Cassava Technologies and Accenture Accelerate Sovereign Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cloud Adoption across Africa

Source: APO

Cassava Technologies (Cassava) (www.CassavaTechnologies.com), a global technology leader of African heritage, has agreed a strategic collaboration with Accenture (NYSE: ACN) to scale Cassava’s sovereign AI capability across Africa.  

Accenture will leverage its AI Refinery™ (https://AIRefinery.Accenture.com) platform and other technologies to design and deliver sovereign AI solutions utilising Cassava’s GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS), housed in Cassava’s secure data centre facilities, accelerated with NVIDIA AI infrastructure. The solutions will enable Cassava’s existing and potential customers to process AI workloads and data within national borders in alignment with local requirements and regulations.  

Cassava will begin in South Africa and later expand into Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria. This phased rollout is in line with Cassava’s expansions planned at its other data centre facilities across Africa. Cassava will leverage the company’s pan-African high-speed, ultra-low-latency, fibre broadband network, which interconnects the company’s energy-efficient data centres to power AI computing workloads. 

“AI is opening up exciting new opportunities for sparking innovation, advancing competitiveness and driving growth across Africa,” said Mauro Macchi, CEO of Accenture for Europe, Middle East and Africa. “With our deep, global experience in sovereign cloud and AI, Accenture will help Cassava deliver secure, scalable sovereign AI solutions and reimagine its operations. Together, we will enable organizations across the African continent to adopt AI with confidence and unlock new ways to create value.” 

“With our GPUaaS, Cassava will drive the continent’s AI revolution by allowing businesses to access compute power based on their individual needs. This is our commitment to ensuring Africa has the infrastructure and access it needs to compete in the AI era – AI isn’t just a technology story; it’s a nation-building story with inclusion at its centre,” said Ahmed El Beheiry, CEO of Cassava AI. “Collaborating with Accenture allows us to leverage their global expertise in building a sovereign AI cloud capability designed for the African market. This partnership will strengthen data governance, drive practical AI adoption across key industries, and ensure that we provide African solutions for African challenges.” 

Through this collaboration, the two companies will integrate the context, languages, and cultural nuances of the region into these AI solutions, ensuring that the solutions/services are relevant and impactful for African enterprises across key sectors such as financial services, mining, telecommunications, agriculture, and healthcare. This localised approach will not only strengthen compliance and trust but also ensure that the technology reflects the realities of the markets it serves, enabling businesses to innovate in ways that are meaningful and sustainable. 

Cassava will invest in the infrastructure and platform build-out to ensure readiness for commercialisation, with a focus on scalability, security, and compliance, thereby reinforcing its broader commitment to responsible AI adoption, innovation and productivity growth in Africa. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Cassava Technologies.

About Accenture:
Accenture is a leading global professional services company that helps the world’s leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth and enhance citizen services—creating tangible value at speed and scale. We are a talent- and innovation-led company with approximately 791,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Technology is at the core of change today, and we are one of the world’s leaders in helping drive that change, with strong ecosystem relationships. We combine our strength in technology and leadership in cloud, data and AI with unmatched industry experience, functional expertise and global delivery capability. Our broad range of services, solutions and assets across Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X and Song, together with our culture of shared success and commitment to creating 360° value, enable us to help our clients reinvent and build trusted, lasting relationships. We measure our success by the 360° value we create for our clients, each other, our shareholders, partners and communities. Visit us at www.Accenture.com

About Cassava Technologies:
Cassava Technologies is a global technology leader of African heritage providing a vertically integrated ecosystem of digital services and infrastructure enabling digital transformation. Headquartered in the UK, Cassava has a presence across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the United States of America. Through its business units, namely, Cassava AI, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Liquid C2, Africa Data Centres, and Sasai Fintech, the company provides its customers’ products and services in 94 countries. These solutions drive the company’s ambition of establishing itself as a leading global technology company of African heritage. www.CassavaTechnologies.com

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KZN cracks down on drunk driving as arrests climb

Source: Government of South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has reaffirmed its commitment to improving road safety and ensuring that the province’s transport networks do not become a playground for reckless drivers and criminals.

