Category: Africa

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Cabo Verde: Ministro da Justiça empossa nova Diretora Nacional da Polícia Judiciária

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Ministro da Justiça, Presidência do Conselho de Ministros, Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunicação Social, Clóvis Silva, empossou, quarta-feira, 5 de agosto, a nova Diretora Nacional da Polícia Judiciária, Jacqueline Semedo.

A nova responsável pela PJ possui uma carreira ligada à investigação criminal e à área da segurança. Em 2012, desempenhou funções como Coordenadora de Investigação Criminal e, no período entre 2012 e 2015, foi Secretária Executiva da Comissão Nacional de Luta Contra a Proliferação de Armas Ligeiras e de Pequeno Calibre.

Entre 2015 e 2016, Jacqueline Semedo assumiu a liderança do Departamento de Investigação Criminal do Mindelo, tendo anteriormente ocupado diferentes funções dentro da estrutura da Polícia Judiciária.

Atualmente, desempenhava o cargo de Coordenadora de Investigação Criminal de nível III.

No ato do empossamento, Clóvis Silva espera “muito trabalho para a nova Diretora, pois a Polícia Judiciária tem um contexto bastante exigente, onde a criminalidade transnacional demanda uma forte cooperação e temos feito contactos diplomáticos para nos ajudar nesse processo.”

“A aposta na nova Diretora assenta em alguém alinhado com o Programa do Governo que tem como premissa essencial o combate sem tréguas à grande criminalidade, alguém com conhecimento, proximidade, capacidade de negociar com os nossos parceiros internacionais e garantir que Cabo Verde continue a trabalhar na prevenção criminal, em particular em relação a crimes muito complexos que afetam, sobretudo, os nossos mares e ares, através da cooperação que nos vai permitir conseguir os meios necessários para esse combate”, enfatizou Clóvis Isilda Silva.

Ainda segundo o Ministro, “Cabo Verde tem uma localização geográfica bastante sensível, no cruzamento entre três continentes, por isso temos que fazer grandes investimentos financeiros na aquisição de meios para o combate aos cibercrimes, crimes em alto mar, como o transbordo de armas e drogas, entre outros, articulando com os parceiros internacionais.”

A nova Diretora Nacional da Polícia Judiciária agradeceu a confiança nela depositada pelo Governo, na pessoa do Ministro da Justiça e garantiu total empenho no cargo que ora ocupa, seja ao nível do engajamento e motivação dos colaboradores internos da PJ, seja ao nível da criação de parcerias institucionais para o combate firme à grande criminalidade, protegendo os cidadãos e o país.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Milestones of Freedom: Celebrating the past and confronting the future

Source: Government of South Africa

Milestones of Freedom: Celebrating the past and confronting the future

By Aobakwe Motsokwane

South Africans must celebrate the gains of democracy, while remaining committed to addressing the challenges that continue to confront communities across the country.

This was the message delivered by Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong during the provincial launch of the Milestones of Freedom Campaign, in KwaZulu-Natal, on Thursday.

Speaking at the Chief Albert Luthuli Campus of uMfolozi TVET College in the iLembe District, Morolong said the campaign is an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the achievements of the democratic era and recommit themselves to building a better future for all.

The campaign, launched nationally by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June 2026, is being commemorated under the theme: “Honouring the Past. Delivering the Future.” It marks four significant anniversaries in South Africa’s democratic journey – 30 years of the Constitution, 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprising, 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March and 60 years since the forced removals from District Six.

Morolong said the Constitution remains one of South Africa’s greatest achievements, providing a foundation for equality, human dignity and freedom while safeguarding the rights of all citizens.

“The Constitution remains the cornerstone of our democracy and ensures that all laws align with the values and spirit of our democratic order,” he said.

He noted that South Africa’s constitutional framework has enabled landmark advances in human rights, strengthened democratic institutions and ensured accountability through the separation of powers and the work of Chapter 9 institutions.

Reflecting on the progress achieved since 1994, Morolong highlighted significant improvements in access to basic services and social protection.

This is as access to piped municipal water increased substantially, while millions more South Africans now benefit from social grants and improved housing opportunities.

In KwaZulu-Natal, he said, progress has also been evident through expanded access to water and sanitation services, as well as strong participation in the education system, with the province accounting for one of the largest shares of school attendance in the country.

