Category: Africa

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Police conduct over 3000 compliance inspections 

Source: Government of South Africa

Police conduct over 3000 compliance inspections 

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has conducted 3 728 compliance inspections at business premises, such as gun dealers and security companies, in terms of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

The Act places strict obligations on licence holders to ensure safe storage, proper authorisation, and accountability for all licensed firearms and ammunition. 

According to the Act, all gun owners must be in possession of both a competency certificate and a valid licence(s) or permit to possess a firearm as an individual or for business purposes.

The National Tracking and Tracing Task Team, operating under Operation Buyisa, arrested a 55-year-old gun dealer from Middelburg in Mpumalanga this week for failing to comply with the Act, while 537 licensed firearms and ammunition were subsequently seized. 

“A preliminary report suggests the team operationalised information they obtained on a security company allegedly operating in Middelburg, with expired firearm licences.

“Further investigation led the team to a plot on the outskirts of eMalahleni after interviewing a gun dealer, who reportedly stored the security company’s firearms. 

“The team found a large quantity of licensed firearms and ammunition stored at the plot, which was confirmed to be an unlicenced storage facility. The gun dealer had allegedly ran out of storage space at its registered business premises,” the SAPS said in a statement.

Licensed gun owners and institutions are reminded that in terms of Section 120(1) of the Firearms Control Act, it is an offence to:
– Contravene or fail to comply with any provision of the Act;
– Breach conditions of a licence, permit or authorisation; or
– Disregard any lawful notice or requirement issued under the Act.

“Regular firearm compliance inspections at business premises enforce accountability and ensure records of licensed firearms and ammunition are kept accurately,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Cabo Verde: Ministério da Educação e Câmara Municipal de Santa Cruz unem esforços e cooperação institucional para a construção do novo Liceu e reforço da alimentação escolar

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Ministro da Educação, Amadeu Cruz, reuniu-se, nesta segunda-feira (16), com o presidente da Câmara Municipal de Santa Cruz, Carlos Silva, com o intuito de reforçar a cooperação estratégica com a edilidade.

O encontro serviu para que ambas as partes reafirmassem o compromisso mútuo de agilizar os processos técnicos conducentes à construção do novo Liceu de Santa Cruz. Localizada na zona de Bela Vista, a futura infraestrutura será erguida num terreno já cedido pela autarquia; o foco agora reside na conclusão da elaboração do projeto — a cargo da Infraestruturas de Cabo Verde (ICV) — e nas etapas subsequentes de execução, em parceria com a equipa municipal.

Além do novo Liceu, foram partilhadas informações técnicas sobre o início da obra de reconstrução da Escola Básica de Achada-Ponta. . após a reunião na Câmara Municipal, o Ministro e o Presidente da autarquia, acompanhados das respetivas equipas técnicas, visitaram a obra para constatar in loco o seu andamento.

Paralelamente às infraestruturas, a expansão do programa de refeições escolares para o ensino secundário — até ao 12.º ano — dominou as discussões.

As partes acordaram adotar medidas de colaboração institucional visando ultrapassar alguns constrangimentos, nomeadamente a adequação da cozinha e do refeitório da Escola Secundária. Ficou definido que a FICASE assegurará o fornecimento de géneros e utensílios para o funcionamento da referida cantina escolar.

A Direção da Escola Secundária, a Câmara Municipal de Santa Cruz e a FICASE reiteram que esta é uma prioridade absoluta para o bem-estar dos estudantes. Ambas as instituições demonstraram total abertura para colaborar na resolução do problema, focando-se exclusivamente no benefício dos alunos e da comunidade educativa de Santa Cruz.

