Home Affairs notes Constitutional Court judgment

Source: Government of South Africa

Home Affairs notes Constitutional Court judgment

The Department of Home Affairs has noted the judgment handed down on Tuesday by the Constitutional Court in the matter between the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town and the Minister of Home Affairs. 

The Scalabrini Centre is a non-profit organisation that assists migrants, refugees, and local South Africans.

The case between the centre and the Minister concerned the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Refugees Act relating to the asylum application process. The Constitutional Court confirmed the Western Cape High Court’s declaration these provisions were unconstitutional and invalid.

The court declared sections of the Refugees Act, which allowed for immigration officials to deport an asylum seeker if they are in the country without a transit visa, unconstitutional. A transit visa is issued at a port of entry to allow a person to travel to a refugee reception centre and apply for asylum.

“The department respects the authority of the Constitutional Court and will study the judgment carefully to consider its implications, including the reasons provided by the Court, before determining the appropriate way forward.

“The department remains firmly committed to upholding the Constitution, while restoring and maintaining the rule of law through a secure, lawful and well-managed immigration system. 

“We remain committed to protecting the integrity of South Africa’s immigration system, while ensuring that our policies and legislation continue to give effect to the Constitution and the country’s international obligations,” the department said.

The Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town, represented by Lawyers for Human Rights, challenged the Minister of Home Affairs regarding practices related to asylum seekers and the “good cause” interviews required for their applications. If applicants failed to meet these conditions, they had to provide immigration officers with a valid reason and show “good cause” for lacking the required visa.

The case was brought to the Western Cape High Court, where the applicants argued that certain provisions of the Refugees Act unjustly barred individuals with irregular immigration statuses from seeking asylum, violating their constitutional rights and international non-refoulement principles

On 15 May 2025, the court ruled that specific sections of the Refugees Act were unconstitutional. The provisions in question included sections that penalised individuals for bureaucratic infractions, effectively blocking their access to refugee protections. 

The court emphasised that these regulations disproportionately affected vulnerable groups, particularly children, and failed to align with constitutional imperatives regarding the best interests of children. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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eThekwini reopens debt relief for customers with pending disputes

Source: Government of South Africa

eThekwini reopens debt relief for customers with pending disputes

The eThekwini Municipality has reopened its Special Debt Relief Programme for customers whose account disputes were still under consideration when the programme closed in January 2026.

The decision, approved by the eThekwini Municipal Council on Tuesday, applies exclusively to customers with unresolved disputes relating to electricity, water, and property rates accounts.

The reinstated programme is open with immediate effect and will remain open until the end of August 2026.

Approximately 154 qualifying account disputes, with a combined value of about R112.3 million, have been identified.

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba has called on eligible customers to take advantage of this once-off opportunity.

“When we first introduced the programme from May to June 2025 to write off 50% of qualifying debt owed to the city as at the end of January 2025, ratepayers and various key stakeholders appealed to us to extend the programme.

“As a listening and caring municipality, we responded by extending it from November 2025 to January 2026, to help alleviate the financial burden on households and businesses,” Xaba said.

The mayor said during continued engagements with the public, customers who had lodged account disputes with the municipality requested that they also be afforded an opportunity to benefit, as their disputes were still being considered when the programme ended.

“We have listened to our residents with genuine concerns, and we are pleased to provide them with this opportunity. We encourage all eligible customers to take advantage of the programme,” he said.

The Special Debt Relief Programme, which concluded in January 2026, resulted in the municipality writing off R515 million in qualifying debt, providing much-needed financial relief to more than 4 500 customers.

Xaba urged all qualifying customers with pending account disputes to visit their nearest municipal customer service centres before the reinstated programme closes at the end of August.

Progress in smart meter rollout

The council also noted the Accounts Management Dashboard Overview Report for the month ending in May 2026, which highlighted progress in modernising the municipality’s water and electricity metering systems to improve billing accuracy, reduce losses and strengthen revenue collection.

The report noted that the Smart Water Metering Programme has exceeded its annual installation target, with 1 865 smart water meters installed and 135 currently being rolled out in areas including uMhlanga, Westville, New Germany, Bellair and Amanzimtoti.

The programme is replacing ageing conventional meters with smart technology to reduce water losses, improve consumption monitoring, enhance billing accuracy, and ensure fair allocation of free basic water.

The rollout of smart electricity meters aims to address ageing infrastructure, faulty meters, electricity theft and billing inaccuracies.

The smart meters provide real-time consumption monitoring, tamper detection and improved integration with the municipality’s billing and vending systems, helping to improve customer service and protect municipal revenue.

The report highlighted that approximately 95% of urban water meters are read and billed based on actual consumption.

It also acknowledged ongoing challenges, including faulty electricity meters awaiting replacement, which continue to contribute to estimated billing.

