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SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms in Mpumalanga

Source: Government of South Africa

SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms in Mpumalanga

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast partly cloudy conditions over the central and eastern parts of the country, with isolated rain and showers possible over the eastern parts on Monday.

A warning for possible severe thunderstorms over the Mpumalanga Highveld has been issued for Monday afternoon.

The thunderstorms may cause localised flooding of low-lying areas, roads and bridges, as well as large amounts of small hail and damaging winds. This could damage settlements and infrastructure across most of Mpumalanga, except the Lowveld.

“A surface high-pressure system is expected to dominate over the central and eastern parts of the country, with a cold front slipping south of the country on Friday, and a surface trough over the west coast into the northern interior of the country,” SAWS said. –SAnews.gov.za

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DPCI sets record straight on investigating the Acting National Commissioner

Source: Government of South Africa

DPCI sets record straight on investigating the Acting National Commissioner

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has in a statement placed on record the correct facts regarding media reports alleging that it is investigating the Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane.

“The DPCI confirms that it is not investigating the Acting National Commissioner,” the DPCI said in a statement.

“The complaint received by the DPCI is linked to an existing matter that is currently handled by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).

“In accordance with established procedures and to prevent duplication of investigations, the complaint submitted to the DPCI was referred to IDAC for further consideration and the complainant was informed accordingly,” the DPCI said.

The DPCI explained that the referral of the complaint does not constitute the registration of a criminal case or the initiation of a criminal investigation by the DPCI.

“It was merely referred to the IDAC because of the existing investigation,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Cassim calls for urgent action over Unisa NSFAS funding delays

Source: Government of South Africa

Cassim calls for urgent action over Unisa NSFAS funding delays

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim has formally handed over written complaints and enquiries from students at the University of South Africa (Unisa) to the institution’s management.

These highlight concerns over delays in National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Personal Care Allowance payments and the discontinuation of monthly data allowances.

The complaints, submitted through the Deputy Minister’s Helpdesk, detailed widespread frustration among students over delayed July’s Personal Care Allowance payments and ongoing data and connectivity challenges, which remain critical for distance-learning students. More than 93 000 Unisa students have been affected by the delays.

During a recent meeting attended by Cassim, Unisa management, student leaders, and NSFAS representatives, it was confirmed that NSFAS transferred the required funds to Unisa on 2 July 2026. However, the university experienced a system glitch that delayed the processing of payments for some students.

According to Unisa, the technical issue was resolved on Monday, 6 July 2026, and outstanding payments are currently being processed.

The Deputy Minister said students should not have been subjected to delays, particularly given the limited value of the Personal Care Allowance.

“If we are being honest, R316 per month for a distance-learning student, which is less than the Social Relief Grant, is simply not enough, given the resources students need to succeed academically. However, these are policy issues, which can only be changed through the annual NSFAS policy review process,” Cassim said.

Key outcomes and action items

The engagement resulted in several commitments aimed at addressing immediate challenges and improving coordination between NSFAS and Unisa.

Cassim will write to NSFAS Administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula, requesting a comprehensive briefing on allowance payment schedules to institutions.

Cassim noted that the Unisa incident exposed weaknesses in the current process, with NSFAS transferring funds only after the start of each month, leaving institutions with limited time to process student payments. He called for a review of payment schedules to ensure better alignment.

NSFAS also committed to deploying its finance department team to Unisa next week to reconcile outstanding payments and resolve other financial matters affecting the two institutions.

Unisa management further undertook to arrange a direct engagement between Cassim and the Unisa student body to provide Cassim with an opportunity to listen to students directly and understand the issues first-hand.

Policy review opportunities

Cassim said the annual NSFAS policy review process, together with the forthcoming review of the NSFAS Act, presents an opportunity to address several longstanding issues affecting distance-learning students.

These include the exclusion of Unisa students registered for fewer than 10 modules from receiving allowances, the insufficiency of the R316 Personal Care Allowance, the absence of additional allowances beyond Personal Care and once-off book allowances, and the funding model of distance learning institutions like Unisa.

Cassim said the visit has strengthened his understanding of these challenges, which will guide his contributions to the processes at the appropriate time.

Call to restore monthly data support

Cassim also urged the Unisa Council to reconsider its decision to discontinue monthly data allowances, emphasising that affordable and reliable internet access is essential for academic success in a distance-learning environment.

While welcoming the Council’s efforts to negotiate with private sector partners to provide low-cost data, Cassim maintained that a sustainable solution is needed to ensure that students receive regular monthly data allocations.

Cassim reaffirmed his commitment to the Helpdesk, describing it as a vital “helping hand” that provides swift, personalised support to students by escalating queries and grievances and driving meaningful solutions.

