Category: Africa

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SA’s SADC Chairpersonship to prioritise economic growth, job creation

Source: Government of South Africa

SA’s SADC Chairpersonship to prioritise economic growth, job creation

South Africa has outlined its main priorities for its Chairpersonship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with a strong emphasis on driving economic growth and job creation, while strengthening peace and regional stability.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says the priorities are informed by the region’s growing young population and the need for SADC economies to create opportunities at a pace that matches demographic growth.

Speaking at the SADC Council of Ministers meeting in Durban on Wednesday, Lamola said South Africa’s 2026 – 2027 Chairpersonship would focus on four strategic areas: peace, security and stability; accelerated industrialisation; infrastructure development, and social and human capital development.

READ | South Africa assumes Chair of SADC Council of Ministers with a focus on peace, regional integration

“It brings responsibility into our hands to ensure that the level of economic growth and job creation is on par with this reality of a growing population. We must be responsive to this reality, and it means it cannot be business as usual. This Council of Ministers needs to guide this region. How do we contribute to change the tide of events on our continent?” the Minister said.

On peace and security, Lamola said South Africa would work to strengthen the region’s collective response to security and political challenges.

“We will promote peace, security and stability. The security of one Member State is inseparable from the security and stability of the entire Community,” he said.

SADC’s history of collective action, Lamola said, remains one of its greatest strengths.

“Our regional bloc has a proud history of collectively responding to threats to peace and security in our region. Time and again, we have demonstrated that regional solidarity remains our greatest strength in addressing emerging security and political challenges,” the Minister said.

On the economic front, South Africa will prioritise accelerated industrialisation through agricultural transformation, critical minerals beneficiation, increased regional trade and the development of regional value chains.

Lamola said the region must use its mineral wealth to drive local economic development rather than continue exporting raw materials.

“There is a growing consensus that rising demand for critical minerals presents a unique opportunity for our region’s economic and social development.

“Reversing this pattern requires us to beneficiate our resources, build regional value chains and trade more with one another,” Lamola said.

Infrastructure development will also be central to the Chairpersonship, with South Africa seeking to strengthen the energy, transport, ports, digital and water networks that support regional economic activity.

“We will champion the expansion and modernisation of the infrastructure that connects our region,” Lamola said.

He said stronger regional infrastructure is essential to expanding manufacturing and creating employment.

“Without these foundations, regional manufacturing cannot expand. At only 10% of GDP, it cannot generate employment on the scale our region requires.” 

Lamola said the region’s youthful population makes job creation an urgent priority, noting that nearly 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25.

“This means our economies and level of job creation must be on par with population growth.” 

The priorities will also be underpinned by a focus on gender equality, climate resilience and disaster risk management.

Lamola said South Africa would approach its SADC Chairpersonship as a collective responsibility, working with Member States to advance regional integration and shared prosperity.

“As Southern Africa’s most industrialised economy, we recognise the duty and obligation to place our capabilities at the service of regional integration and shared prosperity. We approach the Chairpersonship in that spirit, with humility, purpose and a commitment to work with every Member State,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa assumes Chair of SADC Council of Ministers with a focus on peace, regional integration

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa assumes Chair of SADC Council of Ministers with a focus on peace, regional integration

South Africa has assumed the Chairpersonship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers with a commitment to advance peace and security, accelerate regional industrialisation, strengthen infrastructure connectivity and invest in the region’s human capital.  

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola formally accepted the SADC Chairpersonship for 2026 – 2027 on behalf of South Africa during the SADC Council of Ministers meeting in Durban on Wednesday. 

The Minister said South Africa accepted the responsibility with a clear understanding that the Chairpersonship was a collective mandate that must be exercised in the interests of the entire SADC Community.

“It is with great humility and a profound sense of responsibility that, on behalf of the Republic of South Africa, I accept the SADC Chairpersonship for 2026 – 2027.

“This is a collective responsibility that we must discharge in the interests of our community, guided by the principles of solidarity, unity, sovereign equality and shared prosperity,” Lamola said.

READ | SADC Executive Secretary highlights regional progress, challenges at Council of Ministers meeting

The Minister outlined four strategic priorities that will guide South Africa’s tenure under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa. These include promoting peace, security and stability; accelerating industrialisation through agricultural transformation, critical minerals beneficiation and increased regional trade; expanding and modernising infrastructure, and strengthening social and human capital development.

