Category: Africa

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Keynote address by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile on the occasion of the G20 High-Level Intergenerational Roundtable, Sandton Convention Centre, Gauteng

Source: President of South Africa –

Master of Ceremony, Ms Noni Khumalo;

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi;

Minister of Human Settlements, Ms Thembi Simelane;

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli;

Statistician-General of South Africa, Ms Risenga Maluleke;

NYDA Executive Deputy Chairperson, Karabo Mohale and her entire Executive;

The SAYEC Executive led by Executive Chairperson Bonga Makhanya, and President Kanakana Mudzanani;

Our Youth Led Economy Panel;

All Young People present;

Good Morning,

It is an honour to be here today after I have just returned from a very successful Working Visit to the Russian Federation, where our delegation was warmly welcomed and engaged in an intense programme aimed at deepening bilateral trade and economic ties between South Africa and Russia.  

As you all know, Russia has a longstanding relationship with South Africa, stretching back to the fight against apartheid. Our visit thus allowed us to consolidate those historic ties, while also committing to strengthening political, bilateral, economic, and trade relations today. 

Amongst other engagements, we visited the Saint Petersburg University, established in 1735, which trains a number South Africans and has relationships with nearly all universities in our own country. One of the pleasing aspects about the institution is that it has committed to teaching isiZulu and isiXhosa to improve people-to-people relations and cultural diplomacy between the two countries. 

I also participated in the SPIEF Youth Academy, under the auspices of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025. The SPIEF Youth Academy is a platform designed to inspire and support talented youth, focusing on practical content and formats. It aims to provide opportunities for young leaders to fulfil their potential, support mentorship, and engage them in solving global socio-economic issues.

What fascinated me most, was the level of expertise and knowledge in the use of artificial intelligence and digital technology. This has further strengthened my belief that we too in South Africa, must invest in this area of work because we are living in the knowledge economy, and it is a requirement for us to be globally competitive. 

We must follow the heed of Professor Tshilidzi Marwala by including artificial intelligence, machine learning and computational intelligence  work in the Early Childhood Development curriculum for young people. 

Equally, we must continue to invest in scientific training to remain competitive in nuclear medicine because we need more Professors like Professor Sathekga at the University of Pretoria, Professor Vilakazi at Wits University, and Mathematics Professors such as Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng. 

This is the only way we can be globally competitive, but also importantly, this will ensure that as a nation we can be self-reliant.

We are also gathering today, at a moment when the world is on the brink of war. We in the South uniformly condemn the attacks on the Iranian people. We are optimistic that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran will hold. 

As South Africans, we fully understand the impact of war and instability on ordinary people and continue to make a call for a permanent truce in all conflicts around the world. We therefore urge all young people throughout the world to unite and advocate for peaceful solutions in every platform.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Those who work closely with me will tell you that I always find immense joy and satisfaction in interacting with young people.

When young people participate actively in discussions and decision-making processes, they provide unique perspectives and ideas that assist in shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Youth activism has been a significant force in history, with young people frequently leading social and political movements, even in the chronicles of history.

Young people consistently devised strategies to advocate for change, they led protests and organised themselves, frequently opposing the status quo and striving for a more promising future.

It is impossible for instance to discuss the liberation of South Africa without acknowledging the contributions of youth activists such as Hastings Ndlovu, Hector Pieterson, and Tsietsi Mashinini, who organised the mass demonstration that revolutionised our nation.

Through the scattered blood of these young souls on June 16, 1976, and in remembrance of others who perished for the same cause, such as Stanza Bopape, Solomon Mahlangu, Ashley Kriel, and Steve Biko, today South Africa has attained political freedom.

Indeed, we have achieved political freedom, yet economic freedom remains elusive. Hence the involvement of young people in tackling current issues like unemployment, inequality, and poverty is still as crucial as it was in the apartheid era. The question that confronts us therefore, is how can we further involve young people in addressing these challenges?

First and foremost, as I have said before, we need to create opportunities for their meaningful participation in solutions and decision-making processes. This involves ensuring that individuals have access to education and opportunities that improve their skills, support youth-led initiatives, and promote inclusive economic growth.

We need to turn our attention to youth capabilities and development to empower young people to unleash their untapped potential. When we invest in youth development, we tap into this potential and convert it into a force for positive change and sustainable development.

