Category: Africa

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República Democrática do Congo (RDC): Responsáveis de projetos do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento estão mais bem equipados para gerir os procedimentos de desembolso

O Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) organizou um workshop de reforço de capacidades sobre procedimentos de desembolso, destinado ao pessoal financeiro das células de execução de todos os seus projetos na República Democrática do Congo (RDC). 

O workshop, que decorreu nos dias 26 e 27 de maio de 2025 em Kinshasa, foi iniciado pela Divisão de Desembolsos, em colaboração com o escritório nacional do Grupo Banco na RDC. Entre os participantes estavam coordenadores de projetos, responsáveis administrativos e financeiros, contabilistas e responsáveis pela carteira do Banco na Unidade de Acompanhamento de Projetos e Programas (CSPP), sediada no Ministério das Finanças congolês. O conteúdo da formação, dividido em quatro módulos, incluiu, entre outros, as políticas e procedimentos de desembolso do Banco, os diferentes métodos de desembolso e as ferramentas e relatórios relacionados, bem como um questionário final para garantir que os participantes assimilaram os diferentes conhecimentos. 

O objetivo da formação era conseguir uma redução significativa dos prazos de processamento das faturas pelas células de execução, uma redução drástica da taxa de rejeição dos pedidos de pagamento e a melhoria da qualidade dos pedidos transmitidos ao Banco, explicou Alfred Eby, responsável principal pelos desembolsos e formador. A formação permitiu aos participantes adquirir as competências necessárias para realizar as verificações essenciais ao seu nível. “Este workshop foi um grande sucesso, com uma taxa de aprovação no teste de aptidão de 60%”, afirmou Eby. 

Para os participantes, esta formação permitiu esclarecer áreas até então mal compreendidas dos procedimentos de desembolso, abrindo novas perspetivas operacionais. “Os princípios gerais da política do Banco em matéria de desembolso pareciam-me complexos. Graças a este workshop, tudo ficou mais claro. No nosso país, o método de desembolso utilizado é o pagamento direto, mas esta formação permitiu-nos descobrir outras abordagens de desembolso e reembolso que constituem uma verdadeira mais-valia”, testemunhou Alexis Sangui Matanda, coordenador da segunda fase do Projeto Prioritário de Segurança Aérea (PPSA II) na RDC. 

Zawadi Muké, responsável administrativa e financeira da Unidade de Infraestruturas, que gere vários projetos, incluindo três financiados pelo Banco na RDC, salientou que “esta formação permitiu identificar áreas de melhoria no tratamento dos processos de pagamento, com a perspetiva de reduzir consideravelmente os prazos de tratamento”. 

A melhoria da taxa de desembolso é um indicador do desempenho do projeto. E o impacto do workshop será medido no final do próximo trimestre, com uma nova análise do desempenho dos desembolsos que serão registados nos projetos financiados pelo Banco, salientaram os organizadores. 

À margem do workshop de formação, o pessoal responsável pela gestão financeira e contabilística de todos os projetos ativos na RDC também recebeu formação sobre os processos de finalização de empréstimos, antecipando a conclusão, em 2025, de alguns projetos do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento na RDC. 

No final da formação, os participantes receberam certificados que atestam a sua aptidão para gerir os processos de desembolso dos projetos financiados pelo Grupo Banco na RDC. 

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

Contato para os media:  
Solange Kamuanga-Tossou
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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Government on top off foot-and-mouth disease response

Source: South Africa News Agency

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Cabinet has welcomed the swift response by the Department of Agriculture following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) that has affected KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.

“Despite the warnings that were issued, FMD was imported into Gauteng as people continued to move livestock to the province of Gauteng,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday in Cape Town.

The department has ordered over 900 000 doses of vaccines, with the first batch expected to arrive soon.

“All infected properties are placed under quarantine. No movement is allowed into, out of, or through these areas or farms. 

“Large areas, where individuals cannot be served with quarantine notices, are declared Disease Management Areas, and the same restrictions apply.

In addition, plans are underway to establish a biosecurity council that will bring together the South African Police Service (SAPS), veterinarians, scientists, the Border Management Authority and captains of industry to better respond to future outbreaks and manage the related risks,” Ntshavheni said.

She was addressing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 11 June 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

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Cabinet assures nation of the monitoring of new COVID variant

Source: South Africa News Agency

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Cabinet has assured South Africans that government, through the Department of Health, is closely monitoring the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, known as Nimbus or NB.1.8.1.

