Category: Africa

Posted on

Saisir le moment de l’Afrique, commence par l’apprentissage de la lecture (Par Benjamin Piper et Nompumelelo Mohohlwane)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Par Benjamin Piper et Nompumelelo Mohohlwane.

L’Afrique est à un tournant démographique historique. D’ici 2050, un jeune sur trois dans le monde sera africain. Cela représente une occasion extraordinaire pour le continent de façonner l’innovation et la croissance économique mondiales. Mais la concrétisation de cette promesse repose sur un élément fondamental : l’apprentissage de la lecture et des notions de base en mathématiques dès les premières années du primaire pour chaque enfant en Afrique.

Pourquoi le niveau d’apprentissage reste faible

Bien que nous ayons constaté des progrès constants de la part des gouvernements nationaux qui s’engagent à améliorer les résultats d’apprentissage, nous risquons de passer à côté de l’essentiel si cette priorité n’est pas accompagnée de solutions de qualité, fondées sur des données probantes. L’une des tendances les plus récurrentes est que trop de programmes sont sous-financés, mal conçus ou mal mis en œuvre. Le matériel arrive en retard ou n’est pas adapté aux besoins des enfants. Les enseignants reçoivent une formation, mais aucun accompagnement de suivi. Les programmes se répandent rapidement, mais superficiellement, sans la profondeur nécessaire à un véritable changement pédagogique. Même dans les pays qui se sont engagés à améliorer l’apprentissage fondamental, le risque est réel que la réforme ne s’accompagne pas d’une conception de programme de qualité.

Toutefois, ce n’est pas toute l’histoire. Sur le continent, plusieurs programmes d’alphabétisation africains reposent sur des données probantes solides. La question essentielle est de savoir comment tirer des enseignements des pratiques efficaces et les généraliser. Dans notre nouveau rapport, approuvé par le GEEAP et intitulé « L’enseignement efficace de la lecture dans les pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire : ce que montre la recherche (https://apo-opa.co/3ZmkpDu) » nous analysons en détail comment les pays peuvent passer d’une situation où seulement 10 % des enfants savent lire à l’âge de 10 ans à une situation où de solides compétences fondamentales en lecture et en écriture deviennent la norme pour tous les enfants.

En Afrique du Sud, par exemple, la province du Cap-Nord est la plus récente à avoir intégré les données probantes issues de programmes de pédagogie structurée antérieurs (notamment le Programme de lecture en début de scolarité II) dans la conception de son programme d’alphabétisation. Ce programme, approuvé par le ministère de l’Éducation de base, a été étendu afin de soutenir les classes multilingues, l’enseignement étant dispensé dans les langues parlées par les élèves à la maison, en particulier le setswana dans le Cap-Nord et l’anglais. Bien que les éléments de conception du programme du Cap-Nord soient solides et fondés sur les données présentées dans le nouveau rapport du GEEAP, une mise en œuvre efficace est indispensable pour atteindre les objectifs d’apprentissage visés.

La bonne nouvelle : des progrès rapides sont possibles

Les données probantes Les preuves s’appuient sur les méthodes qui ont fait leurs preuves. Le rapport GEEAP démontre que des progrès rapides en lecture sont possibles, même dans des contextes aux ressources limitées. Surtout, ces progrès sont également réalisables dans les langues africaines locales. Des recherches menées sur huit des programmes de lecture à grande échelle les plus performants dans les pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire (PRFI), dont cinq en Afrique subsaharienne, ont révélé que ces interventions proposaient un enseignement explicite et systématique des compétences fondamentales en lecture, notamment le décodage phonétique. Le programme Tusome au Kenya a permis d’observer des progrès d’apprentissage substantiels et rapides. En appliquant les principaux axes d’enseignement suggérés par le rapport GEEAP, les résultats des enfants kenyans en lecture anglaise ont progressé d’une manière comparable (https://apo-opa.co/49JCwIb) à celle qu’on attendrait normalement d’une année scolaire supplémentaire.

