Category: Africa

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Opening remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa to the meeting with the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group, Union Buildings, Pretoria

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Paul Mashatile,
Members of the Eminent Persons Group,
Members of the National Dialogue Inter-Ministerial Committee,
Chairperson of the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team, Mr Nkosinathi Biko,
Executive Director of NEDLAC, Mr Makhukhu Mampuru,
Colleagues and friends,

It is an honour to welcome you all to the Union Buildings for this inaugural meeting of the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group.

On behalf of all South Africans, I thank you – the members of the Eminent Persons Group – for agreeing to take on the responsibility of supporting and guiding this historic initiative.

Over the course of the last 31 years, our country has made important progress in forging a united, democratic and just nation.

The values, precepts and rights contained in our democratic Constitution are firmly embedded in our society. We have robust institutions, a free media and an active civil society.

We have made significant advances in expanding opportunities and access to housing, land, basic services, education and health care.

There can be no doubt that we have begun to transform our society and our economy.

And yet, the vestiges of our apartheid past remain. 

Inequality, poverty, unemployment, violence and social discord affect the lives of millions of South Africans and hold back our country’s progress.

Our economy has not been growing and the number of unemployed people has been rising.

In many areas, we have seen a deterioration in governance, a decline in the delivery of services and widespread corruption and wastage of public resources.

At the same time, we have seen an increasing disengagement by many people from the democratic process, as witnessed by the turnout in the May 2024 elections.

The National Dialogue is an opportunity to mobilise South Africans to address these challenges and restore our country to the path of transformation, development and progress.

It is an opportunity to build on the achievements of the last three decades by defining a shared vision and a common programme to take the country forward.

The National Dialogue draws on a rich tradition of discussion, debate and united action.

At critical moments in our history, we have come together as a people to confront our difficulties and find solutions to our problems.

From the Freedom Charter to the drafting of our democratic Constitution, from the National Peace Accord to our response to the devastating COVID pandemic, South Africans have pursued dialogue, cooperation and partnership.

Our diversity is our strength.

We are a diverse people, with different cultures, languages, political traditions and viewpoints.

While this diversity makes for robust and often noisy debate, it does mean that we have a wealth of experiences and perspectives on which to draw.

The National Dialogue seeks to provide a platform for this richness of ideas to be brought to bear on the challenges we face.

The National Dialogue does not displace the democratic processes mandated by our Constitution. 

Its outcomes cannot supercede the electoral mandates that parties carry into Parliament and the Executive.

But it can deliver a social compact that outlines clear commitments and responsibilities for different stakeholders, Government, political parties, business, labour, civil society, communities and individual citizens.

The task that we have is to ensure that the outcomes of the National Dialogue can be institutionalised in a manner thats informs and guides the direction our country takes.

We have been clear that this dialogue must be as inclusive as possible.

It cannot be partisan. It cannot favour one group or perspective over any other.

It needs to be citizen-led and the outcomes need to reflect the collective views of the South African people.

While the Head of State has a constitutional mandate to convene a National Dialogue and while Government should use its capacity and resources to support and facilitate this process, the National Dialogue is neither Government driven nor directed.

Citizens must be able to freely and fully participate in the National Dialogue as individuals, in organised formations and through representative bodies.

That is why the Eminent Persons Group is so important.

It brings together prominent and respected individuals from across society, from many walks of life and many fields of endeavour.

As Eminent Persons, you are not being asked to represent any particular constituency or organisation. 

Rather, you are being called upon to use your experience, acumen and energy to give South Africans confidence that participation in the National Dialogue can help to advance their interests and secure their future.

We are asking you Eminent Persons to be champions of the National Dialogue, not cheerleaders.

We expect that you will critically consider the progress and the conduct of the National Dialogue, and provide advice where correction is required.

If there are people being left out, we ask you to raise it.

If there is confusion or misunderstanding or disarray, we ask you to help correct it.

If there are groups that seek to commandeer the process, we ask that you alert us.

We can expect that the National Dialogue process will be contested, that it may be used to score political points, or to advance particular interests.

We should not be surprised if there is scepticism or disinterest from some quarters.

We have already been confronted by the challenge of misinformation and misrepresentation, whether on the cost of the National Dialogue or on who is running it.

But that should not distract us from the work we have to do to give a platform to the millions of voices in our country, so that they may be heard and so that they may be counted.

We should not fear criticism. We should welcome it.

