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IEC to host the first Symposium on Political Funding in SA

Source: South Africa News Agency

IEC to host the first Symposium on Political Funding in SA

The Electoral Commission is preparing to host a symposium on Political Funding in South Africa. 

This follows four years of implementing the Political Funding Act of 2018. This law took effect on 1 April 2021. 

The symposium will be held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on 18 and 19 June 2025.

The symposium will be held under the theme: “Sustaining Multi-Party Democracy through Enhancing Political Funding Regulation in South Africa”.

The aim of the symposium is to foster informed dialogue on matters related to the use of money in politics, the required transparency and accountability models, as well as possible reforms to ensure an effective political finance regulatory regime in South Africa.

The key highlights of the programme of the symposium include opening remarks by the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mosotho Moepya.

The Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, and the political funding unit will outline the experience of implementing the law since its promulgation. This aspect will involve the points of success and areas of challenge. 

The Human Sciences Research Council will outline the preliminary outcomes of a research study which, amongst others, gathered the views and perspectives of stakeholders and the public on political financing in the country. Several scholars will also present their work in this area.

The Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, is also scheduled to address the symposium. The Minister is expected to provide a perspective on the public funding of elected representatives to enhance multi-party democracy.

Highlights of the programme include the following:

• A global perspective on political funding and campaign finance.

• The role and mandate of the political funding framework in strengthening democratic governance.

• Assessing the capacity and commitment of key stakeholders in improving the regulation of political funding.

• Transparency in public and private political party funding.

The symposium will convene a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from political parties, Members of Parliament, academia, civil society, media, the business sector, as well as international and intergovernmental organisations.

Speaking ahead of the symposium, Mamabolo said a collective commitment to enhancing transparency in the political funding landscape is important to foster a vibrant system of multiparty democracy. 

“By convening diverse stakeholders, we aim to critically assess our progress and explore avenues for strengthening the current regulatory framework and thus ensure that our democracy remains robust and resilient,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Older South Africans need better support and basic services – and so do their caregivers

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Elena Moore, Professor of Sociology, University of Cape Town

In South Africa, most long-term care for older people happens at home through the efforts of family members, largely female kin, not through government services.

With South Africa’s population growing older, combined with reduced funding for community care, higher levels of disability in old age, and widespread poverty and unemployment, family care has become more important than ever and more challenging. But government and policy makers don’t know how it happens, and we can’t just assume it happens.

The Family Caregiving Programme is the first major programme dedicated to understanding family care of older persons in southern Africa. As part of the research team for this programme we are looking at how family care works and how it can be better supported. The five-year programme aims to improve our understanding of how family care is experienced in South Africa, Malawi, Namibia and Botswana.

For the latest research report, we worked with 103 caregivers and 96 older persons in 100 family units across seven locations in three South African provinces: the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. We worked in two rural areas, one peri-urban area and four urban areas including two townships.

Three quarters of the sample of older persons required constant care or supervision.

We found that all the care needs were being met – but at a significant cost for caregivers, older persons and society.

Care needs go beyond physiological and cognitive issues and are shaped by the physical and social environment. The environment can make care more challenging and create more dependency. Lack of access to water, sanitation and electricity adds to care work.

For care needs to be met, older persons need supported caregivers, access to care services and basic services.

The gaps

South Africa’s long term care policy encourages “ageing in place”, meaning older people should live in their homes, supported by community-based services. But the reality is that support is limited.

Of the 5.5 million older people in South Africa, around 4 million receive the Older Person’s Grant, and at least 1.5 million need help with daily activities. Very few receive home-based care or subsidised meals. Even fewer receive assistive devices and materials such as wheelchairs or incontinence products.

It’s a common assumption that if an older person lives with family, they’re being cared for. But this isn’t always true. Sometimes the available family member isn’t able – physically, emotionally, or financially – to provide proper care. Mental health support is also largely missing. Many older people experience loneliness and depression, but help is hard to find. In our study, one in five older persons experienced feelings of loneliness, anxiety and despair.

Many older people don’t have running water, proper toilets, wheelchairs, or incontinence products. If basic services are missing, the older person needs more help. Older black people in rural areas and in under-resourced townships are most affected.