Le rapport du GEEAP aborde la question cruciale du « pourquoi » de ces programmes et de leur fonctionnement dans différents contextes. Il propose notamment des suggestions concrètes pour la mise en œuvre des programmes d’alphabétisation, en soulignant que l’enseignement de la lecture et de l’écriture doit être explicite, systématique et exhaustif. Lorsque les programmes sont techniquement bien conçus, s’appuient sur les meilleures pratiques en matière de choix de la langue d’enseignement et sont mis en œuvre avec rigueur, les enfants d’Afrique subsaharienne apprennent à lire rapidement. Cependant, le rapport explique également qu’une mise en œuvre de haute qualité n’est pas automatique et que les pays qui appliquent les meilleures pratiques fondées sur des données probantes doivent veiller à la qualité de la mise en œuvre et disposer de données de suivi substantielles pour rectifier le tir.

Lors de la Triennale ADEA 2025, où le rapport GEEAP a été présenté, Son Excellence Leo Elias Jamal, Secrétaire d’État à l’Enseignement technique et professionnel du Mozambique, a rappelé que les lacunes en compétences fondamentales ne se limitent pas aux premières années d’école. Elles constituent en effet des freins à la progression dans l’EFTP, les filières STEM et, plus largement, sur le marché du travail. L’ensemble du système repose sur des bases solides.

Si chaque enfant, quel que soit son milieu d’origine, acquiert de solides compétences en lecture et en mathématiques, les pays jettent les bases de l’innovation, de la productivité et d’une croissance économique à long terme.

Ce qui rend cet article différent

Les recherches antérieures sur l’alphabétisation se sont principalement concentrées sur l’anglais ou les langues européennes enseignées dans les pays à revenu élevé, ce qui a suscité des inquiétudes quant à l’application des connaissances issues des pays du Nord global aux réalités linguistiques africaines, très différentes. Le nouveau rapport du GEEAP actualise les données probantes sur la « science de la lecture » afin de les appliquer aux pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire, en général, et à l’Afrique subsaharienne en particulier. Il s’appuie sur un corpus croissant de nouvelles données, dont plus de 50 études menées en Afrique subsaharienne, et se concentre spécifiquement sur les contextes des pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire et les langues africaines, offrant des orientations adaptées aux réalités linguistiques des classes africaines. Les deux auteurs de ce blog travaillent depuis des années sur les questions linguistiques en Afrique subsaharienne et s’inquiétaient du manque de données probantes spécifiques aux langues africaines en général. Ce rapport change considérablement la donne : nous en savons désormais beaucoup plus sur la manière d’améliorer l’apprentissage dans diverses langues et groupes linguistiques. Le document fournit des principes généraux applicables à toutes les langues. Nous suggérons aux pays de mobiliser leur expertise linguistique pour concevoir les programmes, mais nous connaissons beaucoup mieux les méthodes spécifiques applicables en Afrique subsaharienne.

Le rapport souligne que le choix de la langue d’enseignement peut avoir un impact considérable sur la capacité des enfants des pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire à apprendre à lire avec succès. Si de nombreux facteurs techniques et sociétaux influencent les politiques linguistiques d’enseignement, une chose est sûre : lorsque les enfants apprennent initialement à lire dans une langue qu’ils ne parlent pas à la maison, leur développement en lecture s’en trouve affecté. En Afrique subsaharienne, l’ampleur du problème de l’inadéquation linguistique, où les enfants apprennent à lire dans une langue autre que celle parlée à la maison, est alarmante et touche 80 % d’entre eux (https://apo-opa.co/4b8ZbAa).

Nous reconnaissons toutefois que l’enseignement dans la langue maternelle n’est pas toujours possible. Dans de tels cas, nous présentons des approches alternatives fondées sur des données probantes qui permettent aux enfants d’apprendre efficacement, même lorsque l’enseignement se déroule dans une deuxième, voire une troisième langue.

Quels sont les éléments clés d’un programme d’alphabétisation efficace ?