Criticism is a signal that South Africans care about the country and are invested in its future. Most critics want a National Dialogue that is effective and inclusive.

Dissenting voices make the debate richer and should make the outcomes more robust and meaningful.

This meeting marks the start of the work of the Eminent Persons Group, work that promises to be both challenging and rewarding.

As the Eminent Persons Group comes to understand its role and set out its tasks, we must recognise and appreciate the long road and the hard work that has brought us to this point.

Since a number of South Africans and former President Thabo Mbeki made a call for a National Dialogue in April last year, this call has been taken up by people and formations from across society.

The convening of a National Dialogue was endorsed by the ten political parties that constitute the Government of National Unity in their Statement of Intent and is incorporated into Government’s Medium Term Development Plan.

Over the course of several months, the group of Foundations named for eminent stalwarts, working together with several civil society organisations, took an initiative to start advocating and mobilising for the National Dialogue.

This work has been fundamental to the conceptualisation and design of the National Dialogue. It now finds organisational expression in the Preparatory Task Team, which brings together the Foundations, other civil society formations and The Presidency to make the practical arrangements for the first National Convention in August.

Today’s meeting is an opportunity for the Eminent Persons to be briefed more fully on the National Dialogue, on the role of the Eminent Persons Group and on preparations for the first National Convention.

Importantly, it is an opportunity for the Eminent Persons to ask questions and to share their reflections on the National Dialogue.

Once again, I welcome you to this meeting, I thank you for taking on this important responsibility and wish you well for the work ahead.

I thank you.

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Basic Education to set up advisory body 

Source: Government of South Africa

Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube is set to constitute an advisory body that will advise her on issues including the progression and promotion requirements as well as school resourcing.

“In the coming weeks I will be constituting an advisory body, the National Education and Training Council, to advise me on matters including school resourcing, teacher workloads and progression and promotion requirements.

“Whether the pass mark should be 30, 40 or 50% in which subjects must be subjected to a well-researched process of experts. We must be responsible with the curriculum of our children,” she said in Parliament.

Tabling the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) Budget Vote on Thursday, the Minister said the budget is a signal of continued commitment to targeted investments that close gaps and unlock every learner’s potential.

This as the DBE received a total budget of over R35 billion – an increase of over 8% from last year.

With Early Childhood Development (ECD) being part of the department’s five key priorities, the ECD Conditional Grant increases to over R1.7 billion; with over R230 million allocated to an ECD Nutrition Pilot and R162 million set aside for ECD infrastructure.
“Our goal is clear: every child must enter Grade R ready to learn in all respects. Our strategy centres on foundational learning – ensuring all children can read and calculate by age ten.”

Meanwhile, over R4.6 billion has been allocated to Curriculum Policy Support and Monitoring – an increase of over 14% enabling national oversight, teacher support and curriculum delivery.

The department’s R1.2 billion Workbook Programme will continue to provide quality learning materials from Grades R to 9 — including Braille and adaptive formats.

“While workbooks support teaching and learning, they are not substitutes for quality teaching. R57 million over the medium term will support learners who are not being taught in their mother-tongue through the rollout of mother-tongued based bilingual education.
“Our message is simple: reading is non-negotiable, and the Foundation Phase is where the battle for equity and excellence must be won.”
Additionally, the department is building an inclusive system that removes barriers to learning for learners with diverse education needs.
It will continue to: 
•    support full-service and special schools through the Inclusive Education Conditional Grant;
•    and monitoring provincial spending on assistive devices, transport and teacher aides.

Investing in teachers

At the same time, district teams are being strengthened to offer diagnostic support with the department investing over R1.8 billion in teacher training, mentorship and leadership.

“The Funza Lushaka bursary scheme will fund over 9,000 students focused on priority subjects and Foundation Phase education. Recruitment will prioritise candidates willing to teach in rural and high-need areas.

“Teachers are the single most important in-school resource influencing learning outcomes. We must continue to support and professionalise them.”

Infrastructure and nutrition

On school infrastructure, R15.3 billion Education Infrastructure Grant (EIG) will be used by provinces to eliminate pit toilets, expand classrooms and repair schools.

“We’ve made progress on school infrastructure and safety, completing 97% of sanitation projects under the SAFE initiative (as of today), and supporting provinces to eradicate the remaining unsafe sanitation facilities,” said Gwarube.

She added that over nine million learners rely on the school nutrition programme.

