Category: Africa

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Kenya Strengthens Regional Health Partnerships Ahead of East Africa Healthcare Conference

Source: APO

Regional collaboration remains central to advancing resilient, innovative and sustainable healthcare systems across East Africa.

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today held talks with the Ethiopian Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. General Bacha Debele Buta, the Chairperson of the Ethiopian Healthcare Federation, Dr. Markos Fekele, and the leadership of the Kenya Healthcare Federation (KHF) to strengthen cross-border collaboration in healthcare.

The meeting reviewed preparations for the 13th East Africa Healthcare Federation Conference and International Health Exhibition, which will be held in Ethiopia from 21–23 August 2026under the theme, “Resilience: Building the East African Health Economy – Advancing Regional Partnerships, Innovation and Investment for a Healthier East Africa.”

The conference is expected to bring together Health Ministers, policymakers, innovators, investors and development partners to promote regional cooperation, innovation and investment in healthcare.

Cabinet Secretary Duale said the forum will also provide Kenya with an opportunity to showcase the progress of the Taifa Care Model, including reforms in health financing, digital health, primary health care and strategic partnerships that are accelerating the country’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the private sector, noting that the Kenya Healthcare Federation remains a strategic partner in expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare, promoting innovation, attracting investment and supporting health sector reforms.

The Cabinet Secretary added that stronger regional partnerships, knowledge exchange and joint investments will be critical in building resilient health systems capable of responding to emerging health challenges and improving health outcomes across East Africa.

The meeting was also attended by Kenya Healthcare Federation Chairperson Dr. Kanyenje Gakombe and the Ministry’s Director for Health Sector Coordination, Dr. Ahmed Albush.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

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Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Rasha Kelej Continues Recognition Streak, Named Among “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026” by ABCD Africa

Source: APO

Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), has been recognized among the “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026” by ABCD Africa, a prestigious recognition celebrating influential women of African descent who are using their platforms to inspire change, amplify important social conversations, and drive meaningful impact across communities. The list features prominent women leaders and changemakers from 54 African countries and also includes the President of Tanzania. The list came out on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026.

This latest recognition adds to a series of international accolades received by Dr. Rasha Kelej for her leadership and impactful social initiatives. She was recently named among the “100 Most Influential Africans 2025” by New African Magazine and has also been recognized among the “100 Most Influential African Women” by Avance Media for the seventh consecutive year, alongside Africa’s prominent leaders including Presidents, First Ladies, and Prime Ministers. These recognitions highlight her unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment, girls’ education, and improving access to quality and equitable healthcare across Africa.

Expressing her gratitude, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition and to be included in the ‘100 Most Impactful Voices 2026’ list. I sincerely thank ABCD Africa for acknowledging my work over the past 14 years to build healthcare capacity, transform the patient care landscape, break infertility stigma, empower women, and support girl education in Africa and beyond. This recognition is truly very special to me, and it inspires me to continue my efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people.

I also congratulate all the deserving women who have been recognized on this list. Together, we will continue to use our voices to inspire positive change and create a better future for our communities.”

Under Dr. Kelej’s leadership, Merck Foundation has transformed the patient care landscape and built healthcare capacity across Africa and other developing regions.

“We have provided over 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from more than 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, helping to improve access to quality and equitable healthcare,” shared Dr. Kelej.

Dr. Rasha Kelej is also the creator of the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” campaign, a pioneering movement that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education, health and change of mindset. Dr. Kelej works closely with more than 33 African and Asian First Ladies who are the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” to lead Merck Foundation programs in their countries. “I really enjoy working with dear sisters, the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, we are not just partners, we are more than friends, I enjoy our sisterhood and respect it,” Dr. Kelej emphasized.

Moreover, Dr. Kelej is a strong advocate for education as one of the most critical areas of women’s empowerment. Therefore, in partnership with African First Ladies, Merck Foundation has provided, year to date, more than 1200 annual scholarships to high-performing and underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries, enabling them to complete their studies and reach their potential. The program is actively running across several African countries, including Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe and others.

Dr. Rasha Kelej has established the “Art and Fashion with Purpose” community to address critical health and social issues, including breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending female genital mutilation and child marriage, stopping gender-based violence, and raising awareness about diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. She has launched several community awareness programs including Health Media Trainings, Songs, Children Storybooks, Animation Films, Awards for best Media, Song, Film and Fashion design, and also a Pan-African TV program “Our Africa”.

