Category: Africa

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Africa Scales Up Mineral Mapping to Attract Exploration Investment Ahead of African Mining Week (AMW) 2025

Source: APO


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Across Africa, mineral-rich nations are intensifying nationwide geological surveys to gain a deeper understanding of their mineral resources. These initiatives aim to attract new investment in exploration and production, bolstering the continent’s role in the global supply of transition and fourth industrial revolution metals.

In June, Zambia’s Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development reported that its high-resolution airborne geophysical survey had covered 22% of the country’s land area, with plans to reach 70% by December 2025. The program is on track for completion by mid-2026 and forms part of Zambia’s strategy to de-risk mining investment and scale annual copper output to 3 million tons by 2031. At African Mining Week 2025 – taking place in Cape Town on October 1-3 – a panel on Zambia: Accelerating Exploration and Development Through License Allocation will highlight the country’s ongoing efforts to expand its mineral resource base and streamline development.

AMW serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Zambia’s efforts are part of a broader continental movement to fast-track geo-mapping using advanced technologies. Tanzania, for example, is pursuing a national mapping program with a strong focus on critical minerals. Led by the Ministry of Minerals and the State Mining Corporation, the initiative targets 50% territorial coverage by 2030. In March, Tanzania partnered with the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources to enhance technical capabilities through knowledge and technology exchange. This program forms a central component of Tanzania’s Vision 2030 Strategy, which identifies mining as a key engine for GDP growth.

In Liberia, Minister of Mines and Energy Wilmot J.M. Paye confirmed in February 2025 that the country’s national survey had identified significant deposits of critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, copper and nickel. Meanwhile, South Sudan’s ongoing mapping efforts have revealed geological similarities with the mineral-rich Democratic Republic of Congo – the continent’s leading copper producer and the world’s largest supplier of cobalt. In Eswatini, preliminary findings from its 2024 survey indicate promising deposits of lithium tantalum, and soft earth minerals.

As these programs gain momentum, AMW 2025 offers a timely platform for governments to present survey findings, share progress and forge new partnerships with global investors and technology providers. Held alongside African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025, the event brings together the full spectrum of mining stakeholders to shape the future of Africa’s mineral economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Minister Lamola leads South African delegation at the 47th Ordinary Session of African Union (AU) Executive Council in Equatorial Guinea

Source: APO


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The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, is leading South Africa’s delegation at the 47th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council taking place on 10 and 11 July 2025 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

The Council will consider and adopt the AU Budget for the period 2026. The budget is a key enabler for the AU to address challenges facing the continent, ensuring Africa’s continued resilience and the sustenance of the AU Commission, which is the key implementing agent for AU decisions.

The Council is expected to elect and appoint the outstanding two Commissioners for (i) Economic Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM) and (ii) Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI).

Minister Lamola will also seize this opportunity to update his counterparts on the progress made during South Africa’s G20 Presidency. The G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, scheduled for November 2025, represents an opportunity to amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage.

South Africa’s participation during this Ordinary Session of the Executive Council is rooted in her commitment to strengthening the AU and its Organs.

Minister Lamola said: “Our aim is to ensure our Union effectively pursues the noble aspiration of Silencing the Guns by 2030; the accelerated implementation of the Second Ten-Year Plan of Agenda 2063, which embodies our collective vision for prosperity; and the robust advancement of the African Continental Free Trade Area”.

Beyond the formal agenda, the Minister will seek to foster deeper solidarity by holding bilateral meetings with his counterparts aimed at exchanging views on issues of mutual interest.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call from Nigerian Foreign Minister

Source: APO


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HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received Thursday a telephone call from HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.

The call addressed the two countries’ cooperation relations and means to bolster them, in addition to a host of topics of mutual interest. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

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North Kivu: Living conditions worsen in Bambo – a fragile sanctuary for tens of thousands fleeing violence

Source: APO


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Bambo, North Kivu, is facing a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis as ongoing conflict has forced tens of thousands to flee to the town. Overcrowded shelters, food shortages, and strained health services are pushing displaced families to the brink. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is providing essential care to around 3,700 people each week – an increase of more than 40% since before current wave of mass displacement began. Local needs far exceed current capacity.

