Category: Africa

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Cassava Technologies and AXON Networks Announce Strategic Partnership to Fuel Artificial Intelligence (AI) Adoption and Innovation Among African Businesses

Source: APO

Cassava Technologies (www.CassavaTechnologies.com), a global technology leader of African heritage and AXON Networks (AXON) (www.AXON-Networks.com), a global leader in intelligent network platforms, today announced a strategic partnership to co-develop, deploy, and manage Africa’s first end-to-end Operator-as-a-Service (OaaS) platform (https://apo-opa.co/49XR2we).

A bold step in unlocking Africa’s AI and digital future, customers and service providers will leverage AXON’s AI-ready, real-time, multi-tenant, digital twin-enabled platform across Cassava’s extensive high-speed fibre backbone to connect millions of people and businesses across the continent and unlock new pathways for economic development and innovation.

The partnership was announced at Counder Conference 2026 (https://apo-opa.co/4pZn2pB) in Cape Town, South Africa, the flagship event of the Counder visionary leadership network, where 500 global investors, family office principals and corporate decision-makers meet for one of the largest international private capital gatherings ever assembled in the Southern Hemisphere.

“As businesses of all sizes continue to digitise their operations, the need is for cost-effective, flexible, high-performance network solutions that reduce time-consuming manual design and configurations. By partnering with AXON Networks, we are moving beyond traditional hardware-centric infrastructure to create a truly programmable, AI-managed network, which will significantly reduce operational costs and increase access to customers and service providers”, said Hardy Pemhiwa, President & Group CEO of Cassava Technologies. “This transformation allows us to treat our pan-continental fibre network as a dynamic digital platform, enabling us to provision and modify customer networks in near real-time, rather than days or weeks. We are going beyond connectivity to becoming a partner in the digital transformation journeys of our customers”.

This AI-first connectivity platform becomes the foundation for accelerating digital transformation for African businesses of all sizes, including other telecommunications service providers. The Operator-as-a-Service platform will deliver secure, private, high-speed data infrastructure, enabling mobile network operators, LEO satellite providers and internet service providers (ISPs) with unprecedented agility, intelligence, and reach. It is designed to support these service providers in unlocking new opportunities for growth, innovation, and AI adoption.

“Partnering with Cassava, with its unmatched fibre footprint across the continent and investment in AI-enabled data centres, to integrate our Operator-as-a-Service platform with real-time digital twin technology at this scale, is incredibly exciting,” said Martin Manniche, CEO and founder of AXON Networks. “We’re not just mirroring networks — we’re virtualising an entire infrastructure into a live AI-driven ecosystem that will leverage this extensive backbone, including Cassava’s planned AI-powered factory, to bring growth, prosperity, and the promise of AI sovereignty to Africa and its people. This is a transformational opportunity to provide the foundational platform for the AI economy across the African continent and redefine the future for generations to come, and we couldn’t have found a  better partner than Cassava to bring this vision to fruition.”

“We are honored that Cassava Technologies and AXON Networks have chosen Counder Conference 2026 as the platform for this groundbreaking announcement,” said Michel Weiss, Founding Partner and CEO, and Leonard Stiegeler, Founding Partner and Chairman of Counder. “This partnership exemplifies exactly what Counder is designed to foster: trusted connections between visionary leaders that spark meaningful collaboration and drive tangible impact. When world-class organizations come together in Cape Town to advance their work in emerging trends & markets, we see the power of our mission in action: connecting leaders to collaborate on tomorrow’s most important opportunities.”