La lecture avec compréhension est un processus complexe qui repose sur de multiples compétences interdépendantes. Ces compétences se regroupent en deux grands domaines : le décodage et la compréhension du langage. Le décodage est la capacité à reconnaître les symboles écrits (par exemple, les lettres) et à les convertir en sons pour reconnaître les mots. La compréhension du langage implique la compréhension du sens des mots, des phrases et des textes. Les compétences de décodage et de compréhension du langage interagissent constamment lors de la lecture et sont toutes deux essentielles. Pour développer ces compétences, les enfants ont besoin d’un enseignement explicite et systématique portant sur six sous-compétences fondamentales :

  • Développement du langage oral : cela inclut les compétences d’écoute et d’expression orale, ainsi que le développement du vocabulaire.
  • Conscience phonologique : capacité à identifier et à manipuler les sons individuels du langage parlé. Enseignement systématique de la phonétique : apprentissage des liens spécifiques entre les lettres et les sons, et de la manière de les combiner pour former des mots. Fluidité de lecture : capacité à lire un texte avec précision, rapidité et une expression appropriée.
  • Compréhension de la lecture : dans le cadre de l’enseignement de la lecture, les enfants bénéficient également d’un enseignement explicite des techniques spécifiques permettant de comprendre les textes, comme le contrôle de leur propre compréhension et l’acquisition de connaissances sur le monde.
  • L’écriture : un nombre croissant de données probantes, y compris des recherches émergentes provenant de pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire, démontrent que l’enseignement de l’écriture — y compris la formation des lettres, l’orthographe et la composition de textes — soutient considérablement le développement de la lecture et renforce les autres compétences fondamentales.

Ces approches ne sont ni coûteuses ni compliquées. Elles requièrent simplement de la concentration, de la constance et une volonté politique.

Ce que les dirigeants, les enseignants et les partenaires peuvent faire maintenant

Nous disposons des données probantes et nous savons ce qui fonctionne. Voici quelques modifications suggérées aux programmes d’alphabétisation que les partenaires peuvent envisager d’adopter.

  • Les gouvernements peuvent adopter des programmes d’alphabétisation fondés sur des données probantes, accorder la priorité à l’enseignement primaire en tant que domaine financé et veiller à ce que les enseignants reçoivent le soutien, le matériel et l’encadrement dont ils ont besoin.
  • Les enseignants peuvent utiliser des routines structurées, proposer des exercices quotidiens et vérifier la compréhension grâce à des évaluations simples.
  • Les partenaires et les donateurs peuvent aller au-delà des projets pilotes fragmentés et des succès isolés pour investir dans le déploiement à grande échelle de programmes qui suivent les principes scientifiques de la lecture et collaborent pour répondre à la demande gouvernementale d’interventions fondées sur des données probantes.

Un moment pour agir

Lors de sa visite en juin 2025 au siège de l’Union africaine, en Éthiopie et au Nigéria, Bill Gates a souligné une vérité que les acteurs de l’éducation africains connaissent bien : « En libérant le potentiel humain par le biais de la santé et de l’éducation, chaque pays d’Afrique devrait être sur la voie de la prospérité et contribuer à l’avenir du continent. » Mais pour libérer ce potentiel, il est indispensable de résoudre la crise fondamentale de l’apprentissage qui en est à la racine.

La jeunesse africaine est son plus grand atout, à condition que tous les enfants acquièrent les compétences fondamentales en lecture et en écriture : apprendre, grandir et s’épanouir. Le rapport GEEAP sur l’alphabétisation montre que le changement est non seulement possible, mais aussi réalisable, et qu’il est déjà en marche dans de nombreux pays du Sud global.

L’occasion est désormais donnée aux dirigeants de transposer ces enseignements à grande échelle. Transformer le destin de millions de personnes commence par un élément puissant et accessible : un enfant capable de lire, de comprendre et d’appliquer ses connaissances.

Distribué par APO Group pour Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP).

Media files

Posted on

Labour dept speeds up claims processing for deceased Pinetown worker

Source: Government of South Africa

Labour dept speeds up claims processing for deceased Pinetown worker

The Department of Employment and Labour has confirmed that the benefits of the widow of a deceased Pinetown worker are being processed and will be paid in less than a month.

