Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Posted on

Innovative water treatment technology to address KZN water challenges

Source: South Africa News Agency

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, has commended the Water Research Commission’s (WRC) ongoing investment and efforts to provide innovative technological solutions to water challenges through the launch of the Vortex Settling Basin (VSB).

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, has commended the Water Research Commission (WRC) for its continued investment in innovative technologies to address South Africa’s water challenges.

A VSB is a type of water treatment system that utilizes a vortex flow pattern to remove sediments, suspended solids, and other pollutants from water. 

It operates on the principle of centrifugal force, allowing heavier particles to settle at the bottom of the basin while cleaner water is discharged from the top. 

The VSB effectively removes heavy sediment particles through its vortex action, causing the sediments to settle in a cone shape. These particles can then be extracted by gravity, while the clearer water flows out over a discharge weir. 

“This technology will help the municipality with an energy-efficient solution for sediment removal, ensuring a reliable water supply with minimal maintenance. The vortex is at 90% efficiency, which means there will be more water to treat, thus increasing water security in the area. The technology will also ensure good water quality because the turbidity of water will be addressed,” the Deputy Minister said.

Mahlobo made the remarks at the recent official handover and launch of the VSB demonstration at the Thukela River abstraction works in Middledrift, Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal.

The launch marked the beginning of a demonstration phase, during which the system’s effectiveness will be closely monitored for potential wider implementation. 

The VSB has a pump capacity of 8.6 mega-litres per day and will benefit a wide range of stakeholders, particularly those reliant on surface water abstraction for agricultural, municipal, and industrial purposes. 

The Deputy Minister assured community members that the municipality has gained a cost-effective technology, to be used also to facilitate more desilting by removing sedimentation in the dams. 

He highlighted that Madungela was chosen for the demonstration for several reasons, including the large contributing catchment downstream of the existing Spioenkop Dam, resulting in high sediment concentrations; the pump station abstracts raw water directly from the Thukela River and has no gravel trap, and current sediment extrusion is by hydro-cyclones; therefore, a good comparison with VSB performance will be possible. 

Mahlobo urged the community to protect the VSB as it will be beneficial to them. 

WRC Chief Executive, Dr Jennifer Molwantwa, emphasised that the work done by the commission has important implications, especially for rural communities who will now have access to reliable potable water. 

“This kind of work is critically important for the WRC, as it demonstrates our ability to translate theoretical scientific innovations into practical applications—not just at laboratory scale, but also in real-world settings. 

“We are hopeful that this innovation will culminate in an economy where all municipalities and bulk water suppliers recognise and adopt it as a groundbreaking technology that has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency and capacity of water treatment systems across the country—particularly benefiting rural communities, where access to reliable and sustainable water services is often limited,” Molwantwa said. –SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets the Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

Download logo

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Mr. Makhtar Diop. The meeting was also attended by Vice President and General Counsel for IFC, Mr. Ethiopis Tafara, and Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Dr. Rania Al Mashat.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said President El-Sisi appreciated IFC’s cooperative relations with Egypt over the past years. The President emphasized Egypt’s keenness on further strengthening this collaboration, particularly in light of the ongoing regional developments, which create formidable challenges on development programs. Mr. Diop agreed with the President and stressed the Corporation’s commitment to its fruitful cooperation with Egypt.

The meeting explored opportunities for joint efforts to enhance investment flows into Egypt and to facilitate financing for the private sector. President El-Sisi confirmed the importance of providing competitive financing rates to reduce costs. He noted that Egypt is adopting a series of policies as well as structural and economic reforms aimed at maintaining financial and economic stability. The President affirmed that the state is committed to boosting the private sector’s role in economic activity and development and is working to bolster private sector confidence in the economy by offering numerous tax and customs facilities to reduce costs and streamline procedures. Additionally, the government is launching initiatives aimed at increasing exports, developing productive and service activities, and expanding public-private partnership projects.

The IFC’s Managing Director lauded Egypt’s economic reform measures, which enhance investor confidence and improve the investment climate. He asserted that joint programs between both parties will continue to further advance cooperation and support the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Posted on

Egypt: President El-Sisi Speaks with President of Cyprus Christodoulides

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

Download logo

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call from President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the call focused on regional developments. President El-Sisi emphasized Egypt’s categorical rejection of any expansion of the cycle of conflict in the region, underscoring the crucial importance of ending Israel’s military operations across all regional fronts. President El-Sisi warned that the continuation of the current approach will inflict grave and formidable harm on all peoples of the region, with no exception.

President El-Sisi affirmed the vital necessity for the international community to assume a more effective role in compelling regional parties to act responsibly. The President asserted that peaceful solutions remain the sole viable means to ensure security and stability in the region. President El-Sisi underlined the urgent need to resume the US-Iranian negotiations, under the auspices of the Sultanate of Oman, which represents the best solution to the current tension. President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s unequivocal stance with regard to the imperative for establishing a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction, encompassing all states of the region.