Family Caregiving Programme

Older people also need help accessing healthcare. High levels of diabetes, hypertension and arthritis in many cases lead to disability in later life. But getting help to access care isn’t always available.

Mary Mwebu (we have used pseudonyms), who lives in the rural Eastern Cape and has TB of the spine and mobility challenges, has no running water in her home. She also has no accessible and affordable transport, so she hasn’t been to the clinic in 10 years and struggles to manage her pain.

Care needs of older persons include basic provision of food. Our findings show that older persons and their households spend way below what is needed for a healthy diet.

The older person’s grant, at R2,315 (US$130) a month in 2025 and similar to the cost of incontinence products for the month, is often the main income in the household and is used to cover the costs for everyone, especially in a context where 64% of people living with an older person are unemployed.

Food is the biggest cost, often up to two thirds of income. It is the first thing to cut when there’s not enough money.

Money is particularly tight in black low-income households. In many cases expenditure exceeds income, and older people are left vulnerable. If any unexpected costs like medical needs or hygiene products arise, the older person will often have to sacrifice food.

Others will obtain loans and so many fall into debt. Borrowing from loan sharks is a way to buy food but high interest rates put people in a worse position the following month.

Limiting spending, eating less, and limited help from family members are the only other ways to meet their needs.

Why care is depleting

The average older person household has five people in it. Large households have many care needs, not just elder care. We found that women – especially daughters and female relatives – are the main caregivers.

But the findings show that due to HIV/Aids and migration, older people can’t always rely on their children. In such instances care is also provided by nieces, neighbours, and adult granddaughters.

Looking after an older person often requires caregivers to relocate. Our findings showed that one in five caregivers had to move, often with young children or leaving spouses behind.

Sometimes older persons need to move to get care. This happened in one in 10 older persons in our sample. Many are reluctant to move from their homes and the process can take years.

The findings show that family caregiving is not an endless supply of “free” labour. It is physically, emotionally and financially costly, especially for black low-income women.

Some answers

The report proposes three key recommendations.

Firstly, family caregivers and careworkers should be adequately compensated for their work.

Secondly, we call for expanding home-based care services to ease the load and give caregivers breaks and mental health support.

And thirdly, care-related items, such as wheelchairs, incontinence products and healthy food, should be made more easily available.

Supporting family caregivers means supporting the wellbeing of millions of older South Africans. It’s time the country took elder and family care seriously and backed it with real investment and action.

– Older South Africans need better support and basic services – and so do their caregivers
– https://theconversation.com/older-south-africans-need-better-support-and-basic-services-and-so-do-their-caregivers-258409

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United Nation (UN) Relief Chief issues call to action for protection and accountability for the people of Sudan


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Again and again, the international community has said that we will protect the people of Sudan. The people of Sudan should ask us if, when and how we will start to deliver on that promise. For their country has become a grim example of twin themes of this moment: indifference and impunity.

We sound again the alarm. This is the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. 30 million people need lifesaving aid – half the population. A war that should be ended rages without mercy. From Kordofan to Darfur, it has left civilians trapped, starving, without the basics they need for their survival. Indiscriminate shelling, drone attacks and other air strikes kill, injure and displace people in staggering numbers. The health system has been smashed to pieces, with cholera, measles and other diseases spreading. And now the lean season is arriving. Our appeals are pitifully supported.

Where is the funding?

Meanwhile, hospitals and displacement camps have been attacked, critical infrastructure destroyed, and aid trucks hit, preventing them from getting food and essential supplies to those in such desperate need. Last week’s deadly attack on a UN humanitarian convoy in North Darfur again demonstrated the vanishing protection for civilians – including aid workers. The human cost of this war – including horrific sexual violence – has been repeatedly reported and condemned, but talk has not translated into real protection for civilians or safe, unimpeded and sustained access for humanitarians.

Where is the accountability?

We call on all with influence to step up.

Protect civilians. Guarantee safe access for humanitarians. Fund their work. Insist on agreements to humanitarian pauses and other arrangements that can allow us to safely reach the areas and people worst hit. Work harder to secure a lasting, inclusive and just peace.

