Category: Africa

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Mr Chaib participates in a virtual meeting organised for the national community in Moscow

Source: APO


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The Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in charge of the National Community Abroad, Sofiane Chaib, took part, alongside the Minister of Youth, in charge of the Higher Council of Youth (CSJ), Mustapha Hidaoui, in a virtual meeting organized for young Algerians living abroad, in coordination with the Algerian embassy in Moscow.

This virtual meeting is part of a series of activities organized by the CSJ for this segment of the national community, in collaboration and coordination with Algerian diplomatic and consular missions abroad.

In his welcome address, Chaib praised the added value of this type of activity that aims to strengthen ties with young people in the diaspora through a participatory approach to important issues.

The Secretary of State also highlighted the priority given by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to this important matter, noting the attention paid to maintaining permanent contact with young people in our overseas community and implementing measures and initiatives aimed at bolstering their ties with the homeland and benefiting from their diverse experiences for national development.

Chaib said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will spare no effort on its part to examine all proposals that will be made during this meeting, which will be followed by other similar meetings in the future with young people of the diaspora.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.

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Guineafowl can outsmart extreme temperatures: we spent a year finding out how

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Johann van Niekerk, Doctor, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa

Have you ever wondered how wild birds cope with baking hot afternoons and freezing cold mornings? Our new study has taken a close look at one of Africa’s most familiar birds – the helmeted guineafowl – and uncovered surprising answers about how they deal with extreme temperatures.

The helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) is a common sight across sub-Saharan Africa’s savannas and semi-arid regions. They are instantly recognisable with their spotted plumage, bony helmet, bare blue head, and loud cackling calls. These birds are famously social, often seen roaming in noisy flocks.

Helmeted guineafowl can endure air temperatures from -4°C up to 40°C in South Africa.

The idea that animals huddle to stay warm – known as social thermoregulation – is well documented in mammals and birds like penguins. This theory proposes that animals huddle together to conserve heat in cold conditions, but is this what guineafowl are doing?

Together with colleagues in Spain, we set out to find the answer because understanding whether birds group to keep warm or for other reasons helps ecologists uncover the true drivers of social behaviour. This can also inform how species will respond to changing climates and help guide conservation strategies.

We studied a wild population of guineafowl in South Africa’s Madikwe Game Reserve, a protected area near the Botswana border. It’s known for its sharp daily temperature fluctuations during winter, with cold, frosty mornings dropping to 0°C and sweltering afternoons reaching up to 40°C.

To spy on the birds without disturbing them, we set up a live-streaming webcam at a busy waterhole, recording their behaviour over an entire year. We watched how group size, body posture and daily routines shifted with the seasons and weather.

What we found was striking.

Our study challenges some common assumptions about how animals survive in extreme climates. Guineafowl don’t rely on cuddling for warmth like some penguins and some species of monkeys. Rather, they use behaviour – adjusting posture, timing their activity and changing group sizes according to food and safety needs – to navigate life’s temperature extremes.

This strategy may help them cope with the growing unpredictability of climate.

When they get together, it’s to exploit a food patch and nurture their offspring within close-knit social groups while foraging, or to fend off predators during coordinated mobbing behaviour.

What we found

The evidence we gathered shows that the guineafowl did not form bigger groups when temperatures dropped. There was no evidence they huddled together to stay warm. Even at night, when they roosted in trees, they perched in small family units – just two or three birds per branch.

Our findings suggest that the reason guineafowl form groups has more to do with food and safety.

During the dry winter months, when seeds and vegetation are scarce, the birds form large foraging flocks to help find food and stay safe from predators. More eyes mean better chances of spotting danger. This supports the widely recognised “many eyes” hypothesis, which shows that individuals in larger groups benefit from improved predator detection. But once the rains return and food becomes more plentiful and spread out, the guineafowl split into pairs or small groups to focus on breeding.

While group size wasn’t tied to temperature, the birds used clever body postures to handle both heat and cold. On chilly mornings below 17°C, they puffed out their collar feathers and tucked their bare necks deep into their bodies, creating a rounded, fluffy ball that trapped heat.

