Category: Africa

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European Union (EU) and West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Convene the “Voices for Peace Forum” ahead of the upcoming elections in The Gambia

Source: APO


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From 2 until 4 September 2026, the European Union (EU) and the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) convened the Voices for Peace Forum: Analysing Concerns About Democracy and Upcoming Elections in The Gambia. The forum brought together key national and regional stakeholders to reflect on electoral risks and strengthen collective efforts towards peaceful, inclusive and credible elections in The Gambia. 

The forum was part of ongoing efforts to support early warning, risk analysis and mitigation in the lead-up to The Gambia’s 2026–2027 electoral cycle. The forum provided an inclusive platform for state institutions, election management bodies, security agencies, civil society, the media and regional actors to share concerns, analyse potential triggers of tension and violence, and identify practical measures to help safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. 

Speaking at the opening of the forum, Raphaël Brigandi, Deputy Head of Mission of the European Union Delegation to The Gambia, said: 

“The Gambia’s is undergoing a significant democratic journey. The country has made important progress in consolidating its democratic space, encouraging civic participation and creating room for dialogue and reform. While The Gambia is establishing itself as a beacon of democracy in the region, these gains and status need continuous attention and should not be taken for granted.”  He added: “Sustaining peace during elections is a shared responsibility and the EU’s role as a partner is to support a nationally led process.” 

In his goodwill message, Mr. Samuel Atuobi, Representative of the African Union, stressed the need for intelligence data gathering to ensure an adequate response. Reflecting on experiences from other West African countries, he underscored the importance of civil society focusing on the hidden, underlying issues that can trigger electoral violence, noting that regional and continental bodies can only act effectively when reliable and timely data is available.

Dr. David Tommy, the Chairman of the National Election Response Group (NERG) underscored that: 

‘‘Effective early warning and early response is a shared responsibility. No single institution can prevent electoral violence alone. It requires sustained collaboration and information-sharing among electoral management bodies, state institutions, security agencies, political parties, civil society, the media, traditional and religious leaders, women and youth organisations, development partners and regional institutions.’’

In her welcoming remarks, Ms. Salama Njie, National Network Coordinator of WANEP-The Gambia, noted that:

‘‘Democracy is not a static achievement. It is a continuous journey that requires constant nurturing, vigilance, and dialogue. Elections are the cornerstone of a democratic society, but they can also strain social cohesion if not managed with transparency, fairness, and mutual respect’’

The forum generated practical and actionable recommendations contributing to reinforced partnerships, a stronger culture of dialogue, prevention and democratic resilience in The Gambia. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of European Union External Action: The Diplomatic Service of the European Union.

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Kenya and United States Strengthen Bilateral Partnership

Source: APO

Kenya and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi held talks with the visiting United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Mr. Frank Garcia, who is in Kenya for an official visit.

The discussions focused on expanding trade and investment, building on the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) upto 2028 and ongoing reciprocal trade negotiations.

The two sides further discussed health cooperation, including efforts to reduce the cost of cancer treatment, as well as cooperation in critical minerals, defence, peace and regional security.

The talks also looked ahead to the Fourth Kenya–U.S. Bilateral Strategic Dialogue, which Kenya  will host in December 2026.

The engagement was followed by the signing of a Bilateral Work Agreement by Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing’oei and Assistant Secretary Garcia, witnessed by PCS Mudavadi.

The Agreement provides a framework for eligible dependants of diplomats from both countries to seek employment in the receiving country, subject to applicable laws and regulations. The arrangement will apply to eligible dependants of Kenyan diplomats serving in the United States and dependants of United States diplomats serving in Kenya. The Agreement replaces an Agreement signed in 2021 for five years which has lapsed .

Kenya remains committed to translating its strong diplomatic partnership with the United States into greater opportunities, investment, stronger businesses, better health outcomes and enhanced security for its people.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs, Kenya.