This after Minister Nomakhosazana Meth learnt of the tragic passing of 59-year old Phila Mntambo, who was an employee at Steelbank Merchants in Pinetown, Durban.

Mntambo had reportedly sustained head, face and chest injuries and further lost his left arm, while allegedly cleaning a machine during his night shift. Due to the severity of his injuries, Mntambo passed away in hospital a few days later.

The incident reportedly took place on 29 June 2024.

“According to media reports, the family had been left without full disclosure by the employer as to what had transpired on that fateful night that Mr Mntambo had worked his night shift, and reported that he had previously complained about being tasked with operating machines, which was not part of his delegation as a cleaner,” said the department on Tuesday.

Minister Meth instructed the Director-General of the department, Jacky Molisane, to furnish her with the report of the incident. 

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Chief Inspector, Mlungisi Zondi, was tasked with preparing a preliminary report on the incident to establish all the necessary facts surrounding the death of the employee. 

“The preliminary report outlines the circumstances of the incident, which allegedly took place on 29 June 2024. 

“Following the incident, the department conducted an inspection at the company to determine the cause and assess the employer’s compliance with occupational health and safety requirements. 

“The investigation revealed several areas of non-compliance in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993),” the department said.

The ministry has engaged with Mntambo’s family and has confirmed that the claim is being processed in terms of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA).

Meth once again extended sincere condolences to Mntambo’s family and has urged the department to fast-track the processing of the relevant claims and assist the family to find closure around the incident.

“I was deeply touched by the news report of the family of Mr Mntambo. It cannot be that an employee can be fatally injured at work while operating machinery that he is not even trained for, and things simply continue as if nothing happened. We will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that the family receives the necessary support,” the Minister said.

The Minister further extended sincere condolences to the families who lost children in the Vaal scholar transport accident, as well as those affected by the floods in the north eastern region of the country. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM

23 views

Posted on

Collective action needed to curb school violence, says Minister Gwarube

Source: Government of South Africa

Collective action needed to curb school violence, says Minister Gwarube

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has called on parents, communities and government to work together to curb violence in schools, stressing that learner safety is fundamental to quality education.

“Both parents and the community need to work together in curbing violence. This can only be achieved as a collective,” the Minister said during a back-to-school engagement at Eldorado Park Secondary School on Monday.

The engagement placed learner safety, anti-bullying efforts and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV) at the centre of the back-to-school programme. 

Gwarube was joined by the Director-General of Basic Education, Mweli Mathanzima, Gauteng MEC for Education and Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, and European Union (EU) Ambassador to South Africa, Sandra Kramer.

In her keynote address, Gwarube highlighted the direct link between school safety and effective learning, noting that unsafe environments undermine dignity and academic progress.

“The safety of children is a global priority, and SA is not alone in this fight. School safety is not a side issue. It is a precondition for quality education. When schools are unsafe, learning suffers. When learners feel threatened, dignity is stripped away. When violence becomes normalised, we fail our children,” Gwarube said.

During her address, the Minister announced that the European Union has committed €5 million (approximately R95 million) towards a national programme aimed at preventing and responding to gender-based violence in South African schools. 

“The funding is meant to help schools not only react to violence but also prevent it and support learners who are affected,” Gwarube said.

The programme, implemented in partnership with UNICEF, UNESCO and the Foundation for Human Rights, will focus on equipping schools, parents, community leaders and learners with tools, policies and referral mechanisms to identify, prevent and respond to gender-based violence.

Kramer said the initiative seeks to create safe, inclusive and child-friendly learning environments.

She said the funding will strengthen prevention education, psychosocial support, such as counselling for traumatised learners, improved referral systems for abuse cases, and school-based interventions aimed at protecting pupils and addressing violence before it escalates.

By highlighting the partnership with the EU, Gwarube emphasised that protecting children is not only a national responsibility but a shared global concern.

Highlighting the broader response to violence and bullying, the Minister stressed the importance of strong leadership, collaboration with law enforcement and social partners, and a culture that prioritises prevention, accountability and dignity for survivors.

