Category: Africa

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Condolences for jazz musician, Ernest "Stompie" Manana

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Matome Chiloane has extended his condolences following the passing of legendary jazz musician, Ernest “Stompie” Manana.

Manana passed away on Friday, 29 August at the age of 89.

“Manana was a giant in South African Jazz, whose impact is immeasurable. His contributions shaped South African jazz music beyond being a talented artist performing on global stages, but as a mentor and teacher to others. With the late-great Hugh Masekela as one of his many mentees, Manana’s work will be felt for generations to come. Deepest condolences go to the Manana family, friends and all jazz music players and lovers. We have truly lost a pioneer in the genre,” the MEC said in a statement on Monday.

Manana was a trumpeter and flugelhorn player, who played an instrumental role in revival and preservation of township jazz as a Sophiatown native. 

According to the provincial government, over the course of his 60-year career, Manana recorded music and performed all over the world in revered bands such as the Savoy Havanas, The Cliffs, the Transvaal Jazz Stars, the African Swingsters and the African Jazz Pioneers, of which he was a founding member.

“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said the MEC. –SAnews.gov.za

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Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) to Spotlight Mining Sector Investments at African Mining Week (AMW) 2025

Source: APO


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As African nations strengthen their positions as global leaders in the production of diamonds, platinum group metals, chromium, uranium, cobalt and other key industrial minerals, development finance institutions – such as the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) – are providing essential funding through loans, equity investments and infrastructure support. 

Molebogeng Mazibuko, Associate Vice President-Investment, AFC and Franklin Edochie, Deputy Director & Head-Metals & Mining, AFC, have been confirmed as speakers at the upcoming African Mining Week 2025 – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders. 

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.

Mazibuko will deliver a keynote address during AMW’s opening ceremony. The event is set to feature insights into the current state of Africa’s investment and mining landscapes and highlight the AFC’s role in driving mining sector growth across the continent. To date, the AFC has mobilized $14 billion in investments across multiple sectors, contributing over $50 billion to Africa’s GDP (https://apo-opa.co/4mLorzx) and creating more than 7 million jobs. Notable mining-related investments include the Kamoa-Kakula copper mine – the world’s lowest-emission copper operation – which alone contributes 6% to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s GDP. The AFC’s ongoing investment in the Lobito Rail Corridor – a logistics corridor linking Angola, the DRC and Zambia – will cut mineral export times from 45 days to seven. 

Meanwhile, Edochie will speak during The Investor Perspective – Financing Africa’s Mineral Industrialization panel session, which is set to explore best practices and financing strategies to advance local beneficiation and boost mineral production across the continent. Edochie is expected to spotlight the AFC’s recent strategic investments in African mining sector expansion (https://apo-opa.co/4p3cFlm) – including the FG Gold Project in Sierra Leone, Thor Explorations’ initiative in Nigeria, Giyani Metals’ project in Botswana and the Nyanza Light Metals project in South Africa. The AFC is also making strategic investments to unlock Nigeria’s commercial mining space through a partnership with the Solid Minerals Development Fund (https://apo-opa.co/4n8hFn5). 

With the AFC expanding its investment portfolio and Africa harnessing rising mineral demand for economic growth, AMW will connect the AFC representatives with mining projects to form partnerships and sign industry-changing deals. 

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

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Sidi Ould Tah Assumes Office as 9th President of the African Development Bank Group

Source: APO

History was made today when Dr. Sidi Ould Tah was sworn-in, as the ninth President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) (www.AfDB.org).  

At exactly11:04 Abidjan time, on a rainswept Monday morning, Dr. Sidi took his oath-of-office, at the helm of Africa’s premier development finance institution succeeding Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina who has completed his two terms.  

Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara, and his Mauritanian counterpart President, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, graced the elaborate high-level ceremony held at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire. Former African Development Bank Group Presidents Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, and Dr. Donald Kaberuka, as well as the Bank Group’s Board of Governors, including Executive Directors, staff and international dignitaries were in attendance to witness the change of leadership. The Republic of the Congo’s economy minister Ludovic Ngatse in his capacity as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Bank presided over the swearing in-ceremony.  

Dr. Ould Tah, 60, who hails from the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, was elected on 29 May 2025 with over 76% of shareholder votes—the highest margin for a first-term president in the Bank’s history.  

President Ouattara termed the change of leadership a “milestone which comes at a historic moment in the life of our pan-African institution” and “paves the way for a new era of hope for the Bank.” 

