Category: Africa

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Mogalakwena Municipality called to address dysfunctional wastewater treatment plants

Source: South Africa News Agency

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo has encouraged Mogalakwena Local Municipality to implement corrective measures to address the problem of dysfunctional wastewater treatment plants that largely contribute to the pollution of watercourses in the area.

Accompanied by Mogalakwena Municipality Mayor, Ngoako Thulani Taueatsoala and Lepelle Northern Water Board Chairperson, Dr Nndweleni Mphephu, Seitlholo recently conducted an oversight visit to several sites in within the municipality under Waterberg District, Limpopo.

The Deputy Minister visited dysfunctional wastewater treatment plants, and some households affected by malfunctioning sewer systems.

Seitlholo’s inspection included the Mokopane Wastewater Treatment Works, Old Masodi and Sekgakgapeng Oxidation Ponds, the Masodi Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the Doorndraai Water Treatment Works.

The Deputy Minister cited the Green Drop Report, which was released in 2023, and indicated that Mogalakwena Municipality has wastewater systems that are in a critical state, requiring significant attention and improvement.

The report highlighted a need for concerted effort to improve wastewater services, with a particular focus on addressing issues of effluent treatment.

“We are faced with a problem whereby 78% of the wastewater treatment works in Limpopo are in a critical state and dysfunctional, and that contributes to the contamination of water courses in the province due to raw or partially treated effluent that finds its way to the rivers and dams.

“Water pollution does not only have a negative effect on the quality of water, but it also has cost implications for municipalities to treat water in bulk. The municipality is therefore encouraged to develop a corrective action plan to address the identified shortcomings, as far as water pollution is concerned,” Seitlholo said.

Despite the challenges of the municipal wastewater treatment works, the Deputy Minister commended the Masodi Wastewater Treatment plant, which treats effluent to the required standard.

The plant is a multi-year public-private partnership project by Mogalakwena Municipality and is fully funded by Ivanplats Proprietary Limited Mine. It treats 10 megalitres a day (ml/d), which improves sanitation provision to Mokopane and the surrounding areas.

It also enables local industries to have access to the grey water for reuse from the treated effluent released from the plant.

“Masodi Wastewater Treatment plant is the only plant in Limpopo that is operating to treat effluent to the required standards, and this demonstrates the importance of public-private partnerships to improve water and sanitation services in the country.

“This was emphasised in the National Water and Sanitation Indaba held earlier this year, highlighting the need for public private partnerships to address water and sanitation challenges,” Seitlholo said.

Seitlholo also visited Sekhiming and Kuranta villages, within the Greater Giyani Local Municipality in Mopani District, to assess the Sand Water Extraction Project.

The project, implemented by Lepelle Northern Water, involves extracting water from the sand of the Molototsi River, which is known to store water and filter it naturally.

The initiative aims to provide a reliable water source for the surrounding villages, particularly during periods of drought.

“This is also part of the resolutions taken at the Water and Sanitation Indaba, to employ innovative and technological methods to ensure that communities across the country access reliable water.

“This project is part of a broader effort to address water scarcity in rural areas struggling with water shortages in Limpopo province, particularly those which have been severely affected by drought in recent years,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Steve Biko Academic Hospital lauded as a good model for the NHI

Source: South Africa News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded the state-of-the-art Steve Biko Academic Hospital as a model public health facility and a blueprint for the future of the National Health Insurance (NHI). 

The President described the hospital as a shining example of what quality public healthcare should look like. 

He said this during his oversight visit to the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) facility housed at the hospital in Pretoria on Tuesday.

He was accompanied by Ministers and Deputy Ministers including the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi and Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. 

WATCH | President’s visit to Steve Biko hospital 

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He highlighted how the Minister of Health had told him that private hospitals are often referring patients to this public hospital.
“It shows that this public hospital is a model for all the good things, and this is the future of what the National Health Insurance (NHI) is all about, because they would not be coming here if Steve Biko Academic hospital was not as good as it is. 

“I leave this place very impressed. When I went to some of the areas, I just saw [a] world-class type of facility that has been built, and even as one goes around the world, I don’t remember seeing many of such, and I’m usually impressed by technology most of the time. And when we say that we have the best on the continent and possibly in the world, this is what we have seen here,” the President said. 

The Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) facility is the only one of its kind on the continent, dedicated to cancer and TB drug development, advanced imaging, and clinical research. 

It reflects a successful collaboration between the Department of Health, Department of Science and Innovation, the University of Pretoria, and private sector partners.

Walking through the hospital’s departments, including the cardiac catheterisation laboratory and radiology units, President Ramaphosa commended the level of professionalism and excellence. 

He praised the diversity and competence of the staff, from cleaners to researchers as well as the facility’s cutting-edge equipment and cleanliness.

“I have seen the future of the NHI. It is here. And more importantly, as I’ve been going around talking to the doctors, scientists, and nurses, they are the ones saying to me: ‘we are ready for NHI.’ Those campaigning against it need to come here and see how it’s going to work,” the President said.

Women in health 

He also took time to applaud the high representation of women and young professionals in senior and technical roles at the hospital, calling it a powerful example of inclusivity and transformation in action.

“Women run this facility. They are researchers, professors, doctors, and nurses – delivering top-class healthcare. And I saw so many young people here; the future of our country,” the President said. 

Leadership recognition 

The President also singled out Professor Mike Sathekge, who heads the Nuclear Medicine Unit, for his outstanding leadership and global recognition.

“Let’s give Professor Sathekge a round of applause for being recognised globally as well. It isn’t often that you meet a guy who is black, who is from Limpopo, who is recognised in the way that he is,” the President said. 

Innovation 

He expressed admiration for the hospital’s homegrown innovation, highlighting the cardiology department, which has developed sophisticated medical equipment showcasing South Africa’s engineering and scientific capabilities.

He also lavished praise on Professor Andrew Sarkin who is an academic and clinical head at University of Pretoria and the hospital.
“The diversity of the talent that we have from various parts of our country makes this facility, this hospital, what it is. 

“I also applaud Professor Sarkin and his staff for the excellent work that they do. In here resides the talent, the engineering knowledge, and capability to be able to produce some of the best technologies that the medical world has ever seen. I really applaud the cardiology department,” he said. 

Upholding high standards

The President further praised the hospital’s cleanliness and organisation, crediting management and support staff for upholding high standards.

He called for the Steve Biko Academic Hospital model to be replicated across the country.

“This is how a hospital should be run. This is how a hospital should be managed. And this is what the NHI must look like,” he said.
The President’s visit to Steve Biko Academic Hospital served not only to showcase a leading healthcare institution, but also to reaffirm government’s commitment to building a future where all South Africans have access to high-quality public healthcare. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Ruzizi III Holding Power Company Limited invite Anzana Electric Group Limited à devenir un partenaire stratégique du projet hydroélectrique régional Ruzizi III

Lors du Sommet d’affaires États-Unis – Afrique à Luanda, en Angola, Ruzizi III Holding Power Company Limited (RHPCL) a annoncé la signature d’un accord d’invitation pour un partenariat potentiel significatif avec Anzana Electric Group (Anzana) (www.Anzana.com), visant à faire avancer le projet hydroélectrique régional Ruzizi III de 760 millions de dollars.

Le projet hydroélectrique régional Ruzizi III de 206 MW est le premier partenariat public-privé trinational du genre dans la région des Grands Lacs, formulé sur la base d’un partenariat entre le secteur privé (RHPCL) et les trois États contractants, le Burundi, la République démocratique du Congo (« RDC ») et le Rwanda.

Située sur la rivière Ruzizi, entre l’ouest du Rwanda et l’est de la RDC, la centrale hydroélectrique fournira une électricité fiable au profit du développement d’environ 30 millions de personnes au Burundi, en RDC et au Rwanda, dans une région où 54 % de la population vit sous le seuil de pauvreté et où seulement 24 % des habitants ont accès à l’électricité. Le projet doublera presque la capacité actuelle du Burundi, augmentera celle du Rwanda de 30 % et fournira une énergie de base et une énergie répartissable essentielles à l’est de la RDC, favorisant ainsi la croissance économique, l’intégration régionale et la sécurité énergétique dans l’une des régions les plus mal desservies d’Afrique.

