Category: Africa

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Kenya: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)-China South-South Cooperation High-level Meeting Held in Nairobi

Source: APO


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On July 4, the high-level meeting of the FAO-China South-South Cooperation Project was held at the Kenyan Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. Attendees included Mr. Jiang Wensheng, Vice Minister of China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Ms. Tipo, FAO Representative in Kenya ad interim; Dr. Ronoh, Principal Secretary of Kenya’s State Department for Agricultural Development; and Ms. Guo Haiyan, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya. The meeting focused on deepening agricultural South-South cooperation, enhancing food security, addressing climate change, and promoting rural development.

China has been supporting Kenya for integrated fall armyworm control and low-carbon tea value chain through the FAO SSC/SSTC framework with promising results. The three parties expressed their commitment to further cooperation in promoting Chinese technologies and experience in developing countries to enhance agricultural productivity, facilitate poverty reduction and rural development, and address climate change. The Kenyan side welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest in agricultural sector in Kenya and hopes that China provide trade facilitation for Kenyan agricultural exports to its vast market.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Kenya.

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The International Rescue Committee (IRC) clinic sees nearly triple rise in malnutrition admissions in northern Nigeria

Source: APO


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  • In-patient admissions at IRC clinics increased sharply: from 241 in March to 672 in May, a 178% rise.
  • Approximately 4.6 million people in the northern BAY states (Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe) are projected to experience acute food insecurity between June and September.
  • Over 600,000 children under five are at immediate risk of severe acute malnutrition, the deadliest form of malnutrition.
  • Children with severe acute malnutrition are 11 times more likely to die than healthy children.

The IRC is alarmed by rising numbers of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition admitted to IRC clinics across the northeast and northwest of Nigeria. Malnutrition rates are expected to intensify as the lean season sets in amidst growing insecurity, increased climate shocks like severe flooding, and aid cuts. 

During the lean season, between harvesting periods, children face a high risk of complications like malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections. Rainfall leads to water contamination and cholera outbreaks, while wet conditions increase mosquito breeding and disease spread. 

Babatunde Ojei, Country Director, IRC Nigeria, said:

“It’s heartbreaking to see the needs of children growing while the support to reach them is shrinking. Rising insecurity and violence is cutting off communities, leaving the most vulnerable, especially children, without the care they desperately need.”

Fewer implementing partners are active as donor reluctance, driven by insecurity, limited access, and global aid cuts, continues to restrict funding. While admissions are slightly lower this year compared to last – 763 children were admitted in May 2024 – this reduction in cases reflects reduced access and coverage rather than an improved situation. Activities have been scaled down within community outreach services, limiting screening and resulting in fewer identified cases. The IRC handed over one inpatient treatment site for children with severe acute malnutrition with complications to the government following funding cuts.

Aid cuts disproportionately impact countries caught at the intersection of conflict and climate crises. Increasingly frequent seasonal flooding is expected to worsen the already critical crisis of severe acute malnutrition in children by destroying food stocks, disrupting agricultural activities, and displacing families: all leading to heightened food insecurity and more cases of acute malnutrition. Last year’s devastating floods triggered a sharp rise in malnutrition, with adult malnutrition also emerging as a serious concern, including widespread cases of stomach ulcers linked to hunger.

In Nigeria, the IRC is tackling acute malnutrition with teams working across 7 hospitals and 65 community facilities. In 2024, more than 133,000 children under the age of 5 received treatment for acute malnutrition from our teams.

The IRC is leading innovation on simplified approaches to treating acute malnutrition, and ensuring more children receive life-saving treatment with the same resources.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Rescue Committee (IRC) .

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Expo Osaka 2025 : Le Bénin déploie son Soft Power au sein du Women’s Pavilion


À l’Expo Universelle Osaka 2025, le Bénin poursuit son déploiement stratégique sous le thème Benin Horizons : A Journey of culture and Opportunities, en orchestrant un événement de haut niveau au WA Space du Women’s Pavilion. Pensée comme un hommage à la créativité, à la mémoire et à la puissance féminine, cette journée intitulée « Les Amazones de l’Art » a révélé au monde le talent de huit artistes béninoises, réunies dans une programmation conçue comme une véritable déclaration culturelle.

