Category: Africa

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President Ramaphosa to brief the nation on national security matters at 19h30

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tonight, 13 July 2025, address the nation on developments arising from a public statement by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that details allegations against senior political and South African Police Service (SAPS) leadership.

President Ramaphosa has been seized with this matter in recent days and will, following various consultations, take the nation into his confidence at 19h30 on Sunday, 13 July 2025.

The SABC will provide pool feed for the address.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry into allegations regarding law enforcement agencies, Union Buildings, Pretoria

Source: President of South Africa –

My Fellow South Africans,

I address you this evening on a matter that concerns the security of our country, the integrity of our law enforcement agencies and the safety of our people.

Last Sunday, the 6th of July 2025, Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service, held a media briefing in which he made public serious allegations about the existence and operation of a sophisticated criminal syndicate that has allegedly infiltrated law enforcement and intelligence structures in South Africa.

Lt Gen Mkhwanazi alleged that the Minister of Police allegedly interfered with sensitive police investigations and colluded with business people, including a murder accused, to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal. 

Lt Gen Mkhwanazi also said that a police investigation by the task team in Gauteng unmasked a syndicate controlled by a drug cartel, which involves politicians, law enforcement officials from the SAPS, metro police and correctional services, prosecutors and the judiciary, as well as business people.

The allegations made in this media briefing raise serious concerns around the constitution, the rule of law and national security.

These allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine the confidence of South Africans in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect them and to effectively fight crime and corruption.

South Africans are concerned about corruption and the rise of criminality in our country, which manifests itself in the killing of innocent people, gender-based violence, gang violence, kidnappings, construction mafia criminality and many others.

As we intensify the fight against crime, it is vital that we safeguard the integrity and credibility of the police and other law enforcement agencies.

These allegations therefore call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation.

To address these allegations and the implications of these allegations, I am establishing a judicial commission of inquiry chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. 

Justice Madlanga will be assisted by Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC.

The Commission will investigate allegations relating to the infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions within the criminal justice system by criminal syndicates.

Among the allegations that the Commission may investigate are the facilitation of organised crime; suppression or manipulation of investigations; inducement into criminal actions by law enforcement leadership; commission of any other criminal offences and intimidation, victimisation or targeted removal of whistleblowers or officials resisting criminal influence.

The Commission will investigate the role of current or former senior officials in certain institutions who may have aided or abetted the alleged criminal activity; failed to act on credible intelligence or internal warnings; or benefited financially or politically from a syndicate’s operations.

These institutions are the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority, State Security Agency, the Judiciary and Magistracy, and the metropolitan police departments of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane.

The Commission will also investigate whether any members of the National Executive responsible for the criminal justice system, were complicit, aided and abetted, or participated in the acts mentioned above.

The Commission will be asked to report on the effectiveness or failure of oversight mechanisms, and the adequacy of current legislation, policies and institutional arrangements in preventing such infiltration.

It will make findings and recommendations for criminal prosecutions, disciplinary actions and institutional reform.

Once established, the Commission shall consider prima facie evidence relating to the involvement of individuals currently employed within law enforcement or intelligence agencies.

Where appropriate, the Commission must make recommendations on the employment status of such officials, including whether they should be suspended pending the outcome of further investigations.

The Commission will have the power to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, taking into account the nature of the allegations and evidence the Commission will uncover.

It is critical that these matters be attended to with the necessary urgency and thoroughness.

The Commission is expected to complete its work and submit a final report to the President.

Interim reports are expected after 3 and 6 months respectively.

The final report of the Commission will be sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice.

Acting Deputy Chief Justice Madlanga is retiring from the Constitutional Court at the end of July 2025 after years of distinguished service, and will therefore be able to give his full time and attention to the work of this commission.

In order for the Commission to execute its functions effectively, I have decided to put the Minister of Police Mr Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect.

The Minister has undertaken to give his full cooperation to the Commission to enable it to do its work.

I have decided to appoint Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police.

Professor Cachalia is currently a professor of law at the University of the Witwatersrand and is the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council. He previously served as an MEC of Community Safety in Gauteng.

I am appointing Prof Cachalia in terms of Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution, which empowers the President to select no more than two Ministers from outside the National Assembly. 

Professor Cachalia will be retiring from his current position at the University of Witwatersrand at the end of July.

I will appoint an Acting Minister from within Cabinet until Professor Cachalia takes up his post at the beginning of August.

