Category: Africa

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has recorded a strong start to its 2027 Online Admissions application period, receiving more than 210 000 Grade 1 and Grade 8 applications within the first four hours of the system going live.

The online system officially opened at 8am on Wednesday, with the department reporting that 210 055 applications had been successfully submitted by midday.

In a statement, Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, welcomed the strong response from parents and guardians, saying it reflected continued confidence in the province’s online admissions system.

“The system went live at 08:00 on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, and by 12:00 noon, the Gauteng Department of Education had already received 210 055 Grade 1 and Grade 8 applications, demonstrating the continued confidence that parents and guardians have in the Province’s Online Admissions System,” he said. 

The department said demand was evident even before applications officially opened, with 12 058 parents joining the online queue between 7:30am and 7:59am in anticipation of the system going live.

“The application process has since proceeded smoothly without any major technical incidents,” he said. 

According to the department, the highest demand has so far been recorded in the Ekurhuleni South and Tshwane West education districts.

Among secondary schools, Hoërskool Langenhoven in Tshwane West received the highest number of applications at 1 168, followed by Alberton High School with 1 098 applications and Hoërskool Akasia with 917.

At primary school level, Rachel de Beer Primary School received 474 applications, followed by Laerskool Akasia with 461 and Laerskool Voortrekker Eeufees with 411.

As South Africa’s largest provincial education system, Gauteng currently provides public education to more than 2.4 million learners through 2 111 public ordinary schools, comprising 1 417 primary schools and 694 secondary schools, including 37 Schools of Specialisation spread across the province’s 15 education districts.

The department said learner enrolment continues to grow, increasing by more than 23 000 learners over the past year alone – the equivalent of establishing about 19 new schools, each accommodating around 1 200 learners.

Since its introduction in 2015, the Gauteng Online Admissions System has replaced long queues outside schools with what the department describes as a fair, transparent and efficient digital application process.

The department noted that learner placements have increased every year over the past decade, with approximately 400 000 entry-grade learners successfully placed during the 2025 admissions cycle.

This year’s admissions process includes several enhancements aimed at improving the experience for parents and guardians.

These include improved system stability during periods of high demand, faster processing times, strengthened functionality, enhanced document verification, automated SMS reminders and notifications, as well as the ability for parents to view each school’s Language of Learning and Teaching, Home Language and First Additional Language offerings before submitting applications.

According to the department, the improvements were informed by consultations with parents, School Governing Body associations, principals, district officials and provincial call-centre agents.

Maile urged parents not to delay submitting applications.

“The MEC urges all parents and guardians not to wait until the closing days of the application period. Applying early allows sufficient time to upload supporting documents, resolve any outstanding matters and improve the likelihood of a seamless placement process,” he said. 

Parents have been reminded to complete all five application steps, apply to a minimum of three and a maximum of five schools, and upload or submit all certified supporting documents within seven days of submitting their applications.

The department also warned parents against fraudsters claiming to offer guaranteed school placements for a fee.

“The Department further cautions parents against fraudsters and scammers who falsely claim to represent the Gauteng Department of Education or promise guaranteed school placements in exchange for money. Online Admissions is completely free of charge. No individual, company or organisation is authorised to charge parents or influence learner placements,” the MEC said.

Parents requiring assistance can visit any of the department’s 48 decentralised walk-in centres, 15 district offices, the provincial head office or public schools across Gauteng, where trained officials are available to provide support free of charge. 

The application period closes at midnight on Friday, 4 September 2026. – SAnews.gov.za 

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The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality says it will implement a High Court order directing it to restore the Inclining Block Tariff (IBT) for qualifying domestic electricity consumers for the 2026/27 financial year.

The order, granted by agreement between the parties in respect of Part A of the legal proceedings, provides a legal framework for reinstating the tariff, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).

The municipality said it respects the authority of the courts and is committed to implementing the order transparently and within the prescribed timeframes.

Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe said the municipality recognises the impact that electricity costs have on households, pensioners, students and businesses.

“When residents expressed concern, we listened. When the court provided clarity, we accepted our constitutional responsibility to implement its order. That is what accountable government requires,” Lobishe said.

She said the municipality remains committed to ensuring that every qualifying domestic electricity consumer benefits from the implementation process.