Today’s topic, “Building Youth Capabilities for a Developmental State: Advancing Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” is an imperative. Investing in the capabilities of young people is essential for achieving meaningful solidarity, enduring equality, and sustainable development.

South Africa stands at a defining moment in its democratic journey.

The G20 provides South Africa with a strategic opportunity to frame global policy discussions around the capabilities of young people as agents of inclusive economic transformation, inclusivity, and sustainability.

This presents an opportunity for the African people to take charge of their own development. It is a call to reshape the global order toward justice, equity, and sustainability through the leadership and capabilities of our youth.

It is necessary for me to acknowledge that youth around the world, including South Africa, is confronted with a complicated terrain of potential and difficulties.

The growth of the Global South and the evolving nature of international cooperation are two examples of the shifts in global power dynamics that have a substantial influence on this generation.
In other words, we are witnessing a multi-polar shift of global power.

The Global South is asserting its voice. Institutions like BRICS, the African Union, and now our Presidency of the G20 reflect a growing consensus: that development must be inclusive, people-centred, and youth-driven.

This presents a collective moment for us to re-frame global discourse. A moment to insist that Africa’s youth are not passive recipients of aid or policy, but agents of innovation, enterprise, and governance.

Our presence here in these multilateral platforms, however, is not without historical weight. South Africa continues to advocate for equitable participation in the Global South.

This is a significant moment for renewal and inclusion, and that means ensuring that we leave no one behind. And the role of young people is crucial in shaping a more inclusive and stable global order.

Compatriots,

The African Union’s Agenda 2063 reminds us that the youth are Africa’s greatest asset’.

Africa is the world’s youngest continent, and if we do not leverage this demographic dividend into inclusive growth, we risk wasting our own future potential.

Young people can build the Africa we want.
An Africa that is well defined in the Agenda 2063, Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future.

Agenda 2063 encapsulates not only Africa’s aspirations for the future but also identifies key flagship programmes which can boost Africa’s economic growth and development and lead to the rapid transformation of the continent.

These include the Integrated High-Speed Train Network, the flagship Grand Inga Dam Project, the Single African Air Transport Market and the African Continental Free Trade Area. 

The African Continental Free Trade Area presents unprecedented opportunities! 
We must intentionally empower youth-owned businesses to participate in intra-African trade through simplified trade regimes, digitised customs, and youth quotas in procurement and export support.

We are pleased to announce that South Africa has officially ratified the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area. This milestone is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a decisive policy action that signals our intent to mainstream gender and youth equity within intra-African trade policy.

The protocol is significant because it operationalises the inclusion of woman-led and youth-led enterprises in regional and global value chains. It mandates the removal of structural trade barriers, prioritises access to information, finances, and markets, as well as requires state parties to create enabling legal and policy environments for inclusive economic participation.

In a continent where women and young people make up the majority of the population and yet remain on the margins of formal trade, this protocol helps to rewire trade systems to reflect demographic and developmental realities.

South Africa’s ratification means we are committed not only to advocating for inclusive trade but also to designing trade systems that are fit for purpose. This inclusion reinforces South Africa’s leadership role on the continent and supports the broader message of building youth capabilities for a developmental state.

We understand that we need young people to meaningfully build capable, ethical, and developmental states. We must integrate youth into national and continental planning frameworks, not just as beneficiaries but also as co-architects of development.

As you always say, “Nothing for us without us.” And indeed we cannot make decisions about the youth without them.

This resonates with the ideals we have, to build a sustainable world, investing in intergenerational skills transfer, mentorship and co-leadership.

For the many young people trapped in high degrees of informality and pervasive cycles of unemployment, a functioning and competent government is their only opportunity of breaking free from marginalisation.

Therefore, the first and most pressing priority of our government is the promotion of inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, employment, and reducing inequality.

Our Government has laid foundational work to resolve the imminent challenges faced by young people:

· Over 70% of government funding for post-school education now goes to no-fee universities and TVET colleges. The National Skills Fund and NSFAS support over a million students, with a specific focus on scarce and future-fit skills.

· Through the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative, over 1.7 million temporary and full-time jobs have been created since 2020. These include roles in education, social services, and digital economy pilots.

· Programmes like the SA Youth.mobi platform have registered over 4 million young job-seekers, connecting them to work and training opportunities.
These efforts should indeed scale to match the number of young people that are in search of economic opportunities.

The South African Government will bring more focus towards:

· Strengthening education-to-employment pipelines that prepare youth for participation in both traditional industries and emerging sectors.

