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4wHUvIJ), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3TZxS4W), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/4gHVcNb) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3U8VYdw)) and Merck Foundation (Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3SPAZMp), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4zriizf), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/46fn1GG) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/46cTYU7).

Additionally, Merck Foundation together with African First Ladies, also launches annually, their Awards for best Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, Musicians/ Singers, and new potential talents in these fields from African countries to Promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

1. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

2. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to: submit@merck-foundation.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3SPAZMp
X: https://apo-opa.co/4qxe9FR
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Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4zriizf
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3U5ixQk
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4zriiPL
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4clxdRJ

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3SPAZMp), X (https://apo-opa.co/4qxe9FR), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4zriizf), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/46cTYU7), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3U5ixQk) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4zriiPL).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

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Africa’s carbon markets gain momentum as climate finance opportunities expand

Source: APO

Africa’s carbon markets are moving into a new phase, with governments strengthening policy, investors looking for credible projects and growing attention on how the continent can unlock more climate finance.

These opportunities will be at the centre of the Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) 2026, taking place from 13 to 15 October 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda. Policymakers, investors, carbon project developers, corporate buyers and market leaders from across Africa and around the world will come together to explore how high-integrity carbon markets can support investment and sustainable development across the continent.

The summit comes as Article 6 implementation advances globally and African governments move from readiness towards delivery. Across the continent, there are signs of a market becoming more active. The African Union is rolling out the Africa Action Plan on Carbon Markets, while countries such as Ghana are developing Article 6 project pipelines and authorisation systems. AUDA-NEPAD’s African Principles for Equity and Integrity in Carbon Markets are also putting greater focus on governance, transparency, community benefit-sharing and confidence in the market.

For Africa, the next challenge is turning this progress into transactions and investment. Buyers and investors are looking more closely at quality, credible MRV, compliance readiness, transaction certainty and clear policy. Strong projects will need to connect with the right capital, buyers, standards, infrastructure and institutional support if the market is to grow.

Hosted by the Ministry of Environment of Rwanda, CMAS 2026 brings together leading public and private sector institutions involved in Africa’s carbon markets. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) serve as host organisations, the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) as host partner, and AUDA-NEPAD as strategic institutional partner.

The growing network behind the 2026 summit reflects the different expertise needed to build a functioning carbon market. New partners and contributors include GIZ, BeZero Carbon, Welthungerhilfe, FSD Africa, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Carbon Standards International. They join standards bodies, ratings agencies, financiers, governments and project developers working across the carbon market value chain.

The updated programme focuses on some of the questions the market is now grappling with. How do Article 6 and CORSIA move from policy into real transactions? What are buyers and investors prepared to fund? What makes a project bankable, insurable and verifiable? And how can Africa build the MRV and validation capacity it needs while maintaining market integrity?

These conversations will include contributions and technical insights from organisations including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the European Commission. More than 10 African governments and over 20 investors and financiers will also be represented, bringing together the people shaping policy, financing projects and building the market.

Across three days, CMAS 2026 will feature high-level leadership discussions, investor and buyer roundtables, project showcases, technical workshops, solution labs and dedicated deal rooms.

The programme will tackle Article 6 and CORSIA, voluntary demand and offtake realities, high-quality MRV and ratings, policy readiness, regional carbon market alignment and early-stage carbon finance. It will also explore global regulatory shifts, private capital de-risking, authorisation in practice, registry interoperability and how Africa can scale MRV and VVB capacity.

A UNEP-hosted Nature Deal Room will bring African governments, corporate buyers, investors, standards bodies and market intermediaries together to help advance high-integrity nature-based carbon transactions.

“I genuinely think Africa could become the defining force in global carbon markets,” says Shikha Sharma, Global Technical Lead – Offsets & Removals, SGS. “The continent has extraordinary natural assets. If Africa gets governance right, invests in local capabilities and keeps integrity at the centre, it won’t just supply the market. It will influence how the market operates globally.”

