Category: Africa

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Limpopo councillor arrested on attempted bribery rearrested on false pretence

Source: Government of South Africa

Limpopo councillor arrested on attempted bribery rearrested on false pretence

A Limpopo councillor, initially arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigator, has been rearrested on an outstanding Makhado warrant for theft by false pretence.

Thulamela Municipality councillor Netshivhumbe Gumani was arrested on Monday after being granted R10 000 bail for the alleged bribery matter, which was heard in the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mahikeng. 

“Gumani was arrested by the Makhado police on an outstanding Makhado warrant for theft by false pretence.

“The charges stem from allegations that Gumani solicited funds from several businesspeople in Limpopo to finance political activities linked to the 2014 youth league conference in Sekhukhune District,” the SIU said. 

He is scheduled to appear in court again on 18 September 2026.  

On the bribery allegations, the corruption-busting unit explained that Gumani attempted to offer a senior SIU investigator R70 000 to “obstruct justice in the ongoing investigation into tenders at the Mahikeng Local Municipality”.

“It is alleged that Gumani was facilitating the bribe on behalf of Anacot Trading, a company associated with questionable financial activities involving municipal contracts.

“The SIU investigation… found that the appointed service provider received approximately R179 million from Mahikeng Municipality for two lease agreements.

“Immediately after receiving the payment, the service provider transferred R28 million to Anacot Trading, owned by Shahzaad Mohamed Hussein. When the SIU contacted Hussein to explain why he received R28 million, he allegedly sent Gumani to the SIU to influence the outcome of the investigation,” the unit said.

Acting SIU Head, Leonard Lekgetho, assured that the unit maintains confidence in the strength of the case against Gumani.

“The alleged attempt to bribe an SIU investigator is a serious attack on the integrity of South Africa’s justice system and on the fight against corruption. No amount of intimidation or inducement will deter the SIU from fulfilling its mandate.

“We commend the investigator for acting with professionalism and integrity, and we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure that the matter is prosecuted to its conclusion,” Lekgetho said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Guesthouse owner alleged to have housed undocumented individuals appears in court 

Source: Government of South Africa

Guesthouse owner alleged to have housed undocumented individuals appears in court 

A 56-year-old foreign national, alleged to have been housing undocumented individuals, has appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court in the Free State, police said.

Guesthouse owner, Lyndon Adentuji Odili, was arrested for contravening the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act 13 of 2002). Odili was granted R10 000 bail, and his case has been postponed to 31 July 2026 for further investigation.

Hs arrest followed a swift intelligence driven response by law enforcement on Tuesday after a tip-off was received by the South African Police Service (SAPS) of several undocumented individuals having been spotted at a guesthouse along Raymond Mhlaba Street in Bloemfontein.

“The information suggested that the individuals were allegedly being hidden at the premises in reaction to the multidisciplinary operation targeting anti-foreigner sentiments during a planned (protests) on the same day.

“Upon arrival at the establishment, police conducted a thorough search of the premises. A total of 18 undocumented foreign nationals were found inside without the necessary legal authorisation to reside in the Republic of South Africa.”

This as government assured citizens that it is actively managing migration through lawful, coordinated and constitutional measures, as planned demonstrations against illegal migration took place across the country on Tuesday.

“The owner of the guesthouse, Mr. Odili, was subsequently summoned to the scene. Following a consultation, he was arrested under Section 40(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act 51 of 1977),” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement on Wednesday.

Odili faces 18 counts of aiding, abetting, assisting, enabling, or helping illegal foreigners in contravention of the Immigration Act.

Separate dockets have also been opened against the 18 undocumented individuals for illegal entry and stay within the country.

The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General, Thabang Lesia, has commended officers for their swift reaction to the information, reiterating that business and property owners, who deliberately bypass the country’s immigration laws to harbour undocumented individuals will face the full might of the law. – SAnews.gov.za

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Macpherson to launch Built Environment and Construction Safety Framework

Source: Government of South Africa

Macpherson to launch Built Environment and Construction Safety Framework

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson will launch the National Built Environment and Construction Safety Framework at the second Public Works and Infrastructure Summit.