Huit femmes artistes, une vision affirmée du Bénin

Portée par un commissariat engagé et une volonté de rayonnement, l’exposition a réuni huit artistes plasticiennes qui incarnent une génération visionnaire :

• Éliane AÏSSO
• Élise TOKOUDAGBA
• Michèle WÊNI YERIMA
• Sonia DJEDATIN
• Drusille FAGNIBO
• Princesse KEIRATH
• Bénie QUENUM
• Sophie NÉGRIER

Leurs œuvres – Ambition du pouvoir, Silent March, Présence de l’Absent, Adaptation, Cica, NYƆNU SIN ƉUƉE, Agoodjié, La GOHENTO / La NYEKPLOHENTO – ont été exposées dans une scénographie fluide et immersive, au croisement de la mémoire, de la modernité et de la symbolique amazone. Chaque installation, chaque matériau, chaque geste artistique interroge la condition féminine, l’histoire du Bénin, et la place des artistes dans le récit continental.

Une programmation conçue pour le rayonnement

Cette journée au WA Space s’est articulée autour de trois temps forts, pensés pour créer un récit complet, à la fois esthétique, intellectuel et émotionnel :

Une exposition visuelle d’une grande intensité, qui a permis de découvrir, dans un espace épuré et scénographié avec élégance, huit œuvres puissantes, révélant la diversité des langages plastiques béninois, du textile à la sculpture, de la photographie à l’installation.

La projection du court-métrage documentaire « Les Amazones de l’Art », véritable immersion dans l’univers de ces créatrices, a dévoilé leurs processus de création, leur rapport au pays, à l’histoire, à l’héritage et à l’actualité. Entre images d’atelier, entretiens et séquences d’archives, ce film a offert une profondeur inédite à l’exposition.

Une conférence-débat, enfin, a permis à deux invitées d’honneur – Flora COQUEREL, Miss France 2014 et fondatrice de l’association Kelina, et Medessè Nathalie SAGBO, autrice de la bande dessinée Tassi Hangbé – d’échanger autour du thème de la femme créatrice comme figure de transmission et d’émancipation. Ces échanges ont été suivis d’une séance de dédicace, chaleureuse et intimiste, autour de l’œuvre Tassi Hangbé.

Une mobilisation forte du Commissariat Général

Cette journée fut portée par l’engagement du Commissariat Général du Bénin à l’Expo Osaka 2025, avec :

• M. Yannis ADEBIAYE, Commissaire Général,
• Mme Carole BORNA, Directrice du Pavillon et représentante du Ministère du Tourisme, de la Culture et des Arts (MTCA),
• Mme Yassine LASSISSI, également Directrice du Pavillon et coordinatrice artistique.

Accompagnés d’une équipe dévouée, ils ont œuvré à la fluidité de la production, à la médiation artistique et à la valorisation diplomatique de la présence béninoise. Leur présence constante a renforcé la lisibilité institutionnelle de l’événement, tout en créant les conditions d’un accueil chaleureux, protocolaire et ouvert au dialogue.

Un rayonnement stratégique au cœur de la scène internationale

Entre portraits officiels, photographies symboliques aux abords du WA Space, séquences immersives, prises de parole, séance de dédicace, et moments de partage avec le public, chaque instant a été conçu pour renforcer le positionnement culturel du Bénin à l’Expo Osaka 2025. Ces contenus ont contribué à renforcer la présence du Bénin sur la scène médiatique et institutionnelle, notamment via les comptes du Pavillon (@explorebenin), mais aussi auprès des visiteurs et partenaires internationaux.

Mais au-delà des images, c’est la résonance émotionnelle et esthétique de l’événement qui a marqué les esprits. Les visiteurs – japonais, internationaux et membres de la diaspora – ont souligné la force visuelle de l’exposition, la cohérence du propos artistique, et la qualité de l’accueil et des échanges. Une impression de rigueur, d’engagement, et d’ouverture qui prolonge la dynamique diplomatique portée par le Pavillon du Bénin à Osaka.