When fighting erupted in Rushashi, Kinoko* fled with her husband and six children, traveling for weeks through the forest. Armed groups had seized their harvest, forcing them to leave everything behind and lose contact with relatives – whose fate is uncertain.

Arriving in Bambo in late June, the family joined tens of thousands of newly displaced people—most of them women and children. Kinoko and her family are currently sheltering in a school, one of 24 collective sites across Bambo, which also include churches and empty buildings. Between May and July, the number of displaced people in the town nearly doubled, surpassing 51,000 and now making up more than 80% of Bambo’s population.

“It is difficult to sleep because it is so crowded here. To survive, we go to the fields and ask local residents for manioc leaves and rotten bananas, but even then, we struggle. The kids are so hungry,” she said.

Ongoing instability continues to drive mass displacement across Rutshuru territory. Since MSF’s last call for urgent action in June, Bambo—one of the region’s largest towns—has fallen to the M23 armed group, which remains locked in conflict with Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda [FDLR] and Collective of Movements for Change [CMC] militias.

“I left my home after gunfire broke out between the M23 and CMC,” explained Nsaku*, a 49-year-old man who fled Birambizo with four family members. “Several houses were set on fire on the pretext that they belonged to the CMC. Given the growing insecurity, I decided it was best to leave after spending a few days hiding in the bush. I had to leave my livestock behind.”

Bambo has become a fragile sanctuary for people escaping violence, as conflict continues to devastate the surrounding areas and makes it unlikely that displaced families will be able to return home soon. Armed groups frequently steal harvests, leaving people with few means of survival—even if they were to go back. Many new arrivals are deeply traumatized, and numerous testimonies describe violence allegedly committed by armed groups.

A recent arrival to Bambo explained that he fled to the town after hearing bombs explode near the fields where he was living and working. “We were warned that anyone who stayed behind would be killed,” he said.

“One soldier picked up a chicken and cut off its head in front of me, suggesting that I would be next,” said another, who managed to escape. “Two members of my family were killed.”

The humanitarian needs of the town’s ever-growing population are immense. Many are living in overcrowded conditions with limited access to clean water and sanitation or basic household items such as cooking equipment; some are unable to find shelter at all; and hunger is rising – the price of beans at the local market has doubled and those displaced people lucky enough to find work typically eke out a living of less than $1 per day working in fields.

MSF has operated in Bambo since 2017 and is among the few international medical organizations supporting displaced people in the area, providing care for around 3,700 people each week at the general hospital and health centers in and around the town – up from 2,400 per week prior to the mass displacement.

Malnutrition wards have had occupancy rates over 100 percent for close to a month; dozens of sexual violence victims are seen every week; and significant numbers of patients continue to seek treatment for diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections.

Malaria cases have surged since July, with a single clinic where MSF operates reporting an average of 341 cases each week over the past month – a figure that continues to grow. This sharp increase is partly due to cuts in international humanitarian funding, including from USAID, which forced the national malaria programme to halt its activities in the area. These funding cuts have also left local health authorities with fewer resources to treat malnutrition, provide post-exposure prophylaxis [PEP] kits, and support Tuberculosis and HIV services.

“Urgent interventions are required not only in the medical sector, but also in critical related areas such as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), food distribution, and shelter provision. Without comprehensive action in these fields, the risk of disease outbreaks will continue to rise,” said François Calas, MSF’s Head of Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“MSF teams will continue to provide lifesaving medical care in Bambo, but we cannot meet alone the growing humanitarian needs of this community. It is vital that other partners step up to avoid disaster.”

*Name has been changed

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

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Opening remarks by Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, at the YeBo GoBeyond Conference 2025 Opening Ceremony, Jakes Gerwel Hall, University of the Western Cape

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director, Wayde Groep;
Head of YearBeyond, Jacqueline Boulle;
Representatives from civil society;
And most importantly, our young leaders, change makers, dreamers and doers gathered here today;

Good morning, and thank you for the invitation to be part of this uplifting event that showcases the positive energies and productive ability of our nation’s youth.

I am truly sorry that I cannot be with you in person today but I believe your energy will rub off on me regardless of where I am.

The YeBo GoBeyond Conference 2025 is taking place at a very special venue.

The University of the Western Cape was a centre of struggle and conflict between the apartheid state and successions of progressive student movements.

It was a place where academics and students openly challenged the apartheid state with ideas, with class boycotts and with marches around the campus and in nearby communities.

