Category: Africa

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Where did the first people come from? The case for a coastal migration from southern Africa

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Alan Whitfield, Emeritus Chief Scientist, NRF-SAIAB, National Research Foundation

The origins and migrations of modern humans around the world are a hot topic of debate. Genetic analyses have pointed to Africa as the continent from which our ancestors dispersed in the Late Pleistocene epoch, which began about 126,000 years ago. Various dispersal routes have been suggested.

As a group of scientists who have been studying human evolution, we propose in a recently published review paper that the coast of southern Africa was likely where Homo sapiens began this worldwide journey. We suggest that some people started leaving this area about 70,000 years ago, took a route along the east coast and left the continent about 50,000 to 40,000 years ago.

The proposed coastal shelf route. Alan Whitfield, Author provided (no reuse)

We base this hypothesis on various kinds of evidence, including geography, climate and environment, marine food resources, genetics, trace fossils, and the technical and cultural abilities of people in that region at that time. The reasons for migration and the advantages of a coastal route out of Africa, compared to an inland route, are outlined in our review.

This proposed route is counter to the current belief among most scientists that the Out-of-Africa migration began in eastern Africa and not southern Africa.

A southern Cape origin?

In our review we accepted that modern humans arose in Africa during the Middle Stone Age about 200,000 years ago and then replaced populations of hominins outside the continent between 60,000 and 40,000 years ago.

We suggested that their African origin was in the southern Cape region of what’s now South Africa, and that their migration along the eastern African coastline and onto the Arabian Peninsula may have happened over a period of less than 20,000 years.

In reviewing available evidence, we focused on the possibility that our ancestors in coastal South Africa were ideally placed to colonise the world. They had an enabling culture that allowed them to survive almost anywhere.

The Pinnacle Point cave complex and other sites in this area are a UNESCO World Heritage Site because they provide the most varied and best-preserved record known of the development of modern human behaviour, reaching back as far as 162,000 years.

Food from the sea, like shellfish, set southern Cape Homo sapiens on their evolutionary path to becoming advanced modern humans. They had an advantage over those who relied solely on hunting and food gathering inland, especially during cold and dry periods on the African subcontinent. The harnessing of bow and arrow technology was also key for their success when compared to other hominins during the same period.

Climate and culture

Episodes of global cooling, also known as ice ages, resulted in a global lowering of sea levels, and had two main effects in Africa. One was that the width of the Red Sea between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula narrowed. The other was that in the southern Cape, a vast coastal plain was exposed, providing extra habitat and plenty of food.

Increased cognitive capacity to interpret lunar cycles would have allowed ancestral humans to undertake timed excursions to the shore over spring tidal periods. The predictable coastal food sources might also, however, have led to inter-group conflict and territoriality, which could have played a role in the exodus of groups of people from the southern Cape.

In other parts of the world, there was a cold, dry period from 190,000 years to 130,000 years ago. And the dark, long “winter” after the Mount Toba (Indonesia) super-eruption 74,000 years ago would have reduced food resources in tropical regions. Hominins in the southern Cape appear to have survived these major global climate change events and continued to advance both culturally and technologically. We know something about these advances from research at cave sites such as Klasies River, Blombos and Pinnacle Point. Forms of ancient art have been found in these caves, indicating cognitively advanced humans.

Technical advances meant that the tools carried by these people on their journey were “state of the art” for 70,000 years ago – more advanced than those possessed by other humans encountered on their migration northwards.

