Category: Africa

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Public Works terminates lease associated with “Cat” Matlala

Source: Government of South Africa

Public Works terminates lease associated with “Cat” Matlala

Minister Dean Macpherson has confirmed that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has terminated the lease agreement with Medicare 24 Tshwane District, linked to suspected criminal mastermind, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

This is in respect of a hospital facility situated in Pretoria West. According to the DPWI the lease agreement was terminated on Friday, 09 January 2026.

The termination follows allegations made in the Parliamentary Ad hoc Committee and an investigation by a South African media company, which detailed how Medicare 24 Tshwane District – which was reportedly owned by Matlala and where he was formerly listed as a director – allegedly bypassed standard procurement processes to obtain the lease.

The Minister said that after learning of the serious allegations relating to the lease, he requested an internal investigation, which found that the lease agreement entered into with Medicare 24 Tshwane District in December 2023 could not lawfully come into operation, as the hospital facility was not declared surplus to the requirements of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The SAPS remains the designated user of the facility in terms of the Government Immovable Asset Management Act, 2007.

Departmental records indicate that SAPS requires the hospital facility for service delivery purposes. The formal declaration of the hospital facility as surplus is a necessary precondition for any lease to take lawful effect.

“It was in light of these facts, and to ensure legal certainty as well as compliance with applicable legislation and governance frameworks, that the department on Friday morning issued a notice of termination of the lease agreement with immediate effect,” the department said in a statement.

“As soon as I learnt of the serious allegations raised, I requested a thorough investigation by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, which found that the property had not been declared surplus by SAPS and that the lease agreement could therefore not be implemented.

“In line with my commitment to ensure that public assets are used for the public good, I instructed that a termination of the lease be issued to prevent any wastage of public funds. As a department, we can never tolerate the abuse of state resources,” Minister Macpherson said.

The Minister added that the department will conduct an investigation to ensure that any officials who played a role in authorising the lease are held accountable.

“We will also work closely with law-enforcement agencies and hand over any information relating to possible criminality to ensure that those responsible face the full might of the law. We are working decisively to rid the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure of corruption and abuse, and to ensure that it delivers meaningfully for the South African people,” he said.

In December 2025, the Department of Correctional Services said Matlala had been transferred from Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre (C-Max) to the super maximum eBongweni Correctional Facility in Kokstad.

Matlala is allegedly linked to, among others, the coordinated syndicates responsible for the looting of over R2 billion meant for healthcare in Gauteng, the attempted murder of his ex-lover, and is believed to have played a role in the capture of some key members within law enforcement agencies. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Reconnaissance flight to assess Wemmershoek fire extent

Source: Government of South Africa

Reconnaissance flight to assess Wemmershoek fire extent

As the fire in Wemmershoek, Franschhoek continues to burn out of control, the Cape Winelands District Municipality said a reconnaissance flight will be conducted to assess the full extent of the fire.

“During the night, the fire spread rapidly down the mountain across a large area, threatening surrounding farms along the Wemmershoek Road (R301). Firefighting efforts, including aerial resources, focused primarily on structure protection. The fire later shifted back toward the R45, where recognised firefighting techniques, including backburns, were implemented,” the municipality said on Sunday.

This as the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM) Fire Services in the Western Cape reported a challenging night as the fire continues to burn.

The fire was reported on Wednesday and originated in the Langrug area.

The fire has claimed one structure and damaged another. No injuries have been reported.

“A reconnaissance flight will be conducted this morning to assess the full extent of the fire following last night’s activity. This assessment will inform the operational plan for the day as active firefighting and mitigation efforts continue.”

Meanwhile, the municipality has thanked its partners, farmers, landowners, and volunteers for their support.

“However, all firefighting operations are being conducted under a formal Incident Command System (ICS). For safety and coordination reasons, members of the public are requested not to organise or participate in independent or ad-hoc firefighting groups,” said the municipality.

Meanwhile, firefighters remain on high alert for any signs of smoke or flames in the Overstrand area following fires in Pearly Beach and Stanford in the Western Cape.