Durante a missão de trabalho, o Ministro da Educação fez-se acompanhar pelo Diretor-Geral de Planeamento, Orçamento e Gestão, Wilson Moreno; pelo Presidente da FICASE, Adilson Freire; pelo Delegado do Concelho, Paulino Oliveira; e pelo Diretor da Escola Secundária de Santa Cruz, Moisés Semedo.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Eastern Cape farmers welcome agricultural show revival 

Source: Government of South Africa

Eastern Cape farmers welcome agricultural show revival 

Farmers in the Sarah Baartman District have welcomed the revival of agricultural shows, describing them as an important platform to celebrate excellence and expand market access.

The latest Agricultural show was held at the Port Elizabeth Fresh Produce Market on Tuesday, drawing participants from across the district and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro in the Eastern Cape.

Odwa Fede (33), who won the award for best mohair wool, said he was honoured to have been part of the event.

Speaking after the show, Fede said the platform enabled him to network with fellow farmers and industry experts, who offered valuable advice on improving his enterprise.

“This day is pretty significant for me and other farmers because we do not often get the opportunity to gather in this way and showcase our produce. This is a good start, and we expect positive outcomes from it,” he said.

Reflecting on his future plans, Fede said: “From what I saw here today, I will go back to the drawing board and find new ways to improve my mohair production and make a greater success of it.”

Another young farmer, Phumeza Dolo, who walked away with the special youth award for her outstanding stall, said the show provided much-needed exposure for her agricultural enterprise. She urged the provincial Department of Agriculture to continue hosting such events.

“My products gained exposure by being part of the show and people bought them. I am confident that I will get more clients because of the exposure I got from the show,” Dolo said.

The show in Gqeberha marked the fourth instalment of the agricultural shows during the current financial year. Previous events were held in the Amathole District, including Buffalo City Metro, followed by the OR Tambo and Chris Hani Districts.

More shows are planned across other districts in the next financial year.

While the shows traditionally focused on product quality and category-based judging, the agricultural model is now being reimagined to prioritise market access and fostering commercial opportunities for farmers.

Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe, who championed the reintroduction of the initiative, hailed the show as a success, noting that it would assist farmers to secure new clients and acquire additional knowledge.

“These shows are critical because farmers not only compete through their produce but also advise each other on how to improve their businesses. We want to encourage people to work the land, and these events are a great platform to showcase what the province can do.

“I am very happy with the success of the shows and confident they will inspire others to consider farming as a viable livelihood,” Kontsiwe said.

During the show, the MEC also handed over 32 industrial sewing machines to 17 enterprises in the Sarah Baartman District and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to enhance garment production and improve quality standards.

READ | EC Agriculture hands over working tools to empower women and youth

Kontsiwe encouraged beneficiaries to work harder so that they can expand their operations, supply retail outlets and ultimately open their own shops. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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SASSA urges beneficiaries not to ignore SMS notifications for social grant reviews

Source: Government of South Africa

SASSA urges beneficiaries not to ignore SMS notifications for social grant reviews

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is urging social grant beneficiaries not to ignore SMS notifications calling on them to present themselves for grant reviews.

In a statement on Tuesday, the agency said beneficiaries who receive an SMS requesting them to undergo a social grant review must visit their nearest SASSA office promptly to avoid the lapsing and possible non-payment of their grants. 

SASSA explained that social grant reviews are legislated in terms of the Social Assistance Act to ensure that grants are paid to the correct, deserving and eligible beneficiaries.

“Beneficiaries must ensure that their contact details are updated on the SASSA system. Having updated details will confirm the eligibility and life certification, including strengthening the communication between the beneficiary and the Agency. It benefits the beneficiaries by enabling them to receive important notification which affects the status of the social grant.

“Beneficiaries are required to undergo a grant review process to verify their continued eligibility for social assistance, prevent fraud or duplicate claims, which could result in the misuse of public funds which is an offence,” the agency said. 

Currently, grant reviews are conducted at designated SASSA offices or service centres. The agency indicated that it may introduce online review options in future to reduce congestion at physical offices and minimise travel costs for beneficiaries.