On warmer days, they stood tall with their necks fully extended, legs exposed, and feathers sleek to release excess heat. When temperatures soared above 30°C, they opened their beaks to pant, spread their wings slightly away from their bodies, and exposed bare skin to cool off, much as a dog pants on a hot day.

One of the most delightful behaviours observed was “sunning”. On frosty winter mornings, guineafowl would fly down from their roosts and stand facing the rising sun, fluffing their feathers and soaking up warmth before starting their day. It’s a simple, effective way to heat up after a cold night.

Another surprise was how rarely the birds drank water. Despite living in a dry environment, only about 2% of observed guineafowl visits were to the waterhole. In wet seasons, they likely get most of their moisture from eating green plants and insects. In the cold, dry season, when food is drier, drinking increased slightly, but still far less than expected.

They drank even less when it was both hot and windy, possibly because the noise of the wind makes it harder to detect predators when standing out in the open. Avoiding water during hot periods is usual among helmeted guineafowl, which typically avoid exposing themselves during peak heat due to increased predation risk and the physiological stress of extreme temperatures. Most galliforms (gamebirds) and terrestrial species favour early morning or late afternoon activity patterns, limiting mid-day exposure.

Every evening, the flock gathered at the same familiar “launching pad” near the waterhole and flew into nearby trees to roost. But once again, warmth wasn’t the reason for this behaviour. They roosted to avoid ground predators, not to share body heat. I have seen them for many years going into trees when predators or dogs chase them, unlike spurfowl and francolin just flying further on.

Why insights are useful

This research carries important lessons for understanding animal adaptation. Rather than relying on group warmth, guineafowl show how behavioural flexibility, adjusting posture, timing and habitat use, can buffer them against harsh conditions. It highlights how survival depends not just on temperature or water availability, but on having access to diverse habitat types: open grasslands for foraging and trees or dense bush for roosting and safety.

As climates shift and ecosystems change, understanding how animals like guineafowl cope with extremes will be crucial for conservation planning.

– Guineafowl can outsmart extreme temperatures: we spent a year finding out how
– https://theconversation.com/guineafowl-can-outsmart-extreme-temperatures-we-spent-a-year-finding-out-how-260439

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Tickets Are Live: WomenIN Festival 2025 Is Calling the Impactful, the Bold, the Brilliant, and the Brave!

Source: APO

Date: 13–14 November 2025
Venue: Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town

Get ready, Cape Town  — the continent’s most inspiring, intersectional, and women-led experience is back. Tickets for WomenIN Festival 2025 are now officially live, and this year’s edition is set to be the most dynamic yet.

Brought to you by the team behind the WomenIN portfolio at the VUKA Group, The WomenIN Festival is not just an event — it’s a movement. We’re passionate about creating real impact and proud to be walking the talk through our work with a range of NPOs and our ongoing efforts to end period poverty and more. This is a celebration of women who are building businesses, reshaping industries, mentoring the next generation, and changing what leadership looks like. It’s where purpose meets power, and passion fuels possibility.

More than a moment, WomenIN is a platform for progress — offering real tools, bold ideas, and authentic connection. Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, executive, artist, activist, or ally — this is the space to be seen, heard, and supported.

The Only Truly Cross-Sector, Intersectional Event of Its Kind in Africa

What sets WomenIN Festival apart is its cross-sector, intersectional approach. Across the year, WomenIN has hosted groundbreaking sector-specific gatherings: WomenIN Green Economy, WomenIN Energy, WomenIN Mobility, WomenIN Mining, WomenIN Digital Transformation, and more.

The WomenIN Festival brings it all together — one platform, one powerful space, where industries, identities, and ideas converge. This is not just another women’s event. It’s the future — inclusive, ambitious, and unapologetically bold.