· Investing in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), particularly in green manufacturing, sustainable infrastructure, and digital services.

· Support and formalising informal sectors and revitalising the township economy linked with industrialisation efforts, allowing young entrepreneurs to contribute meaningfully to economic revitalisation.

· Provide incentives for youth inclusion in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), support for cooperatives, and start-up capital through development finance institutions. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The time has come for us to move beyond inclusion as a moral goal and make it a measurable outcome.

In this regard, it is important for the economy to strengthen the viable pathways for youth inclusion.
We have noted that young people complain about the red tape and bureaucratic hurdles they need to overcome to access services designed to support and scale their entrepreneurial efforts.

The Presidency has established a specialised unit focused on enhancing the business climate by addressing regulatory obstacles. This team is adopting a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach, engaging various government departments and entities to streamline processes and enable business growth.

Key interventions in this regard will target the removal of administrative bottlenecks in strategic sectors. These include improvements to the mining licensing framework, facilitation of tourism transport permits, and streamlining of visa and work permit processes, as well as regulatory support for early childhood development services and the informal economy.

For us to achieve our developmental goals, we need to create an enabling ecosystem that removes red tape, fosters entrepreneurship, and ensures youth-led businesses can scale, trade, and thrive.

Our way forward must be bold and measurable:

· We will anchor youth inclusion in every major pillar of our G20 Presidency, from climate finance and trade facilitation to digital transformation and skills mobility.

· We will institutionalise intergenerational co-leadership in governance frameworks, moving beyond consultation to shared power and shared design.

· We will work with regional and global partners to implement targeted reforms that enable young people to start businesses, access capital, and engage in cross-border trade. 

The youth of South Africa, 

As South Africa prepares for the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November, we do so with the consciousness that global leadership must be grounded in domestic credibility and continental solidarity. 

The developmental state we seek to build is not a theoretical construct; it must be a living architecture built on the capabilities, aspirations, and contributions of its young people.

This roundtable has made one thing clear: youth are not merely beneficiaries of policy; they are builders of nations. We must now ensure that the decisions we take at multilateral forums reflect this truth. We look forward to receiving your submissions on how we can champion a new development compact where the youth agenda is not marginal but mainstreamed into public policy, budgeting, and delivery.

Let the G20 remember that Africa is young!

South Africa is ready, and we want young people to take the lead in the developmental and transformation agenda. The future is yours, and you are the future!

Stand up, persevere, and confront every challenge with persistence. We are here to provide you with the support you need as you navigate this process.

I thank you.
 

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Eastern Cape June floods declared a national disaster

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Eastern Cape Province has officially been declared a national disaster zone in response to the widespread destruction caused by recent severe weather events.

Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC, Zolile Williams said the declaration, made under the Disaster Management Act (Act No. 57 of 2002), comes amid heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds, and snowfall that have battered large parts of the country, with the Eastern Cape being the hardest hit.

Highlighting the provincial government response to the June disaster, Williams said the Department of Social Development, in partnership with private sector organisations, has extended crucial psychosocial support to displaced families, bereaved communities, and schools affected by the loss of learners.

“These services, which encompass counselling and emotional debriefing, are foundational to the healing and recovery process. Given the profound impact of the incident, we recognise this journey may be prolonged for those most deeply affected,” the MEC said. 

The Department of Health has also deployed on-site healthcare services, providing medical assistance and replacing chronic medication that was swept away by the floods to those in need.

Ongoing assessments are also being conducted to assess health risks in temporary shelters.

Over 400 ID applications received

Williams also reported that the Department of Home Affairs has been active in various shelters across the Amathole and OR Tambo districts, assisting families with applications for essential documents, including Identity Documents (ID), birth and death certificates.

To date, 478 identity document replacement applications have been submitted, through assistance from three mobile units deployed in each of the two districts.

Local schools have resumed classes and provisions were made for learners who missed exams due to the disaster. Postponed examination papers were also written on 23 June 2025.

“Through the Department of Education, we have begun to deliver Learner and Teacher Support Material lost or destroyed during the disaster. We are also ensuring that uniform sets for learners in the flood affected schools has also resumed through the Provincial Department of Education.” 

Restoration of basic services 

Despite the devastation, significant progress has been made with the restoration of water and electricity in affected areas. 

According to Williams, the electricity supply has been restored to over 80% of affected customers, with over 95% of the water supply having been restored in OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities, which were the most affected areas. 