Harnessing the region’s mineral wealth

Lamola said South Africa would place particular emphasis on ensuring that the region derives greater economic value from its abundant critical mineral resources.

“There is a growing consensus that rising demand for critical minerals presents a unique opportunity for our region’s economic and social development,” he said.

Nearly 30% of the world’s proven critical mineral reserves are found in the region, including approximately 50% of the world’s cobalt reserves and 20% of its graphite reserves.

However, Lamola cautioned that mineral wealth alone would not guarantee development, unless countries moved towards beneficiation, regional value chains and increased intra-regional trade.

“Yet, we know too well that this opportunity is not a foregone conclusion. We know from earlier chapters in our unfolding story that our region’s wealth has nourished economies far and wide, while our own economies have remained trapped in old patterns of extractive accumulation.

“Reversing this pattern requires us to beneficiate our resources, build regional value chains and trade more with one another,” Lamola said.

South Africa will also seek to advance the objectives agreed at the Skukuza retreat, including a target of 50 percent intra-SADC trade and the beneficiation of critical minerals at source.

Currently, trade between countries in the bloc stands at about 20%, highlighting the significant scope for expanding regional markets and economic cooperation.

Infrastructure key to regional industrialisation

Lamola said South Africa would also champion investment in infrastructure capable of connecting economies and supporting industrial development across the region.

He identified reliable energy, efficient transport corridors, modern ports, integrated digital networks and dependable water systems as essential foundations for regional connectivity and the movement of goods and services.

“Without these foundations, regional manufacturing cannot expand. At only 10% of GDP, it cannot generate employment on the scale our region requires,” he said.

The focus on industrialisation and infrastructure is closely linked to the region’s need to create employment opportunities, particularly for its growing young population.

Lamola noted that Africa has the youngest population in the world, with a median age of 19 years and nearly 60% of the population under the age of 25.

By 2030, he said, one in four young people globally would be African.

“This means our economies and level of job creation must be on par with population growth.”

Migration requires regional solutions

The Minister also placed migration and human mobility firmly within the broader regional development agenda.

He acknowledged the growing public debate in South Africa around irregular migration, border integrity, access to economic opportunities, and pressure on public institutions and communities.

However, he stressed that responses to irregular migration must remain lawful and protect human rights.

“As we address the legitimate concerns of our citizens, we equally and forcefully reject all forms of vigilantism and human rights violations. Addressing the challenges associated with irregular migration must occur within an orderly and lawful framework.”

Lamola said migration should not be viewed solely through a security lens, arguing that the movement of people across the region is often linked to economic opportunity and employment.

He pointed to Durban’s own history as evidence of the contribution of regional labour mobility to South Africa’s industrial development.

“Indeed, as Durban’s story shows, our country’s industrial development immensely benefited from the large labour pools from our region and beyond,” he said.

South Africa will, therefore, encourage SADC Member States to sign the protocol on the free movement of people to support regular and orderly migration.

“We are hopeful that, together, we can chart a path towards holistic and long-lasting solutions to the migration challenges facing our region. We call on countries within our bloc to sign the protocol on the free movement of people to enable regular and orderly migration,” Lamola said.

Building a peaceful and prosperous SADC 

South Africa’s Chairpersonship, Lamola said, comes at a time of significant global uncertainty, marked by great power competition, climate-related disasters, the threat of pandemics and changing economic policies in advanced economies.

He said these developments reinforced the need for SADC countries to strengthen regional solidarity and build resilient economies.

“The people of our Community yearn for a region where they can thrive, where their countries trade with each other, where advanced infrastructure connects them to their neighbours and where jobs and economic opportunities are plentiful,” he said.

He said the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020 – 2030 already provided the framework for achieving this vision. He, however, stressed that regional plans must translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.

“Let us use this moment to renew our commitment to bridging the distance between the ambitions expressed in our regional instruments and the capacity of our institutions to realise them.”

Lamola further pledged that South Africa would use its position as the region’s most industrialised economy to support deeper regional integration and shared prosperity.

“As Southern Africa’s most industrialised economy, we recognise the duty and obligation to place our capabilities at the service of regional integration and shared prosperity. We approach the Chairpersonship in that spirit, with humility, purpose and a commitment to work with every Member State.”

Lamola also wished Zambia peaceful elections ahead of that country’s 13 August 2026 polls.

“Allow me to conclude by wishing Zambia to hold free and fair elections on the 13th of August 2026. Democracy remains the cornerstone of development. We wish the people of Zambia peaceful elections.”

