Category: Africa

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À la Coupe d’Afrique des Nations (CAN), Speak Up Africa mobilise les leaders du football pour accélérer l’éradication de la polio et l’élimination du paludisme

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

À la veille de la finale de la Coupe d’Afrique des Nations (CAN), Speak Up Africa (www.SpeakUpAfrica.org) a réuni à Rabat des dirigeants du football, décideurs politiques, partenaires mondiaux de la santé, athlètes, jeunes, médias et acteurs de la société civile, à l’occasion du lancement de Speak Up Africa en Action, sa nouvelle plateforme phare de « sport pour la santé », conçue pour accélérer l’éradication de la polio et l’élimination du paludisme sur l’ensemble du continent.

Organisée en marge de la CAN, cette activation s’est tenue à un moment critique pour la santé publique. Alors que la volatilité des financements, la multiplication des crises mondiales et le recul de la confiance des populations menacent les progrès durement acquis, Speak Up Africa en Action vise à transformer la portée et l’influence du sport en engagement politique durable, en mobilisation des populations et en actions concrètes.

Conçue comme une plateforme itinérante et récurrente, intégrée aux grands rendez-vous sportifs et culturels, Speak Up Africa en Action combine dialogue de haut niveau, storytelling immersif, engagement des athlètes et participation des jeunes. Son ambition est de renforcer un leadership sanitaire porté par l’Afrique, de consolider la confiance et de faire en sorte que l’élan généré sur le terrain se traduise par des résultats tangibles au sein des communautés.

« L’Afrique dispose du leadership, de la crédibilité et de la confiance communautaire nécessaires pour mettre fin à la polio et au paludisme », a déclaré Yacine Djibo, Fondatrice et Directrice exécutive de Speak Up Africa. « Speak Up Africa in Action rassemble ces atouts et s’appuie sur la force du sport pour renforcer la confiance, mobiliser les partenaires et maintenir l’élan là où il compte le plus. »

Kick Out Polio : accélérer la phase finale de l’éradication

L’un des axes centraux de l’activation à la CAN était la campagne Kick Out Polio, mise en œuvre en partenariat avec l’Initiative globale pour l’éradication de la polio (Global Polio Eradication Initiative). Bien que l’Afrique ait été certifiée exempte de poliovirus sauvage en 2020, des flambées de poliovirus variants persistent dans plusieurs pays, rendant la phase finale de l’éradication à la fois complexe et urgente.

S’appuyant sur les valeurs du football, esprit d’équipe, discipline et responsabilité partagée, la campagne appelle les gouvernements, les familles et les communautés à veiller à ce que chaque enfant soit vacciné. Des champions du football et des figures culturelles prêtent leur voix pour renforcer l’engagement politique, garantir un financement prévisible et consolider la confiance du public dans la vaccination.

« Le sport parle une langue que tout le monde comprend », a déclaré Fatma Samoura, ancienne Secrétaire générale de la FIFA. « Il unit les personnes au-delà des frontières, des générations et des communautés. Lorsque nous mobilisons cette force au service de la santé publique, en particulier dans la dernière ligne droite de l’éradication de la polio, nous créons une dynamique que les institutions seules ne peuvent pas générer. Speak Up Africa en Action montre comment le football peut toucher les cœurs, renforcer la confiance et contribuer à protéger la vie et l’avenir des enfants d’Afrique. »

Zéro Palu Football Club : maintenir le leadership et l’élan

L’activation a également mis en lumière le Zéro Palu Football Club, une alliance de figures du football reconnues à l’échelle mondiale, mobilisant leadership et visibilité pour soutenir l’élimination du paludisme en Afrique. Lancée en avril 2023 par les légendes du football Luís Figo et Khalilou Fadiga, l’initiative soutient le mouvement « Zéro Palu ! Je m’engage », porté par la Commission de l’Union africaine et le Partenariat RBM pour en finir avec le paludisme.

Le paludisme demeure l’une des maladies les plus meurtrières en Afrique, tout en étant largement évitable, et touche de manière disproportionnée les enfants de moins de cinq ans. Dans un contexte de diminution des financements internationaux, le Zéro Palu Football Club constitue un outil essentiel de plaidoyer et de mobilisation, alliant champions, décideurs et partenaires afin de maintenir la volonté politique et de mobiliser des ressources.

