Category: Africa

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Deputy Minister Mhlauli to address the 6th Urban Agri World Summit 2025

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, will on Thursday, 23 October 2025 deliver the keynote address at the 6th Urban Agri World Summit 2025 taking place at The Capital Zimbali Resort in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal.

The three-day global Summit, hosted by Enterprise iLembe in partnership with Magenta Global, brings together policymakers, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs from across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East to explore sustainable, technology-driven solutions for resilient food systems and inclusive growth.

Deputy Minister Mhlauli will speak on “Urban Agriculture as a Pathway to Youth Empowerment, Food Security, and Inclusive Growth in South Africa.” 

The details of the Summit are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 23 October 2025
Time: 09h00 – 15h30
Venue: The Capital Zimbali Resort, Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal

Media enquiries: Ms Mandisa Mbele, Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 or mandisam@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Opening Remarks by Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, during Stats SA presentation on the 2024/25 Annual Report to the Portfolio Committee

Source: President of South Africa –

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Hon Theliswa Mgweba;
Committee Members;
Acting Statistician-General  of Stats SA, Yandiswa Mpentsheni;
Chairperson of the Stats Council, Dr Nompulelo Mbele;

Thank you, Honourable Chair and Members of the Portfolio Committee, for inviting us to present the Annual Report of Stats SA for the 2024/25 financial year.

We are joined today by the acting Statistician-General, Ms Yandiswa Mpentsheni, and her team as well as the Chair of the Statistics Council, Dr Nompumelelo Mbele.

The Statistics Council is appointed by the Minister. The Council is an independent advisory body to both the Minister and the Statistician-General on matters statistics. The role of the Council is to safeguard official statistics in the country.

The year 2024 marked three decades of democracy in South Africa, a milestone celebrated through the peaceful exercise of our citizens’ democratic right to vote. This historic moment led to the formation of a Government of National Unity, united in its mission to improve the lives of all who live in our country.

Statistics South Africa, our national statistical agency, plays a crucial, yet often under-estimated role in how we craft our developmental agenda as a nation. The organisation provides us with official data to make informed decisions, based on facts rather than anecdote.

The 2024/25 financial year marked the final year of implementing the 5-year Strategic Plan. 

Amid financial and human resource constraints, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) demonstrated remarkable resilience and performance, achieving over 90% of its targets since the start of the strategic planning cycle in 2020/21 that ended in 2024/25. This achievement is not merely a testament to operational efficiency – it reflects the organisation’s pivotal role in shaping evidence-based policy and driving developmental outcomes across the country.

We are here today to share with you the financial and organisational performance of Stats SA. The SG will highlight key achievements against the strategic outcomes in the 5-year Strategic Plan.

For the year under review, we have obtained a financially unqualified audit opinion with matters of emphasis.

Stats SA continues with financial challenges, both in Cost of Employment (CoE) as well as goods and services. This continues to have a negative impact on the vacancy rate and meeting our employment equity targets. 

We have successfully provided timely, relevant, and accurate information on the dynamics of the economy and society through the publishing of over 290 statistical releases. 

The sustainability of our core series is however at risk if we are unable to address the resource challenges that we are facing.

I would be amiss not to share the good news that the Amendment Bill has been signed into law – called the Statistics Amendment Act (No. 29 of 2024) – by the President in December 2024. This Act paves the way for enhanced statistical production and coordination through strengthened partnerships among data producers.

Stats SA continues to collaborate with Government departments to improve the quality of their statistics, with the goal of achieving official status. As implementation of the Act progresses, we anticipate Stats SA’s leadership role in shaping South Africa’s data ecosystem.

Chair and Honourable members, allow me to hand over to the Statistician-General that will present the organisational and financial performance of Stats SA.

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“We Can’t Achieve Excellence with Only 50% of Us” — President of Rugby Africa Champions Women’s Leadership at World Rugby Assembly

Source: APO

Ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Finals, Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body of rugby in Africa, participated in the “Journey of Women’s Representation in Rugby Leadership” panel at the 17th World Rugby General Assembly in London, United Kingdom. 

To Watch the Panel Discussion: Click Here (https://apo-opa.co/3J1kKHo)

To Download the Video (copyright free): Click Here (https://apo-opa.co/4qoKkXq)

Organized by World Rugby (https://www.World.Rugby), the global governing body of rugby, the assembly brought together 134 national unions and regional associations to focus on progress, leadership, governance, and the sport’s future direction. 

In the panel discussion, Mensah emphasized Africa’s role in driving inclusive leadership within global rugby. 