South Africa’s assumption of the SADC Chairpersonship follows Zimbabwe’s tenure and will run until 2027. – SAnews.gov.za

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Uganda: Government (Gov’t) seeks Shs2.6 billion waiver as Kilembe Mines winds up

Source: APO

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development is seeking a Shs2.6bn tax arrears waiver for Kilembe Mines Limited as the government-owned company winds up to pave way for a new mining company.

The amount accrued from the unpaid annual mineral rents by Kilembe Mines Limited when they held the mining licence, the State Minister for Minerals, Hon. Sidronius Okaasai, told the Committee on Finance, Planning and Economic Development on Wednesday, 12 August 2026.

Section 189 of the Mining and Minerals Act, Cap. 159 requires a mining company to pay annual mineral rents to government, which shall be payable before the grant of a mineral right, and thereafter annually on the anniversary of the grant until the termination of the mineral right concerned.

The non-payment of annual mineral rent fees was flagged by the Auditor General for the year ended December 2024, who advised the accounting officer to explore the possibility of writing off Kilembe Mines’ receivable.

“The exploration licenses expired in 2022; however, the arrears of the related annual mineral rent remain an obligation of Kilembe Mines Limited. We request the committee to allow us to write off this arrear as we process the transfer of licence to the new contractor,” Agnes Alaba, Commissioner for Geological Survey and Minerals at the ministry said. 

Sheema Municipality legislator, Hon. Dicksons Kateshumbwa urged the ministry to present their plans to mitigate environmental hazards, such as floods that hampered the operations of Tibet-Hima and Kilembe Mines Limited so that the new mining company does not fall prey.

Madi-Okollo District Woman Representative, Hon. Joanne Okia expressed worries about the future of Ugandans in employment who would be affected by the winding up of Kilembe Mines Limited.

On the other hand, Hon. Patrick Nsamba Oshabe (NUP, Kassanda County North) was hesitant to grant the waiver request while the process of winding up Kilembe Mines Limited is still ongoing.

“Why are you rushing to seek a waiver when the winding-up process is still ongoing, after all you said Kilembe Mines Limited is not party to the new mineral production sharing agreement?” he said.
 
Kilembe Mining Limited, which is 99 percent owned by government took over the mining licence from Tibet Hima Limited, which failed to redevelop Kilembe mines, leading to the cancellation of the concession in 2017. Kilembe Mining Limited has since also failed to meet its key obligations as far as copper mining is concerned.

It should be noted that in 2025, government signed a new mineral production sharing agreement with a joint company comprising Sarrai Group Ltd, Nile Fibreboard Ltd and Uganda National Mining Company Ltd, for the exploration, development, production and processing of minerals at Kilembe Mines. 
The new mining company is now expected to produce copper by 2029. 

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

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South Africa: Public Service Committee Welcomes Public Service Commission’s (PSC) Guidance on Political Study Groups and Urges Close Monitoring

Source: APO


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The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration today welcomed the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) efforts to provide clarity on the participation of public servants in political party study groups and stressed that the guidance must be supported by monitoring and clear institutional controls.

The committee has been vocal in emphasising that legitimate interaction between political leadership and the administration must not blur the constitutional requirement for a professional and impartial public service. The PSC on Wednesday briefed the committee on its Advisory Note on the Participation of Public Servants in Political Party “Study Groups” and Related Informal Engagements. The Commission also presented its Good Practice Guide on Executive Recruitment in the Public Sector and the Use of Technical Experts.

The PSC told the committee that political parties may lawfully maintain internal caucuses and study groups for political and parliamentary coordination. Its concern, however, arises where public servants participate in informal party-political structures discussing official government business outside formal governmental or parliamentary processes. The Commission told the committee that there is no constitutional or legislative prescript authorising such participation outside formal processes.

The committee noted the important distinction the Commission draws between inappropriate political-party engagement and legitimate interaction between political leaders and officials. The PSC recognises that interaction between political leadership and the administration is necessary and constitutionally contemplated, provided it takes place through authorised, transparent and accountable structures.

The committee Chairperson, Mr Jan de Villiers, said the issue is not whether political parties are entitled to establish internal study groups, “but it is clear from the published PSC note that public service members must not attend these meetings as they compromise the objectivity, professionalism and apolitical nature of public service members as envisaged in section 195 of the Constitution.”