« Le football a toujours été une question d’esprit d’équipe, de discipline et de capacité à aller au bout de ce que l’on commence », a déclaré Luís Figo, ancien footballeur international et co-capitaine du Zéro Palu Football Club. « C’est un match que nous pouvons, et que nous devons gagner. »

Des grands rendez-vous à un impact durable

Dans le cadre de l’activation à la CAN, Speak Up Africa a également signé un protocole d’accord avec Tibu Africa, une organisation panafricaine de premier plan qui mobilise le sport pour promouvoir l’éducation, l’inclusion sociale et le développement communautaire. Ce partenariat reflète l’engagement de Speak Up Africa en Action à ancrer le plaidoyer dans une action de long terme, portée par les communautés.

En unissant leurs forces, Speak Up Africa et Tibu Africa approfondiront l’engagement communautaire, mobiliseront le sport pour renforcer la confiance et déploieront des initiatives conjointes visant à accélérer l’éradication de la polio et l’élimination du paludisme, en étroite collaboration avec les acteurs locaux.

Tout au long de l’événement, les intervenants ont souligné la responsabilité, et l’opportunité, pour les institutions du football de contribuer à la santé publique, à un moment où l’unité et la confiance sont plus essentielles que jamais.

« Le football n’est pas seulement un sport, c’est une responsabilité sociale assortie de fortes obligations sociétales », a déclaré Hicham El Amrani, expert du football et ancien Secrétaire général de la CAF. « En s’appuyant sur sa force de rassemblement, les fédérations et les institutions du football ont le devoir de protéger les enfants et les communautés et d’investir dans leur bien-être. En s’engageant dans la lutte contre la polio et le paludisme, le football peut mettre sa crédibilité, sa portée et ses valeurs au service de la santé publique et contribuer à des victoires qui comptent bien au-delà du terrain. »

L’édition CAN marque le lancement officiel de Speak Up Africa en Action en tant que plateforme récurrente, appelée à se déployer tout au long du calendrier sportif, à renforcer les partenariats, à amplifier les récits africains portés par l’Afrique elle-même et à accélérer les progrès sur les priorités de santé publique les plus urgentes du continent.

Distribué par APO Group pour Speak Up Africa.

À propos de Speak Up Africa :
Speak Up Africa est une organisation de plaidoyer dédiée à la promotion de solutions africaines aux défis les plus pressants du continent en matière de santé publique et de développement. Basée à Dakar et œuvrant à travers l’Afrique, l’organisation travaille en partenariat avec les gouvernements, la société civile, les institutions de recherche, le secteur privé et les initiatives mondiales afin de faire évoluer les politiques publiques, de valoriser la voix des citoyens et de renforcer les systèmes de santé.

Plus d’informations : www.SpeakUpAfrica.org

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At Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Speak Up Africa Rallies Football Leaders to Accelerate Polio and Malaria Elimination

Source: APO – Report:

On the eve of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Final, Speak Up Africa (www.SpeakUpAfrica.org) convened football leaders, policymakers, global health partners, athletes, youth, media, and civil society in Rabat for the launch of Speak Up Africa in Action, its new flagship sport-for-health platform designed to accelerate polio eradication and malaria elimination across the continent.

Hosted alongside the AFCON tournament, the activation took place at a critical moment for public health. With funding volatility, competing global crises, and declining public trust threatening hard-won gains, Speak Up Africa in Action seeks to translate the reach and influence of sport into sustained political commitment, public engagement, and concrete action.

Conceived as a recurring, traveling platform embedded in major sporting and cultural moments, Speak Up Africa in Action combines high-level dialogue, immersive storytelling, athlete engagement, and youth participation. Its ambition is to elevate African-led health leadership, strengthen trust, and ensure that momentum generated on the pitch delivers results in communities.

“Africa has the leadership, credibility, and community trust needed to end polio and malaria,” said Yacine Djibo, Founder and Executive Director of Speak Up Africa. “Speak Up Africa in Action brings those strengths together, using the power of sport to reinforce trust, mobilize partners, and sustain momentum where it matters most.”