The municipality said it continues to implement measures to improve billing accuracy, ensure compliance with legislative requirements and enhance revenue collection. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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Spiro Kenya Unveils Khaligraph Jones as Brand Ambassador to Champion Kenya’s Electric Mobility Revolution

Source: APO – Report:

  • The announcement marks the beginning of a collaboration that brings together one of Kenya’s most influential personalities and a company at the forefront of transforming transportation through clean, sustainable mobility.
  • As Brand Ambassador, Khaligraph Jones will support Spiro’s initiatives to promote electric mobility, engage rider communities, and drive public awareness on the environmental and economic benefits of electric motorcycles and battery-swapping technology.

Spiro Kenya (www.Spironet.com), Africa’s leading electric mobility company, today officially unveiled award-winning rapper, entrepreneur, and cultural icon Khaligraph Jones as its Brand Ambassador in a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating awareness and adoption of electric mobility solutions across Kenya.

The announcement marks the beginning of a collaboration that brings together one of Kenya’s most influential personalities and a company at the forefront of transforming transportation through clean, sustainable mobility.

Welcoming Khaligraph Jones to the Spiro family, Raymond Robert Kitunga, Deputy Country Head, Spiro Kenya, expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen the company’s efforts to connect with riders, young people, and communities across the country while advancing the conversation around sustainable transport.

“Today marks an exciting milestone for Spiro Kenya as we officially welcome Khaligraph Jones to our family. Through this partnership, we aim to inspire a new generation to embrace cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable transportation solutions,” said Raymond Robert Kitunga, Deputy Country Head, Spiro Kenya.

As Brand Ambassador, Khaligraph Jones will support Spiro’s initiatives to promote electric mobility, engage rider communities, and drive public awareness on the environmental and economic benefits of electric motorcycles and battery-swapping technology.

Speaking during the unveiling, Khaligraph Jones said he was proud to partner with a brand that is helping shape the future of transportation in Africa.

“I’m excited to join the Spiro family and be part of a movement that is changing how people move every day. I look forward to working together to inspire more Kenyans to embrace the future of mobility,” said Khaligraph Jones.

The partnership comes at a time when Kenya is increasingly embracing clean energy solutions and innovation-driven transportation systems. Spiro continues to provide riders with affordable, reliable, and environmentally friendly mobility solutions while creating economic opportunities for thousands of riders across the country.

The collaboration with Khaligraph Jones is expected to amplify Spiro’s brand visibility and support its mission of making electric mobility accessible to every rider while driving the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

– on behalf of Spiro.

About Spiro:
Spiro is Africa’s largest electric mobility company present in seven countries, operating the continent’s most extensive and fastest growing network of battery-swapping for electric two-wheel vehicles. With more than 100,000 electric motorcycles, over 2500 battery swapping stations and more than 30 million battery swaps to date, Spiro has achieved over one billion kilometres of low-carbon emissions travel, transforming mobility and economies through substituting expensive imported fossil fuel-based transportation with affordable, accessible and sustainable solutions. Through its expanding regional production network and operational assembling facilities in Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda, Spiro is committed to delivering electric vehicles made in Africa by Africans for Africa and the world.

For more information, visit www.Spironet.com.

Media files

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North West strengthens veterinary capacity to combat livestock diseases

Source: Government of South Africa

North West strengthens veterinary capacity to combat livestock diseases

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is strengthening the implementation of the provincial Brucellosis Reduction Plan by equipping Animal Health Technicians with specialised skills in disease surveillance, prevention and control.

Animal Health Technicians from across the province are currently participating in an accredited Bovine Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (BR/TB) Training Programme at the North-West University.

The two-week programme, which commenced on 29 June and concludes on 10 July 2026, combines theoretical and practical training to equip participants with knowledge and competencies required to diagnose and manage bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis.

The training is aimed at strengthening the capacity of Veterinary Services to protect livestock, safeguard public health and strengthen disease control across the province.

North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, said the course is a statutory requirement for Animal Health Technicians authorised to conduct tuberculosis and brucellosis diagnostic testing in cattle herds.

By investing in specialised training, Sambatha said the department is strengthening technical capacity within Veterinary Services, while ensuring compliance with professional and regulatory requirements.

“The programme reflects the department’s commitment to building a skilled workforce capable of responding effectively to animal health challenges. Investing in the development of our Animal Health Technicians is an investment in the future of animal health, food safety and agricultural growth in our province.

“Through this training, we are strengthening the capacity of our Veterinary Services to provide farmers with the quality support they need while ensuring effective disease prevention and control,” Sambatha said.

Participants welcomed the opportunity to strengthen their expertise.

Gomolemo Malau, from the Moses Kotane Veterinary Office, said the training will help her improve the quality of services provided to farmers, while Keitsile Isaac Mosimane, from the Naledi Veterinary Office, said it will deepen his understanding of animal diseases.

