Category: Africa

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Police launch festive season safety blitz in Cape Winelands

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, October 24, 2025

Law enforcement in the Western Cape has stepped up its fight against crime with the launch of the Safer Festive Season Operations in Stellenbosch.

The campaign is aimed at ensuring a secure holiday period for residents and visitors across the Cape Winelands.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General (Adv.) Thembisile Patekile unveiled the campaign on Thursday as part of the broader Operation Shanela II — a policing drive targeting high-impact crime through intensified patrols, roadblocks, and search operations.

The festive season crackdown will focus on key tourism and high-traffic towns, including Paarl, Worcester and Ceres, where police expect heightened festive activity.

Patekile said the operation signals a call to action for communities to work with law enforcement to curb criminal activity.

“We are entering a critical period, where proactive policing and community cooperation are essential. Our members will be visible and vigilant to ensure that those who threaten public safety face decisive action.”

Reaffirming a zero-tolerance approach, Patekile warned that police will deal firmly with offenders, particularly those involved in violent crime, gender-based violence, and drug-related offences.

“The safety of our people remains our top priority. Through strong partnerships and vigilance, we can make this festive season safe for everyone in the Winelands.”

Senior police officials, local government representatives, and community safety partners attended the launch, marking the official start of the province’s festive safety campaign. – SAnews.gov.za

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Eswatini: Hunger strike of Cuban man deported from United States (US) exposes human cost of unlawful transfer arrangement

Source: APO – Report:

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Responding to reports that Roberto Mosquera del Peral, a Cuban national who was deported from the United States along with 13 others to Eswatini in July 2025, has begun an indefinite hunger strike at Matsapha Correctional Centre to protest his ongoing detention, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, said:

“Roberto Mosquera del Peral’s hunger strike is a stark warning about the human cost of secret transfer arrangements and unlawful detention without due process. The authorities in Eswatini must urgently facilitate a medical assessment for Roberto by a qualified health professional (providing health care in compliance with medical ethics), ensure confidential access to lawyers and families for all detainees, and disclose the legal basis for these detentions. Both Eswatini and the United States must be transparent about the terms of their agreement.

“No one should be transferred to a country where they are at real risk of serious human rights violations (including unlawful detention). Such transfers breach the principle of non-refoulement as laid out in international human rights law. Moreover, no one should be unlawfully detained, and the Eswatini authorities must promptly either facilitate the release of Roberto and the 13 others, or establish lawful grounds for their detention before a competent court.”

Background

Roberto Mosquera del Peral is among 14 men deported to Eswatini under a secretive transfer arrangement between the two governments. None are known to have ties to Eswatini. According to lawyers and family members, the men remain detained without charge and attempts by legal representatives to obtain confidential access have been repeatedly refused.

Roberto Mosquera del Peral’s hunger strike reportedly began on 15 October and his health has deteriorated.

– on behalf of Amnesty International.

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United Arab Emirates (UAE) Reaffirms Commitment to Partnership with Africa on Clean Energy Transition and Green Industrialization at Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) Investment Forum in Sierra Leone

Source: APO – Report:

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His Excellency Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, represented the UAE at the opening session and the ministerial debate of the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) Investment Forum, which was held at the Freetown International Conference Centre in Sierra Leone. The session brought together ministers and senior officials to explore practical pathways for accelerating renewable energy deployment and sustainable industrial development across Africa.

The opening session, titled “Boosting Energy Transition and Green Industrialization in APRA Countries”, highlighted how partner countries, including the UAE, can enhance collective support and align global engagement with Africa’s broader sustainable development goals.

As a supporting member of APRA, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to Africa’s energy transition through long-term partnerships, investment cooperation, and knowledge exchange. 

H.E. Balalaa joined his ministerial counterparts from Ghana, Djibouti, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe in a moderated dialogue addressing the urgent need for favorable environments, financial innovation, and regional cooperation to unlock transformative renewable energy projects across the continent. 

“The UAE remains committed to deepening partnerships that support Africa in achieving its clean energy and industrialization goals. Together, we can unlock greater investments, empower local communities, and advance shared prosperity,” His Excellency said.

The discussions emphasized the importance of reducing perceived risks and addressing structural barriers to investment, including issues related to revenue models, infrastructure limitations, and market stability. H.E. Balalaa’s participation reflected the UAE’s focus on supporting scalable, locally anchored solutions that drive both energy access and green industrial growth.