The municipality emphasised that the interim agreement should not be interpreted as an admission that it acted unlawfully when implementing the tariff structure from 1 July 2026.

According to the municipality, the tariff structure formed part of the 2026/27 Budget and Tariffs adopted by the Municipal Council following the statutory budget, consultation and public participation processes prescribed by law.

It said the legal challenge relates to the implementation of the tariff structure, with the High Court proceedings divided into two parts. Part A sought interim relief pending the determination of the substantive review proceedings contained in Part B.

“Following constructive engagement between the parties, agreement was reached regarding the interim relief sought in Part A, and that agreement has now been made an Order of Court.”

The municipality said agreeing to the interim relief will provide certainty for residents while allowing the substantive legal issues to be determined by the court.

In terms of the court order, the municipality has been directed to restore the IBT applicable to qualifying domestic electricity consumers, obtain the necessary regulatory approval from NERSA for the consequential tariff amendments and implement the restored tariff structure retrospectively with effect from 1 July 2026.  

The municipality must also allocate the appropriate credits to qualifying domestic electricity consumers, in accordance with the implementation framework and timelines set out in the Court Order.

To facilitate the process, the municipality has established a multidisciplinary implementation team comprising officials from Legal Services, Electricity and Energy, Revenue Management, Information Technology, Finance, Customer Care and Corporate Services.

The multidisciplinary teams have commenced detailed planning to secure the required regulatory approvals, restore the Inclining Block Tariff within municipal billing and vending systems, identify qualifying customer accounts, recalculate electricity charges from 1 July 2026, validate all billing adjustments, process customer credits accurately, and communicate progress to residents throughout the process.

The municipality said qualifying customers will not be required to submit applications or lodge claims for the credits.

“Once the required regulatory approvals have been obtained and the technical implementation has been completed, qualifying credits will be processed automatically through the municipality’s billing systems and reflected on customer accounts in accordance with the Court Order. The municipality appreciates that residents will wish to know when implementation will be completed and when credits will begin reflecting on their accounts,” the municipality explained.

Transparency and accountability

While some implementation milestones depend on NERSA’s approval process contemplated by the court, the municipality said it will proceed with all aspects of implementation without unnecessary delay and provide regular updates to the public as each milestone is achieved.

Lobishe said transparency and accountability will remain the defining principles throughout implementation.

“We are committed to implementing the Court Order professionally, fairly and transparently while ensuring that residents remain informed throughout every stage of the process. Open communication and public accountability are essential to strengthening confidence in local government,” the mayor said.

She reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to constitutional governance, service delivery and ethical leadership.

“Local government exists to improve people’s lives. Every budget we approve, every tariff we implement and every service we deliver must ultimately advance that purpose. As we implement this Court Order, our focus remains firmly on protecting residents, strengthening public confidence and continuing to deliver reliable municipal services with professionalism and integrity.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The clock is ticking for South Africans who missed the final voter registration weekend to register or update their details ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Voters who were unable to visit a registration station during the weekend can register or update their details through the IEC’s Online Voter Registration portal before the registration period closes.

The registration portal can be accessed on: https://registertovote.elections.org.za 

The Electoral Commission (IEC) has urged eligible voters not to wait until the last minute, warning that registration channels typically become busier as the Friday, 7 August deadline approaches.

The Commission has also introduced voter registration via WhatsApp, providing another way for citizens to register or update their voter information using their mobile phones.

To use the service, voters can WhatsApp “Hi” to 0600 88 0000. The platform uses secure identity verification, including one-time-password authentication, ID document uploads, address verification and voting-station confirmation.

Some voters using WhatsApp may be directed to the IEC’s online registration platform to verify their residential address using an interactive map.

During the final registration weekend on 1 and 2 August, more than 1.7 million citizens interacted with the IEC, including 291 806 first-time voters.

The IEC said the registration drive also saw significant participation from young people. Of the 1.7 million transactions recorded during the weekend, 485 757 involved people aged between 16 and 29, while 46% of new registrations were by voters under 29.

Citizens can register from the age of 16; however, only those who are 18 or older are eligible to vote.