“The National Built Environment and Construction Safety Framework is a multi-sector approach aimed at improving construction safety, prevention of building collapses, and fight against illegal building activities,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) said ahead of Friday’s launch.

Hosted by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE), the Summit will be held under the theme: “From Collapse to Confidence.” 

The summit will also strengthen regulatory systems, improve accountability, and embed a culture of safety across the sector. 

“This year’s Summit will bring together government, municipalities, regulators, financiers, academia, industry leaders, contractors and built environment professionals to drive practical solutions for safer, more accountable infrastructure delivery. 

“The Summit aims to strengthen collaboration, improve infrastructure management, and accelerate sustainable reform across the built environment sector,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Bafana Bafana arrive to a hero’s welcome after historic World Cup campaign

Source: Government of South Africa

Bafana Bafana arrive to a hero’s welcome after historic World Cup campaign

Bafana Bafana received a hero’s welcome when they landed at OR Tambo International Airport after their historic 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

The national senior men’s team was greeted by supporters, who turned out in large numbers to celebrate the team reaching the knockout rounds of a FIFA World Cup for the first time in its history.

Addressing a media briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday, captain Ronwen Williams thanked South Africans for supporting the team throughout the tournament.

“Thank you everyone for your support and for this incredible welcome. To experience the unity of the country at a moment like this is amazing.

“The prayers, the support and all the well wishes that were sent our way meant so much to us as a team. We went out there carrying the support, love and belief of [millions of] South Africans,” Williams said.

Bafana Bafana’s journey came to an end on Sunday after a 1 – 0 defeat to tournament co-hosts Canada in a last-32 match at Los Angeles Stadium.

“It’s been a wonderful journey. When we look back at how far we’ve come as a team, especially under Coach Hugo Broos, we can be proud. This achievement at the World Cup is the cherry on top because we’ve been doing excellent work for a long time. We’re just proud and happy that the country is happy,” Williams said.

The team’s coach said he was pleased with their performance during the World Cup.

“It was not easy, but we made it. It is historic for South African football that the team reached the second round of the World Cup, and that was our goal from the beginning. We worked hard. It was not easy, but we succeeded. That’s the most important thing,” Broos said.

Broos said the experience gained at this World Cup would help the team improve and prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

 “That has to be our next objective. And, of course, we want to qualify again for the 2030 World Cup. I think if South Africa can achieve that over the next three or four years, you will immediately see how far South African football has progressed.

“When you’re competing at that level, you learn a lot, and you learn quickly. I think that’s exactly what happened to us at this World Cup,” the coach said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Le ministre sénégalais de l’Énergie participera à African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 dans un contexte d’expansion rapide du secteur pétrolier et gazier

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La participation du ministre sénégalais de l’Énergie et du Pétrole, le Dr El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, en tant qu’intervenant à l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, qui se tiendra du 12 au 16 octobre au Cap, a été confirmée. Sa participation intervient alors que le Sénégal entre dans une nouvelle phase de développement de son secteur énergétique, à la suite d’un remaniement ministériel qui a scindé l’ancien ministère de l’Énergie, du Pétrole et des Mines en deux portefeuilles distincts : Énergie et Pétrole, d’une part, et Mines, d’autre part, accordant ainsi une plus grande importance institutionnelle au secteur des hydrocarbures du pays, en pleine expansion.

L’AEW 2026 offrira au Sénégal une tribune pour mobiliser les investisseurs, alors que le pays s’appuie sur ses récents succès en amont, développe l’utilisation du gaz national et étend les infrastructures nécessaires pour garantir la sécurité énergétique à long terme et soutenir la croissance industrielle.