“School safety to us is not just a science. It’s a precondition. As government, we are clear: schools must be places of care, discipline and respect. Learners must feel confident that they are safe,” the Minister said.

As part of the programme, matric learner Zakia Abrams led fellow learners in reading the School Safety Pledge, committing to refrain from bullying, digital abuse, gang involvement, alcohol and drug use, and sexual harassment. The pledge was subsequently signed by the Minister, learners and dignitaries.

“We will publicly sign a commitment to achieve the education we need, not just for children, but as a promise that women are safe. We will listen when children speak, and we will build schools where respect, dignity and learning come first. Our priority is to create safe schools for all,” Gwarube said. 

Director of School Safety at the Department of Basic Education, Sifiso Ngobese, outlined plans to strengthen governance, learner wellbeing and safety through restoring the functionality of School Governing Bodies, equipping teachers for trauma-informed classrooms, and addressing challenges such as bullying, teenage pregnancy and substance abuse. 

UN Resident Coordinator Nelson Muffuh welcomed the initiative, saying the EU-funded programme, with UNESCO and UNICEF, would strengthen school safety, teacher training, psychosocial support and community engagement, while ensuring sustainability under South African leadership.

Chiloane underscored the importance of discipline, accountability and community involvement, noting that government investment alone cannot guarantee safe schools without active community participation. – SAnews.gov.za 

DikelediM

58 views

Posted on

Ministro do Turismo inaugura requalificação do Largo Nhô Maje em Palmeira

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Baixar .tipo

O Ministro do Turismo e Transportes, José Luís Sá Nogueira, presidiu este sábado, 17 de janeiro, a inauguração oficial da requalificação do Largo Nhô Maje, na vila de Palmeira, ilha do Sal, um espaço emblemático de convívio comunitário que passa agora a oferecer melhores condições de segurança, acessibilidade e fruição pública.

Na ocasião, o Ministro sublinhou que a dinâmica da vila de Palmeira, que tem um forte potencial turístico, e lembrou a intenção do Governo de investir na criação de uma marina nessa zona portuária da ilha do Sal.

“Mais do que melhorar infraestruturas, estamos a valorizar a memória coletiva, a identidade local e a qualidade de vida da população”, afirmou.

Na ilha do Sal, o Governo, através do Ministério do Turismo/Fundo do Turismo na ilha do Sal, tem financiado investimentos que ultrapassam um milhão de contos, bem como outros projetos estruturantes em curso, reforçando a coesão urbana e a atratividade das comunidades locais, como:

– Habitações sociais no Bairro Alto de S. João  e Alto Santa Cruz (700 mil contos);

– Infraestruturação de Fátima e Chã de Matias (97 mil contos)

– Requalificação da Cidade de Santa Maria (102 mil contos)

– Requalificação de Espargos (70 mil contos)

– Requalificação de Praia de Santa Maria e Equipamentos de Apoio (22 mil contos):

– Construção do Posto Sanitário de Santa Cruz (60 mil contos);

– Centro psico-social e emergência infantil (mais de 30 mil contos);

– Orla marítima de Palmeiras (5 mil contos)

Tudo isto sem contar com investimentos estruturantes do Governo em execução, como: o Porto de Palmeiras (30 milhões de Euros) e a estrada de Santa Maria, o Pontão de Santa Maria, o início para breve da melhoria da estrada Espargos/Palmeiras e uma nova estrada alternativa Palmeiras/Santa Maria, que podem vir a atingir valores que podem ultrapassar os 15 milhões de euros.

Foram dezenas de pessoas que assistiram ao momento de inauguração do largo, em que o presidente da Câmara Municipal do Sal, Júlio Lopes, acompanhado da sua equipa camarária, lembrou também que nas próximas semanas várias outras intervenções serão inauguradas na Palmeira, tornando a vila mais bonita e organizada.