Despite cuts and danger, the humanitarian movement will not stop working to reach those in need. Let this time not be defined by indifference and impunity, but by a revival in human solidarity for those in greatest need, and determination to hold to account those responsible for it.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

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Mauritius tourism and hospitality industry to showcase growth and investment opportunities at the API Mauritius & Indian Ocean Property Investment Forum

As Mauritius prepares to host the 3rd Annual API Mauritius & Indian Ocean Property Investment Forum on 26 June, industry leaders highlight the island’s pioneering role in sustainable tourism and hospitality development across the Indian Ocean region.

The forum will serve as a key platform to discuss growth prospects, investment challenges, and innovative partnerships shaping the future of hospitality in Mauritius and beyond.

Mauritius is increasingly recognised as a leader in sustainable tourism, driven by government initiatives, industry commitment to eco-friendly practices, and real estate developments.

The government aims to make Mauritius a “Green Destination” by 2030, focusing on reducing the negative effects of tourism like pollution and resource overuse, while increasing positive benefits such as protecting nature, supporting local communities, and preserving culture.

At the same time, real estate developments also follow green building principles, using energy-efficient designs and renewable energy to reduce carbon footprints. This combined effort from government, industry, and real estate creates a tourism sector that attracts visitors, cares for the environment, and benefits local people.

Neil George, Partner and Executive Director of Aleph Hospitality, notes that the region faces a significant opportunity to expand eco-certified hotels and circular economic practices in tourism that target waste reduction and promote local sourcing. 

“Over the next five years, I believe that we will see substantial growth in eco-certified hotels as sustainability becomes a key differentiator. I expect that foreign investment in green hospitality projects will increase as Mauritius strengthens its sustainability credentials,” says George of Aleph Hospitality, which is the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa.

However, he acknowledges that overcoming the perception of “Africa risk” and the somewhat illiquid nature of markets across the African continent remains a barrier to attracting institutional funding.

In other words, Africa is still widely viewed as lacking transparency, and it can be difficult to quickly buy or sell assets without impacting their prices. As a result, large investors such as banks and financial institutions find it challenging to commit funding. They prefer markets where information is readily available and where they can quickly recover their investments if necessary.

Investment challenges and innovative solutions

Institutional funding — traditional debt and equity funding — for hospitality developments in the Indian Ocean is often hindered by perceived market risks and limited liquidity.

Both Neil George and Govind Mundra, the Head of Development for Middle East & Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, emphasize these challenges remain perverse but also highlight innovative models to mitigate them.

Mundra points to branded residences and rental pool resorts as effective strategies that allow developers to pre-sell units and reduce upfront capital burdens while benefiting from global brand management and distribution networks. Wyndham assists developers and investors on this front.

“Branded residences and rental pools allow developers to pre-sell units—whether villas or condo-style apartments—while retaining them under a hotel management structure, easing both equity requirements and long-term debt burden.

“It also gives investors the chance to monetize their assets while benefiting from a global brand, unified reservation system, and professional management. For interested investors, we’re always happy to explore these models further after the session. They’ve proven to be a powerful tool, especially when paired with our operational scale and strong visibility in key source markets,” says Mundra.

Wyndham’s “Wyndham Green” programme also provides a practical roadmap for hotels to achieve sustainability goals, graded across five levels covering energy use, waste reduction, sourcing, and community engagement. This approach aligns with the growing traveller demand for eco-conscious stays, particularly among younger generations, and supports Mauritius’s ambition to become a global benchmark in sustainable hospitality.

Predictions and growth outlook for the next five years

Industry leaders foresee a transformative shift in Mauritius’s hospitality sector over the next five years. Sustainable practices will evolve from optional enhancements to mandatory standards for new developments. Eco-certification, digital enablement, and environmental resilience will become prerequisites for new resorts, with guests expecting authentic cultural connections alongside eco-efficiency.

Aleph Hospitality’s expertise in tailored management solutions offers local entrepreneurs and investors opportunities to optimize operations, improve service quality, and attract international brands and investors through strategic partnerships. This collaborative approach can enhance return on investment from project inception through to exit phases.

Marriott International, one of the world’s largest hotel companies, has also reaffirmed its commitment to Mauritius, highlighting the island’s rich natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality.