Le ministre Diouf a pris ses fonctions en juin 2026, à la suite de la formation du nouveau gouvernement sénégalais. À la tête du ministère de l’Énergie et du Pétrole, il dirige les efforts visant à accélérer le développement en amont, à développer l’utilisation du gaz sur le marché intérieur et à renforcer le cadre réglementaire favorisant les investissements à long terme. Sa nomination intervient alors que le Sénégal passe du statut d’explorateur d’hydrocarbures à celui de producteur, cherchant à tirer parti de sa nouvelle production de pétrole et de gaz pour améliorer la sécurité énergétique, réduire la dépendance vis-à-vis des importations de carburant, diminuer les coûts de l’électricité et soutenir l’industrialisation.

Le gisement offshore de Sangomar a dépassé les prévisions de production en 2025, avec 36 millions de barils produits, tandis que les exportations ont atteint environ 3,8 millions de barils pour le seul mois de janvier 2026. L’opérateur Woodside Energy évalue actuellement une deuxième phase de développement qui pourrait encore accroître la production. Parallèlement, le projet de GNL «Greater Tortue Ahmeyim» continue d’intensifier ses activités tout en fournissant 35 millions de pieds cubes standard de gaz par jour au marché intérieur sénégalais. En avril, la compagnie pétrolière nationale Petrosen a acquis la pleine propriété du gisement de gaz de Yakaar-Teranga, qui recèle environ 25 billions de pieds cubes de gaz et qui soutiendra la stratégie à long terme du pays en matière de valorisation du gaz et de production d’électricité à partir du gaz.

Au-delà du développement en amont, le Sénégal investit massivement dans les infrastructures nécessaires à la valorisation de ses ressources gazières sur le marché intérieur. En début d’année, Petrosen a lancé sa première campagne d’exploration terrestre d’une valeur de 100 millions de dollars, menée en toute autonomie, tandis que le gouvernement poursuit l’élaboration de plans pour un projet de réseau de gazoducs nationaux de 400 km destiné à relier la production gazière offshore aux consommateurs industriels. Dans le cadre de son objectif visant à produire 75 % de la capacité électrique installée à partir du gaz naturel, le Sénégal développe également la production d’électricité au gaz grâce à des projets tels que la conversion de la centrale électrique existante de Bel Air (335 MW) et la construction d’une nouvelle centrale au gaz de 366 MW.

Parallèlement à ces investissements, le Sénégal renforce le cadre politique qui sous-tend la croissance à long terme du secteur. Cette année, le gouvernement a fait progresser les réformes de sa réglementation sur le contenu local, visant à accroître la participation nationale tout au long de la chaîne de valeur pétrolière, tout en adoptant ses premières normes nationales pour les équipements solaires photovoltaïques. Ensemble, ces initiatives reflètent la stratégie du Sénégal consistant à tirer parti du développement du gaz naturel parallèlement à l’expansion des énergies renouvelables pour soutenir une croissance économique durable.

« Le Sénégal entre dans une nouvelle phase passionnante de développement énergétique, soutenue par des ressources pétrolières et gazières de classe mondiale, des investissements ambitieux dans les infrastructures et des réformes réglementaires progressistes. La participation du ministre Diouf à l’AEW 2026 offre aux investisseurs une occasion opportune de dialoguer directement avec les dirigeants qui façonnent l’un des marchés énergétiques les plus dynamiques d’Afrique », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’African Energy Chamber.

Lors de l’AEW 2026, le ministre Diouf devrait participer à des discussions de haut niveau sur les investissements en amont, la monétisation du gaz, les infrastructures énergétiques et la coopération énergétique régionale, soulignant ainsi le rôle croissant du Sénégal en tant que l’une des principales destinations d’investissement en Afrique de l’Ouest.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Ministro da Energia do Senegal participa na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 num contexto de rápida expansão do setor do petróleo e do gás

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O ministro da Energia e do Petróleo do Senegal, Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, foi confirmado como orador na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, que decorrerá de 12 a 16 de outubro na Cidade do Cabo. A sua participação surge num momento em que o Senegal entra numa nova fase de desenvolvimento do setor energético, na sequência de uma remodelação ministerial que separou o antigo Ministério da Energia, Petróleo e Minas em pastas autónomas de Energia e Petróleo e de Minas, conferindo maior ênfase institucional ao setor dos hidrocarbonetos do país, em rápida expansão.