Evidence mounts

In summary, the idea of a coastal migration out of Africa is based on:

  • the earliest evidence for humans consuming seafood and developing adaptations for living close to the sea shore about 162,000 years ago

  • the first evidence of dedicated coastal foraging for seafood, which may have enhanced our ancestors’ cognitive capacity

  • the first “recipes” in early human food preparation around 82,000 years ago

  • among the earliest reports of bone tool technology from around 100,000 years ago, which may have been used to make complex clothing and shoes

  • the regular use of pigments such as red ochre as early as 162,000 years ago

  • palaeoart in the form of engravings in ochre dated 100,000 to 85,000 years ago, and a drawing using an ochre crayon dated to 73,000 years ago

Paleotools and paleoart from Blombos Cave. Courtesy Christopher Henshilwood, Author provided (no reuse)

  • the earliest evidence for making small stone blades around 71,000 years ago

  • the earliest evidence for heat treatment of stone to produce advanced tools and weapons

  • use of jewellery for adornment

  • survival during a period of climate change following the Mount Toba eruption

  • complementary evidence from the trace fossil (ichnology) record from the same region and time period. This includes the oldest reported use of sticks by humans, and the oldest reported evidence of humans jogging or running.

Evidence of the probable use of shoes over 100,000 years ago. Charles Helm, Author provided (no reuse)

When the era of global cooling ended about 18,000 years ago and sea levels rose again, almost all of this Pleistocene landscape would have been covered by water. So it’s remarkable that so much evidence still exists.

There is no equivalent evidence of an advanced modern human presence from eastern Africa or anywhere else in the world.

Why migrate?

Why would some people choose to move and migrate? It is likely that increasing pressure from successful, growing, competing bands of humans, combined with climatic and environmental changes and a limited number of suitable cave occupation sites, provided a trigger for an initial eastward and then north-eastward migration.

At the same time, advanced cognition skills would have permitted increasing intra-group co-operation, enabling these humans to make their remarkable journey.

We think a coastal migration up and out of Africa was more likely to succeed than an overland migration. The reasons include the availability of seafood, fresh water, level ground, warm temperatures and fewer big, dangerous animals along the intertidal coastline. It seems there weren’t other people in the way either: for example, there is no evidence of an equivalent culture associated with the sea on the eastern coast of Africa.

The lack of suitable coastal caves to live in north of South Africa may have encouraged human clans to keep moving up the coast.

Out of Africa

The exit from the Horn of Africa into the Arabian Peninsula was distinctly feasible from 60,000 years ago onwards. Records from the Red Sea indicate that sea levels in the region were about 100 metres below present levels 65,000 years ago.

Our examination of the available evidence points to the southern Cape coast as a cradle of modern human development. The people of this region were ideally placed 70,000 years ago to undertake a quick and effective migration out of Africa, and then around the world.

– Where did the first people come from? The case for a coastal migration from southern Africa
– https://theconversation.com/where-did-the-first-people-come-from-the-case-for-a-coastal-migration-from-southern-africa-267299

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Some animals are more equal than others: the dark side of researching popular species

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Laura Tensen, Assistant Professor, University of Greifswald

Biologists often form deep bonds with the species they study. For some, that relationship begins early in their careers and shapes decades of research. The connection can be personal, even affectionate, but it can also create tensions when others set their sights on the same species.

In biology, certain plants and animals are considered “charismatic species” by the general public. They capture the public imagination through beauty, uniqueness, or cultural significance. Think giant pandas, tigers, or orchids.

Many scientists are drawn to these charismatic species, but that does not always mean they have the opportunity to study them. Competition can be fierce in some academic fields.

We conducted research on these charismatic species, to understand how this field may exclude some academics and give the monopoly on research to others.

Research monopolisation can have several negative effects. For instance, samples may be less commonly shared between scientists. It may even impede an academic’s progress. This can be in the form of sabotaging a competitor’s work, stealing creative ideas and performing biased peer review of funding proposals and publications.

This behaviour doesn’t just harm individual researchers. It can weaken scientific integrity, stifle creativity and drive talented people out of academia. And while our study focused on biology, the patterns are likely echoed across competitive academic fields where prestige and resources are limited.

Charismatic species are easy to love and they’re also good for science. Research on these species attracts more funding, more media coverage, and more space in prestigious journals. But popularity comes with a cost. Our new study reveals that working on these species often fuels competition and, in some cases, fosters exclusionary behaviour.

Over 18 months, we examined academic exclusion in the biological sciences: where established researchers try to prevent potential competitors from studying their preferred animal or plant. We surveyed 826 academics across 90 countries and analysed 800 scientific papers.