This follows a surge in drinking and driving arrests, with more than 293 motorists apprehended since 15 August, including 93 over the past weekend alone.

Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, commended the dedication and efficiency of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and acknowledged the strong support received from law enforcement partners.

“We value the enduring partnership with Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who deployed the South African Police Service. Traffic officers from eThekwini Metro, Umsunduzi, Kokstad and Ladysmith augmented our operations.

“We remain encouraged by contributions from private security companies such as KZN VIP Protection, Blue Security, Marshal Security, and many others; too many to mention,” Duma said.

Over the weekend alone, 33 drunk motorists were arrested in Kokstad, 24 in Durban (Umhlanga), 20 in Pietermaritzburg, and 16 in Ladysmith.

Duma also acknowledged the encouragement received from civil society, including ratepayers’ associations, non-governmental organisations, and members of the public, who have expressed support on social media for the province’s tough stance on drinking and driving.

“Importantly, we wish to single out Jacques Poupard of the Umhlanga Ratepayers & Residents Association (URRA), Julian Pillay, the National Director of the Vehicle Testing Association, and many others.

“Our Zero Tolerance, No Nonsense, and Alufakwa Campaign will continue to target suburbs, city centres, townships, and many other areas. We do want to make sure that criminal groups and individuals do not use our road networks to cause public disturbance or to commit crimes anywhere in the province,” Duma said.

Fifth learner from Pietermaritzburg scholar transport crash dies

Meanwhile, the death toll from the recent scholar transport accident in Imbali, Pietermaritzburg, has risen to five after a Grade 9 learner succumbed to her injuries.

Fifteen-year-old Nomalanga Ndawonde, a learner at Zibukezulu High School, passed away at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital after suffering severe brain injuries.

She was among the learners who survived when a Toyota Siyaya minibus taxi experienced brake failure while descending T22 Road in Unit 18, Imbali Township. The vehicle veered off the road, struck a tree, and crashed into Senzokuhle Pre-School.

Duma expressed heartfelt condolences to the Ndawonde family, noting that the department has dispatched a support team to assist the family during this difficult period.

“We were nursing hope that she was going to survive and rejoin her Grade 9 classmates. Sadly, she has left us,” Duma said.

He added that an integrated response team, including Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane, Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka, Umgungundlovu District Mayor Mzi Zuma, Umsunduzi Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla, and local councillors, has been mobilised to assist affected families and schools.

Four other learners who died in the crash have been laid to rest. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Operation Shanela II nets over 18 000 suspects

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Police operations have led to the arrest of 18 232 individuals and the seizure of 206 unlicensed firearms during intensified nationwide crime-combatting efforts under Operation Shanela II.

Last week’s operations saw the South African Police Service (SAPS) conducting  6416 liquor inspections across the country resulting in the closure of 443 unlicensed liquor premises.

In a statement, the police said the majority of these liquor outlets were closed by police in KwaZulu-Natal. 

“In addition, 954 individuals were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Of the total arrests, 2,701 were wanted suspects linked to serious and violent crimes, including murder, attempted murder, rape, vehicle hijackings, armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms.”

A total 153 suspects were arrested for murder with the majority arrested in the Free State (31), followed by the Eastern Cape (29) and Gauteng while an additional 127 people were arrested for attempted murder.

Additionally, 166 people were arrested for the possession of illegal firearms while 269 others were arrested for dealing in drugs among others.

In addition to the 206 unlicensed firearms, 2 488 rounds of ammunition were seized, and 74 stolen and hijacked vehicles were recovered. – SAnews.gov.za

Shanah Tova to the Jewish community

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished Shanah Tova to the Jewish community on the celebration of Rosh Hashanah.