READ | Celebrating the country’s milestones of democracy

Advancing women’s rights

As South Africa commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Women’s March during Women’s Month, Morolong paid tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956, in opposition to apartheid pass laws.

He acknowledged the role played by women from KwaZulu-Natal, including struggle icons Dorothy Nyembe and Mary Thipe, whose activism contributed to one of the defining moments in the country’s liberation struggle.

Morolong said government has made notable progress in advancing women’s rights and representation in leadership structures since 1994.

Women now make up approximately 43.5% of Members of Parliament, while women occupy senior positions across government, Parliament and the judiciary. The appointment of Justice Mandisa Maya as South Africa’s first female Chief Justice in 2024 stands as a milestone in the country’s pursuit of gender equality.

Despite these gains, he cautioned that women continue to face significant challenges, including poverty, unemployment, gender-based violence, unequal economic opportunities and barriers to leadership and land ownership.

Land restoration

Turning to the 60th anniversary of the forced removals from District Six, Morolong said freedom must also be measured through the restoration of dignity, land and belonging.

He said government has settled more than 83 000 land claims nationally since 1995, resulting in the restoration of 3.9 million hectares of land to dispossessed individuals and communities. In KwaZulu-Natal, 16 903 land claims have been settled, representing nearly 890 000 hectares of land restored through restitution processes.

“These gains are not just about land; they are about justice, healing and building a more inclusive future for our people,” he said.

Youth Uprising

Morolong also reflected on the legacy of the 1976 generation, whose resistance against apartheid helped shape South Africa’s democratic future.

He said government has sought to honour their sacrifice by expanding access to education and opportunities for young people. The national matric pass rate increased from 58% in 1994 to a record 88% in 2025, while KwaZulu-Natal emerged as the country’s best-performing province with a 90.6% pass rate in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations.

He further highlighted the contribution of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which has funded more than five million students from low-income and working-class families, expanding access to higher education and supporting transformation within the sector.

Looking to the future

As the Milestones of Freedom Campaign rolls out across the country, Morolong said South Africans should use the commemorations as an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of previous generations while remaining focused on building a more prosperous, inclusive and united nation.

“The Milestones of Freedom Campaign calls on us to honour the past, draw strength from it, and deliver the future our people deserve,” he said.

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Vision Bénin 2060 : Le Conseil National de l’Éducation mise sur les filières scientifiques et professionnelles

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La capitale économique du Bénin accueille du 05 au 07 Août 2026, à l’hôtel Golden Tulip, la 3ème Assemblée consultative du Conseil National de l’Éducation (CNE), consacrée à la promotion des filières scientifiques et technologiques pour le développement du Bénin. La rencontre a réuni membres du CNE, membres du gouvernement, Universitaires, représentants des Institutions, partenaires techniques et financiers ainsi que des organisations de la société civile, dans une ambiance de réflexion stratégique sur l’avenir du système éducatif béninois.

Dans son allocution, le Secrétaire Exécutif du CNE, Monsieur Clément CHABI, a salué la forte mobilisation autour d’une instance qu’il a présentée comme un espace de dialogue national, où les expériences et les savoirs se rencontrent pour éclairer les choix publics. Il a insisté sur une conviction devenue centrale : “aucun pays ne peut durablement viser le progrès, la prospérité et la souveraineté technologique sans investir dans la jeunesse, la recherche et la qualité du capital humain”. Pour lui, le thème retenu s’impose avec évidence à l’heure de la connaissance, de l’innovation et de la compétition des intelligences.

Le président du Conseil National de l’Éducation, Monsieur Noël Ahonangnon GBAGUIDI, a rappelé le rôle juridique et stratégique de l’institution, chargée de définir les grandes orientations éducatives, de coordonner le système et d’assurer le suivi des décisions publiques en matière d’éducation. Il a expliqué que l’assemblée consultative composée de 69 membres issus des secteurs public et privé a pour mission d’examiner les rapports d’activités et les comptes du CNE, et de formuler des recommandations visant à améliorer le système éducatif national.

Le Président du CNE a précisé que la session de trois jours devra également permettre d’évaluer la mise en œuvre des recommandations antérieures, de renforcer la qualité des enseignements et de recentrer le débat autour de la vision « Bénin 2060 », affirmant que les filières scientifiques, technologiques et professionnelles constituent des leviers essentiels pour l’industrialisation, l’innovation et la transformation numérique.