A AEW 2026 proporcionará uma plataforma para o Senegal atrair investidores, à medida que aproveita os recentes sucessos na área de exploração e produção, promove a utilização do gás no mercado interno e expande as infraestruturas necessárias para apoiar a segurança energética a longo prazo e o crescimento industrial.

O ministro Diouf assumiu o cargo em junho de 2026, na sequência da formação do novo governo do Senegal. Como chefe do Ministério da Energia e do Petróleo, lidera os esforços para acelerar o desenvolvimento a montante, expandir a utilização doméstica de gás e reforçar o quadro regulamentar que apoia o investimento a longo prazo. A sua nomeação surge num momento em que o Senegal está a fazer a transição de explorador de hidrocarbonetos para produtor, procurando tirar partido da nova produção de petróleo e gás para melhorar a segurança energética, reduzir a dependência das importações de combustíveis, diminuir os custos da eletricidade e apoiar a industrialização.

O campo petrolífero offshore de Sangomar superou as expectativas de produção em 2025, produzindo 36 milhões de barris, enquanto as exportações atingiram aproximadamente 3,8 milhões de barris só em janeiro de 2026. A operadora Woodside Energy está a avaliar uma segunda fase de desenvolvimento que poderá aumentar ainda mais a produção. Ao mesmo tempo, o projeto de GNL Greater Tortue Ahmeyim continua a intensificar as operações, fornecendo 35 milhões de pés cúbicos padrão de gás por dia ao mercado interno do Senegal. Em abril, a empresa petrolífera nacional Petrosen assegurou a propriedade total do campo de gás de Yakaar-Teranga, que alberga cerca de 25 triliões de pés cúbicos de gás e que irá sustentar a estratégia de rentabilização do gás e de conversão de gás em energia a longo prazo do país.

Para além do desenvolvimento a montante, o Senegal está a investir fortemente nas infraestruturas necessárias para rentabilizar os seus recursos de gás a nível nacional. No início deste ano, a Petrosen lançou a sua primeira campanha de exploração em terra, operada de forma independente, no valor de 100 milhões de dólares, enquanto o governo continua a avançar com os planos para uma rede de gasodutos nacionais de 400 km, destinada a ligar a produção de gás offshore aos consumidores industriais. No âmbito do seu objetivo de gerar 75% da capacidade de produção de energia instalada a partir de gás natural, o Senegal está também a expandir a produção de energia a gás através de projetos que incluem a conversão da central elétrica existente de Bel Air, com 335 MW, e a construção de uma nova central elétrica a gás com 366 MW.

A par destes investimentos, o Senegal está a reforçar o quadro político subjacente ao crescimento a longo prazo do setor. Este ano, o governo avançou com reformas à sua regulamentação em matéria de conteúdo local, com o objetivo de aumentar a participação nacional em toda a cadeia de valor do petróleo, ao mesmo tempo que adotou as suas primeiras normas nacionais para equipamentos solares fotovoltaicos. Em conjunto, estas iniciativas refletem a estratégia do Senegal de alavancar o desenvolvimento do gás natural a par da expansão das energias renováveis para apoiar o crescimento económico sustentável.

«O Senegal está a entrar numa nova e empolgante fase de desenvolvimento energético, apoiada por recursos de petróleo e gás de classe mundial, investimentos ambiciosos em infraestruturas e reformas regulatórias progressistas. A participação do ministro Diouf na AEW 2026 proporciona aos investidores uma oportunidade oportuna para interagir diretamente com os líderes que estão a moldar um dos mercados energéticos mais dinâmicos de África», afirma NJ Ayuk, presidente executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia.