The IEC has also stressed the importance of ensuring that registration details are correct, particularly for voters who have moved. In local government elections, voters must vote at the voting station where they are registered, meaning those who have changed addresses should update their details before the deadline.

Voters can check their registration status by SMSing “myID” followed by their ID number to 32810.

The IEC’s contact centre, 0800 11 8000, is also available to assist with registration queries.
The 2026 Local Government Elections are scheduled for 4 November, with the formal election timetable set to follow the proclamation on Friday, 7 August.

Meanwhile, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has urged all eligible South Africans to register and verify their voter registration details before Friday. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has underscored the importance of partnerships, knowledge exchange and visionary leadership in unlocking Africa’s full potential amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

The Premier was addressing delegates at the 10th Mbali International Conference, currently underway in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

Hosted by the University of Zululand from 4 to 6 August 2026, the three-day conference is being held under the theme: “Africa Awakens: Possibilities, Progress, Partnerships in a Multipolar World.”

Marking a decade of promoting African intellectualism, thought leadership and progressive dialogue, the conference has brought together academics, policymakers, innovators and business leaders from across the continent to reflect on Africa’s role in shaping global development.

Addressing delegates, Ntuli said platforms such as the Mbali International Conference are critical to ensuring that African voices, ideas and experiences remain at the forefront of discussions on development, innovation and international cooperation.

“Africa’s progress depends on stronger collaboration between governments, academia, innovators, the private sector and civil society,” the Premier said.

Ntuli highlighted the importance of positioning KwaZulu-Natal as a province that contributes meaningfully to continental dialogue, economic development and the advancement of African -led solutions to African challenges.

He noted that the conference also provides a platform for delegates to explore new opportunities for cooperation in a multipolar world, where emerging economies and developing regions are playing an increasingly influential role in shaping the global agenda.

Ntuli commended the organisers of the conference for sustaining a platform that continues to promote intellectual engagement, African excellence, and fosters partnerships aimed at building a more inclusive and prosperous continent.

The conference is expected to reaffirm the role of dialogue, innovation and collective action in advancing Africa’s development agenda while inspiring new hope for future generations to contribute to the continent’s growth and transformation. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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South Africa will use the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to advocate for a stronger, more inclusive multilateral system while continuing to push for reforms that ensure Africa is permanently represented on the United Nations Security Council.

Speaking during a media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Ronald Lamola, said South Africa remains firmly committed to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, arguing that the current global crisis demands stronger rather than weaker multilateral cooperation.

“We believe that the answer to the current crisis of multilateralism is not less multilateralism, but better and more inclusive multilateralism,” he said. 

Lamola said South Africa’s participation at this year’s General Assembly comes at a critical juncture as conflicts continue to rage across different parts of the world, placing increasing pressure on the international rules-based order.

According to the UN provisional schedule, the High-level Meetings of the 81st Session are set to get underway with the opening date of the session set for 8 September 2026, and the general debate is scheduled for 22-26 September,as well as 28 September 2026.

He stressed that the consistent application of international law, including international humanitarian law, remains essential to protecting civilians, preserving the sovereignty of states and maintaining international peace and security.

“South Africa remains firmly committed to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, including international humanitarian law. Their consistent application is essential to protecting civilians, preventing conflict, preserving the sovereignty of states, and maintaining international peace and security,” the Minister said. 

Equal application of international law
Lamola warned against the selective application of international law, saying doing so undermines the credibility of the international system.

“International law cannot be applied selectively. The credibility of the international system depends on the equal application of its rules, regardless of the power or influence of the states involved.
“When respect for the UN Charter and international humanitarian law erodes, it threatens not only those directly affected by conflict, but the integrity of the entire international order.”

He said South Africa would continue working closely with the international community to uphold these principles during the General Assembly.

Bangladeshi Presidency

South Africa will work closely with Bangladesh, which assumes the Presidency of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Minister welcomed this year’s theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All,” saying it reflects the need for a multilateral system that is more effective, responsive and capable of addressing global challenges.

“South Africa will continue advancing these principles in close cooperation with the international community, particularly with Bangladesh, which holds the Presidency of the General Assembly during the 81st session,” Lamola said. 

He said the theme speaks directly to rebuilding confidence in multilateral institutions at a time when international cooperation is under increasing strain.