Overview of Merck Foundation’s initiatives and impact under the leadership of Dr. Rasha Kelej:

Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:

  • 2500+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for healthcare providers from 52 Countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:

  • 4000+ Media Representatives from more than 42 countries trained by Merck Foundation to better raise awareness about different social and health issues.
     
  • 8 Different Awards launched annually for best Media coverage, Song, Films, and Fashion.
     
  • Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa in English, French, Portuguese, and local languages.
     
  • 9 Children’s Storybooks in four languages – English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili.
     
  • 6 Awareness Animation Films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education and prevention and early detection of Diabetes, Hypertension & Cancer.
     
  • Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community.
     
  • 1200+ Scholarships provided annually to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries, to help them to complete their studies and empower them to reach their full potential.
     
  • 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8.5 Million Followers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4cghRgW
X: https://apo-opa.co/3RvLNPk
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4xC0WOv
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4xC0XSz
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4pU1Jaz
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4pQ0OYJ
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4pU82Lu

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4fBqoxo), X (https://apo-opa.co/4bqCp6c), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4xC0XSz), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4xC0WOv), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4xiv2pW) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4pQ0OYJ). 

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors. 

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets Prime Minister, Ministers of Social Solidarity, Supply and Agriculture

Source: APO


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Today in Al Alamain City, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister, Dr. Moustafa Madbouly. The meeting was attended by Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Maya Morsy; Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, Dr. Sherif Farouk; Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Mr. Alaa El-Din Farouk; Chairman of the Administrative Control Authority, Major General Amr Adel; and Executive Director of Egypt’s Future Authority for Sustainable Development, Colonel Dr. Bahaa El-Ghannam.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said the President followed up on the status of the food security system, including the production and distribution of strategic commodities, and the availability of a secure stock of these commodities for a reassuring timeframe, particularly in light of the current events in the region.

It was confirmed that stocks of basic commodities are at very reassuring levels, and that the state possesses a commodity inventory sufficient to meet domestic consumption needs for secure periods, approaching nearly a full year for certain commodities.

In this framework, the objectives and technological infrastructure of the “Future of Egypt” silo complex were reviewed, which aim to enhance Egypt’s food security and provide a strategic reserve to face crises.

The meeting also reviewed the social protection system and investment in the “Takaful and Karama” (Solidarity and Dignity) Fund, which aims to provide the necessary protection for targeted and eligible citizen groups. In this regard, the President emphasized the vital need to maintain focus on the most impoverished citizens.

In this regard, the proposed cash and commodity support program was reviewed. It was confirmed that the cash-commodity support system serves as one of the most important modern development tools adopted by many countries worldwide, whether fully or gradually, so as to enhance social justice and empower citizens with the freedom of choice according to their actual needs.

As part of strengthening the social protection umbrella and supporting the most in-need groups, the President reviewed the latest updates and developments regarding the ration card system. In this context, the Minister of Supply and Internal Trade noted the measures taken to ensure that support reaches its intended beneficiaries, safeguard the rights of eligible individuals, and ensure directing support to the most vulnerable groups.

The meeting also discussed developments related to the subsidized bread loaf system, the status of bakeries across Egypt, and the position regarding the establishment of strategic bakeries, with a total of 300 bakeries nationwide in the first phase. The meeting also followed up on the performance of the National Food Safety Authority, which is tasked with ensuring the quality of food products available in the markets.

President El-Sisi emphasized the need to achieve self-sufficiency in strategic commodities, build a secure and reassuring stock for extended periods to stabilize markets and balance prices, and establish strong partnerships with the private sector. As to the subsidy system, the President directed continuous efforts to develop subsidy mechanisms and ensure that the necessary support is delivered to the eligible groups.

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

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North West welcomes release of withheld equitable share funds

Source: Government of South Africa

North West welcomes release of withheld equitable share funds

North West Finance MEC Kenetswe Mosenogi has welcomed Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s decision to release the remaining withheld Local Government Equitable Share allocations to affected municipalities from 31 July 2026.

Mosenogi said the provincial government recognises that the temporary withholding of funds was a corrective measure aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline, accountability and compliance within municipalities.

The decision follows the temporary withholding of equitable share transfers to 12 municipalities in the province under Section 216(2) of the Constitution, read together with the applicable provisions of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

By the time the Minister announced the release of the remaining allocations, six of the 12 municipalities had already received their full equitable share. The remaining municipalities, including Madibeng, JB Marks, Matlosana, Mahikeng, Maquassi Hills and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, became eligible to receive their outstanding allocations from Friday.