READ | Progress made in containing Overstrand fires

In an update on Sunday morning, Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill, said that good progress has been made along the border of Groeneweide and Panorama.

“On Day 8, the Pearly Beach Fire Crew made good progress overnight along the border of Groeneweide and Panorama. The left flank’s active fire line has been contained, and mop-up operations will now continue,” he said in a statement. –SAnews.gov.za

Neo

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Sudan war leaves millions hungry and displaced as health system nears collapse

Source: APO


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UN agencies warn that nearly three years of sustained violence, restricted humanitarian access and shrinking funding have pushed Sudan into what they describe as the largest humanitarian emergency in the world.

An estimated 33.7 million people – around two thirds of the population – are expected to need humanitarian assistance in 2026. More than 20 million people now require health assistance, while 21 million face acute food insecurity.

Devastating impact

The conflict erupted in April 2023 following a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), plunging the country into a civil war that has spread from the capital Khartoum to Darfur, Kordofan and other regions.

The fighting has devastated infrastructure, fractured state institutions and left civilians exposed to widespread violence, displacement and deprivation.

Repeated ceasefire efforts have failed, and large swathes of the country remain inaccessible to humanitarian actors due to insecurity, bureaucratic constraints and ongoing hostilities.

A health system on the brink

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Sudan’s health system has been pushed close to collapse by ongoing fighting, mass displacement and repeated attacks on medical facilities. More than one third of health facilities nationwide are non-functional, cutting millions off from essential and lifesaving care.

Since the conflict began, WHO has verified 201 attacks on healthcare, resulting in 1,858 deaths and 490 injuries. Such attacks violate international humanitarian law and place patients, caregivers and health workers at grave risk.

“One thousand days of conflict in Sudan have driven the health system to the brink of collapse,” said Shible Sahbani, WHO Representative in Sudan. “Under the strain of disease, hunger and lack of access to basic services, people face a devastating situation.”

Despite insecurity and access constraints, WHO continues to support lifesaving services, having delivered more than 3,300 metric tonnes of medicines and medical supplies worth around $40 million. It also supported cholera vaccination campaigns and helped millions access care through hospitals, primary health centres and mobile clinics.

Mass displacement

Sudan is also the world’s largest displacement crisis, with an estimated 13.6 million people uprooted by the fighting – around 9.3 million internally displaced and a further 4.3 million seeking refuge in neighbouring countries.

Overcrowded living conditions, poor sanitation and disrupted services have fuelled outbreaks of cholera, malaria, dengue and measles across much of the country.

Children bearing the heaviest burden

Children make up about half of those expected to need humanitarian assistance in 2026, according to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

“Children continue to be killed and injured,” said UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Edouard Beigbeder, noting that eight children were reportedly killed in a single attack in North Kordofan this week alone.

In North Darfur alone, nearly 85,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition were treated between January and November 2025 – roughly one child every six minutes – underscoring the scale of the crisis.

Calls for peace and access

Both WHO and UNICEF stress that humanitarian action, while lifesaving, cannot substitute for peace.

“To meet the mounting needs and prevent the crisis from spiralling out of hand, WHO and humanitarian partners require safe and unimpeded access to all areas of Sudan, and increased financial resources,” Dr. Sahbani said.

For children, UNICEF warns, only an end to the fighting can halt the erosion of safety, health and hope.

“All parties must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law: protect civilians, stop attacks on infrastructure, and allow safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access,” Mr. Beigbeder said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

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Ghanaian celebrities are dealing with mental illness stigma behind closed doors – why speaking up matters

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Lyzbeth King, PhD Student, School of Communication Studies, Ohio University

Imagine living in a country where talking openly about depression or anxiety can cost you your job, your reputation, or even your freedom. That is still the reality in Ghana, where mental illness is often explained in spiritual terms, and seeking help can mean being taken to a prayer camp instead of seeing a therapist. Even with global mental health awareness campaigns flooding social media and calendar days dedicated to ending stigma, many Ghanaians continue to struggle in silence.

We study communication and wanted to understand how Ghanaian celebrities, in particular, communicatively manage the stigma that is associated with their mental illness. Celebrities are often treated as near-superhuman figures; they are admired for their talent, resilience and public influence. But they suffer too.