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

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FAO Strengthens Brucellosis Diagnosis to Protect Livestock, Wildlife and Communities in KAZA

Source: APO

FAO has strengthened regional capacity to detect and respond to brucellosis through specialised laboratory training on the Complement Fixation Test (CFT) at the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Veterinary Laboratory, a strategically located facility at the wildlife–livestock interface in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA).

The five-day training, held from 20 to 24 July 2026, was delivered under the European Union-funded Support Towards the Operationalization of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy Project Phase II (STOSAR II), with complementary support from the Pandemic Fund multi-country project.

Opening the training, STOSAR II Project Coordinator, Dr Elma Zanamwe, welcomed participants, facilitators and partners, and acknowledged the collaboration among FAO, the Directorate of Veterinary Services/Central Veterinary Laboratory, the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Laboratory, ZimParks and KAZA partners. She noted that the training responded to a request from the KAZA Secretariat for FAO support to strengthen brucellosis diagnostic capacity and reflected the importance of collaboration between livestock and wildlife health institutions under FAO’s One Health approach.

Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease affecting livestock, wildlife and people. It can reduce animal productivity, affect food safety and livelihoods, and pose public health risks, particularly in areas where wildlife, livestock and communities interact closely.

The training addressed a practical diagnostic gap by strengthening capacity to move beyond initial screening with the Rose Bengal Plate Test towards reliable Complement Fixation Test capacity as part of complementary and confirmatory testing for brucellosis diagnosis and surveillance. This is particularly important in the KAZA landscape, where the movement of wildlife and interaction with livestock require timely detection, coordinated surveillance and evidence-based response.

By improving animal health surveillance and laboratory diagnosis, the initiative also contributes to reducing human health risks, protecting communities and supporting safer livestock production systems, in line with FAO’s One Health Programme Priority Area.

Building practical laboratory skills

The training brought together veterinarians and veterinary laboratory technologists from the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, ZimParks, Zimbabwe’s Central Veterinary Laboratory, the Bulawayo and Masvingo Provincial Veterinary Laboratories, FAO Zambia and FAO Zimbabwe. The programme strengthened both technical capacity and collaboration across wildlife and livestock health institutions.

Participants received theory and intensive practical laboratory training covering brucellosis epidemiology, One Health principles, biosafety, quality assurance and the full CFT workflow. Practical sessions focused on reagent preparation, serum processing, complement and haemolysin titration, test execution, quality control, troubleshooting and interpretation of results.

The training led to measurable improvements in participants’ knowledge and confidence. Average assessment scores increased from 69 percent before the training to 82 percent after the training. Participants also identified the practical laboratory sessions, troubleshooting exercises and interpretation of results as among the most valuable components of the programme.

Advancing One Health collaboration

The initiative reinforced collaboration among the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, ZimParks, the Directorate of Veterinary Services, FAO and the KAZA Secretariat. It also strengthened understanding of how laboratory diagnosis, disease surveillance and field epidemiology work together to support evidence-based decision-making at the wildlife–livestock interface.

Zimbabwe’s Central Veterinary Laboratory will continue to play an important role in technical mentorship, quality assurance and referral support as confirmatory brucellosis testing capacity is expanded. Continued collaboration is expected to improve disease reporting, sample referral and coordinated surveillance across the KAZA landscape.

Sustaining the gains from the training will require continued mentorship, quality-control support, reagent standardisation, documentation and coordinated technical backstopping among the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, the Central Veterinary Laboratory, ZimParks, FAO, the KAZA Secretariat and other partners.

The training forms part of the STOSAR II Project’s broader efforts to strengthen veterinary services, laboratory networks and One Health collaboration across Southern Africa. The skills gained through the training are expected to contribute to stronger brucellosis surveillance and response in Zimbabwe and the wider KAZA region, while helping safeguard livestock production, wildlife conservation, public health and rural livelihoods.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

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Uganda – Members of Parliament (MPs) to Govt: Renovate dilapidated hospitals

Source: APO

Dilapidated health facilities should be renovated and elevated to district hospital status to improve service delivery, Members of Parliament have told the Government.

Hon. Joan Alobo (FDC, Soroti City Woman Representative), alluded to President Yoweri Museveni’s directives on improving health infrastructure in the country and adequately equipping hospitals, which she said remains lacking in many facilities.