For CMAS 2026, the focus on integrity goes hand in hand with investment and implementation. Governments are strengthening policy frameworks, investors are looking for opportunities they can trust and scale, and buyers want greater confidence in the quality of the projects they support. Bringing these different parts of the market together will be important if more climate finance is to reach African projects.

“For UNDP, the true value of carbon markets lies in what they make possible: finance for national priorities, decent jobs, resilient livelihoods, and sustainable development. The task before us in Kigali is to build markets that are credible, investable, and designed to deliver real value for African countries and communities,” said Fatmata Lovetta Sesay, Resident Representative, UNDP Rwanda.

Looking ahead, Emmanuelle Nicholls, Portfolio Director, said collaboration will be critical to unlocking Africa’s growing carbon market opportunity.

“Africa’s carbon markets are entering a defining period as governments strengthen policy frameworks and investor confidence grows. This presents a significant opportunity to unlock climate finance, attract investment and deliver lasting economic, environmental and social value. Realising that opportunity will require collaboration across governments, investors, project developers and the private sector.

CMAS 2026 is designed to bring those stakeholders together to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and accelerate practical action that supports Africa’s growing carbon markets.”

For more information or registration: https://apo-opa.co/4gn9fGN

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Media enquiries and interview requests: 
Elize Engle
Pr1@tishalacommunications.com
+27 63 574 5249

Princess Malungani
Pr3@tishalacommunications.com
+27 60 931 8366

About Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) (https://apo-opa.co/4geDiAc): 
The Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS), powered by VUKA Group, is a leading platform connecting the people, projects, capital, and policy shaping Africa’s carbon markets. The summit brings together governments, investors, project developers, corporates, financiers, and market experts to explore opportunities across voluntary and compliance carbon markets. Through high-level dialogue, knowledge exchange, strategic networking, and deal-making, CMAS supports the development of credible, scalable carbon markets and helps unlock climate finance for projects across Africa.

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group is a purpose-driven business that connects people and organisations to drive meaningful impact across Africa’s key industries. Through its portfolio of events, digital platforms, and insights, VUKA enables collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and business growth in sectors critical to the continent’s future.

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Call for expansion of Comfort Rooms across PSET sector

Source: Government of South Africa

Call for expansion of Comfort Rooms across PSET sector

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube has called for the expansion of safe, accessible and stigma-free support spaces across South Africa’s post-school education and training sector (PSET).

Dube-Ncube made the call at the national launch of Higher Health’s first Comfort Room at Ekurhuleni East TVET College’s Springs Campus on Thursday.

The Comfort Room is designed to provide students with a safe environment where they can speak openly, seek assistance and access support for challenges including gender-based violence (GBV), mental health, HIV and other psychosocial difficulties.

Dube-Ncube said the need for such spaces was underscored by the number of young people requiring psychosocial support.

According to Higher Health, approximately 394 000 GBV self-risk assessments and about 458 000 mental health self-risk assessments have been completed, with close to 189 000 young people identified as needing or actively seeking psychosocial support.

“Those are not statistics. Those are students,” Dube-Ncube said, adding that behind the numbers were young people carrying challenges they may never have spoken about.

She said the Comfort Room offered a simple but powerful intervention by creating a physical space where students could find people trained to listen without judgement.

“Stigma survives in silence, and the Comfort Room creates a space where young people can speak,” the Deputy Minister said.

The space will host initiatives including Survivor Clubs for students who have experienced GBV, Transforming Mentalities Clubs aimed at promoting reflection and behavioural change, and peer forums for young people living with HIV.

It will also provide mental health conversations, self-risk assessments and referral pathways to appropriate support services.

Dube-Ncube said the peer-led model is particularly important, as young people are often more willing to seek assistance from people they can relate to and who have walked similar paths.

She stressed, however, that the Comfort Room will not replace existing support structures.

“No single institution can carry gender-based violence, HIV and mental illness alone.”

The initiative will complement the work of the South African Police Service, the Departments of Social Development and Health, and non-governmental organisations involved in supporting students.

For cases of sexual violence, the Comfort Room is designed to serve as a campus-based extension of the Thuthuzela Care Centre model, providing a space where a student can first find the courage to speak before being supported and connected to appropriate services.