Mr de Villiers said this distinction is particularly important because public servants must be able to provide professional and technical advice to political office-bearers without becoming politically aligned. He also highlighted an additional risk – the possibility of political pressure or intimidation associated with officials attending partisan political forums. He cautioned that an official attending a partisan political meeting could be exposed to subtle or overt pressure arising from the influence political office-bearers may have over that official’s career. Even where no such pressure is applied, institutional arrangements should avoid placing professional officials in a position where that risk can arise, the Chairperson said.

The PSC identified several governance risks, including the erosion of administrative impartiality, real or perceived political bias, unequal access to government information and the undermining of multiparty parliamentary oversight. The Commission emphasised that even where improper conduct cannot be established, the perception of political alignment can itself damage confidence in the integrity of public administration.

Committee members welcomed the clarity provided but had questions relating to implementation of the Advisory Note and sought more detail on how compliance will be monitored. They also wanted to know whether the PSC has assessed any study-group engagements since issuing the Advisory Note and what consequences will follow in cases of non-compliance. Another concern related to how lower-ranking officials will be protected if instructed by senior officials or executive authorities to attend inappropriate engagements and how directors-general and heads of department will be held accountable for managing the political–administrative interface. Several committee members were also interested in how this will work in an environment of coalition and multiparty government, and how departments can distinguish legitimate multiparty executive engagement from informal partisan political activity.

The committee stressed that monitoring of compliance will be important in determining whether the Advisory Note produces meaningful changes in practice. The PSC informed the committee that it intends to continue assessing risks at the political–administrative interface through departmental engagements, targeted assessments, risk-based sampling, oversight inspections and integrity and ethics monitoring.

Committee members also welcomed the PSC’s Good Practice Guide on Executive Recruitment and its work to establish a pool of independent technical experts to participate in the recruitment of senior executives. The Guide seeks to strengthen executive recruitment processes, promote merit-based appointments and encourage the involvement of independent technical expertise in the assessment of candidates for senior leadership positions.

Mr de Villiers stressed that when departments interfere in recruitment, disregard merit or fail to appoint people capable of doing the work, ordinary South Africans ultimately pay the price through failing public services, with the greatest impact often falling on those who are most dependent on the state. He also encouraged the PSC to explore closer collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs around its digitisation programme and secure identity systems. He noted that stronger digital identification could assist with the verification of applicants and their qualifications as well as help address problems such as ghost employees.

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

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Uganda: MPs call for shift from disaster relief to preparedness

Source: APO

Members of Parliament have called on government to invest more in disaster preparedness and irrigation than repeated reliance on emergency food relief, which is unsustainable.

MPs made the call following a statement to Parliament by the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Sam Engola, on the status of disasters and government interventions. Engola presented the statement during the plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, on Wednesday, 12 August 2026.

Engola said government is distributing relief food to 313,987 households in 480 parishes across the nine districts of Karamoja, with each household expected to receive 20kg of maize flour and 10 kg of beans.

The intervention follows acute food insecurity in Karamoja, where approximately 473,000 people are facing crisis-level food insecurity or worse, including 41,000 classified under emergency.Adjumani District Woman MP, Hon. Jesca Ababiku, said government should prioritise irrigation to protect farmers from recurrent drought, and tasked the Agriculture Ministry to revisit its abandoned irrigation programme in the district.

“The issue of irrigation is key, the Ministry for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries did some site surveys in Adjumani district, five years ago, but nothing has happened. We are one of the worst hit areas with drought that has affected programmes under parish development model,” Ababiku said.
Napak District Woman MP, Hon. Faith Nakut, commended government for taking food directly to parishes but questioned the sustainability of relief interventions.

“Reports indicate that food distributed is finished; sustaining food relief is a difficult job,” Nakut said, adding that “Government has invested Shs45 billion this time. What about the next time. That is why I ask for the support of farmers to grow their crops.” 

She also advised that government prepare for possible flooding following the drought saying, “we are battling with drought, what about flooding expected in weeks’ time? I implore government to deploy equipment for desilting. Let water move, otherwise this House will be burdened by many disasters related requests,” said Nakut.Gulu City Woman MP, Hon. Betty Aol Ocan, called for restoration of government food reserves so as to be disaster prepared.
“We cannot wait for people to die in order to come to their rescue. There used to be silos – big government stores to keep food for help in times of disasters,” she said.

Hon. Francis Adome Lorika (NRM, Moroto Municipality), said about 2,000 households in his constituency have not received food and called for long-term solutions, proposing irrigation and planned resettlement of communities from disaster-prone areas.