O Largo Nhô Maje foi concebido como um espaço de encontro intergeracional, promovendo a convivência, a cultura e o bem-estar da população, reafirmando a aposta do Governo na valorização dos centros tradicionais e no desenvolvimento territorial equilibrado.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

Posted on

Governo vai investir 342 mil contos na primeira fase do Plano Estratégico de formação médica especializada em Cabo Verde

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Baixar .tipo

Uma garantia deixada pelo Ministro da Saúde, Jorge Figueiredo, durante a sessão solene evocativa do Dia do Médico Cabo-verdiano, ocorrida neste sábado dia 17 de janeiro, na cidade da Praia.

Perante a vasta assembleia dos médicos, do sistema público e privado, reformados e em ativos, o Ministro Jorge Figueiredo afirmou que o Plano Estratégico de Formação Médica Graduada e Especializada (2026–2045) aprovado em finais de dezembro, afirma-se como um instrumento estruturante de política pública, orientado não apenas para o aumento do número de médicos e especialistas, mas sobretudo para a formação de um perfil de médico comprometido com as necessidades reais da população.

Segundo o titular da pasta da saúde, trata-se de um plano que responde à transição demográfica e epidemiológica, aposta na Medicina Geral e Familiar como base do sistema e desenvolve, de forma faseada, as especialidades críticas, promovendo autonomia formativa, continuidade assistencial e equidade territorial.

Representa um enorme investimento público estimado em cerca de 342 mil contos na primeira fase (2026–2030), 343,2 mil contos na segunda fase (2031–2035) e custos progressivos controlados na fase final até 2045, com um retorno económico altamente favorável: por cada escudo investido, estima-se uma poupança de 2,8 escudos, resultante da redução da dependência de médicos cooperantes e da diminuição estrutural das evacuações médicas.

“Mais do que números, este Plano projeta um médico capaz de conjugar ciência, proximidade, responsabilidade ética e compromisso com o Serviço Nacional de Saúde, assegurando sustentabilidade, qualidade e confiança no sistema nas próximas décadas.” Afirmou.

Na mesmo ótica, Jorge Figueiredo observou que o Governo tem investido fortemente na valorização da classe médica e apontou a aprovação e publicação do Plano de Carreiras, Funções e Remunerações dos Médicos (PCFR) como marco histórico no reconhecimento do papel do médico no sistema nacional de saúde.

O Bastonário da Ordem do Médico Cabo-verdianos, Francisco Amado, referiu que não existe sistema de saúde forte, sem médicos valorizados respeitados e devidamente enquadrados, pois a qualidade dos cuidados prestados à população depende diretamente da formação continua dos médicos, das condições de trabalho, da sua autonomia técnica e dos seu bem-estar mental e emocional.

Disse ainda que ser médico em Cabo Verde é um desafio, pois o exercício da profissão exige uma extraordinária capacidade de adaptação e resiliência face as limitações dos recursos pelo que a valorização dos médicos não é uma revindicação corporativa por si só, mais uma condição estrutural para assegurar a qualidade e a sustentabilidade do SNS.

A intervenção de evocativa esteve a cargo do Médico, Manuel Faustino.

O Dia Nacional do Médico foi criado a 24 anos, com o objetivo é prestigiar e dignificar a classe médica, incentivar a criação de condições visando a motivação, satisfação e a melhoria do desempenho dos médicos e assegurar o reconhecimento social da importância e da necessidade do exercício da profissão médica.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

Posted on

President El-Sisi Speaks with Uganda’s President Museveni

Source: APO


.

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi spoke by phone with President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Museveni.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that President El-Sisi extended his congratulations to President Museveni, on the occasion of his re-election for a new presidential term. The President reaffirmed that this victory reflects the confidence of the Ugandan people in President Museveni’s wise leadership.

President El-Sisi also highlighted the depth of the historical relations between Egypt and Uganda. The President reiterated Egypt’s keenness to further develop these relations and to build on the momentum witnessed in recent years, as well as on the outcomes of President Museveni’s visit to Egypt in August 2025.

The Ugandan President expressed his profound appreciation for President El-Sisi’s congratulations. He also agreed on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. President Museveni added that he looked forward to welcoming President El-Sisi to Uganda in the near future.