The results were striking. We found a positive correlation between a species’ charisma and the impact and volume of scientific outputs. That highlights the benefits of studying such species for a researcher’s prestige and career prospects. But studying charismatic species also tended to increase the likelihood of negative workplace experiences. Younger colleagues, women and researchers based in the regions where the species actually live were the ones who suffered.

Competition and monopolies

Nearly half (46%) of survey participants said they had encountered some form of research monopolisation. Respondents linked charismatic species to greater difficulty obtaining permits or samples, strained relationships with colleagues, and cliquey work environments.

We also found a striking imbalance in participation. Researchers from universities in North America and Europe frequently studied species in Africa, South America and Asia – but the reverse was rarely true. For instance, the eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii) occurs and was only studied in Australia. The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) occurs in the US, where it was studied. But the Malayan culogo (Galeopterus variegatus) was commonly studied by institutions outside Malaysia, as was the aye aye (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) from Madagascar. This pattern was less pronounced for non-charismatic species.

The result is a skewed scientific landscape. Non-charismatic species, despite their ecological importance, are often underfunded and overlooked.

Read more: Africa’s freshwater ecosystems depend on little creatures like insects and snails: study maps overlooked species

Career advantages and disadvantages

For those who secure access to charismatic species, the career payoffs can be enormous. Working on them tends to result in more publications, higher citation rates and more opportunities for international collaboration.

The largest collaborative effort we found was for the charismatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), with a total of 50 authors, 37 institutions and 21 countries on one paper. This effort was rewarded with a journal impact factor of 11.1 and 193 citations, showing the benefit to be gained from collaborating. These advantages feed into the academic reward system, where prestige and productivity often dictate career progression.

A journal with an impact factor of 2-3 is considered solid in most fields, 5-10 is highly regarded, and 15+ is exceptional, usually limited to big multidisciplinary journals like Nature or Science. Only a small fraction of academics (perhaps the top 5%-10%) regularly publish in those very high impact journals. Citations vary hugely by discipline and career stage. A typical early-career researcher might have 20-100 citations total, whereas established mid-career academics often have a few hundred to a few thousand.

Our study also highlights the darker side of this system. Early-career scientists and women reported higher rates of exclusion, including refusals to collaborate, appropriation of research ideas and even harassment.

Gender inequities are particularly stark, despite the biological sciences having a much more even gender balance than most other science fields. Women were less likely to participate in international collaborations, which are strongly linked to career advancement. And when women did lead studies, their papers received fewer citations than those with male first or last authors.

The first author is usually the person who did most of the hands-on work – designing the study, collecting and analysing data, and writing the first draft. The last author is typically the senior researcher or group leader who supervised the project, secured funding and guided the work conceptually. In total, of all first authors, 69% were men, and of all last authors, 81% were men. Male dominance differed depending on the study species, where charismatic mammal species scored relatively high.

Productivity in academia manifests itself in publication rates, publication visibility and citation patterns. These can have a cumulative advantage and lead to substantial inequality among researchers. In our survey, 51% of female respondents reported gender-based discrimination.

Read more: We think there’s a better way to assess the research of African academics: here’s how

Editorial boards also play a role. Many biodiversity conservation journals have male-dominated boards and a bias towards publishing studies on charismatic species. Species preference intertwines with gender inequity. For instance, studies on large carnivores are known to be historically male-dominated, and this association may give men a head start in their careers.

Rethinking incentives

What can be done? One solution is to broaden how scientific success is measured. Instead of focusing so heavily on academic output – publications, citations and journal impact factors – institutions and funders could also value contributions such as community engagement, public communication and policy impact.

This may reduce cumulative advantage in science and increase a sense of fairness, hopefully reversing the subtle ways in which organisational logistics serve to perpetuate disparities in academic institutions.

Such measures are becoming increasingly important in biodiversity conservation, where connecting science with society is essential. By shifting incentives, we may reduce the negative side-effects that arise from competition.