Vers la Journée Nationale du 29 août

Cette journée du 4 juillet n’est pas un point d’aboutissement, mais un jalon stratégique dans le parcours du Bénin à Osaka. À travers cette tribune offerte aux femmes artistes au WA Space, le pays a démontré sa capacité à faire de la culture un outil d’influence internationale, une forme de Soft Power assumé et incarné. Le 29 août 2025, la Journée Nationale du Bénin viendra prolonger cette dynamique, en consolidant l’image d’un pays créatif, stratégique, hospitalier et résolument tourné vers l’avenir. Le Bénin n’expose pas seulement des œuvres : il expose une vision, une identité, un cap, un Monde de Splendeurs.

À propos du Pavillon du Bénin à l’Exposition Universelle Osaka 2025

Portée par l’Agence Bénin Tourisme, la participation du Bénin à l’Exposition Universelle Osaka 2025 se veut une véritable immersion dans la richesse culturelle, historique et économique du pays. Le pavillon, conçu sous le concept “Benin Horizons : A Journey of culture and Opportunities”, offrira aux visiteurs une expérience interactive, permettant de découvrir les multiples facettes du Bénin, un pays qui allie traditions ancestrales et modernité. Le pavillon mettra en avant le dynamisme du Bénin à travers trois grands axes : la valorisation de ses atouts touristiques, culturels et artistiques, ses innovations et son développement économique.

À propos de l’Exposition Universelle Osaka 2025

L’Exposition Universelle Osaka 2025, qui se tiendra du 13 avril au 13 octobre 2025 sur l’île de Yumeshima, au Japon, sera un événement incontournable à l’échelle mondiale. Réunissant plus de 160 pays et attendue par près de 28 millions de visiteurs, cette exposition offrira une plateforme exceptionnelle pour explorer des solutions innovantes aux défis mondiaux actuels. Le thème central de l’Exposition, “Concevoir la société du futur, imaginer notre vie de demain”, invite les participants à réfléchir ensemble sur la manière de bâtir un avenir plus durable, équitable et respectueux de la planète.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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Minister garners support for upcoming Water Summit 

Source: Government of South Africa

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has mobilised the Committee of Ministers to support the upcoming Africa Water Investment Summit that will be held in August.

This as she concluded her participation in the 43rd Southern African Development Community (SADC) Joint Meeting of Committee of Ministers responsible for Energy and Water held in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The meeting was held from 3 -4 July 2025.

“During day two of the joint meeting, which focused mainly on water issues, Minister Majodina used the platform to mobilise the Committee of Ministers to support the upcoming Africa Water Investment Summit that will be co-hosted by South Africa and the African Union- Continental Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) in the context of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, on 13- 15 August 2025,” said the Minister.

According to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the summit seeks to mobilise financial investment for bankable water and sanitation infrastructure projects around the continent.

The DWS said Africa faces a US$30 billion (around ±R528 billion) annual water investment gap and the summit will mobilise investments in climate-resilient water and sanitation projects, ensuring water security, economic growth, and sustainable development across the continent.

“We think that from that summit, we will have a concrete plan. As a continent, we must start being serious and start ringfencing budgets to fund our water infrastructure as well as energy. No country, region nor continent can survive without putting water and electricity as the catalyst for economic growth,” said Majodina.

This as the regional water sector is experiencing infrastructure challenges as a result of growing populations and lack of adequate infrastructure development due to financial investment gap.

The AU-AIP Africa Water Investment Summit’s key objectives are to: 
•    mobilise financial commitments towards Africa’s water investment needs; 
•    advocate for improved access to finance for water and sanitation projects; 
•     strengthen governance and accountability in the water sector; 
•    showcase a pipeline of investment-ready projects to funders and investors; and 
•    promote legal and regulatory reforms to enhance water investments. 
The SADC Joint Meeting of Ministers is a critical platform for member states to engage on issues to enhance regional collaboration in the energy and water sectors.

“Minister Majodina engaged with fellow Ministers from across the region on critical issues related to the management of shared water resources and transboundary programmes and projects that are led by the River Basin Organisations and Shared Water Institutions, and on the delivery of regional water projects aimed at improving water and sanitation services in the SADC member states; as well as the status of implementation of previous decisions taken during the 42nd joint meeting held in May last year.”

South Africa shares transboundary water projects with its neighbouring countries including the Lesotho/Botswana water transfer; Beitbridge/Musina integrated water supply scheme; the Catuane Matutuine groundwater project in Maputo.