Here’s What to Expect at WomenIN Festival 2025:

  • Conversations that matter — unfiltered talks and powerful panels with some of Africa’s most impactful leaders in business, tech, media, energy, sustainability, finance, and more
  • Hands-on learning through transformative masterclasses and workshops that equip you with the tools to lead change
  • Youth-led showcases that amplify the voices of tomorrow’s changemakers
  • Connection spaces to collaborate and co-create with powerful women (and allies) across the continent
  • Interactive activations, immersive experiences, and unexpected moments of joy and transformation

Tickets starting at R1,499 for a 2-day experience. Group bookings available.

There’s an access point for everyone — from student passes to group tickets and premium VIP experiences.

Sponsor a Ticket, Power a Future

WomenIN is proud to introduce its Sponsor a Ticket initiative — an opportunity for individuals and organisations to sponsor access for young women who would not otherwise be able to attend. This is about creating real, tangible impact — unlocking doors, building confidence, and investing in the next generation of leaders.

“When we invest in women, we don’t just change one life — we ripple transformation across communities, sectors, and economies. The WomenIN Festival is that ripple. It’s where we show up for one another and leave no one behind.”
— Naz Fredericks-Maharaj, WomenIN Portfolio Director, Vuka Group

Real Impact. Real Change. All Year Round.

From rural school drives to youth mentorship, from digital inclusion campaigns to high-impact corporate partnerships — WomenIN is more than a festival. It’s a values-driven ecosystem with a clear mission: to uplift, equip, and empower women and girls in Africa to rise, lead, and thrive.

Join the Movement. Be the Moment.

Whether you’ve followed us from the beginning or you’re only just discovering our work, this is your invitation to join a growing network of changemakers who are louder together, braver together — and better together.

Visit www.WeAreWomenIN.com to get your ticket, sponsor someone else’s, or explore partnership opportunities.

Come as you are. Leave ignited.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

WomenIN (WiN): Empowering Women, Breaking Barriers, Creating Impact:
WomenIN is a powerful cross-sector movement that connects, inspires, and uplifts women across Africa through collaboration, leadership, and sustainable development. From energy and mobility to retail, gaming, and the green economy, WiN is driving real change by building inclusive ecosystems where women can thrive.

Through a range of in-person gatherings, digital content, workshops, and sector-specific initiatives, WomenIN provides a trusted platform for female professionals, entrepreneurs, changemakers, and allies to grow together, break silos, and co-create solutions for Africa’s future. With a strong focus on capacity building, leadership development, and market access for female-owned businesses, WomenIN is building a legacy of impact for generations to come.

Whether you’re a corporate, NPO, SMME, or individual changemaker, there is space for you at the table—because we win when we WiN together.

For more information, please visit: www.WeAreWomenIN.com or contact our team at info@wearewomenin.com.

ABOUT VUKA Group:
VUKA Group brings people and organisations together to connect with information and each other in meaningful conversations that drive growth and transformation across Africa’s industries. With 20+ years of experience on the continent, the group delivers sector-leading platforms across Energy, Mining, Smart Mobility, Transport, Retail, and Women Empowerment.

The WomenIN (WiN) portfolio is a flagship initiative of VUKA Group, championing gender inclusivity and creating opportunities for women to lead, influence, and innovate across sectors. With a proudly African team and a commitment to sustainable development, VUKA is creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to rise.

Learn more at: www.WeAreWomenIN.com

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Deputy President Mashatile to undertake a Working Visit to China

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will from 14-18 July 2025, undertake a strategic Working Visit to the People’s Republic of China, to participate in the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), as one of the key engagements.

