Category: Africa

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Mpumalanga Premier mourns death of Former Deputy President

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, July 4, 2025

Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has paid homage to former Deputy President David Mabuza who passed away on Thursday.

The former Deputy President passed away in hospital on Thursday following a short illness.

Mabuza served as Mpumalanga premier between 2009 and 2018 before becoming a Member of Parliament and his subsequent appointment as Deputy President. 

He also served as a member of the province’s executive council.

“It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of national loss that we mourn the passing of former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr David Dabede Mabuza. We join the President and the country in conveying our condolences to his family, for the loss.

“In his tenure as the MEC for Education, the Premier and later as the Deputy President, Mabuza served our province and our country with distinction, and with a deep sense of commitment to the ideals of democracy, peace, unity and the upliftment of our people,” Ndlovu 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.

“I personally worked with him when we served as Chairperson and Secretary respectively. 

“We shared ideas and learned a lot from each other. As a former educator myself, he shaped my perspective on how commitment can propel you from the class as an educator to participate in responsibilities of a bigger scale,” Ndlovu said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Disruptive rains expected in the Western Cape

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, July 4, 2025

The South African Weather Service has issued a severe weather alert for Friday.

“Disruptive rain is expected over the western parts of the Western Cape, with damaging winds along the south coast with possible disruptive snow along the Drakensberg mountains,” said the service on Thursday.

The weather for Saturday and Sunday was expected to be partly cloudy

“Partly cloudy conditions are expected for the central and southern parts of the country, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers, but widespread in places over the south-western areas.”

SAWS said the weather outlook was, otherwise, fine cold to cool.

A total of 102 people died in the Eastern Cape recently, due to flooding. Torrential rains lead to unprecedented floods in districts such as Nelson Mandela Bay, Chris Hani, and OR Tambo. – SAnews.gov.za

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Home Affairs outlines key achievements at Budget Vote presentation

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister Leon Schreiber has outlined the key achievements recorded in the Department of Home Affairs at Thursday’s Budget Vote presentation.

“It has been a year of remarkable progress for the Home Affairs ecosystem. I am here to confidently report to the House that the progress we have made over the last 12 months, by working as one team with one dream, has exceeded the expectations of cynics and optimists alike,” Schreiber said.

The department has cleared a backlog of over 306 000 visa applications dating back more than a decade.

“We produced and delivered just under 3.6 million Smart IDs, surpassing the previous annual record by nearly half a million. 

“We deployed advanced drone and body camera technology at the border for the first time, leading to an increase of up to 215% in the detection and prevention of attempted illegal border crossings.

“We launched Operation New Broom as part of intensified operations to restore the rule of law, leading to over 46 000 deportations — the highest figure in more than five years and more than countries like France and Germany combined,” the Minister said.

Schreiber said the department launched the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme to boost tourism from the major source markets of China and India where South Africa has underperformed for years.

“We enabled over 1.4 million naturalised citizens and permanent residents to obtain secure Smart IDs for the first time. We activated the Immigration Advisory Board for the first time in a decade by appointing a diverse group of seasoned experts to help shape better policies,” Schreiber said.

Schreiber said the department dismissed 37 crooked officials and launched the dedicated Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum that brings together law enforcement, the Special Investigating Unit, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations and the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure corrupt officials and fraudsters are put behind bars.  

“Our anti-corruption work has led to the conviction of eight offenders, with sentences ranging from four to 18 years in prison.

“We built a working prototype of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system that will digitalise the visa processes from beginning to end, eliminating corruption and inefficiency,” the Minister said.

Schreiber said the reforms that his department will deliver in the next 12 months will begin to redefine the quality of services that South Africans expect from their government.

“The endpoint of these reforms is to enable both South Africans and legitimate visitors to apply and obtain enabling documents online, including in digital format, from the comfort of their own homes,” Schreiber said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Berthing of world class container vessel demonstrates SA’s marine infrastructure prowess

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa’s port landlord, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), has berthed one of the largest container vessels in the world, MSC Nicola Mastro, on her maiden voyage at its deepwater Port of Ngqura in the Eastern Cape this morning. 

With capacity of 24 116 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit), 299 metres in width and 61 metres in beam, the historical berthing of this vessel demonstrates TNPA’s marine capabilities and fit-for-purpose port infrastructure designed to accommodate new-generation vessels. 

This achievement solidifies TNPA’s status as a significant player in the global maritime industry.