“Soroti Regional Referral Hospital does not have infrastructure to house male and female patients, and they have ended up sharing one ward. I request this Parliament to task the Minister for Health to bring a comprehensive report on plans to refurbish our hospital,” said Alobo.

She made the call on Wednesday, 05 August 2026, during debate on a motion to appreciate the President on the State-of-the-Nation Address delivered to Parliament on 04 June 2026.

Hon. Umar Nangoli (Indep., Northern Division, Mbale City) cited Mbale Regional Referral Hospital where 2015 plans to erect a multi-purpose complex to cater for the emergency department, ENT, neonatal ward and special outpatients clinic have since stalled due to funding constraints.

“This project has been running on a fraction of the Shs14 billion hospital capital development fund under the health ministry. However, only Shs500 million has been allocated. The outstanding amount required to complete this complex is around Shs26 billion. My prayer is that the ministry completes this project for it to serve its intended purpose,” Nangoli said.

Lwemiyaga County MP, Hon. Emmanuel Rwashande highlighted the limited presence of health facilities in Ssembabule District, which he said has encumbered locals requiring health service delivery.

“We do not have a district referral hospital and as such, people end up crossing five districts to get health care in Masaka District. We request that these services are brought closer to our people, and that Ministry of Health sets up the required health centres in two of my sub-counties,” said Rwashande.

The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, reiterated the need to establish national referral hospitals in different regions of the country, to complement and decentralise the medical services offered by Mulago National Referral Hospital.

“You have Mbarara University of Science and Technology that is training in medicine and has specialists there. If it had a national referral hospital, all those professors who teach there would help all these patients. Do you have any plans for these hospitals?” Tayebwa noted.

The State Minister for Health (Primary Health Care), Hon. Charles Ayume, said there are plans to decongest key services offered within the capital, Kampala, by extending them to other districts in Uganda.

“In terms of oncology, we now have a unit in Gulu, and in September 2025, Parliament approved a loan request to support construction of an oncology hospital in West Nile. One will be constructed in Mbarara for the western region, and another in Mbale. This will be the same for cardiovascular treatment,” said Ayume.

He added that plans are underway to upgrade Mbarara Hospital to a national referral status, with long term plans to set up national referral hospitals in the Northern, Eastern, and West Nile regions of Uganda.

“But all these require a lot of money. You need a bare minimum of between Shs500 billion to Shs1 trillion. There have been delays in progress because of sectors like power, but now that electricity reaches all corners of the country, I think we are ready to decentralise,” Ayume added.

He acknowledged the wanting infrastructure at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital and said plans are in the pipeline to improve the facility.

“We agree as government that the infrastructure is dilapidated, and it is in our plan. Soroti Hospital was given 50 acres of land, and we are trying to consider whether we should relocate the hospital and build a new one, or remodel the existing infrastructure like we have done for Masindi Hospital,” noted Ayume.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Strengthens Agricultural Statistics Across Africa to Support Better Decisions on Food and Agriculture

Source: APO

Reliable agricultural data is helping African countries make better decisions on food security, agricultural development and sustainable agrifood systems. During the 2024–2025 biennium, the FAO Regional Office for Africa expanded technical support across the continent, helping countries strengthen agricultural statistics, improve national data systems and build the evidence needed for policy and investment.

Working across 47 African countries, the FAO Regional Office for Africa supports governments to collect, analyse and use agricultural data through national agricultural censuses and surveys, Food Balance Sheets, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) monitoring and statistical capacity development. These efforts help countries generate the information needed to monitor national priorities, regional commitments and global development agendas.

During the biennium, FAO supported:

  • 24 countries to conduct national agricultural surveys through the 50×2030 Initiative, expanding the availability of high-quality agricultural data.

  • 16 countries to prepare or implement national agricultural censuses, strengthening the foundation for long-term agricultural statistics.

  • 15 countries to compile national Food Balance Sheets, providing comprehensive information on food availability, dietary energy, proteins, fats and other nutrients to support food security and nutrition planning.

  • 18 countries to strengthen monitoring and reporting of agriculture-related Sustainable Development Goal indicators.

  • Multiple countries through technical training and capacity development to improve national statistical systems.

The results are contributing to stronger national statistical systems and improving the availability of reliable data for evidence-based policymaking. The biennium also saw improvements in the quality of data submitted to FAO’s global statistical databases and stronger collaboration with regional economic communities, particularly the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat.