For more information, beneficiaries can contact SASSA toll-free on 0800 60 10 11 during working hours, Monday to Friday. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Meeting between Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) representatives in the United States and the Secretary-General of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS)

Source: APO – Report:

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As part of the strategic cooperation between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) for peace, security, governance and sustainable development in West Africa, Her Excellency Ms Kinza Jawara-Njai, ECOWAS Permanent Observer to the United Nations, and Mr Kalilu Totangi, representing the President of the ECOWAS Group to the United Nations, met with Mr Leonardo Santos Simão, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), on Friday, 13 February 2026, in New York.

Discussions focused primarily on the renewal of UNOWAS’ mandate, which expired on January 31, 2026, and is currently being reviewed by the UN Security Council, and the current socio-political and security situation in West Africa, including developments in regional dynamics and the importance of sustained preventive diplomacy and coordinated engagement.

During the meeting, His Excellency Mr. Leonardo Santos Simão, provided an update on the ongoing negotiations within the Security Council, highlighting the main issues under consideration and the procedural steps leading to the conclusion of the renewal process.

Her Excellency Ambassador Kinza Jawara-Njai, unwavering support for the renewal of UNOWAS’ mandate, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong and flexible mandate that promotes preventive diplomacy and strengthens regional partnership.

During the meeting, Mr. Kalilu Totangi, reiterated the Group’s support and emphasized the continued relevance of UNOWAS as the main United Nations political mission in West Africa.

Both sides emphasized the importance of sustained coordination, mutual complementarity, and enhanced institutional collaboration in order to respond effectively to new regional challenges and help ECOWAS member states strengthen their resilience.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Eritrea: Festival Aimed at Preserving Traditional Culture

Source: APO – Report:

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A festival aimed at preserving the traditional culture of society commenced in Senafe sub-zone on 15 February. The festival was organized in collaboration with the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students and the Senafe sub-zone administration.

Mr. Habteab Negasi, head of the union branch in the sub-zone, indicated that the month-long festival will feature various competitions, including traditional songs, folklore, traditional sports, traditional village settings, creativity and innovation, as well as competitions between ‘Red Flowers.’

The organizers of the festival, on their part, stated that the objective of the festival, the first of its kind, is to identify the rich traditional culture of society, transfer it to the young generation, and lay the foundation for further in-depth research and documentation of the culture.

Calling for the sustainability of the program with a view to preserving and documenting the traditional culture of society, Mr. Idris Ali Shiker, administrator of the sub-zone, urged parents to play a leading role in transmitting noble societal values to the younger generation.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Parliament passes condolences on death of rights activist, Jesse Jackson

Source: Government of South Africa

Parliament passes condolences on death of rights activist, Jesse Jackson

Parliament’s Presiding Officers have sent their condolences on the passing of world-renowned US human civil rights leader, Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Jackson died at the at age of 84 on Tuesday.

“On behalf of the people of South Africa and Parliament, the Presiding Officers extend sincere sympathies to his family, loved ones, colleagues and all those whose lives were touched by his leadership and service.

“May his soul rest in peace, and may his enduring legacy continue to inspire generations in the pursuit of justice, equality and human dignity,” Parliament said in a statement.

The Presiding Officers noted Jackson’s “lifelong commitment to advancing civil rights, social justice and economic inclusion”.

“[This] inspired millions across the world and resonated deeply with South Africa’s own struggle for freedom and equality. His unwavering advocacy for peace, dialogue and human rights contributed to the global movement against discrimination and oppression, and bonds of solidarity among nations striving for justice.

“South Africa remembers with appreciation Rev Jackson’s consistent support for the anti-apartheid struggle and his efforts to promote international awareness of the injustices faced by oppressed communities.

“His legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of principled leadership, courage and compassion in advancing democratic values,” the statement read. 

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa also extended his condolences on the passing of Jackson, who was awarded South Africa’s National Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo in Silver for dedicating his life to challenging societies and governments to recognise that all people are born equal and equally entitled to life, liberty, prosperity and human rights in 2013.