President El-Sisi emphasized that a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue remains the sole guarantor for achieving enduring peace and stability in the Middle East. This necessitates an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of hostages and detainees, the establishment of an independent Palestinian State along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as well as providing security for all peoples of the region.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Posted on

Le Président burundais rassure sur l’équilibre démocratique post-élections


Au lendemain de la publication des résultats provisoires des élections législatives et communales par la CENI( Commission Électorale Nationale Indépendante), le Chef de l’Etat Son Excellence Evariste a animé, ce samedi à Gitega, un point de presse sur ces élections tenues en date du 5 juin 2025. Il a rassuré la population burundaise que le pays reste sur la voie démocratique malgré les résultats qui attribuent une large victoire au parti CNDD-FDD.

Répondant aux questions des journalistes, le Numéro Un burundais a réagi aux inquiétudes concernant un possible basculement vers le monopartisme. Face à ces préoccupations, le Président de la République a tenu à rassurer la population en expliquant que la vitalité démocratique ne se mesure pas uniquement au nombre de partis politiques présents sur la scène, mais surtout au respect des droits de l’homme et à la liberté d’expression garantie à tous les citoyens.

« Ce n’est pas la présence de nombreux partis qui montre que la démocratie est enracinée, mais bien le respect des libertés fondamentales », a-t-il souligné.

Le Président de la République, qui avait salué le comportement des acteurs politiques depuis l’ouverture de la campagne jusqu’à la clôture du vote, a tenu a rassuré ceux qui n’ont pas été élus, leur rappelant que ce n’est pas un rejet personnel et qu’ils restent des acteurs essentiels de la nation. Il les a plutôt appelés à œuvrer ensemble pour un Burundi uni et prospère.

Le Chef de l’Etat Burundais indique par ailleurs que les requêtes ou contestations doivent être dûment motivées et accompagnées d’informations précises sur le lieu, le bureau de vote concerné et la nature des irrégularités constatées afin que des enquêtes puissent être menées.

Il a toutefois mis en garde contre la diffusion de mensonges et d’exagérations en soulignant que de tels actes sont perçus comme une tentative de semer la confusion ou d’inciter à la révolte au sein de la population et qu’ils sont passibles de sanctions prévues par la loi.

Le Chef de l’État a également saisi cette occasion pour assurer que le CNDD-FDD gouvernera avec responsabilité, en tenant compte et en respectant les opinions des autres forces politiques. Il a ainsi appelé à l’unité et à la collaboration pour le bien-être de toute la nation.

Le Président Evariste Ndayishimiye a enfin tranquillisé que, malgré la majorité obtenue par le parti CNDD-FDD, les critères ethniques ou d’appartenance politique ne seront pas pris en compte dans l’attribution des postes. Il a insisté sur le fait que seules la compétence, l’intelligence et le sens du devoir guideront les choix.

‘‘Nous avons besoin d’hommes et de femmes vaillants et compétents pour relever notre pays’, a-t-il déclaré.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.

Posted on

Gauteng reaffirms commitment to fair procurement processes

Source: South Africa News Agency

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has assured the public that the provincial government remains committed to ensuring fairness in both hiring and procurement processes in public infrastructure projects. 

This comes after concerns raised by local businesses about the perceived exclusion of a preferential procurement clause in the hiring of workers for the rehabilitation works along the Golden Highway (R553) project, amongst others.

The grievances sparked protest action, which temporarily halted construction activities last week.

LoneRock Construction, the main contractor, has since resumed attending to a set of demands by local, small, and medium enterprises (SMEs). The main contractor has since responded positively to their demands. 

These latest developments has led to the resumption of roadworks.

“We recognise the frustrations of affected community members, particularly concerning access to employment and subcontracting opportunities in public infrastructure projects. It is for this reason that, upon being made aware of the challenges, we immediately intervened and held engagements with affected parties.

“As the Department of Roads and Transport, we would like to assure the public that we remain fully committed to the principles of inclusive economic transformation, community empowerment, and transparent procurement processes, in accordance with national legislation,” the MEC said on Friday.

Diale-Tlabela urged local businesses and community members to engage concerns through formal channels, including project steering committees, ward councillors, and the project liaison offices, to ensure grievances are addressed and amicable solutions sought. 

She also condemned actions of those who disrupt construction sites with the aim to extort, intimidate, and cause violence.

“The department condemns any acts of violence, property damage, or obstruction of public roads and urges all affected parties to operate within the law as we work towards a solution that embodies fairness, transparency, and inclusivity.

“We remain open to engaging all stakeholders to strengthen our collective commitment to transformation, empowerment, and socio-economic development in the communities we serve,” the MEC emphasised.