“I wish our Jewish community Shanah Tova as you spend this time in prayer for forgiveness and in celebration of a fresh start in all areas of life.

“We are blessed as a nation that Rosh Hashanah 2025 takes place in the week in which we observe Heritage Day, as the Jewish community and Judaism are an integral and valued part of our cultural and religious diversity,” the President said on Monday.

He noted that the celebration brings an opportunity for reflection.

“This time of prayer is a time for reflection on suffering and conflict unfolding in different parts of the world, and for recommitting ourselves to tolerance, peace and justice.

“May the year ahead be filled with good health, safety and prosperity,” President Ramaphosa said. 

South Africa will commemorate Heritage Day on Wednesday, 24 September 2025. 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, acting as the President, will officiate the 2025 celebrations at Bridgeton Sport Grounds in the Oudtshoorn Local Municipality, Western Cape. –SAnews.gov.za

Blackstone EG & Partners Directrice Générale (DG) rejoint African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 dans le cadre d’une campagne d’investissement en Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Teresa Isabel Nnang, directrice générale du cabinet panafricain de lobbying en matière d’investissement Blackstone EG & Partners, participera à la conférence African Energy Week (AEW) : Invest in African Energy, qui se tiendra du 29 septembre au 3 octobre au Cap. La participation de Mme Nnang devrait renforcer les investissements et la collaboration en Guinée équatoriale, alors que le pays fait avancer ses projets dans le domaine du traitement du pétrole et du gaz offshore. 

Travaillant dans plusieurs secteurs, Blackstone EG & Partners s’efforce d’établir des partenariats entre les États africains, les investisseurs mondiaux et les institutions multilatérales. Avant d’occuper ce poste au sein de l’entreprise, Mme Nnang était PDG de la compagnie pétrolière nationale de Guinée équatoriale, GEPetrol, ce qui la place en bonne position pour mener les discussions sur les nouvelles opportunités d’investissement dans les secteurs pétrolier et gazier de Guinée équatoriale. 

AEW : Invest in African Energy est la plateforme de choix pour les opérateurs de projets, les financiers, les fournisseurs de technologies et les gouvernements, et s’est imposée comme le lieu officiel pour la signature d’accords dans le domaine de l’énergie en Afrique. Visitez le site www.AECWeek.com pour plus d’informations sur cet événement passionnant. 

Travaillant en étroite collaboration avec des partenaires stratégiques, Blackstone EG & Partners s’est imposée comme un facilitateur de confiance reliant les gouvernements, les institutions multilatérales et les capitaux privés. Les principales missions de la société comprennent l’intermédiation entre les investisseurs et les gouvernements, le conseil en matière de réglementation et de processus diplomatiques, l’accompagnement à l’entrée sur le marché et au développement de partenariats, le soutien aux projets et aux investissements, et la promotion des opportunités du pays à l’international. Grâce à sa solide connaissance de la Guinée équatoriale et du paysage institutionnel africain au sens large, la société est bien placée pour soutenir les investissements stratégiques des entreprises qui évoluent sur le marché énergétique africain en pleine mutation. 

La société prend déjà des mesures importantes pour faciliter les investissements en Guinée équatoriale. En septembre 2025, Blackstone EG & Partners et l’Agence nationale de développement de la Guinée équatoriale ont signé un accord visant à stimuler les investissements dans le pays. Cet accord établit un cadre de travail commun destiné à coordonner les activités, à partager les informations et à promouvoir les opportunités d’investissement. Il jette également les bases permettant aux partenaires d’attirer des investisseurs dans des projets de développement à fort impact dans le pays. 

Cet accord intervient à un moment charnière pour la Guinée équatoriale. Avec pour objectif d’augmenter sa production de pétrole et de gaz, le pays fait des progrès pour revitaliser ses actifs existants et faire avancer ses projets en amont. La collaboration stratégique et les nouveaux investissements serviront de vecteur pour atteindre ces objectifs, soulignant le rôle joué par des entreprises telles que Blackstone EG & Partners. Les récentes étapes franchies témoignent de la volonté de la Guinée équatoriale d’attirer les investisseurs internationaux. 