The Ministerial Debate officially opened the APRA Forum, setting the tone for subsequent technical sessions and grounding the agenda in the lived policy experiences and development realities of APRA member states.

This engagement reflects the UAE’s commitment to energy diplomacy that delivers shared value, local opportunity, and sustainable impact, underscoring the nation’s role as a bridge between innovation, investment, and inclusive growth.

Reinforcing its enduring partnership with Africa, the UAE highlighted its USD 4.5 billion Africa Green Investment Initiative (AGII), launched during its COP28 Presidency to unlock the continent’s clean energy potential, strengthen collaboration and mobilize climate finance. The initiative aims to deliver 15 GW of new clean power capacity by 2030 while catalyzing sustainable industrial growth. In parallel, the UAE continues to strengthen strategic economic ties with African nations through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) to enhance bilateral trade and investment opportunities in key sectors.

– on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Select Committee on Security and Justice Visits Phuthaditjhaba Home Affairs and Magistrate’s Court

Source: APO – Report:

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The Select Committee on Security and Justice received a comprehensive briefing from acting Provincial Manager Mr Majoro Tshweu on operations at the Phuthaditjhaba Home Affairs office. The committee was visiting the Department of Home Affairs and the Magistrates Court in Phuthaditjhaba, in the Maluti-A-Phofung Municipality, as part of its weeklong programme focusing on departments in the safety, security and justice cluster.

The committee completed the fourth day of its week-long oversight week programme in the Free State yesterday.

Mr Tshweu highlighted several key operational challenges, including electricity outages caused by load-shedding and load reduction, water shortages, network problems affecting mobile offices, slow collection of Smart ID cards and inadequate vehicle capacity for deportations due to the small size of the Criminal Assets Recovery Account vehicles. Mr Tshweu further highlighted a high vacancy rate in Phuthaditjhaba, particularly among immigration and inspectorate officers, which continues to affect service delivery.

To address these challenges, the committee heard that the department has introduced several mitigation measures, including the installation of solar systems and a backup generator to alleviate electricity disruptions, the use of JoJo tanks and the ongoing installation of a borehole to improve water supply, and the implementation of dual network service providers to ensure stable connectivity.

The committee expressed concern about the slow collection of Smart ID cards and requested details on measures to encourage residents to collect their documents. The Home Affairs office indicated that it is working closely with community structures and stakeholders to raise awareness and promote timely collection. The committee was also informed that the province is in the process of procuring heavier vehicles to improve deportation operations.

The committee also expressed a serious concern over the high vacancy rate. The department stated that it continues to receive operational support from the South African Police Service, traffic officers and the South African National Defence Force to mitigate capacity constraints.

During its oversight programme yesterday, the committee also visited the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court, one of the medium-sized courts in the Free State, which is currently undergoing repairs and renovations to its old structure, including the addition of new accommodation facilities.

Court management briefed the committee on several challenges affecting operations, including water outages, a dysfunctional motor gate, structural defects in the building and the disbandment of the Phuthaditjhaba Child Justice Centre Court Operations by the judiciary.

The committee was concerned about the shortage of judicial officers, which has resulted in the combination of court rolls and backlogs in finalising cases. In some instances, one judicial officer handles cases for three courts daily, leading to repeated postponements.

The committee was further informed that domestic violence, harassment and maintenance cases often experience delays, as judicial officers must first attend to criminal matters before hearing these cases. Additionally, the rate of finalising Small Claims Court cases has declined following a decision to remove this responsibility from judicial officers, the committee heard.

Regarding the problems that were raised, the committee requested a detailed report outlining the interventions being implemented, along with clear timelines for finalising pending remedial action from both institutions to be submitted within 14 days.

The committee further requested a comprehensive report from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure on all the infrastructural challenges that were observed in the province during this weeklong oversight visit. The report will form the basis for the meeting with the Minister of Public Works.

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that institutions within the justice and security cluster are adequately supported and resourced to deliver efficient, timely and accessible services to all South Africans.