The successful berthing of MSC Nicola Mastro was made possible by a four-tug operation. These tugboats (tugs) have a bollard-pull of 60 to 70 tonnes, fully capable to handle larger vessels efficiently. 

This special operation necessitated the ports authority to increase the number of tugs required for safe navigation in the port, from the standard two-tug operation to four. Tugboats are critical marine assets that enable the safe manoeuvring of vessels during pilotage operations. 

“The arrival of this vessel on our shores brings to the fore the critical role SA ports should uphold in responding to the needs of the current global trade ecosystem. Our ability to dock one of the world’s largest container ships has the potential to transform shipping patterns. It positions the Port of Ngqura as the key container transhipment hub, within the global and Saharan Africa markets,” said Acting TNPA Chief Executive, Phyllis Difeto.

The Port of Ngqura features depths ranging from 16 -18 meters and boasts deepwater berths, making it a major attraction for container traffic and transhipment opportunities.

Nicola Mastro surpasses the size of previous vessels that have docked at the Port of Ngqura, which were limited to 366 meters in length. Her on-time berthing was skilfully managed by a marine crew of approximately 24 members, led by Marine Pilot Olwethu Mtsewu-Sisilana, alongside the marine crew in tug services, pilotage and berthing. Mtsewu-Sisilana is one of TNPA’s Marine Pilots with an open licence, allowing her to handle any size of vessel docking and sailing at the port. 

Originally from Qanda village of eXesi in the rural Eastern Cape, Mtsewu-Sisilana began her maritime career in 2008 through a Transnet bursary and has recorded a major milestone in her career through this docking. 

TNPA is gearing towards receiving more vessel call-ins of this calibre. The vessel is scheduled to depart on 5 July 2025, following the completion of the cargo operation at the container terminal.

TNPA is responsible for the safe, effective and efficient economic functioning of the national ports system, which it manages in a landlord capacity. 

It provides port infrastructure and marine services at the eight commercial seaports in South Africa — Richards Bay, Durban, Saldanha, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Mossel Bay and Ngqura. – SAnews.gov.za

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Tourism Deputy Minister G20 Tourism Priorities programme in the Northern Cape

Source: Government of South Africa

Tourism Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu has engaged with communities in the Northern Cape on the G20 Tourism Priorities and their potential to advance tourism growth and sustainability.

The Tourism G20 Community Outreach in the Northern Cape was the first in a number of planned events that will bring the G20 agenda closer to tourism communities in the country. 

In the quest for global sustainable development, the Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of balancing the need for economic growth with social inclusion to meet present and future needs.

“Bringing the G20 agenda closer to our communities is critical to enable us to chart a path for inclusive global sustainable development. The G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) has been hard at work, meeting with senior officials, authorities and experts to recommend decisions in line with the agenda and priorities identified by the G20 Presidency,” Sotyu said.

These recommendations will play a critical part in the overall goal of addressing the global socioeconomic challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

“It is therefore imperative that we engage the communities we serve to align our proposed recommendations with their present and future needs,” Sotyu said.

The Northern Cape province is South Africa’s largest province and the most sparsely populated. Renowned for its red dunes and black-maned lions, the province is a popular tourism destination, and a haven for nature and adventure enthusiasts who enjoy exploring its diverse attractions within its national parks. 

The province’s rich Khoi-San heritage is evident in ancient rock art sites scattered across the region. Its natural wonders, historical landmarks or the warm hospitality of its people makes the Northern Cape a must-see destination for all visitors.

The Tourism G20 Community Outreach was held in partnership with the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism. 

The community engagement featured presentations on skills and empowerment programmes and tourism incentive initiatives from the Department of Tourism. 

Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) from the local communities were afforded an opportunity to showcase and sell their crafts and products at the event.

The communities in the Northern Cape were introduced to the four G20 Tourism Priorities that will inform the 2025 G20 Action Plan on Tourism Development, namely:

• A People-Centered Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation to enhance Travel and Tourism Start-Ups and SMMEs;

• Tourism Financing and Investment to Enhance Equality and Promote Sustainable Development;

• Air Connectivity for Seamless Travel, and

• Enhanced Resilience for Inclusive, Sustainable Tourism Development.

The G20 Tourism Priorities facilitated robust discussion with the community on the need for greater consultation and collaboration between government and communities. 

Frequent and continuous engagement will serve to better align the socio-economic needs of tourism communities to domestic and international developmental policies.

Echoing the community’s sentiments, Sotyu affirmed government’s national development plans that reinforce increased partnerships with communities to build sustainable societies. 