For our research, we reached out to some celebrities who helped us reach out to others who were experiencing or had experienced a mental illness. Altogether, 20 celebrities were interviewed.

Most of them told us they hide their struggles and turn to private prayer rather than professional care. Fear of being labelled “weak”, judged as “spiritually afflicted” or losing work opportunities keeps them quiet. Instead of speaking out, they pray behind closed doors, hoping their symptoms will disappear before anyone notices.

Their status makes it even harder for them to speak openly about their mental illnesses. Their careers depend on credibility and the impression of strength. As a result, they cope privately, turning to prayer rather than professional help.

Celebrities influence public perceptions. Therefore, understanding how they manage mental illness stigma can offer valuable insights into broader societal attitudes and behaviours towards mental health communication.

Read more: Why Africa needs to invest in mental health

Insights from our conversations

Our candid conversations with 20 Ghanaian celebrities in the entertainment and sports industries revealed the unique ways they manage stigma associated with mental illness. For example:

I would wake up at dawn and walk to a church and pray. I could stand outside for the dawn dew to fall on me just so that I could pray and ask God to use the dew to change the happenings in my life. (male, actor)

Some reported that prayer served not only as a way of managing stigma, but also as a source of healing from the mental illness itself. One said that “prayers and fasting” helped.

Others use a combination of acceptance and praying to cope. Acceptance is a stigma management strategy identified by health and stigma researcher Rebecca Meisenbach. It refers to acknowledging the existence of stigma around a certain condition and its application to the individual.

Acceptance as a stigma management strategy manifests through behaviours such as displaying symptoms associated with the mental illness and forming bonds with other individuals who are similarly stigmatised.

Our study participants said they managed stigma by connecting with others going through similar experiences:

When I was dealing with depression and all of that, the person I spoke to about it was my cousin. He was also depressed at the time. So it was like, we are sharing notes. You know, and we end up encouraging each other. (male, actor and comedian)

Another male actor and comedian shared: “Among celebrities who go through mental health issues, we talk. We have discussions among ourselves. It will not be possible to go out and say it publicly but among ourselves, I can call a colleague and say, guy, I have been experiencing this breakdown.”

Read more: Unpacking the role of religious counselling services in Ghana

What needs to be done

Our research shows an important truth for Ghanaians. The people we admire most are also actively navigating mental health challenges behind closed doors. Their silence and ways of handling their mental struggles reflect the same fears many ordinary Ghanaians carry. If people in the spotlight are quietly battling mental illnesses, it shows that mental illness is far more common than some people are willing to admit.

This is why real mental illness conversations must begin now. To reduce mental illness stigma, it must be openly spoken about, and every shift starts somewhere: in our homes, religious spaces and workplaces. When people speak honestly about their struggles, and if others listen and respond with compassion, it creates a culture where seeking mental help is not seen as shameful.

Celebrity stories show that prayer plays a central role in how celebrities largely cope with mental illness. Prayer is meaningful, culturally rooted and, for many, spiritually essential. But prayer should not replace medical help. In short, prayer and seeking medical help should not be seen as mutually exclusive; rather, they should be seen as complementary.

Mental health professionals and religious leaders can help reframe mental illness healing as a process that can be accomplished through both medical care and spiritual prayers and not as a choice between them, especially in a religious culture like Ghana. Doing this can offer a more holistic pathway to recovery and a more accepting community for people who fear stigmatisation.

Healing does not have to be hidden, and help does not have to be feared. A new culture of openness can begin with each person who chooses to speak, listen and support. We hope that this shift starts now and that Ghana becomes a place where spiritual care and medical support work in tandem to make mental health care accessible and stigma-free.

– Ghanaian celebrities are dealing with mental illness stigma behind closed doors – why speaking up matters
– https://theconversation.com/ghanaian-celebrities-are-dealing-with-mental-illness-stigma-behind-closed-doors-why-speaking-up-matters-270710

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Africa’s climate finance rules are growing, but they’re weakly enforced – new research

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Paola D’Orazio, Associate Professor, IÉSEG School of Management

Climate change is no longer just about melting ice or hotter summers. It is also a financial problem. Droughts, floods, storms and heatwaves damage crops, factories and infrastructure. At the same time, the global push to cut greenhouse gas emissions creates risks for countries that depend on oil, gas or coal.