“The concerns of our students are valid and must be addressed with urgency and empathy. We will continue to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to find sustainable solutions that ensure that no student is left behind,” he said.

The Deputy Minister also raised additional complaints received through the DM’s Helpdesk, including allegations that some students had received less than the full R316 Personal Care Allowance.

The university denied the allegations, despite being presented with evidence during the meeting, and requested that all reported cases be forwarded to assess each case individually and provide responses where necessary. – SAnews.gov.za

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Trailblazing young teacher transforms school administration

Source: Government of South Africa

Trailblazing young teacher transforms school administration

By Sihle Manda

When Sipho Manzini completed matric in 2007, he envisioned a life as a geologist. Growing up on a farm near White River in Mpumalanga, he never imagined that he would one day become an award-winning educator whose innovation would help transform the way teachers work in schools.

Today, the Mfuleni High School teacher is the developer of WebAdmin, an artificial intelligence-(AI) powered digital platform that is helping educators streamline administrative tasks, improve organisation and integrate technology into their daily work. His innovation earned him national recognition at the 2025 National Batho Pele and Innovation Awards, where he received the bronze award in the category of Innovations Harnessing Technology for Frontline Services. He also received the Special Ministerial Award – Public Sector Trailblazers.

The awards, hosted by the Department of Public Service and Administration and the Centre for Public Service Innovation, recognise public servants who go beyond the call of duty to advance front-line service delivery through innovation, ethical conduct and dedication.

For Manzini, however, the journey to this achievement began far from the bright lights of the awards stage.

Humble beginnings

Born and raised in Mbombela, he attended primary school on a farm, but because there was no nearby high school, he had to relocate to the village of Mgaduzweni, situated between White River and Hazyview, where he completed his secondary education.

After matriculating, he secured admission at Stellenbosch University in 2010, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in geology.

“In my final year, we had a programming module. I liked it and, after I graduated, I decided to take it further and explore the technology space,” he recalls.

Although he graduated in 2016 with aspirations of becoming a geologist, the path ahead proved challenging. He had a short-lived stint working in the industry before attempting entrepreneurship, which ultimately did not succeed.

“I was advised that I could do a PGCE [Postgraduate Certificate in Education], which would allow me to become an educator.”

In 2020, he enrolled in the PGCE – a decision that would ultimately change the course of his career. Two years later, he completed a postgraduate qualification in Business Administration and entered the teaching profession.

His transition into education was eye-opening.

“The teaching journey has been very interesting. Every day I get to deal with the different personalities of teenagers. It is a different world to the one I was anticipating when I pursued my degree.”

Outdated systems

What struck Manzini most was how little school administrative processes had changed over the years. The profession, he realised, still operated much as it had when he himself was a learner – with paper-heavy, manual systems that often made the work feel disorganised and difficult to manage. Rather than accept that as the norm, he saw an opportunity to use his technical skills to improve the way schools functioned.

That realisation planted the seed for what would later become WebAdmin – a digital system that could bring greater structure and organisation to everyday school processes.

What started as a simple idea gradually evolved into a comprehensive solution. Drawing on the programming skills he had developed after university, Manzini spent nearly two years building the platform.

“It was not a fully fledged idea from the start. It was very small. It just kept growing and growing until I had a fully developed digital system.”

Innovative solutions

The AI-powered platform gives educators access to digital workstations through their smartphones or laptops, making daily administrative tasks far easier to manage. Integrated with a customised smart card – also developed by Manzini – the system allows teachers to handle class registers, staff attendance, learner activities and a range of other administrative functions from one central platform.

By reducing the school’s reliance on paperwork, the platform has made administration more efficient, accessible and organised.

What began at Mfuleni High School has since grown into a wider district initiative. The platform is now being used in 13 schools across the Metro North District, with more than 250 teachers actively using it to improve teaching and streamline their workflow.

But despite its success, the journey has not been without obstacles.

According to Manzini, one of the biggest challenges has been encouraging educators to move away from long-established paper-based systems and embrace a new way of working.

“I may have developed the system, but on the ground it is very hard to get other schools to buy into it or make them understand that there might be a better alternative to paper”.

*This article first appeared in Public Sector Magazine
 

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South Africa at the forefront of HIV prevention innovation

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa at the forefront of HIV prevention innovation

By Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi

The introduction of Lenacapavir for HIV prevention in South Africa represents the culmination of more than a decade of strategic leadership and health system strengthening led by the National Department of Health. South Africa has been one of the few countries globally to make antiretroviral-based pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) available as part of the Essential Medicines List and integrated within the country’s public primary healthcare (PHC) system. 

The rollout of Lenacapavir, therefore, does not represent a stand-alone intervention, but rather builds on a strong and mature HIV prevention platform that has progressively expanded access to HIV prevention services across the country.