Na AEW 2026, espera-se que o ministro Diouf participe em debates de alto nível sobre investimento a montante, monetização do gás, infraestruturas energéticas e cooperação energética regional, destacando o papel crescente do Senegal como um dos principais destinos de investimento da África Ocidental.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Senegal’s Energy Minister Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 Amid Rapid Oil and Gas Sector Expansion

Source: APO


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Senegal’s Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, has been confirmed as a speaker at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place October 12-16 in Cape Town. His participation comes as Senegal enters a new phase of energy sector development following a cabinet reshuffle that separated the former Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines into standalone Energy and Petroleum and Mines portfolios, placing greater institutional focus on the country’s rapidly expanding hydrocarbons sector.

AEW 2026 will provide a platform for Senegal to engage investors as it builds on recent upstream successes, advances domestic gas utilization and expands the infrastructure needed to support long-term energy security and industrial growth.

Minister Diouf assumed office in June 2026 following the formation of Senegal’s new government. As head of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, he is leading efforts to accelerate upstream development, expand domestic gas utilization and strengthen the regulatory framework supporting long-term investment. His appointment comes as Senegal transitions from hydrocarbon explorer to producer, seeking to leverage new oil and gas output to improve energy security, reduce fuel import dependence, lower electricity costs and support industrialization.

The Sangomar offshore oil field exceeded production expectations in 2025, producing 36 million barrels, while exports reached approximately 3.8 million barrels in January 2026 alone. Operator Woodside Energy is evaluating a second phase of development that could further increase production. At the same time, the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project continues to ramp up operations while supplying 35 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to Senegal’s domestic market. In April, national oil company Petrosen secured full ownership of the Yakaar-Teranga gas field, home to an estimated 25 trillion cubic feet of gas that will underpin the country’s long-term gas monetization and gas-to-power strategy.

Beyond upstream development, Senegal is investing heavily in the infrastructure needed to monetize its gas resources domestically. Earlier this year, Petrosen launched its first independently operated $100 million onshore exploration campaign, while the government continues advancing plans for a proposed 400-km domestic gas pipeline network to connect offshore gas production with industrial consumers. As part of its objective to generate 75% of installed power capacity from natural gas, Senegal is also expanding gas-fired generation through projects including the conversion of the existing 335 MW Bel Air power plant and the construction of a new 366 MW gas-fired power plant.

Alongside these investments, Senegal is strengthening the policy framework underpinning long-term sector growth. This year, the government advanced reforms to its local content regulations aimed at increasing domestic participation across the petroleum value chain while adopting its first national standards for solar photovoltaic equipment. Together, these initiatives reflect Senegal’s strategy of leveraging natural gas development alongside renewable energy expansion to support sustainable economic growth.

“Senegal is entering an exciting new phase of energy development, backed by world-class oil and gas resources, ambitious infrastructure investments and progressive regulatory reforms. Minister Diouf’s participation at AEW 2026 provides investors with a timely opportunity to engage directly with the leadership shaping one of Africa’s most dynamic energy markets,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

At AEW 2026, Minister Diouf is expected to participate in high-level discussions on upstream investment, gas monetization, energy infrastructure and regional energy cooperation, highlighting Senegal’s growing role as one of West Africa’s leading investment destinations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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The Africa Property Investment (API) Awards – A Decade of Recognising the Continent’s Boldest Deals and Developments

Source: APO

The awards will be a centrepiece of the 17th annual API Summit (www.APISummit.co.za), taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on 17 and 18 September under the theme Bold Capital. Real Momentum. The summit draws more than 600 real estate, hospitality and capital leaders from across the continent and beyond.

“Over the past decade, the API Awards have become the definitive mark of peer recognition in African real estate and hospitality, judged not by sponsors or popularity, but by the industry leaders who understand these sectors best,” says API Events Commercial Director Murray Anderson.