Majodina attended the 43rd SADC Joint Meeting of Committee of Ministers responsible for Energy and Water with Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa whose portfolio is part SADC Committee on Water and Energy.

The SADC Ministers of Water and Energy Committee are a decision-making body that adopts decisions on regional policies and programmes that are implemented in the entire 16 SADC Member states, both at regional and national level, and Ministers responsible for energy and water direct the regional energy as well as water and sanitation agenda. -SAnews.gov.za
 

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Campaign to plant trees and help mitigate effects of climate change

Source: Government of South Africa

With the country bearing the brunt of climate change and the resultant devastation it causes in communities and economies, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has launched the One Million Trees campaign.

“We have witnessed fires, deadly heatwaves, heavy rains, floods, and prolonged droughts. These events underscore our shared vulnerability, but also our shared responsibility to act, to adapt, and to do so in a way that leaves no one behind. 

“Tree planting is one of the mitigating factors that are recommended to slow down this environmental threat. It is for this reason that the department is pursuing the coordination and implementation of the National Greening Programme,” said Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts.

Speaking on Monday at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, Swarts said to ensure that South Africans benefit from the National Greening Programme, President Cyril Ramaphosa directed that 10 million trees, comprised of 60 percent fruit and 40 percent indigenous, be planted in the country over a period of five years, ending in 2026. 

The initiative, which links to goal 13 of Sustainable Development Goals, is a clarion call to South Africans from all walks of life to participate and contribute towards the greening of the country. 

The Deputy Minister put forth a challenge to plant one million trees in a single day – on 24 September 2025 during Heritage Day – while celebrating Arbour Month. 

“We are calling on all South Africans to join hands in greening our country. This is an all of society campaign which calls on collaboration by government departments, municipalities, civil society organisations, non-government organisations, corporates, students and learners, churches and the public at large to plant at least one million trees for the benefit of our country.

“I have started conversations with different role players, and it came as a surprise when I saw the response. Some were asking “what can we assist with” – “how can we be part of this” – and so on. In no time, we had already amassed a lot of support – most have responded positively, though we are in the process of tallying commitments and pledges in this regard.”

 She said the greening programme was taking place at a time when the environment of the country and indeed the entire Africa was counting the cost of climate change, and drastic measures are urgently needed for a swift recovery. 

“South Africa’s G20 Presidency’s Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group prioritisation of Land degradation, desertification and drought highlights their direct threat to economies, food security, and sustainable development. Planting trees helps to combat these phenomena.” – SAnews.gov.za

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C20 initiative makes progress ahead of G20 Summit

Source: Government of South Africa

Chairperson of the Civil 20 (C20) Thulani Tshefuta says from December 2024 to date, they have managed to register more than 1 900 organisations that participate in C20 structures and processes.

“These organisations are drawn from South Africa, the African continent and the rest of the world,” Tshefuta said at a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday.

The briefing was held to update media on the state of readiness to deliver the C20 Policy Pack ahead of the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in November 2025.

The global C20 initiative serves as a vital platform for civil society engagement with the G20. Established in 2013, C20 advocates for the inclusion of diverse voices in shaping the decisions that affect communities worldwide.

C20 South Africa is led by a network of national apex organisations that represent a broad range of sectors and activism including youth, women, the disabled, civics, cooperatives, the informal sector, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, coalitions and campaigns, social movements, NPO/NGO networks and Issue-based formations

Tshefuta said C20 South Africa convened a successful Mid-Term Policy Dialogue on 22 – 24 June 2025 in Sandton and was attended by more than 300 delegates in person, while an additional 1 800 delegates attended virtually in South Africa, Africa and other G20 countries.

“The outcomes of our deliberations and policy proposals were presented to the G20 Mid-Term Sherpa Meeting that was held on 25 – 27 June 2025 in Sun City,” Tshefuta said.

He explained that C20 member organisations are apex organisations, national organisations, medium sized organisations, grassroots and community-based formations.

“The substantive work of C20 is organised into six clusters and 14 working groups in line with government working groups.” 

Tshefuta said the essence of the theme of the South African G20 Presidency — Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability — is about co-existence, collaborations and partnerships.

“You cannot be in solidarity with yourself. You cannot be equal to yourself. Measures of sustainability outlive oneself. This further suggests that as social partners, we can play different but complementary roles.