« Les directeurs de RHPCL sont enthousiastes à propos de cette alliance stratégique potentielle et, en supposant un résultat positif du processus de partenariat, ont hâte d’ opérer l’expertise et l’expérience d’Anzana pour réaliser le plein potentiel du projet Ruzizi III, en étendant l’accès à l’énergie critique et en favorisant le développement dans la région », a déclaré Aleem Karmali, directeur de RHPCL.

Anzana, une société américaine d’électricité de premier plan qui développe, investit et exploite des projets de production et de distribution d’électricité en Afrique et dans la région des Grands Lacs, a exprimé son intérêt pour l’acquisition d’une participation minoritaire dans RHPCL.

« En tant que compagnie d’électricité américaine engagée à créer des opportunités en Afrique, Anzana est fière de s’associer à RHPCL et aux gouvernements du Burundi, de la RDC et du Rwanda en ce moment crucial », a déclaré Brian Kelly, PDG d’Anzana, lors du Sommet des affaires États-Unis-Afrique 2025 en Angola. « Ruzizi III fournira une électricité durable, abordable et fiable à des millions de personnes. Grâce à ce partenariat, nous alimentons non seulement les foyers, les communautés et les industries en électricité, mais nous contribuons également à l’intégration régionale, au renforcement de la sécurité et de la stabilité énergétiques, et ouvrons la voie à une expansion des investissements et des échanges commerciaux américains dans l’avenir énergétique de l’Afrique. »

Les deux parties s’engagent à négocier un accord de partenariat contraignant d’ici le 15 septembre 2025, aux termes duquel Anzana pourra acquérir au moins 10 % du capital de RHPCL. Cet accord définira les droits de gouvernance, les engagements d’investissement et la trajectoire de collaboration future.

Distribué par APO Group pour Anzana Electric Group.

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez contacter :
Aleem Karmali
directeur RHPCL
+254 724 787786

Thom Wallace
communications pour Anzana
thom.wallace@anazana.com

À propos d’Anzana Electric Group :
Anzana Electric Group est un développeur, investisseur et opérateur de premier plan de projets hydroélectriques et de distribution d’électricité en Afrique. Présent en Afrique de l’Est, en Afrique centrale et en Afrique australe, Anzana fournit une électricité fiable et abordable aux communautés, aux entreprises et aux industries. Son approche innovante des partenariats avec les gouvernements, les bailleurs de fonds du développement et le secteur privé de la région vise à libérer le potentiel des infrastructures électriques pour la croissance économique.

Pour plus d’informations, visitez www.Anzana.com

À propos de Ruzizi III Energy Holding Power Company Limited :
Ruzizi III Energy Holding Power Company Limited (RHPCL), une société à vocation spécifique enregistrée au Rwanda, est le partenaire du secteur priv projet Ruzizi III Energy Limited (la société PPP) créée, dans le cadre d’une structure de construction- opérer -transfert (BOOT), pour développer, construire et opérer le projet hydroélectrique régional Ruzizi III de 206 MW, l’une des plus grandes initiatives d’infrastructure de la région des Grands Lacs. Le projet est un partenariat public-privé entre RHPCL, la République du Burundi, la République démocratique du Congo et la République du Rwanda, et est situé sur la rivière Ruzizi, entre le Rwanda et la RDC. RHPCL est, pendant la phase de développement, principalement dirigée par Industrial Promotion Services (IPS Group).

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APO Group et Bytesview Analytics annoncent un partenariat stratégique pour renforcer la veille des médias en Afrique


APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), le chef de file panafricain des relations avec les médias et du conseil en communications, a le plaisir d’annoncer un partenariat stratégique avec Bytesview Analytics Private Limited, une société de technologie spécialisée dans l’intelligence artificielle et l’analyse des données.

Cette collaboration tirera parti de NewsData.io, un produit phare de Bytesview Analytics. NewsData.io est une plateforme d’agrégation et d’analyse qui fournit des données d’actualités en temps réel et historiques provenant de plus de 84 000 sources dans 206 pays et 89 langues. Elle est conçue pour soutenir la veille des médias, l’analyse des sentiments et la prise de décision fondée sur les données.