Read more: University ranking systems are being rejected. African institutions should take note

Scientists themselves also have a role to play. Instead of racing to publish first, research groups could coordinate their work, share data and agree on joint publication strategies. Collaboration over competition could benefit everyone, not least the species that need protecting.

Charisma may help a species capture attention, but it shouldn’t determine who gets to study it, or who gets to succeed in science.

– Some animals are more equal than others: the dark side of researching popular species
– https://theconversation.com/some-animals-are-more-equal-than-others-the-dark-side-of-researching-popular-species-266306

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Noufou et Godawa : la United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) soutient le désarmement par des campagnes médicales

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


En marge des opérations de désarmement et de démobilisation des ex-combattants du mouvement 3R à Noufou, la MINUSCA (préfecture de la Mambere-Kadeï), en collaboration avec les services de santé locaux, a organisé, le 29 octobre 2025, une campagne médicale visant à offrir des soins gratuits à la population.

Présent lors du lancement de cette activité civilo-militaire, Siwo Tchirgou, chargé des relations extérieures du mouvement 3R, a salué cette initiative qu’il a qualifiée d’encourageante. Selon lui, « cette dynamique initiée par la MINUSCA permet de rassurer les ex-combattants et les populations qu’ils ne sont pas abandonnés. Elle favorise la confiance et incitera ceux qui sont encore dans la brousse à déposer les armes ».

Au total, 36 patients, dont 17 femmes, ont été pris en charge par l’équipe médicale du contingent tanzanien. La veille, une campagne similaire avait été organisée à Godawa, à 15 km de Noufou, où est déployée une base temporaire du contingent tanzanien de la MINUSCA pour appuyer les opérations de désarmement et de démobilisation. Cette clinique mobile a bénéficié à 44 personnes, dont 33 civils (parmi lesquels 15 femmes) et 11 soldats des Forces armées centrafricaines (FACA), dont une femme.

Dans les deux localités, les patients ont reçu des soins pour des pathologies telles le paludisme, la gastro-entérite, les plaies chroniques, l’hypertension, les douleurs lombaires, les ulcères gastriques et la pneumonie.

« Lorsqu’on tombe malade, il est très difficile de se procurer des médicaments », fait valoir Mariam Babike, une des bénéficiaires, qui dit sa reconnaissance en faveur de cette clinique mobile qui « nous permet d’obtenir les traitements essentiels pour soigner nos maux ».

Gilbert Bangui, également bénéficiaire, se réjouit du fait que cette initiative vient pallier l’absence de structures sanitaires à Noufou. En effet, dit-il, « Grâce à la MINUSCA, nous avons désormais la possibilité de bénéficier de consultations médicales et de diagnostics. Cela contribue grandement à notre bien-être ».

Ces actions ont contribué à renforcer la confiance et la coopération entre la MINUSCA, les ex-combattants et les communautés locales. Les habitants de Noufou et de Godawa ont exprimé leur profonde gratitude envers la MINUSCA pour cette assistance sanitaire précieuse.

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

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São Tomé e Príncipe promove diálogo de alto nível sobre turismo sustentável

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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São Tomé e Príncipe prepara-se para dar um passo decisivo para consolidar o turismo como motor de crescimento e diversificação de sua economia.

Neste 30 de outubro, o país abrigará o Diá. Político de Alto Nível sob o tema “Unir Vozes para um Turismo Sustentável”, com o apoio da Comissão Econômica das Nações Unidas para a África, Uneca, e do Escritório do Sistema ONU no país.

Turismo e riqueza

O evento ocorre após um atelier técnico de validação, marcando uma etapa crucial na segunda fase do Projeto de Desenvolvimento da Conta Satélite do Turismo, CST, uma ferramenta estratégica para medir a contribuição real do turismo para a riqueza nacional e orientar políticas públicas.

O diá. reunirá autoridades governamentais, parceiros de desenvolvimento, a academia, o setor privado e a sociedade civil. O objetivo é consolidar o turismo baseado em evidências como prioridade estratégica nacional. A iniciativa também procura assegurar que a CST seja integrada de forma duradoura nos processos e programas nacionais.