Government is meanwhile developing an El-Nino contingency plan amid warnings of possible above the normal rainfall between September and December 2026. The plan will provide for the interventions to be
implemented before, during and after the El-Nino rains, and will cover key sectors including agriculture and food security, works and transport, health, Minister Engola said.

Other interventions, according to Engola include a multi-sectoral dissemination of messages on early El-Nino warnings, ensuring that local governments enforce environmental laws that prevent people from settling in disaster prone areas. 

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

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South Africa ushers in ETA to make international travel easier, more secure

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa ushers in ETA to make international travel easier, more secure

South Africa has taken a major step towards transforming the way international travellers enter the country with the official launch of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) — a digital system President Cyril Ramaphosa says will make travel easier, faster and more predictable, while strengthening border security.

Launching the system at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa described the reform as far more than the introduction of a new digital platform, saying it represents the aspirations of the South Africa of the future.

“This is far more than the introduction of a new digital platform. It is a statement about the kind of country we are building.

“It is about making South Africa more open to opportunity, more welcoming to legitimate travellers, more secure for our citizens and more competitive in the global economy,” the President said. 

The launch comes as government continues its programme of structural reforms aimed at removing barriers to economic growth, investment and job creation.

President Ramaphosa said the ETA would support tourism, trade, investment and the exchange of skills and knowledge, while simultaneously improving the integrity of South Africa’s borders and the country’s ability to manage migration effectively. 

“The Electronic Travel Authorisation system will make travel to South Africa easier, faster and more predictable. It will encourage tourism. It will support trade. It will attract investment.

“It will facilitate skills and knowledge exchange, and at the same time, it will strengthen the integrity of our borders and improve our ability to manage migration effectively,” the President said. 

From the border to the economy

President Ramaphosa placed the reform within the broader global competition for tourists, investors, students, conference delegates and highly skilled professionals.

He said unnecessary delays and cumbersome administrative processes could encourage people to choose other destinations, making visa reform an economic intervention rather than simply an immigration reform.

“Visa reform is not simply an immigration reform. It is an economic reform. It is a jobs reform,” the President said. 

With unemployment, particularly among young people, remaining a major national challenge, President Ramaphosa said every reform must ultimately contribute to creating work and expanding opportunities for South Africans.

“The Electronic Travel Authorisation answers that question with a resounding ‘yes’,” he said. 

He highlighted the economic activity that can flow from increased international arrivals, including hotel bookings, restaurants, tour operators, flights, conferences, exports and investment.

“More visitors mean more hotel bookings, more restaurants filled, more tour operators employed, more flights, more conferences, more exports, more investment, and more opportunities for South Africans to earn an income and build a better future,” he said. 

A digital gateway to South Africa

The ETA forms part of the Department of Home Affairs vision — Home Affairs @ home — , which seeks to move towards a fully digital department capable of providing secure, efficient, accessible and world-class public services. 

Under the new system, eligible travellers will be able to apply online from anywhere in the world without having to visit a South African mission or visa processing centre. 

Applications are expected to be processed more quickly, with more predictable decisions and an improved travel experience. 

The system was initially introduced in four strategic source markets including China, India, Indonesia and Mexico, in support of South Africa’s hosting of the G20 Presidency.

Government is preparing to expand the system to additional countries, while digital processing is expected, over time, to extend beyond visitor authorisations to work visas, study visas and other immigration services.

President Ramaphosa said the initiative represents the beginning of a much broader transformation of South Africa’s immigration system.

Faster travel, stronger border security

While the reform is designed to make lawful travel easier, the President stressed that greater efficiency should not be mistaken for weaker border controls.

“Let me be absolutely clear. A modern immigration system is not a weaker immigration system. It is a smarter immigration system,” the President said. 

He said technology would enable government to obtain more information about travellers before they arrive, while strengthening biometric verification, identity management, risk assessment and border security.

“It helps us identify those who seek to abuse our immigration system, while making lawful travel faster and easier,” he said. 

The President said the ETA would strengthen both economic openness and national security, in line with government’s Comprehensive Approach to Migration Management.

A border experience that reflects a modern South Africa

During his visit to the processing facilities, President Ramaphosa was taken through the ETA processing systems by Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato.

The demonstration included a tourist whose application was used to test the system. The traveller’s visible reaction to the speed of the process underscored the practical difference the new digital system is intended to make for people entering South Africa. 

