Category: Africa

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Egypt: President El‑Sisi Receives United Arab Emirates (UAE) President His Highness (HH) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El‑Sisi receives President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as part of the fraternal visit by the UAE President to Egypt.

The two leaders will hold talks addressing ways to further advance and strengthen the outstanding bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries, and consult on a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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National Youth Parliament pays tribute to 1976 students

Source: Government of South Africa

National Youth Parliament pays tribute to 1976 students

Parliament will convene the National Youth Parliament on Monday, in Johannesburg, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Student Uprisings and mark 30 years of South Africa’s transformative Constitution.

Taking place under the theme: “Youth Empowerment for a Suitable Future,” the 2026 Youth Parliament will reflect on whether the Constitution has delivered on its promise to build an equal and cohesive society, with a particular focus on youth development, economic participation and social cohesion.

The day will feature a reflection on the 1976 Uprisings, including a panel discussion with survivors and activists titled: “We planned it, we marched it: what happened on 16 June and why it matters.”

National Youth Day is celebrated on June 16 to honour the role young people played in the fight against apartheid and the Soweto Uprising of 1976. 

This year’s commemoration marks the 50th Anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprising, one of the defining moments in South Africa’s liberation struggle. 

The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, will deliver the high-level opening address and the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, will present the closing remarks. 

Representatives from faith-based organisations, LGBTQ+ youth, youth in arts, disabled youth forums and unemployed graduates will participate in the session. –SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng congratulates Comrades Marathon runners

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng congratulates Comrades Marathon runners

The Gauteng provincial government has congratulated all participants in the 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon, from elite athletes and seasoned ultramarathoners to first-time finishers who took on one of the world’s greatest tests of human endurance.

“Every athlete who stood on the start line and every runner who crossed the finish line is deserving of recognition. The Comrades Marathon is far more than a race; it is a celebration of perseverance, sacrifice, discipline and the limitless potential of the human spirit,” MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile said on Monday.

The MEC said the 2026 Comrades Marathon once again showcased the very best of the human spirit, with thousands of runners demonstrating extraordinary courage, discipline, resilience and determination over the demanding 85.7km up run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

He extended special congratulations to George Kusche on his victory in the marathon, describing his performance as a masterclass in endurance running and a fitting reminder of what can be achieved through preparation, belief and determination.

“The Comrades Marathon once again demonstrated the power of sport to unite people. Regardless of race, gender, language, social standing or background, runners stood together in pursuit of a common dream. This spirit of unity and social cohesion is one of the greatest strengths of our country and something we must continue to celebrate and protect,” Maile said.

He added that one of the most inspiring aspects of the race was seeing thousands of South Africans from different races, cultures, languages, communities and backgrounds sharing the same road, pursuing the same goal and encouraging one another throughout the journey.

The MEC also congratulated the Comrades Marathon Association for successfully organising another world-class event that brought together runners from across South Africa and the world in a celebration of athletic excellence and human endurance.

Public servants from across the Gauteng provincial government were among the thousands of athletes who participated in this year’s race.

They included 42 participants from the Department of Education and 42 from the Gauteng Department of Health.

Social Development followed with 13 participants; e-Government had nine; Human Settlements, Roads and Transport, and Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation had four each; the Office of the Premier and Provincial Treasury had three each; Community Safety and Economic Development had two each; and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Infrastructure Development and the Gauteng Liquor Board had one each.

“Our runners have made Gauteng proud. They have demonstrated exceptional discipline, endurance and perseverance. We encourage more people to take up running, build healthy communities and become ambassadors for wellness and social cohesion. 

“Looking ahead, we believe Gauteng has the talent, determination and depth to produce a future Comrades Marathon champion. As we celebrate the achievements of the 2026 race, we also set our sights on the landmark 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon in 2027,” Maile said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Carving out a better future for SA’s youth

Source: Government of South Africa

Carving out a better future for SA’s youth

As South Africa commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela says the task ahead is clear: to create opportunities for the country’s youth through education, skills development and pathways into employment.