“I am here to learn more about brucellosis and deepen my understanding of the disease. By the end of the programme, I want to be better equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to support and empower the farmers I work with in my area,” Mosimane said.

Brucellosis and tuberculosis are zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, making the role of trained Animal Health Technicians critical in protecting public health, promoting food safety and supporting a sustainable livestock industry.

The training forms part of the implementation of the North West Brucellosis Reduction Plan, which seeks to reduce the prevalence of the disease through strengthened surveillance, testing, vaccination and improved disease management practices. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

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Hyatt Announces Plans for Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom

Source: APO – Report:

Hyatt (www.Hyatt.com) announced today that Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom is expected to open in late 2027 following the signing of a management agreement between a Hyatt affiliate and an affiliate of Albwardy Investments LLC. Located in Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, home to the world-famous waterfall of the same name, the hotel will become the second Hyatt branded hotel in the country.

Originally built in 1966 and redeveloped in 1999, the property will undergo an extensive renovation and design transformation in line with the Grand Hyatt brand, creating a captivating destination within a destination that celebrates both the iconic and intimate moments through thoughtful details and grand experiences. The hotel will give World of Hyatt members and guests the opportunity to visit and stay in another renowned leisure travel destination. Upon opening as Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom, World of Hyatt members will be able to earn and redeem World of Hyatt benefits.

Nestled in the heart of Victoria Falls, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or “The Smoke That Thunders”, the future Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom will offer a distinctive gateway to one of the world’s most iconic destinations. The location of the hotel will place guests within a vibrant and compact tourism hub, with only a five-minute walk to the Victoria Falls rainforest and easy access to regional safari circuits, guided tours, restaurants and cultural experiences.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Albwardy Investments to bring the Grand Hyatt brand to Victoria Falls,” said Ludwig Bouldoukian, Regional Vice President, Development, Middle East and Africa, Hyatt. “With its landmark location just moments from the Victoria Falls rainforest, this property represents a truly exceptional setting. This signing marks a significant milestone in Hyatt’s continued expansion across Africa, reinforcing our commitment on growing our brand presence in the region and providing World of Hyatt members more travel choice in inspiring destinations.”

“We are proud to collaborate with Hyatt on plans to introduce the Grand Hyatt brand to Victoria Falls,” said Mr. Ali Albwardy, Chairman, Albwardy Investments. “As one of the destination’s most established hospitality landmarks for more than 60 years, the property holds significant heritage and potential within Zimbabwe. Through its transformation under the Grand Hyatt brand, and with plans to reopen in late 2027, we aim to create an elevated hospitality experience that celebrates the culture, energy and significance of Victoria Falls, further reinforcing our commitment to Africa’s hospitality sector.”

The property is expected to feature 245 thoughtfully appointed guestrooms and an extensive range of facilities, including 1,800 sqm (19,375 sq ft) of meeting and event space, three dining venues, a spa and fitness center and a grand lobby lounge.  The hotel will offer a dynamic mix of culinary, leisure and wellness experiences along with welcoming service that creates an elevated experience for all guests. As the closest hotel to the entrance of the Victoria Falls national park on the Zimbabwean side of the border, the property is ideally located near the area’s key attractions. It is also a short 20-minute drive from Victoria Falls International Airport, making it well suited for leisure, events and business travellers alike.

To learn more about Hyatt, visit www.Hyatt.com


The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

– on behalf of Hyatt.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Chloe Duncan
Hyatt – Middle East & Africa
Chloe.duncan@hyatt.com

About Grand Hyatt:
Around the world, Grand Hyatt hotels bring travel dreams to life by celebrating the iconic in small details and magnificent moments. Located at the crossroads of local culture and global business within major gateway cities and resort destinations, each Grand Hyatt hotel is uniquely designed to be a captivating destination within a destination. Grand Hyatt hotels deliver welcoming and elevated service, first-class accommodations and an abundance of options within a multicultural backdrop of dramatic architecture and bold and vibrant design. Grand Hyatt hotels boast inventive restaurants, luxury spas, fitness centers, and business and meeting facilities.

For additional information or to make a reservation, please visit www.GrandHyatt.com. Follow @GrandHyatt on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4vVj8SG), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4vSYCCc) and tag photos with #GrandHyatt.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation:
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of March 31, 2026, the Company’s portfolio included more than 1,500 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 83 countries across six continents. The Company’s offering includes brands in the Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® HotelsThe StandardX®, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, and Me and All Hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa ResortsHyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & SpasDreams® Resorts & SpasHyatt Vivid® Hotels & ResortsBahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spasthe Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Unscripted by HyattHyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios®, Hyatt Select, and UrCove. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar® DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services.