Germany’s leadership

Lamola also commended Germany for its stewardship of the 80th Session of the General Assembly.

He noted that South Africa had demonstrated its support by seconding an official from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to the Office of the President of the General Assembly to advance Africa’s priorities.

“We also commend the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Germany during the 80th session of the General Assembly.

“South Africa demonstrated its commitment to that Presidency by seconding an official from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to the Office of the President of the General Assembly, specifically to support the advancement of the African agenda,” he said.

Lamola further acknowledged Ms Thandekile Tshabalala for her contribution during her secondment.

High-Level Week

South Africa’s participation in the High-Level Week of the General Assembly will begin on 22 September 2026, when world leaders gather at the UN Headquarters in New York to deliberate on pressing global issues. 

The country’s delegation is expected to use the platform to advance its foreign policy priorities, including strengthening multilateralism, promoting peaceful resolution of conflicts, advancing sustainable development and advocating for reforms of global governance institutions.

New UN Secretary-General process begins

This year’s General Assembly also coincides with the process to elect a new United Nations Secretary-General as the term of António Guterres draws to a close.

Lamola paid tribute to Guterres for his leadership during a period marked by multiple global crises.

“This 81st session of the General Assembly will also mark a change in guard as Secretary-General Guterres term draws and end. The process for the election of a new Secretary-General has begun.

“We commend the outgoing Secretary General for his leadership and commitment to multilateralism that is addressing the lived experience of all global citizens,” the Minister said. 

Renewed push for Security Council reform

South Africa will continue advocating for comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including ensuring that Africa finally secures permanent representation on the Security Council.

“We look forward to working closely with the next incumbent in a manner that reforms the UN so that it is fully reflective of a post-colonial society, with Africa finally being represented on the Security Council,” he said. 

Lamola said reforming the United Nations remains critical to ensuring the institution reflects contemporary global realities and is better positioned to respond to the challenges facing developing countries.

He said South Africa would continue to champion a rules-based international order founded on equality among nations, respect for sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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South African women have been at the forefront of the country’s democratic journey, advancing gender equality and paving the way for the recognition of women’s rights in the Constitution.

From leading anti-apartheid resistance to participating in the historic 1956 Women’s March, women such as Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Sophie Williams-de Bruyn and Rahima Moosa demonstrated extraordinary courage, resilience and unity in a society where women faced racial and gender discrimination and oppression. 

Other women, including Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Albertina Sisulu, also played pivotal roles in the broader struggle for freedom and equality. 

These gains include greater representation of women in Parliament, the judiciary, the public sector and the corporate sector, with women now occupying top leadership positions.

This year marks 70 years since more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 to protest against the extension of pass laws to women under apartheid.

“Government has made strides. It is not yet enough, but we are working towards that. For instance, in our country, women’s representation in Parliament has only recently been diluted, but we were at 50%.

“We regret that representation has declined, and we are challenging political parties to make sure that their representation in Parliament includes women and ensures equal representation,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said in an interview with SAnews.

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange recently appointed Valdene Reddy as Group CEO, making her the first woman of colour to occupy the position. She succeeded Dr Leila Fourie, who became the first woman to lead the exchange when she was appointed in 2019. Government has also described Reddy as the first woman of colour to hold the JSE Group CEO position.

“We have women running banks in the country; women taking positions of leadership as CEOs of mining companies, and that is what freedom and the struggle of the women of the 1950s have brought us,” Ntshavheni said.

The year 2026 marks several significant milestones in South Africa’s democratic journey, including the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, the 50th anniversary of the 1976 youth uprisings, the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March and the 60th anniversary of the forced removals from District Six.

These landmark events reflect the long struggle for democracy and freedom, which has contributed to, among other things, women’s economic empowerment initiatives, including employment equity measures, funding for entrepreneurship, education and equality laws. 

“Interestingly, employment equity and empowerment targets recognise women across races, because even women of other races, including white women, were oppressed simply by being women. As government, we have put measures in place to ensure that women can be supported across the range of economic empowerment,” Ntshavheni told SAnews. 

While gains have been made in employment equity, the Minister called on the private sector to address racial, gender and disability disparities.