“For millions of young people, access to education and skills development represents a pathway to dignity, economic participation and a better future. That understanding has strengthened my resolve to ensure that our institutions are responsive, accountable and focused on delivering opportunities,” he said in an interview with SAnews.

South Africa commemorates Youth Month and Youth Day in June to remember and honour the role young people have played in the fight against apartheid. The Soweto Uprising of 1976 was a turning point in the struggle for liberation.

Marked annually on 16 June, Youth Day commemorates a day on which thousands of courageous students stood together to march against oppressive apartheid education policies.

The activism demonstrated by the youth of yesteryear is something the Minister identifies with.

“Having served as a youth activist and leader in a number of youth and student movements, I have travelled a journey from activism to leadership. I now find myself in a position where I can contribute directly to realising many of the aspirations we fought for as students and youth. That is a responsibility I take very seriously. The issues we raised then – access to education, equality, dignity, opportunity and social justice – remain central to the work I do today as Minister,” he explained.

Manamela has previously served as the Deputy President of the South African Students Congress (SASCO) and as President of the South African College Student Association (now known as the South African Technical Vocational Education and Training Student Association).

Prior to his appointment as Minister of Higher Education and Training Department (DHET) on 21 July 2025, Manamela was the Deputy Minister of the same department and has a deep appreciation for both the opportunities and challenges within the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system.

He has used his time in office to engage extensively with students, lecturers, university leaders, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college principals, organised labour, business leaders and communities across South Africa.

He describes his appointment as Minister as a great responsibility, reflecting of his time at the helm of the Ministry.

“My experience to date has also confirmed that we are at an important turning point. The country faces a pressing need to align education and training more closely with the demands of a changing economy. 

“This is why we have placed significant emphasis on the skills revolution, the expansion of occupational qualifications, the strengthening of TVET colleges, the modernisation of our qualifications framework, and the introduction of a dual system of learning and earning that combines classroom learning with workplace experience. We cannot continue producing qualifications in isolation from the realities of the labour market,” he explained.

His comments come as Statistics South Africa’s (Stats SA) Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the first quarter of 2026 revealed that the number of unemployed youth (aged 15-34) increased by 181 000 to 4.7 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2025.

In addition, the number of employed youth  decreased by 258 000 to 5.6 million.

“As a result, the youth unemployment rate increased by 2.0 percentage points to 45.8% in the first quarter of 2026,” Stats SA said of the household-based sample survey that collects data on the labour market activities of individuals aged 15 years and older.

Reforms 
In the DHET Budget Vote tabled in May, the Minister announced that 24 new occupational qualifications were introduced at TVET colleges in January 2026. 

Asked about progress made in the rollout of the qualifications, the Minister said the rollout forms part of a broader reform of the country’s PSET system.

“[It] is aimed at ensuring that our qualifications remain relevant, credible and responsive to the needs of a modern economy. The new qualifications are designed in close partnership with industry and focus on providing learners with practical, workplace-relevant skills that improve employability and support economic growth.

“They form part of government’s broader objective of strengthening the link between education, training and the world of work. The rollout is supported by significant progress across the skills development system.

“To date, 948 occupational qualifications and part-qualifications have been registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), creating a strong foundation for the expansion of occupationally directed learning pathways,” said the Minister.

The NQF stipulates standards for qualifications and part-qualifications. 

In addition, the department is working with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), TVET colleges, employers and industry partners to ensure that the necessary quality assurance, curriculum support, workplace learning opportunities and funding arrangements are in place. 

“The transition was necessitated by the need to modernise parts of the qualifications system that were no longer adequately responding to changing industry requirements and emerging economic opportunities,” he said.

Meanwhile, the DHET is expected to table the Turnaround Strategy for TVET colleges later this year, with the Minister saying that President Cyril Ramaphosa has given the  department the skills revolution mandate.

“We are very clear that, to achieve the revolution, we have to put TVET colleges at the centre because of their centrality to economic growth and industrialisation. The strategy will be informed by consultations with colleges, industry and organised labour. It will address infrastructure, lecturer development, student support and workplace partnerships.  We have started with workplace partnerships and are receiving positive feedback from industry. We will be intensifying these partnerships.”