Mosenogi said the provincial government has put in place deliberate measures to support municipalities to meet the conditions set by National Treasury.

“We note with appreciation that most municipalities have already received their full or partial equitable share allocations, with the remaining outstanding transfers now scheduled for release this week.

“Six municipalities remained on the withholding list because of slow movement in addressing Unauthorised, Irregular, Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure (UIF&WE), as well as a lack of consequence management,” Mosenogi said in a statement.

The MEC reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to restoring stability in local government and ensuring municipalities become financially viable.

“It is in our collective interest to fix local government so that communities receive consistent and reliable basic services,” she said.

Provincial Treasury, working with the affected municipalities, had already capacitated municipalities with measures meant to ensure that they addressed UIF&WE in line with applicable circulars.

The support includes guidance on investigations and governance processes involving municipal councils, Municipal Public Accounts Committees (MPACs) and disciplinary boards, to ensure the implementation of effective consequence management measures.

Mosenogi also identified unpaid municipal accounts by government departments and public entities, as one of the key issues that continue to cripple the sufficient functioning of municipalities.

She said Provincial Treasury has coordinated an intensive programme involving provincial departments, municipalities, public entities, and other stakeholders to verify outstanding balances, reconcile disputed accounts, facilitate payment arrangements, and improve the credibility of municipal financial information.

According to the June 2026 municipal debt reconciliation, the total amount owed by provincial departments to municipalities declined from R1.010 billion reported in the March 2026 Section 71 reports to R893.1 million, representing a decrease of approximately R116.9 million, or 11.6%.

Disputed accounts to be resolved by September

In line with the Minister’s directive, departments have been instructed to settle all undisputed municipal debt immediately, while payment arrangements must be finalised by the end of August 2026. All disputed accounts are expected to be resolved by September 2026.

“These interventions have resulted in payments towards outstanding municipal debt, strengthened collaboration between government institutions and municipalities, and the establishment of structured mechanisms to improve debt reconciliation and financial reporting.

“The North West Provincial Government has consistently tracked and reported on these payments because the financial health of our municipalities is a shared responsibility,” Mosenogi said.

While government remains committed to paying all legitimate municipal debt, the MEC stressed that disputed invoices arising from inaccurate municipal billing systems will not be paid until they have been properly reconciled.

“We will work with the affected municipalities to resolve those disputes and support them to correct their billing systems so that accounts are accurate and credible.”

Provincial Treasury, together with the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs and other stakeholders, will continue providing oversight and support to municipalities to improve financial management and maintain compliance ahead of the December 2026 equitable share allocation.

During August, the Provincial Treasury, working with Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, will embark on district-specific government debt reconciliation working sessions with all municipalities.

“We call on all municipalities in the province to use these working sessions to reconcile accounts with government departments and embrace all provincial efforts to ensure that conditions for the release of the December equitable share are complied with,” Mosenogi said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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DPWI to handover harbour facilities to Cederberg Local Municipality

Source: Government of South Africa

DPWI to handover harbour facilities to Cederberg Local Municipality

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson will on Tuesday hand over the interim management of the Elands Bay slipway and related harbour facilities to the Cederberg Local Municipality.

“This will be delivering on a promise he made to the local community during an oversight visit in January this year,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said in a statement.

Macpherson will be joined by the Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer and the Executive Mayor of Cederberg Local Municipality, Azrial Scheepers. 

The hand over will be formalised through a Memorandum of Agreement granting Cederberg Local Municipality interim management responsibility for the slipway and related harbour facilities, enabling the municipality to maintain the facilities and undertake approved repairs in support of the local fishing community and SMMEs. – SAnews.gov.za

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A Maurel & Prom apresentará a sua estratégia de crescimento em África na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 enquanto Parceiro Bronze

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A empresa francesa independente de exploração e produção Maurel & Prom (M&P) foi confirmada como Parceiro Bronze da African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, que decorrerá na Cidade do Cabo, de 12 a 16 de outubro. A participação da empresa surge num momento em que esta acelera uma estratégia de crescimento em África centrada na otimização de ativos existentes, na monetização do gás e na expansão estratégica de ativos no Gabão, na Tanzânia e em Angola, reforçando a sua posição como parceiro-chave na promoção da segurança energética e do crescimento da produção em África.