For more information, please visit www.Hyatt.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:
​Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “likely,” “will,” “would” and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us and our management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; the rate and pace of economic recovery following economic downturns; global supply chain constraints and interruptions, rising costs of construction-related labor and materials, and increases in costs due to inflation or other factors that may not be fully offset by increases in revenues in our business; risks affecting the luxury, resort, and all-inclusive lodging segments; levels of spending in business, leisure, and group segments, as well as consumer confidence; declines in occupancy and average daily rate; limited visibility with respect to future bookings; loss of key personnel; domestic and international political and geopolitical conditions, including political or civil unrest or changes in trade policy; the impact of global tariff policies or regulations; hostilities, or fear of hostilities, including future terrorist attacks, that affect travel; travel-related accidents; natural or man-made disasters, weather and climate-related events, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, droughts, floods, wildfires, oil spills, nuclear incidents, and global outbreaks of pandemics or contagious diseases, or fear of such outbreaks; our ability to successfully achieve specified levels of operating profits at hotels that have performance tests or guarantees in favor of our third-party owners; the impact of hotel renovations and redevelopments; risks associated with our capital allocation plans, share repurchase program, and dividend payments, including a reduction in, or elimination or suspension of, repurchase activity or dividend payments; the seasonal and cyclical nature of the real estate and hospitality businesses; changes in distribution arrangements, such as through internet travel intermediaries; changes in the tastes and preferences of our customers; relationships with colleagues and labor unions and changes in labor laws; the financial condition of, and our relationships with, third-party owners, franchisees, and hospitality venture partners; the possible inability of third-party owners, franchisees, or development partners to access the capital necessary to fund current operations or implement our plans for growth; risks associated with potential acquisitions and dispositions and our ability to successfully integrate completed acquisitions with existing operations or realize anticipated synergies; failure to successfully complete proposed transactions, including the failure to satisfy closing conditions or obtain required approvals; our ability to successfully complete dispositions of certain of our owned real estate assets within targeted timeframes and at expected values; our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures; declines in the value of our real estate assets; unforeseen terminations of our management and hotel services agreements or franchise agreements; changes in federal, state, local, or foreign tax law; increases in interest rates, wages, and other operating costs; foreign exchange rate fluctuations or currency restructurings; risks associated with the introduction of new brand concepts, including lack of acceptance of new brands or innovation; general volatility of the capital markets and our ability to access such markets; changes in the competitive environment in our industry, industry consolidation, and the markets where we operate; our ability to successfully grow the World of Hyatt loyalty program and manage the Unlimited Vacation Club paid membership program; cyber incidents and information technology failures; outcomes of legal or administrative proceedings; and violations of regulations or laws related to our franchising business and licensing businesses and our international operations; and other risks discussed in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our annual report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which filings are available from the SEC. These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of our forward-looking statementsWe caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

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Gold Fields’ Benford Mokoatle to Shape Gold Investment Agenda at African Mining Week

Source: APO – Report:

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Benford Mokoatle, Executive Vice President at Gold Fields, has been appointed to the Advisory Board of African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa’s Most Influential Mining Conference.

Mokoatle’s appointment reinforces AMW’s commitment to bringing together leading industry figures to help shape discussions on the opportunities and challenges transforming Africa’s mining sector. It also comes at a pivotal time for the continent’s gold industry, as record gold prices and sustained central bank demand create favorable conditions for new project development and investment.

In his advisory role, Mokoatle will provide strategic guidance on the event’s gold-focused agenda, engage with industry stakeholders and support participation from mining executives, investors and government leaders. His expertise will help ensure AMW delivers practical insights into the trends shaping Africa’s gold industry while fostering partnerships that unlock new investment opportunities.

Taking place under the theme, “Mining the Future: Unearthing Africa’s Full Mineral Value Chain” from October 14–16 in Cape Town, AMW will feature a dedicated Gold Forum examining the key opportunities and challenges across Africa’s gold value chain. Discussions will focus on increasing production, advancing local beneficiation and supporting the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining.

With more than 21 years of mining experience, Mokoatle has held senior technical and operational leadership positions at Gold Fields, AngloGold Ashanti and De Beers. His expertise spans geology, mine management and operational excellence, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the operational and strategic priorities shaping Africa’s gold industry.

At Gold Fields, Mokoatle plays a leading role in advancing the South Deep Mine in South Africa – one of the world’s deepest and largest gold mines – as a cornerstone of the company’s long-term growth strategy. Current initiatives include the South of Wrench development and renewable energy projects designed to improve operational efficiency while supporting Gold Fields’ 2026 production guidance of 2.4 to 2.6 million ounces.

“Benford Mokoatle brings more than two decades of operational and leadership experience in Africa’s gold mining industry. His contribution will be instrumental in ensuring AMW 2026 delivers meaningful outcomes for the sector,” said Rachelle Kasongo, Event Director, AMW. “As African producers expand output to capitalize on strong global demand, his expertise will help shape the program and strengthen dialogue on the policies, partnerships and investment needed to support long-term growth.”