Says Jugal Khushalani, the Senior Director of Development for Sub-Saharan Africa at Marriott International: “The destination offers a resilient, high-value tourism offering that has evolved in terms of experience, accessibility, and infrastructure.  It also caters to the rising demand for experiential travel with enhanced luxury offerings, wellness experiences and environmentally conscious initiatives.”

Marriott International sees strong potential to expand its hotel portfolio in support of Mauritius’s resilient, high-value tourism economy.

Equally bullish about Mauritius is Radisson Hotel Group, which has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding in the Indian Ocean, building on its strong presence in Mauritius.

“Mauritius is setting the tone for sustainable hospitality in the region,” says Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President of Development, Radisson Hotel Group, a major international hospitality company.

“There’s a clear opportunity to lead with eco-certified hotels, community-integrated experiences, and smart resort design – and we’re eager to be part but also to lead that journey. There’s growing demand from conscious travellers for resorts that integrate environmental stewardship with authentic local experiences which we have made our priority in all the hotels we operate on the island and globally,” says Rankoussi.

The Radisson Hotel Group is committed to net-zero operations by 2050. The group is also seeking to consolidate its existing presence across Mauritius, Madagascar, Reunion and Maldives but also to eventually enter Seychelles – aiming to bring its diverse portfolio of lifestyle, upper upscale, and eco-conscious brands to more of the region.

Government and industry collaboration for sustainable tourism

Mauritius’s government programme for 2025-2029 places eco-tourism at its core, reinforcing the island’s strategic focus on sustainable development. The Tourism Authority’s ongoing initiatives include banning single-use plastics, promoting renewable energy, encouraging local sourcing, and supporting eco-label certifications for hotels, such as Green Globe, held by prominent resorts. These efforts not only reduce the environmental footprint but also enhance the island’s appeal as a responsible travel destination.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of API Events.

Distributed by API Events:
API Mauritius & Indian Ocean’s Forum enquires: 
Murray Anderson-Ogle
Murray@apievents.com
+27 71 890 77 39
Website: https://apo-opa.co/4e7j4qY

About the 3rd annual API Mauritius & Indian Ocean Property Investment Forum:
The API Mauritius & Indian Ocean Property Investment Forum is an annual event that brings together investors, developers, operators, and government representatives to explore property investment opportunities linked to the tourism and hospitality sectors.  The forum will take place on 26 June at the InterContinental Resort in Mauritius. The forum will highlight Mauritius’s position as a strategic gateway for sustainable tourism development and investment in the Indian Ocean region.

For more information and to register visit https://apo-opa.co/3SRrmtc

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South Africa: Presidency clarifies role of foundations in the National Dialogue preparations


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The Presidency has noted various media reports on the National Dialogue that are based on incorrect or incomplete information.

In this regard, the Presidency wishes to clarify the following:

  • The National Dialogue is to be an inclusive process in which all South Africans will have an opportunity to participate as individuals or through organised formations.
  • The first National Convention to enable an all-inclusive process will be convened on 15 August 2025 to set the agenda for the National Dialogue. This will be followed by discussions across the country, in various sectors and on issues that citizens feel deserve national attention. These will then be grouped into agenda themes for national engagement. A second National Convention will be held in the beginning of 2026 where these discussions will be consolidated into a common national vision and implementation programme.
  • The Eminent Persons Group has been appointed to champion the National Dialogue and to provide guidance to ensure that the process is inclusive and credible. It is comprised of respected individuals who have played and continue to play an important role in various areas of our national life. The Eminent Persons Group will not be responsible for the day-to-day running of activities.
  • Preparations for the National Convention and other activities are currently being undertaken by a National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team made up of representatives from various foundations, civil society organisations and the Presidency. The National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team has been working for close to a year on developing the form and approach to the National Dialogue. This team will remain seized with the practical arrangements for the National Dialogue until a representative Steering Committee has been established.
  • Media reports that certain foundations belonging to the stalwarts of the liberation struggle have been sidelined or overlooked are inaccurate. These foundations, together with other civil society formations that were part of the initial work, remain centrally involved in the Preparatory Task Team.
  • Over the next few weeks, the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team will undertake a series of information sessions and consultations with a range of stakeholders in preparation for the first National Convention on 15 August 2025.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

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Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Executive Secretary Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Amid Focus on Enhancing Local Capacity

Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) – the organization tasked with overseeing Nigerian content plans developed by operators -, has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference to discuss strategies for enhancing capacity building and local participation across the oil and gas sector.