Investing in higher education
Minister Manamela has previously highlighted that the country’s universities could not accommodate the large numbers of students applying for placement. On whether government is looking to increase the number of public universities in the future, Manamela said the State is continuously assessing future capacity needs across the sector, not just universities.

He explained that while universities remain important, the answer is not simply to provide more university places. 

Currently, South Africa has 26 public universities.
“The answer is more pathways into skills, employment and economic participation.

“In our 2026 Budget Vote Speech, we emphasised both infrastructure expansion and digital transformation across the Post-School Education and Training sector. When we speak about expanding infrastructure, we are not referring only to building more lecture rooms, campuses and workshops. We are also investing in digital infrastructure that enables flexible learning opportunities, expands access to education and prepares students for a rapidly digitising economy.”

Honouring the past and moving SA forward 
As South Africa prepares to commemorate Youth Day, with the national commemoration due to be held at the FNB Premium Parking (open field adjacent to the FNB Stadium) in Nasrec, City of Johannesburg, Manamela said the 50th anniversary of the June 16 uprising is a reminder of one of the most defining moments in the nation’s history. 

“The courage, sacrifice and determination of the young people of 1976 helped change the course of South Africa and laid the foundation for the democratic society we enjoy today. The 50th anniversary of June 16 is certainly a celebration. It is a celebration of the resilience of young people, the victories of our democracy and the progress we have made as a nation,” he explained.

In addition, over the past 30 years, South Africa has made significant strides in expanding access to education and training, with the doors of learning that were once closed to the majority having been opened to millions. 

He added that today, more young people than ever before have access to universities, TVET colleges, Community Education and Training colleges, bursaries, student funding and skills development opportunities.

“At the same time, this anniversary is also a moment of reflection. While we have come a long way, we must honestly acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. Too many young people continue to face unemployment, poverty and inequality. Many still struggle to access opportunities that can enable them to participate meaningfully in the economy and society,” he explained.

On what keeps him up at night, the Minister said: “The four million South Africans who are functionally illiterate; the many young people who are not in education, employment or training; and the unemployed graduates who have left our system.”

Government is clearly working to smooth out the bumps and overcome the challenges in the higher education sector. –SAnews.gov.za

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Conflict hits schooling hardest where children are the target – study

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Roos van der Haer, Assistant professor of International Relations at the Institute of Political Science, Leiden University

According to Unesco, around 250 million children (16%) globally are out of school although they are of an age to be at school in their countries. Available evidence suggests that out-of-school numbers are extremely high in conflict-affected countries, though the exact number is hard to quantify. For example, in the Central African Republic, South Sudan and Eritrea, more than 50% of primary school-age children are not going to school.

Research has long shown that conflict disrupts education. But armed groups do not all operate in the same way. Some use tactics that directly target children, such as recruiting child soldiers or committing sexual violence against minors. These tactics do more than create general insecurity. They directly threaten children’s safety and wellbeing.

We are a group of researchers who work on understanding the human consequences of conflict. In our recent publication on warfare’s impact on schooling, assessing 30 sub-Saharan African countries, we argue that this distinction between general violence and child-targeted tactics is key to understanding school enrolment decisions.

When children are targeted by armed groups, parents and caretakers reassess safety and the risk that they are willing to take. In some cases, schools may no longer be seen as safe spaces, and the risk of sending children to school, especially younger or more vulnerable children, can feel too high.

We show that when armed groups use child recruitment or sexual violence, the impact of conflict on school enrolment is much more severe than conflicts in which these tactics are not used. They also widen existing inequalities, especially for girls.

These new findings highlight a point that’s often overlooked: education systems cannot function if children do not feel safe. Protecting schooling in conflict settings therefore goes beyond rebuilding infrastructure. It requires addressing the threats that keep children out of classrooms.

Evidence from 700,000 potential school starters

Our study used nationally representative data from 59 Demographic and Health Surveys across 30 countries in sub-Saharan Africa conducted between 2010 and 2021. In total, this covered almost 700,000 children of the age that should have been starting primary school during this period. We combined this information with detailed data on where and when armed conflict occurred, and whether child soldier recruitment and sexual violence against minors took place within 25km of where children lived in the year before they were due to start school.