AXON’s breakthrough OaaS solution creates a living, dynamic model of Cassava’s fibre network, comprising more than 110,000 km of terrestrial and submarine fibre, satellite capacity, and wireless connectivity. By turning networks into self-learning, autonomous, self-optimising systems, AXON’s Digital Twin technology reduces operational complexity, accelerates service delivery, introduces cost efficiencies, and ensures resilient connectivity at scale.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

About Cassava Technologies:
Cassava Technologies is a global technology leader of African heritage providing a vertically integrated ecosystem of digital services and infrastructure enabling digital transformation. Headquartered in the UK, Cassava has a presence across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the United States of America. Through its business units, namely, Cassava AI, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Liquid C2, Africa Data Centres, and Sasai Fintech, the company provides its customers’ products and services in 94 countries. These solutions drive the company’s ambition of establishing itself as a leading global technology company of African heritage. www.CassavaTechnologies.com

About AXON Networks:
AXON Networks (www.AXON-Networks.com) is a global leader in intelligent network platforms, known for its award-winning Digital Twin technology that enables real-time, predictive, and self-optimizing operations. Its operator-as-a-service platform is used by service providers and enterprises worldwide to unlock the full potential of advanced networks, accelerate new services, and deliver superior customer experiences. AXON Network’s platforms are relied upon by over 30 leading global operators to enhance the broadband experiences and optimize the advanced services delivery to over 87 million broadband households and businesses.

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Angola Oil & Gas Launches in Luanda as $70B Investment Momentum Accelerates

Source: APO


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The Angola Oil & Gas Conference & Exhibition (AOG) – organized by Energy Capital & Power (https://EnergyCapitalPower.com) –was officially launched in Luanda on Tuesday, marking the start of the countdown to the country’s premier oil and gas event. Scheduled to take place on September 9–10, 2026, in Luanda, under the theme Investing in the Future of Angola, the event comes on the heels of Angola’s 50 years of independence in 2025, providing a strategic platform for policymakers, operators, financiers and service providers to chart the next five decades of hydrocarbon development. With a one-billion-dollar investment pipeline underway, new barrels coming to the market and expanded activity by both active operators and new entrants, Angola is moving beyond sustained production to become a driving force behind regional hydrocarbon development.

As one of Africa’s biggest oil and gas producers, Angola has established itself as a home for international capital. The country’s investment environment – built on stability and flexibility – has represented a cornerstone of industry growth, with a multi-year licensing round, permanent offer regime and marginal field opportunities offering regular access to new blocks. This structure has not only enabled the country to attract investment, but supported operators as they scale their operations. The result has been a $70 billion in upstream spending anticipated in the coming years.

“Angola is entering a decisive phase of growth and consolidation in the oil and gas sector. We have already laid the foundations, so 2026 will be the year to convert projects into production and into real economic impact,” stated José Barroso, Secretary of State for Oil and Gas in Angola at the AOG launch. “Angola is open, ready, and fully equipped to ensure solid and profitable investments. 2026 will be the year to mobilize, invest, and define the next 50 years of our energy sector.”

Upcoming projects underscore Angola’s position as a major oil and gas hub. The New Gas Consortium is advancing Angola’s first non-associated gas project toward full operational capacity following its operational start in 2025. The project will not only enhance feedstock for Angola LNG and domestic power generation plants but strengthen exports. In the oil sector, Azule Energy is moving toward phase three of the Agogo Integrated West Hub Development following the start of phase two operations in 2025. TotalEnergies is developing the Kaminho project – the first large-deepwater development in the Kwanza Basin – with production on track for 2028.

Onshore, independent oil and gas companies are making strides toward revitalizing production. Companies to the likes of ReconAfrica, Corcel, Oando and Sintana Energy are advancing seismic data acquisition and drilling activities, targeting play-opening discoveries. Frontier drilling is also underway, with operators seeking to unlock new Atlantic margins such as Namibe.

Downstream development is gaining momentum, anchored by the Lobito Refinery, which is currently under development with production targeted for 2027. The project is expected to enhance fuel security, reduce imports and support regional supply, reinforcing Angola’s ambition to move further down the value chain. The development comes on the back of the start of operations at the Cabinda Refinery in 2025 – the second operational facility in the country.