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UR Energy’s Abel Manumbu Brings Regional Power Focus to African Mining Week (AMW) 2026

Source: APO


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Abel Manumbu, Founder and Managing Director of UR Energy Limited, has been confirmed as a speaker at the African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 conference, taking place from October 14–16 in Cape Town.  

Manumbu will participate in the Enabling Africa’s Value Addition Corridors panel discussion, sponsored by the Africa Finance Corporation. The session will examine how reliable energy infrastructure can support mineral processing hubs and downstream manufacturing investment across Africa.  

His participation comes as UR Energy advances power projects across Southern and Eastern Africa, with a focus on renewables, flexible generation, grid integration and project finance. In Malawi, the company is advancing the 75 MW AZA gas-to-power independent power producer project in Salima, located near the ESCOM Nanjoka substation.  

The project is designed to strengthen electricity supply in a region hosting several mineral developments, including the Kasiya rutile-graphite, Kangankunde rare earths, Kanyika niobium, Kayelekera uranium and Salima titanium projects.  

UR Energy is also developing the 65 MW Kanawa Kishapu Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System project in Tanzania under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Tanzania Electric Supply Company. The project forms part of the company’s broader strategy to develop power infrastructure supporting industrial and mining demand. 

Across the Nacala Corridor connecting Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia, UR Energy is working to develop LNG supply chains aimed at providing baseload and captive power solutions for industrial and mineral processing projects. 

Manumbu’s participation at AMW 2026 will bring an energy infrastructure perspective to discussions around Africa’s mineral value addition corridors, as governments and industry seek to expand domestic processing while addressing the power requirements associated with new mining and industrial developments.  

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

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Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) Invites Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah to Speak at Unstoppable Africa 2026 During United Nations (UN) General Assembly High-Level Week

Source: APO

Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body for rugby in Africa, announced today that its President, Herbert Mensah — who also serves as an Executive Board Member of World Rugby and as Chairman of World Rugby Regions — has accepted an invitation from Ms. Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and CEO of the UN Global Compact, to speak at the fifth edition of the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) — Unstoppable Africa 2026, taking place in New York City on 20–21 September 2026, alongside the 81st United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week.

On the afternoon of Monday, 21 September, Mr. Mensah will take part in the session “Real Value from the Field: Protecting and Profiting from Africa’s Talent Pipeline” — a discussion of how transparent contracts, smarter scouting, and stronger regional leagues can enable Africa to retain more of the value its sporting talent generates, and channel that value back into the communities and institutions that produce it.

“African sporting talent has long been a global asset. What has too often been missing is the framework to ensure that its value flows back to the continent, the schools, and the communities that produce it,” said Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa. “I am honoured to bring rugby’s perspective to Unstoppable Africa 2026, and to make the case that Africa can — and must — build the institutions and the industrial base to keep more of what it creates.”

Convened by the United Nations Global Compact, GABI has grown since its inception in 2022 into the premier global platform for African business, trade, and investment outside the continent. The 2026 edition is expected to bring together some 4,000 participants, including Heads of State, Fortune 500 CEOs, global investors, and leading entrepreneurs, against the backdrop of an African market whose potential is now estimated to exceed USD 3 trillion.

Previous editions of Unstoppable Africa have featured, among many others, UN Secretary-General António Guterres; UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed; H.E. William Ruto, President of Kenya; H.E. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization; Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group; Mo Ibrahim, Founder of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation; Melinda Gates, Founder of Pivotal Ventures; and Grammy-winning artist and activist Angélique Kidjo.

Rugby Africa welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this conversation and to place sport, and rugby in particular, firmly within the agenda of Africa’s economic transformation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.

Media Contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Manager
nicole.vervelde@rugbyafrique.com

About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women’s rugby. Rugby Africa organises various competitions, including qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 40 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby has identified Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.

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Conlog expands smart utility offering with new water metering capability

Source: APO

A new SANAS-accredited Water Meter Verification Laboratory strengthens Conlog’s growing smart water offering, building on the company’s established capabilities across electricity, manufacturing and utility technology services.