The results confirm a pattern many might expect: children living in areas affected by conflict are less likely to start school. But the effect is much stronger when conflict involves tactics that target children, such as recruitment and sexual violence.

In areas where children are recruited into armed groups, school enrolment falls by about 3.2% compared to children living in conflict-affected areas where this tactic was not used.

In places where they are exposed to sexual violence, the decline is even larger, around 9.5%.

These effects are not the same for all children. Girls are hit especially hard. Their likelihood of enrolling in school drops by roughly twice as much as that of boys. This is true even in contexts of child soldier recruitment – an issue often thought to mainly affect boys.

Fear, risk and parental decision-making

Why do these types of violence have such strong effects on school enrolment?

Although we cannot test this directly, anecdotal evidence suggests that fear plays a central role. When armed groups that are known to recruit children or commit sexual violence against them are active in the area, parents may begin especially to see the journey to and from school as unsafe. In some cases, it is not only the journey but also the schools themselves that are considered to be unsafe, as they are targeted or occupied by armed groups.

For example, in South Sudan in 2014 armed groups attacked schools and forcibly recruited more than 100 pupils into their ranks. In other cases, children have been exposed to sexual violence during or after school attacks, or while travelling to and from school. One stark example comes from early March 2017, when a militia attacked a school in the Congolese province of Luiza, beating male students and raping several schoolgirls.

Read more: Why we did it: the Kenyan women and girls who joined Al-Shabaab

In these contexts, fear can decrease the willingness of children to go to school. For example, a witness of a Boko Haram attack on a school in Buni Yadi, Nigeria, told the interviewer:

After the attack, I went home. I was too afraid and decided not to go back. I told my parents I would never go back to school. They were also too afraid.

Parents and caretakers are affected too. For example, after more than 200 schoolgirls were abducted from Chibok in northern Nigeria by Boko Haram in 2014, a local parent-teacher association leader told journalists that the attack

has left families traumatised and entire communities living in fear that if their children went to school, they might never return home.

When insecurity increases, these existing challenges can tip the balance, making schooling feel like a less safe or less realistic option, especially for daughters. Girls are often perceived as particularly vulnerable during times of insecurity. At the same time, they often face additional barriers to education, such as early marriage and household responsibilities.

Implications

Our findings add an important layer to how we understand the relationship between conflict and education. It is not enough to know whether conflict is present or how intense it is in terms of casualties. What also matters is how conflict is carried out, and whether children are directly targeted.

Read more: 9 million Ethiopian children have been forced out of school: what the government must do

For policymakers and international organisations, this has clear implications. Many efforts to support education in conflict-affected areas focus on rebuilding schools, providing learning materials or improving access. These are crucial steps, but they are not enough on their own.

If children are not going to school in the first place, it is often because families do not feel it is safe to send them there. This means that protecting education also requires establishing and implementing policy that decreases child recruitment and sexual violence in conflict settings. It requires safe routes to and from school, and addressing gender-specific barriers.

– Conflict hits schooling hardest where children are the target – study
– https://theconversation.com/conflict-hits-schooling-hardest-where-children-are-the-target-study-283595

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First WATT Renewable Limited and MTN Nigeria Launch Renewable Energy Infrastructure Programme for Critical Operations and Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Sites

Source: APO – Report:

First WATT Renewable Limited (www.WATTRenewables.com) and MTN Nigeria have announced a strategic renewable energy infrastructure partnership designed to reduce diesel dependence, improve operational resilience at MTN’s critical facilities and supply renewable energy systems to power electric vehicle charging infrastructure across selected MTN locations in Nigeria.

The programme comprises two major project components. The first is an Energy- as- a- Service deployment that will provide approximately 34 MWp of solar photovoltaic as a generation capacity and 40 MWh of battery energy storage across selected MTN facilities nationwide. These sites include data centres, switch facilities, cable landing stations, customer service centres and other network critical locations.