However, Williams noted that the floods caused significant damage to roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.

He said the costs of repairing damaged infrastructure is estimated at R5. 1 billion, and this include about R3. 2 billion required across sector departments and R 1. 8 billion for the Municipal Infrastructure, as per MISA [Municipal Infrastructure Support Management] assessments. 

A total of 6 869 households were affected, with 4 724 people left homeless across the province, except for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, whilst 2 145 homes were partially damaged.

“R461 million is required for Temporary Residential Units (TRUs), however, the province has R120 million rand, and we are looking to national government for an intervention in this area,” Williams said.

Housing support and temporary shelters

The Department of Human Settlements, in partnership with OR Tambo District Municipality, has activated mass-care shelters, including community halls and bed-and-breakfast facilities for displaced families in OR Tambo and Mnquma. 

Williams said these arrangements will be operational for at least 30 days.

“The Provincial Government is [also] securing land to facilitate the delivery of Temporary Residential Units and permanent housing, ensuring that our response addresses both urgent needs and long-term stability for these vulnerable communities. 

“Currently, land has been identified in Mnquma for approximately 1 100 temporary residential units, while in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, land has been identified and we await a council resolution on the matter,” the MEC said.

The floods caused extensive damage to road infrastructure, with the total repair estimated at R935 million. The Department of Transport has reprioritised R102 million from its budget, leaving a shortfall of R832 million.

Emergency road clearance operations are underway, but 29 roads in Chris Hani and 22 in OR Tambo districts remain impassable. Internal teams began major repairs on 23 June 2025, and alternative routes are currently being used.

In terms of public facilities, 431 schools and 69 health centres have been affected across the province. suffered damage. Repair work to the value of R600 000 has been completed on healthcare facilities.

In the agricultural sector, interventions have been made in terms damage assessment, provision of veterinary services and technical advice.

“In the main, farmers have lost 1 339 units of livestock, 1 803 hectares of crops have been destroyed, suffered damages to machinery, irrigation material such as pipes and risers, water tanks and fencing materials,” Williams said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Health Minister responds to misinformation on COVID-19 vaccine

Source: South Africa News Agency

Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has expressed serious concern about a “sustained“ campaign of misinformation and disinformation regarding the COVID-19 vaccines. 

Recently, in what appears to be a deepfake video, SABC news anchor Oliver Dickson is seen to be interviewing Professor Salim Abdool Karim, the Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA). 

During the fake interview, Abdool Karim is depicted as making claims that the COVID-19 vaccine is causing harm and resulting in fatalities.

“The latest fake news campaign, driven by artificial intelligence applications, has targeted a distinguished South African scientist, Abdool Karim, who is portrayed as warning South Africans about the purportedly deadly effects of the COVID-19 vaccines that… saved the lives of many South Africans during the difficult time of the pandemic,” the department said.

The department believes that this campaign is being led by some unscrupulous individuals, who are promoting their business interests. 

It said these people are determined to spread distorted and malicious information about the alleged negative effects of COVID-19 vaccines to promote their harmful remedies, which pose a risk to the health of South Africans.

“According to our information, these actions are meant to hoodwink members of the public into buying fake heart medicine. This is done through mail order, and the fake product is not working or is making people feel even sicker.” 

Abdool Karim and the organisation he leads, CAPRISA, have also distanced themselves from these videos by imposing a “fake news” stamp on all the circulating videos.

The department has also since done its part by joining the fake news alert on social media.

“Minister Motsoaledi condemns in the strongest terms possible the fake news campaign by these charlatans with business interests who, for their nefarious reasons, are determined to create confusion among the people for the sake of immoral profiteering,” the department said. 

The Minister has since appealed to all to reject these remedies that purportedly cleanse the victim’s blood vessels and improve heart performance. 

“Motsoaledi encourages all South Africans to continue to embrace all life-saving vaccines approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority and the National Department of Health.

“The Minister, therefore, calls upon all South Africans to close ranks, isolate the forces of darkness and join the fight against misinformation and disinformation in the best interests of South Africa and all its people,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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“West Africa has the potential to sustainably transform its food systems,” says Ms. Bintia Stephen-Tchicaya, Acting Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Subregional Coordinator for West Africa


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The 2025 Regional Report on Food and Nutrition Security in the Sahel and West Africa, reveals that nearly 52 million people in the region are affected by food insecurity. In an interview with the African Press Agency (APA news), Ms. Bintia Stephen-Tchicaya, Acting Subregional Coordinator of the FAO Office for West Africa said that despite the alarming figures reported, “the region has all it takes to sustainably transform its food systems,” said.

