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Nyhontso calls for bold action to reverse Native Land Act legacy

Source: South Africa News Agency

Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Mzwanele Nyhontso, has called for bold and decisive steps to reverse the legacy of the Native Land Act of 1913.

Reflecting on the 112th anniversary of the enactment of the Natives Land Act of 1913 in South Africa, which came into effect on June 19, 1913 (Act No. 27 of 1913), Minister Nyhontso said the legislation left an indelible mark on the country’s history.

“This legislation had a profound and devastating impact on the lives of Black people. It was a calculated, cruel instrument and strategy of mass dispossession, that successfully entrenched racial segregation and economic inequality,” Nyhontso said.

The Native Land Act restricted Black South Africans to only 7% of the land, forcing them into designated “native reserves”, while reserving the rest of the country’s land for white ownership.

Crucially, it prohibited Black citizens from owning land outside these areas, stripping millions of their ability to farm and sustain their families.

The Minister said through the prohibition of Black South Africans, from owning land outside the designated so called native reserves, the act “stripped millions of their ability to sustain themselves, their families, and communities, through farming which was the main economic activity”.

“The immediate aftermath of the passing of the Native Land Act was the violent and merciless eviction of people from their land, their cattle and crops were confiscated, and their homes were destroyed. Up until that point in history, the African had led a lifestyle of self- sufficiency.  

“Black people were stripped of their dignity, effectively forcing them into exploitative farm labour contracts. The act laid the foundation for the migrant system that provided a constant supply of cheap labour for the mines and industries,” the Minister said.

Nyhontso reaffirmed the department’s commitment to reversing this legacy through the implementation of appropriate legislation, policies and land reform programmes.

He said the department will intensify its efforts to restore land rights to the historically dispossessed and the equitable redistribution of land.  – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Phase 2 of transport programme for job seekers launches in Western Cape

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Western Cape Government has initiated Phase 2 of the “Getting You to Work” Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme, which aims to address one of the biggest barriers faced by unemployed residents, which is the cost of transport.

The provincial government launched the initiative at the Mitchells Plain Town Centre Library, where over 300 unemployed job seekers attended and registered for Gold Cards. 

These cards will enable them to travel free of charge using Golden Arrow Bus Services across the Cape Metro to access job opportunities.

The Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme was launched in February 2024, and since then, over 3 700 unemployed residents have registered through more than 150 employer partners.

“The programme is rooted in a simple but powerful goal – removing the barrier created by the cost of public transport for residents to get jobs,” said the provincial government in a statement.

It further reported that Phase 1 showed a particularly high uptake in communities such as Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Delft, Gugulethu, and Philippi, highlighting the significant demand for this type of intervention.

Expanding reach

The Western Cape Mobility Department has noted that many capable and willing residents remain unemployed, not due to a lack of skills or motivation, but because they cannot afford to attend interviews, training centres, or even their first day of work.

“Transport becomes the obstacle to residents achieving their full potential. This programme is about opening doors and restoring dignity. It is about recognising that every person deserves a fair shot at opportunity. Phase 2 aims to expand our reach, making it easier for more job seekers to register, access support, and get to where they need to be,” said the provincial department. 

According to the department, job seekers can now register online directly, removing the previous requirement to go through a registered employer. 

The vouchers now include six free trips, which can be used between 9 am and 3 pm, Monday to Friday, until 31 March 2026. 
The department has encouraged employers in Cape Town to register as partners and offer these travel vouchers to prospective employees. 

This initiative is part of the Western Cape Government’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, which aims to foster an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economy.

“By assisting job seekers with free transport, the programme not only helps individuals and families, but strengthens the provincial economy by connecting people to opportunities.”

Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said: “We know from our data that those who received vouchers had a greater chance of attending interviews, securing work, and participating in skills development. That is the pathway from unemployment to opportunity. That is the Growth for Jobs agenda in action.”

Sileku said no one should be left behind because they cannot afford to get to an interview. 

“We will continue to innovate, to listen, and to work together to create a mobility system that serves all the people of the Western Cape.”

The Western Cape Mobility Department and Golden Arrow Bus Services are dedicated to ongoing collaboration and enhancing access to employment.