In 2016, the Department of Health adopted a bold and pioneering approach to HIV prevention by introducing oral PrEP. By 2021, South Africa had successfully scaled oral PrEP across the public health sector, even as many countries were still debating its feasibility, affordability and implementation in routine health services. Today, more than 2.2 million South Africans have been initiated on oral PrEP through public sector programmes.

Government recognised early that ending new HIV infections would require not only the expansion of HIV treatment, but also sustained investment in innovative HIV prevention technologies that empower people to protect themselves from HIV.

This strategic vision positioned the country as a global leader in HIV prevention innovation and laid the foundation for the introduction of next-generation long-acting prevention options such as Lenacapavir.

We have made efforts in ensuring that oral PrEP was integrated into routine PHC services, ensuring that HIV prevention became part of comprehensive healthcare that includes HIV testing services, sexual and reproductive health services, sexually transmitted infection management, TB screening, maternal and child health services, and linkage to HIV treatment and care.

The introduction of Lenacapavir now builds directly on this solid foundation. South Africa’s established PHC infrastructure, trained healthcare workforce, HIV prevention guidelines, supply chain systems, monitoring platforms and community mobilisation networks created the enabling environment necessary for the rapid introduction of long-acting HIV prevention technologies. Without the earlier strategic investments in oral PrEP and integrated prevention services, the country would not have been positioned to move so quickly towards implementing Lenacapavir at scale.

Lenacapavir represents a major scientific breakthrough in HIV prevention. Unlike daily oral PrEP, Lenacapavir is administered as two injections every six months, offering individuals a highly effective long-acting prevention option that reduces the burden of daily pill-taking and may improve adherence and convenience for many users. Clinical trials demonstrated unprecedented effectiveness in preventing HIV infection, leading to global recognition of Lenacapavir as one of the most important advances in HIV prevention in recent years.

Through coordinated engagement with regulatory authorities, researchers, international partners, provincial health departments and civil society, we have overseen the introduction of Lenacapavir into the public health system as part of a broader combination HIV prevention programme.

Importantly, we have consistently emphasised that Lenacapavir is an additional HIV prevention choice rather than a replacement for existing prevention methods. 

This reflects South Africa’s broader prevention philosophy of informed choice and combination prevention, recognising that different individuals require different prevention options at different stages of their lives. By expanding prevention choices, we are ensuring that more people can access prevention methods that suit their circumstances and preferences.

The significance of Lenacapavir extends beyond the introduction of a new medicine. It signals the next phase in the evolution of HIV prevention and strengthens South Africa’s efforts to end new HIV infections. Long-acting prevention technologies have the potential to overcome many of the adherence and access barriers associated with daily prevention methods, particularly among populations most vulnerable to HIV infection, including adolescent girls and young women, sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender persons, and pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Government will continue to mobilise resources and strengthen partnerships to support the rollout of this game-changer as part of our ongoing efforts to prevent new HIV infections in our country. 

South Africa’s approach reflects a balanced model of domestic ownership and catalytic international support. While development partners have assisted with catalytic support for the early introduction of Lenacapavir, I reaffirm government’s commitment to long-term sustainability and future domestic financing as more affordable generic products become available.

By building on the strong foundation established through the national oral PrEP programme, South Africa is undoubtedly positioned to once again lead globally in expanding equitable access to life-saving HIV prevention technologies and accelerating progress towards ending new HIV infections.

*This article first appeared in Public Sector Manager Magazine

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Rebuilding public trust through delivery and accountability

Source: Government of South Africa

Rebuilding public trust through delivery and accountability

By Nomonde Mnukwa, Acting GCIS Director-General

The month of July is dedicated to honouring the enduring legacy of our first democratic President Nelson Mandela, whose life was defined by selfless service to the people of South Africa. This annual observance is not just a symbolic tribute but is a reminder of the values that should guide every public servant.

Madiba’s legacy calls on us to demonstrate, through our actions, a steadfast commitment to serving the public with integrity, accountability and compassion. It reminds us that government’s legitimacy is earned not through words, but through tangible action that protects human dignity, advances accountability and places people at the centre of every decision.

These values are firmly rooted in the principles of Batho Pele, which call on us to listen actively, communicate clearly, act with professionalism and courtesy, uphold service standards and provide redress where we fall short.

At a time when citizen confidence in public institutions is under increasing pressure, our responsibility as public servants should move from commitment to credible delivery and from intention to visible impact.

We must also make deliberate use of the monitoring and evaluation mechanisms already in place across government to identify gaps and strengthen performance where it does not meet the required standards. One such mechanism is the National Quantitative Tracker Report produced by the GCIS, which provides critical insights to guide evidence-based decision-making. 