Recently appointed to head the office overseeing 15 West African country programs, she focuses on innovation, resilience, and inclusion to address the structural and cyclical challenges facing West African agriculture.

During the interview, Ms. Tchicaya presented the priorities of her mandate. She outlined her vision and ambition for the subregion to “build more inclusive, sustainable, competitive, and nutrition-sensitive food systems, based on the “Four Betters” strategy promoted by the FAO: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.”

She also emphasized that despite the combined effects of conflict, climate change, and economic volatility, viable solutions can be found. These include participatory approaches such as Farmer Field Schools (FFS), support for nutrition-sensitive agricultural policies, and the implementation of green hubs as part of the Great Green Wall initiative. “In Senegal, for example, we contributed to updating the agro-sylvo-pastoral orientation law, which now includes the fisheries sector, food systems and the climate change dimension,” she explained.

“On the operational front, FAO has developed participatory approaches such as Farmer Field Schools and Dimitra clubs, which after years of implementation, have proven effective in driving behavior change and strong community engagement. These approaches are now being scaled up by the government and civil society organizations”, she said, adding “On the environmental front, the FAO supports the Senegalese government in implementing the Reforestation Agency and the Great Green Wall program, a bold initiative aiming to establish seventy resilient green hubs across arid and semi-arid areas between 2023 and 2032.”

Faced with the decline in traditional funding, Ms. Stephen-Tchicaya calls for increased and diversified resource mobilization, focusing on: “Public-Private Partnerships, a multi-donor approach, climate and green financing, strengthened engagement with non-traditional donors (emerging countries, philanthropic foundations, regional financial institutions), increased inter-agency cooperation, community and civil society involvement, as well as South-South and triangular cooperation.”

Ms. Stephen-Tchicaya also emphasized FAO’s strategic role in strengthening early warning systems, supporting agricultural governance, and using digital technologies and artificial intelligence to increase productivity, improve livestock traceability, and combat livestock theft, a phenomenon that is on the rise in the region.

“FAO actively contributes to surveillance and early warning, particularly in the area of ​​food security, through its participation in the regional system for the prevention and management of food crises (PREGEC), coordinated by the CILSS. FAO also has tools such as the Global Information and Early Warning System (GIEWS), which enables precise monitoring of the agricultural season and provides harvest forecasts. FAO will continue this support while investing more in disaster risk prevention and reduction, particularly through anticipatory actions implemented before crises worsen. FAO’s true added value in the region lies in this connection between early warning and rapid response.”

Furthermore, Ms. Tchicaya emphasized the importance of digital solutions for securing pastoral livelihoods: “We are convinced that the digitalization of the livestock sector constitutes an innovative and essential solution to protect pastoralists in the face of this unprecedented phenomenon in West Africa,” she argued.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Tchicaya issued a strong call for collective mobilization. “We must act together—governments, technical and financial partners, the private sector, and civil society—to build resilient and sustainable food systems that meet the aspirations of West African populations,” she pleaded.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

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Government honours Mama Abigail Kubeka with tribute concert

Source: South Africa News Agency

Government honours Mama Abigail Kubeka with tribute concert

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), through its Van Toeka Af Living Legends Recognition Series, will host a landmark tribute concert in honour of the iconic Mama Abigail Kubeka, celebrating an extraordinary 68-year contribution to South Africa’s music, arts, and cultural landscape.

This tribute forms part of the department’s ongoing commitment to “give them their flowers while they can still smell them” — a core principle of the Van Toeka Af Living Legends Recognition Series. 

Launched in 2023, the Van Toeka Af Living Legends Recognition Series recognises artists whose work has left an indelible mark on South Africa’s cultural heritage. It also provides sustainable support through platforms such as the Living Legends Legacy Fraternity Trust (LLLFT). 

This one-night-only event will unite more than 25 legendary performers, all offering their time and talent in tribute to a woman whose voice, grace, and artistic influence have helped shape the soul of South African culture.

Directed by renowned saxophonist and composer Khaya Mahlangu, the concert will feature performances from luminaries, such as Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Faith Kekana, Mandisa Dlanga, Khanyo Maphumulo, and Stella Khumalo. 