ConocoPhillips a notamment transporté sa première cargaison de GNL depuis l’installation de Punta Europa en juin 2025, faisant ainsi progresser l’initiative phare du pays, le Gas Mega Hub. GEPetrol a lancé un plan de réaménagement en plusieurs phases sur le champ Zafiro dans le bloc B, dans le but d’augmenter la production, d’optimiser les opérations et d’assurer la croissance à long terme du champ. La première phase a été lancée en 2025 et comprenait la reconnexion de certains puits précédemment reliés à l’unité de production flottante Zafiro Producer. La deuxième phase permettra d’optimiser les coûts et d’améliorer l’efficacité des puits, tandis que la troisième phase consistera en un réaménagement complet du champ. Trident Energy poursuit le développement du bloc G, avec la mise en service du premier puits intercalaire en 2024, tandis que Kosmos Energy a récemment achevé une campagne de forage exploratoire dans le pays. 

Si ces développements soulignent le potentiel d’investissements à grande échelle en Guinée équatoriale, avec plus de 1,1 milliard de barils de réserves prouvées de pétrole et 1,7 billion de pieds cubes de gaz naturel, le pays continue d’offrir un potentiel de croissance important pour les opérateurs actifs et potentiels. Alors que la Guinée équatoriale s’apprête à lancer son cycle d’octroi de licences EG Ronda 2026 lors de l’AEW : Invest in African Energy 2025, le pays se prépare à accueillir une vague d’investissements sur son marché en amont. Blackstone EG & Partners est prêt à soutenir les futurs investisseurs qui souhaitent s’implanter sur ce marché énergétique dynamique. 

« La Guinée équatoriale entre dans une phase de transformation, avec de nouveaux cadres d’investissement et des opportunités en amont qui ouvrent la voie à une croissance à long terme. Dans ce contexte de croissance, Blackstone EG & Partners joue un rôle crucial dans l’amélioration du paysage d’investissement de la Guinée équatoriale. En mettant en relation les gouvernements, les investisseurs et les institutions, la société mène des projets stratégiques qui façonneront la croissance et le développement à long terme du pays », déclare Tomás Gerbasio, vice-président commercial et engagement stratégique de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie. 

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

Blackstone EG & Partners Director General (DG) Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Amid African Investment Drive

Source: APO


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Teresa Isabel Nnang, Director General of pan-African investment lobbying firm Blackstone EG & Partners, has joined this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. Nnang’s participation is expected to strengthen investment and collaboration in Equatorial Guinea as the country advances projects in offshore oil and gas processing.  

Working across multiple sectors, Blackstone EG & Partners strives to build partnerships between African states, global investors and multilateral institutions. Prior to her role at the company, Nnang served as the CEO of Equatorial Guinea’s national oil company GEPetrol, and as such, it well-positioned to lead discussions around emerging investment opportunities across Equatorial Guinea’s oil and gas sectors.  

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.  

Working closely with strategic partners, Blackstone EG & Partners has emerged as a trusted facilitator connecting governments, multilateral institutions and private capital. The company’s primary roles include intermediation between investors and governments; regulatory and diplomatic process advisory; guidance on market entry and partnership development; projects and investment support; and promoting the country’s opportunities internationally. With a strong understanding of Equatorial Guinea – as well the broader African institutional landscape -, the company is well-positioned to support strategic investments as companies navigate Africa’s evolving energy market.  

The company is already taking key steps towards facilitating investment in Equatorial Guinea. In September 2025, Blackstone EG & Partners and the National Development Agency of Equatorial Guinea signed an agreement to boost investment in the country. The agreement establishes a joint working framework aimed at coordinating activities, sharing information and promoting investment opportunities. It also lays the foundation for the partners to attract investors in high-impact development projects in the country.  