As an established manufacturing and technology services provider, Conlog has built decades of capability around electricity metering and the technologies that support smarter utility management. Now, the company is extending that expertise into smart water solutions, broadening the way it supports municipalities and utilities facing increasingly complex infrastructure, revenue and resource-management challenges.

Central to this expansion is Conlog’s smart water metering offering, supported by the company’s newly opened SANAS-accredited Water Meter Verification Laboratory. The facility complements Conlog’s existing electricity laboratory capability and represents an important extension of the testing, verification and quality-assurance infrastructure already embedded within the business.

Developing Conlog’s Water Meter Verification Laboratory

Officially opened on 20 July 2026, following several months of operation since December 2025, the Water Meter Verification Laboratory enables Conlog to test and verify water meters in accordance with applicable national standards. Its establishment gives the company greater control over the quality, performance and regulatory compliance of its growing water metering portfolio while reducing reliance on external testing facilities.

For Conlog, this capability is closely connected to the evolution of its smart solutions offering. As the company expands further into smart water metering, access to accredited in-house testing supports faster product validation, stronger quality assurance and more responsive product development. It also provides Conlog’s research and development teams with performance data that can inform the continued development and improvement of smart water solutions.

The laboratory is accredited to perform water-meter testing in accordance with applicable SANS requirements and has been specifically configured to support smart and prepayment water-meter technologies. Advanced automation and digital data capture further enhance the facility’s ability to conduct testing efficiently while maintaining the consistency and accuracy required by South Africa’s legal metrology framework.

These capabilities strengthen the smart water solutions Conlog brings to municipalities and utilities. Accurate, independently verified metering can support more reliable consumption data, greater billing integrity, improved revenue protection and the identification of water losses and consumption anomalies. In a market where utilities are under increasing pressure to manage scarce water resources more effectively, dependable metering forms an important part of more intelligent water management.

Developing the laboratory was a multi-year undertaking involving engineering, quality assurance, operations, facilities, procurement, project management and executive leadership. Conlog designed and equipped the facility, developed compliant testing procedures and quality-management systems, trained personnel and completed the rigorous assessment processes required for SANAS accreditation.

Key milestones included the construction and commissioning of the facility, the procurement, manufacture and calibration of specialised test equipment, and the successful completion of SANAS assessments and NRCS designation. Together, these investments have created an advanced local testing capability that supports both Conlog’s current smart water portfolio and the continued development of future solutions.

Team recognition in contributing to skills and technology advancements  

The official opening brought together government, industry and Conlog stakeholders to recognise the teams behind the project and demonstrate how the new capability fits into Conlog’s broader utility offering.

Honourable Premier Tami Ntuli officiated at the opening in recognition of the laboratory’s contribution to local economic development, skills advancement and technological innovation. The programme included leadership presentations, an address by Honourable Premier Tami Ntuli, a guided tour and a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

During the visit, Honourable Premier Tami Ntuli and other guests toured Conlog’s manufacturing operations and the new Water Meter Verification Laboratory. Conlog showcased its smart electricity and water metering solutions, prepayment technology, local manufacturing capabilities and quality-assurance processes, demonstrating how its established electricity expertise is being complemented by a growing smart water proposition.

Particular interest was shown in the laboratory’s automated testing systems and in the strong representation of women across Conlog’s manufacturing lines. Honourable Premier Tami Ntuli also commended Conlog’s investment in advanced technology and highlighted the importance of collaboration between government and industry in strengthening infrastructure and supporting economic growth.

The new laboratory therefore represents more than an additional testing facility. It strengthens the technical infrastructure behind Conlog’s expansion into smart water while building on capabilities the company has already established through electricity metering, manufacturing, technology and laboratory services.

As African utilities work to reduce water losses, protect revenue and manage resources more sustainably, Conlog is extending its smart utility expertise to address both electricity and water. Its SANAS-accredited Water Meter Verification Laboratory provides an important layer of assurance behind that broader offering, supporting the development of compliant, reliable and increasingly intelligent water solutions for the market.