The audience can also look forward to musical contributions from icons, including Sipho Mabuse, McCoy Mrubata, Babsy Mlangeni, and Fana Zulu, with a powerful opening performance by Zenzi Makeba Lee alongside the Miriam Makeba Band.

“Mama Abigail Kubeka is more than a performer — she is a living archive of our nation’s cultural memory. For nearly seven decades, her voice has carried the spirit of resistance, healing, and hope. Honouring her is both a duty and a privilege, reminding us that our greatest cultural treasures still walk among us, guiding us with wisdom and unmatched artistry.

“The Van Toeka Af programme is about legacy, memory, and dignity. It says to our artists: we see you; we thank you, and we honour you. It ensures that future generations know whose shoulders they stand on and gives recognition to those who created beauty and meaning during some of South Africa’s darkest hours,” the department said.

Kubeka’s career began in the 1950s, and she remains one of the last surviving artists to have performed alongside greats such as Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela during the apartheid era. Her body of work spans film, television, jazz, theatre, and activism — a legacy that continues to uplift and inspire generations.

The concert will take place on Saturday, 5 July 2025, at 6pm at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria.

This tribute follows in the footsteps of past Van Toeka Af honours bestowed on cultural giants, including Dr John Kani and Dr Tete Mbambisa. 

These recognition events serve not only as emotional homecomings for the honourees, but also as national moments of reflection on the country’s cultural journey and future – SAnews.gov.za

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Le Président Ndayishimiye a participé dans la prière du dernier jeudi de juin à Shombo


Le Chef de l’État Burundais et Président du Conseil des Sages du CNDD-FDD, Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye s’est joint aux membres du parti CNDD-FDD de Gitega pour une prière d’action de grâce de ce dernier jeudi de juin, dans les enceintes du Centre de Formation Polytechnique et de Reconversion Professionnelle de Rusi (CEFORE-RUSI).

“Nous devons laisser notre passé lourd s’endormir dans le passé et ainsi regarder, tous ensemble, dans la même direction d’un futur meilleur”, a martelé le Numéro Un Burundais appelant les élus à servir de vrais leaders et non des politiciens.

Cette prière a également offert l’opportunité au Chef de l’Etat, d’exhorter les bagumyabangas à rester fidèles à la promesse de Dieu, à chercher la justice de Dieu et à être serviables envers le peuple, rappelant que les Burundais ont amorcé une marche paisible vers la vision dans l’unité.

La prière oecuménique du jour a vu la participation d’une foule nombreuse venue particulièrement de la commune Shombo, la première à avoir voté en faveur du CNDD-FDD dans la province de Gitega.

Dans sa prédication, le Curé de la paroisse Sainte Marie Madeleine de Shombo Abbé Jérémie Ndagijimana a saisi l’occasion d’appeler les Bagumyabanga pour la crainte et le respect de Dieu en évitant toute sorte d’iniquités. Il n’a pas également manqué de saluer le leadership du Président Ndayishimiye, avant d’appeler tous les Burundais à son soutien en faveur du développement durable.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.

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World Bank Approves Health Resilience Project to Protect Lives and Strengthen Emergency Response in Mozambique


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The World Bank has approved the Mozambique Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Project, an initiative to strengthen the health system’s ability to deliver essential services consistently and equitably. The project targets underserved and climate-vulnerable areas by investing in human resources, infrastructure, and systems that ensure continuity of care during emergencies. This project is part of a regional program to strengthen health security across Eastern and Southern Africa.  

Mozambique faces frequent floods, cyclones, disease outbreaks, and other emergencies that disrupt health services and put lives at risk. Many communities lack sufficient and trained health workers, access to essential medicines, and the tools to detect and respond quickly to crises. The project seeks to address these gaps by:

  • Strengthening the health workforce capacity, particularly in high-risk areas, by improving recruitment, training, and retention systems;
  • Improving pharmaceutical supply chains by supporting the regulatory agency in bringing more transparency and speed to procurement processes, lowering and standardizing prices of health commodities to ensure access to medicines, particularly during crises; and
  • Enhancing disease surveillance and laboratory capacity to improve early warning and response systems to quickly detect and respond to health emergencies like cholera outbreaks or heatwaves.

The project also supports the development of climate-adaptive infrastructure and emergency preparedness plans, recognizing the growing health risks posed by climate change.