“How can you ignore talent because of gender? If sport is big business, neglecting women means alienating at least 50% of the world and losing 50% of your profit. Our athletes are everywhere. Our scientists are around the world, and they’re not just men, they are women. I believe in a global perspective, and you need to give a chance to that child who may be a girl and give strength to men to be strong and not intimidated by the excellence you need to succeed.” 

In the last decade, World Rugby and its global membership have undertaken a significant journey of transformation to advance female representation in leadership roles at both governance and strategic levels. With the World Rugby Executive Board now comprising 42% women and the World Rugby Council at 38%, this session encouraged reflection on progress achieved, ongoing challenges, and the path forward. 

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson urged members to harness the momentum of the record-breaking Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025 to continue building relevance and impact. “This tournament has been joyous, bold, brilliant and truly era-defining. It shows what’s possible when our sport embraces diversity and connects players and fans in new ways.” 

Attendance at the Women’s Rugby World Cup reached record-breaking levels; the final between England and Canada drawing 81,885 fans, more than three times the number from 2021. 

As the General Assembly concluded, Mensah reaffirmed Rugby Africa’s commitment to advancing gender across the continent, aligning with the global movement for change in the sport. 

“I believe in womanhood. This beautiful game of ours requires excellence, and we can’t achieve it with only 50% of us. There is nothing to be afraid of. If sport is big business, then we must embrace women,” said Mensah. 

The 17th World Rugby General Assembly set the tone for a decisive new chapter in global rugby, grounded in diversity, inclusion, and shared purpose. 

The panel featured Kylie Bates, United Nations Sport Strategy Lead at UN Women HQ and the Pacific Islands, Sol Iglesias, Chief Executive Officer of Argentina Rugby Union, and Cathy Wong, President of the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC). 

Read more about the 17th World Rugby General Assembly: Click Here (https://apo-opa.co/4hpn4EO)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.

Media Contact: 
Nicole Vervelde 
Communications Advisor 
nicole.vervelde@rugbyafrique.com  

About Rugby Africa: 
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the continental governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women’s rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 40 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.   

Media files

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Gauteng Legislature condemns youth involvement in Westbury shooting

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng Legislature condemns youth involvement in Westbury shooting

Following a deadly shooting in Westbury, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety says the involvement of young people in violence is an indictment of the current state of community safety and social cohesion in the area.

This as the committee expressed shock and sadness at the mass shooting in Westbury on Tuesday.  Six teenagers were shot in what is believed to be a gang-related incident in Gauteng. Two teenagers were declared dead on arrival at hospital, while four others remain under medical care.

“According to preliminary reports from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the victims aged between 14 and 19 were allegedly targeted by three suspects believed to be affiliated with a rival gang,” said the Committee in a statement. 

The Provincial Anti-Gang Unit and the South African Police Service (SAPS) Forensic Services rushed to the scene and the District Crime Intelligence has been mobilised to assist in tracing the suspects.

“The involvement of young people in such brutal violence is a devastating indictment of the current state of community safety and social cohesion in Westbury. 

“This senseless loss of life and the ongoing climate of fear are directly linked to the scourge of gang violence, drug trafficking and the proliferation of illegal firearms in the area,” the Committee said.

The Committee believes that easy access to illegal weapons is a primary enabler of the violence terrorising the community and many others across the province.

The Committee has called for intensified SAPS operations to locate, confiscate, and destroy the vast number of illegal firearms in circulation in Westbury and across Gauteng.

The committee further called on the SAPA to begin eporting detailed statistics on crimes committed using firearms. 
“We further call for strengthened support for initiatives such as Gun Free South Africa, which advocate for safer communities through the reduction of firearm-related violence,” it said.

It added that specialised units be deployed to Westbury adding that a high-density, visible policing operation is essential to stabilise the area, dismantle criminal networks, and prevent further bloodshed.

“Peace must prevail in Westbury. The residents of this community and all communities across Gauteng have a constitutional right to live in safety and without fear. The ongoing terror inflicted by a criminal minority must come to an end.

“The Committee stands in solidarity with the law-abiding residents of Westbury and commits to exercising its oversight role to ensure that SAPS and other relevant government agencies act with the urgency this situation demands,” the Committee said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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Eritrea: Seminar on Implementation of Adult and Pre-School Education

Source: APO – Report:

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A seminar focusing on the implementation of adult and pre-school education was conducted in the port city of Assab on 21 October. The seminar was attended by heads of departments, PFDJ representatives, sub-zonal administrators, heads of education offices, and other concerned institutions.