Cooperação e potencial

Segundo a Uneca, o objetivo é transformar o turismo num pilar essencial da diversificação económica do país.

As estimativas mais recentes indicam que o setor representa 11% do Produto Interno Bruto, PIB, e 10% do Valor Acrescentado Bruto, VAB, dados que confirmam o potencial estratégico do turismo para a economia santomense.

O diretor do Escritório subregional da Uneca para a África Central, Jean Luc Mastaki, afirmou que o diá. visa traduzir os resultados técnicos do projeto em compromissos políticos concretos, priorizando o turismo sustentável na diversificação da economia são-tomense.

As primeiras Contas Satélite do Turismo, desenvolvidas em cooperação com instituições nacionais e parceiros das Nações Unidas, nasceram de de formações e oficinas de capacitação.

Formação e capacitação nacional

Desde o lançamento do projeto, em 2024, a Uneca e o Governo de São Tomé e Príncipe formaram cerca de 25 especialistas nacionais de diferentes Ministérios, universidades, organizações da sociedade civil e setor privado.

A Comissão Econômica da ONU para África destaca que a consolidação da CST e o diá. político nacional representam uma oportunidade única para fortalecer a coordenação institucional e garantir a produção regular de dados sobre o turismo, essenciais para o crescimento sustentável e inclusivo do país.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para UN News.

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Uganda: Parliament gives green light on external funding for crucial projects

Source: APO


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Government will proceed to access loan funding for critical national projects, after getting a nod from Parliament on the financing for several infrastructure and agricultural plans.

During the sitting on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, legislators approved borrowing worth US$1.341 billion which had previously been stayed owing to concerns on a financing agreement negotiated with the World Bank.

During the sitting, the State Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi, laid the agreement before the House that will support funding for the Uganda Cities and Municipal Councils Infrastructure Development (UCMID) programme. Parliament had a day earlier stayed the consideration and approval of this request demanding that the Minister presents the agreement.

The loan facility that will be secured from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank, together with a grant worth US$328.3 million, will also support four other key programs and projects.

These include US$250 million for the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF IV) that seeks to strengthen adaptive social protection systems in Uganda, and US$180.5 million for the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP) which seeks to expand economic opportunities for host communities and refugees.

The loan also provides US$210 million for the Uganda Learning Acceleration Program (ULEARN) that aims at improving learning environments in target schools.

To strengthen government efficiency, accountability and sustainability of public investment and asset management, US$200 million will be availed under the Uganda Strengthening Public Investment and Asset Management for Growth and Resilience Program (PIMPLUS).

The House also approved a loan facility from Standard Chartered Bank worth Euros115.8 million, meant for construction of critical oil roads.

These include the 56.5 kilometer Karugutu-Ntoroko road that links to Rwebisengo via 8.2 kilometers, as well as 3.3 kilometers of town roads in Ntoroko district.

The Committee on National Economy, however, observed that key infrastructure was not included in the project, including the River Semuliki bridge connection to Democratic Republic of Congo, and critical oil roads in Bunyoro sub-region.

“The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Works and Transport fast-tracks the construction of these roads, in order to improve the livelihoods of the people in these areas,” said Hon. John Bosco Ikojo, the Committee Chairperson.

In a dissenting view, Hon. Hassan Kirumira (NUP, Katikamu County South) raised concerns over the expensive nature of the loan and urged the Minister for Finance to always negotiate for better loan terms.

Musasizi explained that the Ministry of Finance engaged a number of financing institutions on the project, where Standard Chartered Bank offered the most favorable terms after negotiations.

Legislators also gave the green light to government to borrow Euros192.9 million from Citi Bank to finance phase one of the Enhancing Agricultural Production, Quality and Standards for Market Access Project.

The project will promote an inclusive competitive agricultural sector through the establishment of systems and infrastructure to enhance the volume, safety and quality of agricultural projects on the market.