Through the years of our struggle, the University of the Western Cape produced students of outstanding calibre who served our country and their communities across many professional and vocational fields.

The University has for decades been a centre of academic excellence and social and economic relevance.

It was this university’s Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Jakes Gerwel, who was chosen by our Founding President Nelson Mandela to be the first Director-General in The Presidency in our democratic dispensation.

It is this history that has made it possible for all of us to be part of this largest youth service conference on the African continent in 2025.

It is this history that made it possible for a once-isolated South Africa to become part of global society and to enable new generations of South Africans to develop and excel in the ways we are celebrating here today.

You are gathered here today not only as participants in a programme but as living proof of what it means to step up, show up, and make a difference.

We are here to celebrate you, to honour your spirit of service, and to reflect on the power of youth to shape the present and the future of our country.

Celebrating the Power of Youth

Each one of you represents the potential and power of South Africa’s youth.

Every single day, in your schools, communities, clinics, libraries, and homes, you demonstrate what it means to persevere. You are not waiting for change, you are the change.

You have chosen to serve others. You have chosen to believe in a better tomorrow, to dream beyond your circumstances, and to begin building what is right.

We speak often of Youth Month and the legacy of 1976 but that legacy lives on today in all of you. It lives in your actions, your commitment, and your refusal to accept a future that has already been written for you.

The Importance of Service

As I reflect on your work, I cannot help but think of Nelson Mandela and Jakes Gerwel, whose legacies were defined not by prestige, but by perseverance and purpose.

Their lives were lives of service. And as you walk this journey, you are following in that tradition.

It is therefore particularly appropriate that this conference is taking place in the month in which we commemorate the birth of our Founding President Nelson Mandela on 18 July 1918.

As we build on Madiba’s legacy, we take pride in what we are achieving with our Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, which is now in its second phase.

Service is at the very centre of this Intervention – because service is not just about what you do for others; it is also about what it builds in you.

Service is not always glamorous. Often it is quiet, sometimes invisible.

But it is also powerful. It builds character. It forges resilience. It teaches humility and purpose. And it gives you a voice, a voice rooted in action and impact.

You are serving your communities and, at the same time, you are preparing for your future.

Through this journey, you are becoming the healers, the builders, the educators, the creatives, and the leaders of today and tomorrow.

Confronting Challenges Teenage Pregnancy and Education

We cannot talk about youth without acknowledging some of the real challenges many young people are facing and one of those is teenage pregnancy.

The numbers are alarming. More than 90,000 teenage pregnancies were recorded in the past year, many involving girls as young as 10 years old. This is not just a health or education issue.

This is a societal crisis that speaks to gender inequality, sexual violence, and the absence of supportive systems.

We must confront this reality with honesty and urgency. We must say to young people, especially our young women: your future matters. Your education matters. Your life is not over.

And our message applies equally to boys and young men, who need to reflect on the values, beliefs and behaviours that should shape their lives for the better.

Baby Mamas and Baby Daddys may sound cool and look like a source of gossip and entertainment on our socials but in real life, there is nothing for anyone to be proud of.

That is why we urge young people to stay focused on school, to take part in sport, arts, debate clubs, tutoring, and youth organisations because when you are surrounded by positive energy and strong role models, you can go further.

Unlocking Post-Matric Opportunities for Youth

As we gather here to celebrate your commitment to service and growth, it is equally important that we look ahead to the many doors that can open after you complete your matric or service journey.

Whether you choose to study further at a place such as UWC, or you wish to enter the workforce or explore entrepreneurship, there are real opportunities available, and support exists to help you access them.

One of the most direct pathways is through higher education.

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) continues to support access to universities and TVET colleges, with funding available through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for qualifying students.

The Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) is also in place to assist learners who may not yet have secured placement in an institution.

For those seeking work experience and training, learnerships and skills development programmes are offered by Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).

These programmes combine formal learning with practical, on-the-job training in sectors such as information technology, agriculture, construction, hospitality, and finance.

Youth who are interested in starting their own businesses can access support through the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), which offers grants, training, and mentorship.

The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) and the Department of Small Business Development also provide a range of tools and resources to empower young entrepreneurs and informal traders.