Notwithstanding the delays, the MEC said the project should be delivered within budget and without unnecessary delays.

She reaffirmed the department’s responsibility to ensure that policies and practices align with legal and ethical standards of empowerment, equity, and social justice.

The department said it is currently reviewing the procurement and employment processes applied in the project in question in order to assess compliance with the legislative requirements. 

“If any non-compliance is identified, the department will take corrective actions to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences,” the department said. –SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Deadline looms for National Arts and Culture Awards entries

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has issued a final call to South Africa’s creative community, including artists, industry bodies, and cultural organisations, to submit their most outstanding work for consideration in the 2025 National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA).

The closing date for submissions is 20 June 2025.

Now in its second year, the NACA Awards, previously known as the Cultural and Creative Industry Awards, shine a national spotlight on the creators, innovators, and visionaries who push boundaries and shape South Africa’s cultural identity. 

Whether you work as a filmmaker, dancer, designer, curator, musician, writer, or performer, this is your stage.

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said the NACA Awards are more than recognition, “they are a reflection of who we are as a people.” 

“We urge the sector to submit their finest work, not just to compete, but to inspire. Share your most thoughtful, impactful, and meaningful creations, works that capture the spirit of our nation and contribute to South Africa’s creative landscape. 

“If you’ve been waiting for the right moment, this is your time to share your brilliance with the country,” McKenzie said.

The 2025 NACA Awards will feature 30 honours across six major categories, and these include:

  • Heritage Sites
  • Visual Arts and Crafts
  • Literary Works
  • Audio Visual and Interactive Media
  • Design and Creative Services
  • Performing Arts

In addition, the Ministerial (Discretionary) Awards will be conferred at the Minister’s discretion and do not require nominations.

Key eligibility criteria are as follows:

  • Open to South African citizens, permanent residents, and locally owned entities
  • Works must be professional and have been created or released between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025
  • Entries must be submitted online at www.naca.dsac.gov.za. Each submission should include all required documentation and media samples. Incomplete entries will not be considered.-SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Côte d’Ivoire – Fonction Publique : 590 Concours Ouverts en 2025 et Plus de 120 000 Candidatures Enregistrées


La ministre d’Etat, ministre de la Fonction publique et de la Modernisation de l’administration, Anne Désirée Ouloto, a lancé, le samedi 14 juin à Abidjan, les concours administratifs pour la session 2025. Au total, 590 concours ont été ouverts, avec plus de 120 000 candidatures enregistrées.

Les 590 concours comprennent 213 postes pour le recrutement de nouveaux fonctionnaires et 377 pour la promotion des fonctionnaires déjà en poste dans les structures publiques.

Pour Anne Désirée Ouloto, ces concours visent à former des ressources humaines capables d’offrir à la Côte d’Ivoire une administration performante et efficace au service des citoyens.

Elle a également souligné que ces concours ouverts à tous les Ivoiriens sont organisés conformément aux réformes de 2021, qui mettent l’accent sur la transparence et la rigueur, afin que seuls les meilleurs candidats soient retenus.

La ministre de la Fonction publique a exhorté les candidats à donner le meilleur d’eux même et à se méfier des escrocs et des vendeurs d’illusions. Elle a affirmé que « personne ne peut manipuler les résultats, car un dispositif rigoureux est en place pour garantir l’intégrité du processus ».

Le directeur général de la Fonction publique, Soro Gninagafol, a pour sa part, évoqué les innovations mises en place pour améliorer, sécuriser et fiabiliser le processus. Cela inclut des copies personnalisées, le scannage des copies, etc. « Pour la session 2025, nous avons décidé de consolider toutes ces innovations », a-t-il déclaré.

Notons que ce sont 88 centres de composition qui ont été retenus pour abriter les épreuves écrites d’admissibilité et d’admission aux différents concours. 46 de ces centres sont à Abidjan et 42 dans les 09 localités de l’intérieur du pays retenues pour abriter les concours administratifs de l’année.  

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

Posted on

Deputy President Mashatile to lead National Youth Day commemoration in Potchefstroom, North West Province

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Shiphokosa Paulus Mashatile will, on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, deliver the keynote address at the 2025 Youth Day commemoration and career exhibition event scheduled to take place on Monday, 16 June 2025, at the NWU Rag Farm Stadium, Potchefstroom in the JB Marks Local Municipality, North West Province. 

National Youth Day Commemorative events this year are held under the theme, “Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation”, a call to all government entities and its strategic partners to accelerate and enhance meaningful interventions in bridging the gap between skills development programmes and services available for access by youth to realise economic gain.

In South Africa, June 16 has been declared a National Youth Day due to the active role and participation of young people in the liberation struggle, noting specifically the student uprising of June 16, 1976. 