In his congratulatory remarks delivered immediately after the swearing-in ceremony President Ghazouani noted that, “Dr. Sidi Ould Tah has this heavy responsibility to ensure that the Bank enhances its key role in promoting the economic and social development of the continent, for it to remain a full lever in terms of fulfilling the aspirations of African people to peace, prosperity and development.” 

President Ghazouani expressed confidence in the Bank’s new president to deliver for the continent.  

“We will be the Bank that bridges divides-between regions, between ambitions and execution, between public and private, between urgency and bureaucracy. Let us move forward together – with urgency, with unity, and with unwavering accountability.” Ould Tah said in his well-received inaugural speech. 

Dr. Ould Tah outlined his Four Cardinal Points which include, listening intently; launching a fast-track reform agenda; deepening partnerships and accelerating real solutions as the core priorities which will guide his presidency in the first 100-days of office.  

The new President reiterated that the Bank will be “attentive, responsive, and capable of setting priorities that matter.”  He went on to note that the Bank will enhance partnerships by working closely with governments, the private sector, and international partners, “so that together we create a financial framework that serves Africa on its own terms.” 

Dr Ould Tah acknowledged the presence of Bank partners including Finance in Common, the Alliance of African Financial Institutions, the International Development Finance Club, and the Arab Coordination Group, and pledged his readiness “to expand the Bank’s partnership to new players such as sovereign funds, pension funds and others”. Additionally, he made a commitment to “urgently revisit our investment models to include a dedicated pillar for investment in peace.” 

President Ould Tah affirmed his intention to organise a Townhall “in the coming days” for Bank staff, whom he described as the “institution’s most valuable resource.” 

Envisioning a vital role for the Bank as a guide for a continent confronting the 21st century challenges of demographics, technology and climate change, Ould Tah said: “Africa must look North, South, East and West—not to imitate, but to draw wisdom and strength from every direction while defining its own course. Like a navigator guided by the compass, the Bank should help Africa navigate the megatrends toward increased self-reliance, ambition, and agency,” he said. However, he stressed, this important leadership role in crafting universal solutions “shaped by African perspectives, African priorities, and African agency” must be approached in a selective manner, saying, “The African Development Bank should not aim to be everything to everyone. It should focus on where it can move the needle most, always with the spirit of partnership.” 

Dr. Ould Tah is the former President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), where he oversaw a landmark institutional transformation. Under his leadership, BADEA’s assets grew from $4 billion to nearly $7 billion, annual approvals increased twelvefold and disbursements eightfold; and the institution achieved AA+/AAA credit ratings.  

He brings to the Presidency of the African Development Bank Group over four decades of distinguished experience in development banking, economic policy, and institutional transformation. He also previously served as Minister of Economy and Finance of Mauritania between 2008 and 2015, and Mauritania’s Governor on the Boards of the African Development Bank, World Bank and the Islamic Development Bank, among others.  

Fluent in Arabic, English and French, with working proficiency in Portuguese and Spanish languages, President Ould Tah holds a PhD in Economics from University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, France, and advanced degrees from Paris VII-Jussieu and University of Nouakchott. 

Dr. Ould Tah inherits a pan-African institution with robust fundamentals: $318 billion in capital, AAA credit ratings maintained for 10 consecutive years, and the world’s highest transparency score for a sovereign portfolio, at 98.8%. Over the past decade, the Bank has approved $102 billion in development financing.  

The audience at the swearing-in ceremony included representatives of international institutions and development partners, private sector, civil society, diplomats, members of the Bank’s Board of Directors, and staff. Three of the candidates who contested for the Presidency alongside Dr. Ould Tah—Ms. Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, Mr. Amadou Hott and Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo—were also in attendance.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:  
Tolu Ogunlesi
Communications and External Relations Department (PCER); 
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group: 
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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M. Sidi Ould Tah prend ses fonctions en tant que neuvième président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Une nouvelle page d’histoire s’est ouverte aujourd’hui au moment où M. Sidi Ould Tah a prêté serment en tant que neuvième président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org).  

À 11h04 très précisément (heure d’Abidjan), par un lundi matin pluvieux, M. Tah a prêté serment, assumant la direction de la première institution financière de développement en Afrique et succédant ainsi à M. Akinwumi Adesina à l’issue de ses deux mandats successifs. 