As the country looks toward 2026 and beyond, AOG will continue to serve as a platform for driving Angolan oil and gas development. Over the years, the event has evolved from a conference into a platform that facilitates deals, fosters partnerships and addresses key opportunities and challenges faced by the industry, with over 3,000 attendees, 150 speakers and 600 companies participating.  

“AOG is a space to create strategic partnerships, share knowledge and accelerate investments that will define Angola’s energy future over the next 50 years,” stated Luis Conde, Project Director at Energy Capital & Power.

Held under the patronage of João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola, with the endorsement of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency, the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute, Sonangol and the African Energy Chamber, AOG 2026 returns to chart the next five decades of oil and gas development in Angola.

Visit www.AngolaOilAndGas.com for more information.

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

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Angola Oil & Gas é lançada em Luanda num novo ciclo de investimento de 70 mil milhões de dólares

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A Conferência e Exposição Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) – organizada pela Energy Capital & Power (https://EnergyCapitalPower.com) – foi oficialmente lançada esta terça-feira, em Luanda, assinalando o início da contagem decrescente para o principal evento do sector petrolífero e energético do país. Agendada para os dias 9 e 10 de Setembro, em Luanda, sob o tema “Investir no Futuro de Angola”, a conferência surge na sequência das comemorações dos 50 anos da Independência de Angola, em 2025, afirmando-se como uma plataforma estratégica para decisores políticos, operadores, financiadores e prestadores de serviços definirem o rumo das próximas cinco décadas de desenvolvimento dos hidrocarbonetos.

Com um pipeline de investimento de mil milhões de dólares em curso, novos barris a entrarem no mercado e uma actividade crescente tanto por parte de operadores estabelecidos como de novos entrantes, Angola está a evoluir de uma fase de produção sustentada para se afirmar como um verdadeiro motor do desenvolvimento regional no scetor dos hidrocarbonetos.

Enquanto um dos maiores produtores de petróleo e gás em África, Angola consolidou-se como um destino de referência para o capital internacional. O ambiente de investimento do país – assente na estabilidade e flexibilidade – tem sido um dos pilares do crescimento do sector, com rondas de licenciamento plurianuais, um regime de oferta permanente e oportunidades em campos marginais que garantem acesso regular a novos blocos. Esta estrutura não só tem permitido atrair investimento, como também apoiar os operadores na expansão das suas operações. Como resultado, estima-se que o investimento upstream atinja 70 mil milhões de dólares nos próximos anos.

“Angola está a entrar numa fase decisiva de crescimento e consolidação no sector do petróleo e gás. As bases já foram lançadas e 2026 será o ano para transformar projectos em produção e em impacto económico real”, afirmou José Barroso, Secretário de Estado para o Petróleo e Gás de Angola, durante o lançamento da AOG. “Angola está aberta, preparada e plenamente equipada para garantir investimentos sólidos e rentáveis. 2026 será o ano para mobilizar, investir e definir os próximos 50 anos do nosso sector energético.”

Os projectos em desenvolvimento reforçam a posição de Angola como um hub estratégico de petróleo e gás. O New Gas Consortium está a avançar com o primeiro projecto de gás não associado do país para a plena capacidade operacional, após o arranque das operações em 2025. O projecto irá reforçar o fornecimento à Angola LNG e às centrais de produção de energia eléctrica, além de fortalecer as exportações. No segmento petrolífero, a Azule Energy prepara-se para avançar para a fase três do Agogo Integrated West Hub Development, após o início da fase dois em 2025. Já a TotalEnergies está a desenvolver o projecto Kaminho, o primeiro grande desenvolvimento em águas profundas na Bacia do Kwanza, com produção prevista para 2028.

Em terra, empresas independentes de petróleo e gás estão a dar passos significativos para revitalizar a produção. Companhias como ReconAfrica, Corcel, Oando e Sintana Energy estão a avançar com aquisição de dados sísmicos e actividades de perfuração, com o objectivo de identificar novas descobertas estruturantes. Estão também em curso operações de perfuração de fronteira, com operadores a procurar desbloquear novas margens atlânticas, nomeadamente na região do Namibe.