“In this, our 10th edition, new categories let us recognise a wider field, from the boldest new capital commitments to the assets proving their performance over the long term. Ours is an industry moving decisively from ambition to delivery, and these awards exist to honour both,” he adds.

A distinguished panel of industry luminaries will adjudicate each category, honouring the projects, professionals and institutions that set the standard for innovation, sustainability and lasting impact.

This year’s event introduces a new Performance & Legacy category – celebrating enduring impact – alongside new awards spanning the Development, Personnel, and Service, Tech & Innovation.

Recognition that lifts profiles – and attracts investment

The awards have significantly lifted winners’ profiles with the heavyweight investors, developers and financers who convene at the summit, and the broader real estate and hospitality industries.

Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) was named 2025’s Best African Real Estate Bank of the Year, recognised for its deep property finance expertise and ability to structure and execute complex transactions across South Africa and the wider continent.

“Winning the 2025 API Awards, alongside EDGE recognition from the IFC, reflects the collective expertise, commitment and execution capability of our Property Finance team,” says Gerhard Zeelie, Divisional Executive: Property Finance Africa. “The awards reinforce the importance of pairing strong commercial delivery with long-term sustainability and client-focused outcomes.”

Octodec’s Yethu City was deservedly named 2025’s Best New Affordable Housing Development due to its pairing of genuine affordability with considered design, PropTech integration and a community-focused co-living model. 

“The most compelling developments blend meaningful social impact with commercial viability. Yethu City succeeded by deeply understanding its target market and executing with discipline – authentic purpose, proven by delivery, is what makes a project stand out,” says Jeffrey Wapnick, CEO of Octodec Investments Limited. 

Entries and nominations are welcomed from across Africa, with a closing date of 31 July. Click here to enter (https://apo-opa.co/4eVnuSi).

The 2026 categories

Development

  • Best New Affordable Housing
  • Best New Residential (Mid-Market) *New
  • Best New Upmarket Residence *New
  • Best New Mixed-Use / Precinct Development
  • Best New Office Development (Building)
  • Best New Office Fit-Out (Occupier)
  • Best New Hotel / Hospitality Development
  • Industrial, Logistics & Alternative Assets
  • Best New Redevelopment / Refurbishment
  • Best New Safari / Lodge Development *New

Personnel

  • Advisory Consultant of the Year *New
  • Asset Manager of the Year *New
  • Sales Team of the Year
  • Architectural Team of the Year *New
  • Newsmaker of the Year *New
  • Public Sector Real Estate Leader of the Year
  • African Real Estate Leader of the Year (formerly CEO)
  • Outstanding Woman in Real Estate

Service, Tech & Innovation

  • Best African Real Estate Bank of the Year
  • Best Transaction/Deal of the Year
  • Hospitality Consulting & Advisory Partner of the Year *New
  • Facilities Management Team of the Year
  • Most Innovative PropTech Company of the Year

Performance & Legacy *New

  • Best Performing Retail Asset
  • Best Performing Office Asset
  • Best Performing Mixed-Use Asset

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of API Events.

Enquiries: 
Dale Hes
Programmes and Communications Lead
API Events 
Tel: +27 (0) 81406 8840 
Email: dale@apievents.com 

Murray Anderson
Commercial Director
API Events 
Tel: +27 (0) 71 890 7739
Email: murray@apievents.com 

About API Events:
Africa Property Investments (API) Events is Africa’s leading B2B event and thought-leadership platform for real estate investment and hotel development. Over the past 17 years it has hosted 150+ events across 14 African countries, drawing 2,500+ investors, developers, and public-sector leaders annually and helping drive billions in direct investment. Its flagship pan-African API Summit attracts over 600 delegates.

Our main purpose is to mobilise capital across retail, residential, mixed-use, commercial, industrial, and hospitality assets, connecting institutional investors, fund managers, banks, DFIs, developers, operators, and proptech founders.