“Cabinet calls on all citizens to ensure good hygiene practices, including avoiding unnecessary hand shaking, washing hands with soap, covering the mouth when coughing, using a mask when one has flu and staying home when one is not feeling well,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday, in Cape Town.

This as the virus is associated with a rise in cases in certain regions of Asia.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we demonstrated that through these simple measures we could reduce the spread of respiratory illness.”

The Minister was briefing members of the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 11 June 2025.

According to Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, South Africa has robust surveillance systems that is managed by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).

READ | SA closely monitoring new COVID variant spreading across Asia

The NICD manages a comprehensive sentinel surveillance programme that systematically tests for key respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV. Currently, data show very low SARS-CoV-2 activity. –SAnews.gov.za

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Cabinet conveys condolences to Eastern Cape victims

Source: South Africa News Agency

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Cabinet has expressed its heartfelt condolences to the families that lost their loved ones during the devastating storms and heavy floods that claimed the lives of 57 people in the Eastern Cape.

Due to the recent adverse weather conditions in the province, several families have been displaced and infrastructure was damaged. 

Addressing a media briefing on Thursday, Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said government is coordinating rescue and support operations through the inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Disaster Management.

“Emergency teams have also been deployed from Gqeberha, East London and the Chris Hani District to the affected areas to support local first responders. Cabinet extends its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the flooding across various areas in the Eastern Cape,” Ntshavheni said in Cape Town, during a media briefing on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

WATCH |

[embedded content]

Earlier this week, a severe winter weather system resulted in a significant and dramatic drop in daytime temperatures in all provinces. This resulted in severe incidents of extremely cold weather, with coastal provinces experiencing rough seas and rainfall.

The Eastern Cape was the hardest hit by the severe weather conditions. 

A scholar transport minibus transporting children was swept by water near Mthatha, leading to the loss of life. 

Some media reports say three children survived the ordeal after they were found clinging to a tree. 

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa is visiting flood-affected communities in and around Mthatha in the Eastern Cape to assess the impact of the recent floods and evaluate the progress of ongoing disaster response efforts. 

READ | Minister Hlabisa visits flood-affected Eastern Cape

–SAnews.gov.za

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Egypt: African Development Bank to provide $184.1 million for Africa’s largest solar energy and battery storage project


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The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a financing package of up to $184.1 million to support the development of the Obelisk 1-gigawatt solar photovoltaic project and 200MWh battery energy storage system in Egypt, which will be Africa’s largest solar power plant.

Located in Qena Governorate in southern Egypt, the project entails the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a photovoltaic power plant with an integrated battery energy storage system. The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company will be the sole off-taker under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement.

The project’s total cost is estimated at more than $590 million. The Bank Group’s financing package includes $125.5 million of ordinary resources, as well as concessional funding from Bank Group-managed Special Funds the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa  (SEFA) worth $20 million, and the Canada-African Development Bank Climate Fund ($18.6 million), a partnership of the Bank Group and the Government of Canada. A further $20 million will come from the Climate Investment Funds’ Clean Technology Fund, with additional financing to be mobilized from a consortium of development finance institutions.

Under Egypt’s Nexus of Water, Food, and Energy (NWFE) platform, Obelisk has been granted a Golden License by the government, which recognizes it as a strategic initiative that will contribute to addressing Egypt’s energy constraints and advancing its energy transition.

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, said “the Obelisk solar project is another important milestone for Egypt under the energy pillar of the NWFE program which has since its launch in November 2022 at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh delivered 4.2 GW of privately financed renewable energy investments, worth about $4 billion, with the support of partners such as the Africa Development Bank.  The goal of NWFE’s energy pillar is to add 10 GW of renewable energy capacity with investments of approximately $10 billion, and phase out 5 GW of fossil fuel power generation by 2030.”

The project, expected to be fully operational by the third quarter of 2026, will generate an estimated 2,772 gigawatt-hours of clean, reliable, and affordable energy annually to the national grid. The battery energy storage system will help meet peak evening demand with renewable power while also mitigating the variability of solar power generation. The project is expected to reduce annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by approximately one million tons and create about 4,000 jobs during construction and 50 permanent jobs during operation, with a special focus on women and youth employment.