The full ESI Africa article can be read here: https://apo-opa.co/4ykEA4c

Conlog CEO Logan Moodley recently spoke with ESI Africa about his journey from computer sciences and physics to a leadership role driving changes in the smart and prepayment electricity and water metering industry. The full podcast can be accessed here: https://apo-opa.co/4ii555z 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

About ESI Africa:
ESI Africa is a leading multimedia platform serving Africa’s power, energy, water and utility sectors. Through industry news, analysis, interviews, digital content and specialist insights, ESI Africa connects utilities, policymakers, investors, technology providers and other stakeholders shaping the continent’s energy and infrastructure landscape. ESI Africa forms part of VUKA Group’s portfolio of industry media and events. www.ESI-Africa.com

About Conlog:
Conlog is a South African manufacturer and provider of smart metering solutions for electricity and water. With decades of experience in utility metering, the company designs, develops, manufactures and delivers solutions supporting demand management, revenue enhancement and utility operations. www.Conlog.com

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group is an Africa-focused media and events business that connects people and organisations with the information, relationships and opportunities needed to support industry growth. www.WeAreVuka.com

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Municipalities make strong commitment to uphold ethical leadership

Source: Government of South Africa

Municipalities make strong commitment to uphold ethical leadership

Municipalities in the country have reaffirmed their commitment to principled governance by adopting a code that enjoins them to ensure ethical and accountable leadership.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has welcomed the adoption of the Code for Ethical Leadership in Local Government by 100 municipalities, describing it as a positive development in efforts to ensure good governance.

“The adoption of the Code by the 100 municipalities across the nine provinces reflects a growing commitment within the local government sector to place ethical leadership, accountability and good governance at the heart of municipal leadership,” Hlabisa said.

The Code is the brainchild of the Local Government Ethical Leadership Initiative, a partnership between The Ethics Institute, the Department of Cooperative Governance, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Moral Regeneration Movement.

It was launched at the Summit on Ethical Leadership in Local Government, held in Gauteng on 1 March 2024.

In October 2024, Hlabisa and SALGA President Bheke Stofile, entered into a mutual agreement to encourage all municipalities in the country to adopt the Code through a formal Council Resolution.

The Code, which is based on the Local Government Anti-Corruption Strategy of 2015, is applicable to all people in municipal leadership positions, including political figures, councillors, traditional leaders, and administrative personnel, such as municipal managers and officials.

It outlines the principles and practices for ethical governance and leadership in the local government sector.

Following a plethora of governance and ethical challenges, the Code seeks to promote well-governed, efficient and effective municipalities.

“The Code will inspire local government leaders in the 100 municipalities to serve their communities with integrity, discipline and commitment, and enable communities to hold them accountable,” Hlabisa said.

He has encouraged the remaining municipalities in the country to also adopt the Code.

Meanwhile, the councils of the 100 municipalities are expected to institutionalise the Code by developing implementation plans aimed at fostering a culture of ethical and accountable leadership.

The Code is accessible on the www.cogta.gov.za and www.tei.org.za/lgeli websites. – SAnews.gov.za

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Strong winds damage more than 20 schools in North West

Source: Government of South Africa

Strong winds damage more than 20 schools in North West

The North West Department of Education has been left devastated after strong and destructive winds damaged roofs and destroyed mobile classrooms at more than 20 schools. 

The damage, which occurred between 4 and 5 September, comes at a particularly difficult time for the department, which is already responding to the loss of three schools in recent fires.

In a statement on Monday, the department said it has been working to intervene at schools affected by the fires, but the storms have now caused further damage to schools, placing additional pressure on the already strained departmental Infrastructure.

In the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, the affected schools are Thuto ke Matla Secondary School in Groot Marico, Setilo Secondary School in Mareetsane village, Refentse Primary School and Serite Early Learning Centre in Ga-Khunwana vllage.