How to apply:

Job seekers can register online by filling out the registration prompts on the portal at Your FREE RIDE to opportunity | Western Cape Government .

After completing the registration, they must present their identity document (ID) at Golden Arrow kiosks to collect their Gold Card. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Declaração Final da XVI Reunião de Ministros do Trabalho e dos Assuntos Sociais da Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa (CPLP) destaca realização de Fórum em Cabo Verde

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A Declaração Final da XVI Reunião de Ministros do Trabalho e dos Assuntos Sociais da Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa (CPLP), realizada hoje, 18 de junho, em Lisboa, sob o lema “Dignidade Laboral e a Empregabilidade Jovem”, reafirma o compromisso dos Estados-Membros com a promoção do trabalho digno, da proteção social e da erradicação do trabalho infantil.

Um dos pontos altos da reunião foi a decisão de realizar, em Cabo Verde, até ao final de 2025, o II Fórum de Segurança e Saúde no Trabalho da CPLP (SST), no âmbito das comemorações dos 20 anos da assinatura do Memorando de Entendimento entre a CPLP e a OIT. Angola acolherá a terceira edição, prevista para 2027.

A Declaração foi assinada pelos Ministros do Trabalho e Assuntos Sociais da CPLP, que assumiram ainda novos compromissos para o fortalecimento da proteção social, o combate às piores formas de trabalho infantil e o reforço da cooperação institucional entre os Estados-Membros.

Leia na íntegra a Declaração Final da XVI Reunião Ministerial da CPLP no https://shre.ink/xJt8

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Ministro Eurico Monteiro destaca Cabo Verde como destino seguro e atrativo para investidores

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O Ministro da Promoção de Investimentos e Fomento Empresarial, garantiu, esta quarta-feira, 18 de junho, que Cabo Verde oferece um conjunto sólido de condições que fazem do país um destino atrativo para o investimento, tanto nacional quanto estrangeiro.

Estabilidade política, ambiente fiscal competitivo e um sistema de justiça independente foram apontados, pelo governante, como pilares fundamentais para a confiança dos investidores. Eurico Monteiro falava durante a abertura de um painel de ato nível dedicado à promoção de oportunidades de investimento em Cabo Verde, à margem do Cabo Verde Investment Fórum que decorre, na ilha do Sal.

“Temos um quadro estável, seguro, e um ambiente de negócios competitivo, com políticas públicas previsíveis, contínuas, sem zigue-zagues e geradoras de consciência”, afirmou o Ministro, sublinhando que a estabilidade em Cabo Verde vai além da ausência de golpes de Estado, traduzindo-se numa governança fiável e num ambiente institucional sólido e de justiça independente.

Conforme o Ministro, o país está comprometido com reformas estruturais, com mudanças profundas no modo como tratamos os processos de investimento e como o Estado se relaciona com as pessoas e com as empresas, que visam, não apenas criar um ambiente mais amigável para o investimento, como também enfrentar de frente os desafios ainda existentes. “Estamos a fazer o que é necessário para o país crescer”, assegurou.

Entre os avanços apontados estão, o crescimento da economia e do emprego, o aumento dos salários, a redução da pobreza extrema e absoluta, e o fortalecimento dos benefícios sociais. Foram igualmente destacados pelo Ministro, o ambiente fiscal competitivo, a independência do sistema de justiça — onde o Estado pode ser condenado por ações de cidadãos, como algo natural — e a arbitragem nacional e internacional como garantias adicionais para quem investe.

Eurico Monteiro sublinhou ainda o papel estratégico das novas tecnologias, o talento da juventude cabo-verdiana na área digital e o investimento contínuo na qualificação profissional. “Temos um sistema formativo de muito mérito, procurado por vários países da região, e cuja oferta formativa está alinhada com o mercado de trabalho”, indicou.

Dirigindo diretamente aos investidores, o governante afirmou que o Governo de Cabo Verde está a proceder a investimentos para baixar significativamente alguns custos do contexto, para que as empresas também possam agilizar e simplificar os seus processos de investimento.

Por isso, afirmou, montamos um sistema com procedimentos e circuitos para cuidar dos vossos investimentos, evitando duplicações de exigências e mostrando sempre que são bem-vindos. “O vosso investimento faz falta a Cabo Verbo e precisamos dele para fazer crescer o país e o rendimento das pessoas” finalizou o Ministro.