The demonstration provided a real-time glimpse of the experience government wants international visitors to have: a process that is efficient and digitally enabled, without compromising the country’s security requirements.

The President said the launch was fittingly being held at OR Tambo International Airport, South Africa’s busiest gateway to the world and a place bearing the name of struggle icon Oliver Reginald Tambo. 

“For many years, OR Tambo travelled the world to rally support for the struggle against apartheid. He carried South Africa’s hopes across continents.

“He took South Africa to the world. Today, through this new system, we are strengthening the way in which the world comes to South Africa,” the President said. 

He said the system honours that legacy by ensuring that South Africa’s welcome is “not only warm, but also modern, efficient and secure.” The launch of the ETA comes at a time the country marks its Milestones of Freedom campaign, which is themed, “Honouring the Past. Delivering the Future”. The year-long initiative, which was launched in June, promotes social cohesion, reflects on the nation’s hard-won democracy, and pairs historical remembrance with active community service delivery.

Part of a wider reform programme

The ETA is being implemented as part of the broader structural reforms under Operation Vulindlela, which was established in 2020 to address longstanding constraints to South Africa’s economic growth.

President Ramaphosa said these constraints had affected electricity, logistics, telecommunications, water infrastructure, the ease of doing business and the immigration system.

He pointed to reforms across these areas as part of a comprehensive effort to remove barriers to growth, investment and job creation.

“These are not isolated reforms. Together, they are removing barriers to growth, investment and job creation. They are making South Africa a more competitive economy,” the President said. 

He said the progress demonstrated that meaningful reform was possible when government worked with purpose, urgency and partnership.

Government working as one

The President said the success of the ETA would depend on close cooperation between the Department of Home Affairs, the BMA, the South African Revenue Service, the Department of Tourism, South African Tourism, the aviation industry, diplomatic missions, technology partners and the private sector.

He described South Africa’s borders as strategic national assets, where security, trade, tourism, logistics and economic development intersect.

“Our borders are not merely points of entry. They are strategic national assets. They are where security, trade, tourism, logistics and economic development come together. They demand that government functions as one integrated system,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa commended the Department of Home Affairs, the BMA, participating government departments, technology partners and other stakeholders for their contribution to bringing the reform to life. 

He said the achievement should give South Africans confidence that government’s reform programme is delivering measurable progress.

A new chapter in South Africa’s global footprint

President Ramaphosa said the ETA ultimately represents a vision for a South Africa that is simultaneously open and secure, a country capable of welcoming legitimate travellers,while protecting its borders and advancing its economic interests. 

“Today’s launch is about much more than visas. It is about the future of our country.” 

He said South Africa must be a country that welcomes the world with confidence, attracts investment, embraces innovation and ensures that public institutions are efficient, modern and responsive.

“This is the country we are building. It is a country that understands that economic growth requires both openness and security. It is a country determined to compete with the best in the world.

“Above all, it is a country committed to creating work, expanding opportunity and improving the lives of all its people,” the President said.  – SAnews.gov.za

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Seychelles: Minister Barry Faure’s message of condolence on the passing of Ambassador Dick Esparon

Source: APO – Report:

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It is with profound sadness that I have learned of the passing of Ambassador Dick Esparon, a distinguished son of Seychelles, parliamentarian, diplomat, and dedicated public servant whose life was marked by an unwavering commitment to the service of our nation.

Ambassador Esparon’s contribution to Seychelles spanned several decades, encompassing exemplary service in both national governance and international diplomacy.

He entered the National Assembly in 1993 as the elected representative for Pointe Larue and served three consecutive terms, earning the renewed trust of his constituents in 1998 and 2002. In 2006, his parliamentary leadership was recognised when he was elected Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.

His distinguished career subsequently expanded into the diplomatic arena. In July 2007, he was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and became Seychelles’ first resident High Commissioner to India, presenting his credentials to President Pratibha Patil in February 2008. During this tenure, his diplomatic oversight extended to Singapore, Australia New Zealand and Sri Lanka. In 2011, he broke further ground as Seychelles’ first resident Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, based in Abu Dhabi.

Following the completion of his diplomatic postings, Ambassador Esparon was appointed as Secretary of State for Poverty Alleviation, bringing his wide-ranging experience back home to address vital social priorities.

Ambassador Esparon rejoined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2019 in his capacity as Ambassador responsible for Indian Ocean countries.

Through these diverse roles, Ambassador Esparon made monumental contributions to Seychelles’ public service and to the advancement of our country’s interests abroad. He belonged to a seminal generation of public servants who helped shape modern Seychellois institutions and solidify our nation’s standing within the international community.