Grâce à ce partenariat, APO Group et Bytesview Analytics travailleront ensemble pour améliorer le suivi, l’analyse et la distribution des nouvelles africaines. APO Group intégrera les outils basés sur l’IA de Bytesview afin de fournir aux clients des informations plus approfondies sur la manière dont leurs récits sont reçus dans différentes langues et régions, en les aidant à mesurer plus efficacement la visibilité, l’impact et le sentiment du public.

« Il s’agit d’un exemple puissant de la manière dont les données intelligentes et les communications stratégiques peuvent s’unir pour générer de meilleurs résultats médiatiques », déclare Bas Wijne, CEO d’APO Group. « Notre partenariat avec Bytesview Analytics apporte une nouvelle profondeur aux services que nous proposons, en particulier en ce qui concerne le suivi et l’analyse de la couverture médiatique dans toute l’Afrique. »

« Nous sommes ravis de collaborer avec APO Group afin de renforcer notre visibilité en Afrique et de soutenir une narration renforcée grâce à des informations éprouvées et fondées sur des données », souligne Piyush Khatri, directeur de Bytesview Analytics. « Ce partenariat ouvre de nouvelles portes à notre équipe et aux organisations que nous servons. »

Distribué par APO Group pour APO Group.

À propos d’APO Group :
Fondé en 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) est le leader panafricain du conseil en communication et de la distribution de communiqués de presse. Réputés pour notre expertise africaine profondément enracinée et notre perspective globale, nous sommes spécialisés dans l’optimisation de la réputation et de la valeur de la marque des organisations privées et publiques à travers l’Afrique. En tant que partenaire de confiance, notre mission est d’exploiter le pouvoir des médias, en élaborant des stratégies sur mesure qui ont un impact tangible et mesurable en Afrique et au-delà.

Notre engagement en faveur de l’excellence et de l’innovation dans les stratégies de communication a été récompensé par des prix prestigieux, notamment un PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award et plusieurs PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. Nous avons été nommés Leading Public Relations Firm Africa et Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa en 2023, et Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa en 2024, lors des World Business Outlook Awards. En 2025, Brands Review Magazine nous a reconnus en tant que Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa pour la seconde année consécutive. Le magazine nous a également nommé Best PR Agency et Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa en 2024. En 2025, nous avons reçu la médaille d’or de la meilleure campagne RP et la médaille de bronze des événements hors catégorie aux Davos Communications Awards 2025. 

La clientèle estimée d’APO Group, qui comprend des géants mondiaux tels que Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, le PNUD, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes et Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflète notre capacité inégalée à évoluer dans l’écosystème médiatique africain complexe. Avec des équipes sur le terrain dans de nombreux pays africains, nous offrons des perspectives et une portée inégalées à travers le continent. APO Group se consacre à la refonte de la narration sur l’Afrique, à la remise en question des stéréotypes et à la présentation de récits africains inspirants à un public mondial. Notre expertise dans l’élaboration et l’accompagnement de campagnes de relations publiques dans le monde entier nous permet d’amplifier les messages des marques, de renforcer les réputations et d’établir un lien pertinent avec les publics cibles. 

À propos de Bytesview Analytics :
Bytesview Analytics Private Limited est une société technologique spécialisée dans l’analyse optimisée par l’IA et les solutions de données en temps réel. Fort d’une équipe dédiée de développeurs et de scientifiques des données, Bytesview fournit des produits numériques haute performance dans des secteurs tels que les médias, la fintech, l’edtech, le marketing, les sciences de l’environnement et la veille des réseaux sociaux.

NewsData.io, son produit phare, est une plateforme d’agrégation et d’analyse des actualités qui offre des données en temps réel et historiques grâce à une API intuitive pour les développeurs. La plateforme est conçue pour les chercheurs, les analystes, les développeurs, les professionnels des médias et les organisations à la recherche de données d’actualité structurées provenant de sources mondiales dans plusieurs langues.

Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez visiter :
www.Bytesview.com
www.NewsData.io

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Ruzizi III Holding Power Company Limited invites Anzana Electric Group Limited to become a Strategic Partner in the Ruzizi III Regional Hydropower Project

During the US – Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola, Ruzizi III Holding Power Company Limited (RHPCL) announced the signing of an Invitation to Partner Agreement for a potential pivotal partnership with Anzana Electric Group (Anzana) (www.Anzana.com), aimed at advancing the $760 million Ruzizi III Regional Hydropower Project.