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

Posted on

South Africa: Basic Education Committee Chairperson Saddened by Deaths of 13 Learners in Accident

Source: APO


.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Ms Joy Maimela, has noted with grave sadness the devastating road accident involving a private scholar transport vehicle, in which the lives of 13 school learners from the Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark areas, south of Johannesburg, were tragically lost.

Ms Maimela said the tragedy is particularly painful given that schools have only been open for three days in the 2026 academic year.

“With only three school days so far in 2026, we are already confronted with this immense loss. It is deeply heartbreaking that parents who entrusted their children to be safely transported to school will now no longer hear their voices or see their smiling faces. We extend our sincere condolences to the parents, families and affected school communities during this unimaginably difficult time,” said Ms Maimela.

Preliminary reports from authorities indicate that the minibus taxi transporting the learners was involved in a collision with a side-tipper truck. The impact reportedly forced the minibus off the road, resulting in the catastrophic loss of life.

Ms Maimela also expressed concern for the five other learners who sustained critical injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for emergency medical treatment. “We wish the injured learners a speedy and full recovery and hold them and their families in our thoughts,” she said.

The Chairperson further emphasised the importance of psychosocial support for affected learners, families, educators and school communities. She called on the Department of Basic Education, in collaboration with provincial education departments and relevant stakeholders, to ensure that counselling and trauma-support services are urgently made available to help those affected cope with the emotional and psychological impact of the tragedy.

The Chairperson has called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. She said the incident once again highlights persistent concerns regarding the safety and regulation of scholar transport vehicles.

“This tragic loss of young lives underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight, enforcement of road safety regulations and accountability within the scholar transport sector. Authorities are expected to intensify scrutiny in the wake of this incident to prevent similar tragedies in the future,” Ms Maimela said.

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

Posted on

Seychelles: President Herminie Highlights Key Outcomes of Abu Dhabi Mission at Post-Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 Press Conference

Source: APO – Report:

.

The President of the Republic, Dr. Patrick Herminie, has outlined three major outcomes of his official mission to Abu Dhabi, following his participation in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026. Addressing members of the media at a post-mission press conference, the President identified strengthened pathways for water security, accelerated energy transformation, and enhanced digital connectivity as the principal deliverables of the visit.

President Herminie explained that engagements held at the ADSW 2026 were deliberately focused on translating international cooperation into practical, results-oriented solutions to address some of Seychelles’ most pressing national challenges. He noted that water and energy, are among the most critical sectors requiring urgent and sustained intervention, and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to delivering durable, long-term solutions through improved access to water and more affordable electricity.

First regarding water security, the President highlighted that recent years have exposed vulnerabilities in the country’s water supply, leading to periods of water stress that the Government is determined not to allow to persist. While reiterating that water conservation remains a national priority, he emphasised that desalination represents the most immediate and effective solution to meet growing demand. In this regard, the President has secured four desalination plants for the southern region of Mahé, an intervention expected to significantly reduce water stress and improve water availability over the next five to ten years.

In addressing energy transformation, President Herminie stressed that reducing the cost of electricity is central to the Government’s broader socio-economic development agenda. He acknowledged that Seychelles’ continued reliance on fuel oil for electricity generation is both costly and environmentally unsustainable, underscoring the urgency of transitioning to alternative energy production models. While renewable sources such as solar and wind energy remain key components of the national strategy, he noted that Seychelles’ limited land mass presents constraints for large-scale photovoltaic deployment.

To overcome these limitations, the President outlined an integrated approach that combines solar energy generation with battery storage systems, a model made increasingly viable by rapid advancements in technology. He announced that pilot initiatives will commence on La Digue Island, serving as an initial testing ground, before progressing to Praslin and, subsequently, Mahé. These efforts form part of a broader strategy to lower electricity costs, enhance energy reliability, and support the Government’s plans to introduce green infrastructure initiatives such as electric public transportation

Within this context, President Herminie further revealed that he has sought support from private individuals as well as the Government of Abu Dhabi to advance projects aimed at installing solar panel on government housing. He acknowledged that the high upfront cost of installation remains a significant barrier for many households. To address this challenge, the President said that the Government will move decisively by introducing a requirement for all new housing developments to be equipped with solar panel systems. He emphasised that this policy shift will not only advance national energy objectives but also create new business opportunities for local entrepreneurs and service providers within the renewable energy sector.