On a personal note, I remember Ambassador Dick Esparon with profound respect and warmth. Beyond his official titles and diplomatic achievements, he was a valued colleague, a trusted friend, and a steadfast patriot.

Among his many achievements, two highlights of his recent work stand out vividly:

* Impact on Poverty Alleviation: During the administration of the 4th President, his visionary leadership as Secretary of State brought about remarkable, tangible improvements in poverty alleviation, uplifting vulnerable families across Seychelles.

* Political Revitalisation: Following the party’s move into opposition in October 2020, Ambassador Esparon worked tirelessly alongside the 6th President to revitalise and rebuild the United Seychelles Party. His strategic dedication during those challenging years laid the firm foundation that paved the way for the party’s historic election victory in late 2025.

His intellect, resilience, and deep loyalty to the Seychellois people will leave an enduring mark on all of us who had the honour of working alongside him.

On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, and on my own behalf, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, former colleagues, and friends.

May they find comfort in the extraordinary life he led, the selfless service he gave, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.

May the soul of Ambassador Dick Esparon rest in eternal peace.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

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Western Cape Government Strengthens Financial Response to Severe Weather Damage

Source: APO – Report:

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On Wednesday, 12 August 2026, Premier Alan Winde chaired a meeting of the Western Cape Government Cabinet.

Cabinet received an update on the cost of the ongoing recovery efforts following a series of severe weather events that affected the Western Cape in May 2026.

The scale of the damage and losses has been assessed at R9.979 billion, with the cost of repairs and recovery expected to exceed the Western Cape Government’s current affordability levels. As a result, provincial budgets will need to be reprioritised to ensure that critical recovery work can continue.

Cabinet noted that the Western Cape Department of Local Government has submitted a funding application to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), through the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), seeking financial assistance to address the funding shortfall for identified infrastructure repair and restoration requirements.

Further correspondence has also been submitted requesting that the Western Cape Government’s funding application be tabled before the relevant National Treasury Committee for consideration under the national provisions relating to unforeseeable and unavoidable expenditure.

Cabinet approved financial commitments to various provincial government departments, amounting to R480 million from the province’s 2026/27 Unforeseen and Unavoidable Reserve.

Premier Winde said, “As a province we cannot wait for lengthy disaster relief processes from National Government to be finalised. We must act decisively. We have excellent financial management mechanisms in place and a contingency reserve which we now have to exhaust because our economy and communities cannot be held ransom by damaged infrastructure.”

This funding will enable departments to intensify response and recovery efforts while the Western Cape Government awaits confirmation of additional funding from the NDMC.

Premier Winde said the funding allocation will continue to support critical interventions needed to restore essential services and public infrastructure.

“The magnitude of this disaster requires us to work even harder to secure every available rand needed to rebuild damaged infrastructure and support affected communities. The financial impact extends across multiple departments, which adds urgency to our response. We are committed to doing everything possible to ensure that recovery efforts continue without delay.”

Cabinet committed to ensuring the funding process is managed transparently and responsibly.

Premier Winde also stressed that the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, against the backdrop of a changing climate, requires government to strengthen its preventative measures and become more proactive.

“We cannot only respond after disaster strikes. We must also do more to reduce the risks before these events happen,” said Premier Winde.

This includes accelerating preventative measures such as cutting and maintaining firebreaks, clearing invasive alien vegetation from waterways and water bodies, improving stormwater systems, and strengthening the maintenance of critical infrastructure.

– on behalf of Western Cape Government: Office of the Premier.

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Eritrea: Call for enhanced role in documenting cultural heritage

Source: APO – Report:

At a meeting held in Barentu on 11 August, a call was made for enhanced participation by the public, particularly youth and experts, in efforts to explore and document the rich cultural heritage of the Gash Barka Region and pass it on to future generations.

The meeting reviewed activities carried out by the Culture and Sports Department in the region, in collaboration with partners, to preserve and document tangible and intangible heritage. It also assessed the progress made and discussed future programs.

Mr. Idris Saleh, Director General of Culture and Sports in the region, said that a number of cultural heritage elements that had been on the verge of extinction have been properly documented by an expert-led committee and are being showcased at regional and national events.

Mr. Idris also commended the public and the committees for their contributions and participation in promoting the region’s rich tangible and intangible heritage at various forums, including the national festival.