“R10 billion will feed over nine million learners daily while we’re improving menus, delivery and local sourcing. This budget reflects our constitutional duty and belief in education as the most powerful lever for transformation.

“We are reviewing the provincial school nutrition models to improve efficiency, financial management, and the impact of this programme. Every day, 9.7 million learners depend on this programme for a meal, and we cannot afford to fail them.”

BELA Act 

The Minister said the DBE has actively supported the sector in implementing the BELA Act, which came into effect on 24 December 2024.

The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act which amends sections of the South African Schools Act of 1996 (SASA) and the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (EEA) to account for developments in the education landscape since the enactment of the original legislation.

“This includes training of provincial officials, interim guidelines and an extensive suite of draft regulations. 
“The first two regulations, focused on admissions and capacity, will be published in the coming weeks for public comment, with further regulations to follow,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za

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SA to host second G20 environment and climate meeting

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa, through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), will host the second technical meeting of the Group of 20 (G20) Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) next week.

The meeting will be held from 14-18 18 July 2025, at Kruger National Park (KNP) in Skukuza, Mpumalanga.

The ECSWG will facilitate high-level discussions on various critical topics, including biodiversity and conservation, climate change, land degradation, desertification and drought, chemicals and waste management, air quality, and ocean and coastal issues.

According to the department, this meeting will build on the progress made at the first virtual ECSWG meeting held in March and will focus on deepening collaboration within the priorities of the G20 ECSWG.

READ | G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group first meeting concluded

The DFFE is coordinating the ECSWG, ensuring alignment with South Africa’s policy priorities and global sustainability commitments. 

The key activities focused on promoting global cooperation for environmental sustainability. 

This includes leading three ECSWG meetings, integrating sustainability discussions within G20 Working Groups, and collaborating with stakeholders and member states to achieve actionable results in climate finance, biodiversity, pollution management, and ocean governance.

The meeting at the KNP forms part of a series of three ECSWG engagements hosted by South Africa during its G20 Presidency. 
The meeting will bring together over 250 delegates, including representatives from G20 member states, invited countries, international organisations, government officials, and the media.

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, will launch G20 legacy projects at the second technical meeting of the ECSWG.

The launch of the G20 legacy project, Rhino Renaissance Campaign, will demonstrate conservation efforts in fighting wildlife crime. 

This will include a live demonstration of the dehorning of rhino process to be administered by the world-acclaimed South African National Parks Veterinary Services in the presence of the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, and a selected group of delegates.   

The leaders will also embark on the G20 tree planting activity, a symbolic tree planting ceremony of 20 trees, one for each G20 member, outside the Nombolo Mdluli Conference Centre. 

“This initiative forms part of South Africa’s National Greening Programme, which aims to plant 10 million trees over five years. It is a bold step toward addressing the Presidential imperatives on greening,” the statement read. 

The leaders will also announce the school essay winners. – SAnews.gov.za

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Utility provides feedback on sale of Eskom Finance Company

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, July 11, 2025

Eskom and African Bank have signed agreements for the sale of Eskom Finance Company SOC Limited.

“As announced in the Stock Exchange News Service (SENS) notice on 5 December 2024, Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd accepted a binding offer from African Bank Limited (African Bank) for the acquisition of Eskom Finance Company SOC Limited (EFC) staff home loan portfolio, related assets, and Eskom’s stake in Nqaba Finance 1 (RF) Limited (the Disposal).

“The parties have now signed the sale agreements, satisfying a key condition of the transaction, along with several other preliminary requirements,” said Eskom.

In December, the parties were in the process of concluding a sale and purchase agreement with the disposal being subject to various conditions precedent, including board and regulatory approvals.

In an update on Thursday, the power utility said the milestone will see it and African Bank proceed to submit the necessary filings to the Competition Commission for regulatory approval.

“Finalising the sale agreements marks a significant step in Eskom’s journey to streamline operations and focus on its core mandate. This transaction not only supports our strategic goals but also fulfils one of the conditions set by the National Treasury under the debt relief programme, which requires the disposal of non-core assets.

“We appreciate the constructive engagement with African Bank and remain committed to ensuring a smooth transition that delivers value to our stakeholders,” said Eskom’s Chief Financial Officer, Calib Cassim.