The second is the supply of renewable energy infrastructure to power 60 kW EV charging stations across eight MTN facilities located at Ikoyi, Matori, Ojota, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Asaba, Kano and Ibadan

Together, both components are designed to reduce dependence on diesel-based systems, lower operating emissions, support operational uptime, strengthen business continuity, and increase the contribution of renewable energy across MTN’s operational sites, including selected EV charging locations.

As digital demand continues to grow, reliable energy infrastructure remains critical to the performance of telecommunications networks and the wider digital economy. This partnership will support MTN Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen the resilience of critical operations while increasing the use of renewable energy across selected facilities.

Based on current project assumptions, the programme is expected to support the avoidance of an estimated 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (tCO ₂e) over five years, subject to operational performance and final emissions calculations.

Commenting on the partnership, Oluwole Eweje, Chief Executive Officer of WATT Renewable Corporation, said:

“This partnership is a defining milestone for First WATT and an important step in strengthening the energy infrastructure that supports Nigeria’s digital economy. By deploying solar photovoltaic generation and battery energy storage across selected MTN facilities, we are helping to improve energy reliability at critical locations where uptime is essential.

“The EV charging component also demonstrates how renewable energy infrastructure can support Nigeria’s transition to lower-carbon mobility. By providing renewable power systems for EV charging sites, this programme helps address one of the key requirements for wider EV adoption: reliable and cleaner energy supply.”

Speaking on the initiative, Tobechukwu Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, said:

“As Nigeria’s energy and mobility landscape evolves, renewable energy will play an important role in building cleaner and more reliable infrastructure. This partnership supports our efforts to reduce diesel dependence, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen the resilience of the systems that power connectivity.

“It is also aligned with Project Zero, under our Doing for Planet sustainability pillar, through which we are focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and increasing the use of renewable energy across our operations.”

– on behalf of WATT Renewable Corporation.

Media Contact:
Munachimso Chinaka
Manager Brand & Communications
Munachimso.chinaka@wattrenewables.com

About First WATT Renewable Limited:
First WATT Renewable Limited is a subsidiary of WATT Renewable Corporation, an award-winning hybrid solar energy solutions provider delivering reliable and sustainable power infrastructure across Africa.

First WATT Renewable’s expertise in designing, deploying and maintaining hybrid solar energy systems has remained consistent across key sectors, including telecoms, TowerCos, financial institutions and commercial and industrial businesses. The company continues to play an important role in advancing cleaner, more resilient energy solutions for critical infrastructure across the continent.

Visit www.WATTRenewables.com for more information.

About MTN Nigeria:
MTN Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest providers of communications services, connecting over 89 million people in communities across the country with each other and the world. Guided by the belief that everybody deserves the benefits of a modern connected

MTN Nigeria’s leadership position in coverage, capacity and innovation has remained life, constant since its launch in 2001.

MTN Nigeria is part of MTN Group, a multinational telecommunications group which operates in 16 countries across Africa and the Middle East, serving over 300 million people.

Visit www.MTN.ng  for more information.

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First WATT Renewable Limited et MTN Nigeria lancent un programme d’infrastructures d’énergie renouvelable pour les opérations critiques et les stations de recharge de véhicules électriques

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

First WATT Renewable Limited (www.WATTRenewables.com) et MTN Nigeria ont annoncé un partenariat stratégique pour les infrastructures d’énergie renouvelable visant à réduire la dépendance au diesel, à renforcer la résilience opérationnelle dans les installations critiques de MTN et à fournir des systèmes d’énergie renouvelable pour alimenter les infrastructures de recharge des véhicules électriques sur certains sites de MTN au Nigeria.

Le programme comprend deux grands volets. Le premier consiste en un déploiement d’énergie en tant que service qui fournira environ 34 MWc d’énergie solaire photovoltaïque en tant que capacité de production et 40 MWh de stockage d’énergie par batterie dans des installations MTN à l’échelle nationale. Ces sites comprennent des centres de données, des installations de commutation, des stations d’atterrissage de câbles, des centres de service à la clientèle et d’autres emplacements critiques du réseau.