Kick Out Polio: accelerating the final phase of eradication

A central focus of the AFCON activation was the Kick Out Polio campaign, implemented in partnership with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. While Africa was certified wild-polio-free in 2020, variant poliovirus outbreaks persist in several countries, making the final phase of eradication both complex and urgent.

Drawing on the values of football, teamwork, discipline, and shared responsibility, the campaign calls on governments, families, and communities to ensure every child is vaccinated. Football champions and cultural figures are lending their voices to reinforce political commitment, predictable financing, and public confidence in immunization.

“Sport speaks a language everyone understands,” said Fatma Samoura, former Secretary General of FIFA. “It unites people across borders, generations, and communities. When we harness that power for public health, especially in the final push to eradicate polio, we unlock momentum that institutions alone cannot generate. Speak Up Africa in Action shows how football can move hearts, build trust, and help protect the lives and futures of Africa’s children.”

Zero Malaria Football Club: sustaining leadership and momentum

The activation also spotlighted the Zero Malaria Football Club, an alliance of globally respected football figures mobilizing leadership and visibility to support malaria elimination across Africa. Launched in April 2023 by football legends Luís Figo and Khalilou Fadiga, the initiative supports the Zero Malaria Starts with Me movement led by the African Union Commission and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria.

Malaria remains one of Africa’s deadliest yet most preventable diseases, disproportionately affecting children under five. Against a backdrop of declining international financing, the Zero Malaria Football Club serves as a critical advocacy and mobilization tool, connecting champions, policymakers, and partners to sustain political will and unlock resources.

“Football has always been about teamwork, discipline, and finishing what we start,” said Luís Figo, former international footballer and co-captain of the Zero Malaria Football Club. “This is a match we can, and must, win.”

From major moments to lasting impact

As part of the AFCON activation, Speak Up Africa also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tibu Africa, a leading pan-African organization using sport to advance education, social inclusion, and community development. The partnership reflects Speak Up Africa in Action’s commitment to anchoring advocacy in long-term, community-based action.

By joining forces, Speak Up Africa and Tibu Africa will deepen community engagement, harness sport to build trust, and roll out joint initiatives to accelerate polio eradication and malaria elimination in close collaboration with local actors.

Throughout the event, speakers emphasized the responsibility, and opportunity, of football institutions to contribute to public health at a time when unity and trust are more critical than ever.

“Football is not only a sport, it is a social responsibility with strong social obligations,” said Hicham El Amrani, Football Expert and former Secretary General of CAF. “Using its uniting force, Federations and football institutions have a duty to protect children and communities and invest in their wellbeing. By engaging in the fight against polio and malaria, football can place its credibility, reach, and values at the service of public health and help deliver victories that matters far beyond the pitch.”

The AFCON edition marks the official launch of Speak Up Africa in Action as a recurring platform that will continue across the sports calendar, deepening partnerships, amplifying African-led health narratives, and accelerating progress on the continent’s most pressing public-health priorities.

– on behalf of Speak Up Africa.

About Speak Up Africa:
Speak Up Africa is an advocacy organization dedicated to catalyzing African-led solutions to the continent’s most pressing public-health and development challenges. Based in Dakar and working across Africa, the organization partners with governments, civil society, research institutions, the private sector, and global initiatives to drive policy change, elevate citizen voices, and strengthen health systems.

More information: www.SpeakUpAfrica.org

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Na Taça das Nações Africanas (AFCON), a Speak Up Africa reúne líderes do mundo do futebol para acelerar a eliminação da poliomielite e da malária

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Na véspera da final da Taça das Nações Africanas (AFCON), a Speak Up Africa (www.SpeakUpAfrica.org) reuniu líderes do futebol, decisores políticos, parceiros globais de saúde, atletas, jovens, meios de comunicação social e a sociedade civil em Rabat para o lançamento da Speak Up Africa in Action, a sua nova plataforma emblemática de desporto para a saúde, concebida para acelerar a erradicação da poliomielite e a eliminação da malária em todo o continente.

Realizada em simultâneo com o torneio AFCON, a ativação teve lugar num momento crítico para a saúde pública. Com a volatilidade do financiamento, as crises globais concorrentes e o declínio da confiança do público a ameaçar os ganhos duramente conquistados, a Speak Up Africa in Action procura traduzir o alcance e a influência do desporto num compromisso político sustentado, no envolvimento do público e em ações concretas.