O desenvolvimento downstream ganha igualmente tração, com destaque para a Refinaria do Lobito, actualmente em construção, com produção prevista para 2027. O projecto deverá reforçar a segurança no abastecimento de combustíveis, reduzir as importações e apoiar o fornecimento regional, consolidando a ambição de Angola de avançar ao longo da cadeia de valor. Este desenvolvimento surge na sequência do início das operações da Refinaria de Cabinda, em 2025, a segunda unidade operacional do país.

À medida que Angola olha para 2026 e mais à frente, a AOG continuará a afirmar-se como uma plataforma central para impulsionar o desenvolvimento do sector de petróleo e gás no país. Ao longo dos anos, o evento evoluiu de uma conferência para uma verdadeira plataforma de negócios, promovendo parcerias, facilitando investimentos e debatendo os principais desafios e oportunidades da indústria, reunindo mais de 3.000 participantes, 150 oradores e 600 empresas.

“A AOG é um espaço para criar parcerias estratégicas, partilhar conhecimento e acelerar investimentos que irão definir o futuro energético de Angola nos próximos 50 anos”, afirmou Luis Conde, Director de Projecto da Energy Capital & Power.

Realizada sob o Alto Patrocínio de Sua Excelência João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Presidente da República de Angola, e com o apoio do Ministério dos Recursos Minerais, Petróleo e Gás, da Agência Nacional de Petróleo, Gás e Biocombustíveis, do Instituto Regulador dos Derivados do Petróleo, da Sonangol e da Câmara Africana de Energia, a AOG 2026 regressa para traçar o futuro das próximas cinco décadas do sector de petróleo e gás em Angola.

Para mais informações, visite www.AngolaOilAndGas.com

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Energy Capital & Power.

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Mukuru Sets Benchmark as Top Employer in Africa’s Fintech Sector

Source: APO


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Mukuru (www.Mukuru.com), a leading next-generation financial services platform, has been certified as a Top Employer 2026 in South Africa and Zimbabwe. This achievement places Mukuru among Africa’s most progressive workplaces. The recognition shows that local companies can meet global standards in employee practices while improving financial inclusion in their markets. It also highlights how a strong culture and empowered teams are key to achieving sustainable growth led by technology.

This is Mukuru’s third consecutive Top Employer certification in South Africa and its second in Zimbabwe, making it the first financial services and technology company in Zimbabwe to receive this honour. The Top Employers Institute evaluates organisations based on their people strategy, culture, talent development, diversity, well-being, and leadership. The certification comes after a detailed assessment against international standards.

Mukuru’s recognition reflects positive results within its workforce, such as lower turnover, quicker hiring, better performance, and improved well-being indicators. Its recruitment approach relies on structured data and behavioural insights, earning global recognition and featuring Mukuru’s practices on the Top Employers Institute’s knowledge hub.

“These accolades confirm the daily experience of our people,” said Andy Jury, CEO of Mukuru. “In fast-changing markets, success relies on teams that feel supported and empowered. Culture is part of strategy; it drives impact at scale.”

“Being a Top Employer reflects how people experience leadership, growth, and belonging every day,” added Savina Harrilall, Chief People Officer. “Our teams in South Africa and Zimbabwe have created a culture that is both high-performing and human, and this recognition reflects their contribution.”

The dual-country certification highlights Mukuru’s ability to use global standards in a relevant way for local markets. This is essential for organisations working across diverse African countries. It also strengthens Mukuru’s employer brand with employees, partners, and stakeholders, reinforcing its long-term commitment to building inclusive workplaces that promote growth and innovation.

As Mukuru expands across the continent, investing in people remains central to its strategy. This focus ensures resilience, performance, and significant impact.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mukuru.