“Obelisk is another landmark development under NWFE that leverages on Egypt’s and the African Development Bank’s leadership as well as commitment to harnessing the country’s renewable energy to enhance the resilience of the country’s energy supply to meet its fast-growing energy demand sustainably,” said Kevin Kariuki, African Development Bank Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth.  “This project also contributes to Egypt’s ambition of producing 42 percent of its power generation capacity from renewable energy sources by 2030 while spurring economic growth and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,”

 Ambassador of Canada to the Arab Republic of Egypt Ulric Shannon said: “Canada is proud to support solar energy development in Egypt. This initiative is a meaningful step toward enhancing energy security and stability, with direct benefits for the Egyptian people. We are pleased to collaborate with the African Development Bank and other partners in supporting Egypt’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.”

The Obelisk Solar Project aligns with the African Development Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy, its New Deal on Energy for Africa, and its Country Strategy Paper for Egypt as well as SEFA’s strategic framework which aims to accelerate African countries energy transition by increasing the share of renewables and catalyzing commercial capital mobilization in the power sector. The project also advances Egypt’s commitment to achieve 42 percent generation capacity from renewable energy sources by 2030.

“This project exploits the abundant renewable energy potential in Africa and demonstrates how strong partnerships and innovative solutions contribute to balancing three core objectives in the energy sector, namely energy security, affordability, and sustainable economic development,” said Wale Shonibare, Director of Energy Financial Solutions, Policy, and Regulation at the African Development Bank. “It has high potential for replicability across the continent.”

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

Media Contact:
Olufemi Terry
Communication and External Relations Department
o.terry@afdb.org

Technical Contact:
James Otto
Senior Investment Officer
Energy Financial Solution and Policy Regulations Department
j.otto@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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Zambie : la Banque africaine de développement pose la première pierre de son bureau pays permanent, consolidant plus de cinq décennies de partenariat

  • Le Bureau pays permanent permettra de renforcer le partenariat de la Banque avec la Zambie.
  • La Banque africaine de développement a financé et facilité des projets majeurs à l’échelle nationale et continentale afin de soutenir l’intégration régionale, a déclaré le ministre zambien des Finances, Situmbeko Musokotwane.

Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) a lancé vendredi la construction de son bureau pays permanent à Lusaka, marquant ainsi une étape transformatrice dans le partenariat de 54 ans entre l’institution et la Zambie.

Lorsqu’elle a ouvert son bureau temporaire en Zambie en 2007, la Banque africaine de développement ne comptait que quatre employés. Aujourd’hui, l’effectif permanent est passé à vingt personnes. L’investissement cumulé de la Banque en Zambie s’élève désormais à 2,7 milliards de dollars dans divers secteurs, avec un portefeuille actif de près d’un milliard de dollars.

La cérémonie de pose de la première pierre s’est déroulée en présence du ministre des Finances et de la Planification nationale, Situmbeko Musokotwane, de la vice-présidente du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement chargée du Développement régional, de l’Intégration et de la Prestation de services, Nnenna Nwabufo, de la directrice de la gestion immobilière, des achats et des services généraux de la Banque, Gail Meakin, ainsi que d’autres hauts représentants du gouvernement, de membres du corps diplomatique, de partenaires au développement et de dirigeants du secteur privé.

Le nouveau bureau intègre des caractéristiques de pointe en matière de durabilité et un design axé sur le bien-être. Il permettra d’accueillir des activités élargies tout en contribuant à la croissance économique de la Zambie grâce à la création d’emplois et à la stimulation des affaires, tant pendant la construction que pendant l’exploitation. Le bâtiment devrait être achevé d’ici 2027. Ce sera un bâtiment intelligent, doté de salles de conférence et d’espaces de bien-être pour le personnel, qui consommera peu d’énergie, disposera d’un système de recyclage des eaux usées et de grands espaces verts.

M. Musokotwane a souligné l’importance d’un bureau permanent. « Cet événement est plus qu’une simple cérémonie, c’est un vote de confiance envers notre pays, notre gouvernement et notre peuple. Il témoigne de l’engagement de la Zambie à forger un avenir meilleur pour l’Afrique », s’est-il félicité.

Il a remercié la Banque africaine de développement pour le soutien financier indispensable qu’elle a apporté à la Zambie tout au long de son parcours de développement et a transmis le soutien du président zambien à la décision de la Banque de construire un immeuble pour servir de bureaux permanents et ainsi poursuivre son travail de développement du pays.