Eskom said it remains committed to transparent communication and will continue to update stakeholders as the transaction progresses. –SAnews.gov.za

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Ramokgopa to host G20 meetings focusing on global development

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, July 11, 2025

The Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, will host the fourth Group of 20 (G20) Development Working Group (DWG) meeting and the G20 Ministerial meeting on development from 20 – 25 July 2025 at Skukuza Lodge in the Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga.

This event will take place under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, focusing on the theme: “Solidarity, Sustainability, and Equality“.

These meetings will bring together G20 Member States, invited countries, and international organisations to advance global development cooperation and the financing of sustainable development. 

The gathering will focus on high-level principles on global public goods and global public investment; mobilising finance for development and means of implementation; and building resilience through universal social protection floors. 

For more G20 South Africa news articles, visit https://www.sanews.gov.za/search?keyword=g20. – SAnews.gov.za

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Higher Education targets bogus colleges in E Cape

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, July 11, 2025

The spotlight will be on bogus colleges operating in the Eastern Cape as the Department of Higher Education and Training undertakes an awareness campaign in the East London CBD.

The campaign will be led by Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe — in collaboration with Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, the South African Police Service, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Department of Employment and Labour — from 14  to 15 July.

It takes place ahead of the second semester registration and student intake. 

Buffalo City Mayor, Princess Faku, and other senior leaders will join the Deputy Minister during the campaign that will conduct oversight of private institutions of higher education in the area. 

“The Deputy Minister has consistently emphasised that ongoing awareness campaigns are an effective method to assist students and parents in avoiding illegal higher education institutions,” the department said. 

The campaign will start on Monday morning at the New Council Chambers on Oxford Street. It will go to Ebenezer Majombozi High School on Tuesday. – SAnews.gov.za

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Sports Minister welcomes Caster Semenya ruling

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has expressed his support for the recent ruling by the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) involving Caster Semenya. 

This ruling upheld a 2023 decision by the ECHR’s lower chamber, which found that Semenya was denied a fair and effective hearing by the Swiss Federal Tribunal. 

According to reports, this was part of the two-time Olympic champion’s seven-year legal battle against the eligibility rules in track and field. 

On Thursday, the court’s 17-judge panel ruled in a 15-2 vote that Semenya’s rights to a fair hearing were violated at Switzerland’s Supreme Court, where she had appealed a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in favour of World Athletics.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) believes that the decision marks a critical moment in the long-standing battle for the dignity and human rights of female athletes with differences of sexual development.

“Caster, we as South Africa have always stood by you, and we will continue to do so as the fight for your bodily rights continues,” the Minister said. 

From the outset, the department said the South African government stood firmly behind Semenya. 

“Through the current DSAC and the former Department of Sport and Recreation, a coordinated and multi-sectoral response was established that included expert panels in the legal, medical, and advocacy spheres. 

“The department also launched the #NaturallySuperior campaign to mobilise public awareness and international solidarity, highlighting that Semenya’s natural talents should be celebrated rather than policed.”

DSAC committed financially in support of Athletics South Africa’s legal efforts with Semenya and further engaged with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to elevate the matter internationally, leading to a strong resolution on the matter at the United Nations Human Rights Council.

“This resolution condemned the current regulations against her as a violation of bodily integrity, equality, and freedom from cruel or degrading treatment.”

While the recent ruling has not overturned these discriminatory regulations, it is an important legal and moral victory, which opens new legal avenues and affirms the right of athletes such as Semenya to be heard on just and equal terms. 

DSAC said it will continue working with Athletics South Africa, legal experts, and other African governments and federations to pursue justice through all available channels, including within the structures of World Athletics.

“Caster Semenya has become the face of defiance against injustice in global sport, and this court victory is a victory for every African child. South Africa is proud of her, and we will walk every step of this journey with you, Caster, until justice is not only seen, but felt,” said McKenzie. 

“We can’t wait to see you running again,” he added.  

Meanwhile, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) said they have noted the judgment handed down by the ECHR.  
“The Commission is still studying the judgment. A formal statement on our position will be released in due course,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

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African Representation at National Basketball Association (NBA) 2K26 Summer League 2025

Source: APO


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The NBA 2K26 Summer League 2025 (www.NBA.com) will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from July 10-20 and once again feature a strong presence of African players, coaches and referees, including:

  • Six former NBA Academy Africa players
  • 23 coaches from 15 African countries as part of the Africa Coaches Program
  • Three referees from the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) season

The participation of these players, coaches and referees is part of NBA Africa and the BAL’s commitment to developing talent and expertise throughout the African basketball ecosystem and contributing to the continued growth of the game across the continent.