This Commission is being established against the backdrop of significant progress in rebuilding and strengthening our country’s law enforcement agencies and security services. 

In recent years, the South African Police Service, the Special Investigating Unit, the Asset Forfeiture Unit and other bodies have been making important inroads in the fight against organised crime and corruption.

It is essential that we maintain this momentum and that we intensify this work.

We will ensure that the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies continue to function without hindrance as the commission undertakes its work. 

I call on all members of our law enforcement agencies and security services to remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law and adhering to their code of conduct.

I call on all South Africans to support the commission in its work and, where appropriate, to provide any information or assistance the commission may require.

In establishing this Commission of Inquiry, we are affirming our commitment to the rule of law, to transparency and accountability, and to building a South Africa in which all people are safe and secure.

I thank you.

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Eritrea: Henok Mulubrhan Winner of Magnificent Qinghai 2025

Source: APO


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Eritrean professional cyclist Henok Mulubrhan, a member of the Astana Cycling Club and three-time African Cycling Champion, has won both the Yellow and Green Jerseys at the 24th edition of the Magnificent Qinghai 2025, currently being held in China.

In the race covering 1,323.7 km, Henok finished first in the 6th stage (232.7 km), second in the 5th stage, and third in the 7th stage. Henok also secured third place in the King of the Mountain classification.

In the competition, which featured 120 cyclists from 21 clubs, Eritrean professional cyclists Merhawi Kudus, Natnael Berhane, Even Yemane, Metkel Eyob, and Petros Mengis also participated, representing their respective clubs.

It is to be recalled that at the 23rd edition of the Magnificent Qinghai competition last year, Henok was the winner of the Green Jersey.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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ACSA, RTMC top officials placed on precautionary suspension

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Transport has confirmed the precautionary suspension of Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) Chief Executive Officer, Advocate Makhosini Msibi.

The precautionary suspension came into effect at the beginning of July.

“The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa, as the delegated shareholder responsible for the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), has officially been informed of the precautionary suspension of the Chief Executive Officer of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Adv Makhosini Msibi, by the Board of Directors of RTMC following the board meeting held on 13 June 2025,” the department said.

In a short statement, the department noted that the precautionary suspension is valid for 30 days and may be extended to 60 days or “any further period as may be reasonably necessary”.

“In its letter to the Ministry, the Board indicated that it took this decision following whistleblowing allegations of financial misconduct, irregular expenditure and governance failures at the entity.

“Based on the seriousness of the allegations, the Board has taken a decision to institute a forensic investigation into these allegations.

“The Board has also advised the Ministry of the appointment of Ms Refilwe Mongale as an Interim Chief Executive Officer, with effect from the 1st of July 2025 until further notice, to ensure continuity and stability within the RTMC while the forensic investigation is underway,” the department explained.

Meanwhile, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has placed its Group Executive for Enterprise Security and Compliance, Lt-General Mzwandile Petros, on precautionary suspension “pending the outcome of an independent investigation into allegations of operational irregularities”.

“The decision to place…[Petros] on precautionary suspension is a crucial measure to protect the integrity of the investigative process and any current and subsequent processes.

“The day-to-day functions of ACSA will not be affected by this decision. In the interim, Ms. Mary-Ann Joubert, has been appointed to act as GE:ESC to ensure continuity and maintain operational stability. ACSA will report back once the matter is finalised,” the company said. – SAnews.gov.za

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President El-Sisi Meets Angolan President in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Angolan President João Lourenço on the sidelines of the President’s participation in the seventh session of the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Summit, held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said President El-Sisi lauded the current Angolan presidency of the African Union and Angola’s commitment to strengthening joint African action across various sectors.

The Angolan president confirmed his appreciation for the President and Egypt’s central and historic role in the African continent and in working within the framework of the African Union.

The meeting addressed the situation of peace and security in Africa, as well as ways to consolidate the foundations of stability across the continent. The meeting covered the issues of the Horn of Africa, Sudan, the Sahel, and the Nile Basin.

The meeting also addressed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and explore broader prospects for cooperation in various fields, building on the momentum relations between the two countries have gained, in addition to keenness to achieve the aspirations of the two peoples for prosperity and development.

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

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Deputy President undertakes strategic working visit to China

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President undertakes strategic working visit to China

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to embark on a Working Visit to the People’s Republic of China from tomorrow (Monday).

He will be accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka; Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.

While there, the Deputy President will participate in the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE).