A M&P chega à AEW 2026 na sequência de uma série de marcos operacionais e financeiros que reforçam as suas perspetivas de investimento a longo prazo. A 10 de julho, a empresa assegurou uma linha de financiamento sindicado de cinco anos no valor de 465 milhões de dólares para refinanciar a dívida existente, proporcionando flexibilidade financeira adicional para apoiar a sua estratégia de crescimento em África. Este marco surge na sequência de um forte desempenho no primeiro semestre de 2026, com os preços mais elevados do petróleo a impulsionarem um aumento de 27% nas vendas em comparação com o mesmo período de 2025.

O Gabão continua a ser a peça central do portfólio africano da M&P, onde a empresa prossegue a expansão da produção, ao mesmo tempo que desenvolve a indústria emergente de gás natural do país. Em julho, a M&P adjudicou à Capstone Energy um contrato de 36 meses para implementar tecnologia de recuperação de gás de queima no seu poço Mouletsi-2, na concessão de gás de Etekamba, na zona continental do Gabão. O projeto irá capturar gás que, de outra forma, seria queimado na tocha para a produção de energia no local, reduzindo as emissões e, ao mesmo tempo, melhorando a eficiência energética e a fiabilidade operacional.

Com início da produção previsto para o final de 2026, o projeto Mouletsi-2 marca o primeiro desenvolvimento de gás da M&P no Gabão. Espera-se que produza aproximadamente 25 milhões de pés cúbicos por dia, ajudando a valorizar as 26 mil milhões de metros cúbicos de reservas comprovadas de gás natural do país.

Para além do desenvolvimento de gás, a M&P continua a otimizar a produção de petróleo nas suas licenças de Ezanga, Kari, Nyanga-Mayombe e Etekamba, sendo o Gabão o maior ativo produtor da empresa. A produção da empresa no primeiro semestre de 2026 nos seus ativos gaboneses aumentou em comparação com o segundo semestre de 2025, à medida que os programas de otimização de campos existentes continuam a proporcionar ganhos incrementais.

Na Tanzânia, a M&P está a avançar com um dos programas de desenvolvimento de gás em terra mais ativos da África Oriental através do campo de Mnazi Bay, que fornece gás natural ao mercado interno do país. No início deste ano, a empresa colocou em funcionamento o poço de desenvolvimento MB-5 — o primeiro poço perfurado na licença desde 2014 — com uma capacidade de produção de aproximadamente 40 MMcfd, aumentando o potencial de produção total do campo para mais de 130 MMcfd.

A M&P mantém o ritmo de perfuração através do poço de desenvolvimento MS-2 e do poço de exploração Kasa-1X, apoiando o objetivo da Tanzânia de expandir o abastecimento de gás natural e aumentar o acesso a métodos de cozinha limpos para 75% da população até 2030.

Em Angola, a M&P continua a reforçar o seu portfólio através de participações nos Blocos 3/05, 3/05A e 3/24, a par de uma participação de 19% no Projeto Solar de Quilemba, refletindo o compromisso da empresa em apoiar tanto a produção de hidrocarbonetos como a diversificação energética. Prevê-se que uma campanha de perfuração de dois poços no Bloco 3/05, realizada em conjunto com a Sonangol, acrescente aproximadamente 9 000 barris por dia à produção, contribuindo para a estratégia de Angola de sustentar a produção nacional de crude através da reabilitação de campos já em exploração.

Na AEW 2026, a M&P irá interagir com governos, investidores e partes interessadas do setor para demonstrar como o investimento direcionado em ativos maduros, o desenvolvimento de gás natural e as aquisições estratégicas podem impulsionar o crescimento da produção a longo prazo, reforçando simultaneamente a segurança energética de África.

«A Maurel & Prom demonstra como o investimento disciplinado em ativos maduros pode gerar o capital necessário para desbloquear novas oportunidades de crescimento em toda a África. Desde a monetização do gás no Gabão e na Tanzânia até à otimização de campos já em exploração em Angola, a empresa está a ajudar a maximizar o valor dos recursos existentes em África, apoiando simultaneamente a segurança energética a longo prazo e o desenvolvimento industrial do continente», afirmou NJ Ayuk, presidente executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Maurel & Prom to Showcase African Growth Strategy at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as Bronze Partner

Source: APO


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French independent exploration and production company Maurel & Prom (M&P) has been confirmed as a Bronze Partner of African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place in Cape Town from October 12–16. The company’s participation comes as it accelerates an African growth strategy centered on brownfield optimization, gas monetization and strategic asset expansion across Gabon, Tanzania and Angola, reinforcing its position as a key partner in advancing Africa’s energy security and production growth.