Young people interested in science and innovation can explore internships and study opportunities through institutions such as the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and various innovation hubs that support STEM careers. These platforms nurture curiosity and create real opportunities for youth in emerging fields.

Those gifted in sports, arts, or culture can benefit from programmes run by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), which offers bursaries, mentorship, and platforms to showcase talent through festivals, exhibitions, and competitions across the country.

Finally, for those looking to grow through service, leadership, or global exposure, there are also local and international youth exchange and fellowship programmes such as ACTIVATE! Leadership, the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), and the South Africa-Washington International Program (SAWIP). These platforms nurture active citizenship and build networks of emerging changemakers.

The journey after matric is not a cliff-edge but a launch pad.
With the right information and guidance, every young person can step confidently into their next chapter. Government, together with its partners, remains committed to ensuring that no young person is left behind.

As South Africa proudly hosts the G20 this year under the theme of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” young people have a unique opportunity to engage on issues that shape our shared future.

I encourage all of you to follow and participate in the Y20 (Youth 20) engagement group, which is the official youth platform of the G20.

Through the Y20, youth from around the world contribute to global policy discussions on climate action, digital transformation, education, and employment.

This is your chance to raise your voice, share your perspective, and be part of shaping international dialogue. Take advantage of this moment. Get involved. The world is listening.

A Call to Action: Go Beyond

Over the next three days, you will meet new people, gain new skills, and open new possibilities for your future. Make the most of it. Be curious. Be brave. Go beyond.

Take what you learn here and carry it back to your communities not only as knowledge but as purpose.
You are not here by accident. You were chosen because someone saw the leader in you.

I urge you to use this moment not only to listen, but to connect. Engage with one another, build relationships, and expand your network. The partnerships and insights you gain today can lay the foundation for collective action that outlives this meeting.

But let me be clear: Government cannot do this work alone.

We need civil society, faith leaders, the private sector, schools, families, and mentors to stand with us. As the old African saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child.” It takes a nation to build a generation.

And that’s why we are here because we believe in you, and we believe that this generation will be the one that goes beyond what was ever expected.

Conclusion

To the organisers, facilitators, and partners of YearBeyond thank you for investing in the next generation.

To the young people you are not just the future, you are the present.

And to all of us here may this be a reminder of why we serve, and who we serve.

We appreciate your service. And we look forward to your leadership as you become the next generation to make South Africa “A Nation That Works for All”.

Let’s continue to Go Beyond!

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Free State entrepreneurs encouraged to apply for support incentives

Source: Government of South Africa

The Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) has urged spaza shop owners, informal business traders, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including Cooperatives, to apply for online funding incentives.

This follows the commitment made during the tabling of the department’s 2025/26 Budget Vote Speech.

“In less than a month after the tabling of the departmental Budget Vote, we deliver on what we promised to the business community of the Free State. 

“We are committed to ensuring that MSMEs have access to strategic resources, such as skills, knowledge, network, and access to finance, amongst others, that will enable them to nurture their innovative ideas.

“The incentives are aimed at providing financial and non-financial support for businesses to remain sustainable, acquire production equipment and machinery to create more jobs, and improve the township economy,” the department said in a statement.

The applications window period outlining the processes and the required documents will be opened and accessible from Friday, 11 July 2025 to 21 July 2025 on https://client.fsdestea.kwantu.me/.
 

The department has designed the following three incentives:

1) Spaza Shop Support Incentive

•            This funding incentive is targeted at informal traders and spaza shops with an annual turnover of less than R1 million. 

•            In this category, the enterprises will be supported with equipment, upgrade of business premises, training and stock to a maximum of R100 000.

Documents needed for applications and other requirements:

•            Identity Document (ID);

•            Municipal business permit;

•            Proof of address;

•            51% or higher black-owned or managed business, and 

•            Applicant must be a South African citizen residing in the Free State.

2) Small Enterprise Support

•            This specific funding focuses on small businesses with a turnover of less than R10 million.

•            Enterprises will be assisted with a financial injection amounting to a maximum of R250 000, as per the business requirements.

•            This category’s critical areas are general retail, manufacturing, agro-processing, aquaculture, travel/accommodation/lodging/hospitality, waste economy, automative repairs, digital technologies, health and beauty.

3) Medium Enterprise Support

•            The category is targeted at medium-sized enterprises. 