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Hyatt annonce ses projets pour le Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Hyatt (www.Hyatt.com) a annoncé aujourd’hui que l’ouverture du Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom est prévue pour fin 2027, suite à la signature d’un accord de gestion entre une filiale de Hyatt et une entité d’Albwardy Investments LLC. Situé à Victoria Falls au Zimbabwe, région qui abrite les célèbres chutes d’eau du même nom, cet établissement deviendra le deuxième hôtel de la marque Hyatt dans le pays.

Construit à l’origine en 1966 et réaménagé en 1999, l’établissement fera l’objet d’une vaste rénovation et d’une transformation de son design en accord avec la marque Grand Hyatt. Cela créera une destination captivante au sein même de la région, célébrant des moments à la fois emblématiques et intimes grâce à des détails soignés et des expériences grandioses. L’hôtel offrira aux membres du programme World of Hyatt et à ses clients l’opportunité de visiter et de séjourner dans une autre destination de loisirs de renommée mondiale. Dès son ouverture sous le nom de Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom, les membres du programme World of Hyatt pourront accumuler et utiliser leurs avantages.

Niché au cœur de Victoria Falls, un site classé au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO et connu localement sous le nom de Mosi-oa-Tunya (« la fumée qui gronde »), le futur Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom offrira une porte d’entrée unique vers l’une des destinations les plus emblématiques au monde. L’emplacement de l’hôtel placera les clients au sein d’un centre touristique dynamique et compact, à seulement cinq minutes de marche de la forêt tropicale des chutes Victoria, avec un accès facile aux circuits de safari régionaux, aux visites guidées, aux restaurants et aux expériences culturelles.

« Nous sommes ravis de collaborer avec Albwardy Investments pour introduire la marque Grand Hyatt à Victoria Falls », a déclaré Ludwig Bouldoukian, Regional Vice President, Development, Middle East and Africa, Hyatt. « Avec son emplacement emblématique à quelques pas de la forêt tropicale des chutes Victoria, cette propriété offre un cadre véritablement exceptionnel. Cette signature marque une étape importante dans l’expansion continue de Hyatt à travers l’Afrique. Elle renforce notre engagement à accroître la présence de notre marque dans la région et à offrir aux membres World of Hyatt davantage de choix de voyages dans des destinations inspirantes. »

« Nous sommes fiers de collaborer avec Hyatt sur le projet d’introduction de la marque Grand Hyatt à Victoria Falls », a ajouté M. Ali Albwardy, Chairman, Albwardy Investments. « En tant que l’un des points de repère hôteliers les plus établis de la destination depuis plus de 60 ans, la propriété possède un héritage et un potentiel importants au Zimbabwe. Grâce à sa transformation sous la marque Grand Hyatt et avec une réouverture prévue pour fin 2027, nous visons à créer une expérience d’hospitalité de haut niveau qui célèbre la culture, l’énergie et l’importance des chutes Victoria, renforçant ainsi notre engagement envers le secteur de l’hospitalité en Afrique. »

L’établissement devrait proposer 245 chambres soigneusement aménagées ainsi qu’une vaste gamme d’installations, dont 1 800 mètres carrés d’espaces de réunion et d’événements, trois restaurants, un spa, un centre de remise en forme et un grand salon-hall. L’hôtel offrira un mélange dynamique d’expériences culinaires, de loisirs et de bien-être, accompagné d’un service accueillant qui crée une expérience de haut niveau pour tous les clients. Étant l’hôtel le plus proche de l’entrée du parc national des chutes Victoria du côté zimbabwéen de la frontière, la propriété est idéalement située à proximité des principales attractions de la région. Elle se trouve également à seulement 20 minutes en voiture de l’aéroport international de Victoria Falls, ce qui la rend parfaitement adaptée aux voyageurs de loisirs, d’événements et d’affaires.

Pour en savoir plus sur Hyatt, visitez www.Hyatt.com.


Le terme « Hyatt » est utilisé dans ce communiqué par commodité pour désigner Hyatt Hotels Corporation et/ou une ou plusieurs de ses filiales.

Distribué par APO Group pour Hyatt.

CONTACT PRESSE :
Chloe Duncan
Hyatt, Moyen-Orient et Afrique
Chloe.duncan@hyatt.com

À propos de Grand Hyatt :
À travers le globe, les hôtels Grand Hyatt incarnent l’esprit du voyage en sublimant chaque détail et en magnifiant chaque instant, célébrant ainsi l’exceptionnel dans les moindres détails. Implantés au croisement entre la culture locale et les enjeux internationaux des principales métropoles et destinations touristiques, chaque hôtel Grand Hyatt est conçu de manière unique pour devenir une destination en tant que telle au cœur même de son emplacement. Les hôtels Grand Hyatt offrent un service accueillant et de qualité, un hébergement de première classe et une multitude d’options dans un cadre multiculturel à l’architecture spectaculaire et au design audacieux. Les hôtels Grand Hyatt proposent des restaurants inventifs, des spas haut de gamme, des centres de remise en forme et des salles de réunion et d’affaires.