In the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, the affected schools are Pudulogo Primary School in Ikageng; Maitemogelo Secondary School in Wolmaranstad; Noordwal Primary School in Orkney; Tshedimosetso Secondary School in Jouberton; Toevlug Primary School in Ventersdorp; Sentlhaga Primary School in Wolmaranstad; Laerskool Saamtrek in Klerksdorp; Promosa Primary and Secondary School in Potchefstroom; Boitshoko Secondary School in Ikageng; Gatelapele Secondary School, and Tigane Primary School in Tigane.

In the Bojanala District, the affected schools include SG Ntuane Primary School in Tlhatlhaganyane village; Rantlaka Primary School in Phalane village; Nonceba Primary School in Welverdiend, and Motshabaesi Primary School in Obakeng village.

In the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, the affected schools are Kokomeng Primary School in Kokomeng village; Walter Letsie Secondary School in Manthe; Raditshipi Primary School; Thapama Secondary School; Choseng Secondary School, and Reabetswe Secondary School.

The MEC for Education, Dr Desbo Mohono, expressed deep concern over the extensive damage caused by the strong winds at schools across the province.

“We are deeply concerned and saddened by the damage caused by these destructive winds … Our immediate priority is to assess the extent of the damage, ensure the safety of learners and educators, and put measures in place to minimise disruptions to teaching and learning.

“We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders and disaster management teams to respond to the affected schools and ensure that the necessary interventions are implemented as urgently as possible. We understand the impact this situation has on our school communities, and we will continue doing everything within our means to support the affected schools”, Mohono said. 

Following the damage over the weekend, the department will dispatch its infrastructure teams to assess the extent of the damage and determine alternative measures to ensure that teaching and learning are not disrupted at the affected schools. – SAnews.gov.za

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Former Emfuleni contractor in court over alleged tender fraud

Source: Government of South Africa

Former Emfuleni contractor in court over alleged tender fraud

A former Emfuleni Local Municipality service provider has appeared in court over charges of fraud, theft, and corruption related to a R16 million fleet tender awarded by the municipality.

Mpho Edward Malema appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates Court for his first appearance following his arrest by the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).

“It is alleged that between July 2015 and July 2023, the Emfuleni Local Municipality Fleet Manager, Lerato Selaelo Mpholo, who is Accused 1 in the matter, received payments of R50 000, as well as other undisclosed amounts, from Malema for facilitating and awarding the Emfuleni Local Municipality fleet procurement contracts to Malema and his company.

“Following the awarding of the contracts, the municipality allegedly ordered and paid R16 million to Malema for the procurement of 18 vehicles, including UD trucks and bakkies. However, the vehicles were allegedly never delivered to the municipality. Seven of the vehicles have since been recovered from other entities, the rest of the vehicles are still outstanding,” the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said.

The case has been postponed to 14 September 2026 for formal bail investigations and possible bail application with the State intending to oppose bail. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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President Ramaphosa extends condolences to Tanzania’s President Hassan

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa extends condolences to Tanzania’s President Hassan

President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has extended his deep condolences to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, following the passing of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan.

Mr Hassan, 71, passed away on Monday, while receiving treatment for a cardiac condition.

He had a distinguished career as an agricultural academic and agriculturalist.

President Ramaphosa said his thoughts are with President Hassan, her children, and the extended family and friends during this difficult time.

The President also conveyed his sympathies to the government and people of the Republic of Tanzania, a founding member of SADC.

“As the people of our region, we reach out in our hearts and prayers to President Hassan and the nation of Tanzania in this difficult moment.

“We offer you our heartfelt condolences and wish you strength and comfort as you mourn the loss of an outstanding citizen and partner to the First Lady,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Restored Letaba Bridge and tourism units open as National Parks Week begins

Source: Government of South Africa

Restored Letaba Bridge and tourism units open as National Parks Week begins

The South African National Parks (SANParks) has marked the start of National Parks Week with the handover of tourism units and the official opening of the Letaba High Water Bridge.