•            It is aimed at providing expansion capital and co-funding contribution on behalf of the applicant to developmental funding institutions (DFIs) or commercial banks to a maximum amount of R1 million.

•            Sectors falling under this category are chemicals, pharmaceuticals, automotive, green energy, manufacturing, agro-processing, clothing/textiles/footwear and leather (CTFL), hospitality and digital technologies.
 

Makume said the department aims to promote and facilitate financial as well as non-financial support to enhance financial inclusion by increasing access to finance for women, youth, and people with disabilities, township and rural entrepreneurs. 

“Our MSMEs incentive is a unique fund that is meant to mainly address a particular gap in the funding landscape. It includes funding for business expansion.”
 

What applicants can expect

Successful applicants will have to enter into a funding agreement with the department.

It is also important to note that clients who still owe the department invoices for the previous funding, including those who have received letters of demand from the department, will not be considered for funding.

For more information, please contact the following officials:

* Spaza Shop Support Incentive: Ms Moipone Mohono on 082 559 7944.

* Small Enterprise Support Incentive: Ms Tshidi Maleka on 066 051 1279.

* Medium Enterprise Support: Ms Nnana Matlepe on 082 443 5513.

* Industrialisation Support: Ms Portia Nyokong on 082 828 0259.

Failure to comply with the qualifying criteria will result in automatic disqualification from funding consideration. – SAnews.gov.za

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Le Processus de Paix Relancé avec le Retour de Deux Groupes Armés dans Accord politique pour la paix et la reconciliation (APPR)


« Manifestation éclatante », « moment de célébration », « jour mémorable » … Les intervenants au Comité stratégique exceptionnel de l’Accord Politique pour la paix et la réconciliation en République centrafricaine (APPR-RCA), tenu le 10 juillet 2025 à Bangui, ont tous tenu à saluer, à sa juste valeur, l’événement marqué par la réintégration dans le processus de paix des groupes armés 3R (Retour, Réclamation et Réhabilitation) et UPC (Unité pour la Paix en Centrafrique).

« Cette rencontre traduit ma ferme volonté de restaurer la paix par le dialogue », a d’emblée indiqué le Président centrafricain Faustin Archange Touadéra, s’adressant aux autorités et institutions nationales, aux leaders des deux groupes armés, aux garants et facilitateurs de l’APPR-RCA, parmi lesquels la Représentante spéciale du Secrétaire général des Nations Unies, Valentine Rugwabiza, ainsi que des partenaires de la RCA. Parmi les participants, une délégation gouvernementale tchadienne conduite par le ministre des Armées et des Anciens combattants du Tchad, Issakha Maloua Djamous.

La rencontre de ce jour s’inscrit dans le cadre de l’accord signé le 19 avril 2025 à Ndjaména entre le Gouvernement centrafricain, l’UPC et le 3R, à la suite de « concertations soutenues par les garants et facilitateurs, en particulier les autorités tchadiennes et notamment le Président Mahamat Idriss Déby », a déclaré le Président Touadéra.

« Je remercie les leaders des deux groupes armés qui ont fait le déplacement de Bangui pour matérialiser leur engagement et qui viennent de faire le désarmement devant le peuple centrafricain, devant les garants et facilitateurs de l’APPR et de la Feuille de Route de Luanda et devant la communauté internationale. Leur décision solennelle de cesser toute violence, de faire revenir tous les éléments de leur groupe respectif dans la République et ainsi apporter leur contribution au développement du pays nous conforte dans nos efforts de ramener la paix et la sécurité par le dialogue », a-t-il dit.

Le Président a aussi rappelé les progrès enregistrés grâce à l’APPR comme la réconciliation nationale, la restauration de l’autorité de l’Etat, le rétablissement de la paix et la sécurité, la fourniture de services de base aux populations ainsi que l’auto-dissolution de neuf groupes armés, saluant au passage la contribution de tous les partenaires. Par ailleurs, il a encouragé tous les leaders et les éléments des groupes armés résiduels à s’engager fermement dans la dynamique de paix en cours, appelant notamment le FPRC de Nourredine Adam à réintégrer le processus. « Des discussions sont en cours, à leur demande, avec les anti-Balaka aile-Ngaissona et aile-Mokom, le leader actuel de RJ-Sayo et Al Khatim du MPC, décidés à revenir dans l’APPR et aller vers la dissolution intégrale de leurs groupes », a ajouté le Chef de l’État.