These pressures can destabilise entire financial systems, especially in regions already facing economic fragility. Africa is a prime example.

Although the continent contributes less than 5% of global carbon emissions, it is among the most vulnerable. In Mozambique, repeated cyclones have destroyed homes, roads and farms, forcing banks and insurers to absorb heavy losses. Kenya has experienced severe droughts that hurt agriculture, reducing farmers’ ability to repay loans. In north Africa, heatwaves strain electricity grids and increase water scarcity.

These physical risks are compounded by “transition risks”, like declining revenues from fossil fuel exports or higher borrowing costs as investors worry about climate instability. Together, they make climate governance through financial policies both urgent and complex. Without these policies, financial systems risk being caught off guard by climate shocks and the transition away from fossil fuels.

This is where climate-related financial policies come in. They provide the tools for banks, insurers and regulators to manage risks, support investment in greener sectors and strengthen financial stability.

Regulators and banks across Africa have started to adopt climate-related financial policies. These range from rules that require banks to consider climate risks, to disclosure standards, green lending guidelines, and green bond frameworks. These tools are being tested in several countries. But their scope and enforcement vary widely across the continent.

My research compiles the first continent-wide database of climate-related financial policies in Africa and examines how differences in these policies – and in how binding they are – affect financial stability and the ability to mobilise private investment for green projects.

A new study I conducted reviewed more than two decades of policies (2000–2025) across African countries. It found stark differences.

South Africa has developed the most comprehensive framework, with policies across all categories. Kenya and Morocco are also active, particularly in disclosure and risk-management rules. In contrast, many countries in central and west Africa have introduced only a few voluntary measures.

Why does this matter? Voluntary rules can help raise awareness and encourage change, but on their own they often do not go far enough. Binding measures, on the other hand, tend to create stronger incentives and steadier progress. So far, however, most African climate-related financial policies remain voluntary. This leaves climate risk as something to consider rather than a firm requirement.

Uneven landscape

In Africa, the 2015 Paris Agreement marked a clear turning point. Around that time, policy activity increased noticeably, suggesting that international agreements and standards could help create momentum and visibility for climate action. The expansion of climate-related financial policies was also shaped by domestic priorities and by pressure from international investors and development partners.

But since the late 2010s, progress has slowed. Limited resources, overlapping institutional responsibilities and fragmented coordination have made it difficult to sustain the earlier pace of reform.

Looking across the continent, four broad patterns have emerged.

A few countries, such as South Africa, have developed comprehensive frameworks. These include:

  • disclosure rules (requirements for banks and companies to report how climate risks affect them)

  • stress tests (simulations of extreme climate or transition scenarios to see whether banks would remain resilient).

Others, including Kenya and Morocco, are steadily expanding their policy mix, even if institutional capacity is still developing.

Some, such as Nigeria and Egypt, are moderately active, with a focus on disclosure rules and green bonds. (Those are bonds whose proceeds are earmarked to finance environmentally friendly projects such as renewable energy, clean transport or climate-resilient infrastructure.)

Finally, many countries in central and west Africa have introduced only a limited number of measures, often voluntary in nature.

This uneven landscape has important consequences.

The net effect

In fossil fuel-dependent economies such as South Africa, Egypt and Algeria, the shift away from coal, oil and gas could generate significant transition risks. These include:

  • financial instability, for example when asset values in carbon-intensive sectors fall sharply or credit exposures deteriorate

  • stranded assets, where fossil fuel infrastructure and reserves lose their economic value before the end of their expected life because they can no longer be used or are no longer profitable under stricter climate policies.

Addressing these challenges may require policies that combine investment in new, low-carbon sectors with targeted support for affected workers, communities and households.