The 206 MW Ruzizi III Regional Hydropower Project is the first of its kind tri-national Public Private Partnership in the Great Lakes Region, formulated on a partnership between the Private Sector (RHPCL) and the three Contracting States, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (“DRC”) and Rwanda.

Located on the Ruzizi River between western Rwanda and eastern DRC, the hydropower plant will supply reliable electricity to benefit development for approximately 30 million people across Burundi, the DRC and Rwanda, in a region where 54% live below the poverty line and electricity access averages just 24%. The project will nearly double Burundi’s current capacity, boost Rwanda’s by 30%, and deliver critical baseload and dispatchable power to eastern DRC, advancing economic growth, regional integration, and energy security in one of Africa’s most underserved regions.

“The Directors of RHPCL are enthusiastic about this potential strategic alliance and, assuming a successful outcome of the partnering process, look forward to harnessing Anzana’s expertise and experience to realize the full potential of the Ruzizi III Project, extending critical energy access and fostering development in the region,” said Aleem Karmali, Director for RHPCL.

Anzana, a leading American electricity company developing, investing in, and operating power generation and distribution projects in Africa and the Great Lakes region, has expressed an interest in acquiring a minority equity interest in RHPCL.

“As an American electricity company committed to powering opportunity across Africa, Anzana is proud to partner with RHPCL and the governments of Burundi, DRC, and Rwanda at this pivotal moment,” said Brian Kelly, CEO of Anzana, during the 2025 U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Angola. “Ruzizi III will deliver sustainable, affordable, and reliable electricity to millions. Through this partnership, we are not only powering homes, communities, and industries, we are helping to drive regional integration, strengthen energy security and stability, and pave the way for expanded U.S. investment and trade in Africa’s energy future.”

Both parties are committed to negotiating toward a binding Partnership Agreement by September 15, 2025, in which Anzana may acquire no less than a 10% equity stake in RHPCL. The agreement will outline governance rights, investment commitments, and the trajectory for further collaboration.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Anzana Electric Group.

For further information, please contact: 
Aleem Karmali
Director RHPCL
+254 724 787786

Thom Wallace
Communications for Anzana 
thom.wallace@anazana.com

About Anzana Electric Group:
Anzana Electric Group is a leading developer, investor, and operator of hydropower and grid distribution projects across Africa. With presence in East, Central, and Southern Africa, Anzana delivers reliable, affordable power to communities, businesses, and industries. Its innovative approach to partnerships with government, development funders, and private sector in the region is intended to unlock the potential that electricity infrastructure can bring to economic growth.

For more information visit www.Anzana.com

About Ruzizi III Energy Holding Power Company Limited:
Ruzizi III Energy Holding Power Company Limited (RHPCL) a special purpose vehicle registered in Rwanda, is the private sector partner to the project company Ruzizi III Energy Limited (the PPP company) set up, under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) structure, to develop, construct and operate the 206 MW Ruzizi III regional hydroelectric power project — one of the largest infrastructure initiatives in the Great Lakes region. The project is a public-private partnership between RHPCL, the Republic of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Rwanda, and is located on the Ruzizi River between Rwanda and the DRC. RHPCL is, during the development stage, mainly led by Industrial Promotion Services (IPS Group).

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Chad’s Secretary of State for Petroleum, Mines and Geology Joins African Mining Week (AMW) 2025


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Khadidja Hassane Abdoulaye, Secretary of State for Petroleum, Mines and Geology at Chad’s Ministry of Mines and Geology, has joined the upcoming African Mining Week conference as a speaker. Taking place from October 1-3, 2025, in Cape Town, the event is the continent’s premier event for mining stakeholders. Abdoulaye’s participation will be instrumental in spotlighting Chad’s vast mineral wealth, while connecting global mining stakeholders with emerging prospects in the Central African country.

During African Mining Week 2025, Abdoulaye will take part in high-level panel discussions, exclusive networking opportunities and targeted investment forums, promoting Chad’s mineral potential and secure strategic partnerships that will drive the country’s mining industry forward.