The latest National Quantitative Tracker Report (Quarter 4, 2025/26) presents a sobering reflection of public sentiment. It indicates that 79% of respondents believe the country is moving in the wrong direction, while only 18% hold a positive view. This underscores the need for strengthened communication and increased visibility of government interventions and service delivery outcomes.

This finding must be understood as a clear call to action. Citizens are forming their judgments based on lived experience – whether services are reliable, whether leadership is visible, whether institutions are responsive and whether government acts with integrity and urgency.

As we prepare for the 2026 Local Government Elections, rebuilding public trust must become a deliberate and sustained programme of action across the public sector. While elections remain a cornerstone of our democracy, trust is strengthened every day through services that function effectively, institutions that listen and respond, and public servants who consistently uphold the dignity of those they serve.

For citizens to actively participate in democratic processes, they must have confidence that these processes deliver meaningful benefits in their everyday lives.

For many South Africans, government is experienced most directly through the services that shape daily life – clean water, sanitation, refuse removal, electricity, safe roads, clinics, schools, housing administration, and responsive public offices. When these services are reliable and accessible, they affirm dignity and reinforce confidence in the capability of the State. When they fail, frustration deepens and public trust is eroded.

The findings from the Tracker Report reinforces the close relationship. Encouragingly, citizens continue to recognise progress in several key service areas, with 50% expressing positive views on access to clean drinking water, 49% on solid waste removal, and 47% on the reliability of electricity supply.

However, the findings also highlight critical areas requiring attention. Confidence in the maintenance of municipal infrastructure remains low at 35%, while perceptions of community inclusion and consultation in development processes stand at just 31%.

These findings reveal an important reality – service delivery is not only about the provision of infrastructure. It is equally about consistent maintenance, clear and continuous communication, institutional responsiveness, and the extent to which communities feel heard and included in decisions that affect their lives.

Public trust in institutions remains under pressure, particularly at local government level. 

This points to the need for a coordinated government-wide response that focuses on improving service delivery outcomes, strengthening accountability, demonstrating responsive leadership, and communicating progress more effectively. Public confidence is unlikely to improve through messaging alone; it must be reinforced by visible improvements in the quality of services and the lived experiences of citizens.

The Tracker Report identifies important areas of strength that demonstrate government’s capacity to deliver meaningful outcomes. Public approval remains relatively stronger in the provision of social grants, efforts to combat and treat HIV and AIDS and TB, and the delivery of basic education.

These achievements show that sustained progress is possible when systems are well-coordinated, implementation is focused and institutions are held accountable for results. The challenge now is to replicate these success factors in areas where public confidence remains low, particularly in addressing corruption and crime, maintaining critical infrastructure and improving the quality and responsiveness of frontline services.

These findings reinforce the importance of building a capable, ethical and developmental state. A capable state plans effectively, maintains infrastructure, uses data to solve problems and equips public servants with the skills and necessary support to deliver. An ethical state acts decisively against corruption, protects public resources and enforces consequence management. A developmental state reduces inequality, expands opportunity and ensures that no one is left behind.

Government interventions, such as the ongoing review of the White Paper on Local Government are therefore critical reform opportunities to address the root causes of municipal dysfunction and strengthen the sphere closest to communities. This review presents a timely chance to align policy with the realities faced by municipalities on the ground. The White Paper must support a system that is fit for purpose, financially sustainable, professionally led and accountable.

Most importantly, it must translate into measurable improvements in citizens’ lived experience, including better governance, stronger accountability, improved infrastructure management, more meaningful community participation and more reliable service delivery.

Citizens also hold clear views on the type and quality of leadership demonstrated by public servants. The Tracker Report indicates that only 29% of citizens believe that premiers and mayors are performing their duties effectively, while just 27% feel that ward councillors are doing their jobs well, reflecting relatively low levels of public confidence. 

These ratings can improve if public leadership becomes more visible, accessible and accountable. 

Despite low levels of trust in institutions and government performance, a majority of South Africans continue to demonstrate resilience and hope. The Tracker Report shows that 51% of South Africans remain proud to be South African and 58% are confident about a shared, positive future. This national pride provides a vital foundation for renewal. 

As we mark Mandela Month, let us recommit to the discipline of delivery. Public trust is not rebuilt through promises made – but through promises kept in every ward, every service centre, every repaired road, every functioning tap and every citizen treated with dignity. The task before us is clear: to translate hope into action and action into results that improve the lives of all South Africans.

Batho Pele! 

*This article first appeared in Public Sector Magazine

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Eskom continues progress under Generation Recovery Plan

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom continues progress under Generation Recovery Plan

Eskom has recorded 420 days without the implementation of load shedding.