Ambassador Mohammed-Seid Mantai, Governor of the Southern Red Sea Region, emphasized that the development of educational activities is the responsibility of all concerned institutions and the public, and he called for strengthened roles and contributions.

Mr. Fesehaye Kidane, head of the Education Office in the region, said that priority is being given to ensuring access to education for every school-aged child and enabling all citizens to read and write.

Mr. Kelil Osman, head of Basic Education, provided a detailed briefing on the activities carried out in the areas of adult and pre-school education, highlighting the achievements registered and challenges encountered.

Mr. Kelil indicated that there are currently 76 pre-schools providing active services to about 2,200 children.

The participants conducted extensive discussions on the report presented and adopted various recommendations.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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In deadly October, nearly one in five civilians killed in El Fasher were children

Source: APO – Report:

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At least 17 children were killed and a further 22 injured in a particularly violent October in El Fasher, Sudan, said Save the Children, as the city marks 18 months of siege.

Save the Children analysed casualty reports from the Sudan Doctor’s Network – a group of medical professionals tracking the war –in October and found at least 115 civilians were killed and a further 102 injured in six attacks on the besieged town. Among these casualties were 17 children killed, and 22 children injured [1].

All the reported child deaths took place in a series of attacks on the Dar al-Arqam Displacement Centre in El Fasher on 11 October, when nine girls and eight boys, including a newborn just seven days old, were killed, according to UNICEF.  Most of the victims were burned alive inside metal caravans used as makeshift homes, while others remained trapped beneath collapsed structures as fires raged through the site, according to local reports.

Seven of the child injuries took place in a deadly attack on a civilian neighbourhood on 6 October, in which 13 people were killed and 19 others injured. A pregnant woman was also amongst the casualties [1].  

About 130,000 children remain trapped in El Fasher, according to UNICEF [2], with the city marking 18 months of siege this October. Children and families are living in desperate conditions, marked by repeated violent attacks, severe hunger, a lack of clean water, and limited medicines.  

The volatile security situation is forcing many—especially women, children, and youth—to remain in El Fasher, despite ongoing attacks and limited access to humanitarian aid. Movement in and out of the city is extremely restricted, further complicating response efforts and deepening the humanitarian crisis.  

Abdiladif Mohamed, Save the Children’s Country Director in Sudan, said:

“No child should ever be killed or injured in conflict. The deliberate or reckless harm of children, or attacks on the places where they should be safe, is indefensible. All parties must protect children and uphold international humanitarian law — it is a duty owed to every child.

“Schools, health facilities and displacement sites in El Fasher have been repeatedly affected in recent weeks, worsening an already critical situation. Communities in parts of North Darfur are also facing famine-like conditions, with widespread hunger and rising levels of child malnutrition due to prolonged siege and restricted humanitarian access.

“Save the Children will continue to stand with the children of Sudan. There is an urgent need to sustain and scale up health and nutrition services in Tawila to support displaced children and communities, and reinforce the cholera outbreak response. Without large-scale food assistance and an end to the ongoing conflict, the hunger crisis in El Fasher may extend beyond October into the harvest and post-harvest period.”

Since the siege of El Fasher began in April 2024, Save the Children has significantly scaled up its humanitarian response across Tawila and Jabal Marra in Central and North Darfur. We are now reaching over 224,000 internally displaced people fleeing violence and insecurity. Our response includes providing support for newly arrived families, host communities, and conflict-affected populations.  

In Tawila and across North Darfur, our operations are anchored in four health facilities and a growing mobile health platform, while in Jabal Marra, we operate seven health facilities and three mobile clinics.

– on behalf of Save the Children.

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Vietnam visit set to unlock trade, investment and skills exchange opportunities

Source: Government of South Africa

By Dikeledi Molobela

Hanoi, Vietnam – The buzz in Hanoi is unmistakable. Streets draped in vibrant red flags, and gold stars ripple in the autumn breeze, while the hum of motorbikes mingles with the soft chatter of locals anticipating the arrival of a special guest. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to touch down in the Vietnamese capital on Thursday for a State Visit that is as symbolic as it is strategic, one that promises to cement South Africa’s engagement with Southeast Asia. 

Speaking to SAnews on the ground ahead of the visit, International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, described the trip as a pivotal moment to deepen cooperation between the two countries. 

“We have arrived in Hanoi for a State Visit that will be led by President Cyril Ramaphosa to meet the Prime Minister here to deepen cooperation between the two countries that have very good, friendly relations, which we now look to build on the bilateral relations towards economic trade, political cooperation and also skills exchange,” the Minister told SAnews.