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.

Chad is home to significant but underexplored mineral resources, including natron – used in soap and medicine production – gold, uranium, bauxite, base metals and granite. While mining is largely occupied by artisanal operations, geological mapping and seismic surveys are currently underway to better understand the country’s mineral potential and unlock large-scale mining prospects. The Tibesti and Ouaddaï regions are rich in basement rock essential for the construction industry, while Tibesti also holds deposits of tungsten, tin, niobium and tantalum. Gold production, particularly in the Mayo-Kebbi region, is also currently dominated by small-scale mining operations.

To attract investment and foster international collaboration, Chad has enacted a series of policies and programs focused on modernizing its mining sector. In August 2024, Chad’s Ministry of Petroleum, Mines and Geology held discussions with Libya’s National Mining Corporation to explore cooperation opportunities in investment, project development, knowledge exchange and capacity building. With commercial-scale mineral reserves believed to lie along the Libyan-Chadian border in the Tibesti region, this partnership could play a pivotal role in unlocking the area’s full resource potential. As Chad expands exploration projects, African Mining Week presents an ideal platform for Abdoulaye to engage with prospective investors and technology providers.

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

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APO Group and Bytesview Analytics Announce Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Media Intelligence in Africa


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APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading Pan-African media relations and communications consultancy, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Bytesview Analytics Private Limited, a technology company specialising in artificial intelligence and data analytics.

This collaboration will leverage NewsData.io, a flagship product by Bytesview Analytics. NewsData.io is an advanced news aggregation and analysis platform that provides real-time and historical news data from over 84,000 sources in 206 countries and 89 languages. It is designed to support media monitoring, sentiment analysis, and data-driven decision-making.

Through this partnership, APO Group and Bytesview Analytics will work together to enhance the monitoring, analysis, and distribution of African news. APO Group will integrate Bytesview’s AI-powered tools to provide clients with deeper insights into how their stories are received across different languages and regions, helping them measure visibility, impact, and public sentiment more effectively.

“This is a powerful example of how smart data and strategic communications can come together to drive better media outcomes,” said Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group. “Our partnership with Bytesview Analytics brings new depth to the services we offer, especially in tracking and analysing media coverage across Africa.”

“We’re excited to collaborate with APO Group to strengthen our visibility in Africa and to support better storytelling with reliable, data-driven insights,” said Piyush Khatri, Director at Bytesview Analytics. “This partnership opens new doors for both our team and the organisations we serve.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.  

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024.  Additionally, in 2025, the Davos Communications Awards 2025 awarded us the Gold Award for Best PR Campaign and the Bronze Award for Special Event.

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences. 

About Bytesview Analytics:
Bytesview Analytics Private Limited is a technology-focused company specializing in AI-powered analytics and real-time data solutions. With a dedicated team of developers and data scientists, Bytesview delivers high-performance digital products across industries such as media, fintech, edtech, marketing, environmental sciences, and social media intelligence.

Its flagship product, NewsData.io, is a news aggregation and analytics platform that offers real-time and historical news data through a developer-friendly API. It is designed for researchers, analysts, developers, media professionals, and organizations seeking structured news data from global sources in various languages.

To learn more, visit:
www.Bytesview.com
www.NewsData.io

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Government must move to ensure that US funding cuts do not affect South Africa’s Research Excellence, says committee chair


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The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries, Mr Makhi Feni, has called on the Department of Higher Education to be proactive in plugging the gap left by the US cuts in grant funding that occurred earlier in 2025.

Mr Feni said a deliberate drive is needed, even if it means going on tour abroad to mobilise resources for research purposes. “The grant funding impact was massive and at a time when South Africa found itself operating in a fiscally constrained environment. We must not allow a situation where community-based research programmes suffer and get aborted due to this decision,” he said.

The Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, had informed the committee that work to address this issue is being done. In addition, the government had opted for a collaborative approach, as cuts affected programmes administer by the departments of Health and of Science and Technology. Minister Nkabane said a technical team has been set up to coordinate and collate the affected programmes.