“South Africa has recorded 420 consecutive days without load shedding since 16 May 2025. During the previous financial year, supply interruptions were limited to 26 hours across four days in April and May 2025,” Eskom said.

The power utility’s improved performance has been sustained through the Generation Recovery Plan and execution of targeted recovery initiatives across Eskom’s fleet.

“The continued increase in the Energy Availability Factor [EAF], combined with significantly lower levels of unplanned outages, is enabling Eskom to consistently deliver energy security while maintaining the operational flexibility required to manage periods of higher winter consumption.

“The sustained progress on the Generation Recovery Plan is delivering stronger performance, with the [EAF] reaching 64.82% for the financial year-to-date up from 64.29% in the previous week and significantly higher than 58.73% recorded over the same period last year, an improvement of 6.09% year-on-year.

“Compared to the corresponding period three years ago, the EAF has seen a 9.89% improvement returning 5.0GW of generating capacity, driven by a continued reduction in unplanned outages and more consistent, reliable performance across the generation fleet,” an Eskom statement read.

Last week, unplanned outages at power stations declined to some 8396MW, compared to 13 619MW during the same period last year.

This marks a reduction of 5223MW which more than the generating capacity of a large power station such as Kusile.

“This sustained improvement is also reflected in the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor [UCLF], which significantly improved to 17.49% from 28.67% in the corresponding period last year, underscoring the continued gains achieved through Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan.

“Between 3 and 9 July 2026, planned maintenance remains aligned with Eskom’s reliability and sustainability objectives, with the Planned Capacity Loss Factor [PCLF] averaging 9.15%, lower than 9.68% in the corresponding period last year.

“Eskom continues to maintain additional system capacity, with 3530MW in cold reserve due to excess capacity, providing further assurance of system adequacy,” the statement continued.

Expenditure on diesel – used selectively during peak demand to power Open Cycle Gas Turbines – has also declined to R796.57 million in the current financial year-to-date compared to R5.25 billion in the same period last year.

“This reflects an 84.82% reduction in diesel costs, underscoring stronger generation performance and significantly lower reliance on diesel-fired generation.

“This sustained reduction highlights both cost savings and the operational improvements achieved through Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan, contributing to greater efficiency in system operations.

“Eskom’s Winter Outlook, published on 22 April 2026 for the period 1 April to 31 August 2026, continues to project no load shedding,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Franc Mouzabakani assume a direção do setor petrolífero a montante da República do Congo

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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Franc Mouzabakani Kiesse foi nomeado Diretor-Geral do Setor de Upstream Petrolífero da República do Congo. Nomeado por decreto presidencial a 18 de junho e oficialmente empossado a 9 de julho, Kiesse assume um dos cargos de liderança mais importantes do setor energético do país, numa altura em que o Congo se empenha em aumentar a produção de crude, ao mesmo tempo que expande o investimento em todo o seu setor de petróleo e gás.

Trabalhando em conjunto com o ministro dos Hidrocarbonetos, Stev Simplice Onanga, Kiesse desempenhará um papel central na concretização das ambições do governo no setor a montante. A sua nomeação alia a visão estratégica do Ministério a décadas de experiência técnica, comercial e institucional, reforçando a capacidade do governo para trabalhar em estreita colaboração com operadores, investidores e a SNPC, com vista a acelerar a concretização de projetos e a desbloquear novas oportunidades em todo o setor.

Kiesse delineou uma agenda estratégica clara, centrada na proteção dos interesses nacionais e na melhoria da competitividade do setor a montante congolês. As suas prioridades incluem o reforço da supervisão governamental das atividades de exploração e produção, o aperfeiçoamento do acompanhamento dos projetos e o reforço da auditoria aos custos de desenvolvimento petrolífero apresentados pelas operadoras. Comprometeu-se também a maximizar os rendimentos do Estado provenientes dos projetos a montante através de uma supervisão regulatória mais rigorosa. Kiesse enfatizou a promoção do conteúdo local, expandindo as oportunidades para empresas congolesas e profissionais qualificados ao longo de toda a cadeia de valor do petróleo e do gás. Identificou ainda o desenvolvimento contínuo da SNPC como uma prioridade, com o objetivo de construir uma empresa petrolífera nacional mais forte e competitiva.

Estas prioridades surgem num momento crucial para o setor de upstream do Congo, à medida que o país prossegue com um dos programas de expansão de upstream mais ambiciosos de África. O governo estabeleceu uma meta de produção de 500 000 barris por dia (bpd) para os próximos anos, apoiada por novas descobertas offshore, programas de reabilitação de instalações existentes, reformas legislativas e um aumento do investimento em infraestruturas de gás natural. Alcançar este objetivo exigirá uma colaboração estreita entre as instituições governamentais e os operadores internacionais, garantindo simultaneamente que os projetos sejam executados de forma eficiente e gerem o máximo valor para a economia congolesa.