READ | President Ramaphosa pays tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr

“We are sad to bid farewell to a global moral authority, who gave voice to struggles within the United States, as well as struggles for fundamental human rights and democracy around the world, including our own.

“Mentored by the equally resolute and charismatic Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Jesse Jackson devoted himself to the cause of justice as a human endeavour without borders,” the President said in his tribute.  – SAnews.gov.za

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Sudan crisis: United Nations (UN) agency launches $1.6 billion appeal to support refugees in seven countries

Source: APO


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The 2026 Sudan Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRRP) aims to deliver lifesaving assistance this year to 5.9 million people across seven neighbouring countries: the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan and Uganda. 

The plan will continue to prioritize aid for roughly 470,000 new refugees who are expected to cross into these countries, as well as thousands more who remain in border areas and have received only the most basic assistance. 

World’s largest displacement crisis 

The Sudan war erupted in mid-April 2023, with the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) locked in a brutal power struggle.  

Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR’s Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, said the need for a fourth annual appeal underscores the relentless impact of the war and a humanitarian response struggling to keep up. 

“Sudan remains the world’s largest displacement and worst humanitarian crisis, unfolding in the wake of the most severe global funding crunch in decades,” he told journalists in Geneva. 

As fighting continues in several parts of the country, essential services have collapsed while humanitarian access remains restricted in many areas. 

“Thousands of people continue to flee across borders each week, often arriving in already vulnerable yet generous regions, where public services and economic opportunities were limited even before the crisis,” he said.

Host communities ‘pushed to the brink’ 

Some 4.3 million Sudanese refugees remain displaced within the region, most of whom are in Egypt and eastern Chad. 

Mr. Balde noted that “while host governments and local communities continue to demonstrate remarkable solidarity, their capacity is being pushed to the brink.”  

Egypt currently hosts 1.4 million Sudanese who have fled the war and registered refugee figures have nearly quadrupled since 2023. 

“Yet severe funding cuts have forced UNHCR to close two of its three registration centres, affecting people’s access to critical protection services,” he said.  Moreover, available funding per refugee per month has dropped from $11 to $4. 

In eastern Chad, more than 71,000 refugee families have not received housing assistance, meaning they do not have safe and adequate shelter. “Nearly 234,000 people are awaiting relocation, living in precarious conditions at the border,” he added. 

Meanwhile in Uganda, clinic closures and the suspension of critical nutrition programmes in Kiryandongo settlement put thousands of Sudanese refugees at heightened risk of diseases. 

Rising needs, shrinking resources 

Mr. Balde stressed that despite these constraints, the 2026 plan “will continue to support host countries in providing critical basic services, including food, shelter, healthcare and protection services for new arrivals and the most vulnerable refugees.” 

He warned, however, that “the widening gap between rising needs and shrinking resources threatens to undermine both emergency response efforts and medium-term solutions.” 

In the interim, UNHCR continues to call for stronger international support to address the persistent underfunding of humanitarian operations in the countries hosting people fleeing Sudan.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

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Uganda: Committee tasks ministry to resolve former Management Training and Advisory Centre (MTAC) staff layoff woes

Source: APO


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The Committee on Education and Sports has directed the Ministry of Education and Sports to address the plight of more than 60 former staff of the Management Training and Advisory Centre (MTAC).

MTAC was repealed under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act, 2025 and its functions transferred to Nakawa Vocational Training College. Under the law, MTAC’s assets, liabilities, students and staff were to be moved to Nakawa Vocational Training College as part of the transition.

While meeting officials from the ministry  led by the Minister of State for Sports , Hon. Peter Ogwang, , the Chairperson of the committee, Hon. James Kubeketerya, said more than 60 former staff of MTAC were left out during the transition.

“MTAC had staff and when the merger occurred, either these people were not absorbed. Why not just get a definite position on that?” he said.
Legislators tasked the ministry to urgently handle the grievances of the affected workers, following complaints that some employees were not absorbed into Nakawa Vocational Training College.