M&P arrives at AEW 2026 following a series of operational and financial milestones that strengthen its long-term investment outlook. On July 10, the company secured a $465 million five-year syndicated financing facility to refinance existing debt, providing additional financial flexibility to support its African growth strategy. The milestone follows strong first-half 2026 performance, with higher oil prices driving a 27% increase in sales compared to the same period in 2025.

Gabon remains the centerpiece of M&P’s African portfolio, where the company continues to expand production while developing the country’s emerging natural gas industry. In July, M&P awarded Capstone Energy a 36-month contract to deploy flare gas recovery technology at its Mouletsi-2 well on the Etekamba gas permit onshore Gabon. The project will capture gas that would otherwise be flared for on-site power generation, reducing emissions while improving energy efficiency and operational reliability.

Scheduled for production by late 2026, the Mouletsi-2 project marks M&P’s first gas development in Gabon. It is expected to yield approximately 25 million cubic feet per day, helping unlock value from the country’s 26 billion cubic meters of proven natural gas reserves.

Beyond gas development, M&P continues to optimize oil production across its Ezanga, Kari, Nyanga-Mayombe and Etekamba licenses, with Gabon representing the company’s largest producing asset. The company’s first-half 2026 production across its Gabonese assets increased compared to the second half of 2025 as brownfield optimization programs continue to deliver incremental gains.

In Tanzania, M&P is advancing one of East Africa’s most active onshore gas development programs through the Mnazi Bay field, which supplies natural gas to the country’s domestic market. Earlier this year, the company brought the MB-5 development well online – the first well drilled on the license since 2014 – with production capacity of approximately 40 MMcfd, increasing the field’s total production potential to more than 130 MMcfd.

M&P is sustaining drilling momentum through the MS-2 development well and the Kasa-1X exploration well, supporting Tanzania’s objective of expanding natural gas supply and increasing access to clean cooking to 75% of the population by 2030.

In Angola, M&P continues to strengthen its portfolio through interests in Blocks 3/05, 3/05A and 3/24, alongside a 19% stake in the Quilemba Solar Project, reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting both hydrocarbon production and energy diversification. A two-well drilling campaign on Block 3/05, undertaken with Sonangol, is expected to add approximately 9,000 barrels per day of production, contributing to Angola’s strategy to sustain national crude output through brownfield redevelopment.

At AEW 2026, M&P will engage with governments, investors and industry stakeholders to showcase how targeted investment in mature assets, natural gas development and strategic acquisitions can unlock long-term production growth while strengthening Africa’s energy security.

“Maurel & Prom demonstrates how disciplined investment in mature assets can generate the capital needed to unlock new growth opportunities across Africa. From gas monetization in Gabon and Tanzania to brownfield optimization in Angola, the company is helping maximize the value of Africa’s existing resources while supporting the continent’s long-term energy security and industrial development,” stated NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Register now before it’s too late

Source: Government of South Africa

Register now before it’s too late

South Africans who have not yet registered to vote are being urged to do so before voter registration closes at midnight on Friday.

Electoral Commission Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said there was still time for eligible citizens who missed the weekend registration drives to register online or through its newly launched WhatsApp registration service, warning voters not to wait until the final hours before the deadline.

More than 1.7 million people interacted with the IEC during the final voter registration weekend on 1 and 2 August. Of these, nearly 292 000 were first-time voters, while more than 1.5 million existing voters checked or updated their registration details to ensure they are registered in the correct voting district.

Mamabolo stressed that, in local government elections, voters can only cast their ballots at the voting station where they are registered, making it essential for anyone who has moved to update their address before registrations close.

The registration campaign also saw strong participation from young people, with almost 486 000 interactions recorded among citizens aged between 16 and 29. Encouragingly, nearly half of all new registrations were by voters under the age of 29, signalling growing youth participation ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

To make registration even more accessible, the IEC has introduced voter registration via WhatsApp.

The platform allows users to register or update their details using secure identity verification, while some users may be directed to the online registration portal to confirm their residential address through an interactive map.

The Commission has appealed to eligible voters not to delay registering or updating their information, saying experience shows registration channels become increasingly busy as deadlines approach.

Citizens can also check their registration status using the SMS service on 32810 or seek assistance through the IEC’s contact centre and WhatsApp support line.