Pour plus d’informations ou pour effectuer une réservation, veuillez consulter le site www.GrandHyatt.com. Suivez @GrandHyatt sur Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4vVj8SG), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4vSYCCc) et taguez vos photos avec #GrandHyatt.

À propos de Hyatt Hotels Corporation :
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, dont le siège social est situé à Chicago, est un leader mondial de l’hôtellerie guidé par son objectif : prendre soin des gens afin qu’ils puissent donner le meilleur d’eux-mêmes. Au 31 mars 2026, le portefeuille de la Société comprenait plus de 1 500 hôtels et établissements tout compris, répartis dans 83 pays, sur six continents. L’offre de la Société comprend des marques dans le Portefeuille Luxury, dont Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, et The Unbound Collection by Hyatt® ; le Portefeuille Lifestyle, dont Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX®, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, et Me and All Hotels ; la Collection Inclusive, dont Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid® Hotels & Resorts, Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, et Sunscape® Resorts & Spas ; le Portefeuille Classics, dont Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, et Hyatt® ; ainsi que le Portefeuille Essentials, dont Caption by Hyatt®, Unscripted by Hyatt, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios®, Hyatt Select, et UrCove. Les filiales de la Société gèrent le programme de fidélité World of Hyatt®, les services de gestion des destinations ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith™, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar® DMC ainsi que les services technologiques Trisept Solutions®.

Pour plus d’informations, rendez-vous sur www.Hyatt.com.