Le second porte sur la fourniture d’infrastructures d’énergie renouvelable pour alimenter des bornes de recharge de 60 kW dans huit installations MTN situées à Ikoyi, Matori, Ojota, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Asaba, Kano et Ibadan.

Ensemble, ces deux volets sont conçus pour réduire la dépendance à l’égard des systèmes diesel, diminuer les émissions d’exploitation, soutenir la disponibilité opérationnelle, renforcer la continuité des activités et accroître la contribution des énergies renouvelables sur les sites opérationnels de MTN, y compris sur des sites de recharge de véhicules électriques.

Alors que la demande numérique continue de croître, des infrastructures énergétiques fiables restent essentielles à la performance des réseaux de télécommunications et de l’économie numérique au sens large. Ce partenariat soutiendra les efforts déployés par MTN Nigeria pour renforcer la résilience des opérations critiques tout en augmentant l’utilisation des énergies renouvelables dans certaines installations.

Sur la base des hypothèses actuelles du projet, le programme devrait permettre d’éviter environ 25 000 tonnes d’émissions d’équivalent dioxyde de carbone (tCO₂e) sur cinq ans, sous réserve des performances opérationnelles et des calculs finaux des émissions.

Commentant ce partenariat, Oluwole Eweje, CEO de WATT Renewable Corporation, déclare :

« Ce partenariat constitue un jalon majeur pour First WATT et une étape importante dans le renforcement des infrastructures énergétiques qui soutiennent l’économie numérique du Nigeria. En déployant la production d’énergie solaire photovoltaïque et le stockage d’énergie par batterie dans certaines installations MTN, nous contribuons à améliorer la fiabilité énergétique dans les endroits critiques où la disponibilité est essentielle.

Le volet de recharge des VE montre également comment les infrastructures d’énergie renouvelable peuvent soutenir la transition du Nigeria vers une mobilité à faible intensité de carbone. En fournissant des systèmes d’énergie renouvelable pour les sites de recharge de VE, ce programme contribue à répondre à l’une des exigences clés pour une adoption plus large des VE : un approvisionnement énergétique fiable et plus propre. »

S’exprimant au sujet de l’initiative, Tobechukwu Okigbo, directeur des affaires générales et de la durabilité chez MTN Nigeria, déclare :

« À mesure que l’écosystème énergétique et de la mobilité du Nigeria évoluera, les énergies renouvelables joueront un rôle prépondérant dans la construction d’infrastructures plus propres et plus fiables. Ce partenariat soutient nos efforts pour réduire la dépendance au diesel, optimiser l’efficacité opérationnelle et renforcer la résilience des systèmes qui alimentent la connectivité.

Ce partenariat est également en phase avec le Project Zero, dans le cadre de notre pilier de durabilité Doing for Planet, par lequel nous nous concentrons sur la réduction des émissions de gaz à effet de serre, l’amélioration de l’efficacité énergétique et l’augmentation de l’utilisation des énergies renouvelables dans l’ensemble de nos opérations. »                                                                             

Distribué par APO Group pour WATT Renewable Corporation.

Contact avec les médias :
Munachimso Chinaka
Responsable de la marque et des communications
Munachimso.chinaka@wattrenewables.com

À propos de First WATT Renewable Limited :
First WATT Renewable Limited est une filiale de WATT Renewable Corporation, un fournisseur primé de solutions d’énergie solaire hybride fournissant une infrastructure électrique fiable et durable à travers l’Afrique.

L’expertise de First WATT Renewable en matière de conception, de déploiement et de maintenance de systèmes hybrides d’énergie solaire couvre un ensemble de secteurs clés, notamment les télécommunications, TowerCos, les établissements financiers et les entreprises commerciales et industrielles. La société continue de jouer un rôle important dans la promotion de solutions énergétiques plus propres et plus résilientes pour les infrastructures critiques à travers le continent.

Pour de plus amples renseignements, rendez-vous sur www.WATTRenewables.com.