Les leaders de l’UPC et des 3R ont tous exprimé leur détermination à rester dans le processus de paix. “Il y a un temps pour la guerre et un temps pour la paix. Nous sommes ici pour répondre à l’appel de la République. On va respecter le processus”, a affirmé le leader des 3R, Embe Bobo. Pour sa part, le chef de l’UPC, Ali Darassa, a affirmé “devant l’opinion nationale et internationale, que notre engagement pour la paix est total. Il n’y a pas de retour en arrière possible”.

Le ministre tchadien des Armées et des Anciens combattants a rappelé « le processus de médiation patient et discret » conduit par le Tchad, tout en exprimant la volonté de son pays « à accompagner de manière continue les efforts de paix, de réconciliation et de reconstruction en Centrafrique ». « La paix en République centrafricaine est indissociable de la stabilité du Tchad voire de l’ensemble de la sous-région », a-t-il ajouté.

Soutien réitéré de la MINUSCA

La Représentante spéciale du Secrétaire général a aussi réaffirmé l’appui des Nations Unies au processus de paix en RCA en ce jour où « le pays franchit une nouvelle étape sur son chemin vers une paix pérenne ». « La MINUSCA, en tant que facilitatrice de l’APPR, reste déterminée à soutenir et accompagner les efforts nécessaires pour la mise en œuvre des engagements pris dans le cadre de l’APPR-RCA signé le 6 février 2019 et, en particulier, dans le cadre de l’Accord du 19 avril 2025 marquant le retour des 3R et de l’UPC dans l’APPR-RCA », a indiqué Valentine Rugwabiza.

Soulignant que « le Désarmement, Démobilisation et Réintégration (DDR) constitue la pierre angulaire de la mise en œuvre des engagements susmentionnés », la Représentante spéciale a annoncé le démarrage, dès le 11 juillet à Maloum (centre de la RCA), d’une opération de désarmement et démobilisation d’éléments armés de l’UPC, à laquelle la MINUSCA apporte un soutien considérable. Par ailleurs, la Cheffe de la MINUSCA a lancé un appel à tous les partenaires de la RCA à faire de cette paix durable, une réalité durable. « C’est le moment de nous remobiliser et de mobiliser toutes les ressources – nous sommes dans une période de difficultés financières que nul n’ignore – mais ceci est une opportunité historique pour l’acheminement vers une paix et une prospérité durables », a-t-elle affirmé. 

Sur l’accord du 19 avril, la Représentante spéciale a salué la détermination du Président Touadéra à poursuivre une paix inclusive et souligné l’acte de “courage de la renonciation à la confrontation armée, de courage du choix de la reconstruction et de la réconciliation” posé par les leaders de l’UPC et du 3R, encourageant les parties signataires à ne ménager aucun effort dans la mise en œuvre des engagements pris.

« Il y a aura probablement, comme dans la mise en œuvre de tout accord, des moments de défis, de difficultés, d’incompréhension mais l’intérêt supérieur de la cohésion sociale et de l’unité nationale doivent primer sur toute autre considération en ces moments », a-t-elle déclaré, avant d’appeler le peuple centrafricain à protéger et à nourrir cette paix : « Faites-en le socle d’une nouvelle ère ! ».

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

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SIU obtains R67m recovery order against Public Works plumbing contractor

Source: Government of South Africa

SIU obtains R67m recovery order against Public Works plumbing contractor

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a recovery order of R67 million against a plumbing contractor associated with the Department of Public Works, preventing a potential loss of R33 million. 

This action follows the Special Tribunal’s review, which led to the cancellation of contracts totaling R67 million that were awarded to Kroucamp Plumbers between 2015 and 2019. 

These contracts were for services related to vacuum pumping of septic tanks and emergency interventions for sewage blockages.

“The Tribunal has declared these contracts invalid and unlawful and has ordered the service provider to refund the funds received from the department in relation to these contracts,” a statement from the SIU read. 

According to the SIU, the comprehensive financial recovery includes R46.6 million from invalid 2015 to 2017 contracts, and R20 million from unlawful 2017 to 2019 tenders.