Concebida como uma plataforma recorrente e itinerante integrada em grandes momentos desportivos e culturais, Speak Up Africa in Action combina diá. de alto nível, narração de histórias envolventes, envolvimento dos atletas e participação dos jovens. A sua ambição é elevar a liderança africana no domínio da saúde, reforçar a confiança e garantir que a dinâmica gerada no campo produza resultados nas comunidades.

“África tem a liderança, a credibilidade e a confiança da comunidade necessárias para acabar com a poliomielite e a malária”, afirmou Yacine Djibo, fundador e diretor executivo da Speak Up Africa. “A Speak Up Africa in Action reúne esses pontos fortes, utilizando o poder do desporto para reforçar a confiança, mobilizar parceiros e manter a dinâmica onde é mais importante.”

Kick Out Polio: acelerar a fase final da erradicação

Um dos pontos centrais da ativação da AFCON foi a campanha Kick Out Polio (Dar Um Pontapé da Poliomielite), implementada em parceria com a Global Polio Eradication Initiative (Iniciativa Global de Erradicação da Poliomielite). Embora África tenha sido certificada como livre de poliomielite selvagem em 2020, os surtos de variantes do poliovírus persistem em vários países, tornando a fase final da erradicação complexa e urgente.

Baseando-se nos valores do futebol, do trabalho de equipa, da disciplina e da responsabilidade partilhada, a campanha apela aos governos, às famílias e às comunidades para que garantam a vacinação de todas as crianças. Campeões de futebol e figuras culturais estão a dar a sua voz para reforçar o compromisso político, o financiamento previsível e a confiança do público na imunização.

“O desporto fala uma linguagem que todos compreendem”, afirmou Fatma Samoura, antiga Secretária-Geral da FIFA. “Une as pessoas para além de fronteiras, gerações e comunidades. Quando aproveitamos esse poder para a saúde pública, especialmente no esforço final para erradicar a poliomielite, conseguimos dar um impulso que as instituições por si só não conseguem gerar. Speak Up Africa in Action mostra como o futebol pode mover corações, criar confiança e ajudar a proteger as vidas e o futuro das crianças africanas.”

Zero Malaria Football Club: manter a liderança e a dinâmica

A ativação também destacou o Zero Malaria Football Club, uma aliança de figuras do futebol mundialmente respeitadas que mobilizam liderança e visibilidade para apoiar a eliminação da malária em toda a África. Lançada em abril de 2023 pelas lendas do futebol Luís Figo e Khalilou Fadiga, a iniciativa apoia o movimento Zero Malaria Starts with Me (O Fim da Malária Começa Comigo), liderado pela Comissão da União Africana e pela Parceria RBM para o Fim da Malária.

A malária continua a ser uma das doenças mais mortais e mais evitáveis de África, afetando desproporcionadamente as crianças com menos de cinco anos. Num contexto de declínio do financiamento internacional, o Zero Malaria Football Club funciona como uma ferramenta fundamental de sensibilização e mobilização, ligando campeões, decisores políticos e parceiros para manter a vontade política e desbloquear recursos.

“O futebol sempre teve a ver com trabalho de equipa, disciplina e terminar o que começamos”, afirmou Luís Figo, antigo futebolista internacional e cocapitão do Zero Malaria Football Club. “Este é um jogo que podemos e devemos ganhar.”

Dos grandes momentos ao impacto duradouro

Como parte da ativação da AFCON, a Speak Up Africa também assinou um Memorando de Entendimento com a Tibu Africa, uma organização pan-africana líder que utiliza o desporto para promover a educação, a inclusão social e o desenvolvimento comunitário. A parceria reflete o compromisso da Speak Up Africa in Action em ancorar a defesa de causas em ações comunitárias de longo prazo.

Ao unir forças, a Speak Up Africa e a Tibu Africa irão aprofundar o envolvimento da comunidade, aproveitar o desporto para criar confiança e lançar iniciativas conjuntas para acelerar a erradicação da poliomielite e a eliminação da malária em estreita colaboração com os intervenientes locais.

Ao longo do evento, os oradores sublinharam a responsabilidade e a oportunidade de as instituições de futebol contribuírem para a saúde pública, numa altura em que a união e a confiança são mais importantes do que nunca.