À propos de MTN Nigeria :
Animé par la conviction que chaque personne mérite de profiter des avantages d’une connectivité moderne, MTN Nigeria est l’un des plus grands fournisseurs de services de communication en Afrique, connectant plus de 89 millions de personnes dans le pays et avec le reste du pays.

Depuis sa création en 2001, MTN Nigeria conserve son statut de chef de file en matière de couverture, de capacité et d’innovation.

MTN Nigeria fait partie de MTN Group, un groupe multinational de télécommunications qui opère dans 16 pays à travers l’Afrique et le Moyen-Orient, desservant plus de 300 millions de personnes.

Visitez www.MTN.ng pour plus d’informations.

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Justice department to host social justice walk in Stellenbosch

Source: Government of South Africa

Justice department to host social justice walk in Stellenbosch

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD), in partnership with the Centre for Social Justice at the Stellenbosch University, will host the #Action4Inclusion (AFI) Social Justice Walk in Stellenbosch.

The walk – to be held on 16 June – is in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the student uprising as well as to observe the 30th Anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

“Held under the theme: From Soweto to Social Justice, the Social Justice Walk seeks to honour the legacy of the youth of 1976 while mobilising society to address contemporary barriers to education, particularly student debt and exclusion.

“The initiative reaffirms the constitutional right to education and promotes social justice, inclusion, and active citizenry among young people,” the department said.

Expected participants Include:
•    Former Public Protect and current Director of the Centre for Social Justice, Professor Thuli Madonsela;
•    Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University;
•    Student Representative Council leaders from institutions across South Africa;
•    Representatives from government, civil society, academia and community organisations.

“The annual 16-kilometre walk follows the symbolic Journey of Hope route from Stellenbosch to Kylemore and brings together students, government leaders, civil society, academia, and community members in solidarity with young people whose educational aspirations continue to be hindered by financial constraints.

“The walk forms part of broader efforts to promote constitutional literacy, encourage youth participation in democratic processes, including the upcoming local government elections, and advance dialogue on student debt as a social justice issue,” the DJCOD stated. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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South Africa and Malawi collaborate on repatriation efforts

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa and Malawi collaborate on repatriation efforts

The South African and Malawian governments have intensified efforts to facilitate the repatriation of Malawian nationals, with 980 people having already left the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp.

More Malawian nationals were also preparing to return home.

This as the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration briefed the media on Sunday, where it outlined progress in implementing measures aimed at managing irregular migration and strengthening immigration enforcement.

Chairperson of the IMC, Mmamoloko Kubayi, who is also the  Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, reported that members of the committee recently visited two sites in the City of eThekwini, Che Guevara and Sherwood Park, where about 457 and 7000 Malawian citizens gathered for repatriation to their country.

Out of the 457 individuals who were at Che Guevara, only three were found not to have legal status to remain in South Africa.

“At Che Guevara, the IMC communicated the government’s stance that South Africa does not have refugee camps and that there is no intention to create camps even on a temporary basis. Accordingly, the people who are legally in South Africa were advised to either reintegrate into the communities in which they have been residing, and they will receive protection from the police like all other citizens of our country, or they could opt to be repatriated/deported back to their country of origin,” the Minister said at the briefing held in Pretoria.

To facilitate the return of Malawian nationals at Sherwood, Kubayi said the Malawian government has commissioned eight buses to transport its citizens home today.

“To expedite the repatriation process, our government will support the effort with 10 additional buses for the deportation of some Malawian nationals. So far, 980 Malawians have been deported from Lindela on 10 June 2026, as part of the crackdown.

“Going forward, the re-establishment of a court at Lindela will ensure that deportations from Lindela centre will be expedited. Engagement between Home Affairs and the Department of Justice and the Gauteng Judge President has commenced in this regard,” Kubayi said, adding that the work to re-establish a court is at an advanced stage and will be completed within a month.

In his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said government is working on setting up dedicated courts that will tackle immigration and speed up support for the deportation of undocumented migrants. 

Kubayi said work to establish a priority court that handles, among others, immigration cases is also advanced, and that the Airport Company of South Africa (ACSA) has provided space.

In addition to Malawi, government announced that the governments of Ghana and Nigeria are also working closely with South Africa to facilitate the return of their citizens.