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 Social Development welcomes Minister Pule

Source: Government of South Africa

 Social Development welcomes Minister Pule

The Department of Social Development has welcomed the appointment of Dina Pule as the Minister of the portfolio following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s changes to the National Executive.

“The department extends its heartfelt congratulations to Minister Pule on her appointment and looks forward to her leadership as the department continues to advance South Africa’s social development agenda, strengthen social protection, and improve the lives of vulnerable individuals, families and communities,” the department said.

This as the Presidency on Wednesday held a Swearing-in Ceremony of the new Ministers and Deputy Ministers at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

READ | New Ministers, Deputy Ministers sworn in

President Ramaphosa announced changes to the National Executive in a statement on Tuesday night.

The Department of Social Development also extended its sincere appreciation to Acting Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga for her dedicated leadership and stewardship during her tenure as Acting Minister from 14 May 2026.

“The department is grateful for her guidance and commitment in ensuring continuity and stability during her tenure. We remain committed to working closely with Minister Pule to build on the progress made in delivering integrated social development services and implementing government’s priorities in service of all South Africans,” it said.

Chikunga, who is the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, was appointed acting Minister following the removal of the then Minister Sisisi Tolashe from her position. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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National Science Month: Inspiring innovation, scientific literacy

Source: Government of South Africa

National Science Month: Inspiring innovation, scientific literacy

South Africa will mark National Science Month (NSM) throughout July with a nationwide programme aimed at promoting scientific literacy, innovation and public engagement in science, technology and innovation (STI).

The month-long campaign will officially launch on 4 July 2026 at the Vaal University of Technology Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park in Sebokeng under the theme, “Science, Technology and Innovation are for everyone”.

Led by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and implemented through the National Research Foundation’s South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), National Science Month seeks to build a society that is informed about science and able to engage critically with scientific and technological developments.

This year’s launch coincides with Nelson Mandela Month and will honour the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela by highlighting his contribution to democracy through science-focused activities and community engagement.

The initiative provides an opportunity for scientists, educators, innovators, research institutions and communities to showcase how science and technology are improving lives, transforming communities and addressing some of the country’s most pressing challenges.

Since its introduction in 2000, National Science Month has encouraged voluntary participation from South Africans while providing a platform to showcase grassroots innovation, scientific research and technological advances.

The initiative also aims to strengthen South Africa’s reputation as a nation of scientific discovery and innovation.

A key focus of this year’s programme is inspiring young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and innovation.

Schools are encouraged to participate in science competitions and activities, including discussions on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, while initiatives like the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists continue to nurture the country’s next generation of researchers and innovators.

Increasing youth participation in science-related fields is essential to supporting South Africa’s future economic growth and global competitiveness.

South Africa’s research sector continues to strengthen its international standing. In 2023, the country produced 25 775 scientific publications, ranking 29th globally and second in Africa. 
South African research continues to have significant international influence, particularly in health sciences, the humanities and the natural sciences.

The country has also made notable advances in agricultural innovation, with applications for plant breeders’ rights increasing from 263 in 2022 to 318 in 2023, placing South Africa among the world’s leading countries in this field.

Investment in health research has also grown significantly, more than doubling from R4.7 billion in 2013/14 to R10 billion in 2022/23.

Health research now accounts for nearly a quarter of South Africa’s total research and development expenditure, reflecting the country’s commitment to improving healthcare through innovation.

South Africa is also expanding its presence in the space sector, having launched nine objects into space during 2023. Universities, including the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, continue to develop critical skills through programmes such as nanosatellite development, supporting the growth of the country’s future space industry.

Throughout July, National Science Month activities will demonstrate how science contributes to everyday life, from improving access to clean water and advancing healthcare to addressing climate change and creating new economic opportunities.

Government has called on all South Africans to participate in National Science Month activities and discover how science, technology and innovation can help shape a more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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