“O futebol não é apenas um desporto, é uma responsabilidade social com fortes obrigações sociais”, afirmou Hicham El Amrani, especialista em futebol e antigo Secretário-Geral da CAF. “Usando a sua força unificadora, as Federações e as instituições futebolísticas têm o dever de proteger as crianças e as comunidades e investir no seu bem-estar. Ao envolver-se na luta contra a poliomielite e a malária, o futebol pode colocar a sua credibilidade, alcance e valores ao serviço da saúde pública e ajudar a obter vitórias que importam muito para além do campo.”

A edição da AFCON marca o lançamento oficial da iniciativa Speak Up Africa in Action como uma plataforma recorrente que se prolongará por todo o calendário desportivo, aprofundando as parcerias, amplificando as narrativas de saúde lideradas por africanos e acelerando o progresso nas prioridades de saúde pública mais prementes do continente.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Speak Up Africa.

Sobre a Speak Up Africa:
A Speak Up Africa é uma organização de ativismo dedicada a catalisar soluções africanas para os desafios mais prementes do continente em matéria de saúde pública e desenvolvimento. Com sede em Dakar e trabalhando em toda a África, a organização estabelece parcerias com governos, a sociedade civil, instituições de investigação, o setor privado e iniciativas globais para impulsionar a mudança de políticas, elevar as vozes dos cidadãos e reforçar os sistemas de saúde.

Mais informações: www.SpeakUpAfrica.org

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President El-Sisi Meets Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority Admiral Osama Rabie.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that President El-Sisi was briefed on navigation traffic in the Suez Canal. 

Admiral Rabie pointed out that during 2025, particularly in the second half of the year, the Canal witnessed a relative improvement and the beginning of a partial recovery in navigation traffic. This was in light of the efforts exerted to contain negative repercussions and enhance the competitive position of the waterway following the completion of the development of the southern sector. He further noted that the second half of the year saw the gradual return of large container ships to transit the Suez Canal.  This is a positive indicator toward the resumption of such vessels’ passage through the Canal once again, amid the return of stability to the Red Sea region. He reaffirmed expectations of a further improvement in Suez Canal revenues during the second half of 2026, as some shipping lines return to their normal levels by the end of the year.

President El-Sisi also followed up on the executive status of the development of the South Red Sea shipyard, to review completion rates and implementation timelines. These efforts are part of the strategy to localize the maritime industry and strengthen partnership with the private sector. 

In this regard,  Admiral Rabie highlighted the latest developments in the construction of 12 deep-sea fishing vessels, as well as the completion of the construction of 6 maritime tugboats as part of a series comprising 10 “Azm-class” tugboats with a 90-ton bollard pull. Additionally,  construction has been completed for another 10 maritime tugboats with an 80-tons bollard pull at the Suez Canal Authority’s shipyards. 

The Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority also reviewed the executive status of the Authority’s completion of the construction of 10 river buses, in addition to plans to purchase and develop the dredger fleet to boost the Authority’s capabilities.

The President emphasized, in this context, the necessity of meeting the needs of Egyptian ports for maritime tugboats and various marine units through the Authority’s fleet, as well as developing and modernizing the Egyptian fishing fleet. President El-Sisi gave directives to continue implementation of the strategy to develop the Suez Canal, its navigational channel, and all its facilities and infrastructure. This aims to maintain its globally recognized efficiency and capability, given its unique position in global navigation and trade.

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

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World Health Organization (WHO) and European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) support training for Somalia’s health workers on new guidelines to protect children from malnutrition

Source: APO


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In health facilities across Somalia, frontline health workers confront the same painful reality every day: children arriving too late, dangerously thin and already fighting for survival.

Acute malnutrition remains one of the country’s most persistent public health challenges, affecting children under-5, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and other vulnerable groups. In fragile and emergency settings, the difference between life and death often depends on how early a child is identified and how well health workers are equipped to respond.

To reinforce lifesaving nutrition services, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, is rolling out Somalia’s 2025 updated national guideline for the prevention and management of wasting and nutritional oedema – also known as acute malnutrition. The revised guideline aligns with the latest global evidence and places prevention and early intervention at the centre of care.