« Le soutien de la Banque africaine de développement a produit de nombreux résultats positifs dans des secteurs tels que les transports, l’agriculture, l’eau et l’assainissement, ainsi que l’énergie. Cela montre l’engagement de la Banque à concrétiser sa vision pour le continent africain », a souligné le ministre ajoutant que « le soutien de la Banque à la Zambie a joué un rôle déterminant dans la réalisation des objectifs de développement du pays énoncés dans les plans nationaux de développement, qui mettent notamment l’accent sur la nécessité de construire des infrastructures résilientes, de promouvoir une industrialisation inclusive et durable et d’encourager l’innovation dans tous les secteurs de l’économie. »

M. Musokotwane a énuméré certaines des réalisations transformatrices de la Banque en Zambie, en soulignant tout particulièrement le projet du pont de Kazungula (https://apo-opa.co/4jORboP).

« Nous souhaitons également profiter de cette occasion pour saluer le soutien apporté par la Banque à l’Afrique. Grâce à la Banque, des projets majeurs ont été mis en œuvre tant à l’échelle nationale que continentale pour soutenir l’intégration régionale en Afrique. Parmi les projets phares mis en œuvre figurent le projet du pont de Kazungula, une initiative d’infrastructure majeure qui comprend la construction d’un pont routier et ferroviaire reliant la Zambie et le Botswana. Il revêt une importance particulière », a poursuivi le ministre.

Parmi les autres projets notables du Groupe de la Banque en Zambie, figurent le projet intégré d’approvisionnement en eau et d’assainissement dans les petites villes, le programme d’assainissement de Lusaka, le projet de développement des compétences et de l’entrepreneuriat et le projet de petits barrages polyvalents.

M. Musokotwane a exhorté la Banque à envisager un soutien accru aux efforts régionaux de relèvement après la sécheresse, en mettant l’accent sur la nécessité de renforcer la résilience économique dans toute la région. L’Afrique australe se remet encore des sécheresses dévastatrices de 2023-2024.

La vice-présidente de la Banque a remercié le gouvernement zambien pour l’octroi d’un terrain de premier choix à Lusaka pour la construction du bureau pays de la Banque.

« Ce nouveau bureau témoigne de notre engagement continu à renforcer notre partenariat avec la Zambie. Nous sommes là pour rester, après tout, la Banque africaine de développement est votre Banque », a déclaré Mme Nwabufo.

Elle a réaffirmé l’engagement de la Banque, en annonçant un engagement de 250 millions de dollars en faveur du projet transformateur de développement du corridor de Lobito (http://apo-opa.co/4kY4CU7). Ce corridor est une voie économique majeure qui doit relier le port de Lobito, en Angola, à la province du Katanga, en République démocratique du Congo, et à la Copperbelt, en Zambie. Il comprend la construction de la ligne ferroviaire Zambie-Angola, la réhabilitation du tronçon congolais avec la mise en place d’un partenariat public-privé, ainsi que la modernisation et la mise en service du chemin de fer angolais.

Les investissements de la Banque africaine de développement en Zambie continuent de produire des résultats remarquables :

  • Le projet du pont de Kazungula (https://apo-opa.co/44an9XL), long de 923 mètres, soutenu par le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement à hauteur de 81,6 millions de dollars, a révolutionné le commerce transfrontalier, réduisant les temps de transit de 2,5 jours à seulement une demi-journée.
  • Les projets de réhabilitation de la route Chinsali-Nakonde et du corridor routier de Nacala ont également amélioré la connectivité régionale.
  • L’accès à l’eau au niveau national est passé de 69 % à 72 % entre 2015 et 2022, tandis que la couverture en matière d’assainissement est passée de 50 % à 58 %, permettant à 1,9 million de personnes supplémentaires d’avoir un meilleur accès à l’eau.
  • Grâce à l’intervention de la Banque dans le secteur agricole, plus de 1,5 million de ménages ont vu leur revenu annuel moyen passer de 320 dollars américains en 2017 à 1 300 dollars américains en 2022. La productivité agricole a grimpé en flèche, la production de maïs passant de 2,9 millions de tonnes à 3,9 millions de tonnes et la production aquacole passant de 20 000 tonnes à 76 000 tonnes. Les interventions de la Banque dans ce secteur ont généré environ 500 000 emplois.
  • À la suite de l’intervention de la Banque dans le secteur social, notamment le projet de développement des compétences et de l’entrepreneuriat de 30 millions de dollars, la productivité et la compétitivité des PME se sont améliorées, permettant ainsi de créer davantage d’emplois. Huit zones industrielles ont été construites à Chipata, Kasama, Mongu, Ndola, Solwezi, Lusaka, Mansa et Kitwe, avec une capacité d’accueil de 172 PME dans divers sous-secteurs de l’industrie légère.