Deputy Chairperson of the National Economy Committee, Hon. Robert Migadde, said the project will be implemented across 69 districts in 13 agro-ecological zones of Uganda, including seven districts specifically hosting refugee communities.

“The beneficiaries are agro-processors and Makerere University students in the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-engineering. The project trains agro-processors to meet quality standards and helps students develop skills to support the agro-processing industry,” Migadde noted.

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

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South Africa’s Shark Crisis: Decisive enforcement action under way

Source: APO


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The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has taken firm action against a shark longline vessel found to have breached permit conditions — reaffirming government’s commitment to protecting South Africa’s shark populations and restoring integrity in our fisheries.

Following an inspection on 25 June 2025, Fishery Control Officers confirmed that the vessel had failed to comply with permit condition 5.1(h), which requires that all sharks, including skates and St Joseph, be landed with heads and fins naturally attached to allow for proper species monitoring.

The skipper was issued with an administrative fine for the offence. The Department is now finalising further administrative consideration and may take additional measures under section 28 of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No. 18 of 1998), including suspension or revocation of permits.

This enforcement action forms part of DFFE’s broader effort to strengthen ocean governance and restore accountability within the sector. As Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, noted: “The health of our oceans depends on the rule of law being upheld at sea. When we enforce the law, we protect not only sharks and marine ecosystems, but also the livelihoods of honest fishers and the future of our coastal communities. There can be no sustainable economy without accountability.”

South Africa’s shark populations are vital to the health of our oceans and the resilience of coastal communities. DFFE is strengthening compliance patrols, investing in enforcement capacity, and working with law-enforcement agencies to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Illegal fishing steals from future generations. By enforcing the law at sea, we protect both people and planet.

Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illegal fishing to the Environmental Crimes and Incidents Hotline at 0800 205 005 or their nearest Fisheries Compliance Office.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

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Tayebwa Urges Finnish Firms to Invest in Coffee Value Addition in Uganda

Source: APO


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The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has urged Finnish companies to channel investments into coffee value addition, saying this is the surest way to help Uganda and other African producers tap into the lucrative global coffee market.

Meeting with Members of the Commerce Committee of the Parliament of Finland, Tayebwa highlighted the imbalance in global coffee earnings, noting that coffee producing countries receive only a fraction of the industry’s vast revenues.

“I want to encourage companies from Finland to come and add value to Ugandan coffee; Africa’s largest coffee exporter,” Tayebwa said.

Citing recent global trade estimates, Tayebwa revealed that the coffee industry generates about US$452 billion annually. Yet of that amount, only US$25 billion goes to producing countries, and Africa collectively earns a mere US$3 billion.

“It means that all the coffee produced here, in Brazil, Vietnam and elsewhere, brings only US$25 billion to producers, while countries that do not grow even one coffee tree take the lion’s share,” Tayebwa said, calling the trend a clear case of economic injustice.

The Deputy Speaker said he is using his continental role as the President of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Parliamentary Assembly and Co-President of the OACPS–European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly, to push for fairer trade terms, including tax reductions on coffee exported to the EU.

“I challenged European leaders during our last meeting. I told them that why should you impose heavy levies on coffee from Uganda, where it is produced, and yet waive taxes on coffee in Europe?” he said.

Tayebwa shared his surprise from a recent trip to Milan, Italy, where he found a kilogramme of coffee imported from Uganda being sold at €45, far above the local retail price of roughly €3.

On their part, the visiting Finnish lawmakers applauded Uganda’s refugee friendly policies and its spirit of hospitality, saying the country has become a global model in humanitarian response.

“We are very impressed with the work you do on refugees. You offset a big burden,” said Vilhelm Junnila, Chairperson of Finland’s Committee on Commerce.

“We are equally impressed with the friendly relationship between our countries, for I know we import coffee from Uganda and export paper materials in return,” he added.

Junnila led a seven-member delegation that has been in Uganda for a week, benchmarking on parliamentary best practices. They were accompanied by representatives from Finn Church Aid, a Finnish humanitarian organization.