The Commissioner for Technical and Vocational Education and Training at the ministry, Loy Muhwezi said that following approval of the merger, MTAC ceased to exist and that within the ministry’s structure only Nakawa Vocational Training College is recognised. She added that the process of finalising the takeover is still ongoing.

Her disclosure that some staff may have been recruited illegally shortly before the merger drew sharp criticism from Members of Parliament.

Jonam County Member of Parliament, Hon. Emmanuel Ongiertho  faulted the ministry for weak supervision of the education sector, questioning how an institution could allegedly recruit staff irregularly without the ministry’s knowledge.

Hon. Silas Aogon (Independent, Kumi Municipality) called for investigations into both the allegedly irregular recruits and any ministry officials who may have failed to act.

Muhwezi requested for additional time to present a comprehensive report on the transition from MTAC to Nakawa Vocational Training College, prompting Nathan Itungo (Kashari South) to seek clarity on how far the process has progressed.

Ogwang urged the affected staff to formally submit details of their complaints to enable government to examine their claims.

“I also want to really ask you to help me with the information regarding that person because I have just been asking the Permanent Secretary whether she has received any of these complaints from their grid and it seems the answer is negative,” Ogwang said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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Burundi : Retour au pays du Président Ndayishimiye après sa prise de fonctions à la tête de l’Union Africaine

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Président de la République du Burundi, Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye, est rentré au pays le 16 février 2026, à l’issue de la 39ᵉ Conférence des Chefs d’État et de Gouvernement de l’Union Africaine, tenue à Addis-Abeba du 14 au 15 février 2026. À cette occasion, il a officiellement accédé à la présidence en exercice de l’organisation pour un mandat d’une année.

A son arrivée à l’aéroport international Melchior Ndadaye, le Chef de l’Etat Burundais, accompagné de la Première Dame Son Excellence Angeline Ndayishimiye, a été accueilli par les hautes personnalités du pays ainsi que par une foule nombreuse venue lui témoigner son attachement et sa fierté.

Lors d’un point de presse, le Chef de l’Etat burundais et Président en exercice de l’Union Africaine a exprimé sa gratitude envers les Etats membres, en particulier ceux d’Afrique Centrale, pour la confiance accordée à son leadership.

Evoquant les priorités de son mandat, le Président Ndayishimiye a indiqué que l’accent sera mis sur la promotion de la paix et de la sécurité sur le continent. Il a cité en particulier les situations préoccupantes dans la région du Sahel, en République Centrafricaine, en République Démocratique du Congo, en Somalie et au Soudan, soulignant la nécessité d’une mobilisation collective pour favoriser le retour à la stabilité.

Le Chef de l’Etat Burundais, Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye, a souligné que la conférence des Chefs d’État et de Gouvernement de l’Union Africaine a mis en avant la nécessité d’assurer un accès durable à l’eau potable et à des systèmes d’assainissement fiables, conformément aux objectifs de l’Agenda 2063. Cette question constitue par ailleurs le thème central de son mandat à la présidence en exercice de l’Union Africaine.

Le Président Burundais Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye a également appelé la population burundaise à rester un exemple pour les peuples africains, notamment dans le domaine de la consolidation de la paix, rappelant que le Burundi a su surmonter de nombreux défis et s’engager fermement sur la voie de la stabilité et de la cohésion nationale.

Au cours de son séjour en Ethiopie, le Président Ndayishimiye a multiplié les échanges avec plusieurs dirigeants et responsables institutionnels, dans le but de consolider les relations bilatérales et de mieux appréhender les mécanismes de fonctionnement de l’organisation continentale.

De l’aéroport au palais présidentiel, une foule enthousiaste a acclamé le Président Ndayishimiye. Des pagnes ont été étendus le long du trajet, tandis que tambours et fanfares résonnaient, témoignant de l’admiration et du soutien du peuple envers le Chef de l’Etat Burundais, désormais à la tête de l’Union Africaine.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.