Le Document de stratégie pays 2024-2029 pour la Zambie à la Banque africaine de développement met l’accent sur deux priorités clés : renforcer le développement du secteur privé grâce à des investissements dans les infrastructures et promouvoir les chaînes de valeur agricoles pour soutenir l’emploi des jeunes et des femmes. Ce document guidera les interventions de la Banque en Zambie pour la période indiquée.

Olaniyi Durowoju, chef du bureau pays pour la Zambie de la Banque africaine de développement, a noté que « le [nouveau] bureau servira d’espace de travail moderne et efficace, de phare de l’innovation et de centre dynamique pour les partenariats et la collaboration avec les parties prenantes de la Banque, nous permettant ainsi de mieux servir nos clients et le peuple zambien ».

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

Photos supplémentaires : https://apo-opa.co/4mYbuCR

Contact média :
Emeka Anuforo
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
media@afdb.org

Media files

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SAHPRA warns public to stay cautious of unlicensed cannabis dispensaries

Source: South Africa News Agency

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has warned the public to remain cautious when dealing with service providers claiming they are licensed, especially as cannabis dispensaries continue to expand.

“SAHPRA has learned that individuals and companies are operating unethically by presenting falsified SAHPRA licences to gain public trust and conduct business.

“SAHPRA stresses that the use of fake licences is not only unlawful but also poses serious risks to public health and safety,” it said in a statement. 

According to the local drug regulatory authority, cannabis dispensaries are rapidly increasing in shopping malls, openly displaying copies of SAHPRA licences that were issued to authorise cannabis cultivation and the export of cannabis flowers.

SAHPRA said these licences do not authorise cannabis dispensaries, which is a concerning issue.

SAHPRA CEO, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, has strongly condemned these unethical practices.

“It is highly unethical and illegal for any individual or company to claim SAHPRA authorisation through forged documentation. 

“We take this matter seriously, and we will work with law enforcement agencies to ensure that offenders are dealt with swiftly and decisively. The public must be protected from such deceptive behaviour,” she said.

The public is urged to verify the legitimacy of any SAHPRA-issued licence. They can do so by contacting SAHPRA directly through official channels or by checking the website, https://www.sahpra.org.za/, under “Databases and Registers”.

SAHPRA is in the process of sourcing a system that uses barcoding to authenticate these certificates. It will launch a public outreach campaign to raise awareness on how to verify the authenticity of licences.

“Your vigilance can help prevent harm and hold those responsible to account,” SAHPRA said, adding that it remains committed to safeguarding public health by regulating health products with integrity, transparency and accountability. 

The public is encouraged to engage only with properly licensed and verified providers. 

If you believe a provider is using a fraudulent SAHPRA licence, please report it immediately to SAHPRA at 0800 204 307 or visit the website at https://bit.ly/3nrku5t. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government, judiciary reaffirm commitment to justice

Source: South Africa News Agency

Cabinet has welcomed government’s recent engagement with leading members of the judiciary, including Chief Justice Mandisa Maya.

Last Friday’s engagement was led by President Cyril Ramaphosa and held at the President’s official residence in Pretoria.

“[The Constitutional Court] is an important instrument in the protection of our Constitutional democracy.

“It is in this spirit that Cabinet welcomed the engagement between government and the judiciary led by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and heads of courts – hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“The engagement focused on discussing the implementation of outstanding administrative measures to give effect to the Constitutional provisions of ensuring the judiciary, like Parliament, operates as an independent arm of the state,” Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said at a media briefing on Thursday.

READ | President Ramaphosa to meet with the Judiciary  

Currently, the budget of the Constitutional Court is administered by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development whereas Parliament administers its own budget.

“Both the Executive and the Judiciary reaffirmed the shared commitment to building a stronger, more effective justice system, firmly anchored in the values of our Constitution,” she said at the post Cabinet briefing held in Cape Town.