Building long-term statistical capacity

To meet growing demand for technical support, the FAO Regional Office for Africa has adopted an approach that pools resources across programmes, develops regional expertise and invests in mentoring and on-the-job training. This model is helping expand technical capacity while ensuring countries receive sustained support in agricultural statistics.

Looking ahead, the FAO Regional Office for Africa aims to further strengthen its role as a regional centre of excellence for agricultural statistics and analytical work. By continuing to build national capacity and placing statistics at the centre of programme design, FAO is helping countries generate the data needed to shape policies, attract investment and accelerate agrifood systems transformation across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

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Celebrating the country’s milestones of democracy

Source: Government of South Africa

Celebrating the country’s milestones of democracy

In the year marking 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution; 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprising; 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March and 60 years since the forced removals in District Six – government is engaging communities across the country to celebrate the gains, achievements and milestones of 32 years of democracy.

“Today’s launch forms part of the wider rollout of the Milestones of Freedom campaign, which was launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June this year,” Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Kenny Morolong said.

Speaking at the provincial launch of the Milestones of Freedom campaign at the uMfolozi TVET College in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, Morolong said the first provincial launch took place in Sharpeville, Gauteng, in July 2026, where the GCIS, together with provincial government structures, hosted a memorial lecture marking the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution.

The Milestones of Freedom campaign is being commemorated through a year-long programme under the theme: “Honouring the Past. Delivering the Future.” The campaign seeks to promote social cohesion, inspire national pride and encourage reflection on South Africa’s democratic journey by highlighting key milestones the country is commemorating this year.

The Deputy Minister said South Africa has recorded many achievements since attaining democracy in 1994.

“The 30-Year Review Report of South Africa’s Democracy (1994–2024), supported by the findings of Census 2022, reminds us that our country has recorded many achievements since 1994 that have uplifted our nation.

“These achievements also reflect the four areas or milestones we are commemorating this year, beginning with the adoption of the Constitution. 

“The Constitution enshrines equality, human dignity and freedom from discrimination, laying the foundation for one of the world’s most progressive legal frameworks. It remains the cornerstone of our democracy and ensures that all laws align with the values and spirit of our democratic order,” the Deputy Minister explained.

This as South Africa’s Constitution is respected across the world for its commitment to human rights, judicial independence and accountable governance.

He said that Former Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, praised the Constitution as a modern and carefully crafted charter of governance, noting its deliberate commitment to protecting fundamental human rights and securing an independent judiciary.

“Its promise has been affirmed through landmark court decisions that have protected fundamental rights, advanced equality and strengthened our democracy. These include the prohibition of capital punishment and the advancement of equality for women and LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more) persons,” he said.

Morolong explained that a defining feature of the constitutional order is the separation of powers between the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, which ensures that each branch exercises oversight over the others, reinforcing accountability and the rule of law.

“This framework is further strengthened by the Chapter 9 institutions, which play an indispensable role in protecting democracy, promoting good governance, and providing independent mechanisms through which citizens can seek redress and hold public institutions accountable.

“The courts and Chapter 9 institutions have over the years helped defend the rights of vulnerable and marginalised communities. South Africa has also held seven successful national and provincial elections, reaffirming the legitimacy and resilience of our democratic system,” he said.

The democratic gains have supported efforts to improve people’s quality of life through wider access to education, healthcare, housing, clean water, electricity, roads, social protection, and improved wages.

“According to the 2025 General Household Survey, access to improved sanitation increased from 61,7% in 2002 to 84,0% in 2025, while electricity access increased from 76,7% to 90,6%. 

“Households with piped municipal water increased from 9.2 million in 2004 to 15.4 million in 2024, and 84,1% of households lived in formal dwellings in 2024. 

“Social protection has also expanded, with the percentage of individuals benefiting from social grants increasing from 12,8% in 2003 to 39,5% in 2025,” the Deputy Minister said.

Honouring Chief Luthuli

The gathering was also attended by the family of prominent anti-apartheid activist, Chief Albert Luthuli.

“Chief Albert Luthuli taught us that we must not live only for ourselves but for other people. He always said that when we reach out to those who have less than us, that is where we find true joy. As we look around today and see the development in this community, we are grateful that his legacy continues to make a difference,” Luthuli’s daughter-in-law, Veli Luthuli, said.