The 1976 uprising raised the political awareness and introduced a renewed sense to protest against the oppressive apartheid regime. The peaceful 1976 youth demonstrations were met with brutal force from the apartheid regime, resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives, including that of Hector Pieterson, who became the face of the brutality worldwide. 

To date, not only does South Africa continue to pay homage to the youth of 1976, but the country also recognises and applauds the greatness of today’s youth as they make up 34% of South Africa’s total population. 

“As we commemorate this year’s Youth Day, we do so fully aware of the challenges which continue to confront today’s youth, one of them being youth unemployment.  Hence this youth month, Government is putting a strong emphasis on the importance of strong collaboration by all implementing partners on  education, skills and economic development in order to link youth with education and economic opportunities to address youth unemployment in our country,” said the Deputy President.

During the Youth Day Commemorative event, Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie, Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga, Premier of the North West Province, Mr Lazarus Mokgosi, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Development Agency, Ms Mafiki Duma, Mayors, senior government officials and Young Trailblazers.  

The Youth Day event will take place as follows:
Date: Monday, 16 June 2025
Time: 09h00 (Gates open at 07h00)
Venue: North West University (NWU) Rag Farm Stadium, Potchefstroom, North West Province.

Accreditation
Members of the media who have applied for accreditation to cover the commemoration event are hereby requested to collect their accreditation cards as follows:
Date: Sunday, 15 June 2025
Time: 10h00 -18h00
Venue: Trim Park Hall, Potchefstroom in JB Marks Local Municipality.

Monday, 16 June 2025
Time: 07h00 -10h00

For collection enquiries please contact: Madimetja Moleba on 066 301 4675.

Media enquiries:  Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Posted on

Over 200 SANDF troops return from DRC mission

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, has welcomed the return of 249 South African troops who were deployed to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).

The first group of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) heroes and heroines arrived at the Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria on Friday from Tanzania, following South Africa’s phased withdrawal from the regional peacekeeping mission.

“The idea of seeing our soldiers in good spirits and genuinely excited to be home not only speaks volumes of their unwavering patriotism but is also a powerful expression of their steadfast commitment to defend the territorial integrity of the Republic and support its people – a constitutional mandate every member of the South African National Defence Force lives and serves by,” Motshekga said.

The withdrawal of the soldiers was announced by the Minister in May, following a “high level consultation with several role-players in the peacekeeping efforts within the eastern DRC”.

Earlier this year, 14 troop members lost their lives and others sustained injuries during clashes with the M23 rebel group, as fighting in the Goma region escalated. 

The rebel group fought intensely against the Congolese armed forces, resulting in the deaths of soldiers from 23 to 27 January 2025 during M23’s advance on Sake and Goma. 

The South African soldiers were part of the SAMIDRC, which aims to help restore peace, security, and stability in Africa’s second-largest country. 

Motshekga noted that part of the meticulous withdrawal process includes safe retrieval of all Prime Mission Equipment (PME), which is currently underway. 

“As stated by the Chief of the SANDF during our last media briefing on this matter, we shall not leave even a pin behind. All necessary logistical support will continue until the withdrawal is fully completed. 

“We are fully aware that half the work is done in terms Prime Mission Equipment movement, hence we are working around the clock with our counterparts in the region to ensure that the process runs expeditiously with minimal logistical risks,” the Minister said.

She assured the people of South Africa that government will continue to provide the latest developments as the process unfolds.

“Our main focus from now on is to prioritise their standard procedure of demobilisation. This will include crucial psychosocial sessions, after which they will return to their respective units and, thereafter, be reunited with their families,” the Minister said.

Motshekga reaffirmed South Africa’s continued commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Southern African region. –SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

President Ramaphosa hails Proteas historic ICC test championship victory

Source: South Africa News Agency

Sunday, June 15, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the Proteas on their historic victory in the International Cricket Council’s Test Championship, after five-wicket win over Australia at Lord’s, England, on Saturday.

South Africa beat Australia on the fourth day, through a superb team effort at the home of cricket. 

“Your win is a major boost for cricket in South Africa, and you have inspired a new generation of cricketers. I call on the nation to come and greet the Cricket World Champions when they arrive back in the country this week,” the President said in a statement on Saturday.

The President described the win as being built around excellent performances by the batsmen in the second innings.

There was the brilliant batting by Aiden Markram who scored 136 and the captain, Temba Bavuma with his 66 runs.

Their match-winning partnership was pivotal in the team’s success.

The bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada, also kept the pressure on the Australian batsmen and never allowed them to dominate.

“Coach Shukri Conrad, captain Bavuma and the team have done South Africa proud. They started the match as underdogs but that indomitable spirit, that is a characteristic of our nation, carried the team through. The Proteas underlined the importance of being focussed on the field and triumphed,” the President said. –SAnews.gov.za