Expansion

Dube-Ncube said the Department of Higher Education and Training and Higher Health plan to establish Comfort Rooms across universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and Community Education and Training (CET) colleges.

“This is wrap-around support in its truest form: a continuous circle of concern, care and comfortable conversation that follows a student until they are whole again,” Dube-Ncube said.

The Deputy Minister also called on non-governmental organisations and the private sector to support the expansion of the initiative.

She urged non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to partner with government and bring their counselling and GBV response expertise into the Comfort Rooms, while calling on businesses and private higher education institutions to contribute resources, counselling services, furniture and connectivity.

Dube-Ncube linked the initiative to the broader national focus on skills development, saying student wellbeing and skills development could not be treated as separate priorities.

“A skills revolution that produces brilliant technicians with broken spirits is not the revolution we were promised. Skills and wellbeing are not two projects. They are one,” the Deputy Minister said.

She also called on universities, TVET and CET colleges to consider introducing confidential wellbeing screening during the first week of a student’s academic journey.

The Deputy Minister said the more than 850 000 GBV and mental health self-risk assessments completed through Higher Health demonstrated that young people are willing to speak when asked the right questions at the right time.

“If we can screen a first-year student’s academic readiness, we can screen their emotional readiness too. Catch it at year one, and you very often prevent the crisis of year three.”

Responding to challenges

Dube-Ncube said the Comfort Room also responds to the growing challenges of social isolation in an increasingly digital world.

She said young people need spaces where they can engage with one another face-to-face and speak honestly about their challenges.

“The Comfort Room, particularly in an age of screens, is a deliberately human space in an increasingly digital world,” she said.

Dube-Ncube hopes that within five years, Comfort Rooms will become as common on South African campuses as libraries.

She also welcomed the participation of 150 Ekurhuleni East TVET College students in Higher Health’s one-day Civic Education and Voter Registration Programme ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

The Deputy Minister said the true success of the Comfort Room will not be measured by its launch, but by whether students felt able to walk through its doors and seek help.

READ | Comfort Rooms to create safe spaces for student support, wellbeing

“The true opening of this room will not happen with scissors and ribbon. It will happen the first time a student, alone and afraid, chooses to walk through that door instead of walking past it,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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South African delegation heads to Stockholm World Water Week 2026

Source: Government of South Africa

South African delegation heads to Stockholm World Water Week 2026

Dr Risimati Mathye, Deputy Director-General responsible for Water Services Management at the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), will lead the South African water sector delegation to World Water Week 2026 in Stockholm, Sweden, from 23 to 27 August.

The delegation will include representatives from various water sector entities and catchment management agencies, who will participate in high-level panel discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions alongside international water leaders, policymakers and sector experts.

Hosted by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), this year’s event will be held under the theme: “Water for People and Progress”, emphasising equitable water security, sanitation and climate resilience.

World Water Week is an annual global conference on water issues and an enduring meeting place for water action, championing cooperation across sectors and national boundaries.

The conference delves into a broad range of topics, from food security and health to agriculture, technology, biodiversity and the climate crisis.

It also provides a meeting platform for policymakers and institutions to accelerate progress in international processes related to water, climate and sustainable development. 

During the conference, the department said Mathye is expected to highlight South Africa’s efforts, priorities, and experiences in strengthening water security, enhancing sanitation services, and building resilience to climate change.

He will also highlight the importance of collaboration, innovation, and investment in addressing shared water issues.

“Water is essential to health, dignity, education, livelihoods and inclusive development. Reliable access to safe water and sanitation, particularly in informal settlements, rural communities and peri-urban areas, helps reduce disease, supports education and strengthens the livelihoods of vulnerable communities. 

“Water is essential to health, dignity, education, livelihoods and inclusive development. Reliable access to safe water and sanitation, particularly in informal settlements, rural communities and peri-urban areas, helps reduce disease, supports education and strengthens the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.