Le président de la Côte d’Ivoire, M. Alassane Ouattara, et son homologue mauritanien, M. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, ont honoré de leur présence la cérémonie officielle qui s’est déroulée au Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire. Les anciens présidents du Groupe de la Banque, M. Akinwumi Adesina et M. Donald Kaberuka, ainsi que les membres du Conseil des gouverneurs du Groupe de la Banque, y compris ses administrateurs, le personnel de l’institution et des personnalités internationales de haut rang, étaient présents pour assister à cette passation de pouvoir. Le ministre de l’Économie, du Plan et de l’Intégration régionale de la République du Congo, M. Ludovic Ngatsé, en sa qualité de président du Conseil des gouverneurs du Groupe de la Banque, a présidé la cérémonie de prestation de serment. 

De nationalité mauritanienne M. Tah, âgé de 60 ans, a été élu, le 29 mai dernier, avec plus de 76 % des voix des actionnaires, ce qui représente la plus forte marge obtenue par un président élu pour un premier mandat à la tête de l’institution. 

Le président Ouattara a qualifié ce changement de direction de « jalon historique dans la vie de notre institution panafricaine », et a déclaré qu’il « ouvrait la voie à une nouvelle ère d’espoir pour la Banque ». 

Dans son discours de félicitations prononcé immédiatement après la cérémonie de prestation de serment, le président Ghazouani a souligné que M. Tah avait « la lourde responsabilité de veiller à ce que la Banque renforce son rôle clé dans la promotion du développement économique et social du continent, afin qu’elle reste un levier à part entière pour répondre aux aspirations des Africains à la paix, à la prospérité et au développement ». 

Le président Ghazouani a exprimé sa confiance dans la capacité du nouveau président du Groupe de la Banque à tenir ses promesses pour le continent.  

« Nous serons la banque qui comblera les fossés entre les régions, entre les ambitions et la mise en œuvre, entre le public et le privé, entre l’urgence et la bureaucratie. Allons de l’avant ensemble, avec célérité, avec unité et avec une responsabilité sans faille », a déclaré M. Sidi Ould Tah dans son discours d’investiture, qui a reçu un accueil très favorable.  

M. Tah a présenté les quatre points cardinaux de sa stratégie, qui comprennent une écoute attentive, le lancement d’un programme de réformes accéléré, l’approfondissement des partenariats et l’accélération des solutions concrètes comme priorités fondamentales qui guideront sa présidence au cours des cent premiers jours de son mandat. 

Le nouveau président a réaffirmé que la Banque serait « attentive, réactive et capable de fixer les priorités qui comptent ». M. Tah a ensuite souligné que la Banque renforcerait ses partenariats en travaillant en étroite collaboration avec les gouvernements, le secteur privé et les partenaires internationaux, « afin qu’ensemble, nous créions un cadre financier qui serve l’Afrique selon ses propres conditions ». 

M. Tah a salué la présence des partenaires de la Banque, notamment Finance en commun, l’Alliance des institutions financières africaines, le Club international de financement du développement et le Groupe de coordination arabe, et s’est déclaré prêt « à étendre le partenariat de la Banque à de nouveaux acteurs tels que les fonds souverains, les fonds de pension, et d’autres ». Par ailleurs, il s’est engagé à « revoir d’urgence nos modèles d’investissement afin d’y inclure un pilier dédié à l’investissement dans la paix ». 

Le président Tah a affirmé son intention d’organiser « dans les prochains jours » une réunion publique pour le personnel de la Banque, qu’il a qualifié de « ressource la plus précieuse de l’institution ».  

M. Tah a envisagé le rôle essentiel que peut jouer la Banque en tant que guide pour un continent confronté aux défis du 21e siècle en matière de démographie, de technologie et de changement climatique : « L’Afrique doit regarder vers le nord, le sud, l’est et l’ouest, non pas pour imiter, mais pour puiser la sagesse et la force dans toutes les directions, tout en définissant sa propre voie. À l’instar d’un navigateur guidé par sa boussole, la Banque devrait aider l’Afrique à naviguer vers une autonomie accrue, une ambition accrue et une plus grande capacité d’action », a-t-il suggéré. Il a toutefois souligné que ce rôle important de leadership dans l’élaboration de solutions universelles « façonnées par les perspectives, les priorités et l’autonomie africaines » doit être abordé de manière sélective, affirmant que « la Banque africaine de développement ne doit pas chercher à être tout pour tout le monde. Elle doit se concentrer sur les domaines où elle peut avoir le plus d’impact, toujours dans un esprit de partenariat ».  