The 2026 Local Government Elections are scheduled for 4 November, with the formal election timetable expected to be announced after the election is proclaimed on Friday, 7 August. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Relief at the pumps this August

Source: Government of South Africa

Relief at the pumps this August

Motorists will breathe a sigh of relief at the pumps this August as both grades of petrol will decrease by 52 cents a litre with effect from Wednesday.

In a statement on Monday, the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, announced the adjustment of fuel prices based on current local and international factors with effect from 5 August 2026.

From Wednesday, a litre of 95 and 93 (LRP & ULP)  will come down by 52 cents a litre.

This means that a litre of 95 petrol, which currently costs R26.10 in Gauteng, will now cost R25.58 a litre as of Wednesday. In the coast, a litre of 95, which costs 25.23 a litre, will cost 24.71 a litre as of Wednesday.

The price of Diesel (0.05% sulphur) will increase by R 1.38 per litre while the price of Diesel (0.005% sulphur) will increase by R1.23 per litre.

The price of Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale) will increase by R1.52 cents a litre.

Meanwhile, the Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin will increase by R2.03 and the  Maximum Retail Price of LPGas will decrease by R4.41 cents per kilogram and R5.03 in the Western Cape.

“The average Brent Crude oil price decreased from 86.53 US Dollars (USD) to 82.37 USD during the period under review. The impact of renewed US/Iran tensions which caused the price to increase up to a $100 mark, was offset by the fact that the prices had already decreased significantly the previous month and the first half of this month due to the ceasefire MOU [Memorandum of Understanding] between the US and Iran as well as lower global demand for crude oil,” said the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

In addition, the department said the average international product prices of petrol decreased during the period under review, while the prices of diesel and illuminating paraffin increased due to supply shortages caused by the Russia/Ukraine conflict, which resulted in diesel export restrictions by Russia.

“The situation was compounded by the Middle East Refineries that were operating below capacity,” said the department, adding that these factors led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices (BFP) of petrol. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Over 1 million citizens interacted with the Electoral Commission this weekend

Source: Government of South Africa

Over 1 million citizens interacted with the Electoral Commission this weekend

The final voter registration weekend on 1 and 2 August saw 1.7 million citizens interacting with the Electoral Commission by either visiting one of the 23 699 registration stations or using the online voter registration portal.

“Of the 1.7 million transactions, 291 806 or 16% were persons registering as first time voters,” Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo said.

Addressing the media in Pretoria on Monday to give an update on the final voter registration weekend, Mamabolo said an additional 1 502 245 or 84% of persons already registered, inspected and updated their registration details.

“This is in line with the message that a voter must register and vote in the voting district within the ward where they reside,” he said.

KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest volume of registration transactions at 427 592, followed by the Gauteng with 314 856, while Eastern Cape third with 313 797.

“Registration station- based applications continue to be the leading mode of registration with 1 555 318 of the total 1.7 million applications.  

“Provincially, KwaZulu-Natal comprises the largest number at 386 258 registration station-based activity, followed by Eastern Cape at 295 655 and Gauteng at 228 364. The online portal contributed 238 733 transactions over the two days.

“The highest usage of the online voter registration platform was recorded in Gauteng (86 492), followed by KwaZulu-Natal (41 334) and the Western Cape (33 783). Unsurprisingly, these are provinces with highest concentrations of urban populations,” Mamabolo said.

He explained that of the total 1.7 million transactions recorded, young people in the age cohort 16 to 29 account for 485 757 or 26%.

“Even more encouraging is that 46% of the new registrations are by voter under the age of 29. KwaZulu-Natal again leads with young person’s registration at 137 046, followed by Eastern Cape at 79 417, followed by Gauteng at 78 405.

“The total registration activity for the final registration weekend, female voters account for 1 005 790, representing 56% of total activity, while male voters account for 788 261or 44% of total activity. This is consistent with the well-established trend of there being more females than males on the voter’s roll. Of the 291 806 new registrations 50% are female,” he said.

Mamabolo said the combined impact of the two voter registration weekend drives resulted in close to 4.7 million interactions with voters (4 666 547) compared to the 1.7 million transactions recorded during the comparable 2021 Local Government Elections with one registration weekend due to the COVID-19 reduced election timetable.

Collectively, the two voter registration weekends held in June and August 2026 contributed 754 332 new voters, adding to the continued growth of the voters’ roll ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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