Below are storylines about the African players, coaches, and referees participating in this year’s Summer League, which will air live in Africa on NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscriptions service available via the NBA App:

PLAYERS

  • Six former NBA Academy Africa players have joined Summer League rosters:
    • Ibou Badji (Denver Nuggets; Senegal)
    • Jean-Jacques Boissy (Milwaukee Bucks; Senegal)
    • Ulrich Chomche (Toronto Raptors; Cameroon), who was selected 57th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.
    • Nelly Joseph Junior (Atlanta Hawks; Nigeria)
    • Khaman Maluach (Phoenix Suns; South Sudan; ties to Uganda), who was selected 10th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, becoming the highest-drafted former NBA Academy Africa and Basketball Africa League (BAL) player ever.
    • Babacar Sané (Minnesota Timberwolves; Senegal)
  • Three players who participated in the 2025 BAL season will compete in Summer League:
    • Boissy – 2025 BAL champion and MVP with Alahli Tripoli (Libya), Boissy averaged 18.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 1.9 assists per game.
    • Aliou Diarra (Mali; Dallas Mavericks) – Two-time Dikembe Mutombo BAL Defensive Player of the Year (2023 and 2025) and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA G League International Draft, Diarra will join the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft – Cooper Flagg – on the Mavericks’ Summer League roster.
    • Sané – 2025 All-BAL Second Team as a member of US Monastir (Tunisia).

COACHES:

  • Twenty-three coaches from 15 African countries have been selected to participate in Summer League as part of the Africa Coaches Program, which is part of NBA Africa and the BAL’s ongoing commitment to developing coaching talent across the continent.  The 23 coaches (full list below) include:

    • Four who previously played in the BAL: two-time BAL champion with Zamalek (2021) and US Monastir (2022) Solo Diabate (Bucks; Côte d’Ivoire), 2024 BAL champion with Petro de Luanda Carlos Morais (New York Knicks; Angola), as well as Marawan Sarhan (Miami Heat; Egypt) and Mostafa Kejo (Los Angeles Lakers; Egypt), both of whom competed for Al Ahly (Egypt) during the 2024 BAL season.
    • Two female coaches: Fenan Atobrhan (Eritrea; Houston Rockets) and Ruth Bibeyi (Gabon; Indiana Pacers).  Atobrhan served as an assistant coach with APR during the 2025 BAL season when the team finished third, its best-ever finish in the BAL.  Bibeyi served as head coach of Espoir Basket Club (Gabon) during the 2023 Road to the BAL qualifying tournament, was part of the coaching staff at the 2025 BAL Combine, and has served as a mentor as part of BAL4HER, the league’s platform for advancing gender equality in the African sports ecosystem. 

REFEREES

  • Three referees who have officiated in the BAL will serve as Summer League officials: Claudio Eiuba (Angola), Vitalis Gode (Kenya) and Erick Otieno (Kenya).

Please see below for the complete list of African coaches participating in the NBA 2K26 Summer League 2025 as part of the Africa Coaches Program:

Name

Country

NBA Team

Lamine Krideche

Algeria

Cleveland Cavaliers

Carlos Morais

Angola

New York Knicks

Francois Enyegue

Cameroon

Charlotte Hornets

Antonio Moreira

Cape Verde

Atlanta Hawks

Solo Diabate

Côte D’Ivoire

Milwaukee Bucks

Pierrot Ilunga

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Detroit Pistons

Mostafa Kejo

Egypt

Los Angeles Lakers

Marawan Sarhan

Egypt

Miami Heat

Wael Badr

Egypt

Portland Blazers

Haytham Kamel

Egypt

Utah Jazz

Fenan Atobrhan

Eritrea

Houston Rockets

Ruth Bibeyi

Gabon

Indiana Pacers

Reda Rhalimi

Morocco

Denver Nuggets

Akil Driss

Morocco

Toronto Raptors

Mohammed Abdulrahman

Nigeria

Washington Wizards

Prosper Naci

Rwanda

Philadelphia 76ers

Abdallah Mbaye

Senegal

Chicago Bulls

Matar Mbodji

Senegal

Dallas Mavericks

Samba Fall

Senegal

San Antonio Spurs

Moratiemang Jr. Mmoloke

South Africa

Boston Celtics

Igor Lunnemann

South Africa

New Orleans Pelicans

Lindokuhle Sibankulu

South Africa

Sacramento Kings

Amine Rzig

Tunisia

LA Clippers

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

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Kinshasa to Host Inaugural World Music and Tourism Festival Celebrating Music and Tourism as Drivers of Dialogue and Development

Source: APO


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Under the High Patronage of His Excellency Mr. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa will host the first-ever World Music and Tourism Festival. UN Tourism joins the event as a supporting partner, reinforcing the shared value of culture and tourism for sustainable development and for building mutual understanding and peace.