M. Tah est l’ancien président de la Banque arabe pour le développement économique en Afrique (BADEA), où il a supervisé une transformation institutionnelle historique. Sous sa présidence, les actifs de la BADEA sont passés de quatre milliards à près de sept milliards de dollars, les approbations annuelles ont été multiplié par douze et les décaissements par fois ; l’institution a obtenu la notation de crédit AA+/AAA. 

M. Tah apporte à la présidence du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement plus de quatre décennies d’expérience reconnue dans le domaine des banques de développement, de la politique économique et de la transformation institutionnelle. Il a également occupé les fonctions de ministre de l’Économie et des Finances de Mauritanie entre 2008 et 2015, et de gouverneur de la Mauritanie au sein des conseils d’administration de la Banque africaine de développement, de la Banque mondiale et de la Banque islamique de développement, entre autres. 

Parlant couramment l’arabe, l’anglais et le français, et maîtrisant le portugais et l’espagnol, le président Tah est titulaire d’un doctorat en économie de l’université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, en France, et a est diplômé de l’université Paris VII-Jussieu et de l’université de Nouakchott. 

M. Tah hérite d’une institution panafricaine aux fondations solides : 318 milliards de dollars de capital, une notation de crédit AAA maintenue pendant dix années consécutives, et le score de transparence le plus élevé au monde pour un portefeuille souverain (98,8 %). Au cours de la dernière décennie, la Banque a approuvé 102 milliards de dollars de financements en faveur du développement de l’Afrique. 

Parmi le public présent à la cérémonie d’investiture figuraient des représentants d’institutions internationales et de partenaires du développement, du secteur privé, de la société civile, des représentants du corps diplomatique, des membres du Conseil d’administration de la Banque et de son personnel. Trois des candidats, qui se sont présentés à la présidence, aux côtés de M. Tah, Mme Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, M. Amadou Hott et M. Samuel Munzele Maimbo, étaient également présents dans la salle du Palais des Congrès. 

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias : 
Tolu Ogunlesi
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
media@afdb.org

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement est la principale institution du financement du développement en Afrique. Il comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). Représentée dans 41 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, la Banque contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 Etats membres régionaux. Pour plus d’informations : www.AfDB.org 

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Le secteur des services publics en Afrique acquiert de nouvelles capacités de protection pour assurer la longévité des poteaux électriques

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Un rapport indépendant mené sur le terrain en Ouganda présente des résultats probants de l’utilisation des manchons Polesaver (www.Polesaver.com) Rot-Guard™ pour maximiser la durée de vie des poteaux en bois de distribution d’électricité. Ces résultats devraient guider les entreprises de services publics et les concepteurs d’infrastructures à travers l’Afrique vers des solutions plus rentables et pérennes. 

Réalisé par Paul Mugabi, professeur-consultant associé à l’École des sciences forestières, environnementales et géographiques de l’Université Makerere, le rapport est la première du genre en Afrique de l’Est à évaluer les technologies de protection au sol dans des conditions locales. 

Que sont les manchons Rot-Guard™ ? 

Les manchons Polesaver Rot-Guard™ sont des solutions de protection à double couche et thermorétractables conçues pour protéger la partie la plus vulnérable d’un poteau en bois (la partie enfouie) contre la décomposition fongique et l’attaque des termites. Cette partie, où le poteau est en contact avec le sol (jusqu’à six pouces sous terre), est très sensible à la détérioration biologique. Une couche thermoplastique externe se fixe au poteau, empêchant la pénétration de l’eau et de l’oxygène, tandis qu’une couche bitumineuse interne scelle le bois, formant une barrière impénétrable et durable. 

Malgré la concurrence de l’acier et du béton, les poteaux en bois restent le choix préféré pour la distribution d’électricité dans de nombreuses régions africaines en raison de leur coût inférieur, de leur facilité d’installation, de leur empreinte environnementale réduite et de leur disponibilité locale. Toutefois, les défaillances prématurées (souvent dans un délai de dix ans) dues à la pourriture et aux termites continuent de peser sur les fournisseurs de services publics. Entre 2017 et 2021, l’Ouganda a dépensé plus de huit millions de dollars pour remplacer les poteaux en bois en décomposition – plus de 85 % des défaillances étant attribuées à une détérioration biologique. 

Résultats du rapport 

Dans l’étude, 200 poteaux en bois installés dans le centre de l’Ouganda ont été examinés : 113 protégés par des manchons Polesaver Rot-Guard™, et 87 poteaux témoins non traités, chacun fixé dans le sol pendant jusqu’à huit ans. 