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SIU returns R1.7bn to the NSFAS purse

Source: Government of South Africa

SIU returns R1.7bn to the NSFAS purse

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says it has returned R1.7 billion to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme purse, which will be allocated to students’ needs at institutions of higher education.

The amount is part of the R2 billion that the SIU has so far received from universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and unqualified former students.

“The funds in question were unallocated from 2016 to 2021. These unallocated funds represent financial resources that were designated for students who qualified for funding but later changed institutions or deregistered,” the Special Investigating Unit said in a statement. 

“These funds are retained by the institution for one year but in this case, were kept them for more than a year. 

“The existence of unallocated funds can be attributed to inadequate control systems and a lack of reconciliation processes implemented by NSFAS during that period, resulting in a failure to recover these funds from institutions of higher learning,” the SIU said.

The corruption busting unit noted the announcement by NSFAS earlier this month to implement the SIU’s systematic recommendations by introducing a framework that includes a data-driven reporting process to ensure timely payments to providers. 

This framework will improve accountability, generating monthly occupancy and payment reports. NSFAS stated that it is considering an in-house payment functionality to streamline financial management and eliminate the middleman. 

The SIU commended NSFAS for strengthening its systems and moving towards better governance.

Contributing to the R2 billion recovery, the SIU has collected R126 478 184.64 from 1 055 parents and unqualified NSFAS beneficiaries who have signed acknowledgements of debt (AoDs), agreeing to repay the money over time.

The SIU is urging unqualified NSFAS beneficiaries, who have not been in contact with the unit, to come forward and arrange for repayment.

Furthermore, the SIU has received R69 727 824.22 from the University of the Free State. This is the institution’s second payment towards recovering unallocated funds. 

The SIU has also received a second payment from the University of Mpumalanga of R5 502 040.09, as well as R15 million from Tshwane North TVET College.

The SIU, in terms of Proclamation R88 of 2022, is authorised to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of NSFAS, and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State through corruption and negligence.

The SIU is empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name, to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations caused by acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration. 

In line with the SIU and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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How Data Centers Are Reshaping Africa’s Power Market

Source: APO


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The global digital economy is driving an unprecedented surge in electricity demand from data centers and IT infrastructure. Worldwide, uninterruptible power supply demand for IT equipment alone is forecast to reach 249 GW by 2030, with total installed capacity, including cooling and ancillary loads, expected to climb to 374 GW. For Africa, where digitalization, cloud adoption and mobile services are accelerating, this trend presents both a challenge and an opportunity. According to the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) State of African Energy 2026 Outlook, data centers are poised to become a transformative force within the continent’s power markets, reshaping investment priorities ahead of African Energy Week (AEW) 2026.

Data Centers as Catalysts for Power Investment

Africa’s digital transformation is gaining momentum, particularly in markets such as South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Egypt. The growing demand for cloud infrastructure is emerging as a powerful driver for electrification, positioning data centers as stable, long-term anchor customers for power systems. Unlike traditional loads, data centers require large volumes of reliable, uninterrupted electricity, creating predictable and bankable demand. This reliability strengthens the case for new generation capacity and grid expansion.

The effects extend beyond power markets. Data center development supports job creation, stimulates technology ecosystems and enhances Africa’s competitiveness in the global digital economy. Hyperscale operators are increasingly prioritizing sustainability and efficiency, accelerating innovation in renewable energy procurement, storage and demand management – trends that align closely with Africa’s long-term energy transition goals.

Challenges to Address

Despite the potential, Africa’s data center-driven power transformation faces structural hurdles. Reliable electricity supply remains uneven, with frequent outages and limited redundancy undermining operational resilience. Sustainable cloud infrastructure also depends on coordinated policy frameworks, investment incentives, robust telecom regulation and regional collaboration.