The Tribunal also dismissed a counterclaim of R33 million, which Kroucamp Plumbers had submitted against the department.

“This counterclaim was effectively contested by the SIU, resulting in a favourable outcome for the department.” 

The order follows an investigation conducted by the SIU, which uncovered a complex network of corruption involving falsified bidding documents, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and payments made to officials who manipulated the tendering process.

“The investigation revealed that Kroucamp Plumbers misrepresented its Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) status, submitted incomplete bidding information, and colluded with departmental officials to secure contracts totalling millions of rands.”

In addition, the Tribunal determined that the company’s Director, Johannes Jacobus Kroucamp, exploited the corporate structure for personal gain, thereby jeopardising the interests of the State.

“Judge David Makhoba emphasised the gravity of the misconduct, indicating that the tenders breached constitutional procurement regulations and eroded public trust. 

“The ruling annuls both contracts and revokes the juristic personality of Kroucamp Plumbers, requiring the company to compensate the State for the financial losses incurred. Consequently, Mr Kroucamp may be held personally accountable for the company’s debts owed to the State,” the statement said.

The SIU conducted its investigation into the Kroucamp Plumbers corruption case under Proclamation R20 of 2018. 

“This proclamation authorised the SIU to investigate allegations of serious maladministration, improper conduct, and corruption in the awarding of tenders by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.”

The SIU explained that it is also empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to address any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations related to corruption, fraud or maladministration.

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence of criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action. – SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng Education allocates funds to schools 

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng Education allocates funds to schools 

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has confirmed that it has provided the necessary funds to all schools for payment of their respective municipal billing accounts.

In a statement on Thursday, the provincial department said the funds were transferred to the accounts of all identified schools in June 2025.

“The Department wishes to reiterate that, in line with legislation, schools – specifically those granted Section 21 functions – are entrusted with managing their own finances. These schools are responsible for a range of functions, including the payment of municipal services such as electricity and water,” it said.

Once funds have been transferred, the schools and their respective School Governing Body (SGB) assume full responsibility in ensuring that their municipal accounts are settled and paid on time to avoid water and electricity cuts.

In addition to allocating funds, the GDE provides oversight and support to these schools, having previously settled outstanding accounts on behalf of schools in April 2025. The department also provides financial management training to schools and SGBs to convey and educate on the importance of compliance of all relevant financial processes.

It further added that it remains committed to maintaining a conducive learning and teaching environment in all schools and continues to work with school leadership structures to ensure sound financial governance and uninterrupted access to basic services in its institutions.

“No public school in Gauteng is currently, or will ever be, disconnected from water and electricity services now and in the near future. Schools must work hand in hand with the GDE to continue achieving this by ensuring their municipal accounts are up to date at all times, and that they comply to all necessary procedures,” said Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane.

The MEC called on parents, communities, and stakeholders to support schools and their School Governing Bodies in executing their duties not just responsibly; but to the benefit of all learners, educators, and school-based staff. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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SA participates in 47th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council

Source: Government of South Africa

SA participates in 47th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, is in  Equatorial Guinea where he is leading South Africa’s delegation at the 47th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council. 

The session which is underway in Malabo, began on Thursday, 10 July 2025.

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the Council will consider and adopt the AU budget for the 2026 period.

“The budget is a key enabler for the AU to address challenges facing the continent, ensuring Africa’s continued resilience and the sustenance of the AU Commission, which is the key implementing agent for AU decisions,” the statement read.

 The Council is expected to elect and appoint two outstanding Commissioners for Economic Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM) and for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI).

The department announced that the Minister will take this opportunity to inform his counterparts about the progress made during South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency.

The G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, scheduled for November 2025, represents an opportunity to amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s participation during this Ordinary Session of the Executive Council is rooted in its commitment to strengthening the AU and its organs. 

“We aim to ensure our union effectively pursues the noble aspiration of Silencing the Guns by 2030; the accelerated implementation of the second Ten-Year Plan of Agenda 2063, which embodies our collective vision for prosperity; and the robust advancement of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” Lamola explained.

Beyond the formal agenda, the department said the Minister will seek to foster deeper solidarity by holding bilateral meetings with his counterparts aimed at exchanging views on issues of mutual interest.

The meeting will conclude on Friday, 11 July 2025.
– SAnews.gov.za

 

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