Déclarations prospectives :
Les déclarations prospectives contenues dans ce communiqué de presse, qui ne constituent pas des faits historiques, sont des déclarations prospectives au sens du Private Securities Litigation Reform Act de 1995. Ces déclarations portent notamment sur les plans et stratégies de la Société, ses perspectives, le nombre d’établissements qu’elle prévoit d’ouvrir à l’avenir, le calendrier et le versement prévus de dividendes, les perspectives de la Société pour 2026, incluant la croissance attendue du RevPAR des hôtels à l’échelle du système, la croissance nette du nombre de chambres, le résultat net, les commissions brutes, les charges générales et administratives ajustées, l’EBITDA ajusté, les dépenses d’investissement et le flux de trésorerie disponible ajusté, les retours en capital attendus pour les actionnaires, les performances financières, les événements futurs ou envisagés, ainsi que des risques connus et inconnus difficiles à anticiper. En conséquence, les résultats, performances ou réalisations réels de la Société peuvent différer sensiblement de ceux exprimés ou sous-entendus par ces déclarations prospectives. Dans certains cas, vous pouvez identifier des déclarations prospectives par l’utilisation de termes tels que « peut », « pourrait », « s’attend à », « entend », « prévoit », « cherche à », « anticipe », « croit », « estime », « prédit », « potentiel », « continue », « probable », « va », « devrait » et leurs variantes ou expressions similaires, ou la forme négative de ces termes ou d’expressions similaires. Ces déclarations prospectives reposent nécessairement sur des estimations et des hypothèses qui, bien que considérées comme raisonnables par la Société et sa direction, sont par nature incertaines. Les facteurs susceptibles d’entraîner des écarts significatifs entre les résultats réels et les attentes actuelles comprennent, sans s’y limiter : l’incertitude économique générale sur les principaux marchés mondiaux et une dégradation des conditions économiques mondiales ou une faible croissance économique ; le rythme et la cadence de la reprise économique après les ralentissements ; les contraintes et interruptions des chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales, la hausse des coûts de main-d’œuvre et de matériaux dans la construction, ainsi que les augmentations de coûts dues à l’inflation ou à d’autres facteurs qui pourraient ne pas être entièrement compensés par les hausses de revenus dans nos activités ; les risques affectant les segments de l’hôtellerie de luxe, des resorts et des établissements tout compris ; les niveaux de dépenses dans les segments affaires, loisirs et groupes, ainsi que la confiance des consommateurs ; les baisses du taux d’occupation et du tarif journalier moyen ; la visibilité limitée sur les réservations futures ; la perte de personnel clé ; les conditions politiques et géopolitiques nationales et internationales, notamment les troubles politiques ou civils ou les modifications des politiques commerciales ; l’impact des politiques tarifaires mondiales ou des réglementations ; les sanctions économiques ou autres restrictions gouvernementales susceptibles de limiter notre capacité à exercer nos activités ou à recevoir des paiements ; les hostilités, ou la crainte d’hostilités, y compris le conflit militaire en cours au Moyen-Orient et les perturbations liées à la sécurité au Mexique, ainsi que les attentats terroristes ou autres actes de violence affectant les voyages ; les accidents liés aux voyages ; les catastrophes naturelles ou provoquées par l’homme, les événements météorologiques et climatiques tels que les ouragans, tremblements de terre, tsunamis, tornades, sécheresses, inondations, incendies de forêt, marées noires, incidents nucléaires et pandémies ou maladies contagieuses mondiales, ou la crainte de tels événements ; l’impact des avis de voyage émis par les gouvernements, des fermetures d’espaces aériens ou des suspensions de vols sur les arrivées internationales et les réservations hôtelières dans les régions concernées ; notre capacité à atteindre les niveaux de bénéfices d’exploitation spécifiés dans les hôtels soumis à des tests de performance ou à des garanties en faveur de nos propriétaires tiers ; l’impact des rénovations et réaménagements d’hôtels ; les risques liés à nos plans d’allocation du capital, à notre programme de rachat d’actions et aux versements de dividendes, notamment une réduction, suppression ou suspension des rachats ou des dividendes ; la nature saisonnière et cyclique des activités immobilières et hôtelières ; les modifications des accords de distribution, notamment via les intermédiaires de voyage en ligne ; les évolutions des goûts et préférences de nos clients ; les relations avec les collaborateurs et les syndicats, ainsi que les modifications du droit du travail ; la situation financière de nos propriétaires tiers, franchisés et partenaires de coentreprise hôtelière, et nos relations avec eux ; l’éventuelle incapacité des propriétaires tiers, franchisés ou partenaires de développement à accéder aux capitaux nécessaires au financement des opérations courantes ou à la mise en œuvre de nos plans de croissance ; les risques liés aux acquisitions et cessions potentielles et notre capacité à intégrer avec succès les acquisitions réalisées aux opérations existantes ou à réaliser les synergies anticipées ; l’échec à mener à bien des transactions envisagées, notamment en raison du non-respect des conditions de clôture ou de l’absence des approbations requises ; notre capacité à maintenir un contrôle interne efficace sur l’information financière et les procédures de contrôle de la communication ; les baisses de valeur de nos actifs immobiliers ; les résiliations imprévues de nos contrats de gestion, de services hôteliers ou de franchise ; les modifications du droit fiscal fédéral, étatique, local ou étranger ; la hausse des taux d’intérêt, des salaires et des autres coûts d’exploitation ; les fluctuations des taux de change ou les restructurations monétaires ; les risques liés à l’introduction de nouveaux concepts de marques, notamment le manque d’acceptation de nouvelles marques ou innovations ; la volatilité générale des marchés de capitaux et notre capacité à y accéder ; les évolutions de l’environnement concurrentiel dans notre secteur, la consolidation du secteur et les marchés sur lesquels nous opérons ; notre capacité à développer avec succès le programme de fidélité World of Hyatt et à gérer le programme d’adhésion payante Unlimited Vacation Club ; les incidents cybernétiques et les défaillances des systèmes d’information ; les issues des procédures judiciaires ou administratives ; les violations des réglementations ou des lois relatives à nos activités de franchise et de licence ainsi qu’à nos opérations internationales ; ainsi que d’autres risques évoqués dans les documents déposés par la Société auprès de la SEC, notamment les rapports annuels sur formulaire 10-K et les rapports trimestriels sur formulaire 10-Q, disponibles auprès de la SEC. Toutes les déclarations prospectives attribuables à la Société ou aux personnes agissant en son nom sont expressément qualifiées dans leur intégralité par les mises en garde énoncées ci-dessus. Nous vous mettons en garde contre toute confiance excessive accordée à ces déclarations prospectives, qui ne sont valables qu’à la date du présent communiqué. Nous n’assumons aucune obligation de mettre à jour publiquement ces déclarations prospectives pour refléter des résultats réels, de nouvelles informations ou des événements futurs, des changements d’hypothèses ou d’autres facteurs affectant les déclarations prospectives, sauf dans la mesure requise par la loi applicable. Si nous mettons à jour une ou plusieurs déclarations prospectives, aucune déduction ne devra être faite quant à la réalisation de mises à jour supplémentaires concernant celles-ci ou d’autres déclarations prospectives.

  

Media files

SA, UN collaborate to push towards Sustainable Development Goals

Source: Government of South Africa

SA, UN collaborate to push towards Sustainable Development Goals

The Government of South Africa and the United Nations in South Africa will on Friday sign a five-year Cooperation Framework Agreement aimed at supporting South Africa’s national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The Cooperation Framework sets out the strategic direction for collaboration between Government and the United Nations system from 2026 to 2030.

“It reaffirms a shared commitment to promoting inclusive economic growth, reducing inequality, strengthening institutions, protecting the environment, and ensuring that no one is left behind,” Government said.

The Cooperation Framework will be signed by the Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, on behalf of the Government of South Africa, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa, Nelson Muffuh.