Historically, Europe-based data centers serviced much of Africa’s digital demand. Rising latency requirements and growing data sovereignty regulations, which increasingly mandate local storage, are making this model unsustainable. In response, global cloud providers are adopting pan-African strategies, establishing local presence, and accelerating demand for domestic data center capacity. Unlocking this opportunity will require governments, investors and utilities to strengthen grids, enable multiple supply points, and create an environment conducive to long-term infrastructure investment.

AEW 2026 will play a central role in facilitating these discussions, bringing together policymakers, financiers, developers and the broader energy industry to explore collaboration as a driving force behind Africa’s data-driven power development.

Emerging Case Studies

Successful examples illustrate the transformative potential of data centers for power investment. South Africa is Africa’s largest and most mature data center market. With cloud zones from Microsoft and AWS already live and Google expected to follow, the country is evolving from a telecom-driven colocation model to a wholesale data center hub. Current utilization exceeds 83%, projected to surpass 94% by 2030, with demand concentrated around Johannesburg and Cape Town. Strong foreign investor interest reinforces South Africa’s role as a regional anchor market.

Kenya is emerging as East Africa’s fastest-growing hub, with around 40 MW of IT load capacity and a projected 30% CAGR through 2028. The market is being shaped by proactive digitalization policies and flagship initiatives such as the Konza National Data Centre under Vision 2030. By 2029, total supply is expected to exceed 155 MW, positioning Kenya as a critical node in Africa’s distributed cloud future.

“Data centers are no longer just a technology story – they are an energy story. If Africa gets the power framework right, digital infrastructure can unlock investment, strengthen grids and accelerate inclusive growth across the continent,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Eskom contract worker sentenced to 35 years in prison

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom contract worker sentenced to 35 years in prison

Eskom contract worker, Simeon Majaonke Shongwe (46), is expected to serve 20 years behind bars after he was sentenced to 35 years’ imprisonment by the Ermelo District Court.

Shongwe was arrested five days after he intentionally caused damages valued at R22 726 180.00 at the Eskom Camden power station in Ermelo on 10 November 2022.

The case was handed over to the Hawks’ Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation for further handling. Information received from witnesses and crime scenes proved a strong case, which was presented before court. 

Shongwe made several court appearances and was released on bail as investigations continued. 

Shongwe was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for tampering with essential infrastructure and 15 years’ imprisonment for theft. The court ruled that both sentences run concurrently. As a result, Shongwe is expected to spend the next 20 years behind bars.

“Tampering with essential infrastructure [is] a national problem and has a negative impact on service delivery to members of the public. 

“Eskom has been plagued by sabotage, and this conviction and sentence must serve as a strong warning to those implicated in such despicable acts. 

“We really welcome the sentence and appreciate the excellent work by the investigation team and prosecution,” said Major General Nico Gerber, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Call for better policing

Source: Government of South Africa

Call for better policing

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has emphasised to members of the police service that citizens deserve an effective, accountable policing service that is deeply trusted by the communities it serves. 

“They want to walk the streets and live in their homes without fear. They want their children to travel to school, sports fields and shops free from the threat of violence,” Cachalia said on Monday.

The Acting Minister was addressing the 11th edition of the National Excellence Awards in Bloemfontein, which recognise and honour outstanding performance, exceptional commitment to community relations, innovation, professionalism and acts of bravery within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The ceremony was held under the theme: “Serving with integrity, celebrating excellence.”

Cachalia stressed the importance of a trustworthy SAPS, noting that the public wants to establish businesses and earn a living without fear, intimidation and criminal extraction of resources. 

“Trust is not automatic. Trust is earned day after day, interaction by interaction, call by call. Trust is built when the conduct of every member of the service reflects the values of the Constitution and the highest standards of professionalism of the SAPS,” he said.

Cachalia said professional conduct that upholds the dignity of civilians is not optional.

“It is central to the mission of policing in a democratic society. It is the foundation of public trust. And without that trust, even the best operational plans and the newest technologies will fall short. 