Mr Feni said the committee welcomes the news that the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation is contributing to resource mobilisation. “We would appreciate if all these efforts yield results. Our institutions are research intensive and that is one area we excel in and could not lose momentum. The committee is looking forward to receiving the report on the sector-wide impact of the funding cuts,” Mr Feni said.

Minister Nkabane led a strong departmental delegation to present the department’s annual performance and strategic plans.

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

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Standing Committee on Appropriations Engages Department of Transport on 2025 Appropriation Bill


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The Standing Committee on Appropriations today raised several concerns regarding the Department of Transports’ (DOT’s) performance and infrastructure priorities during a briefing on the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

The DOT has provided spending plans and briefed the committee on identified mega projects that are covered in the 2025 allocation for public infrastructure investments.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Mr Mmusi Maimane, expressed alarm over the persistent reliance on acting officials in key leadership roles within the department. “It is deeply concerning that while we are expected to appropriate significant funds that are over a trillion rands, the department has not appointed permanent officials in vital positions. This practice undermines accountability and weakens governance,” said Mr Maimane. He said leadership issues in the department need urgent intervention in order to stabilise.

Mr Maimane also raised concerns about the Moloto Road project, noting that the road has cost taxpayers approximately R15 billion, notwithstanding the historic spend on the road over the past ten years. “This is quite exorbitant for a 167-kilometre road and nearly three times the cost compared to another country such as China,” emphasised Mr Maimane.

The committee welcomed progress made at the South African Airways (SAA) and urged the department to do more to restore the airline to its former competitive standing. However, members of the committee voiced concern over revelations that R1.5 billion owed to SAA remains trapped in foreign countries, told the committee that despite several agreements between South Africa and Zimbabwe, little progress has been made.

The committee called for diplomatic intervention at the highest level to recover funds which will improve SAA’s liquidity. Furthermore, the committee welcomed the suspension of the Road Accident Fund (RAF) Chief Executive Officer and calls for urgent resolution and accountability. The committee also called on the RAF Board to act decisively to root out corrupt practices and to resolve the growing number of unsettled claims.

“We are increasingly concerned with executive bonuses and golden handshakes in a department that oversees deteriorating road infrastructure. It is unacceptable that senior officials receive performance incentives when service delivery is clearly lagging,” added Mr Maimane.

Committee members also raised concerns over the growing number of trucks on the roads and the associated increase in traffic accidents. It also urged the department to explore a shift from road to rail for goods transport, which would reduce congestion and road maintenance costs. In addition, the high costs of toll gates particularly in Mpumalanga were criticised as an undue burden on commuters.

The committee also questioned inefficiencies and duplication in transport-related agencies. It noted with concern that entities like the Road Traffic Management Corporation invoice each other billions, which could be avoided if these entities were consolidated under the Department of Transport.

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

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Commemoration of Martyrs Day by Diaspora Nationals


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Eritrean nationals residing in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Germany, Scandinavian countries, and the United States, as well as Eritrea’s Permanent Representative to the African Union and the Economic Commission for Africa, commemorated Martyrs Day.

According to reports, at commemorative events held in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, the nationals pledged to augment the Martyrs Trust Fund and continue their support to the families of martyrs. Nationals in Sweden contributed over 104 thousand Kroner towards Martyrs Trust Fund.

Eritrean nationals in various German cities also organized walkathons, candlelight vigils, and cultural and artistic performances in memory of the martyrs. At the Berlin event, certificates of recognition were awarded to individuals who assumed responsibility for supporting the families of martyrs.

Nationals in Dubai and the Northern Emirates commemorated Martyrs Day with great spirit on19 June, featuring candlelight vigils and cultural programs. They also expressed their readiness to uphold the trust of the martyrs through supporting families of martyrs and hard work. Similarly, nationals in Kuwait commemorated Martyrs Day with great pride.

Members of the Eritrean Embassy in Ethiopia, along with Eritrea’s Permanent Representative to the African Union and the Economic Commission for Africa, also marked Martyrs Day with patriotic zeal.

Eritrean nationals across various U.S. cities commemorated the day, pledging to strengthen their participation and contributions to support the families of martyrs. Nationals in Chicago and its environs contributed over 30,240 U.S. Dollars in support of 42 families of martyrs.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.