Com um percurso profissional que lhe proporcionou experiência em todos os níveis do setor de exploração e produção do Congo, Kiesse está bem posicionado para apoiar estes esforços, tendo construído uma carreira que abrange engenharia, desenvolvimento de projetos, relações governamentais e estratégia comercial. Passou mais de uma década na TotalEnergies, progredindo de engenheiro de operações de campo a engenheiro-chefe de processos na sede da empresa em Paris, antes de regressar ao Congo para liderar estudos de processos, gerir projetos de desenvolvimento em águas profundas e supervisionar joint ventures e relações governamentais. Nestas funções, trabalhou em estreita colaboração com parceiros de renome, incluindo a SNPC, a Eni, a Chevron e a Woodside Energy, supervisionando contratos de partilha de produção, negociações de joint ventures e interação com as entidades reguladoras.

Posteriormente, Kiesse ingressou na Perenco Congo como Diretor de Joint Ventures e Relações Governamentais, onde geriu parcerias estratégicas e negociações com autoridades governamentais, antes de se tornar Diretor de Desenvolvimento de Negócios e Relações Institucionais na AMMAT Global Resources. Ao longo destas funções, adquiriu uma vasta experiência a trabalhar tanto com operadores internacionais como com instituições nacionais, o que lhe proporcionou uma compreensão abrangente das dinâmicas comerciais, técnicas e regulatórias que moldam a indústria petrolífera do Congo.

Engenheiro elétrico formado na École Nationale Supérieure Polytechnique, em Brazzaville, possui também um mestrado em Economia e Gestão pela Università di Corsica Pasquale Paoli e um MBA pela DGC Congo.

A sua nomeação surge num momento em que a atividade de investimento continua a acelerar em todo o país. A TotalEnergies está a avançar com uma campanha de perfuração no valor de 500 a 600 milhões de dólares na sequência da descoberta de Moho G, enquanto o desenvolvimento prossegue ao abrigo do acordo de 23 mil milhões de dólares relativo a Bango Kayo, Holmoni e Cayo. Operadores independentes, incluindo a Perenco, a Trident Energy e a PetroNor, continuam a expandir a produção através de novas infraestruturas e da otimização de instalações existentes, apoiando os objetivos de produção a longo prazo do governo.

Um passo importante no sentido de reforçar a governação do setor a montante, a Câmara Africana de Energia (AEC) acolhe com agrado esta nomeação como um marco estratégico fundamental para reforçar a posição do país como um dos principais destinos de investimento em petróleo e gás em África.

«Nós, na Câmara Africana de Energia, temos esperança de que a nomeação de Franc Mouzabakani Kiesse marque o início de uma parceria ainda mais estreita entre o governo e a indústria», afirma NJ Ayuk, presidente executivo da AEC. «O Congo não tem escassez de recursos nem de oportunidades de investimento — a prioridade agora é a execução. Com o ministro Onanga a definir a direção estratégica e líderes experientes como Kiesse a impulsionar a implementação, o país está bem posicionado para dar início à sua próxima fase de crescimento no setor a montante.»

A Câmara acredita que a combinação de conhecimentos técnicos, experiência no setor privado e relações governamentais de Kiesse irá reforçar a implementação da estratégia do Congo no setor a montante. Ao apoiar a agenda do ministro Onanga, promover o conteúdo local, fomentar uma cooperação mais estreita entre o governo e a indústria e manter um ambiente de investimento atrativo, espera-se que a sua liderança desempenhe um papel importante para tornar o Congo um destino ainda mais atrativo para o investimento no setor energético.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Franc Mouzabakani Takes the Helm of the Republic of Congo’s Upstream Petroleum Sector

Source: APO


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Franc Mouzabakani Kiesse has been appointed Director General for of the Upstream Petroleum Sector for the Republic of Congo. Appointed by presidential decree on June 18 and officially installed on July 9, Kiesse assumes one of the country’s most important energy leadership positions as Congo works toward increase crude production while expanding investment across its oil and gas sector.

Working alongside Minister of Hydrocarbons Stev Simplice Onanga, Kiesse will play a central role in translating the government’s upstream ambitions into execution. His appointment brings together the Ministry’s strategic vision with decades of technical, commercial and institutional experience, strengthening the government’s ability to work closely with operators, investors and the SNPC to accelerate project delivery and unlock new opportunities across the sector.

Kiesse has outlined clear strategic agenda centered on protecting national interests while improving the competitiveness of the Congolese upstream sector. His priorities include strengthening government oversight of exploration and production activities, tightening project monitoring and strengthening the auditing of petroleum development costs submitted by operators. He also pledged to maximize the state’s returns from upstream projects through stronger regulatory oversight. Kiesse emphasized promoting local content by expanding opportunities for Congolese companies and skilled professionals throughout the oil and gas value chain. He also identified the continued development of the SNPC as a priority, with the aim of building a stronger and more competitive national oil company.