Ainda conforme o Ministro, a forma como somos referenciados no mundo, os rankings que ocupamos, o crescimento da economia e do emprego, o crescimento dos salários e dos benefícios sociais, bem como a redução da pobreza, quer extrema, quer absoluta, diz, de forma clara e inequívoca, que “estamos fazendo o que é necessário para o país crescer”. “Todo o crescimento ao serviço das pessoas e em completo alinhamento com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável”, afirmou.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Employment and Labour Committee Welcomes Presentations on 2025-2030 Strategic Plans for Department and Entities

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

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The Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour has welcomed presentations on the 2025-2030 strategic plans, 2025/26 annual performance plans and budget estimates of the Department of Employment and Labour, Supported Employment Enterprises (SEE), Productivity South Africa (PSA), the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC).

The committee is of the view that more resources are needed to adequately fund the department and its entities. More resources are needed to increase the department’s inspection and enforcement capacity, to fund SEE’s procurement initiatives and the employment of persons living with disabilities in line with United Nations’ conventions, to address the CCMA’s case backlog, and to fund NEDLAC’s mandate of facilitating national dialogue, among other things.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Boyce Maneli, said that the contribution of SEE, CCMA and NEDLAC to the country’s economic growth cannot be overstated. “An inclusive growth of the economy requires that there be a harmonious work environment, and the CCMA is best placed as an arbiter. Greater participation of everyone in the economy [is also required], including persons living with disabilities, and SEE is best placed to facilitate that aspect; and continuous facilitation of national dialogue, which is a mandate of NEDLAC,” said Mr Maneli.

To this end, the committee has called on the department to provide in writing the various creative measures that will be implemented to cover budget shortfalls.

Mr Maneli said that while legislative review may be needed to motivate budget increases for some aspects, the committee will work within the current legislative framework around budget process to get possible increases through the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters process in future financial years.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Case Backlog at Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Contributing to Lack of Consequences within South African Police Service (SAPS)

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

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The Portfolio Committee on Police is concerned that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) continues to face a huge case backlog, which negatively impacts on its ability to deliver on its mandate. The committee met with both IPID and the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) on the revised annual performance plan and strategic plan.

“IPID plays a critical role in ensuring accountability from the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the backlog directly undermines this drive. While the committee has noted various interventions to clear the backlog, the reality is that victims of police abuse of authority remain without recourse,” said Mr Ian Cameron, the Chairperson of the committee. The committee is concerned that there is a backlog of 14 469 cases carried over to this financial year and has called for urgent strategies to remedy the concern.

While the committee welcomes the R126.3 million additional funding over the medium term and is hopeful that it will significantly contribute to reducing the case backlog, it is concerned that the additional allocation without clear plans to overcome some of the internal systematic challenges will not resolve the problem. A major impediment for the IPID is the proportionally high case per investigator ratio, and the nominal increase of employees from 387 in the 2025/26 financial year to 421 in the 2027/28 financial year will not adequately resolve the challenge.

In the context of the increasing cases reported to IPID, it is necessary to ensure that the directorate is adequately capacitated to increasing demand.

Meanwhile, the committee acknowledged IPID’s intentions to implement a new digital case management system that will enable the entity to monitor cases and ensure better tracking and communication with victims. Notwithstanding the plan, the committee has urged IPID to effectively implement the plan, as a functional system might have a positive impact on the case backlog.

The committee also welcomes the establishment of the internal investigation, Forensic Services, quality assurance and research units. The committee is of the view that the envisioned capacity will ensure that IPID will have the skills set it needs to investigate complex reported corruption cases.

The implementation of the recommendations made by IPID to SAPS is also a point of concern for the committee. The meeting today highlighted a concerning trend of SAPS seemingly ignoring strong recommendations made by IPID. “This phenomenon erodes the effectiveness of IPID and its mandate and the committee resolved that there is a need for a laser focus on the rate of implementation of the recommendations,” Mr Cameron said.