Principales conclusions du rapport : 

  • Pas de décomposition des poteaux manchonnés, contre 4,6% de décomposition pour les poteaux non manchonnés 
  • Pas d’attaque de termites des poteaux manchonnés, contre 5,75% d’attaque pour les poteaux non manchonnés  

« Ces résultats montrent comment une technologie relativement simple, rentable et éprouvée peut apporter des avantages substantiels aux fournisseurs de services publics », souligne Richard George, CEO de Polesaver. « En prolongeant la durée de vie des poteaux, les manchons Rot-Guard™ peuvent réduire considérablement les coûts de remplacement et de maintenance, tout en améliorant la sécurité et la fiabilité du réseau. » 

Le rapport (https://apo-opa.co/4p0oPvk) fournit des conclusions solides d’une adoption plus large de la technologie des manchons de protection dans les climats tropicaux et subtropicaux et offre une feuille de route pour améliorer la résilience des infrastructures électriques à travers le continent. Les cycles de financement Mission 300 étant en cours, ces conclusions arrivent à point nommé. L’objectif ambitieux de l’initiative de fournir un accès à l’électricité à 300 millions de nouveaux clients d’ici à 2030 ne réussira que si les investissements donnent la priorité à des solutions qui prolongent la durée de vie et la fiabilité de ces actifs critiques. 

Distribué par APO Group pour Polesaver.

Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez contacter :  
Claire Powell
responsable du marketing 
claire.powell@polesaver.com 
+44 (0) 1452 222 364 

À propos de Polesaver :
Polesaver est une entreprise familiale basée au Royaume-Uni et basée dans le Gloucestershire. Polesaver a été le pionnier du premier manchon au monde de protection au sol à double couche en 1994. Depuis lors, la société est devenue le plus grand fabricant à l’échelle mondiale, fournissant une protection éprouvée pour les poteaux de services publics dans plus de 35 pays. www.Polesaver.com

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Former Eskom contractor sentenced for fraud and money laundering

Source: Government of South Africa

The Mpumalanga Specialised Commercial Crimes Court has sentenced a former Eskom contractor to some 16 years imprisonment, wholly suspended, after she pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and money laundering at Thuthuka Power Station.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Phindile Jessie Kubheka – director of Umnandi Catering and Accommodation and Ronny Grass Cutting (Pty) Ltd – was contracted by the power utility to supply it with a customised oil storage container and two weighbridge information storage containers at a cost of some R2.5 million.

“However, she only delivered one standard container valued at approximately R60 000, while submitting an invoice for three containers, which Eskom paid in full. Investigations later revealed that Kubheka had inflated the costs by R939 550. 

“In aggravation of sentence, Senior State Advocate Derrick Mashego, argued that the offence was carefully planned, motivated by greed, and caused significant financial prejudice to Eskom and the fiscus,” the NPA said.

The prosecutorial body said Khubeka “expressed remorse” during mitigation – citing her “retirement status, personal tragedies”, as well as admitting to “using proceeds of the crime to purchase a luxury vehicle”.

“The court imposed an effective sentence of 12 years for fraud and four years for money laundering, wholly suspended for five years. In addition, under Section 300 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, Kubheka was ordered to repay R1 656 000 to Eskom within five years, in monthly instalments of R30 000 until the amount is fully settled.

“The NPA reiterates that serious commercial crimes threaten South Africa’s economic stability and compromise Eskom’s ability to provide reliable electricity. The NPA remains resolute in adopting an aggressive stance in prosecuting those who undermine the country’s resources through corruption and fraud,” the prosecutorial body said.

Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, vowed to continue the crackdown on any wrongdoing at the power utility.

“Our commitment to eliminating corruption remains unwavering and these developments send a clear message: fraud and corruption will not be tolerated.

“The vast majority of Eskom employees act with integrity and dedication. We will pursue those who betray the organisation and the country with our law enforcement partners and seek prosecutions wherever possible,” Marokane said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Petrol, diesel prices to decrease from Wednesday

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Some relief will be felt at the pumps this month when all grades of petrol and diesel record decreases from Wednesday.

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has announced the following price adjustments:
•    Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): 4 cent decrease.
•    Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP): 4 cent decrease.
•    Diesel (0.05% sulphur): 56 cent decrease.
•    Diesel (0.005% sulphur): 57 cent decrease.
•    Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 37 cent decrease.
•    Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: 49 cent decrease.
•    Maximum Retail Price of LPGas: R1.32 decrease and R1.51 decrease in the Western Cape

“The average Brent Crude oil price decreased from $69.06 US Dollars [USD] to $67.01 USD during the period under review. The main contributing factors are increasing production by OPEC+ and non-OPEC [Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries] producers, slower global economic growth outlook as well as uncertain trade tariffs.