“In its third year, CISCE is the world’s first national-level expo dedicated to global supply chains. It is hosted under the auspices of the Chinese Central Government and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade [CCPIT].

“This high-level participation by the Deputy President and the South African Delegation is a pivotal opportunity to advance the South Africa–China All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era. It also reinforces South Africa’s position as a gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa for trade, investment, and industrial cooperation,” the Presidency said in a statement.

South Africa has been accorded Guest Country status for the expo under the theme “South Africa: Your Pathway to Supply Chain Resilience”.

The visit will focus on:

  • Promoting strategic sectors such as renewable energy, logistics, pharmaceuticals, mineral beneficiation, and the digital economy;
  • Showcasing a robust pipeline of investable projects to attract targeted Chinese investment, particularly into Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and critical infrastructure;
  • Enhancing bilateral collaboration on clean technologies, digital skills development, and industrial standards; and
  • Advancing South Africa’s objectives for supply chain resilience, accelerated industrialisation, and deeper integration within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

“In addition, the visit will include a dedicated bilateral programme aligned with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and the Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020–2029) between South Africa and China, with a particular emphasis on Chapter Two on Mutual Beneficial Economic Cooperation and Trade.

“The visit is also part of the evolving strategic trajectory of the South Africa-China relationship and reaffirms both countries’ commitment to deepening mutual cooperation in support of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development,” the Presidency’s statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

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SASSA to outline social grants review process

Source: Government of South Africa

SASSA to outline social grants review process

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Themba Matlou, is on Monday expected to brief the media on the social grants review process currently being undertaken by the agency.

According to SASSA, the review is focussed on targeted beneficiaries suspected of having “additional sources of income that was not disclosed to the Agency”.

“In April 2025, SASSA announced an ongoing scheduled payment delays to targeted social grants beneficiaries who need to visit local offices to confirm changes in their financial circumstances and update their personal details to address potential inclusion errors in the current social security system. 

“This was done after the Agency had collaborated with registered Credit Bureaus and approximately 210 000 social grant beneficiaries were flagged to be receiving income that was not truthfully disclosed,” the agency said in a statement.

SASSA bemoaned the “public commentary and misrepresentation from various interest groups and the public at large, casting aspersions on SASSA’s efforts to ascertain eligibility” of some beneficiaries and initiatives to “curb fraud in the grants system”.

“In accordance with the Social Assistance legislative framework, beneficiaries are legally required to fully disclose all sources of income during their initial application. They are also obliged to inform SASSA of any changes to their financial circumstances after their application has been approved.

“SASSA has undertaken a review of its database and grant administration processes to root out fraud and ensure that assistance reaches those who are eligible. 

“These reviews are specifically focused on individuals who appear to be active in the labour market and whose incomes are close to or exceed the means test threshold; particularly where such income was not disclosed at the time of application or where changes in circumstances were not reported thereafter,” SASSA said.

The media briefing is expected to begin at 10am on Monday and will be streamed live on the Government ZA social media pages. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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SIU R67 million recovery order crucial step in "rooting out" corruption

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has welcomed the R67 million recovery order obtained by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) against a plumbing contractor associated with the department.

Last week, the corruption busting unit said it had obtained an order from the Special Tribunal, which set aside contracts awarded to Kroucamp Plumbers by the department for vacuum pumping of septic tanks and emergency sewage blockage interventions.

The tribunal also dismissed a R33 million counterclaim made by the contractor against the department.

“This recovery order is another important step in our efforts to root out corruption and recover stolen public funds, as we work to build an efficient department capable of delivering construction projects on time and within budget. 

“Those who defraud the state and think they can get away with it must think again. We will leave no stone unturned in holding contractors and officials accountable for wrongdoing, no matter how long ago it occurred,” Macpherson said.

He added that the department has worked closely with the SIU to “support and expedite investigations into corruption, mismanagement, and fraud” within the Department. 

Furthermore, the SIU is also assisting the department to finalise lifestyle audits for at least 400 high risk officials.

“The case against Kroucamp Plumbers is a prime example of the importance of our collaboration, as we seek to ensure that public funds are no longer abused.

“Together with law enforcement agencies, we will continue to send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated. 

“We are working hard to turn the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure into the economic delivery unit of South Africa, ensuring that infrastructure projects are completed on time and within budget, and that not a cent of public funds is wasted. We are building a better department in order to build a better South Africa,” Macpherson said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Agriculture lifts Brazilian live poultry and poultry products restrictions

Source: Government of South Africa

Import restrictions on live poultry and poultry products from Brazil have been lifted.