“Mozambique is already experiencing the health impacts of shocks and emergencies,” noted Luc Lecuit, World Bank Acting Division Director in Mozambique. “The program supports the government’s efforts to strengthen core health service delivery by investing in preparedness and resilience, ensuring services remain operational during floods, storms, and epidemics.”

Financed through a $201 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA)*, the initiative will be implemented over five years, concluding in September 2030.

“By prioritizing practical investments in the foundational pillars of the health sector, the Government of Mozambique is driving greater efficiency across the system and strengthening its emergency response capacity to protect lives,” said João Pires, World Bank Senior Health Specialist and Task Team Leader. “These efforts are paving the way for bold reforms to ensure the health system remains resilient and responsive, even under pressure.”

In parallel, the World Bank, together with other development partners, is increasing its support to the Mozambique health sector through a $63.7 million top-up to the ongoing District and Community Health Services Revitalization Project. This additional financing—comprising $8.7 million from IDA, $5 million from the Global Financing Facility, and $50 million from a multi-donor trust fund supported by Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland—will expand the project’s impact across the most vulnerable 63 districts of Mozambique. The operation focuses on improving access to quality primary health care, particularly for women, children, and adolescents, and strengthening service delivery at the district and community levels.

Both projects align with the forthcoming Mozambique’s Health Sector Strategic Plan (PESS, 2025-2034)  (PESS 2020–2024) and the National Adaptation Plan (2023), and complement regional efforts to strengthen health security across Eastern and Southern Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

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Key Policy Debates Shaping Africa’s Mining Future at African Mining Week (AMW) 2025


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As Africa positions itself at the forefront of the global energy transition, the continent’s mining sector faces pivotal policy decisions that will determine its role in the future supply of critical minerals. African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, taking place in Cape Town from October 1-3, emerges as a premier platform for stakeholders to engage in these crucial discussions, fostering collaboration and investment across the mining value chain.

Enhancing Value Addition and Local Content

African countries are increasingly focusing on in-country mineral processing to maximize economic benefits. Gabon, for instance, has reformed its mining code to offer tax holidays and modest royalties, aiming to boost the mining sector’s contribution to GDP to over 30% by the mid-2030s. South Africa is also encouraging investors to participate in local beneficiation initiatives, emphasizing the mining industry’s role in job creation and economic development. AMW 2025 will spotlight these initiatives, providing a platform for stakeholders to explore opportunities in value addition and discuss policies that promote local processing and industrialization.

Addressing Energy Challenges and Infrastructure Gaps

Reliable infrastructure and energy access are critical for mining operations. Projects like the $15.6 billion Lagos-Abidjan Highway, slated for construction in 2026, aim to connect multiple West African countries, facilitating the transport of minerals and boosting regional trade. AMW 2025 will explore innovative solutions and investment opportunities to enhance energy security and infrastructure, ensuring sustainable and efficient mining activities across the continent.

Formalizing Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) plays a significant role in Africa’s mining landscape, yet it often operates informally, leading to environmental degradation and social challenges. Efforts are underway to formalize ASM operations: Ghana is actively formalizing its ASM sector through a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing regulation, environmental sustainability and economic integration. Key measures include the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board, which centralizes the purchase and export of gold from licensed small-scale miners to curb smuggling and increase state revenue. At AMW 2025, sessions will focus on strategies and policies adopted by mineral-rich nations to empower small-scale mining operations, promoting responsible practices and integrating these operations into the broader mining economy.

ESG Compliance: Aligning with Global Standards

As global scrutiny around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices intensifies, African mining companies face mounting pressure to align with evolving sustainability expectations. According to an EY survey, international mining executives identified ESG as the top risk to their business in 2024, underscoring its growing strategic importance. At AMW 2025, dedicated sessions will explore how African operators can strengthen ESG compliance – minimizing environmental impact, promoting fair labor practices and aligning operations with global standards to remain competitive and responsible in a shifting investment landscape.

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Former attorney convicted of stealing RAF payouts

Source: South Africa News Agency

Former attorney convicted of stealing RAF payouts

A former attorney has been convicted on four counts of theft by the Mpumalanga Specialised Commercial Crimes Court after defrauding clients of their Road Accident Fund (RAF) claims.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mantladi Jo-Anne Mmela, committed the crimes when she was practising as a sole practitioner between June 2019 and March 2022.