More than 40 Somali health professionals from hospitals and stabilization centres across the country recently gathered for a two-week master training-of-trainers course, supported by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and WHO. The aim was to equip the national trainers with the knowledge and skills needed to cascade high-quality, standardized nutrition care to health workers nationwide.

“The main goal of this training is to build the capacity of frontline health workers and nutrition programme managers to effectively implement the 2025 Somali Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) guideline,” said Dr Aweis Olow Hassan, Nutrition Officer at WHO Somalia.

Unlike previous versions, the revised guideline goes beyond treatment alone. It emphasizes prevention, expands care for infants under 6 months who are at risk of poor growth and development, and includes guidance for their mothers and caregivers. It also introduces protocols for moderate wasting and a comprehensive chapter on nutrition in emergencies.

“This guideline reflects the realities health workers face every day,” Dr Aweis explained. “It helps them identify risks earlier and act before children become severely malnourished.”

For participants like Dr Maryan Musse, Health and Nutrition Project Coordinator at World Vision Somalia, the training addressed long-standing challenges encountered in the field.

“In our work, we often see limited community awareness about nutrition and differences in how standard protocols are applied across health facilities,” she said. “This training provided clear guidance on case management and will help me support health care workers more effectively.”

Dr Maryan now plans to cascade the training to all World Vision-supported health facilities under her supervision, ensuring consistency and quality of care.

Similarly, Bihi Omar Wehlie, Health and Nutrition Programme Officer for Concern Worldwide (UK), described the practical value of the updated guideline.                                          

“The training helped me understand the new structure of the guideline, especially the stronger focus on prevention,” he said. “The expanded guidance on managing nutritionally at-risk infants under 6 months, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and nutrition support for HIV and TB patients was particularly important.”

By training national trainers, WHO and Somalia’s Ministry of Health are investing in a sustainable system that strengthens Somalia’s health workforce from within.

“Developing a strong cohort of national trainers ensures knowledge can be continuously cascaded,” Dr Aweis noted. “This enhances service quality and improves child health outcomes across the country.”

But the responsibility does not stop at health facilities. Participants emphasized that communities and families play a crucial role in preventing malnutrition.

“My message to parents is simple,” said Bihi. “Seek care early. Prevention begins at home. The earlier we identify a problem, the stronger and healthier the child will be.”

Dr Maryan echoed the call, urging families to prioritize early breastfeeding, seek timely care and work closely with health workers to protect children and mothers from malnutrition.

As these trained health professionals return to their communities, they carry more than new guidelines – they carry renewed confidence, practical skills and a shared commitment to ensure that no child is left behind due to preventable malnutrition.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.

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Eskom recovery continues unabated

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom recovery continues unabated

Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan continues to yield results as the power system remains stable with more than 245 days without the implementation of load shedding.

“Eskom’s power system remains stable, continuing to support economic activity in the country. South Africa returned this week from the holiday break to a structurally stronger system entering 2026, than five years ago, with an additional 4400MW of capacity available compared to this time last year.

“The resilience of the power system reflects the major improvements in Eskom’s generation fleet and the success of its Generation Recovery Plan, driving stronger operations and securing the country’s energy future,” an Eskom statement read.

The year-to-date Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has increased to some 64.66% with the power utility’s fleet reaching and exceeding 70% EAF on more than 50 occasions.

Unplanned outages are also on the downturn.

“The improvements in EAF demonstrate both recovery and sustained improvement in EAF performance, reinforcing energy security and grid stability. This performance confirms sustained recovery and reinforces confidence in the stability and security of the national electricity supply.

“Between 09 and 15 January 2026, average unplanned outages decreased to 8252MW from last year’s level at this time of 14 783MW. This represents a significant improvement of 6531MW.

“Over the same period, the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor [UCLF] reduced to 17.19%, a significant improvement of 13.74% compared to 30 93% recorded during the same period last year,” Eskom said.

Planned maintenance has also risen from 11.51% in the previous financial year to an average of 13.89%.

“This increase is consistent with Eskom’s maintenance schedule and reflects a deliberate strategy to enhance plant reliability, strengthen operational stability, and support long‑term fleet performance.

“It builds on the intensive maintenance programme implemented last year, which exceeded historical norms over the past three years and was aimed at restoring fleet reliability.