The President also addressed developments in telecommunications and internet connectivity, identifying digital infrastructure as a critical pillar of national transformation. He informed the media that discussions are currently underway with Starlink to explore the provision of more affordable and reliable internet services for Seychelles. President Herminie noted that progress in areas such as artificial intelligence, e-government, and broader digitalisation will depend heavily on improving both the cost and efficiency of telecommunications services.

He further noted that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is actively advancing these discussions and is expected to present concrete proposals to the Cabinet of Ministers by April this year.

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 was held from 13 to 15 January, during which President Herminie delivered the keynote address at the Blue Forum, engaged with participants of the Youth for Sustainability initiative, and undertook a series of high-level engagements. The forum proved to be highly successful, offering invaluable opportunities to engage directly with emerging technologies and innovative solutions in energy production and water conservation.

The outcomes of the Abu Dhabi mission reflect the Government’s firm resolve to leverage international partnerships to deliver tangible benefits for the Seychellois people, while positioning Seychelles decisively on a path of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Posted on

Eritrea: Epiphany colorfully celebrated nationwide

Source: APO – Report:

.

Epiphany (Timket) was celebrated nationwide with vibrant and joyous festivities today, 19 January.

In the capital, Asmara, the religious observance was attended by archbishops, bishops, members of the Holy Synod, heads of dioceses, representatives of monasteries, senior Government officials, members of the diplomatic community, and a large number of the faithful.

A prayer service, led by His Holiness Abune Basilios, the 6th Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church, was conducted at the Epiphany Holy Water spot at Bahti Meskerem Square.

During the occasion, Merigeta Simon Beyene provided a briefing on the historical significance of the Timket Holiday. Indicating that national holidays are a source of pride and embody national values, Merigeta Simon honored the Eritrean martyrs who made it possible to celebrate national holidays in peace and happiness, and extended his wishes for a joyous Epiphany to the Eritrean people at home and abroad, as well as members of the Eritrean Defense Forces. He also called on the faithful to extend support to disadvantaged citizens.

The event was broadcast live on Eritrean Television and Dimtsi Hafash Radio.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Posted on

South Africa: President Ramaphosa mourns multiple deaths in Cape Flats violence and scholar transport crash

Source: APO – Report:

.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the loss of life in violence on the Cape Flats at the weekend and in a collision involving a scholar transport vehicle this morning, Monday, 19 January 2026.

At least 26 people died in violence on the Cape Flats during a 24-hour period over the weekend while 11 learners died when the vehicle in which they were travelling collided with a truck near Vanderbijlpark today.

President Ramaphosa offers his deepest sympathies to all families and communities concerned and says Government will work with citizens and community-based organisations to protect people’s lives in these different circumstances.

With reference to the Western Cape tragedies, President Ramaphosa said communities could expect stronger law enforcement and increased police visibility to stabilise affected communities and reduce the potential for further violence.

President Ramaphosa recognises the fear to which criminals subject residents and therefore calls on communities to strengthen their partnership with law enforcement agencies in community policing forums.

The President also urges residents to provide information – even on neighbours and family members – to police on an ongoing basis so that communities will instead become unsafe for criminals. With the assistance of community members, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has been able to arrest 100 gang leaders and 106 runners in the past three months.

President Ramaphosa assures residents that Government is balancing short-term actions to prevent and respond to violence and stabilise communities, with long-term socio-economic interventions to improve social conditions and living standards.

On today’s learner transport tragedy, President Ramaphosa says it is particularly distressing that this incident has taken place on the day the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has published a report on scholar transport in the North West.

The President’s thoughts are with the families, teachers, classmates and friends of the young victims.

“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets and we must do all we can – from observing the rules of the road to the quality of service providers appointed to transport scholars – to protect learners.”

President Ramaphosa says national and provincial authorities will provide families and schools with the necessary psychosocial support.

– on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.