Programme: Friday, 24 October 2025
Venue: Harrismith police station
08:15 Welcome and introductions
08:30 Briefing on the station upgrades and service delivery to the area
09:00 CPFs briefing on cooperation with police and challenges
09:15 Inspection of the facility
10:30 Travel to Harrismith Magistrates Court
11:00 Harrismith Magistrates Court: Welcome and Introductions
12:30 Committee discussion (working lunch)
13:30 Site visit of court facility

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON SECURITY AND JUSTICE, INKOSI MWELO NONKOYANA. 

For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Ms Malentsoe Magwagwa
Cell: 081 716 5824
Email: mmagwaga@parliament.gov.za

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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United Arab Emirates (UAE) leaders congratulate President of Zambia on Independence Day

Source: APO – Report:

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President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a congratulatory message to President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia on the occasion of his country’s Independence Day.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, dispatched similar messages to President Hichilema on the occasion.

– on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Select Committee on COGTA Urges Madibeng to Prioritise Service Delivery Over Self-Interest

Source: APO – Report:

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The Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration (including Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements, and Water & Sanitation) has called on the council and administration of Madibeng Local Municipality to urgently restore effective service delivery and place the needs of residents above self-interest.

The call follows the committee’s oversight visit to the municipality, prompted by an ongoing investigation initiated under Section 106(4) of the Municipal Systems Act, which authorises a probe into allegations of maladministration and irregularities.

Committee Chairperson Mr Mxolisi Kaunda expressed concern over what he described as “a position of paralysis” within the municipality, citing wrong council decisions, chaotic meetings, poor financial performance and persistent allegations of malfeasance. “It is unacceptable that the municipality seems to be paralysed by internal conflicts and governance failures. Residents deserve stability, accountability and efficient service delivery,” said Mr Kaunda.

The committee noted the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs’ progress report indicating that investigators have requested an extension beyond the legislated 90 days to finalise the Section 106 report due to the scale of issues under review. The committee agreed that the department should be afforded the necessary time to complete a thorough investigation.

However, several urgent governance and operational challenges were identified:

• Instability in the Office of the Municipal Manager:

The committee expressed alarm over repeated suspensions of the municipal manager, many of which have been overturned by courts. “The municipal manager is a critical pillar of governance. These wanton suspensions undermine administrative stability and service delivery,” said Mr Kaunda.

• Low Revenue Collection:

The municipality currently collects only 60% of rates and taxes, jeopardising its financial sustainability. The committee urged the municipality to strengthen its revenue collection mechanisms.

• High Vacancy Rate:

With a 39% vacancy rate, the municipality’s capacity to deliver services is severely constrained. The committee called for urgent strategies to fill key posts and address the high turnover.

• Instability in the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC):

The MPAC chairperson position has changed hands three times since the 2021 local government elections, weakening governance oversight. The committee emphasised that this instability must be urgently addressed.

• Delayed Infrastructure Projects:

The Brits Water Treatment Plant, launched in 2012, remains incomplete. The committee expressed scepticism about its scheduled completion by January 2026 and urged the municipality to review and present a realistic timeline.

Considering these challenges, the committee has given Madibeng Local Municipality 14 days to submit comprehensive plans addressing:

• Improvement of revenue collection rates

• Filling of vacant positions

• Spending and impact assessment of conditional grants; and

• Implementation of effective consequence management measures

The committee will continue its oversight work today with a visit to the Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality, which is currently under Section 139(5) intervention of the Constitution. This intervention allows the provincial executive to step in when a municipality is in financial crisis or unable to deliver basic services.

The visit will assess the impact of the intervention and include site visits to human settlements and water and sanitation projects.

Details of the visit are as follows:
Date: Friday, 24 October 2025
Venue: Kgetlengrivier Municipal Chamber
Time: 10:00

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, MR MXOLISI KAUNDA.

For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Malatswa Molepo (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 081 512 7920
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Salon National du Livre 2025 : Le rendez-vous littéraire majeur du Bénin se déploie dans plusieurs villes

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Salon National du Livre (SNL) revient en 2025 avec une programmation riche et diversifiée qui fera vibrer la vie culturelle béninoise. Pendant 04 jours et dans quatre ville à savoir Cotonou,  Ouidah, Parakou et Abomey, l’évènement sera fait d’une série d’activités mêlant conférences-débats, cafés littéraires, séances de dédicace, ateliers, projections, expositions et spectacles vivants. 