The agreement comes at a pivotal time for Equatorial Guinea. With goals to increase oil and gas production, the country is making strides towards revitalizing legacy assets and advancing upstream projects. Strategic collaboration and new investment will serve as a vehicle for achieving these goals, underscoring the role companies such as Blackstone EG & Partners play. Recent milestones point to Equatorial Guinea’s willingness to engage global investors.  

Notably, ConocoPhillips transported its inaugural LNG cargo from the Punta Europa facility in June 2025, advancing the country’s flagship Gas Mega Hub initiative. GEPetrol launched a multi-phase redevelopment plan at the Zafiro field in Block B, striving to increase production, optimize operations and ensure the field’s long-term growth. The first phase was initiated in 2025 and encompassed the reconnection of select wells previously tied to the Zafiro Producer floating production unit. Phase two will optimize costs and enhance well efficiency while phase three will deliver a full redevelopment of the field. Trident Energy is advancing the development of Block G, with the company bringing the first infill well online in 2024, while Kosmos Energy recently completed an exploration drilling campaign in the country.  

While these developments highlight the potential for large-scale investments in Equatorial Guinea, with over 1.1 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and 1.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, the country continues to offer significant growth potential for active and potential operators. With Equatorial Guinea set to launch its EG Ronda 2026 Licensing Round at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, the country is gearing up to welcome a wave of investment across its upstream market. Blackstone EG & Partners stands ready to support future investors seeking forays into this dynamic energy market.  

“Equatorial Guinea is entering a transformative phase, with new investment frameworks and upstream opportunities unlocking long-term growth. Amid this growth, Blackstone EG & Partners plays a crucial role in advancing Equatorial Guinea’s investment landscape. By connecting governments, investors and institutions, the company is driving strategic projects that will shape the country’s long-term growth and development,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

inDrive and TEARS Foundation empower young commuters with life-saving Skills

Source: APO

inDrive South Africa (https://inDrive.com), in partnership with the TEARS Foundation, recently hosted a youth mobility training session aimed at building a culture of safety, respect and accountability for students and young commuters in South Africa. 

The training focused on the practical realities young commuters face on South Africa’s roads and in public transport, including risks associated with unsafe routes, unfamiliar drivers, and online threats that can spill into daily life. 

“Our goal is to make every journey safer for all commuters, especially young people and students, who are statistically more vulnerable to risks in transit, including accidents, harassment and gender-based violence,” said Ashif Black, CountryRepresentative for inDrive South Africa. 

Beyond the visible tools, inDrive’s backend safety measures, such as AI moderation, profile verification, liveness checks, and complaint response systems, work continuously to block harmful behavior and enhance rider security. 

Making journeys safer 

Transport can present safety challenges for young people, especially women, who often face a higher risk of gender-based violence. This is why it’s important to create safer, more supportive mobility options. In 2024 alone, the TEARS Foundation fielded over 75,000 requests for assistance, underscoring the scale of the crisis and the urgent need for proactive safety measures.  As such, in addition to personal safety measures, inDrive showcased its in-app safety tools, including the SOS button, Share Trip feature, Trusted Contacts, in-app calls to protect personal numbers and 24/7 support. 

“Our mission is to give young people the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate transport safely, so they can move freely and with dignity,” said Mara Glennie, Founder & Chief Executive Office at the TEARS Foundation. “What’s more, when youth are informed and vigilant, they become powerful agents of change in their communities.” 

The training reinforced that safety is a shared responsibility. Respect, accountability, and vigilance are values that protect both passengers and drivers, creating a safer transport ecosystem for everyone. 

“We want young people using inDrive to feel safe, supported and in control,” said Black. “Young commuters face real risks on our roads and in public transport, and it’s critical they know how to protect themselves and each other.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of inDrive.