“Frequent and continuous engagement with our communities will enable us to work towards a people-centred, progressive, and solution-driven policies that find solutions to our domestic and global challenges, whilst accelerating global cooperation and multilateralism.

“The G20 provides a significant opportunity for our provinces, cities and communities to work together to promote our culture, heritage, tourism and industrial and commercial advances.

“I also encourage our communities to actively participate in the empowerment programmes that are offered by the three spheres of our government and help us build a nation that works for all,” Sotyu said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Chevron Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment to Africa as Diamond Sponsor of African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: APO

Chevron’s return as a Diamond Sponsor at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 comes as the energy major deepens its footprint across Africa, marking a renewed commitment to unlocking long-term growth opportunities in both mature and emerging markets. Chevron is ramping up its activities across the continent – securing new acreage, expanding gas infrastructure and advancing exploration efforts in high-potential basins across the continent.  

In Nigeria, Chevron’s plan to scale up oil exploration follows a recent discovery in the Niger Delta – the Meji NW-1 well. In February 2025, Chevron extended its contract with Shelf Drilling for the Scepter jack-up rig offshore Nigeria, ensuring continuity of drilling operations through mid-2026. In Equatorial Guinea (EG), Chevron has stakes in three fields and recently entered into two production-sharing contracts for the EG-06 and EG-11 blocks. Chevron is engaged in discussions to monetize gas from the Aseng field and to develop a transboundary field between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon.  The company has also indicated it is considering drilling an exploration well in PEL 82 in Namibia’s offshore Walvis Basin in 2026 or 2027, activating its growing African exploration portfolio. 

In Angola, Chevron has expanded its footprint with new deepwater concessions and the Sanha Lean Gas Connection Project, which achieved first gas in December 2024 and links gas fields in Blocks 0 and 14 to the Angola LNG plant – enhancing monetization of associated gas and strengthening energy security. In 2024, the company signed two Risk Service Contracts for Blocks 49 and 50 in ultra-deepwater acreage in Angola’s Lower Congo Basin, laying the foundation for future development. Chevron’s active participation in Angola LNG, which is set to undergo expansion to accommodate new gas supplies, and as partner of New Gas Consortium underscores its commitment to the country’s gas value chain. 

Meanwhile, in Egypt Chevron remains excited about its exploration portfolio where it has 3 blocks — including operatorship of Nargis and North el Dabaa – and continues to look for new opportunities. Chevron recognizes that Algeria holds a world-class hydrocarbon system with the potential for significant oil and gas resources. Earlier this year Chevron signed a study agreement with Algeria’s national hydrocarbons agency, Alnaft to assess potential offshore hydrocarbon resources. This expansion supports Algeria’s broader objective of boosting foreign investment and developing new reserves to sustain its export-driven energy economy. 

“Chevron’s commitment to Africa is more than just operational – it’s strategic. Their continued investment across Nigeria, Angola and now Algeria and Namibia shows real confidence in the future of African energy. As a Diamond Sponsor of AEW 2025, Chevron is not only driving upstream and gas development, but helping shape the dialogue around sustainability, infrastructure and long-term energy security for the continent,” said Tomás Gerbasio, Vice President of Commercial and Strategic Engagement at the African Energy Chamber.  

The energy major’s presence at AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies in Cape Town – where it will headline as a Diamond Sponsor – reflects this dual focus on opportunity and responsibility. As delegates gather to shape the future of African energy, Chevron brings to the table a proven track record, fresh investment and a long-term view of Africa as a critical pillar in the global energy mix. 

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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B2Gold Namibia to Spotlight Expansion Strategy at African Mining Week

Source: APO


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John Roos, Country Manager of B2Gold Namibia, has confirmed his participation as a speaker at African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 – Africa’s premier event for the mining sector. Roos will join a high-level panel during AMW’s Gold Summit, which brings together stakeholders to explore investment and partnership opportunities in Africa’s gold-rich regions, including Namibia.

B2Gold’s participation at AMW aligns with the company’s ongoing contribution to Namibia’s mining industry and broader economic development through its flagship Otjikoto Mine – the country’s largest gold producer. Under Roos’ leadership, the company continues to pursue strategies focused on production optimization, exploration and infrastructure development. In 2024, Otjikoto generated $486 million in revenue, contributed to national GDP through taxes and royalties and supported employment in local communities.

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.