As Nigeria strives to boost oil production to two million barrels per day while scaling-up gas capacity, the NCDMB plays an instrumental part in ensuring local content plans established by operators align with national goals spearheaded by the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGID) Act. During AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, Ogbe will outline how operators can strengthen local content in the industry, particularly as major projects prepare for development.

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

Recent initiatives reflect the commitment by the NCDMB to enhance local capacity in Nigerian oil and gas. In May 2025, the organization graduated 20 trainees in critical engineering competencies as part of a 12-month capacity building initiative for oil and gas industry operations. Trainees received international certification. In February 2025, the organization donated a fully-equipped Information and Communication Technology center for the Community Secondary School in Brass Local Government Area. These programs signal the NCDMB’s commitment to skills development – from primary and secondary education all the way through to tertiary education.

In addition to training initiatives, the organization is strengthening its partnerships with international and regional companies to bolster local content. In April 2025, the NCDMB and Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company agreed to explore opportunities for collaboration to advance national objectives in local content development and energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, in March 2025, the NCDMB reaffirmed its partnership with the African Petroleum Producers Organization to establish African centers of excellence in local content development. The move aligns with ambitions by both organizations to scale-up capacity building in the oil and gas sector.

Established in 2010 under the NOGID Act, the NCDMB has emerged as a driving force behind developing local capacity across the country’s oil and gas industry. The organization works closely with a variety of stakeholders – from upstream operators to downstream players to educational, financial and technology institutions – to drive local content strategies. Under a mandate to boost Nigerian local capacity to 70% by 2027, the company has developed 150 information and communication technology centers in second schools across the country, while upgraded select technical colleges, revamped primary schools and trained over 16,000 individuals. Looking ahead, the NCDMB aims to enhance training and local content even further, ensuring the Nigerian oil and gas industry becomes a catalyst for inclusive growth in the country. At AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, Ogbe will share insights into this strategy, highlighting ongoing initiatives and future local content plans.

“The NCDMB is not only playing an instrumental part in unlocking greater local value in Nigeria, but setting a strong benchmark for other resource-rich countries seeking to enhance local participation in the oil and gas industry. By prioritizing workforce training and skills development, working closely with operators and overseeing their respective content plans, the organization is ensuring Nigeria unlocks greater value from its oil and gas market,” stated Tomás Gerbasio, Vice President of Commercial and Strategic Engagement at the African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Prise en charge sanitaire des réfugiés Congolais au Burundi: Une réponse humanitaire cruciale mais insuffisante


Marie*, 28 ans, a été contrainte de quitter sa localité de Kamanyola en République démocratique du Congo (RDC), à cause du conflit armé. Elle a trouvé refuge au Burundi et y vit depuis mars 2025. Assise devant la tente médicale installée dans le camp de réfugiés, Marie, enceinte de son premier enfant, attend son tour pour la consultation prénatale à 7 mois de grossesse.  

« C’est ma première consultation prénatale. Je n’ai pas pu en faire dès le début de ma grossesse parce que je n’avais pas accès à une structure de santé dans ma région à cause du conflit armé.  Après les séances de sensibilisation sur l’importance des consultations prénatales, je suis venue voir l’état de santé de mon futur bébé. »

Depuis janvier 2025, la RDC fait face à une escalade de la violence dans l’est du pays, obligeant des milliers de personnes à chercher un endroit plus sécurisant. A la date du 31 mai 2025, plus de 71 000 Congolais ont trouvé refuge au Burundi. Ces personnes, principalement des femmes et des enfants, ont été accueillies sur trois principaux centres de transit : Rugombo, Cishemere dans le district sanitaire de Cibitoke, et Gihanga dans le district sanitaire de Bubanza. Le voyage ardu a eu un impact sur la santé de nombreuses personnes à cause de la marche prolongée et du manque de nourriture et d’eau.

D’après le Centre des opérations d’urgence en santé publique (COUSP), certains réfugiés sont hébergés dans les communautés et d’autres ont été accueillis dans les camps. Ces derniers ont vite été débordés, entrainant des conditions d’hygiène très précaires ayant même causés des maladies comme le choléra et la rougeole.