Meanwhile, the committee agreed with the Minister of Police that there must be a general improvement in the conduct of SAPS members. “The bottom line is that there is no place in the SAPS for rogue police officers who engage in criminal activity. While the IPID provides the necessary checks and balances, the SAPS members must always be fit and proper for the service they must render to the people,” Mr Cameron emphasised.

With regard to PSiRA, the committee has acknowledged the intention to implement a digital strategy that will ensure a seamless interaction process with users. Of major importance is functionality, such as verifying the training of private security officers through the digital platform.

The committee also welcomes the intention to increase PSiRA’s footprint to ensure that private security companies in Limpopo, Northern Cape, North West are able to access its services more easily. Also, the intention to increase monitoring operations will be critical in ensuring that private security companies are legally registered and compliant with legal prescripts. The committee has always emphasised the importance of the private security industry in efforts to combat crime in the country.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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“Don’t Lose This Golden Chance”- President Museveni Advises Ugandans on the Parish Development Model (PDM)

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

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He said he began the fight against poverty in the 1960s and he has been able to come up with various poverty alleviation programs to ensure that his dream is realized.

“Don’t lose this chance because it’s a big support to you. Wako, who was poor, is now a rich man. He is blessed now with three cows and a milling machine because his family embraced the PDM program. I know that we are all not equal but when you embrace the PDM program you will eradicate poverty in your households,” he said.

President Museveni made the remarks today during his PDM assessment tour at Mr. Muwereza Wako ‘s farm situated at Buyego cell, Buvuma sub-county in Buvuma district.

Mr. Wako, a PDM beneficiary, owns three cows and a milling machine.

The President, who was pleased to visit Mr. Wako’s farm, said that the government has for years been sending resources to the public to curb poverty but in one way or the other some government officials have been mismanaging it.

President Museveni however narrated that the government now gives each parish Shs.100m annually and in his next five years’ term in office, each parish will have received Shs.500m.

He revealed that the first batch which received Shs.1m PDM money each, two years back will return it to their parishes with an interest of Shs.120,000, to give chance to other adults to benefit.

The President supported Mr. Wako with Shs.12m to purchase an acre of land at Shs.10m and use the Shs.2m to buy livestock like goats and pigs.

In response, Mr. Wako commended the President for initiating the PDM program that has enabled a section of Ugandans to improve their standard of living through wealth creation. He asserted that he was so poor to an extent that he couldn’t afford food for his family but currently he is called a rich man.

Mr. Wako and his wife Mirembe Eseza together with their eight children live on half an acre of land and according to the farmer, the PDM money has enabled him to add value to his family through wealth creation.

He said on 21st June 2023, he received Shs. 1 million PDM cash and after the bank charges, he remained with Shs. 980,000.

Mr. Wako noted that using the PDM money, he added some of his savings to buy a bull and a cow which conceived and gave birth to a calf in May 2024.

During the same month, he sold a bull at Shs.1m and used it to purchase an old milling machine at Shs.2.5m.  

Mr. Wako explained that the machine seller allowed him to clear his remaining balance of Shs.1.5m in installments. He asserted that he started using the machine which fetched him money to clear the balance.

The PDM beneficiary revealed that the milling machine earns him Shs. 15,000 every day, after deducting Shs. 5,000 for fuel, thus remaining with Shs. 10,000 and he earns a total of 300,000 per month. The dairy cow gives him 3 litres of milk. He sells two litres at Shs.1000 each and earns a total of Shs. 60,000 per month. The cow dung and urine is used as fertilizers in his garden.

– on behalf of State House Uganda.

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Community leaders call on United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to support demilitarization of Tripoli

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

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Deputy Special Representative for the Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Aeneas Chuma chaired a meeting with the Tripoli Center Outreach Committee Monday to discuss de-escalation efforts in Tripoli. These leaders, who has contributed to brokering and sustaining the truce since the May crisis, have been pivotal in preventing violence through community engagement. The Mission has facilitated targeted mediation meetings to reinforce their peacebuilding capacities, encourage coordination with official security institutions, and amplify local ownership in sustaining stability.