The Department of Home Affairs has identified a number of foreign nationals who had overstayed their visas and were residing in the country unlawfully. In accordance with the Immigration Act, these individuals have been formally declared undesirable persons and barred from re-entering South Africa for a period of five years. 

The same measures have been applied to undocumented immigrants from other countries.

Legal authority
The government reiterated that only the Department of Home Affairs has the legal authority to determine whether an individual is lawfully present in South Africa and to take the necessary administrative actions, including deportations and declarations of undesirability.

“They have a duty to ensure individuals who are here illegally exit our ports of entry by facilitating temporary documentation for exit purposes.”

The IMC emphasised that migration remains a regional challenge requiring coordinated diplomatic engagement. To this end, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) will continue working with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and foreign ministries of affected countries to coordinate repatriation protocols, share operational information, and ensure that actions taken are consistent with regional commitments and mutual assistance arrangements.

“Our government appreciates the initiatives by several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Malawi, on repatriating their citizens from South Africa. Government is actively cooperating with them to facilitate the safe, orderly, and voluntary repatriation of its citizens. We maintain that our immigration challenges must be addressed strictly through lawful, peaceful, and constitutional means,” Kubayi said.

Meanwhile, the IMC said that over 40 000 illegal foreign nationals have been arrested since the beginning of 2026, with over 7 400 arrests made in the past month alone.

READ | Over 40 000 illegal foreign nationals have been arrested- IMC on Migration
– SAnews.gov.za

 

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets the Prime Minister and the Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, and Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Eng. Mahmoud Ismat.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said that during the meeting the executive status of the second phase of projects aimed at strengthening the national electricity grid was reviewed. The Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy noted that the total number of these projects in the second phase amounts to approximately 105 projects. He offered an update on their progress and reviewed the status of connecting renewable energy projects, both solar and wind, to the national electricity grid by 2027.

President El-Sisi stressed the importance of improving the quality of electricity supply, enhancing the efficiency of conventional fuel utilization, and ensuring the stability of the national grid, while fully adhering to the established timetable for implementing and connecting the projects to the grid. These efforts support the state’s energy transition objectives and sustainable development goals.

The meeting also reviewed mechanisms for implementing solar energy and energy storage battery projects within the timeline set to increase the share of renewable energy in Egypt’s energy mix to 45 percent over the next two years. This is in addition to expanding the establishment of both grid-connected and standalone energy storage facilities. In this regard, Eng. Ismat reviewed the operation of the first phase of the Obelisk Solar Power Plant, with a capacity of 500 MW, and its associated grid-connected energy storage facility with a capacity of 200 MWh, both of which were connected to the national grid at the beginning of this year. The Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy also reviewed progress in the implementation of the plant’s second phase, with a capacity of 500 MW, which is scheduled to be connected to the grid in the coming weeks. These projects form part of the broader plan and timetable for integrating new solar and wind energy capacities during the current summer.

President El-Sisi underscored the necessity to sustain the monitoring and periodic review of renewable energy projects, whether in operation or under implementation. The President directed continued cooperation among all relevant state institutions and entities, as well as partnerships with local and foreign private sector companies responsible for project execution within the framework of the National Energy Strategy. President El-Sisi also emphasized the critical need for sustained momentum in the implementation of solar and wind energy projects and energy storage systems in local currency. The President further stressed the importance of expanding energy storage systems in order to maximize the returns of renewable energy resources and enhance grid stability.

The Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy further outlined the executive status of the Energy Valley project, one of the world’s largest integrated clean energy projects. The project features a solar photovoltaic (PV) generation capacity of 1.7 gigawatts alternating current (GWac), to be fully implemented in Minya Governorate, supported by battery energy storage systems with a total capacity of 4 GWh, geographically distributed across the governorates of Minya, Qena, and Alexandria.

President El-Sisi highlighted the significance of these projects in advancing the plans of the electricity and renewable energy sector to expand the use of renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and diversify energy sources. The President further stressed that localizing industries associated with renewable energy constitutes a fundamental pillar for strengthening energy security and advancing the green transition.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.