“For South Africa, achieving water security means ensuring that water and sanitation services are reliable, safe, accessible and affordable, while addressing the inequalities that continue to affect vulnerable communities. Investment in basic services is therefore not only a social obligation, but an investment in healthier communities, stronger economies and inclusive progress,” Mathye said.

The department said South Africa’s participation in the conference will provide an opportunity to showcase the country’s water reforms, innovations and management approaches, while learning from global experiences and strengthening partnerships that support sustainable and inclusive water solutions.

“The department considers events like World Water Week crucial for fostering cooperation and collective action toward a water-secure future, recognising that water issues cross borders and require cross-sector collaboration,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Call for women to be placed at centre of science, innovation

Source: Government of South Africa

Call for women to be placed at centre of science, innovation

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has warned that South Africa cannot reach its full potential if women and girls remain excluded from opportunities in science, technology and innovation.

In his opening remarks at the 23rd South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA) Gala Dinner in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Thursday evening, Nzimande said the 2026 theme: “Placing Women at the Centre of Science, Technology and Innovation”, highlighted the need to confront persistent structural inequalities in the country’s science system.

“Transformation is not a symbolic gesture, but a moral and strategic necessity,” Nzimande said.

Nzimande highlighted South Africa’s progress in improving women’s participation in science and research, with women now constituting 52% of the academic workforce and 47.7% of the national research workforce.

Women also accounted for 62.6% of total university enrolments in 2024.

The Minister said government had institutionalised equity targets requiring at least 55% of postgraduate bursaries to be awarded to women and 80% to Black students.

During the 2025/26 financial year, 6 246 postgraduate students received bursary support, while 1 644 emerging researchers were supported, including 708 Black women emerging researchers.

Nzimande said the South African Research Chairs Initiative is also being used to advance the empowerment of women, with 104 of the 198 operational research chairs, or 53%, held by women as of April 2026.

Despite these gains, the Minister said the country’s transformation journey remained incomplete.

“Women remain underrepresented in research leadership and critical STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines like engineering, computer science, and AI [artificial intelligence].

“Early-career researchers face heavy structural barriers, from intense teaching loads to limited research time. Paradoxically, while women lead institutional research, female-owned tech enterprises face severe venture capital deficiencies,” the Minister said.

To address these challenges, Nzimande said the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Technology Innovation (DSTI) Agency are steadfast in providing targeted seed funding, incubation and venture capital to female-led technological enterprises.

“Our objective is to empower women not just as high-calibre researchers and scientists, but as enterprise founders and industrial pioneers. Meaningful transformation cannot end with a published paper; it must extend into intellectual property, patents, and global market leadership,” Nzimande said.

Nzimande said the impact of the SAWiSA 2026 theme should ultimately be reflected in a significant increase in the participation of women and girls in STEM over the next 10 to 20 years.

Honouring late renowned “ProfKeo”

The Minister also announced that one of the award categories will be renamed the DSTI-Professor Keolebogile Shirley Motaung Fellowship, in honour of the late renowned scientist.

Motaung, affectionately known as ProfKeo, was a pioneer in stem cells and regenerative medicine, with a strong emphasis on indigenous knowledge systems.

Nzimande said the decision followed a commitment made to her family to find a lasting way of honouring her contribution to science.

He also congratulated Professors Liesl Zühlke, Priscilla Baker and Karen Sliwa-Hahnl for receiving national and international recognition for their contributions in various scientific fields.

The SAWiSA awards celebrate excellence across the natural, life, physical and engineering sciences, as well as the humanities and social sciences, public engagement with science and innovation for impact.

The awards also seek to strengthen the pipeline of future women scientists through fellowships for master’s and doctoral students.

Nzimande said hosting the awards during Women’s Month was particularly significant, given South Africa’s history in which women, especially Black women, were excluded from education, science and economic opportunities under apartheid.

He said the awards honoured the struggles of South African women against racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination, while encouraging young women to enter STEM fields and supporting those already pursuing careers in science.

“No nation can hope to achieve its national development goals if it fails to invest in building its scientific and technological capabilities. No nation can ever hope to reach its true potential if it excludes its women and girls from opportunities in science, technology, and innovation,” Nzimande said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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