Held under the theme “The Rumba Route for Peace,” the Festival will highlight how music can connect cultures, strengthen communities, and create opportunities. It also supports national efforts to promote cultural heritage, grow the creative economy and build peace through cultural exchange.

Music, Heritage, and Innovation

The festival will spotlight Congolese Rumba recognized by UNESCO in 2021 and its role in shaping identity and tourism. UN Tourism’s involvement is part of wider efforts to link cultural assets to inclusive growth and cross-cultural exchange across Africa.

A Three-Day Programme of Culture and Collaboration

Hosted at the Central African Cultural and Arts Centre (CCAPAC), the Festival will feature Roundtables on:

  • Musical diplomacy for peace
  • Copyrights and fair pay for artists
  • Music and destination branding
  • Youth and digital innovation in culture

As well as:

  • A Cultural Village and Exhibition Centre
  • Performances from Congolese and international artists
  • A “Fair Play” Masterclass for artists and entrepreneurs
  • A Rumba-themed welcome, Gala Dinner, and cultural tours

As H.E. Mr. Didier M’Pambia Musanga, Minister of Tourism of the Democratic Republic of Congo, stated: “The Festival will bring together voices to explore how music shapes lives, drives economic opportunity, and through innovation and technology, fosters greater connection among people”.

The mix of music, dialogue, and networking reflects the Festival’s commitment to inclusive development, a goal shared by UN Tourism, which supports culture as a driver of sustainable growth and shared prosperity.

Platform for Exchange

The Festival brings together stakeholders from governments, organizations, businesses, and civil society. Confirmed partners include UNESCO, ARIPO, Sony Music Entertainment, Sound Diplomacy, and cultural leaders from Africa, Latin America, and Europe.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stated, “Music speaks to people everywhere. This Festival is a valuable opportunity to celebrate Congolese creativity while supporting local development, regional cooperation, and international understanding. UN Tourism is proud to support an initiative that reflects the shared potential of tourism and culture to foster peace, build bridges and unlock opportunities.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism).

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Civil Society Leaders Applaud Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio’s Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Chairmanship, Present Honorary Plaque

Source: APO


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A cross-section of members of the West Africa Civil Society Network, Sierra Leone Chapter, has paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio to extend a message of goodwill and offer their congratulations on his recent election as Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Thematic Lead for Education in the Sierra Leone Chapter, Mr. Alphonso Manley, conveyed the network’s admiration and support for President Bio’s leadership.

“Your Excellency, we are here today to congratulate you on your election as Chairman of ECOWAS. We want to assure you of our full commitment and readiness to work side by side with you during your tenure in achieving your objectives,” he stated.

Presenting a plaque in honour of the President’s dedication and commitment to elevating Sierra Leone’s global standing, the Chairman of the Sierra Leone Chapter, Mr. William Sao Lamin, expressed appreciation on behalf of civil society.

“Today, on behalf of the Civil Society Network, we present this plaque as a symbol of your dedication and commitment to service. You have positioned Sierra Leone on the global map, and we are proud of your leadership,” he remarked.

In his response, President Bio thanked the delegation for their kind gesture and noted the significance of collective achievement.

“I wish to express my profound gratitude for this congratulatory message. This is a collective celebration of what we can accomplish when we build synergy and work together as nations. It has always been my promise to raise Sierra Leone to greater heights, that’s why today we lead ECOWAS and have a membership of the United Nations Security Council,” the President stated.

He emphasized that such milestones are the result of shared national vision and belief, adding: “This is a fulfilled promise to my country.”

President Bio also used the occasion to encourage civil society organizations to serve as goodwill ambassadors for Sierra Leone.

“We should all be proud as a nation and promote the positive image of Sierra Leone. There is so much happening that should give us hope. As long as we continue to work together as partners in development, we will move this country forward. Your congratulations today are for all of us. Wherever I go, I will represent you and continue to inspire you and many others,” he concluded.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.