En réponse à cette crise humanitaire et pour prévenir les épidémies, les Nations unies et leurs partenaires ont lancé un appel pour mobiliser 9,2 millions de dollars américains. Ce fond servira à fournir une assistance sanitaire et en nutrition, en rendant disponible les médicaments, l’eau, l’assainissement et les services de santé de base notamment la vaccination. 

« Un afflux important de personnes vivant dans des conditions précaires présente un risque d’épidémies et d’autres problèmes de santé publique notamment la malnutrition et des troubles mentaux », a relevé le Dr Jim Thierry Ntwari, coordonnateur du groupe sectoriel santé au bureau de l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé (OMS) au Burundi. « La mise en œuvre d’interventions sanitaires préventives et curatives, ainsi que l’intensification de la surveillance, est une priorité pour préserver la santé des populations réfugiées et des communautés d’accueil », ajoute le Dr Ntwari.

Pour répondre aux besoins en matière de santé, le gouvernement burundais et ses partenaires dont l’OMS, ont mis en place cinq unités de soins à proximité des 3 camps de réfugiés de Cibitoke et de Bubanza. Depuis le début de la crise humanitaire en janvier 2025 jusqu’au 31 mai de la même année, plus de 7600 personnes ont eu accès à une prise en charge sanitaire. 

« Dès l’arrivée des premiers réfugiés, il y a eu une évaluation des besoins et nous avons décidé de mettre en place des équipes mobile de santé pour la prise en charge sanitaire. L’OMS a appuyé dans la mise en place de ces équipes et avec les intrants de secours et cela a permis aux autres partenaires de mobiliser les fonds pour appuyer la prise en charge », confie la Dre Liliane Nkengurutse, directrice du COUSP.

Des ONG locales, telles que l’Association des femmes médecins et Midwife in Action, organisent des séances de sensibilisation sur les consultations prénatales, le dépistage de la malnutrition, la vaccination et la prévention de la mpox. Les femmes enceintes ont également accès à des soins prénataux et les personnes souffrant de malnutrition reçoivent un traitement adapté. 

Mère de trois enfants, Emelyne Butoyi travaille comme sage-femme dans le camp de réfugiés de Rugombo. Elle organise des consultations prénatales et des séances de sensibilisation à la santé maternelle et infantile. Emelyne reçoit en moyenne une vingtaine de femmes enceintes par jour. « Je me lève tous les matins et je viens ici car j’aimerai voir les femmes enceintes et les enfants de ce camp retrouver l’espoir et le sourire grâce à l’information ou aux soins qu’ils reçoivent », indique-t-elle. « J’ai été profondément marquée par les situations que ces femmes enceintes ont vécues dans leur pays. Malgré cela, elles trouvent le courage de continuer à vivre avec l’espoir que la situation change. » 

L’association Midwife in Action intervient sur les sites de réfugiés de Rugombo et Gihanga avec pour objectif de contribuer à la réduction de la mortalité maternelle et néonatale. « Nos interventions visent à assurer la continuité des soins et l’intégration de la lutte contre la mpox dans les services de santé sexuelle et reproductive, la planification familiale, les consultations prénatales, la nutrition, le VIH/IST et la vaccination », explique Augustin Harushimana, président de l’ONG Midwife in Action. Des séances de sensibilisation contre l’exploitation, l’abus et le harcèlement sexuels sont également organisées à l’intention des réfugiés. « Nous rencontrons de nombreux cas d’anémie sévère, d’infections urinaires, de paludisme et de malnutrition. Et grâce à la coordination des interventions, certains malades sont pris en charge par MSF et d’autres par les structures de l’Etat pour le traitement des cas de malnutrition », souligne M. Harushimana. Le paludisme (38 %) est de loin la pathologie la plus fréquente, suivi par les parasitoses intestinales (10 %), les dermatoses (10 %) et le syndrome grippal (8 %), précise le responsable de Midwife in Action. Chez les femmes enceintes, 17 % des consultations prénatales concernent des grossesses à haut risque. 

Selon les statistiques fournies par Midwife in Action dans les 2 camps, près de 90 personnes reçoit au quotidien des soins curatifs et une quarantaine de femmes viennent à la clinique pour des consultations prénatales. 