The Commission for Employment Equity’s 26th Annual Report shows that the two upper decision-making occupational levels, namely top management and senior management, remain racialised and gendered, with white and Indian population groups, as well as males, dominating these levels. The report covers the 2025/26 reporting period.

The CEE said male representation remains dominant at the top management level, at more than two times female representation.

“We need to start seeing more women, and more Black women in particular, rising in significant numbers. We are seeing, at the lower levels, that Black people and women are coming through, but we want to see that progress also in the higher, senior, and middle strata of the private sector,” Ntshavheni said.

The Minister encouraged women in leadership to actively seek mentorship and support young women in their advancement.

“We were also mentored by others, and it is our job to mentor others. We also call on other women in positions of power to contribute to mentoring young women. The first issue is that young women must prioritise their education. There are support mechanisms available to help ensure that we succeed in our educational endeavours.

“From there, nothing can stop you. It takes hard work, and there will be challenges, but hard work, determination, and calling out for support will get you there,” she said.

Portraits of Power

The Minister paid tribute to struggle stalwart Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke at the inaugural International Portraits of Power exhibition, held by the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI) in partnership with The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa and participating diplomatic missions.

The initiative celebrates extraordinary women whose courage, leadership and contributions have shaped nations and inspired generations through a carefully curated exhibition.

The initiative forms part of a series of legacy projects commemorating the 155th anniversary of Mannya-Maxeke’s birth.

“Charlotte Mannya Maxeke was a woman of remarkable strength and enduring influence, and a trailblazer in every sense. As the first Black woman to graduate with a university degree in Southern Africa, we tend to limit her to being the first Black woman to graduate in South Africa, but she was the first Black woman to graduate with a degree in Southern Africa after obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree on 20 June 1901, from Wilberforce University in the United States of America. Mannya-Maxeke led the path for women’s rights and gender equality,” the Minister said.

Ntshavheni pointed out that Mannya-Maxeke was the only woman present when the South African Native National Congress, later known as the African National Congress, was formed in 1912. Government sources similarly describe Maxeke as the only woman at the founding meeting of the SANNC.

“This is where the power of art becomes especially important. Art has a unique ability to preserve our history, to tell stories that might otherwise be forgotten, and to connect people across cultures and continents. Through exhibitions such as this, we are reminded that art is not only a reflection of society, but also a catalyst for change.

“It builds bridges where there are divides, fosters dialogue where there is silence, and inspires understanding where there is difference. In this way, Portraits of Power serves as both a cultural and diplomatic platform, one that strengthens international understanding while celebrating the shared values that unite us,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa has reiterated its opposition to attempts to single it out over migration-related challenges, calling instead for a comprehensive continent-wide conference to address the root causes of migration; examine migration; improve mobility across Africa and address the challenges associated with irregular migration. 

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said migration is a continental phenomenon that requires a collective, evidence-based response rather than discussions that focus solely on one country.

Briefing the media in Pretoria on Wednesday on the outcomes of the recent 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council, Lamola said South Africa welcomed the Council’s decision not to place migration on the agenda of the AU mid-term review meeting.

Instead, South Africa continues to support the implementation of a 2015 AU decision calling for a continent-wide migration conference.

“Following a decision by the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union’s Executive Council not to discuss migration at the upcoming AU mid-term review meeting, South Africa reaffirms its support for the long-standing decision of the AU to convene a continent-wide conference on migration,” Lamola said. 

The Minister said the proposal adopted during the 25th AU Assembly held in Johannesburg in 2015 remains the appropriate platform to examine migration, improve mobility across Africa and address the challenges associated with irregular migration.

“The 25th AU Assembly, which was held in Johannesburg in 2015, called for an African migration conference to consider approaches to accelerate mobility and development within the continent, while addressing the challenges posed by increased irregular migration and strengthening capacity to manage migration flows. South Africa supports the implementation of this decision,” he said. 

Isolation attempts

Responding to questions from journalists after the briefing, Lamola said South Africa would continue advocating for a comprehensive continental discussion on migration rather than allowing the issue to be framed as uniquely South African.