“The average international prices of all petroleum products decreased in line with the decrease in crude oil prices. This led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices [BFP] of petrol by 1.88 cents per litre [c/l], diesel by 54.35 c/l and illuminating paraffin by 35.54 c/l, respectively. The prices of Propane and Butane also decreased during the period under review,” the DMPR explained.

The decrease means that a litre of Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP) will cost R 21.55 cents a litre in Gauteng while a litre of Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP) in the coast will now cost R20.72 a litre as of Wednesday.

Furthermore, the Rand appreciated slightly against the USD during the period under review – cushioning “prices by close to 2.00 cents per litre on all products”. – SAnews.gov.za

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KZN taxi and e-hailing operators commended for peace efforts

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 1, 2025

KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma has commended e-hailing drivers, taxi drivers, and members of the KwaDabeka and Clermont Taxi Association for their commitment to peace and stability in the area.

“This will not only strengthen the public transport system but will also ensure that they co-exist,” Duma said.

Duma’s remarks come after last week’s shooting and assault of e-hailing drivers, allegedly by taxi operators, in KwaDabeka, west of Durban.

In response, Duma dispatched a team from the Public Regulatory Entity to meet with the KZN E-Hailing Council, the KwaDabeka and Clermont Taxi Association, and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The meeting, held at KwaDabeka Police Station, on Friday, sought to ensure peace and stability and reflect on the state of readiness for the implementation of the e-hailing industry encompassing Uber and Bolt drivers.

Key agreements included:
•    Harmonising relations and ensuring co-existence between e-hailing drivers and taxi-operators and taxi drivers; 
•    Working together to ensure long-lasting solutions in order to achieve, peace and stability within the public transport sector in the KwaDabeka and Clermont;
•    Traffic enforcement of law in order to strengthen the transport system and ensure its safety;
•    Rollout of Multidisciplinary Roadblocks involving KZN E-hailing Council, KwaDabeka /Clermont Association, SAPS, Road Traffic Inspectorate and Metro Police to root out illegal operators. (Drivers who do not have an app and taxi operators who do not have permits).
•    Updating all stakeholders about the implementation of e-hailing regulations contained in the amended National Land Transport Act.
Duma also thanked Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for deploying the National Intervention Unit to ensure stability in the area.

“We have agreed to work together to stabilise other areas where there is harassment and extortion of e-hailing drivers by criminal elements. We want e-hailing drivers and taxi drivers to live comfortably and have access to our housing schemes such as First Home Buyer scheme for households with an income of between R3 000 and R22 000,” Duma said.

He reiterated the provincial government’s stance that “nothing should come between the people of KwaZulu-Natal and prosperity.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Sidi Ould Tah assume o cargo de 9.º presidente do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Hoje foi um dia histórico, com a tomada de posse do Dr. Sidi Ould Tah como nono presidente do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB) (www.AfDB.org). 

Às 11h04, hora de Abidjan, numa manhã chuvosa de segunda-feira, o Dr. Sidi prestou juramento, assumindo a liderança da principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento de África, sucedendo ao Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, que completou os seus dois mandatos. 

O presidente da Costa do Marfim, Alassane Ouattara, e o seu homó. mauritano, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, prestigiaram a cerimónia de alto nível realizada no Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire. Os ex-presidentes do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina e Dr. Donald Kaberuka, bem como o Conselho de Governadores do Grupo Banco, incluindo diretores executivos, funcionários e dignitários internacionais, estiveram presentes para testemunhar a mudança de liderança. O ministro da Economia da República do Congo, Ludovic Ngatsé, na sua qualidade de presidente do Conselho de Governadores do Banco, presidiu à cerimónia de tomada de posse.  

O Dr. Ould Tah, 60 anos, natural da República Islâmica da Mauritânia, foi eleito a 29 de maio de 2025 com mais de 76% dos votos dos acionistas – a margem mais elevada para um presidente num primeiro mandato na história do Banco. 

O Presidente Ouattara considerou a mudança de liderança um “marco que surge num momento histórico na vida da nossa instituição pan-africana” e acrescentou que “abre caminho para uma nova era de esperança para o Banco”. 

Nas suas palavras de felicitações proferidas imediatamente após a cerimónia de tomada de posse, o Presidente Ghazouani observou que “o Dr. Sidi Ould Tah tem a pesada responsabilidade de garantir que o Banco reforce o seu papel fundamental na promoção do desenvolvimento económico e social do continente, para que continue a ser uma alavanca importante na concretização das aspirações do povo africano à paz, prosperidade e desenvolvimento”. 