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

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SA’s G20 Presidency an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the global discourse

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong says South Africa’s G20 Presidency is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the global discourse, and to place the lived experiences of Africans at the centre of that discourse.

“This is a momentous role for our country, Africa and all the developing world that is home to the majority of the poor and rural communities,” Morolong said.

Speaking at the G20 Social Dialogue with the community of Frankfort in the Free State, Morolong explained that the G20 is a forum of the world’s 20 largest economies. 

South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme is ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’. The G20 Summit will be held on 22 – 23 November 2025 in Johannesburg.

“Together, these nations shape decisions on global economic policy, trade, public health, climate change, digital development and many other aspects of our socio-economic life,” Morolong said.

Morolong said decisions taken at the G20 meeting are not theoretical.

“They influence the price of food, the level of investment in infrastructure, the availability of employment and the resources allocated to education and technology. When these countries meet, they are not just debating statistics; they are determining the conditions under which you will live, learn and work,” he said.

The Deputy Minister said South Africa’s G20 Presidency is not only about global visibility or prestige, but it is about aligning the agenda of global cooperation with the priorities of communities. 

“We have deliberately chosen a theme that reflects our national values and historical journey solidarity, equality and sustainability. These words are not just guiding principles for international diplomacy; they are urgent necessities for our everyday lives. 

“Through solidarity, we imagine a world where nations and peoples stand together, especially in moments of crisis. We have seen through pandemics, economic downturns, and climate shocks that what happens in one part of the world affects us all,” Morolong said.

Morolong said South Africans know very well that unless they actively work to reduce inequality, the benefits of growth and development will continue to bypass and leave millions of people behind.

“Whether it is the inequality between rural and urban areas, between the wealthy and the poor, or between those who are digitally connected and those who are not, these gaps must be deliberately and decisively closed,” Morolong said.

Morolong said South Africa’s G20 Presidency has prioritised several areas of focus, all of which intersect with the realities people, especially young South Africans, face.

“Among the most urgent is the transformation of our digital economy. Access to the internet and its enormous capability to digitally connect people over vast distances is not a luxury. It is a gateway to education, employment, civic engagement and innovation,” the Deputy Minister said.

Morolong said in order to ensure that no one is left behind, the universal, affordable and meaningful connectivity must be treated as a basic right.

“Under the G20 Digital Economy Working Group, we are championing universal broadband access, digital skills development and inclusive data policies. We are advocating for investment in digital public infrastructure platforms and systems that allow citizens to access government services efficiently and securely using digital tools.

“Equally important is our commitment to ensuring that artificial intelligence, data governance, and emerging technologies work in the public interest. 

“Technology must serve people and not exploit or exclude them. We are pushing for ethical standards that prevent bias in algorithms, protect privacy, and ensure that African data is used to develop tools that reflect our realities and languages,” he said.

South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20 on 1 December 2024, marking the start of the fourth successive Global South Presidency, the first presidency by an African state, and the second year of the African Union’s full membership. – SAnews.gov.za

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Public comment sought on plans to develop South African carbon credit market

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, October 30, 2025

The National Treasury has published the consultation paper titled Developing the South African Carbon Credit Market, outlining proposed reforms to modernise carbon credit infrastructure, clarify legal and financial regulations, and stimulate investment in South Africa’s low-carbon economy.

“The recommendations aim to reduce administrative barriers and enhance the role of financial institutions and regulators in developing a resilient, high-integrity secondary carbon credit market,” National Treasury said in statement.

Among the key recommendations include:

•    Defining the legal nature of carbon credits: Legislative clarity on the intangible status of carbon credits to support ownership and transferability. Enable their recognition as financial instruments to ease regulatory capital requirements.

•    Reforming the registry architecture: Improve the Carbon Offset Administration System (COAS) by enhancing functionality, reducing delays, and increasing automation. Enable tracking of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement; and ensure interoperability with international registries and crediting systems.

•    Introducing appropriate standards and local capacity: Develop local certification methodologies adapted to South African conditions; and empower SANAS to accredit local validators and verifiers, reducing project development costs and delays.