These priorities come at a pivotal time for Congo’s upstream sector as the country pursues one of Africa’s most ambitious upstream expansion programs. The government has established a production target of 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) over the coming years, supported by new offshore discoveries, brownfield redevelopment programs, legislative reforms and increased investment in natural gas infrastructure. Achieving this objective will require close collaboration between government institutions and international operators while ensuring projects are delivered efficiently and generate maximum value for the Congolese economy.

With a professional journey that has provided experience across every level of Congo’s upstream sector, Kiesse is well positioned to support these efforts, having built a career that spans engineering, project development, government relations and commercial strategy. He spent more than a decade with TotalEnergies, progressing from Field Operations Engineer to Lead Process Engineer at the company’s Paris headquarters before returning to Congo to lead process studies, manage deepwater development projects and oversee joint ventures and government relations. In these roles, he worked closely with major partners including SNPC, Eni, Chevron and Woodside Energy while supervising production sharing contracts, joint venture negotiations and regulatory engagement.

Kiesse later joined Perenco Congo as a Director of Joint Ventures and Government Relations, where he managed strategic partnerships and negotiations with government authorities before becoming Director of Business development and Institutional Relations at AMMAT Global Resources. Across these positions, he developed extensive experience working with both international operators and national institutions, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the commercial, technical and regulatory dynamics shaping Congo’s petroleum industry.

An electrical engineer trained at the Ecole National Supérieure Polytechnique in Brazzaville, he also holds a Master’s degree in Economics and Management from the Università di Corsica Pasquale Paoli and an MBA From DGC Congo.

His appointment comes as investment activity continues to accelerate across the country. TotalEnergies is advancing a $500–$600 million drilling campaign following the Moho G discovery, while development progresses under the $23 billion Bango Kayo, Holmoni and Cayo agreement. Independent operators, including Perenco, Trident Energy and PetroNor, continue to expand production through new infrastructure and brownfield optimization, supporting the government’s long-term production objectives.

A major step toward strengthening upstream governance, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) welcomes this appointment as a core, strategic milestone in reinforcing the country’s position as one of Africa’s leading oil and gas investment destinations.

“We at the African Energy Chamber are hopeful that Franc Mouzabakani Kiesse’s appointment marks the beginning of an even closer partnership between government and industry,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC. “Congo has no shortage of resources or investment opportunities – the priority now is execution. With Minister Onanga setting the strategic direction and experience leaders like Kiesse driving implementation, the country is well-positioned to unlock its next phase of upstream growth.”

The Chamber believes Kiesse’s combination of technical expertise, private sector experience and government relations will strengthen the implementation of Congo’s upstream strategy. By supporting Minister Onanga’s agenda, advancing local content, fostering closer cooperation between government and industry, and maintaining an attractive investment environment, his leadership is expected to play an important role making Congo an even more attractive destination for energy investment.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Franc Mouzabakani prend les rênes du secteur pétrolier en amont de la République du Congo

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Franc Mouzabakani Kiesse a été nommé directeur général du secteur pétrolier en amont de la République du Congo. Nommé par décret présidentiel le 18 juin et officiellement investi le 9 juillet, M. Kiesse occupe l’un des postes les plus importants du secteur énergétique du pays, alors que le Congo s’efforce d’augmenter sa production de brut tout en développant les investissements dans l’ensemble de son secteur pétrolier et gazier.

Aux côtés du ministre des Hydrocarbures, Stev Simplice Onanga, M. Kiesse jouera un rôle central dans la concrétisation des ambitions du gouvernement en matière d’amont. Sa nomination allie la vision stratégique du ministère à des décennies d’expérience technique, commerciale et institutionnelle, renforçant ainsi la capacité du gouvernement à travailler en étroite collaboration avec les opérateurs, les investisseurs et la SNPC afin d’accélérer la mise en œuvre des projets et de débloquer de nouvelles opportunités dans l’ensemble du secteur.

M. Kiesse a défini un programme stratégique clair, axé sur la protection des intérêts nationaux tout en améliorant la compétitivité du secteur en amont congolais. Ses priorités comprennent le renforcement du contrôle gouvernemental sur les activités d’exploration et de production, le resserrement du suivi des projets et le renforcement de l’audit des coûts de développement pétrolier présentés par les opérateurs. Il s’est également engagé à maximiser les retombées pour l’État issues des projets en amont grâce à un contrôle réglementaire renforcé. M. Kiesse a mis l’accent sur la promotion du contenu local en élargissant les opportunités offertes aux entreprises congolaises et aux professionnels qualifiés tout au long de la chaîne de valeur du pétrole et du gaz. Il a également identifié le développement continu de la SNPC comme une priorité, dans le but de bâtir une compagnie pétrolière nationale plus forte et plus compétitive.