From the bustling Old Quarter to the imposing marble façade of the Presidential Palace, there’s an air of optimism, a sense that this visit extends beyond protocol and pageantry. 

“The engagements will be on various phases of exchange [between] small business, agriculture, and various other issues of trade, which obviously will incorporate issues of electric vehicles, skills exchange, commodities, mining, agriculture, and research and development,” Lamola said.

The Minister highlighted that South Africa already has a footprint in Vietnam’s education and research space, with a contingent of South Africans in the Maritime University of Vietnam. 

“We already have a contingent of South Africans here in Vietnam in the Maritime University of Vietnam, which is deepening our skills exchange, and we look forward to cooperation between Vietnam and South African institutions of research and skills development,” he told SAnews.

This, he added, reflects the growing synergy between the two nations in areas of innovation and capacity building.

For South Africa, Vietnam’s rapidly expanding economy – one of the fastest growing in Southeast Asia – represents both an opportunity and a partnership of shared aspiration. 

“This leg of the visit is very important for also diversification of our markets into the Vietnam economy, because Vietnam is one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia. It remains a very important market. 

“It’s a developing country, an emerging market, almost similar to ours, and it offers an opportunity to diversify our trade and products into the Vietnam market, but it also offers good opportunities of agreements on the various areas of trade, which we can then exchange between the two countries,” Lamola said. 

President Ramaphosa’s visit coincides with several significant developments in Vietnam’s political landscape, including a generational transition in leadership, the conclusion of key domestic planning and reform cycles, and the country’s increasing prominence in regional and global economic affairs. It also comes as Vietnam commemorates 80 Years of Independence, a milestone that holds deep historical significance.

Vietnam’s expanding consumer market presents promising opportunities for South African exporters, particularly in the context of the country’s strategic efforts to diversify trade destinations.

The State Visit to Vietnam by President Ramaphosa reflects the deepening ties between the leaders of South Africa and Vietnam, underpinned by mutual respect and growing cooperation. 

The decision to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership marks a significant milestone, signalling shared commitment to long-term collaboration across key sectors.

President Ramaphosa is on a three-nation visit to the Southeast Asia region, which kicked off in Indonesia, followed by the State Visit to Vietnam and a working visit to Malaysia.

The President is accompanied by several Ministers including the Minister of Small Business Development of South Africa, Stella Ndabeni; Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, among others. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Ministro Eurico Monteiro encoraja jovens a apostarem na qualificação profissional como fator de valorização social e crescimento económico

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Ministro da Promoção de Investimentos e Fomento Empresarial encorajou os jovens cabo-verdianos a apostarem na qualificação profissional como fator de valorização social e crescimento económico. Eurico Monteiro deixou este apelo à camada juvenil, durante o Evento Nacional de Abertura e Arranque das Formações Profissionais 2025, realizado esta terça-feira, 21 outubro, na Praia, sob o lema “Agarra bu oportunidadi, Konstrui bu futuru”.

Durante a sua intervenção, neste importante evento, que reuniu jovens formandos provenientes de diversos centros de formação profissional da ilha de Santiago e que contou uma conversa aberta entre o Primeiro-Ministro, Ulisses Correia e Silva e quatro jovens talentos, num verdadeiro momento de celebração da formação profissional em Cabo Verde, o  governante destacou a crescente valorização da formação profissional no país, sublinhando que “já passou o tempo em que a formação profissional era vista como algo de pouco valor”.

Hoje, afirmou o Ministro, esta área revela-se essencial para o crescimento das empresas, para a criação de empregos, para a valorização das pessoas e para o aumento do rendimento das famílias cabo-verdianas.

“Uma pessoa qualificada reconhece as suas competências e isso lhe dá liberdade e capacidade para exigir, por exemplo, uma remuneração justa e assim ver melhoradas as suas condições de vida e a da sua família”, observou.

Eurico Monteiro realçou ainda o papel determinante do Governo de Cabo Verde na consolidação de um sistema sólido e sustentável de formação profissional, alicerçado no Orçamento do Estado e em outras fontes de receita, como a taxa turística e as contribuições das empresas para segurança social e apoiado por parceiros estratégicos, como o Luxemburgo, entre outros.

O Ministro ressaltou ainda a importância de uma formação de qualidade que permita aos jovens, não apenas obter um emprego, como também criar novas oportunidades de negócios, fortalecer as empresas nacionais, e acelerar o crescimento económico do país.