Véritable plateforme d’expression et de rayonnement pour les acteurs du livre, le SNL s’impose, année après année, comme un rendez-vous incontournable de la culture béninoise. Cette initiative portée par le Ministère en charge de la culture, traduit la volonté du Gouvernement du Bénin de dynamiser l’industrie du livre, soutenir les auteurs nationaux et renforcer leur visibilité à l’international, en synergie avec le Grand Prix Littéraire du Bénin. 

L’édition 2025 organisée par l’Agence de développement des arts et de la culture ADAC Bénin, se déroulera du 19 au 22 novembre 2025 prochain. Elle est placée sous le thème “Littérature et diaspora : tisser des liens mémoriels et réinventer un avenir partagé”.  

En s’affirmant comme un instrument stratégique de rayonnement culturel, le Salon National du Livre contribue activement à l’enrichissement du patrimoine intellectuel et artistique national.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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Motsoaledi launches innovative TB campaign to combat silent epidemic

Source: Government of South Africa

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has officially launched a groundbreaking national tuberculosis (TB) campaign, emphasising the disease’s silent yet deadly impact.

The Minister presented the near-live, TB public-facing dashboard at the Health Laboratory Service Head Office in Johannesburg, describing it as a symbol of the department’s strong commitment to using digital innovation to enhance health equity.

“It is an investment in the power of data to save lives. Our political will to end TB is very strong and unwavering,” he said on Friday. 

The TB dashboard is part of collaborative efforts between the Department of Health, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), and the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). Its aim is to reduce TB incidence and mortality in South Africa by 2035.

The country has a high burden of TB, but remains on track to meet the End TB goals. The dashboard will play a significant role in tracking the country’s progress towards the End TB campaign’s ambitious goal of testing five million people.

The Minister also touched on the impact of historical gold mining on TB rates, with gold mines producing significant silica dust. “Today, we are paying the price for that gold because of the amount of TB that was produced in the gold mines.”

The Minister said the newly launched dashboard represents a critical tool in TB detection and tracking. 

Motsoaledi explained that the comprehensive dashboard offers a detailed view of testing trends over time, allowing users to monitor progress and identify gaps. 

“It provides granular performance tracking across different administrative levels, including province and district. Crucially, the data is aggregated by age and sex to highlight who is being reached by testing efforts and to identify specific populations that may be underserved.”

The dashboard provides near real-time data on the department’s testing efforts across all nine provinces and districts, empowering stakeholders to monitor progress transparently.

The End TB campaign has also revealed stark gender disparities in health-seeking behaviour, citing previous HIV testing campaigns that showed that 65% of those who tested were women, and that men constituted only 30% of those tested. 

Motsoaledi said a key focus is developing a vaccine. He expressed hope that in three years, vaccine trials would be completed. – SAnews.gov.za

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SANDF speaks out on military truck misuse claims

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, October 24, 2025

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has rejected claims that a military truck, which travelled from the Western Cape to Gauteng, was specifically deployed to remove tree stumps, obstructing the street outside one of its residences.

Reports had suggested that a SANDF truck journeyed over 1 200 kilometres from Oudtshoorn to Pretoria to remove two tree stumps from the yard of Major-General Edward Mulaudzi, Deputy Head of Logistics Procurement, in Waterkloof Ridge. 

It was also reported that the driver of the truck was instructed to turn around and head to Pretoria because the tree stumps needed to be removed.

However, the SANDF has since clarified the situation regarding the truck’s usage for removing the tree stumps.

“The truck used to remove the tree stumps that were blocking the street outside a SANDF residence, after complaints by the neighbours, belongs to the Logistics Support Formation based in Lyttleton, Pretoria.

“There is no truth as reported that the vehicle in question came from Oudtshoorn specifically to deal with the removal of the tree stumps.

“We can confirm that the vehicle was in Oudtshoorn for other duties, and upon completion, the vehicle came back to its home base in Pretoria – Logistics Support Formation.

“Therefore, it was never called back for this assignment. The vehicle was already in Pretoria, attending to other duties at one of the SANDF facilities, when it was further assigned to remove the tree stumps blocking the street,” SANDF said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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LIMITLESS: No Labels. No Limits. No Apologies – WomenIN Festival 2025, in Partnership with FNB, Unveils Updated Programme: New Sessions, Speakers, and Experiences Announced

Source: APO – Report:

The WomenIN Festival 2025, in partnership with FNB, is thrilled to announce its updated programme, now available for download at www.WeAreWomenIN.com. With only three weeks until the event, attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets now to join this transformative celebration of women’s leadership and empowerment. 