“The G20 Presidency of South Africa has committed to promote a people-centred, development-oriented G20 that fosters inclusive economic transformation rather than economic dominance by a few.” 

Tshefuta said education and health are the two most important public services whose access to good quality services should never depend on social status, and level of income and affordability.

“The governments and the social partners must foster better strategic policy alignment between the macro-economic policies, employment and labour market policies, sectoral economic policies and skills development policies.” 

Tshifuta further said economic policies must be inclusive and job-rich.

“Skills development policies must respond to the labour market demands. We recommend that the G20 Summit and outcome document must prioritise policies, programmes and budgets to promote massive Youth Employment.

“Developing economies must be given space for debt relief and cancellation in order to redirect debt service costs towards productive economic activities,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Small Businesses Embrace Social— But Could be Missing a Trick in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Source: APO


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According to the GoDaddy (www.GoDaddy.com) 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey, nearly half of small businesses in now primarily operate online, using websites, marketplaces, or social media to sell. This shows a clear shift as entrepreneurs embrace digital channels to reach customers, grow sales, and stay competitive in today’s market.

Social Media: A Key Tool with Real Challenges

Social media plays a major role in how small businesses operate and grow. 80% of entrepreneurs say it’s important to their sales strategy, and half (50%) say it’s very important. It has also become the top place to learn about running a business: 59% turn to social media for insights, ahead of traditional educational resources like books and blogs (40%), and artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT (37%).

But while the value is clear, so are the challenges. When it comes to managing their social media presence, many entrepreneurs struggle with content. 37% say it’s hard to come up with engaging ideas for posts, and another 33% don’t have enough time to create and post regularly. Even when content is shared, converting engagement into sales remains difficult—51% say they have trouble converting followers into customers, and 54% can’t reach the right audience.

“At GoDaddy, we realize how much potential entrepreneurs have—and we also understand how hard it is to turn online effort into real growth,” said Selina Bieber, Vice President of International Markets at GoDaddy. “That’s why we’re focused on giving them smart, easy tools like Show in Bio (https://apo-opa.co/4lzcLPc) that can help turn social engagement into actual sales, without adding more work.”

These hurdles show that while social media is essential, it’s not easy. Entrepreneurs need smarter tools and support to turn digital activity into real business growth.

The Rise of Digital-First Small Businesses

Running a business today means going beyond a physical store. While 31% of small businesses still work mainly from a physical location, the online world is catching up with 19% now run their business primarily through their own website. Another 28% operate mostly on social media.

Sales channels also reflect this shift. Though 36% sell in person, 18% use online stores or marketplaces, and another 31% sell directly through social media.

This mix of physical and digital approaches shows that small businesses are finding new ways to meet customers—whether in-store, online, or on social media. The ability to combine different methods indicates a significant evolution in business’ ability to adapt to customers’ needs and preferences.

The Need for Smarter Tools and AI Support

As entrepreneurs go digital, many know exactly what would help them sell on social. More than half (59%) say they need better ways to reach the right audience, almost half (48%) want simpler tools for creating and posting content, and over a third (39%) want insights into what is working and is not, highlighting a clear demand for practical, time-saving solutions.

The Opportunity Ahead

As more small businesses move online, the need for effective tools and support continues to grow. GoDaddy is committed to helping entrepreneurs succeed with easy-to-use solutions like Show in Bio (https://apo-opa.co/4lzcLPc), GoDaddy Studio (https://apo-opa.co/3GwhNgA), and GoDaddy Airo® (https://apo-opa.co/3TrhKFF) all designed to simplify digital marketing and turn engagement into real results.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GoDaddy.

About GoDaddy:
GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services, and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo®, the company’s AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy’s expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

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President El-Sisi Receives President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Al-Alamain City

Source: APO


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Today in Al-Alamain City, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said the two Presidents held a closed bilateral session of talks, followed by an expanded meeting attended by the two countries’ delegations. The talks focused on ways to foster closer bilateral relations as well as developments in the region and the continent.

Concluding their meeting, the two Presidents held a joint press conference.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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Desert to Power: Independent power production in Sahel takes decisive step forward at fifth ministerial meeting

Source: APO

On 30 June 2025 in Ouagadougou, representatives from six member countries of the Desert to Power Initiative (https://apo-opa.co/3GlwfrL) approved key strategic documents to boost independent power production in the Sahel, at the fifth ministerial meeting of the project, spearheaded by the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org).