“The accused lodged claims against the Road Accident Fund on behalf of her clients, which were subsequently paid out. The money was paid by the Road Accident Fund into the trust account of Mmela Incorporated Attorneys for the benefit of her clients, totalling an amount of over R4.1 million.

“The incident came to light after one of the victims reported that Mmela failed to pay her. An investigation ensued and led to the arrest of the accused in 2022,” the NPA said in a statement.

Mmela was subsequently granted bail. However, after absconding, she was re-arrested and remained in custody.

“During trial, the accused pleaded not guilty, and Senior State Advocate Henry Nxumalo presented evidence of the witnesses to prove the allegations levelled against her. The accused was convicted on four counts of theft, and the matter was postponed to 21 August 2025 for sentencing in the same court.

“The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the conviction as a significant step in the fight against the theft of trust monies by attorneys as breach of trust, more so the victims of motor vehicle accidents. The collaboration against fighting such crimes yielded positive results in this matter. 

“The NPA remains committed to fighting financial crimes and ensuring that those who deprive claimants of their monies are prosecuted,” the NPA said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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Russia advocates for multilateralism and stronger UN at G20 Sherpa meeting

Source: South Africa News Agency

Russia advocates for multilateralism and stronger UN at G20 Sherpa meeting

Russia’s G20 Sherpa, Svetlana Lukash, has highlighted the importance of multilateralism for ensuring global stability and sustainability, calling for ongoing dialogue and the strengthening of the United Nations.

“Multilateralism is the only thing that can keep the world together today and save us from collapse, save the economy from complete fragmentation, and ensure global growth and sustainability,” she said. 

Despite the current challenges of economic fragmentation and geopolitical tensions, Lukash said she remained optimistic.

“We must continue dialogue, no matter what divisions exist in our minds and policies.“

Lukash was speaking on the sidelines of the G20 Sherpa meeting on Thursday, where the world’s largest economies and organisations are convening at Sun City Resort in the North West.

Lukash is the Deputy Head of the Presidential Expert Directorate within the Presidential Executive Office of Russia. 

“I think the G20 is very well placed to keep multilateralism as a flag for all humanity. But indeed, what we always keep in mind is that we have the United Nations, and that is the main platform that we need to cherish and need to strengthen.“

She also cast the spotlight on South Africa’s groundbreaking G20 Presidency as a pivotal moment for inclusive international dialogue.

Lukash believes that the strategic vision of multilateralism extends beyond traditional diplomatic frameworks.

By inviting diverse stakeholders and opening dialogue with African neighbours and Global South representatives, Lukash said South Africa aims to create a more representative international platform.

“I think just having the Presidency in Africa for the first time and putting the interests of Africa and of the Global South on the top of the G20 agenda already gives the strongest signal to the world community that the time has changed.” 

She is of the view that the G20 should not be a closed forum where only 20 economies discuss issues that matter to the entire world.

“What South Africa’s Presidency did is help open the G20 in the interests of the global majority. That is amazing. So, I really praise what the Presidency is doing this year.”

The Sherpa said the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November represents a critical opportunity to demonstrate how multilateral approaches can address complex global economic challenges.

Lukash also recognised the ongoing geoeconomic fragmentation and geopolitical tensions, which include sanctions and tariff wars. 

However, she believes that the key multilateral priorities should focus on reforming global institutions such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO), addressing geopolitical tensions, and developing more inclusive mechanisms for economic cooperation.

Despite geoeconomic fragmentation and tensions, Lukash said Russia sees the G20 as crucial for global economic cooperation, particularly in trade, energy, and finance.

She told journalists that Russia’s key priorities for the G20 agenda align with South Africa’s goals, focusing on inclusive global growth, job creation, artificial intelligence governance, and critical minerals. 

The Sherpa also praised the bilateral relations between South Africa and Russia, particularly in economic cooperation and investments, and expressed full support for South Africa’s G20 priorities.

She said she was also grateful that South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile recently attended the St Petersburg International Economic Forum during his working visit to Russia. 

“We, as Russia, tried to ensure that he spent that time very productively, ensured a lot of discussions with all the government of the Russian Federation, aimed at increasing our cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations by ensuring investments and common economic cooperation between all countries. 

“[The Deputy President] very rightly points out the main issues that the investments need to be shifted to the countries of the Global South, and that’s what our President and the Deputy President discussed.”

Lukash has assured the South African government that Russia will support them “completely” in all their priorities and goals.

“We will do our best to make your G20 Leaders’ Summit a success.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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