The event will also be attended by senior representatives from the national government, civil society organizations, foundations, members of the diplomatic corps, United Nations entities, and development partners. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Department convenes disability rights machinery meeting

Source: Government of South Africa

Department convenes disability rights machinery meeting

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) is convening the National Disability Rights Machinery (NDRM) meeting to strengthen the implementation of disability rights in South Africa.

The meeting, which will be held in Durban from 8 – 10 July, brings together government departments, constitutional institutions, organisations of persons with disabilities, civil society, academia, the private sector, and development partners to ensure that people with disabilities remain at the centre of policy development, service delivery, and community empowerment programmes.

The meeting forms part of government’s ongoing efforts to accelerate the implementation of the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, advance the constitutional rights of persons with disabilities, and promote an inclusive society in line with South Africa’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

The National Disability Rights Machinery serves as South Africa’s primary coordination platform for disability rights. It enables stakeholders to review progress in implementing disability policies, identify challenges and develop collaborative solutions aimed at improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities.

The meeting is expected to review progress made in mainstreaming disability inclusion across government, strengthen intersectoral coordination and identify practical measures to improve access to education, healthcare, employment, transport, justice, and other essential services for persons with disabilities.

The White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, approved by Cabinet in 2015, provides South Africa’s comprehensive policy framework for advancing the rights and socio-economic inclusion of persons with disabilities.

The policy framework is built on nine pillars aimed at advancing disability inclusion. It includes, among others, the removal of barriers to access and participation, the support of sustainable, integrated community life, and the reduction of economic vulnerability.

Through the implementation of the White Paper, government aims to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy equal opportunities, accessible public services, reasonable accommodation, protection from discrimination and meaningful participation in decision-making processes that affect their lives. – SAnews.gov.za

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Select Committee embarks on Free State, KZN oversight visits 

Source: Government of South Africa

Select Committee embarks on Free State, KZN oversight visits 

Parliament’s Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration (Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements and Water and Sanitation) is visiting the Ngwathe Local Municipality in the Free State today as part of efforts to ensure service delivery to the area.

This as Section 139 of the Constitution has been invoked in the municipality. Section 139 of the Constitution speaks to provincial intervention in local government.  

According to the Constitution, when a municipality cannot or does not fulfil an executive obligation in terms of the Constitution or legislation, the relevant provincial executive may intervene by taking any appropriate steps to ensure fulfilment of that obligation. 

This includes issuing a directive to the Municipal Council, describing the extent of the failure to fulfil its obligations and stating any steps required to meet its obligations and dissolving the Municipal Council and appointing an administrator until a newly elected Municipal Council has been declared elected, if exceptional circumstances warrant such a step, among others.

The committee’s visit to the Ngwathe Local Municipality follows the court-mandated invocation of Section 139(1)(c) of the Constitution.

Section 139(1)(c) empowers a provincial executive to dissolve a municipal council and appoint an administrator where a municipality has failed to fulfil its executive obligations.

“The intervention follows a ruling by the Bloemfontein High Court (and confirmed by the Constitutional Court), which found that the municipality had failed to meet its constitutional, legal and administrative obligations to residents. The court highlighted several challenges, including debt exceeding R1.5 billion, deteriorating infrastructure that has resulted in widespread sewage spills and water shortages, as well as chronic financial and administrative mismanagement,” the Committee said ahead of Wednesday’s visit.

The committee will engage political parties represented in the municipal council, business organisations, civil society organisations, and women and youth representatives to obtain their views on the intervention. It will also meet the Provincial Executive to assess progress made since the court order.

Visit to KZN 

In addition to the Ngwathe visit, the committee will also meet with the Office of the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal and the Provincial Public Service Commission on Thursday as part of its programme to assess the state of the public service across provinces.

The committee has resolved to engage provincial Public Service Commissions to evaluate the effectiveness of provincial administrations and identify areas requiring improvement.

“It is important that the public service achieves its intended objectives and that the necessary measures are in place to ensure provincial administrations are functional and deliver quality services to the people. Our engagement with the Public Service Commission will help us understand where challenges exist and whether appropriate interventions are being implemented to strengthen service delivery,” Committee Chairperson Mxolisi Kaunda said. 

On Friday, 10 July, the committee will visit Impendle Local Municipality following the invocation of Section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution.

The intervention was implemented due to persistent failures in financial management, prolonged vacancies in critical senior management positions, and ongoing political instability within the municipality.

During the visit, the committee will engage political parties represented in the municipal council, business organisations, civil society organisations, and women and youth representatives to obtain their views on the intervention. The committee will also meet the Provincial Executive to assess progress made since the intervention was implemented.

“As representatives of the people, it is essential that the committee engages directly with communities and organisations affected by these interventions. The committee has adopted a standard framework that requires any decision to support or reject an intervention to be informed by the views of those directly impacted. Parliament also has a constitutional obligation to facilitate meaningful public participation,” Kaunda said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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