“An officer who listens, explains and treats people respectfully, reduces tensions, prevents escalation and strengthens the legitimacy of the South African Police Service in particular and the State more broadly.

“When officers act with professionalism and dignity, communities are more willing to share intelligence, to work with investigators and to stand against criminals.

“When we behave indifferently, rudely, brutally or corruptly, we lose cooperation, we lose support and community trust and with it, the effectiveness of policing,” the Acting Minister said.

He highlighted that police operate in communities beset by poverty, unemployment, substance abuse and inadequate social services.

“You encounter trauma, anger and desperation. These situations are difficult, and they test our training, our discipline and our compassion. But it is precisely in those difficult moments that professional conduct must shine brightest. It is precisely then that demonstrating fairness and dignity matters most. Our officers, whom we honour and celebrate today, live and exemplify this truth.

“I have seen officers calm volatile situations with patient communication. I have seen officers go the extra mile to ensure a victim of gender-based violence receives care and protection.

“I have seen young constables build relationships in neighbourhood’s previously closed to the police, and in doing so prevent conflict before it erupts. I have been highly impressed by police members who refuse to take bribes but arrest and charge those making the offer,” Cachalia said.

Every year in January, the SAPS gathers to celebrate outstanding performance, exceptional commitment, and bravery displayed by its men and women in blue.

According to SAPS, this prestigious event serves as a powerful reminder that behind every accolade is a story of sacrifice, resilience and service. Being a police officer is not merely a profession, but a calling.

There are over 30 award categories, which include the Ministry’s Award, National Commissioner’s Award, Operations Member of the Year, Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Investigator of the Year, Crime Intelligence Member of the Year, Station of the Year, Forensic Services Team of the Year, and Community Policing Forum (CPF). – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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Revealed: Mining Elites in Africa 2026 winners

Source: APO – Report:

It is the moment the industry has been waiting for.

The winners and runners-up of Mining Elites in Africa 2026 have officially been revealed, recognising the leaders, companies and projects that are making a meaningful impact across the African mining sector.

The annual publication highlights individuals and organisations that are not only driving performance and innovation within their own operations, but are also contributing to broader sustainability outcomes. These include positive impacts on host countries, local communities and regional economies.

Readers can now download their free digital copy (https://apo-opa.co/4agfnP7) to discover this year’s Mining Elites and learn more about the work shaping the future of mining on the continent.

Selecting the 2026 winners and runners-up was a rigorous process, supported by an experienced advisory panel made up of respected industry professionals. Mining Elites in Africa extends its sincere appreciation to the panel members for their time, insight and expertise.

Advisory panel

  • Bokang Kelepa (https://apo-opa.co/3LVH2eQ), Chief Growth Officer, Baletsema Holdings
  • Laura Nicholson (https://apo-opa.co/4t3D8RO), Product Director, Investing in African Mining Indaba
  • Marcin Wertz (https://apo-opa.co/3M8xNYT), Principal Mining Engineer and Partner, SRK Consulting
  • Marcus Courage (https://apo-opa.co/4q5rCTB), Chief Executive Officer, Africa Practice
  • Selina Zhuwarara (https://apo-opa.co/3Lzrc9S), Principal Consultant, Autem Mining Consultancy
  • Yandi Mini (https://apo-opa.co/3NFfqeF), Principal and Partner, Boston Consulting Group

Contributing to a greater cause

Mining Elites in Africa 2026 also acknowledges and thanks its sponsors for their continued support of this flagship publication. Their products and services play an important role in advancing responsible, efficient and sustainable mining practices across Africa.

Lead sponsor

  • Consulmet

Premium partners

  • SSC Group
  • Gold Ore
  • Credeq Africa

Category partners

  • Goodwin
  • Armco
  • Council for Geoscience
  • Innomotics
  • OIA Global
  • Geobrugg
  • Guardrisk
  • AKS Lining Systems
  • TLT Turbo
  • Xylem
  • Invincible Valves

The Mining Elites in Africa 2026 digital publication is available to download now (https://apo-opa.co/4agfnP7).