“The benefits of this approach are already evident in the continued decline of unplanned outages,” the power utility explained.

Furthermore, diesel spending has decreased significantly.

“For a fourth consecutive week, no diesel was used, resulting in zero expenditure over the past four weeks. Diesel spending is now R3.42 billion lower than the same time last year.

“This continued reduction demonstrates both the cost savings and the operational improvements achieved through Eskom’s ongoing turnaround efforts. Overall, this positive trend highlights the growing stability and efficiency of the power system,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Support for total ban on alcohol use for drivers

Source: Government of South Africa

Support for total ban on alcohol use for drivers

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport has thrown its support behind Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy’s call to ban any level of alcohol consumption for drivers.

Earlier this week, Creecy released the festive season road statistics and called for zero tolerance for drinking and driving.

It is currently a criminal offense to exceed the limit of 0.05g/100ml concentration of alcohol in blood or 0.24mg/1000ml breath for general drivers while stricter limits of 0.02g/100ml blood or 0.10mg/1000ml breath are in place for professional drivers.

“The committee supports the consideration of a total ban on alcohol use on the roads. It is clear now that decisive action is required. Otherwise, during the Easter period in three months, high fatality figures are likely to persist.

“It has become clear that driving under the influence of alcohol has reached alarming levels, resulting in unnecessary loss of life. The committee and its predecessors may not have exercised sufficient rigour in their oversight role. The committee supports the consideration of a total ban of alcohol use by drivers,” committee chairperson, Donald Selamolela, said.

Preliminary statistics from the Festive Season Road Safety Campaign – which covers the period of 1 December until 11 January 2026 – indicated that while there has been a 5% reduction in crashes and fatalities, some 1427 fatalities were recorded from 1172 crashes.

During the festive season, some 8561 drivers tested positive for alcohol consumption – an increase of 144% from the same period last year.

“Liability should be placed where necessary, and transgressing drivers should face stiff sanctions, including being banned from ever having a licence to drive. Drunk driving remains a serious and dangerous offence.

“Delays in acting on this matter risk further preventable loss of life on the country’s roads. These are deaths that could have easily been avoided. We need to reverse the perception that roads are death traps, and anyone can behave however they like,” Selamolela added. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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SA to showcase investment potential at World Economic Forum

Source: Government of South Africa

SA to showcase investment potential at World Economic Forum

A delegation of South African Ministers will showcase the country’s economic progress, reform momentum and investment potential at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland next week.

The forum will be held from Monday to 23 January 2026 under the theme: “A Spirit of Dialogue”.

South Africa’s delegation to the economic gathering includes Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille and Small Business Development Minister, Stella Ndabeni.

“South Africa will showcase its improving economic position reflected in strengthening investor confidence.

“Key recent developments include the stabilisation of electricity supply, removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s [FATF] greylist and an upgrade of the sovereign credit rating by the rating agency S&P Global. 

“The Ministers will highlight progress on structural reforms across energy, logistics, water, digital communications, and small business sectors, among others,” National Treasury said.

South Africa will be positioned as a definitive choice for global investors.

“The delegation’s strategic intent is to position South Africa as an attractive investment destination reflected in demonstrable progress in attaining macroeconomic stability, positive momentum in economic reform implementation, regional leadership, and global diplomacy. 

“This positioning aligns with South Africa’s medium-term growth strategy, anchored in four interdependent policy pillars: maintaining macroeconomic stability, accelerating structural reforms, building state capability and investing in growth-enhancing infrastructure,” the department added. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Kruger National Park relief fund to help rebuild popular park

Source: Government of South Africa

Kruger National Park relief fund to help rebuild popular park

Government has announced the establishment of the Kruger Relief Fund to assist in efforts to rebuild the Kruger National Park after heavy rainfall damaged the popular tourist destination.

Limpopo and Mpumalanga – where the park is situated – have been battered by persistent rainfall and subsequent flooding over the past week with loss of life and infrastructure damage reported.

“I am pleased to announce that SANParks have committed to establishing the Kruger Relief Fund to help with rebuilding efforts, emergency supplies and any other necessities,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, said.

The fund will be managed and audited by two independent auditing firms.