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

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

On this occasion, South Africa has been accorded Guest Country status, and under the theme: “South Africa: Your Pathway to Supply Chain Resilience,” the visit will mainly focus on:

•    Promoting strategic sectors such as renewable energy, logistics, pharmaceuticals, mineral beneficiation, and the digital economy;

•    Showcasing a robust pipeline of investable projects to attract targeted Chinese investment, particularly into Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and critical infrastructure;

•    Enhancing bilateral collaboration on clean technologies, digital skills development, and industrial standards; and

•    Advancing South Africa’s objectives for supply chain resilience, accelerated industrialisation, and deeper integration within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

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

The visit is also part of the  evolving strategic trajectory of the South Africa–China relationship and reaffirms both countries’ commitment to deepening mutual cooperation in support of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

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

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) strengthens its strategy to make West Africa a world tourist destination of choice

Source: APO – Report:

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ECOWAS Commission has launched a four-day technical meeting on the 8th of July,2025 in Cotonou, Benin. This meeting brings together experts from Member States to examine six draft classification standards for tourist accommodation establishments. The standards, drawn up on the basis of various workshops organised as part of the ECOWAS tourism policy (ECOTOUR), concern hotels, motels, inns, ecolodges, aparthotels and holiday villages. The event is jointly organised by the private sector and industry directorates.

In her opening speech, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandje Toure-Litse, represented by the Director of the Private Sector, Dr Tony Luka Elumelu, recalled ECOWAS’s ambition to make tourism a major lever for economic development and regional integration. She affirmed that the region is striving to build a flourishing tourism industry, drawing on international best practice adapted to the West African context, with the aim of making it a world tourist destination of choice.

She emphasised that this strategy is based on five closely linked pillars: strengthening infrastructure, including investment in transport, accommodation and tourist attractions; relaxing regional visa policies for third-country nationals to improve accessibility, streamline procedures and foster greater people-to-people diplomacy; the harmonisation of sectoral standards and regulations to facilitate travel, trade and enhance the overall tourism experience; the promotion of sustainable tourism practices that ensure an environmentally friendly, socially responsible and economically viable industry; and collaboration and partnerships between stakeholders in the sector to pool expertise, share knowledge and develop effective solutions to common challenges.

She stressed the importance of implementing a coherent, collaborative and sustainable approach to tourism in order to stimulate national economies, strengthen cultural exchanges and ensure the sustainability of the sector. In reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to responsible tourism practices, she emphasised the need to minimise the negative impacts of tourism on the environment, local cultures and host communities, and stressed the importance of implementing a coherent, collaborative and sustainable approach to tourism in order to stimulate national economies, strengthen cultural exchanges and ensure the sustainability of the sector. In reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to responsible tourism practices, she emphasised the need to minimise the negative impacts of tourism on the environment, local cultures and host communities.

The Director General of the Standards Agency of the Republic of Benin, Mohamed Nazif El-Hadji Alassane, representing Benin’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Mrs Alimatou Shadiya Assouman, welcomed ECOWAS’ efforts to harmonise standards and regulations in the tourism sector. He stressed that this will help to transform the region into a single tourism market, while boosting tourism, employment and public revenue, with positive spin-offs for the economies of Member States.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) permanent representatives committee confers with the commissioner of political affairs, peace and security

Source: APO


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The Standing Committee on Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the ECOWAS Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) conferred with the ECOWAS Commission’s Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah on the 10th of July 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria. 

Discussions centred on ways of consolidating the existing collaboration between the PRC and the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security as well as the enhancement of strategic information flow and implementation of decisions by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

Led by His Excellency Musa Sani Nuhu, the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to ECOWAS, the Ambassadors expressed great appreciation to the Commissioner and the Department for the strong and close partnership in working together over the last three years on matters of peace and stability in West Africa.

On his part, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah congratulated the Sierra Leonean High Commissioner, His Excellency Julius Sandy on his country’s ascension to Chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and noted that the need for constant interactions with the ambassadors cannot be overemphasised.

The Commissioner who was flanked by the Director, Peace Keeping and Regional Security (DPKRS) Dr. Cyriaque Agnekethom, Gen. Mactar Diop, Chief of Staff of the ECOWAS Standby Force and staff of the Department stressed that high-pitched attention will continue to be paid to the work of the Department  owing to its strategic role in providing responses to core issues of sustainable peace, security, stability and regional integration.

He further harped on the need to have an organic and structured way of feeding into the decision-making processes that are also binding on stakeholders, similar to the arrangements at the United Nations and the African Union.