•    Adjusting financial market regulation: Strengthen oversight by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority; engage with global financial bodies to adjust risk weightings and encourage bank participation; and classify carbon credits as “unlisted securities” to enable both off-exchange and listed trading.

•    Developing an exchange control framework: Clarify cross-border trading of voluntary carbon credits; and ensure harmonisation of exchange control rules for carbon-related derivatives.

•    Ensuring market integrity and efficiency: Align carbon market structures with established financial market principles, including fair access and robust settlement; and promote participation from both local and global stakeholders.

•    Linking to broader climate policy objectives: Coordinate with the carbon tax policy and offset rules; and support South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.

The National Treasury has invited stakeholders to submit feedback via an online questionnaire by 1 December 2025, at https://forms.office.com/r/dfUdeeu5Ee. 

Additional queries can be directed to Financial.Policy@treasury.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Social protection must be the beginning of inclusive prosperity, says Deputy Minister Hendricks

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks, has called for a shift from a passive income model to one that encourages sustainable income generation.

“The goal is to move from temporary relief to lasting economic empowerment for communities,” he said.

The Deputy Minister was addressing participants at the final day of the Social Security Colloquium on Wednesday, which included informal traders and youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET).

This engagement was part of the Department of Social Development’s Social Protection Colloquium, held under the theme: “From Grants to Growth: Integrating Social Protection and Income-Generating Opportunities”.

“Entrepreneurial support must target the unemployed, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. We must build a South Africa where social protection is not the end of the story, but the beginning of inclusive prosperity. Let us keep building a future where protection and prosperity go hand in hand,” said Hendricks.

Policymakers, government leaders, practitioners, and academics convened in Gauteng to discuss strategies for advancing citizen-centred digital transformation through MyMzansi, South Africa’s roadmap for public sector digital transformation.

The colloquium was hosted in partnership with the Presidency’s Digital Innovation in the Public Sector and the Digital Service Unit, with support from Genesis Analytics and the Centre for Social Development in Africa at the University of Johannesburg.

During the discussions, beneficiaries shared their lived experiences, emphasising how social protection programmes have impacted their access to basic services and their ability to pursue sustainable livelihoods.

The talks also focused on how the adoption of digital systems can deepen social protection while safeguarding the dignity of social grant beneficiaries.

The country’s digital transformation roadmap is based on the principles of a single point of entry for services and a single digital identity document (ID), supported by Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) that links departmental databases.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), an entity of the Department of Social Development, serves as the first use case to pilot the DPI rollout.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, SASSA adopted digital systems to provide services to more than 20 million beneficiaries.

“As government moves beyond a grant-based approach towards a more comprehensive model of social protection, the digital transformation roadmap envisions a lifecycle of services that cater to beneficiaries’ changing needs.”

The department said SASSA currently pays social grants to 19 million beneficiaries, most of whom live in townships and rural areas.

The agency continues to face challenges, such as long queues at local offices.

However, the department said the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SDR) grant has demonstrated that this could be significantly reduced through digital systems.

Through digitisation, SASSA aims to streamline internal processes, minimise manual paperwork, and reduce administrative errors.

Meanwhile, the agency is modernising its infrastructure to improve service delivery and is working to link its databases with other entities, such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), to simplify access to tertiary education funding.

Several grant beneficiaries shared their personal stories of resilience and empowerment.

Dikgapi Michelle Susane, a young woman who previously benefited from the COVID-19 SRD grant, shared that the provision helped to meet her basic needs.

After the support ended, she joined the Basic Package of Support (BPS) programme for unemployed youth, which assisted her in acquiring skills and starting her own business.

Another participant in the BPS programme, Mmankwane Marutle, who is now employed and was previously a COVID-19 SRD recipient, described how the programme boosted his confidence and helped him develop a positive mindset.

Hendricks stressed the necessity for stronger collaboration among government, universities, and research institutions to ensure that policy decisions are guided by evidence-based research. – SAnews.gov.za