Looking ahead, B2Gold has allocated $7 million for exploration at Otjikoto in 2025 and an additional $10 million to de-risk the recently discovered Antelope prospect. With a pre-production capital cost of $129 million, Antelope is expected to produce 65,000 ounces of gold annually over five years. If developed, it could boost Otjikoto’s output to 110,000 ounces per year between 2029 and 2032. A final investment decision is anticipated in Q3 2025.

The company is also advancing development at the Wolfshag underground deposit to ensure continued gold production after Otjikoto’s open-pit operations conclude later this year. Current stockpiles are expected to sustain output through 2032.

As AMW convenes leaders and investors from across Africa’s mining value chain, B2Gold’s presence will underscore its long-term commitment to responsible investment, sustainable gold production and local beneficiation in Namibia.

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

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Governo de Cabo Verde lança inquérito global para mapear a sua diáspora: “A Diáspora é Cabo Verde”, afirma Ministro Jorge Figueiredo

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Para Jorge Figueiredo, que já desempenhou funções como Embaixador de Cabo Verde em Angola, a escolha de Luanda para o arranque desta etapa não é por acaso. “Angola é mais do que um país amigo. É uma nação irmã, que acolhe a maior comunidade cabo-verdiana em África. É aqui que o passado, o presente e o futuro da diáspora se entrelaçam com sentido e memória”, sublinhou, realçando os laços históricos, culturais e familiares entre os dois países.

Em representação do Governo de Cabo Verde, o Ministro da Saúde, Jorge Figueiredo, encerrou esta quarta-feira, 02, em Luanda, a cerimónia oficial de lançamento do inquérito principal do Projeto de Mapeamento da Diáspora Cabo-verdiana no Mundo, iniciativa inédita que pretende, segundo o governante, “ouvir, localizar, contar e valorizar todos os cabo-verdianos que vivem fora do território nacional”.

No ano em que se assinalam os 50 anos da independência de Cabo Verde, o Ministro destacou o caráter histórico e estratégico deste projeto, que decorre nos próximos 90 dias, abrangendo mais de 42 países em cinco continentes. “Este inquérito é mais do que um levantamento técnico. É um ato de soberania, de cidadania e de justiça histórica. É o reconhecimento de que Cabo Verde não se define apenas pelas suas ilhas, mas também pelos seus filhos espalhados pelo mundo”, afirmou.

Para Jorge Figueiredo, que já desempenhou funções como Embaixador de Cabo Verde em Angola, a escolha de Luanda para o arranque desta etapa não é por acaso. “Angola é mais do que um país amigo. É uma nação irmã, que acolhe a maior comunidade cabo-verdiana em África. É aqui que o passado, o presente e o futuro da diáspora se entrelaçam com sentido e memória”, sublinhou, realçando os laços históricos, culturais e familiares entre os dois países.

O Ministro reforçou ainda que os resultados do inquérito irão permitir ao Estado conceber políticas públicas “mais justas, eficazes e inclusivas”, que fortaleçam a ligação entre Cabo Verde e a sua diáspora, e valorizem o contributo dos cabo-verdianos emigrados para o desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural do país. “Como dizemos na saúde: não se cuida do que não se conhece. E na governação, não se transforma a Nação sem conhecer, contar e envolver todos os seus filhos”, acrescentou.

No final da sua intervenção, Jorge Figueiredo deixou um apelo direto à mobilização das comunidades cabo-verdianas espalhadas pelo mundo: “Este inquérito é sobre cada um de nós. É sobre o direito de sermos vistos, ouvidos e contados. É sobre o futuro das nossas crianças. É sobre Cabo Verde.”

O projeto de Mapeamento da Diáspora Cabo-verdiana no Mundo, promovido pelo Governo através do Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE), constitui a primeira grande operação estatística global do género realizada pelo país, reforçando o compromisso de integrar a diáspora como pilar estratégico do desenvolvimento nacional para o período 2021–2026.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Rwanda to Restore Ecosystems and Boost Climate Resilience in the Nyungwe–Ruhango Corridor

Source: APO


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Communities in Rwanda’s Southern Province are set to benefit from restored ecosystems, improved agricultural productivity, and expanded sustainable livelihood opportunities in areas vulnerable to climate-related shocks. Thanks to a newly approved $9 million grant from the Global Environment Facility, Rwanda will receive support for integrated landscape restoration and climate-smart land management across the Nyungwe–Ruhango Corridor.