Quote from Naz Fredericks-Maharaj, Founding Director, WomenIN Portfolio, VUKA Group “Crafting the WomenIN Festival 2025 programme has been an inspiring journey. Our vision is to create an experience that empowers women across diverse sectors, fosters meaningful connections, and drives tangible impact. This updated programme reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and creating opportunities for women to lead, influence, and thrive.” 

The festival will bring together over 100 speakers from more than 17 industries for two days of dynamic discussions, masterclasses, mentorship sessions, and wellness activations. Set for November 13-14, 2025, at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, the WomenIN Festival offers a vibrant platform for women to connect, exchange ideas, and inspire one another to break boundaries and redefine success. 

Quote from Naz Fredericks-Maharaj, Founding Director, WomenIN Portfolio, VUKA Group “Crafting the WomenIN Festival 2025 programme has been an inspiring journey. Our vision is to create an experience that empowers women across diverse sectors, fosters meaningful connections, and drives tangible impact. This updated programme reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and creating opportunities for women to lead, influence, and thrive.” 

What’s New in the Updated Programme

The enhanced WomenIN Festival 2025 programme introduces: 

  • New Sessions: Fresh discussions on leadership, entrepreneurship, sustainability, digital transformation, and personal growth. 
  • New Speakers: Recently announced panelists and thought leaders representing Africa’s most influential female voices. 
  • Expanded Experiences: Enhanced wellness spaces, interactive activation zones, and dedicated networking areas designed to spark collaboration and inspiration. 

Tickets from R599 – Unlock Connection, Inspiration, and Growth Starting at just R599, festival tickets provide access to an unparalleled experience, including: 

  • Inspiring speaker sessions and panel discussions. 
  • Networking and mentorship opportunities with industry trailblazers. 
  • Curated WomenIN goodie bags. 
  • Lunch and refreshments throughout the event. 
  • Entry to workshops, wellness sessions, and interactive activations. 

Premium and group packages are also available, offering exclusive benefits such as VIP networking drinks, front-row seating, and enhanced hospitality privileges. Tickets are selling fast—secure yours today at www.WeAreWomenIN.com. 

In Partnership with FNB

The WomenIN Festival’s partnership with FNB underscores a shared commitment to empowering women in leadership and entrepreneurship. Together, they are building a platform where women can access transformative opportunities, share their stories, and forge connections that drive meaningful change across industries. 

Watch the WomenIN Festival’s social Media Pages— Major Announcement Coming Next Week 

Download the Updated Programme 

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

Programme: https://apo-opa.co/3WmodTY
Tickets: https://apo-opa.co/4hqpByg

WomenIN (WiN): Empowering Women, Breaking Barriers, Creating Impact:
WomenIN is a powerful cross-sector movement that connects, inspires, and uplifts women across Africa through collaboration, leadership, and sustainable development. From energy and mobility to retail, gaming, and the green economy, WiN is driving real change by building inclusive ecosystems where women can thrive. 

Through a range of in-person gatherings, digital content, workshops, and sector-specific initiatives, WomenIN provides a trusted platform for female professionals, entrepreneurs, changemakers, and allies to grow together, break silos, and co-create solutions for Africa’s future. With a strong focus on capacity building, leadership development, and market access for female-owned businesses, WomenIN is building a legacy of impact for generations to come. 

Whether you’re a corporate, NPO, SMME, or individual changemaker, there is space for you at the table—because we win when we WiN together. For more information, please visit www.WeAreWomenIN.com or contact our team at info@wearewomenin.com. 

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group brings people and organisations together to connect with information and each other in meaningful conversations that drive growth and transformation across Africa’s industries. With 20+ years of experience on the continent, the group delivers sector-leading platforms across Energy, Mining, Smart Mobility, Transport, Retail, and Women Empowerment. 

The WomenIN (WiN) portfolio is a flagship initiative of VUKA Group, championing gender inclusivity and creating opportunities for women to lead, influence, and innovate across sectors. With a proudly African team and a commitment to sustainable development, VUKA is creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to rise. 

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