Climate finance affects people directly. When droughts lead to loan defaults, local banks are strained. Insurance companies facing repeated payouts after floods may raise premiums. Pension funds invested in fossil fuels risk devaluations as these assets lose value. Climate-related financial policies therefore matter not only for regulators and markets, but also for jobs, savings, and everyday livelihoods.

At the same time, there are opportunities.

Firstly, expanding access to green bonds and sustainability-linked loans can channel private finance into renewable energy, clean transport, or resilient infrastructure.

Secondly, stronger disclosure rules can improve transparency and investor confidence.

Thirdly, regional harmonisation through common reporting standards, for example, would reduce fragmentation. This would make it easier for Africa to attract global climate finance.

Looking ahead

International forums such as the UN climate conferences (COP) and the G20 have helped to push this agenda forward, mainly by setting expectations rather than hard rules. These initiatives create pressure and guidance. But they remain soft law. Turning them into binding, enforceable rules still depends on decisions taken by national regulators and governments.

International partners such as the African Development Bank and the African Union could support coordination by promoting continental standards that define what counts as a green investment. Donors and multilateral lenders may also provide technical expertise and financial support to countries with weaker systems, helping them move from voluntary guidelines toward more enforceable rules.

South Africa, already a regional leader, could share its experience with stress testing and green finance frameworks.

Africa also has the potential to position itself as a hub for renewable energy and sustainable finance. With vast solar and wind resources, expanding urban centres, and an increasingly digital financial sector, the continent could leapfrog towards a greener future if investment and regulation advance together.

Success stories in Kenya’s sustainable banking practices and Morocco’s renewable energy expansion show that progress is possible when financial systems adapt.

What happens next will matter greatly. By expanding and enforcing climate-related financial rules, Africa can reduce its vulnerability to climate shocks while unlocking opportunities in green finance and renewable energy.

– Africa’s climate finance rules are growing, but they’re weakly enforced – new research
– https://theconversation.com/africas-climate-finance-rules-are-growing-but-theyre-weakly-enforced-new-research-270990

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Progress made in containing Overstrand fires

Source: Government of South Africa

Progress made in containing Overstrand fires

Firefighters remain on high alert for any signs of smoke or flames in the Overstrand area following fires in Pearly Beach and Standford in the Western Cape.

In an update on Sunday morning, Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill, said that good progress has been made along the border of Groeneweide and Panorama.

“On Day 8, the Pearly Beach Fire Crew made good progress overnight along the border of Groeneweide and Panorama. The left flank’s active fire line has been contained, and mop-up operations will now continue,” he said in a statement.

The municipality added that the right flank is expected to burn out against the old burn scar from the recent De Kelders fire.

“The fuel load remains high in dense alien vegetation, which is conducive to flare-ups under strong wind conditions. Firefighters and landowners will remain on high alert for any signs of smoke or flames.”
On the seaside of Pearly Beach, the fire crew will closely monitor and continue with mop-up operations.
“There are no active fire lines at this stage, and there is no threat to houses,” he said.

However, day five of the Stanford fire remains challenging, with renewed efforts focusing on the inaccessible old vegetation (aliens and fynbos) where active fire lines are still persisting.

O’Neill added that all roads are open, including the R43 Stanford, Gansbaai, and Pearly Beach, which were affected by the Pearly Beach and Stanford fires.

“However, roads may close at short notice if conditions change,” he said.

In the update given on Saturday night, the municipality said that it had received numerous donations, particularly essential goods to support the firefighters who risk their lives every day to bring these fires under control.

It thanked businesses, organisations, and individuals who stepped in to assist.
It added that in the Stanford fire, firefighting crews successfully contained the fire line from the Die Kop informal settlement to the R43, preventing the fire from crossing the road.

“The fire threatened Eskom power lines; however, crews successfully extinguished the immediate threat. The fire was then guided into an old burn scar near Es La Vida Farm, where it was allowed to burn itself out,” it said at the time.

In an alert on Saturday morning, the municipality said “evacuations are currently underway for Eluxolweni,” with the Eluxolweni Community Hall open for evacuees due to the Pearly Beach fire.

At the time, the municipality said residents in Panorama, Groeneweide, and Standskloof should remain on high alert and that evacuation may become necessary if conditions worsen. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Eskom’s power system remains stable

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom’s power system remains stable

As industries gradually resume operations following the festive break, Eskom says its power system remains stable and ready to meet the projected rise in electricity demand amid the heightened economic activity in the coming weeks.

“Eskom’s power system remains stable and ready to meet the projected rise in electricity demand amid the heightened economic activity in the coming weeks as industries gradually resume operations. The resilience of the power system reflects the major improvements in Eskom’s generation fleet and the success of its Generation Recovery Plan, driving stronger operations and securing the country’s energy future,” the power utility said in a statement.

Additionally, the utility continues to see gains in the Energy Availability Factor (EAF), with the year-to-date EAF further increasing to 64.55%. Its fleet has achieved or exceeded the 70% EAF mark on 55 occasions.

“These figures underscore both recovery and sustained improvement in EAF performance, reinforcing energy security and grid stability. This performance confirms sustained recovery and reinforces confidence in the stability and security of the national electricity supply,” Eskom said.

It added that the improvements are driven primarily by the reduction in unplanned outages, reflecting the effectiveness of the Generation Recovery Plan and the benefits of disciplined maintenance execution.

Between 02 and 08 January 2026, average unplanned outages decreased to 7 705MW from last year’s level of 13 876MW, representing an improvement of 6 171MW.

Over the same period, the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) further reduced to 16.02%, a significant improvement of 12.80% compared to 28.82% recorded during the same period last year.

During the same timeframe, the average Planned Capacity Loss Factor (PCLF), also referred to as planned maintenance, was at 9.32%, compared with 14.72% in the previous financial year. 
The reduced level follows Eskom’s intensive maintenance programme implemented in the last financial year, exceeding historical norms over the past three years, to restore fleet reliability.

“Planned maintenance remains aligned with Eskom’s maintenance schedule and supports ongoing efforts to enhance plant reliability, improve operational stability, and strengthen long term fleet performance,” the utility said.

The ongoing improvement in EAF has reduced Eskom’s reliance on expensive diesel generation, enabling a stronger focus on more cost effective primary energy sources.

“In addition, 7 305MW is currently in cold reserve due to excess capacity and lower demand during the holiday season,” said Eskom, adding that for a third consecutive week, no diesel was used, resulting in zero expenditure over the past three weeks.

The utility’s diesel spending is now R2.959 billion lower than at the same time last year.
Year-to-date, diesel expenditure remains consistently below budget.

It added that the country has had over 200 days of no load shedding.
“South Africa has now experienced 238 consecutive days without an interrupted supply, with only 26 hours of loadshedding recorded in April and May 2025 during this financial year,” it said on Friday.

Meanwhile, the power utility added that although the power system remains stable and generation capacity continues to exceed demand, persistent adverse weather, together with fires in the Coega, Humansdorp, and Sarah Baartman areas in the Eastern Cape, has resulted in an increase in faults across Eskom’s distribution network.

“Eskom teams continue to diligently restore power safely and efficiently in affected areas, while prioritising the safety of both its staff and the public throughout the restoration process,” it said.

In addition, illegal connections and meter tampering continue to damage infrastructure and pose serious safety risks.

“As a temporary measure, Eskom is maintaining load reduction in high risk areas to protect communities and the network.”

Eskom called on communities to report illegal connections, use electricity responsibly, and protect infrastructure. Any illegal activity affecting Eskom’s infrastructure can be reported to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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President Ramaphosa to undertake an official visit to the United Arab Emirates

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 12-13 January 2026, at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to participate in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ASDW).

The ADSW is an annual event hosted in Abu Dhabi, capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The 2026 event will be held from 11-15 January 2026, under the theme “Nexus of Next: All Systems Go”.

The ADSW summit brings together the Heads of State and Government, the private sector leaders and civil society to promote multi-stakeholder collaboration, drive large-scale systemic change, and shape the next era of global sustainability.

South Africa maintains cordial bilateral relations with the UAE, characterised by regular high-level visits as well as robust economic cooperation, for the mutual benefit of both countries. The UAE is also a major investor in the South African economy across various sectors such as transport, logistics and renewable energy.

In 2024, bilateral trade between both countries reached US$5,22 billion.

South Africa’s exports to the UAE totalled US$2,68 billion, reflecting an increase of 5.53% compared to 2023. Imports from the UAE amounted to US$2.96 billion, representing a decline of 25,8% over the same period. As a result, South Africa recorded a trade deficit of US$284 million in 2004.

The strong trade relations underscores the importance of the UAE as a strategic economic partner for South Africa in the middle east and highlights ongoing opportunities to deepen trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

The President will participate in the Heads of State and Government segment, as well as other high level sessions of the summit. During his visit, the President will also engage with leading captains of the industry and business leaders to promote investment and strengthen collaboration.

The President will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola; Minister in The Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Minister Ntshavheni condemns attempts to vilify her image

Source: President of South Africa –

The Minister in The Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, condemns attempts to vilify her image. The photoshopping of her X account with vulgar images and misinformation is not only distasteful but shameful as well.

In a country that is battling with a scourge of gender based violence, the continued use of sexual images to tarnish women is deplorable at the least. The cowards responsible for the photoshop represent the worst sexists and gender based violence perpetrators.

The public is warned about uncouth images published allegedly on the Minister’s account. The Minister’s account is not hacked but the images are photoshopped. Attempts to defocus Minister Ntshavheni from the tasks at hand will not succeed.

Government has also noticed the coordinated misinformation campaign primarily targeting Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

Minister Ntshavheni is not fazed by acts of cowardice.

Media enquiries: Nomonde Mnukwa – Acting Government Spokesperson, 083 653 7485

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Eni, Claudia Host All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) Red Carpet as Tosyn, Ariane Lead Fashion Watch

Source: APO

All eyes will be on the Red Carpet as the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) (https://AFRIMA.org) rolls out one of its most glamorous moments, with top media and fashion personalities set to lead the show.

The Red Carpet is expected to start at 3:30 PM (WAT) on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, Nigeria, and will end by 6:30 pm, shortly before the main AFRIMA Awards Ceremony begins by  7 PM (WAT).

Famous Nigerian influencer, actor, director, film producer and television personality Enioluwa Adeoluwa, popularly known as Eni, will join Kenyan actress, Claudia Naisabwa, as hosts of the AFRIMA Red Carpet. Stylish, confident and media-savvy, the duo are expected to bring charm, excitement and pan-African energy as they welcome Africa’s biggest music stars and celebrities to the awards night.

The fashion spotlight will shine even brighter with respected style voice Tosyn of Style Infidel stepping in as fashion police. Known for his keen eye and bold commentary, Tosyn will break down the best looks, daring outfits and headline-making fashion moments from the red carpet.

Joining him is Ariane Celeste Moua. From elegant gowns to statement suits, Ariane will deliver sharp, entertaining reviews of what the stars are wearing as they make their grand entrance.

Speaking on the exciting Red Carpet line-up, Victoria Nkong, AFRIMA Associate Producer, said the selection reflects AFRIMA’s vision of blending music, fashion and African excellence on one global stage.

“The AFRIMA red carpet has grown into a major entertainment moment. It is where music meets fashion and culture. With Eni, Claudia, Tosyn and Ariane, guests, artists, attendees and even millions of viewers watching the show across the world should expect colour, class and unforgettable moments,” Nkong said.

She noted that beyond the awards, the red carpet gives African artistes and designers the chance to express creativity, confidence and identity before a global audience.

Africa’s biggest music celebration is scheduled to run from January 7 to 11, 2026. The week-long festival officially kicked off on Wednesday with a special Welcome Soiree for nominees and invited guests, hosted by the British High Commission in Nigeria.

Activities continue on Thursday, January 8, with the Africa Music Business Summit, where key players discussed the business and future of African music. On Friday, January 9, the spotlight moves to the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall, Lagos, where more than 25 top African artistes and DJs thrill fans with live performances.

The award will reach its peak on Sunday, January 11, with the Main Awards Ceremony. The event will be transmitted live to viewers in over 84 countries across the world.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

Media files

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