Speaking on behalf of the family, she further added that the activist was an exceptional communicator.

“He was also an exceptional communicator and strategist who knew how to unite and inspire people, and his message remains relevant today,” she said.

The day’s programme began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Groutville United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, where Deputy Minister Morolong, joined by members of the Luthuli family, as well as provincial and local leadership, paid tribute to Chief Albert Luthuli.

The Milestones of Freedom Campaign was launched at the Union Buildings on 18 June 2026. 

Earlier this week, the GCIS said it had begun rolling out the campaign to provinces. The campaign is also being launched today in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, in the Northern Cape. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Amendment Bill to strengthen administration of justice

Source: Government of South Africa

Amendment Bill to strengthen administration of justice

The Judicial Matters Amendment Bill seeks to remove legal uncertainty and improve the administration of justice across a range of areas, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, said.

“The Bill amends a number of statutes administered by the Department, addressing practical implementation challenges, responding to Constitutional Court judgments, removing legal uncertainty and improving the administration of justice across a range of areas,” the Deputy Minister said in his opening statement at a briefing to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on Wednesday.

Introducing the Bill to the Committee, the Deputy Minister said South Africa’s constitutional democracy has demonstrated remarkable resilience.

“Our institutions have matured, our courts have developed a rich body of constitutional jurisprudence, and Parliament has continued to refine our legislative framework to ensure that it remains responsive to constitutional developments and practical experience.

“That is precisely the purpose of the Judicial Matters Amendment Bill. Unlike legislation that introduces an entirely new policy framework, this Bill performs an equally important constitutional function. It ensures that our justice legislation remains current, coherent, constitutionally compliant and capable of supporting an effective justice system,” he explained.

He added that the bill demonstrates that the rule of law is not static and requires continuous maintenance, careful refinement and responsible legislative stewardship.

While the amendments deal with different Acts, they are united by a common objective of building a justice system that is more effective, more accessible, more accountable and better able to serve the people of South Africa.

Components of the Bill

According to the Deputy Minister, the Bill strengthens judicial accountability.

“The amendments to the Judicial Service Commission Act expand the capacity of the Judicial Conduct Committee by enabling additional judges to be appointed where necessary to address backlogs, deal with urgent complaints and ensure that disciplinary matters are finalised more expeditiously. 

“Judicial independence and judicial accountability are not competing principles. They reinforce one another. An independent judiciary must also be a judiciary that is accountable through fair, credible and efficient constitutional mechanisms.

Secondly, the Bill strengthens openness and transparency in that amendments to the Promotion of Access to Information Act improve access to information, simplify administrative arrangements and give effect to the Constitutional Court’s judgment in Arena Holdings v SARS concerning access to tax records in circumstances where disclosure is demonstrably in the public interest. 

Thirdly, the Bill strengthens the fight against corruption.

“It closes technical gaps in the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act by ensuring that appropriate penalties apply to the offence of failing to prevent corruption within private entities and state-owned companies.

This gives further legislative effect to reforms arising from the recommendations of the State Capture Commission and reinforces South Africa’s broader anti-corruption agenda,” he explained.

In addition, the Bill promotes a more humane and developmental child justice system.

The amendments ensure that children who are alleged to have committed cannabis-related offences are dealt with through the child justice framework rather than unnecessary arrest, thereby aligning our legislation with more appropriate child-centred interventions. 

“A particularly significant component of the Bill concerns the Legal Practice Act. The proposed amendments seek to modernise aspects of the legal profession, remove unnecessary barriers and improve access to legal services.

“Among other reforms, the Bill provides for the automatic right of appearance for legal practitioners in all courts, rationalises provisions relating to practical vocational training, expands opportunities for legal practice within public institutions and improves the functioning of Legal Aid South Africa and other public legal services.”

These amendments support transformation within the legal profession while promoting greater access to justice for ordinary South Africans.

The Bill also modernises our legislative response to cybercrime as criminal activity increasingly migrates into the digital environment. Nel said South Africa’s law enforcement framework must evolve accordingly.

“The proposed amendments clarify investigative powers and improve the legal framework governing cybercrime investigations while preserving appropriate safeguards. 

Taken together, these amendments demonstrate that maintaining the rule of law requires continuous legislative adaptation to changing social, technological and constitutional realities.”