Ces priorités interviennent à un moment charnière pour le secteur en amont du Congo, alors que le pays poursuit l’un des programmes d’expansion en amont les plus ambitieux d’Afrique. Le gouvernement s’est fixé un objectif de production de 500 000 barils par jour (b/j) pour les années à venir, soutenu par de nouvelles découvertes offshore, des programmes de réaménagement de sites existants, des réformes législatives et un accroissement des investissements dans les infrastructures gazières. Atteindre cet objectif nécessitera une collaboration étroite entre les institutions gouvernementales et les opérateurs internationaux, tout en veillant à ce que les projets soient menés à bien de manière efficace et génèrent une valeur maximale pour l’économie congolaise.

Fort d’un parcours professionnel qui lui a permis d’acquérir de l’expérience à tous les niveaux du secteur amont congolais, M. Kiesse est parfaitement placé pour soutenir ces efforts, grâce à une carrière couvrant l’ingénierie, le développement de projets, les relations avec les pouvoirs publics et la stratégie commerciale. Il a passé plus d’une décennie chez TotalEnergies, où il a gravi les échelons, passant d’ingénieur d’exploitation de champ à ingénieur en chef des procédés au siège de la société à Paris, avant de revenir au Congo pour diriger des études de procédés, gérer des projets de développement en eaux profondes et superviser les coentreprises et les relations avec les pouvoirs publics. À ces postes, il a travaillé en étroite collaboration avec des partenaires majeurs, notamment la SNPC, Eni, Chevron et Woodside Energy, tout en supervisant les contrats de partage de production, les négociations de coentreprises et les relations avec les autorités réglementaires.

M. Kiesse a ensuite rejoint Perenco Congo en tant que directeur des coentreprises et des relations avec les pouvoirs publics, où il a géré les partenariats stratégiques et les négociations avec les autorités gouvernementales avant de devenir directeur du développement commercial et des relations institutionnelles chez AMMAT Global Resources. Au fil de ces différentes fonctions, il a acquis une vaste expérience de collaboration tant avec des opérateurs internationaux qu’avec des institutions nationales, ce qui lui a permis d’acquérir une compréhension approfondie des dynamiques commerciales, techniques et réglementaires qui façonnent l’industrie pétrolière congolaise.

Ingénieur électricien formé à l’École nationale supérieure polytechnique de Brazzaville, il est également titulaire d’un master en économie et gestion de l’Università di Corsica Pasquale Paoli et d’un MBA de la DGC Congo.

Sa nomination intervient alors que l’activité d’investissement continue de s’accélérer dans tout le pays. TotalEnergies mène actuellement une campagne de forage de 500 à 600 millions de dollars à la suite de la découverte de Moho G, tandis que le développement se poursuit dans le cadre de l’accord de 23 milliards de dollars portant sur Bango Kayo, Holmoni et Cayo. Des opérateurs indépendants, notamment Perenco, Trident Energy et PetroNor, continuent d’accroître leur production grâce à de nouvelles infrastructures et à l’optimisation des sites existants, soutenant ainsi les objectifs de production à long terme du gouvernement.

L’African Energy Chamber (AEC) salue cette nomination, qui constitue une avancée majeure vers le renforcement de la gouvernance en amont, et la considère comme une étape stratégique essentielle pour consolider la position du pays en tant que l’une des principales destinations d’investissement dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier en Afrique.

« À la Chambre africaine de l’énergie, nous espérons que la nomination de Franc Mouzabakani Kiesse marquera le début d’un partenariat encore plus étroit entre le gouvernement et le secteur privé », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’AEC. « Le Congo ne manque ni de ressources ni d’opportunités d’investissement – la priorité est désormais à la mise en œuvre. Avec le ministre Onanga qui définit l’orientation stratégique et des dirigeants expérimentés comme M. Kiesse qui pilotent la mise en œuvre, le pays est bien placé pour entamer sa prochaine phase de croissance en amont. »

La Chambre estime que la combinaison de l’expertise technique, de l’expérience du secteur privé et des relations avec les pouvoirs publics dont dispose M. Kiesse renforcera la mise en œuvre de la stratégie congolais en amont. En soutenant le programme du ministre Onanga, en favorisant le contenu local, en encourageant une coopération plus étroite entre le gouvernement et le secteur privé et en maintenant un environnement d’investissement attractif, son leadership devrait jouer un rôle important pour faire du Congo une destination encore plus attractive pour les investissements dans le secteur de l’énergie.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.