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Government-Business Partnership commits to "inclusive growth, jobs and confidence" as central framework for Phase Three

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa today met with Ministers and senior business leaders under the Government Business Partnership, formally commencing Phase Three of the partnership with a shared commitment to placing economic growth at the centre of the partnership’s work in 2026.

The meeting reviewed progress achieved during Phase Two, during which important gains were made in stabilising the energy and logistics systems. These advances, together with a number of other achievements, contributed to improved sentiment towards the end of 2025. Investors are increasingly responding positively to South Africa’s economic trajectory and recognising policy credibility.

Significant developments include South Africa’s removal from the FATF grey list, a steady reduction in inflation towards the 3 per cent target, a successful and oversubscribed sovereign Eurobond issuance, a firmer Rand and an upgrade to South Africa’s sovereign credit rating by S&P — the first in more than two decades.

During Phase Two, coordinated interventions and policy reform improved operational performance, particularly at Eskom. The recent commencement of the Durban Pier 2 terminal concession and the opening of the rail network to private operators further demonstrate the momentum that has been achieved. The Partnership agreed that the focus in these two areas must now shift decisively from crisis management to the urgent implementation of government’s structural reform agenda. Establishing commercially viable, competitive markets in these network industries is essential to mobilising the additional investment required for growth.

Against this backdrop, Government and business agreed that the central framework for Phase Three of the Partnership will be anchored in “Inclusive Growth, Jobs and Confidence”. In a rapidly changing global environment characterised by economic realignment, heightened competition for capital and increased uncertainty, the Partnership agreed that a disciplined focus on competitiveness and inclusive growth is essential. All actions under the Partnership will be assessed against their ability to grow the economy, support job creation and strengthen confidence.

Government and business further agreed that crime and corruption remain among the most significant deterrents to confidence, investment and economic growth. While progress has been made in strengthening institutional capability — including through FATF-related reforms and improved coordination — there is agreement that a more ambitious crime and corruption focus is necessary to support Government’s efforts to reform the criminal justice system. Tackling organised crime, corruption and weaknesses in the criminal justice system will therefore become a more central focus of the Partnership’s work in 2026, recognising the direct link between the rule of law, societal and investor confidence, and growth.

Priority activities for Phase Three include support for Government’s energy market reform, including the launch of a competitive South African wholesale electricity market, grid expansion and the publication of a clear roadmap for Eskom’s unbundling which clarifies the approach to establishing an independent Transmission System Operator in line with the Electricity Regulation Act. Another priority for this year is to accelerate reforms in the transport and logistics sector, including greater private sector participation, to increase investment and improve competitiveness and efficiency.

Youth employment interventions in other sectors will build on the model of close coordination between Government and business, which resulted in the successful introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which removes a key bottleneck to increasing international tourist arrivals and supports job creation.

Across all priority areas, the emphasis will be on execution and delivery in support of growth. Government and business agreed that this year should represent a decisive turning point for South Africa’s economic trajectory, and an opportunity to achieve lasting progress and shared prosperity.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “After two years of hard work, we can definitively say this partnership has been a success. While we have achieved much, there is much that we need to do. As this partnership evolves and as the focus of our work shifts, we remain firmly committed to acting together and with purpose to serve the needs of our country.”

Adrian Gore, Group CEO of Discovery and co-convener of the business delegation, said: “South Africa is turning the corner. We must act decisively to convert this momentum into investment and jobs. “Growth, Jobs, Confidence” sits at the heart of our approach and needs to be the filter for every decision in 2026. If an action does not advance these objectives, it should not proceed. If it does, we should move quickly and back it fully. Business is fully committed to supporting this.”

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

For Business: Dani Cohen on 082 897 0443 / dani@prologconsulting.co.za OR Sandra Sowray on 079 167 6863 / sandra@prologconsulting.co.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria