Category: Africa

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The Government of Angola Launches an International Public Tender for the Management of the Namibe Corridor

Source: APO – Report:

The Ministry of Transport of The Republic of Angola (www.MinTrans.gov.ao) has today launched, 5th December, the Public Tender for the Concession of the Right to Operate, Manage and Maintain the Namibe Corridor. Interested entities may submit their proposals until 4 May 2026. 

The concession, with an initial duration of 30 years, extendable up to 50 years, covers the operation, management, maintenance and preservation of the Moçâmedes–Menongue Railway Line, including rolling stock, associated infrastructure, workshops and the training centre. It further encompasses the possibility of designing and constructing new sections, extensions and branch lines, as well as railway connections to the Republic of Namibia and, at a later stage, to the Republic of Zambia. 

The Secretary of State for Land Transport, Jorge Bengue, noted at the launch event that the process constitutes a strategic opportunity for international operators with a proven track record in the railway sector. “The Namibe Corridor has the potential to strengthen Angola’s role as a regional logistics platform, enhance supply chains, foster new investments, and increase the competitiveness of exports. We anticipate a dynamic tender process with strong participation from established industry operators,” he stated. 

Jorge Bengue further emphasised that Angola has carried out structural reforms in recent years that have strengthened legal certainty and created a more competitive business environment. The success of the concession of the Lobito Corridor has demonstrated the country’s capacity to implement partnership models that stimulate private investment and accelerate the modernization of transport infrastructure. 

Individual companies or consortiums of competitors with proven experience in the management of railway infrastructure and freight operations are eligible to apply. The detailed technical and financial requirements are set out in the tender documents, which are available for a fee of USD 20,000, or the equivalent in kwanzas at the exchange rate of the National Bank of Angola at the time of the transaction. 

The Namibe Corridor encompasses the Moçâmedes Railway, with a total length of 855 km, and the Port of Namibe, forming a strategic logistics axis for the export of minerals, ornamental stones, agricultural products, and other goods. The infrastructure allows for a theoretical capacity of up to 5 million tonnes per year, serving as a connection point for landlocked countries in the region, in coordination with the Lobito and Walvis Bay corridors.  

This corridor also contributes to tourism development and regional integration, strengthening Angola’s position in Atlantic–Indian trade routes and consolidating the country as a significant commercial hub within the African context. 

– on behalf of Ministry of Transport of Angola.

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Motsoaledi advocates for universal health coverage

Source: Government of South Africa

Motsoaledi advocates for universal health coverage

In an address marking Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day 2025, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has examined South Africa’s healthcare system, challenging the current model of healthcare financing and advocating for transformative change.

“We are sick of unaffordable health costs,” Motsoaledi said in Pretoria on Friday, highlighting the day’s theme.

Universal Health Coverage Day advocates for urgent government efforts to implement UHC, ensuring that everyone can access quality healthcare services without facing financial hardship.

This global campaign is led by the UHC2030, which is a global, multi-stakeholder platform for accelerating sustainable progress towards UHC. It is hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO), in collaboration with the World Bank and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The Minister’s speech traced the historical transitions in healthcare, drawing on The Lancet’s analysis report of three critical epochs, including sanitation, vaccination, and now, UHC. 

“The Lancet says the third transition is on the horizon, and it will signify the time when people don’t have to pay cash for their healthcare needs.”

Motsoaledi said the financialisation of health referred to a growing influence of financial markets, investors, and corporate interests in the healthcare sector. 

“Nobody invests money without expecting profit. But should we do that with sick people,” he questioned.

The Minister shared examples of how financial motivations compromise healthcare, including an anecdote about an elderly patient being prepared for surgery without clear consent or medical necessity.

“Healthcare becomes unaffordable for poor and marginalised communities, exacerbating disparities and inequalities,” Motsoaledi said, adding that the current system prioritises profits over patient well-being.

NHI

The Minister said the solution is the National Health Insurance (NHI), which he described as “a strong global antidote to financialisation of health”.

South Africa has made significant progress toward achieving UHC with the introduction of the National Health Insurance (NHI). 

The NHI is based on the establishment of a single purchaser, the NHI Fund, which will acquire healthcare services from accredited and contracted providers in both the public and private sectors. 

This initiative aims to ensure that all citizens receive quality, affordable healthcare without facing financial hardship.

This is despite significant legal threats and challenges facing the implementation of the NHI Act, which is part of the country’s transformative agenda. 

He also spoke about a UHC model focusing on comprehensive care that particularly protects women and children, who are “the biggest losers in a financialised system.”

He also touched on South Africa’s potential to lead global healthcare transformation, drawing on the country’s successful HIV treatment campaign of 2010 as proof of what can be achieved when healthcare is prioritised over profit.

The Minister traced significant public health achievements, particularly in HIV/AIDS treatment, where maternal mortality rates dramatically decreased from 240 to just below 99 per 100 000 live births around 2019. 

He highlighted the affordability of a new HIV treatment, lenacapavir, initially priced at US$28 000 per person, now available for US$40 thanks to the Global Fund and other organisations.

South Africa plans to launch lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting HIV prevention method, as early as March 2026.

“We are at the verge of eliminating HIV AIDS as a public health threat in our lifetime,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Le Fonds africain de développement accorde près de 26 millions de dollars supplémentaires à la Guinée pour développer l’interconnexion électrique avec le Mali

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Conseil d’administration du Fonds africain de développement a approuvé, le 10 décembre 2025 à Abidjan, un financement additionnel de 25,79 millions de dollars américains à la Guinée pour le Projet d’interconnexion électrique 225 kV Guinée-Mali.

Le financement fourni par le guichet concessionnel du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement comprend un prêt de quelque 22 millions de dollars ainsi qu’un don de 3,79 millions de dollars à la Guinée.

Le projet contribuera au développement socioéconomique de la Guinée et du Mali en offrant un meilleur accès des populations à une énergie de qualité et à moindre coût.

Ce financement additionnel permettra de poursuivre la mise en œuvre du projet pour lequel un premier financement du Fonds africain de développement, d’environ 41 millions de dollars, avait été accordé en décembre 2017 à la Guinée. Il portera le coût total du projet, en Guinée, de 346 à 372 millions de dollars. Outre l’appui du Fonds, le projet bénéficie d’un cofinancement d’autres partenaires, dont l’Union européenne, la Banque mondiale, la Banque européenne d’investissement, et la Banque d’investissement et de développement de la CEDEAO (BIDC). Sa mise en œuvre s’étendra de janvier 2026 à décembre 2028.

Cette enveloppe permettra de réaliser 37 500 branchements électriques supplémentaires. Le projet prévoit également la création de départs moyenne tension au niveau des postes HTB/HTA pour l’électrification rurale, ainsi qu’un appui institutionnel aux structures clés telles qu’Électricité de Guinée (EDG), la société publique chargée de la production, du transport et de la distribution de l’électricité, et l’Autorité de régulation du secteur de l’électricité et de l’eau (AREE). Le financement couvrira en outre les frais de fonctionnement de l’Unité de gestion et les prestations de l’ingénieur-conseil. Cette intervention contribuera ainsi à l’amélioration de la gouvernance et du taux d’accès à l’électricité, deux défis majeurs du sous-secteur en Guinée. En effet, le taux national d’accès demeurait limité à 52 % en 2024, avec une forte disparité entre les zones urbaines (89 %) et rurales (21 %).

Le projet bénéficiera directement aux ménages en améliorant leurs conditions de vie, aux infrastructures sociocommunautaires (écoles, centres de santé, ateliers d’artisanat, groupements féminins) et aux usagers productifs qui disposeront d’une énergie fiable pour développer leurs activités. Le renforcement de ces structures aura un impact positif sur l’emploi, contribuant à la réduction de la pauvreté et à l’amélioration de la cohésion sociale.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias :
Aissatou Diallo
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
media@afdb.org

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement est la principale institution du financement du développement en Afrique. Il comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). Représentée dans 41 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, la Banque contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 Etats membres régionaux. Pour plus d’informations: www.AfDB.org

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Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento concede mais quase 26 milhões de dólares à Guiné para interligação elétrica ao Mali

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Conselho de Administração do Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento aprovou, a 10 de dezembro de 2025, em Abidjan, um financiamento adicional de 25,79 milhões de dólares à Guiné para o Projeto de Interligação Elétrica 225 kV Guiné-Mali.

O financiamento, concedido pela janela concessional do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, inclui um empréstimo de cerca de 22 milhões de dólares e uma doação de 3,79 milhões de dólares à Guiné.

O projeto contribuirá para o desenvolvimento socioeconómico da Guiné e do Mali, proporcionando às populações um melhor acesso a energia de qualidade e a um custo mais baixo.

Este financiamento adicional permitirá prosseguir a implementação do projeto, para o qual um primeiro financiamento do Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento, de cerca de 41 milhões de dólares, foi concedido em dezembro de 2017 à Guiné. Elevará o custo total do projeto, na Guiné, de 346 para 372 milhões de dólares. Para além do apoio do Fundo, o projeto beneficia de cofinanciamento de outros parceiros, incluindo a União Europeia, o Banco Mundial, o Banco Europeu de Investimento e o Banco de Investimento e Desenvolvimento da CEDEAO (BIDC). A sua implementação decorrerá entre janeiro de 2026 e dezembro de 2028.

Este orçamento permitirá garantir mais 37.500 ligações elétricas. O projeto prevê também a criação de saídas de média tensão ao nível das subestações HTB/HTA para a eletrificação rural, bem como um apoio institucional a estruturas-chave como a Eletricidade da Guiné (EDG), a empresa pública responsável pela produção, transporte e distribuição de eletricidade, e a Autoridade Reguladora do Setor da Eletricidade e da Água (AREE). O financiamento cobrirá ainda as despesas de funcionamento da Unidade de Gestão e os serviços do engenheiro consultor. Esta intervenção contribuirá assim para a melhoria da governação e da taxa de acesso à eletricidade, dois desafios importantes do subsetor na Guiné. Com efeito, a taxa nacional de acesso permanecia limitada a 52 % em 2024, com uma forte disparidade entre as zonas urbanas (89%) e rurais (21%).

O projeto beneficiará diretamente as famílias, melhorando as suas condições de vida, as infraestruturas sociocomunitárias (escolas, centros de saúde, oficinas de artesanato, associações femininas) e os utilizadores produtivos, que disporão de energia fiável para desenvolver as suas atividades. O reforço destas estruturas terá um impacto positivo no emprego, contribuindo para a redução da pobreza e a melhoria da coesão social.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media:
Aissatou Diallo
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

Sobre o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org/pt

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The African Development Fund grants Guinea nearly $26 million in additional funding to develop an electricity interconnection with Mali

Source: APO – Report:

The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund approved additional financing of $25.79 million for Guinea for the 225 kV Guinea-Mali electricity interconnection project.

The financing, agreed in Abidjan on 10 December 2025, from the African Development Bank Group’s concessional window includes a loan of approximately $22 million and a grant of $3.79 million to Guinea.

The project will contribute to the socioeconomic development of Guinea and Mali by providing inhabitants with better access to high-quality, low-cost energy.

The additional financing will support the continued implementation of the project, initially funded with approximately $41 million from the African Development Fund in December 2017. It will raise the total project cost in Guinea from $346 million to $372 million. Alongside the Fund’s contribution, the project is co-financed by the European Union, the World Bank, the European Investment Bank and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID). The implementation period will run from January 2026 to December 2028.

The new resources will enable the installation of 37,500 additional electricity connections. The project also includes the development of medium-voltage feeders at HV/LV substations to support rural electrification, as well as institutional assistance for key national bodies, including Électricité de Guinée (EDG) and the Electricity and Water Regulatory Authority (AREE). It will also cover the operating costs of the Management Unit and the consulting engineer. This intervention will help strengthen governance and increase electricity access—two persistent challenges for the sector. In 2024, national access stood at just 52 percent, with stark differences between urban areas (89 percent) and rural areas (21 percent).

The project will directly benefit households by improving living conditions, as well as essential socio-economic infrastructure such as schools, health centres, artisanal workshops and women’s groups. Productive users will gain access to reliable electricity to expand their activities. Strengthening these structures will boost employment, reduce poverty and enhance social cohesion.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Aissatou Diallo
Communications and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s leading development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Represented in 41 African countries, with a field office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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Service delivery drive to launch in North West’s Moses Kotane Municipality

Source: Government of South Africa

Service delivery drive to launch in North West’s Moses Kotane Municipality

The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) will launch the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality on Monday.

The programme which is also known as Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded, will be launched at Uitkyk village near Madikwe on 15 December 2025.

According to the NWPG, this will be the final segment of Thuntsha Lerole for the year, with the next rollout scheduled for January 2026.

Next week’s programme will benefit communities in Uitkyk, Brakuil, Madikwe, Koffiekraal, and Vrede villages.

Services will include the distribution of agricultural packages, food parcels, and tree-planting activities.

Healthcare awareness and promotion activities will be intensified as part of ongoing efforts to enhance public health education.

To restore road quality and support service delivery in rural areas of the local municipality, road blading will take place from Koffiekraal to Uitkyk and from Uitkyk to Madikwe.

In addition, the Clean Cities Campaign will be implemented to address waste management challenges and promote cleanliness in public spaces.

“All provincial government departments and state-owned entities will be on-site to render a range of essential services and address service-related queries from the community members,” the provincial government’s advisory read. 

The Moses Kotane Local Municipality is one of the 10 local municipalities prioritised for the implementation of Phase 5 of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, which is facing a backlog in road maintenance, which affects accessibility for rural residents. 

In addition, the municipality has limited access to proper sanitation in these areas, among other challenges.

The day’s programme will be led by Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, who will be joined by the MECs, Mayors and local traditional leaders. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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Steenhuisen pays tribute to wine industry’s Achim von Arnim

Source: Government of South Africa

Steenhuisen pays tribute to wine industry’s Achim von Arnim

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has honoured South African-born Achim von Arnim, a pioneer of Cap Classique and founder of Haute Cabrière.

The Minister described Von Arnim, who passed away on Monday at the age of 80, as someone who did far more than craft exceptional wines but shifted the trajectory of an entire industry.

“It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Achim von Arnim, a man whose name is woven into the story of South African wine,” the Minister said in a statement on Thursday.

With his curiosity, Steenhuisen said, Von Arnim’s uncompromising standards and unmistakable flair helped South Africa believe its sparkling wines could stand proudly among the world’s best.

“Many producers who have gone on to build their own legacies will quietly tell you that they learned their courage, their palate, or their sense of potential from Achim. Achim leaves behind a hole far larger than the vineyards he tended to or the cellars he had built.”

The Minister reflected on the community of winemakers, farm workers, restaurateurs and loyal customers who were shaped by Von Arnim’s generosity and irrepressible spirit. 

“Furthermore, he leaves behind memories shared around countless family tables where many a Sunday lunch across South Africa was made a little more special by opening a bottle of his iconic Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Pinot Noir.” 

On behalf of the Department of Agriculture, the Minister extended his sincere condolences to Von Arnim’s family, to the team at Haute Cabrière, and to all who walked part of their professional journey with him. 

“South Africa has lost a true legend; however, the imprint Achim von Arnim leaves on our wine culture will endure for generations.” 

According to Wine Magazine, after completing his studies at Geisenheim in Germany, Von Arnim joined Boschendal in the 1970s as a winemaker at the age of just 32, where he created South Africa’s first Blanc de Noir. 

The publication said he later became a founding member of the Cap Classique Association in 1992.

In retirement, Wine Magazine said Von Arnim remained in Franschhoek, dedicating his time to art, poetry and karate. 

The publication said he is survived by his wife, Hildegard, their four children – Takuan, Zoe, Tanja and Tamo – and their grandchildren. – SAnews.gov.za

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Expanding Canon Europe, the Middle East and Africa’s (EMEA) Coral Conservation Initiative into East Africa

Source: APO

  • New regional initiative supports science-based reef restoration, community training, and marine storytelling.
  • Advanced imaging technology to enable accurate monitoring and documentation of fragile ocean ecosystems
  • Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but support nearly 25% of all marine life

Building on the momentum of Canon’s EMEA launch of World Unseen 2.0, Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is expanding the initiative into East Africa in collaboration with Kenya’s Oceans Alive Foundation. This regional chapter reflects Canon’s commitment to supporting the protection of coral reefs—one of the most vital ecosystems on Earth, sustaining 25% of marine life, protecting coastlines, and contributing to the food security and wellbeing of millions across coastal communities.

Over half of the world’s coral reefs have disappeared in the last three decades as a result of rising sea temperatures, pollution, overfishing, sedimentation and widespread disease. This decline has direct consequences for people, as ocean biodiversity plays a critical role in human health and wellbeing. In response to these growing pressures, the East Africa chapter places strong emphasis on science-led restoration, community capacity building and imaging-enabled monitoring to support long-term ecosystem recovery and resilience.

Building on Canon’s partnership with Nature Seychelles and Coral Spawning International to establish the first coral breeding facility in the Western Indian Ocean, the East Africa chapter further strengthens community-led conservation along Kenya’s fragile coastline through its collaboration with Oceans Alive Foundation. Together, the partners will drive local engagement, expand restoration work and support knowledge transfer to enhance reef recovery.

Guided by Canon’s philosophy of Kyosei, meaning “living and working together for the common good”, the programme builds scientific capacity, expands restoration efforts and empowers coastal communities through education and visual storytelling. The Kenya launch brings together conservation science, imaging technology and community engagement. Through restoration work, youth training and imaging-led documentation, the project aims to build local ownership of marine protection and support wider ecosystem recovery. Additionally, the programme will deliver measurable environmental and social outcomes, aligned with Canon’s Future of the Planet pillar and broader sustainability goals.

Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa, said: ‘The World Unseen in Kenya reflects our commitment to practical, science-based conservation that empowers communities. Paired with Oceans Alive’s local leadership, Canon’s imaging expertise will enable precise monitoring, credible storytelling, and stronger reef recovery efforts.’

Des Bowden, Founder of Oceans Alive Foundation, added: “We started in Kuruwitu with a bold belief — that communities are the true guardians of the sea. What began as a local effort to protect a dying reef has become a model for ocean recovery driven by the people who depend on it most.

Kenya’s reefs are rich, fragile, and often unseen. Through this valuable collaboration with Canon, we are making the invisible visible — documenting life above and beneath the waves with scientific accuracy and cultural respect. When people truly see the ocean, they value it. When they value it, they protect it.”

A Community-Led Partnership for Reef Restoration

Founded in 2018 and rooted in the Kuruwitu community, Oceans Alive is one of Kenya’s leading community-driven marine conservation organisations. Its core purpose is to revive degraded coral reefs and improve the wellbeing of coastal communities who depend on healthy oceans for food security and livelihoods.

Across Kuruwitu and the broader North Coast, Oceans Alive has successfully restored multiple reef patches, reintroduced thousands of coral fragments, and worked with local Beach Management Units to strengthen sustainable fisheries. Community members trained in reef monitoring and restoration now lead efforts that have resulted in increased fish abundance, improved reef structure, and measurable socio-economic benefits for local households.

Canon will sponsor nursery tables and reef infrastructure to support the propagation and outplanting of thousands more coral fragments onto permanent reef structures. The partnership also includes rigorous scientific monitoring and transparent impact reporting to ensure that each step of progress is measured and shared with accuracy.

Imaging Technology for Scientific Monitoring and Education

Canon is equipping Oceans Alive with advanced imaging tools – including PowerShot G7 X Mark III and EOS R8 cameras with underwater housings and specialised lighting systems – to capture photographic data on coral growth, bleaching events, fish recruitment, and overall reef structure. These images will provide scientists with measurable insights into coral size, survival rates, and ecosystem recovery.

Canon will also provide professional printing solutions to complete the workflow, enabling Oceans Alive to transform scientific research into high-quality educational materials and public displays for schools, community groups, and visitors.

Community Training, Youth Storytelling, and Education

Together, Canon and Oceans Alive will build practical storytelling platforms that support digital content creation, environmental education, and public awareness. The partnership includes underwater photography workshops, community conservation sessions, and youth-led media projects through Canon Academy.

These programmes ensure that local storytellers, student researchers, and volunteers contribute to documenting Kenya’s marine environment with scientific accuracy and visually compelling narratives.

Purpose-Led Impact for People and Planet

‘The World Unseen’ advances Canon’s long-term vision for Africa by driving ecological recovery, strengthening community stewardship, and elevating local conservation leaders.

By turning ocean science into engaging visual stories, ‘World Unseen’ invites people to learn, engage, and take action – reinforcing Canon’s commitment to sustainability and a higher purpose.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/4rQGKpF) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com

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Court ruling safeguarding commuters and stabilising taxi industry welcomed

Source: Government of South Africa

Court ruling safeguarding commuters and stabilising taxi industry welcomed

The Western Cape Mobility Department has expressed its support for the recent ruling by the Western Cape High Court regarding the case involving the MEC for Mobility and the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and others.

The court’s decision on Wednesday has made permanent an earlier interim order aimed at reducing violence, intimidation, and illegal operations within the minibus taxi industry. 

The provincial department said the ruling was a significant step towards protecting commuters and restoring stability in the sector.

The legal action was initiated by Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku earlier this year, due to ongoing conflicts between rival associations, CATA and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA).

The disputes were particularly centred around the contested M18 route between Mfuleni and Somerset West.

“Despite attempts to mediate, violence escalated from June 2025 onward, leading to several fatalities and continued threats to public safety. A temporary interdict was granted in August 2025, but violent incidents persisted, including as recently as October.” 

The department said the court’s decision sent a clear message that the rule of law must prevail and the safety of commuters must come first. 

The department said associations were required to comply with all operating licence conditions, and failure to comply with this ruling would result in legal consequences.

“This order is a victory for every commuter who deserves to travel safely and without fear. Violence and lawlessness have no place in our transport system. We will continue to work with law enforcement and industry stakeholders to ensure that the rights of commuters are protected and that the taxi industry operates within the bounds of the law,” said Sileku.

He commended the legal team for their diligent work and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure a safe, reliable, and regulated public transport system.

“Together, we can build a mini-bus taxi industry that serves the people of the Western Cape with dignity and respect,” added Sileku. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Ex-apartheid police to remain behind bars pending bail decision

Source: Government of South Africa

Ex-apartheid police to remain behind bars pending bail decision

Two former apartheid-era police officers, who were convicted of the premeditated murder of Congress of South African Students (COSAS) member Caiphus Nyoka, will remain in custody pending judgment in their bail application.

Former Sergeant, Abraham Hercules Engelbrecht and former Sergeant Pieter Stander (60) were convicted of the 1987 murder of Nyoka earlier this month while a third accused, Major Leon Louis Van Den Berg, was acquitted.

“Following their conviction, the two applied for bail pending sentencing. In affidavits before the court, they claimed to suffer from various health conditions and stated that they are financial providers for their families.

“The state opposed their release, arguing that both men were convicted of a serious offence, they pose a flight risk, particularly Stander, who has previously worked outside South Africa and failed to fully disclose potential assets abroad, despite having worked in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2015,” National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said on Thursday.

Nyoka – who was a prominent anti-apartheid activist and student leader – was killed in a hail of bullets in his family home in 1987.

“On the evening of 23 August 1987, Engelbrecht and Stander, both members of the Reaction Unit within the then South African Police, met to plan the killing of Nyoka.

“They devised a plan to raid his home. In the early hours of 24 August 1987, at approximately 02h30, Stander, Engelbrecht, and other Reaction Unit members [who are charged separately] arrived at Nyoka’s homestead and stormed his room. They found him sleeping with three friends. 

“After identifying Nyoka, they removed his friends from the room and proceeded to shoot him nine times. He died on the scene from multiple gunshot wounds,” Mahanjana said.

Judgement on the bail matter has been reserved while sentencing proceedings are to be heard in July 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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