“There is a need to think regionally. We need that two-way communication between the Department and Member States. How do we contribute as a Department to make sure that the PRC achieves its goals. The forum is therefore something to embrace as it creates an avenue to exchange ideas for the benefit of our region” The Commissioner added.

Members of the Permanent Representatives assured the Department and ECOWAS of their continuous cooperation to move the region forward

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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United States (U.S.) Embassy’s Statement on the Announcement of Cameroon’s Presidential Election

Source: APO


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The United States Embassy in Yaoundé welcomes the official announcement of the date for Cameroon’s presidential elections on October 12, 2025.  As a longstanding partner and friend of Cameroon, the United States underscores the importance of free, fair, peaceful, and inclusive elections as a cornerstone of democratic governance and stability in Cameroon and Central Africa.

We commend the efforts of Cameroonian institutions, civil society, political parties, and all stakeholders working to prepare for these elections.  We urge everyone concerned to engage in the electoral process in a manner that promotes peace, respects the rule of law, and upholds democratic norms and the rights of all citizens to participate freely and to vote their consciences without fear of repercussions.

It is critical that the Cameroonian people have full confidence in their democratic institutions—not only on election day, but throughout the entire electoral period. This includes protecting the fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly, and association as guaranteed in the Cameroonian constitution, electoral code, and other relevant statutes.  Journalists, political parties, civil society organizations, and religious institutions must be allowed to operate without harassment or undue restrictions.

We stand with the Cameroonian people as they take this important step along their country’s democratic journey.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Cameroon.

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Les Institut de Formation et d’Éducation Féminine (IFEF) : leviers d’autonomisation des femmes par la formation et l’éducation


Ce 13 juin, les 146 auditrices de l’Institut de Formation et d’Éducation Féminine (IFEF) d’Abengourou passent leurs examens.

Comme dans toutes les autres IFEF du pays, ces jeunes femmes déscolarisées, en situation de vulnérabilité ou désireuses d’apprendre un métier, y sont accueillies et formées.

Les disciplines enseignées sont la couture, la coiffure, l’alphabétisation, l’art floral, la broderie, le perlage, etc.

À l’issue de leur formation, les apprenantes obtiennent un certificat et les compétences nécessaires pour exercer un métier et construire leur avenir en toute autonomie.

« Nombreuses sont nos anciennes auditrices qui se sont installées à leur propre compte et sont aujourd’hui financièrement indépendantes », se félicite Djénéba Attiéman, directrice de l’IFEF d’Abengourou.

Nathalie Comoé, auditrice à l’IFEF de 2017 à 2020, en est un exemple. Mère célibataire, elle avait quitté l’école en classe de 3e. Grâce à sa formation, elle a pu installer une pâtisserie à domicile. « Quand j’ai intégré l’IFEF, je traversais de grandes difficultés financières. J’aimais déjà la pâtisserie, mais je n’avais aucune base. Aujourd’hui, grâce à cette formation, je loue mon propre local et je prends soin de mon fils et de mes trois nièces », confie-t-elle avec fierté.

Selon le Ministère de la Femme, de la Famille et de l’Enfant, la Côte d’Ivoire est passée de 58 IFEF en 2011 à 140 aujourd’hui, réparties sur l’ensemble du territoire national.

Ces structures s’inscrivent au cœur de la politique d’inclusion du gouvernement, en offrant aux femmes les moyens d’être autonomes par la formation et l’éducation.  

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

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Message from the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Independence Day of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe

Source: APO


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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, warmly congratulates the Government and people of Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe as they celebrate another year of independence.

Today, we celebrate not only the anniversary of independence but also the nation’s remarkable journey of political resilience and its unwavering commitment to peace and development. The African Union reaffirms its strong partnership with São Tomé and Príncipe and its dedication to advancing regional integration, sustainable development, and lasting peace across the continent.

As we mark this significant milestone, we join the people of São Tomé and Príncipe in celebrating their achievements and extend our best wishes for continued prosperity and success in the years ahead.