During the same week, UNSMIL’s SIS met with notables and community leaders from across the western region as part of ongoing efforts to support local peacebuilding. The meeting followed up on previous engagements and recognized their critical role in sustaining the truce. Participants discussed ways to further contribute to the implementation of local security arrangements and enhance coordination with official institutions. UNSMIL reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive dialogue and community-driven stabilization. “UNSMIL and IC need to urge all parties to refrain from provocative speech and actions,” one of the notables said. 

During the meetings, the leaders shared their efforts and presented recommendations for peace initiatives. Participants stressed the need for a disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration program, warning of the risks of military presence in residential areas. “We share the demands of Tripoli’s people and aim to demilitarize the capital,” stated the participants. UNSMIL expressed its intention to increase collaboration and ensure that local voices continue to shape both local and national peace processes.

– on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

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King Mswati III of Eswatini in Ghana for a State Visit next week

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

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The Presidency has announced that President John Dramani Mahama will host His Majesty King Mswati III, Ingwenyama of the Kingdom of Eswatini, for a state visit to Ghana next week. The visit is scheduled for Tuesday, 24 June to Saturday, 28 June 2025, spanning four days of official engagements.

King Mswati III is expected to arrive in Accra on Tuesday, 24th June. Upon his arrival, he will be welcomed at the Presidency for bilateral discussions with President Mahama and a high-level Ghanaian delegation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries is anticipated to be signed during this meeting.

On Tuesday afternoon, the King is scheduled to meet with officials at the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat in Accra before departing for Kumasi later in the day.

In Kumasi, His Majesty will be the distinguished guest of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The itinerary in the Asante capital includes official visits to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and a tour of the historic Manhyia Palace Museum. King Mswati III is also scheduled to address the National House of Chiefs and attend a grand durbar of chiefs organised in his honour at Manhyia Palace.

A Royal Banquet will be held in Kumasi on Friday evening. On Saturday, the final day of the visit, King Mswati III will join the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at a ceremony at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) before departing from Ghana.

King Mswati III’s visit is expected to significantly strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Ghana and the Kingdom of Eswatini and deepen the historical and cultural links between the Asante Kingdom and the southern African nation.

– on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level holds 54th ordinary session in Nigeria

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

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the Ministerial Level is holding its 54th Ordinary Session today,18th of June 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria.

During the meeting, Ministers will consider the report of the 42nd Session of the MSC at the Ambassadorial Level, along with memoranda on the political, security, and humanitarian situations in the Region. Key updates will include the transition process in the Republic of Guinea, negotiations with Burkina Faso, Republics of Mali, and Niger, as well as maritime security, counterterrorism and organised crime, among other pressing matters.

In his welcome address, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted that the 54th Ordinary Session of MSC convenes at a defining moment as ECOWAS marks its 50th anniversary. President Touray commended Member States for their unwavering commitment to peace, security and regional stability, noting that despite persistent challenges, the Community remains resilient and unified.

He emphasised the Council’s enduring contribution to maintaining security over the past 25 years and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening the regional peace and security architecture, improving communication to counter misinformation, and preserving the achievements of the Community amidst growing geopolitical complexities.

“For over 25 years, the Mediation and Security Council has contributed immensely to the security and stability of our region, through its numerous sessions. Therefore, in celebrating the Golden Jubilee, we must recognise the contribution of this august body to the Community,” President Touray added.

H.E. Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at the Ministerial Level, welcomed delegates to Abuja and acknowledged their continued dedication to strengthening peace, security, and democratic governance in West Africa. He outlined the Council’s focus on key regional priorities, including political transitions, upcoming elections, maritime security, terrorism, organised crime and financial transparency.

Ambassador Tuggar also highlighted progress on the Early Warning and Response Centres, the launch of the Regional Partnership for Democracy, and the completion of the Lungi Military Logistics Depot, a milestone in operationalising the ECOWAS Standby Force.

He further underscored the need for collective ownership of regional initiatives and cautioned against restrictive policies that could hinder trade and investment opportunities vital to the region’s prosperity.

“In these challenging times, our ability to come together to consult, collaborate and take decisive action remains vital to advancing peace, security and good governance across our region,” he added.

A report will be adopted by the Ministers at the end of the MSC Session and presented to the Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, scheduled to take place in Abuja from the 19th to 20th of June 2025.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).