“We raised our view that any discussion on this matter must be comprehensive, dealing with the pull factors, the root causes of illegal migration… climate change, economic peace and stability, democracy in a comprehensive manner. There is no discussion that will be helpful that will just focus on South Africa, because we are not the only country facing a migration challenge.”

He said nearly 45% of Africans live outside their countries of origin, largely out of necessity rather than choice, making migration a shared continental issue.

“What we are disagreeing with is to isolate it and make it a South Africa phenomenon… If you just want to put it on an agenda and say xenophobia in South Africa, what will happen is that South Africa will be almost likely in some kind of court or inquiry where we must go there and defend ourselves. What will be the conclusion of such a meeting? It will be a zero-sum game.”

Instead, Lamola said the African Union should revive and implement the migration conference resolution adopted in Johannesburg in 2015.

“The African Union, in its wisdom, took a resolution in 2015 and said it calls for a comprehensive conference on migration. That is what the African Union should do. We don’t have a complex task; it’s already there. It’s just to dust it off from the shelves and put it on the table for implementation.”

He added that South Africa would continue cooperating with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which is expected to visit the country to engage on migration-related issues.

Holistic approach

Lamola said South Africa believes migration cannot be separated from broader developmental challenges confronting the continent.

He said discussions should encompass peace and security, economic development, climate change, democratic governance, and regional integration while also addressing the drivers of anti-migrant sentiment.

“It must consider migration’s relationship with peace and stability, economic development, regional integration and democratic governance.

“It must also provide space for Member States to discuss the root causes of anti-migrant sentiment and develop a collective continental approach to preventing violence, discrimination, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance,” the Minister said. 

He said the urgency of such a discussion is underscored by growing migration trends across Africa.

According to research cited by the Minister, nearly six in every 10 Africans between the ages of 18 and 25 have considered emigrating in search of better opportunities.

He noted that migration within Africa remains significant, with more than half of Africans living outside their home countries and choosing to settle elsewhere on the continent.

South Africa, Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire continue to receive the largest share of these intra-African migrants.

At the same time, Lamola said research points to increasing negative attitudes towards migrants across Africa and globally, driven in part by economic hardship.

 AU mandates

Lamola also updated member states on several continental responsibilities assigned to South Africa.

The country continues to serve as Chair of the Committee of Five (C5) on South Sudan and as Chair of the Ministerial Follow-Up Committee responsible for implementing Agenda 2063.

“We appraised the AU Member States on several tasks assigned to the Republic of South Africa by the Summit and its attendant structures.”

Lamola said South Africa’s leadership has focused on strengthening accountability, accelerating implementation and mobilising sustainable financing for the continent’s long-term development agenda.

“During our chairship, we have noted a growing continental commitment to strengthening accountability, accelerating implementation, and mobilizing sustainable financing for Africa’s transformation agenda, while acknowledging the challenges that remain,” he said. 

As part of this work, South Africa has recommended that the AU undertake a feasibility study into establishing an Agenda 2063 Development Fund.

“The proposed Fund must complement existing African financing institutions; avoid duplication of mandates; and establish clear governance and accountability structures.”

Support for South Sudan elections 

On South Sudan, Lamola urged the international community to support preparations for credible and inclusive elections under the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

“With regards to the upcoming elections in South Sudan, as chair of the C5, we encourage the international community to assist South Sudan to reach the important milestone of having an election which is inclusive and realistically meets the requirements of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

“Only a credible and inclusive election can bring long-lasting peace, security and prosperity for the people of South Sudan,” he said. 

Peace and security

Lamola welcomed the decision to convene an Extraordinary AU Summit on conflict prevention and resolution in Luanda, Angola, later this month.

He said the summit would provide an opportunity for African leaders to strengthen the principle of African solutions to African problems.

“South Africa welcomes the decision to convene an Extraordinary Summit of the African Union on the strengthening of mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution in Africa from 29 – 30 August in Luanda, Angola.

“This will allow the continent to give practical expression to the principle of African solutions for African problems,” he said. 

The Minister said the worsening conflict in Sudan remains one of the continent’s most pressing concerns.
“The conflict in Sudan has become more than just a humanitarian catastrophe – it is one of the biggest moral failures in our lifetime.

“South Africa will use this platform as a critical opportunity to mobilise the continent towards a structured intervention,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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