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Mini budget to be tabled in November

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

National Treasury has announced that the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) will be tabled in Parliament on 12 November 2025.

This after media reports erroneously reported that the MTBPS would be tabled in January next year.

“It is unfortunate and reckless for the publication to have reported the date without having verified the information with the National Treasury. Parliament today published its programme for the fourth term, which indicates 12 November 2025 as the calendar date for the MTBPS tabling.

“National Treasury officials are hard at work with MTBPS engagements and preparations,” the Treasury said in a statement on Monday.

Parliament confirmed the date – revealing that the National Assembly (NA) Programme Committee has resolved that Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana will table the MTBPS, “in line with constitutional and legislative requirements governing the budget process”.

“Furthermore, the NA agreed that it will consider and adopt the MTBPS on 13 January 2026, following the conclusion of the necessary committee processes.

“This year’s later tabling and consideration of the MTBPS is the direct knock-on effect of the national budget itself having been tabled later than usual, owing to well-documented challenges already in the public domain. As a result, subsequent processes in the budget cycle, including the MTBPS, have had to be adjusted accordingly.

“Parliament has therefore ensured that these processes remain aligned with constitutional requirements, while accommodating the unavoidable delays without compromising scrutiny, accountability, or public participation,” Parliament Spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo explained.

The Budget was re-tabled on 21 May 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

President Ramaphosa wishes the Jewish Community Shanah Tova

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his warm compliments to South Africa’s Jewish community for the celebration of Rosh Hashanah (New Year).

President Ramaphosa said: “I wish our Jewish community Shanah Tova as you spend this time in prayer for forgiveness and in celebration of a fresh start in all areas of life.

“We are blessed as a nation that Rosh Hashanah 2025 takes place in the week in which we observe Heritage Day, as the Jewish community and Judaism are an integral and valued part of our cultural and religious diversity.

“This time of prayer is a time for reflection on suffering and conflict unfolding in different parts of the world, and for recommitting ourselves to tolerance, peace and justice.

“May the year ahead be filled with good health, safety and prosperity.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Deputy President to lead 2025 Heritage Day celebrations 

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President to lead 2025 Heritage Day celebrations 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, acting as the President, will officiate the 2025 Heritage Day celebrations at Bridgeton Sport Grounds in the Oudtshoorn Local Municipality, Western Cape.

Taking place on Wednesday, 24 September 2025, the event is organised in collaboration with the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the Western Cape Provincial Government.

According to the Presidency, this year’s Heritage Month is celebrated with the theme: “Re-imagine Our Heritage Institutions for a New Era.”

This year’s Heritage Day will focus on the importance of leveraging heritage as a foundation for building a dynamic, socially responsive, technologically innovative and economically inclusive future.

The celebrations on Wednesday are expected to focus on how society, through culture, continues to evolve in response to social, economic, and technological challenges.

“It will also focus on museums as custodians of memory and knowledge, and as institutions that are uniquely positioned to lead the shift. 

“Museums are at the heart of transformation and are part of heritage sites that are traditionally tasked with the collection, preservation, and exhibition of cultural artefacts,” the advisory read. 

Over the years, the Presidency stated that there has been a need for museums to urgently reposition themselves as spaces of relevance, innovation, and community engagement. 

“South Africa’s heritage sector has long been a cornerstone of our national identity, collective memory and reconciliation. So, our museums as cultural and heritage institutions play a vital role in healing communities and preventing the recurrence of past injustices,” said the Deputy President. 

He added that there was a growing need to re-evaluate how heritage is understood and accessed by the citizens, in line with the country’s evolving social, economic and technological challenges.

“Thus, the commemoration of Heritage Month this year provides us with a timely opportunity to reflect on this shift and explore how memory can be transformed into momentum by using heritage as a tool for innovation, job creation, social cohesion, as well as nation-building,” Deputy President Mashatile added. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile

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