The participants adopted various recommendations, including the continuation of cultural competitions at the administrative-area level, the strengthening of exploratory and research activities on cultural heritage, and enhanced public participation in these efforts.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Mercuria renforce son engagement dans le secteur des minéraux critiques en Afrique à la veille de son partenariat « Bronze » avec l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Alors que les marchés des matières premières entrent dans une nouvelle ère marquée par une demande croissante en minéraux critiques, Mercuria Energy Group étend rapidement sa présence mondiale grâce à des acquisitions majeures, des coentreprises stratégiques et des investissements dans les infrastructures. Dans ce contexte, la société participera en tant que partenaire Bronze à l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, qui se tiendra au Cap du 12 au 16 octobre, où elle dialoguera avec les gouvernements africains, les compagnies pétrolières nationales et les leaders du secteur sur les opportunités d’investissement énergétiques de nouvelle génération.

La dernière expansion de Mercuria s’inscrit dans une stratégie axée sur la maîtrise d’actifs physiques parallèlement à ses opérations de négoce mondiales. En juin 2026, la société a signé un accord de commercialisation et un mécanisme de prépaiement des stocks avec Lotus Resources. Cet accord permettra de commercialiser environ 1,3 million de kg d’uranium provenant de la mine de Kayelekera au Malawi sur une période de 30 mois, renforçant ainsi le rôle du pays dans l’approvisionnement mondial en combustible nucléaire tout en témoignant de la confiance croissante des investisseurs dans les actifs miniers africains.

La société renforce également sa présence en République démocratique du Congo (RDC), l’un des principaux producteurs mondiaux de minéraux critiques. En février, Mercuria a finalisé ses premiers achats de cuivre et de cobalt issus d’une exploitation responsable auprès de l’Enterprise Générale du Cobalt, à la suite d’un accord stratégique visant à renforcer la traçabilité tout au long des chaînes d’approvisionnement minières artisanales. Ce partenariat favorise une plus grande transparence tout en élargissant l’accès des minéraux congolais aux marchés internationaux.

Mercuria continue d’accroître son engagement financier envers le secteur minier africain grâce à un financement par prépaiement à grande échelle qui fournit aux producteurs des capitaux de développement en échange d’accords d’approvisionnement à long terme. Cette approche aide les exploitants miniers à obtenir des financements en dehors des circuits bancaires traditionnels, tout en soutenant la nouvelle production de minéraux essentiels à l’électrification, à la fabrication de batteries et aux technologies de pointe.

La société a également été associée aux discussions concernant le projet de développement de chaînes d’approvisionnement occidentales en minéraux critiques, articulées autour de la mine de Kipushi en RDC. En soutenant des structures de financement pour le cuivre, le zinc et d’autres minéraux stratégiques, Mercuria renforce le rôle de l’Afrique en tant que fournisseur à long terme des ressources nécessaires à la croissance industrielle mondiale et à la transition énergétique.

Ces investissements s’appuient sur une situation financière considérablement renforcée. Mercuria a enregistré une hausse de 88 % de son bénéfice au premier semestre 2026 et a par la suite réinvesti ses bénéfices non distribués afin de renforcer ses fonds propres plutôt que de verser des dividendes. En juin 2026, la société a encore accru sa capacité à financer des investissements à grande échelle en obtenant une ligne de crédit renouvelable multidevises de 3,84 milliards de dollars, apportant ainsi des liquidités supplémentaires pour soutenir de futurs projets, notamment sur les marchés africains.

« L’accès à des financements innovants et aux marchés mondiaux des matières premières sera essentiel pour libérer pleinement le potentiel énergétique et minier de l’Afrique », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie. « Les investissements croissants de Mercuria dans les chaînes de valeur des minéraux critiques et des ressources africaines font de l’entreprise un atout précieux pour l’AEW 2026, où les leaders du secteur définiront les partenariats nécessaires pour mener la prochaine phase de croissance du continent. »

La participation de Mercuria à l’AEW 2026 intervient alors que les producteurs africains cherchent à bénéficier d’un meilleur accès aux capitaux, à l’expertise en matière de négoce et à des partenariats commerciaux capables d’accélérer le développement des ressources. Alors que les pays recherchent de nouveaux investissements dans les hydrocarbures, les minéraux critiques et les infrastructures associées, l’approche intégrée de l’entreprise en matière de financement, de commercialisation et de négoce de matières premières offre un modèle pertinent pour la mise en œuvre de projets à grande échelle à travers le continent.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.