The Ecosystem-Based Restoration Approach for Nyungwe-Ruhango Corridor Project is one of 20 projects of the GEF-8 Ecosystem Restoration Integrated Program (ERIP) across the globe. ERIP scales up ecosystem restoration efforts by transforming degraded lands into thriving ecosystems and promotes private sector engagement and South-South exchange across the beneficiary countries. Conservation International is the ERIP lead agency.

“This project reflects the strong partnership between the World Bank and the Government of Rwanda in building climate resilience and driving inclusive green growth,” said Sahr Kpundeh, World Bank Country Manager for Rwanda. “It aligns with our Country Partnership Framework and global priorities on climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and empowering local communities to lead sustainable change.”

The Rwanda GEF-8 will support the rehabilitation of 2,162 hectares of forests and wetlands, promote sustainable land management practices across 8,931 hectares of farmland, and help develop income-generating activities that reduce pressure on fragile ecosystems, directly benefiting more than 289,000 people in Ruhango, Nyanza, and Nyamagabe Districts.

The project will contribute to the World Bank Group’s core objective of creating more and better jobs to reduce poverty and unlock economic opportunities, especially for the youth.  Early estimates suggests that the project could generate over 2,200 jobs through sustainable livelihoods interventions. These include the development of non-timber forest product value chains, fruit tree planting, and support for small businesses in the green economy. The project will also engage the private sector to explore investment opportunities that promote climate-smart land use and sustainable forest management.

“This is a timely intervention that combines ecological restoration with community resilience,” said Tuuli Bernardini, Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank. “By centering the role of women, youth, and local enterprises in landscape management, the project supports inclusive development and paves the way for scalable nature-based solutions.”

Implemented by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), the project adopts a landscape-based approach to address environmental degradation, food insecurity, climate risks, such as floods and landslides; threats that disrupt infrastructure, destroy crops, and deepen poverty in the Southern province. At its core, the Rwanda GEF-8 aims to restore ecosystems that provide critical services such as erosion control, flood regulation and habitats for biodiversity. Key interventions will include afforestation, reforestation, riverbank and wetland rehabilitation and the promotion of agroforestry and other climate-smart agricultural practices.

The Rwanda GEF-8 forms part of a broader suite of World Bank-supported investments in conservation and sustainable land management along the Congo-Nile divide covering parts of the Northern, Western, and Southern Province. These include the Volcanoes Community Resilience Project  and Commercialization and De-Risking for Agricultural Transformation Project. Building on lessons from Rwanda’s earlier efforts such as the Landscape Approach to Forest Restoration and Conservation (LAFREC), these initiatives align with the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), and are expected to deliver significant outcomes in biodiversity conservation, resilience building and improved community livelihoods.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

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Cabo Verde: Governo vai aumentar subsídio atribuído aos Praças a partir de 2026

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O anúncio foi feito pela Ministra de Estado e da Defesa Nacional, Janine Lélis, no quadro da apresentação da versão preliminar do Estudo para o Reforço do Serviço Militar Obrigatório e Regulamentação do Serviço Cívico, ocorrido esta quinta-feira, 3 de julho, na cidade da Praia.

Segundo explicou a Ministra, o valor do subsídio atribuído aos Praças, “neste momento é quase irrisório”, daí que esse aumento vai permitir chegar a um “teto máximo, variado entre os três níveis, até 19 mil escudos”.

Esta medida se junta a muitas outras que vêm sendo adotadas pelo Governo, com vista ao reforço do Serviço Militar Obrigatório e que também consta do estudo apresentado.

O estudo foi realizado com as consultações e entrevistas para apurar o nível de responsabilidade de cada instituição neste processo, tendo a Ministra Janine Lélis destacado o papel das mesmas no quadro do recrutamento do Serviço Militar Obrigatório.

Nesta linha de reforço, destacou a campanha, também lançada hoje, que irá permitir “mostrar as vantagens do Serviço Militar Obrigatório e atrair os jovens para esse regime”.

Ao longo da campanha serão divulgadas tudo quanto tem sido feito em termos de reforço, desde a reformulação do Programa Soldado Cidadão, das parcerias internacionais para aumentar o número de vagas nas academias militares e, “no fundo, potenciar as perspectivas de desenvolvimento e carreira para os jovens militares”, assegurou a Ministra Janine Lélis.

A apresentação da versão preliminar do Estudo para o Reforço do Serviço Militar Obrigatório e Regulamentação do Serviço Cívico vem no seguimento do compromisso assumido no Programa do Governo, no sentido de promover reflexões à volta do Serviço Militar Obrigatório.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.