« Je suis contente de savoir que mon bébé se porte bien. Les infirmières ont été très gentilles, et m’ont conseillée de faire régulièrement des consultations avant l’accouchement », dit Marie, à la sortie de sa consultation. 

Distribué par APO Group pour World Health Organization (WHO) – Burundi.

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SANDF soldiers return from DRC

Source: South Africa News Agency

Friday, June 13, 2025

The first group of 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) are expected to arrive in Bloemfontein on Friday.

According to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the troops will be welcomed by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, accompanied by the members of the Military Command Council.

The soldiers will arrive at Air Force Base Bloemspruit. 

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 at the hands of the M23 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. 

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

The Minister will address members of the media after she has received and welcomed the troops. – SAnews.gov.za

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Progress being made in the implementation of SA’s Green Hydrogen Strategy

Source: South Africa News Agency

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau says meaningful and tangible progress is being made in the implementation of South Africa’s Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy. 

He was addressing delegates at the Green Hydrogen Summit on Thursday, held at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town. 

Tau said several commercial-scale green hydrogen projects are currently in development across the country, each addressing different parts of the value chain that must be unlocked. 

“Through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), we have also secured €23 million in grant funding from the German government via KfW Development Bank. 

“These funds will be used to de-risk and fast-track key catalytic green hydrogen projects. Of the 24 projects identified as Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs), several have already completed their pre-feasibility study phase. 

“We have also established the Just Energy Transition Green Hydrogen Programme Management Office, hosted by the IDC, to coordinate the implementation of the green hydrogen chapter of the JET-IP Implementation Plan,” he told the delegates. 

He said the scale of funding required to develop a green hydrogen ecosystem was immense, therefore collaboration was not just a recommendation, but a necessity.

“We will explore a range of mechanisms, including project feasibility and development funding, tools to de-risk investments, support for green premiums during the early stages of cost curve reduction such as contracts for difference, investment in supporting infrastructure, and funding that facilitates ecosystem development, including policy support, capacity building, technology transfer, sustainability and inclusion,” he said. 

Tau said the Green Hydrogen ecosystem will not help South Africa to avert further de-industrialisation, but assist in driving the reindustrialisation of the economy. – SAnews.gov.za

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Presidency clarifies concerns regarding National Dialogue

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Presidency has sought to clarify concerns regarding government hosting the National Dialogue, saying some media reports on the event are “based on incorrect or incomplete information”.

Earlier this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that government would host a National Dialogue that will enable South Africans to participate in engagements that will confront the country’s challenges and forge a path into a better future.

It will be a people-led, society-wide process to reflect on the state of the country, with people from all walks of life who will come together and help shape the next chapter of South Africa’s democracy.

All South Africans will have an opportunity to participate as individuals or through organised formations.

“The first National Convention to enable an all-inclusive process will be convened on 15 August 2025 to set the agenda for the National Dialogue. This will be followed by discussions across the country in various sectors and on issues that citizens feel deserve national attention. 

“These will then be grouped into agenda themes for national engagement. A second National Convention will be held in the beginning of 2026, where these discussions will be consolidated into a common national vision and implementation programme,” the Presidency said on Thursday.

An Eminent Persons Group has been appointed to champion the National Dialogue and to provide guidance to ensure that the process is inclusive and credible. 

It comprises respected individuals, who have played and continue to play an important role in various areas of the nation’s life. 

The Eminent Persons Group will not be responsible for the day-to-day running of activities.

“Preparations for the National Convention and other activities are currently being undertaken by a National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team made up of representatives from various foundations, civil society organisations and the Presidency. 

“The National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team has been working for close to a year on developing the form and approach to the National Dialogue. This team will remain seized with the practical arrangements for the National Dialogue until a representative Steering Committee has been established,” the Presidency said.

The Presidency has asserted that media reports claiming that certain foundations belonging to the stalwarts of the liberation struggle have been sidelined or overlooked, are inaccurate. 

“These foundations, together with other civil society formations that were part of the initial work, remain centrally involved in the Preparatory Task Team.

 “Over the next few weeks, the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team will undertake a series of information sessions and consultations with a range of stakeholders in preparation for the first National Convention on 15 August 2025,” the Presidency said. –SANews.gov.za