This after what the Department of Agriculture describes as “extensive engagements” between South African and Brazilian veterinary authorities.

“This follows the confirmation that the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza [HPAI], first detected on 15 May 2025 in a breeder establishment located in the municipality of Montenegro, a state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, has been contained and eradicated. 

“The stamping out measures were applied in accordance with the relevant standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health [WOAH], and the affected premises were depopulated and disinfected. The 28-day waiting period after stamping out was observed, with the self-declaration of freedom effective from 18 June 2025,” the department said in a statement.

The department revealed that a bilateral technical meeting was held with the South American nation’s veterinary authority, during which an agreement was reached on the “revised Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC), confirming that Brazil is free of HPAI”.

“The positive outcome is a direct result of the dedicated efforts of our officials. With this resolution, imports can resume, which will significantly contribute to enhancing food security for all citizens,” Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said. 

The department warned, however, that as a precautionary measure, “products packed in their final packaging between 1 May and 18 June 2025 temporarily remain restricted”.

“This is in line with risk mitigation standards to ensure the continued safety of our animal health status and trade partners.

“The Department of Agriculture remains vigilant and will continue to monitor the situation. The lifting of the suspension may be reviewed should new information emerge indicating the outbreak spreading to other areas within Brazil.

“Minister Steenhuisen emphasised that this development underlines the department’s commitment to science-based decision making and the importance of maintaining open, transparent and technically sound channels of communication between trading partners,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Vaccination against cholera brings hope to more than 2 million Angolans

Source: APO – Report:

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A new round of the oral vaccination campaign against cholera was officially launched this Saturday in the municipality of Cafunfo, Lunda Norte province, an initiative of the Angolan government, through the Ministry of Health, with the support of GAVI – Global Alliance for Vaccines, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the European Union and other partners in the health sector.

The campaign plans to vaccinate more than 2 million people in the most affected municipalities in the provinces of Cabinda, Kwanza Sul, Huíla, Lunda Norte, Namibe and Zaire – regions where there is currently active transmission of the disease.

The campaign started simultaneously in all the provinces covered, with teams on the ground starting vaccination activities at fixed posts and through door-to-door visits.

At the launch, the Minister of Health, Dr. Sílvia Lutucuta, called on everyone to get involved: “Everyone has to take part in this war against cholera, we’re almost there, there’s just a little bit left and if we all work together we’ll be able to get rid of cholera in Angola.”

The minister also highlighted the strengthening of the response capacity thanks to the support of partners: “Through our partners, we managed to get around 1 million vaccines in the first and second rounds. Now we’ve got 2 million vaccines that will allow us to increase coverage and protect even more people.”

The vaccine used in this round is Euvichol-S, an oral, single-dose vaccine donated by Gavi and distributed via the international mechanism coordinated by the International Coordination Group (ICG). The campaign involves 942 vaccination teams, made up of vaccinators, mobilizers and supervisors, who will work at fixed posts and also through door-to-door visits.

All people aged one year and over will be vaccinated, as part of an integrated response that includes epidemiological surveillance, access to drinking water, sanitation, risk communication and case management.

During the ceremony, the WHO Representative in Angola, Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, highlighted the role of the vaccine in protecting communities, but recalled that it must be complemented by other structural measures: “The oral vaccine is a strong tool in our hands, in each campaign we stop the transmission of cholera by reinforcing the vital shield of protection for communities. But the vaccine alone is not enough, we must remain vigilant. The fight against cholera is also about sustainable investment in water, sanitation and hygiene. Only in this way will we cut cholera in the long term.”

In the beneficiary neighborhoods, the mood is hopeful. After months of fear and uncertainty, the arrival of the vaccine represents a concrete response and essential protection, especially for the most vulnerable families.

Verónica Domingos Ferreira, who lives in the municipality of Kikombo, Kwanza Sul, was one of the people vaccinated. After seeing her neighbors fall ill months ago, she decided to seek information and protect her family. Today, she is relieved: “I’m very grateful. Today I got vaccinated and I vaccinated my children. This vaccine is a blessing. Now I feel that my family is better protected.”

With actions like this, Angola is strengthening its capacity to respond to outbreaks and reaffirming its commitment to the health and dignity of its communities. The campaign will continue in the coming days, with calls for the active participation of the entire population.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Angola.