The Deputy Minister said the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has carefully considered the submissions received from stakeholders, including Judges Matter, the Information Regulator, the Legal Practice Council, the Law Society of South Africa and members of the public.

Where persuasive proposals have strengthened the Bill, the department has recommended amendments accordingly. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Free online export course to help WC businesses access global markets

Source: Government of South Africa

Free online export course to help WC businesses access global markets

The Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), in partnership with the International Trade Institute of Southern Africa (ITISA), has launched a free Online Export Course aimed at equipping businesses with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in international markets. 

The initiative forms part of the Western Cape Government’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, which seeks to drive economic growth, expand market access, and create sustainable employment opportunities.

The department said the self-paced course has already attracted strong interest from businesses across the province, with 518 participants registering since its launch.

To date, more than 70 participants have successfully completed the course, with many going on to access additional export support initiatives offered by the provincial government.

Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, said export growth is one of the most effective ways to stimulate economic growth and create jobs. 

“Through this free Online Export Course, we are equipping entrepreneurs and businesses with the practical skills they need to access new markets, grow their customer base, and contribute to the Western Cape’s export-led growth agenda,” Meyer said.

Supporting export-ready businesses

The department said the course is already helping entrepreneurs and export professionals strengthen their capacity to participate in international trade. 

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Imbali Nature’s Crown, an emerging agro-processing business, Alicia Somdaka, said the programme provided valuable insights into export compliance and international trade requirements.

She said the training enhanced her understanding of export documentation, tariff classification and accessing international markets.

“Following the course, I registered a business domain and dedicated company email, redesigned my product labels to meet export requirements, and I’m currently preparing my business for export opportunities in Europe and the Middle East,” Somdaka said.

She added that the programme provided a practical roadmap that she continues to use as she builds an export-ready business.

Another participant, Sandiswa Masimini, described the course as an enriching learning experience that provided a comprehensive understanding of export operations, including documentation, compliance, logistics, customs procedures and international trade requirements.

Masimini said the programme had boosted her confidence in managing export processes, improved her efficiency, and strengthened her contribution to her organisation’s export activities. 

“I would highly recommend the course to anyone seeking to build or advance a career in exports and international trade,” Masimini said. 

Practical export training 

According to the department, the course combines practical tools, expert guidance, and real-world case studies to help businesses develop effective export strategies and navigate the complexities of international trade. 

The programme caters to both emerging and experienced exporters and offers flexible, self-paced learning through videos, downloadable resources and assessments. 

Its nine modules cover key aspects of the export journey, including export readiness, international marketing, global trade, transport and logistics, cargo insurance, Incoterms® 2020, export administration, financial risk management, customs procedures, product classification, and compliance requirements.

The course is aimed at entrepreneurs and small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) looking to enter international markets, business development professionals, trade facilitators, and export managers seeking to strengthen their export strategies and operational capabilities. 

Entrepreneurs, business owners and export managers can access the free Online Export Course through the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s website at https://www.westerncape.gov.za/edat/online-export-course 

For more information, interested participants can contact the department at Khanya.Gcolotela@westerncape.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za
 

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eThekwini to launch R29 million market upgrade

Source: Government of South Africa

eThekwini to launch R29 million market upgrade

The eThekwini Municipality will on Friday officially launch Phase One of the R29 million Mansel Road Market Development and hand over trading permits to 53 newly selected Church Walk traders, marking another milestone in efforts to strengthen Durban’s informal economy.

The project forms part of the municipality’s ongoing investment to modernise informal trading infrastructure, create sustainable livelihood opportunities and build a more inclusive local economy, where informal businesses can thrive.

Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, Thembo Ntuli, said the informal economy remains one of the city’s strongest economic pillars, supporting thousands of households and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs across eThekwini.

“Our informal traders are not only business owners, but they are also job creators, breadwinners and drivers of local economic growth. Through strategic investments such as the Mansel Road Market Development, we are creating safer, dignified and business-friendly trading spaces that enable entrepreneurs to grow their businesses while improving the lives of their families,” Ntuli said.

The upgraded facility features improved trading infrastructure, upgraded ablution facilities, as well as dedicated maintenance and cleaning services designed to provide traders with a safer and more conducive business environment.

The municipality said the allocation of trading permits will enable newly selected Church Walk traders to operate legally while supporting the growth and sustainability of their businesses. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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