Repatriating heroes

Turning to the launch of the second phase of the South African government’s exile repatriation and reburial project, Ntshavheni highlighted the importance of bringing back the remains of loved ones who died in exile. 

Government has already announced that 58 indigenous Khoi and San ancestral remains will be reburied in the Northern Cape.

READ | Government to bring back 58 Khoi and San ancestral remains for reburial in SA

“While tracing, exhuming and returning back home the remains of liberation fighters who died in exile remains a focus, the initiative to bring home and rebury the remains of the Khoi and San from outside the country is important in the accurate recording of the ancestry of this country.

“The process of the reburial of the 58 ancestral remains of the Khoi and San that originated from the Northern Cape is at an advanced stage and consultations with the affected communities are underway.

“This initiative builds on the success of the repatriation of 49 former freedom fighters in 2024 and it is a testament to government’s commitment to addressing historical injustices and fostering a sense of unity and healing within the nation,” she said.

A joint delegation is expected to embark on a technical mission to Southern African counterparts, Angola, Lesotho, Zambia and Zimbabwe to “conduct further research, cemetery record inspections and grave mapping.” – SAnews.gov.za

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SASSA CEO pledges support to families affected by floods in OR Tambo District

Source: South Africa News Agency

Thursday, June 12, 2025

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Chief Executive Officer, Themba Matlou, has pledged maximum support to the families affected by the devastating floods that have wreaked havoc and claimed 57 lives in the OR Tambo District, Eastern Cape. 

In a statement on Thursday, the agency said it has acted swiftly, through its Social Relief of Distress programme, to assist families whose homes were severely affected during the floods. 

“To this end, SASSA is active at three established sites, where about 229 people are served with three nutritious meals a day, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to immediate food security. In addition, 229 vanity packs and five baby packs have been procured and distributed to meet essential personal and infant care needs,” SASSA said. 

In anticipation of the transition phase, SASSA has developed a Disengagement Plan aimed at equipping beneficiaries with basic resources to support reintegration and restore stability. This package will include:

  • Two-ply blankets.
  • One mattress per individual.
  • Cash vouchers to address short-term financial needs.
  • School uniforms for affected learners, promoting educational continuity.

Recognising the profound impact of loss on families, SASSA will provide two vouchers in support of the grieving families with immediate needs.

Matlou said SASSA has a mandate, derived from the Social Assistance Act, to offer assistance to the affected families. 

“Social Relief of Distress is temporary provision of assistance intended for persons in such a dire material need that they are unable to meet their families’ most basic needs. We also wish to offer our utmost condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to those who are injured. 

“We are working very closely with all the relevant stakeholders in the social cluster of the province to ensure that maximum support is given to the distressed families. We extend our gratitude to all stakeholders, partners, and community members, who continue to support this vital work,” Matlou said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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South Africa explores regionalisation of chicken imports from Brazil

Source: South Africa News Agency

Thursday, June 12, 2025

The Department of Agriculture is currently assessing the possibility of implementing regionalisation for chicken imports from Brazil to ensure local demand is met without compromising biosecurity.

This follows South Africa’s suspension of imports of live poultry, eggs, and fresh (including frozen) poultry meat from Brazil after an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Brazil reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 – clade 2.3.4.4b) in chickens, in a breeding establishment (parents), located in the municipality of Montenegro, state of Rio Grande do Sul, on 15 May 2025.

This necessitated South Africa to suspend trade of live poultry, eggs and fresh poultry meat, and revised its import permit process.

Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, noted that while South Africa’s poultry industry has sufficient domestic slaughter chickens, concerns remain over the impact the suspension import of Brazilian poultry on the country’s food supply chain, particularly the affordability and accessibility of processed meats and pet foods.

He said the department is in constant engagement with the Brazilian authorities to determine if the outbreak has not spread to other States and a confirmation that there are no additional affected farms in other regions.

“This is a necessary procedure of ensuring that we don’t introduce the virus to South Africans and infect the poultry industry. We need to balance food security realities with biosecurity imperatives,” Steenhuisen explained.

The Minister added that the department has established that the reason for the delay in Brazil responding to South Africa’s enquiries is due to the number of similar enquiries Brazil is receiving and responding to, since Brazil exports poultry products to many other countries. – SAnews.gov.za