Happy Independence Day!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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Hamba Kahle ‘man of the people’: Former Deputy President Mabuza laid to rest

Source: Government of South Africa

Beneath an unseasonably warm winter sun, the rolling hills of Mpumalanga stood as silent witness as South Africa bid a final farewell to former Deputy President David ‘DD’ Mabuza on Saturday.

The former Deputy President passed away last week at the age of 64, following a short illness. He was buried at a family burial site in Barberton, Mpumalanga.

Delivering the eulogy at Mabuza’s funeral service, President Cyril Ramaphosa described the day as a moment of sombre reflection.

“We are gathered here today in solemn remembrance to honour the life of a man who, in many ways, made a huge contribution to our journey to a democratic South Africa. We are also here to celebrate the life of a fine son of Mpumalanga and a man of the people.

“It is as a servant of the people for which our departed leader and comrade David Dabede Mabuza will be best known and for which he will be forever remembered. David Mabuza, DD, as he was fondly known, was a revered leader not only in his home province of Mpumalanga but throughout the country as well,” he said.

The Mpumalanga-born politician – affectionately referred to as DD or The Cat – was a teacher by training. However, he was drawn into political activism and, subsequently, the public service.

Mabuza’s journey into the public service began in 1994 in Mpumalanga, where he served as a Member of the Executive Council in several portfolios.

He then served as the Premier of Mpumalanga from 2009 until he became a Member of Parliament and then Deputy President in 2018.

“He served as our country’s Deputy President, as Premier of Mpumalanga and as the Deputy President of his movement, the African National Congress (ANC). 

“When he served as a Member of Parliament and as the Leader of Government Business, he proved to be a renowned political strategist, always deftly navigating the very difficult balance amongst parliamentary parties. 

“In all his roles, he was often described as strategic, enigmatic and fiercely loyal to the cause of stability and unity,” President Ramaphosa said.

As President Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy, a multitude of citizens lined the streets of Mbombela – forming a guard of honour for the former Deputy President as he was taken to his final resting place among the people of Mpumalanga.

“He was most happy when he was among the people. He never isolated himself from them. He never lost the common touch.

“Since the news came of his passing, we have seen throngs of ordinary citizens, traditional leaders and political leaders from across the spectrum flocking to DD’s home in Barberton to pay their respects. Such was his popularity. Such was his ability to unite the people of this province.

“He was not a man for the pomp and ceremony of high office. He preferred to be on the ground with the masses of our people, listening to their concerns and working to improve their lives,” President Ramaphosa noted.

He highlighted that Mabuza leaves a legacy of “being quick to respond to matters of service delivery”.

“Over the past days, we have heard from a number of young citizens of Mpumalanga, who have described him as a father of the community, who helped bring development to many rural parts of Mpumalanga.

“Today in this province, there are families who now live in decent homes because during door-to-door campaigns, DD intervened on the spot and at some point, dug into his own pockets to meet their needs. Those houses were not built after years of follow-up meetings. They were erected within months because he was not one to make empty promises,” he said.

Working side by side

President Ramaphosa reflected on the five years he and Mabuza spent as President and Deputy President of South Africa.

“[During] this time, I came to know him as a person who understood the responsibility that he had been given. He was dependable, reliable and an excellent deputy.

“As Leader of Government Business in Parliament, he worked to ensure that the will of the people was reflected in the laws of the land and in the programmes of the state.

“In all his responsibilities as Deputy President, from land reform to HIV and AIDS, from anti-poverty initiatives to addressing the needs of veterans, David Mabuza could always be relied on. We will always remember him as a unifier,” he said.

The President offered words of solace and comfort to the family and gave a final word to the departed man himself.

“You walked the path not always lit, through the dust of doubt, you did commit. I worked with you and saw your commitment. Your voice was not loud, but it was firm and still. You were able to shape the course with quiet will.

“I saw you bear the weight of province and land, with measured step and steady hand. Though storms did gather, and winds did sway, you held the centre night and day. Now rest, my brother, brave son of the African soil. Your work is done and complete. The country remembers you,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za