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister David Maynier on Monday cut the ribbon to officially open the bridge at Letaba Rest Camp, situated in Limpopo. Damage to the bridge had led to restricted access to the northern sections of the park.

This came after parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga were lashed by heavy rains in January. Floodwaters submerged areas of the camp, leading to its closure to tourists. Reconstruction work at the camp has since resulted in the restoration of some tourism units.

“The opening of the restored Letaba Rest Camp facilities and the Letaba High Water Bridge represents far more than the completion of infrastructure. It represents resilience, determination and commitment in ensuring that one of the world’s great conservation landscapes remains strong, accessible and sustainable into the future.

“The units we are opening today represent a decision not just to replace the damaged infrastructure with what it was before, but to use the opportunity to upgrade the units,” the Minister explained.

Maynier and senior SANParks management visited one of the upgraded units within the rest camp.

He added that the new, modern look and feel of the units would improve the experience of guests at the park.

“With additional units expected to follow later this year in time for peak tourist season, it is clear that SANParks management is taking steps to address the severe economic impact of the floods. Getting more tourists back into guest accommodation is a clear priority for this team. Work has been completed so quickly.”

At Letaba Rest Camp, 25 tourism units in Circles A to C have been restored at a cost of R19 million. The completed work includes furniture and 10 family cottages. A further 64 tourism units remain under restoration and are expected to reopen in phases, with completion anticipated by 30 November 2026.

Maynier also commended SANParks for the speedy work done on the bridge, with the rebuilding project having kicked off on 4 February and reaching finality “a week and a half ago.”

“The urgency to reconnect the north and south of the park is clear. This work is an investment into the Kruger National Park today but also an investment into the Kruger National Park of tomorrow,” he said.

The bridge was opened to traffic on 23 March 2026, reconnecting the northern and southern sections of Kruger. Final work, including sand sealing of the road, was completed on 28 August 2026.

SANParks said the R9.5 million project included the reconstruction and stone pitching of the damaged bridge approach, together with improved drainage.

Maynier further highlighted the importance of the country’s national parks being better prepared for the challenges of the future.

“The projects we are opening today demonstrate what the future can look like. We can use the Kruger National Park as a springboard for innovation, partnerships and investment that can strengthen resilience, not only here but across the entire national parks.”

He added that government alone cannot address the challenges of the future and that partnerships are needed.

“Imagine a future where our national parks become leaders in resilient infrastructure design, not just in our country but across the world, where roads and bridges and visitor facilities are designed with future climate realities in mind.”

The Minister has invited industry, investors, research institutions and development partners to engage with government and SANParks to collectively accelerate investment in resilient conservation and infrastructure. SANParks Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hapiloe Sello said the day was one for celebration.

“It’s a day that allows us to demonstrate as SANParks that we are committed to restoring, strengthening and sustaining the assets entrusted to us so that they continue serving visitors, supporting conservation and contributing to the broader economy of South Africa,” she said.

National Parks Week

With the annual SANParks National Parks Week underway, Maynier encouraged South Africans to make use of the opportunity presented by the initiative.

“This is our natural heritage, and it belongs to all of us. Please do visit your local national park and share in the extraordinary beauty of our treasures,” he said.

This as pupils in school uniform, among others, were seen at the rest camp premises.

The 21st South African National Parks Week is an initiative that has become one of the most important opportunities for South Africans to explore and reconnect with their national parks.

SANParks announced that 7 to 13 September 2026, would be the dates during which day visitors can gain free access to participating national parks.

However, for Kruger National Park, West Coast National Park and Augrabies Falls National Park, free access is from Monday, 7 September, to Friday, 11 September 2026 and excludes the weekend.

According to SANParks, free access covers day entry only and does not include accommodation, guided activities, game drives or other paid tourism products. Namaqua National Park, the Boulders Penguin Colony section of Table Mountain National Park and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway are excluded. Entry limits and other conditions may differ between participating parks. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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