“In order to start to rebuild the Kruger National Park, we will need money and we have decided to create a Kruger Relief Fund. The fund will be formed by independent auditors…that will manage that fund. We will, in time over the next week, give more information on that fund.”

The Minister called for donations from the public to assist in rebuilding efforts.

“Although we do not have an estimate of the total amount of damage that it will cost to repair, it will be extremely high. The damage in Kruger is extensive and we are going to plead with everybody out there…that would like to contribute to getting Kruger National Park back to where it was before these floods.

“We also appeal to corporate people and people in nature conservation to make donations so that we can get it back to standard,” he said.

The Minister visited the park on Saturday where he spent time assessing the damage and engaging with various stakeholders, including SANParks leadership.

He praised the park for taking a “safety first” approach after it prohibited day visits in response to the heavy rainfall.

“While we have witnessed major disruptions and damage owing to the heavy rains in Mpumalanga and Limpopo over the last few days, what has been even more incredible to witness has been the well-planned and executed response from the park.

“Our early warning systems meant that the emergency teams could act timeously to evacuate staff and guests in a coordinated manner.

“We are grateful that no loss of lives has been recorded and evacuations have progressed smoothly, and I once again extend my gratitude to the park’s management team and emergency services for their swift response,” Aucamp said. 

The Minister commended the team for applying a safety-first, human-centric approach despite facing massive disruptions to operations and infrastructure – including road and gate closures, electricity outages and interruptions to other basic services. 

SANParks has confirmed that day visits remain prohibited until further notice. 

There are also restrictions at several gates around the park, and access is limited to essential delivery vehicles, airport transfers with valid flight tickets, officials and guests with confirmed accommodation bookings at Berg n Dal, Skukuza, and Pretoriuskop. – SAnews.gov.za

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Inclusion, citizen ownership, governance and healing to guide National Dialogue

Source: Government of South Africa

Inclusion, citizen ownership, governance and healing to guide National Dialogue

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the newly inducted National Dialogue Steering Committee to ensure that the “significant initiative” remains a citizen-led process that is inclusive and well organised.

The President delivered remarks during the inaugural meeting of the 99-member community at Unisa in Tshwane on Saturday where members were inducted.

He noted that the committee meets at a “time of profound challenges”.

“While we have made important progress over the last 32 years in forging a united, democratic nation, the vestiges of our apartheid past remain. 

“Poverty, unemployment and inequality are deep wounds that prevent our country from reaching its full potential. Crime, gender-based violence and corruption continue to haunt our communities. Many people have become disengaged from the democratic process.

“Yet, at several notable and important moments in our history, we have come together to confront our challenges and forge a path forward,” he said.

The President described the National Dialogue as a critical platform to forge a new social compact, emphasising that its success hinges on direct public participation.

Four core principles for the committee have been outlined, namely: inclusivity, citizen ownership, effective coordination and a focus on national healing. 

“First, this dialogue must be as inclusive as possible. Every voice matters. We must give all sectors of our society, every community and every individual the space to determine how we address today’s problems and build the South Africa we want for future generations.

“Second, this dialogue must be citizen-led. While the Head of State convenes the National Dialogue and government provides support, the outcomes must reflect the collective views of the South African people.

“Citizens must be able to freely participate as individuals, in organised formations and through representative bodies. The people of this country need to take ownership of this process,” President Ramaphosa noted.

The President proposed that one of the committee’s first tasks should be to establish clear coordination mechanisms with the Eminent Persons Group, a body of well-respected South African leaders. 

“Third, coordination and governance must be effective. The Steering Committee – working with the Eminent Persons Group, the Inter-Ministerial Committee and the Secretariat – must ensure this process is well-organised, transparent and credible.

“The fourth principle is that the process must promote understanding and healing. As we confront uncomfortable truths and ask difficult questions, we must create spaces where discussions encourage healing. We must speak with courage and listen with humility,” he said.

From this work, the President said, the views of South Africans will be “synthesised into a clear vision and an agreed programme of action for adoption by the second National Convention”.

“We look to you to use your experience, networks and credibility to give South Africans confidence that participation can help advance their interests and secure a better future for their children.

“In a number of ways, the members of the Steering Committee carry the hopes and aspirations of millions who long for a country where everyone can thrive.

“I once again thank you for your service to our nation and wish you strength and courage as you undertake this vital work,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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