O Presidente Ghazouani expressou a sua confiança no novo presidente do Banco para cumprir as expectativas do continente. 

“Seremos o Banco que ultrapassa as divisões entre regiões, entre ambições e execução, entre o público e o privado, entre a urgência e a burocracia. Vamos avançar juntos – com urgência, com unidade e com responsabilização inabalável”, afirmou Ould Tah no seu discurso de tomada de posse. 

O Dr. Ould Tah delineou os seus Quatro Pontos Cardeais, que incluem ouvir atentamente, lançar uma agenda de reformas aceleradas, aprofundar parcerias e acelerar soluções reais como as principais prioridades que irão orientar a sua presidência nos primeiros 100 dias de mandato. 

O novo presidente reiterou que o Banco será “atento, responsivo e capaz de definir prioridades que importam”. Depois, observou que o Banco irá reforçar as parcerias, trabalhando em estreita colaboração com governos, o setor privado e parceiros internacionais, “para que, juntos, criemos um quadro financeiro que sirva África nos seus próprios termos”. 

O Dr. Ould Tah reconheceu a presença dos parceiros do Banco, incluindo o Financiamento em Comum, a Aliança de Instituições Financeiras Africanas, o Clube Internacional de Financiamento do Desenvolvimento e o Grupo Árabe de Coordenação, e comprometeu-se a “expandir a parceria do Banco para novos intervenientes, tais como fundos soberanos, fundos de pensões e outros”. Além disso, comprometeu-se a “revisitar urgentemente os nossos modelos de investimento para incluir um pilar dedicado ao investimento na paz”. 

O presidente Ould Tah afirmou a sua intenção de organizar uma assembleia pública “nos próximos dias” para os funcionários do Banco, que descreveu como “o recurso mais valioso da instituição”. 

Visando um papel vital para o Banco como guia para um continente que enfrenta os desafios demográficos, tecnológicos e climáticos do século XXI, Ould Tah afirmou: “África deve olhar para o Norte, Sul, Leste e Oeste – não para imitar, mas para extrair sabedoria e força de todas as direções enquanto define o seu próprio rumo. Tal como um navegador guiado pela bússola, o Banco deve ajudar África a navegar pelas megatendências rumo a uma maior autossuficiência, ambição e agência2, afirmou.  

No entanto, salientou que este importante papel de liderança na elaboração de soluções universais “moldadas pelas perspetivas africanas, pelas prioridades africanas e pela agência africana” deve ser abordado de forma seletiva, afirmando que “o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento não deve pretender ser tudo para todos; deve concentrar-se onde pode ter maior impacto, sempre com espírito de parceria”. 

O Dr. Ould Tah é o antigo presidente do Banco Árabe para o Desenvolvimento Económico em África (BADEA), onde supervisionou uma transformação institucional histórica. Sob a sua liderança, os ativos do BADEA cresceram de 4 mil milhões de dólares para quase 7 mil milhões de dólares, as aprovações anuais aumentaram doze vezes e os desembolsos oito vezes; e a instituição alcançou ratings de AA+/AAA. 

Ele traz para a Presidência do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento mais de quatro décadas de experiência distinta em bancos de desenvolvimento, política económica e transformação institucional. Anteriormente, também foi Ministro da Economia e Finanças da Mauritânia entre 2008 e 2015 e Governador da Mauritânia nos Conselhos do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, Banco Mundial e Banco Islâmico de Desenvolvimento, entre outros. 

Fluente em árabe, inglês e francês, com proficiência profissional em português e espanhol, o presidente Ould Tah possui um doutoramento em Economia pela Universidade de Nice Sophia Antipolis, França, e diplomas avançados pela Paris VII-Jussieu e pela Universidade de Nouakchott. 

O Dr. Ould Tah herda uma instituição pan-africana com fundamentos sólidos: 318 mil milhões de dólares em capital, rating AAA durante 10 anos consecutivos e a pontuação de transparência mais alta do mundo para uma carteira soberana, com 98,8%. Ao longo da última década, o Banco aprovou 102 mil milhões de dólares em financiamento ao desenvolvimento. 

A audiência na cerimónia de tomada de posse incluiu representantes de instituições internacionais e parceiros de desenvolvimento, setor privado, sociedade civil, diplomatas, membros do Conselho de Administração do Banco e funcionários. Três dos candidatos que disputaram a Presidência ao lado do Dr. Ould Tah – a Sra. Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, o Sr. Amadou Hott e o Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo – também estiveram presentes. 