“O Governo faz esse esforço de qualificação profissional e de investir nas pessoas porque sabe que esta é a melhor contribuição que podem dar para o futuro de Cabo Verde. Hoje não queremos que as pessoas apenas tenham uma formação, queremos que tenham formação de qualidade e que sejam cada vez melhores nas suas áreas de atuação”, reiterou.

Eurico Monteiro expressou ainda que “é motivo de satisfação e de grande orgulho nacional”, ver os jovens de todo o arquipélago e até de países irmãos como São Tomé e Príncipe e Guiné-Bissau a procurarem em Cabo Verde uma formação profissional de qualidade.

O governante concluiu, incentivando os formandos a aproveitarem ao máximo as oportunidades de aprendizagem, reforçando que “a competição no mercado de trabalho é cada vez maior e, quanto mais qualificados e comprometidos forem, mais facilmente poderão alcançar o sucesso, uma vida digna e contribuir assim para o desenvolvimento de Cabo Verde”.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Artisans from Turkana turn creativity into opportunity in Nairobi

Source: APO


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From 27 to 28 September, 13 artisans travelled to Nairobi to showcase their products at Bizarre Bazaar Global Village, one of Kenya’s largest open-air markets for art, fashion and design. The artisans, from both refugee and host communities in Turkana, made 102,000 Kenyan shillings in sales over just two days.

‘It was more than just a market – it was a space to learn, connect and dream bigger,’ said Rodgers Mugaragu, a refugee artisan attending the event for the first time. With more than 100 vendors from across the country and beyond, Biz Baz is a vibrant platform for small producers to display their work and explore new business opportunities.

‘With ITC’s support, I’ve attended Biz Baz twice. The first time, I learned about product quality and value addition,’ said Josephine Alogogita Lobur from the Lodwar host community. ‘Since then, I’ve improved my designs to meet market standards. This year, I connected with new clients, exchanged ideas with other artisans, and gained inspiration to keep growing my business.’

Beyond immediate sales, the experience has strengthened participants’ confidence to run their own enterprises, paving the way for greater financial independence and long-term self-reliance.

The group also visited ITC’s Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI) centre in Nairobi to learn how local artisans collaborate with EFI to produce high-quality, market-ready goods.

Opportunities like these help artisans gain exposure to national buyers and new markets, strengthening small businesses and generating income. Increased opportunities also mean better cohesion between refugees and host communities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

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Committee Calls on University Leadership to Restore Corporate Governance at Fort Hare

Source: APO


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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Mr Tebogo Letsie, has reiterated the committee’s condemnation of the burning of infrastructure in a meeting with the University of Fort Hare’s Council, management, student representative council (SRC) and other stakeholders, after students set fire to buildings during recent protests at the university’s Alice campus.

Mr Letsie said burning of the infrastructure is an outrageous criminality at an institution that should be a shining symbol of reason and an iconic university that is the alma mater of several of South Africa’s great leaders. In addition, some of the university’s buildings are national heritage sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The committee was visiting the university during an urgent oversight programme yesterday following the protests that caused extensive damage to property.

The committee embarked on an walkabout that focused on the burnt buildings and student residences, among other infrastructure. During that walkabout, committee members saw for themselves the difficult and unsafe conditions in which students live, which have even contributed to the death by suicide of some students.

In its presentation, the university council said the students have four concerns: the controversial extension of the Vice Chancellor’s term of office, SRC elections, the safety of students in student residences, and the general safety of students at the university. The committee heard that the council is still considering plans to appoint an independent body to obtain legal advice on the extension of the VC’s appointment.

Meanwhile, Fort Hare’s management team reported on the damage caused during the protests, which included records lost in the fire, and their recovery plan. This includes plans to stabilise the environment, build trust, restore academic continuity and ensure that a strike of this nature never happens again. In addition, management assured the committee about the continued availability of information due to record digitisation.

During the engagement with the various stakeholders, the committee emphasised that the problems – which included, among other things, not holding SRC elections, the failure of the appointment of an interim SRC, the extension of the VC’s appointment beyond the retirement age of 65 – contributed to the strike that then led to the destruction of property.

Mr Letsie said: “Those who destructed property used the strike to commit this horrendous crime and we believe the Minister of Higher Education and Training needs to appoint an independent assesor using section 43 and 44 of the Higher Education Act.”

The committee also emphasised the importance and application of corporate governance in the university and underscored the appalling state of student residences, some of which are a health hazard. Mr Letsie said the university is a centre of learning and thinking; it should always behave in a manner that reflects that.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.