This crucial meeting provided an opportunity to take stock of progress made in implementing the Desert to Power Initiative, and to approve two key strategic documents: the Joint Protocol for Independent Power Producers (IPP) and the Strategy for the Promotion of Green Mini-Grids.  

The IPP Joint Protocol, developed in close collaboration with the Desert to Power Taskforce and the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF), establishes standardised principles and documents to facilitate the development of large-scale solar power plants under public-private partnerships (PPPs). The aim of the mini-grid strategy is to determine a framework to accelerate implementation and encourage participation. 

The meeting was chaired by Yacouba Zabré Gouba, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Energy, Mines and Quarries, and attended by the energy ministers of Djibouti, Niger and Chad, as well as representatives of their counterparts from Mali and Mauritania. 

The ministers welcomed the project’s significant progress, particularly the implementation of over 15 projects, the first few of which are already operational. They also stressed the importance of capacity-building efforts.  

Discussions continued at a technical workshop on financial modelling, aimed at strengthening financial analysis tools for the viability of Sahelian national utilities. There was active participation by the general managers and financial directors of the national utilities at this meeting. 

Thanking the African Development Bank for supporting participating countries through the Desert to Power Initiative, Gouba said the meeting had given them a fresh start. “We must double our efforts and work in synergy to achieve the set objectives,” he declared. 

Dr. Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for f Electricity, Energy, Climate and Green Growth at the African Development Bank, congratulated the ministers, observing that the validated Common Protocol constitutes an important lever for accelerating the development of privately financed solar projects for the benefit of the Sahelian people.  

He also called on countries to take advantage of Mission 300 (https://apo-opa.co/3TVVxzJ), a bold effort between the African Development Bank and the World Bank that seeks to provide electricity access to an additional 300 million people in Africa by 2030.   

“Mission 300 is a movement based on coordinated action, committed political leadership, and focused delivery from which we cannot afford to leave any country, ”Kariuki said. 

On the sidelines of the gathering, participants visited the Gonsin photovoltaic power plant, located to the northwest of Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou. The 42 MWp plant, built as part of the Desert to Power Initiative, boasts a 10-megawatt storage system, providing a clear illustration of the tangible results and impact of the Initiative in Burkina Faso. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact: 
Communication and External Relations Department, 
media@afdb.org

Media files

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Challenges in the Basic Education and Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres Must Not Become a Phenomenon, Education Committee Chair

Source: APO


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The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries has called for coordination of resources in order to maximise the impact Early Childhood Development (ECD) have in society.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Makhi Feni, said the ECD centres are an empowerment tool whose role and importance should never be forsaken.

“It is really concerning to the committee that we read of challenges besieging the ECD sector when we had just transferred the function to the Department of Basic Education (DBE) Surely, our portfolio will not and must not fail our children, as there was a reason to migrate the function to education.”

“This is a function that requires everyone and any help with regards to the welfare and foundation phase education of our children. We are building a nation; and our actions include budget allocated for this specific function must support that,” emphasised Mr Feni.

Weekend reports indicated that several ECD centres, and some attached to schools, struggled with basic necessities like water, sanitation and food items especially in the rural Limpopo and the Eastern Cape.

Mr Feni said the committee would love to receive an update briefing on empirical and manifest challenges since the migration of the function to the DBE.

“We do not want a system that breaks our children and their early educators either through budget constraints or infrastructure. We call on the minister and the provincial MECs to prioritise the work around ECD centres. These are areas where our children spend the longest time without parental supervision and outside their homes.”

The committee also noted the challenges around payment of student teachers and tutors in Quintile One schools. Mr Feni said the committee accepted the fiscal constrained environment the DBE operated in. “But we do not want the challenges to become a phenomenon; the DBE must attend to this matter urgently wherever it is manifest.”

“Salaries of teachers are a no-go area for cuts and hiccups. These are meagre salaries, it is not as if these teachers are paid millions.”

Mr Feni said the committee’s interest was a functional system where all parents see value and trust that their children will turn out responsible and accountable young adults whose skills will be relevant to a 21st Century economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.