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media: 
Tolu Ogunlesi
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

Sobre o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org/pt

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O setor africano dos serviços públicos obtém novos conhecimentos sobre a longevidade dos postes de eletricidade

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Um novo estudo de campo independente realizado no Uganda revelou provas convincentes que apoiam a utilização das mangas Polesaver (www.Polesaver.com) Rot-Guard™ para maximizar a vida útil dos postes de distribuição de eletricidade em madeira. Espera-se que os resultados orientem as empresas de serviços públicos e os especificadores de infraestruturas em toda a África para soluções mais rentáveis e duradouras. 

Conduzido pelo Dr. Paul Mugabi, Professor-Consultor Associado da Escola de Ciências Florestais, Ambientais e Geográficas da Universidade de Makerere, o estudo é o primeiro do seu género na África Oriental a avaliar a tecnologia de proteção de linhas terrestres em condições locais. 

O que são as Mangas Rot-Guard™? 

As mangas Polesaver Rot-Guard™ são mangas de barreira de camada dupla, termorretráteis, concebidas para proteger a parte mais vulnerável de um poste de madeira – a linha de terra – da decomposição por fungos e do ataque de térmitas. Esta zona, onde o poste encontra o solo (e 15 cm abaixo do solo), é muito suscetível à deterioração biológica. Uma camada termoplástica exterior encolhe-se junto ao poste, impedindo a entrada de água e oxigénio, enquanto que uma camada betuminosa interior sela a madeira, formando uma barreira duradoura e impenetrável. 

Apesar da concorrência do aço e do betão, os postes de madeira continuam a ser a escolha preferida para a distribuição de energia em muitas regiões africanas devido ao seu baixo custo, facilidade de instalação, menor impacto ambiental e disponibilidade local. No entanto, a falha prematura – muitas vezes no prazo de 10 anos – devido à podridão e às térmitas continua a sobrecarregar os fornecedores de serviços públicos. Entre 2017 e 2021, o Uganda gastou mais de 8 milhões de dólares na substituição de postes de madeira deteriorados – mais de 85% das falhas foram atribuídas à deterioração biológica. 

Resultados do estudo 

No estudo, foram examinados 200 postes de madeira instalados no centro do Uganda: 113 protegidos com mangas Polesaver Rot-Guard™, e 87 postes de controlo não tratados, cada um no solo até oito anos. 

As principais conclusões incluem: 

  • Nenhuma deterioração dos postes com manga, em comparação com 4,6% de deterioração dos postes sem manga 
  • Nenhum ataque de térmitas aos postes com manga, em comparação com 5,75% de ataque aos postes sem manga 

“Estes resultados demonstram como uma tecnologia relativamente simples, rentável e comprovada pode proporcionar benefícios substanciais aos fornecedores de serviços públicos”, afirmou Richard George, Diretor Executivo da Polesaver. “Ao prolongar a vida útil dos postes, as mangas Rot-Guard™ podem reduzir drasticamente os custos de substituição e manutenção, ao mesmo tempo que melhoram a segurança e a fiabilidade da rede.” 

O relatório (https://apo-opa.co/4p0oPvk) fornece fortes evidências para uma adoção mais ampla da tecnologia de mangas de barreira em climas tropicais e subtropicais e oferece um roteiro para melhorar a resiliência da infraestrutura de energia em todo o continente. Com as rondas de financiamento da Mission 300 agora em curso, as conclusões são especialmente oportunas. O ambicioso objetivo da iniciativa – fornecer acesso à eletricidade a 300 milhões de novos clientes até 2030 – só será bem-sucedido se os investimentos derem prioridade a soluções que prolonguem a vida útil e a fiabilidade destes ativos críticos. 

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Polesaver.

Para mais informações, contacte:  
Claire Powell
Diretora de Marketing 
claire.powell@polesaver.com 
+44 (0) 1452 222 364 

Sobre a Polesaver:
A Polesaver é uma empresa familiar sediada no Reino Unido, com sede em Gloucestershire. Em 1994, a Polesaver foi pioneira na criação da primeira manga de barreira de camada dupla para linhas de terra do mundo. Desde então, a empresa tornou-se o maior fabricante de mangas de barreira para linhas de terra do mundo, fornecendo proteção comprovada para postes de serviços públicos em mais de 35 países em todo o mundo. www.Polesaver.com

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