Governo reforça resposta em São Vicente: soluções rápidas, humanas e eficazes para as famílias afetadas

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Baixar .tipo

O Ministro da Família, Inclusão e Desenvolvimento Social, Fernando Elísio Freire, esteve em São Vicente, entre os dias 21 e 23 de agosto, para reforçar a resposta do Governo de Cabo Verde às famílias afetadas pelas fortes chuvas de 11 de agosto, que provocaram perdas humanas, desaparecimentos e avultados danos materiais. A visita integrou uma agenda intensa de encontros e deslocações a várias comunidades, estruturas públicas e centros de acolhimento, com o objetivo de garantir a implementação das medidas anunciadas e assegurar soluções rápidas, humanas e eficazes.

. no arranque da missão, o Ministro reuniu-se com o Presidente da Câmara Municipal de São Vicente, reforçando a articulação entre o Governo central e o poder local. Visitou ainda a Loja Social e as estruturas sob tutela do Ministério, nomeadamente o ICCA e o CNPS, que sofreram avultados danos provocados pela intempérie. Numa ação de proximidade, deslocou-se também aos centros de acolhimento onde se encontram 74 famílias, num total de 255 pessoas, incluindo 12 que perderam absolutamente tudo, ficando sem casa, bens e meios de subsistência, e outras 62 que necessitam de realojamento, uma vez que as suas habitações deixaram de reunir condições mínimas de segurança.

Acompanhado pela Coordenadora do Sistema das Nações Unidas, Patrícia Portela de Souza, e pela representante da Organização Mundial da Saúde, Ann Lindstrand, Fernando Elísio Freire visitou as comunidades de Madeiral, Ribeira de Calhau, Calhau e Salamansa, onde pôde ouvir diretamente a população, sentir de perto as dificuldades vividas e reafirmar o compromisso do Governo em não deixar ninguém para trás.

No quadro da resposta integrada, realizou-se igualmente um encontro com associações e organizações não-governamentais locais que, desde a primeira hora, têm apoiado as famílias afetadas. O encontro permitiu reforçar a articulação entre Governo, autarquia e sociedade civil, tendo sido definido um plano de trabalho conjunto, com respostas direcionadas para cada bairro, de acordo com as necessidades específicas das famílias. O Ministro destacou o papel determinante das associações, sublinhando o conhecimento profundo que cada uma tem da realidade das suas comunidades, e aproveitou o momento para reconhecer e agradecer o trabalho notável desenvolvido desde a fase mais crítica da emergência.

A agenda incluiu ainda visitas às associações Staff Promo e Real Sociedade, bem como deslocações a bairros fortemente atingidos, para avaliar as condições habitacionais e identificar soluções imediatas e de médio prazo.

Com esta presença no terreno, o Governo reafirma o seu empenho em trabalhar lado a lado com a sociedade civil, parceiros internacionais e comunidades, com o propósito de transformar a tragédia numa oportunidade de recomeço. O compromisso, garante o Executivo, é mobilizar recursos, coordenar esforços e devolver às famílias de São Vicente condições de segurança, dignidade e esperança no futuro.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

África: Banco Mundial divulga pesquisa sobre futuro de empresas e do emprego

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Baixar .tipo

Empregadores mais dinâmicos tendem a ser relativamente jovens; firmas tendem a prosperar em locais bem conectados; 64% das empresas de alto crescimento no Brasil têm menos de cinco anos; perfil do trabalhador médio desse negócio é de um ano extra de escolaridade que em outros setores.

O Banco Mundial está tentando mapear que empresas criarão mais empregos no futuro e por que isso é essencial para oferecer oportunidades à força de trabalho do amanhã em economias em desenvolvimento.

O estudo analisa o quadro laboral em países como Brasil, Indonésia e Hungria, entre outros. Segundo os pesquisadores, cinco temas dão o norte do que será importante no futuro para mais e melhores postos de trabalho.

Adoção de novas tecnologias

No quadro atual, um pequeno número de empresas representa uma parcela desproporcional de novos empregos. Os empregadores mais dinâmicos tendem a ser relativamente jovens, e suas chances de sucesso geralmente não estão relacionadas ao tamanho inicial.

Empresas que atuam em locais bem conectados tendem a prosperar. Elas aceleram quando estão integradas em cadeias de valor, multinacionais ou fornecedores sofisticados.  Uma outra razão para o sucesso são habilidades de gestão mais fortes e adoção de novas tecnologias.

Fundamental é canalizar capital privado em empregos em larga escala, destacando um papel potencialmente estratégico para políticas que apoiem as empresas.

Em vários setores, uma pequena parte das empresas cria até dois terços de todos os novos empregos.  Elas são conhecidas como empresas de alto crescimento e representam menos de uma em cada cinco empresas formais. Juntas geram 60% a 65% dos novos postos de trabalho em economias emergentes.

Brasil

No Brasil, 64% das firmas de alto crescimento têm menos de cinco anos de vida. Elas estão em setores como fabricação de alimentos processados na Cote d’Ivoire ou Costa do Marfim e Indonésia, até fabricantes de móveis na Etiópia a indústrias têxteis no Brasil e empresas de informática e eletrônicos no México. Na Hungria, por exemplo, essas firmas se concentram em serviços empresariais e profissionais.

Em economias em desenvolvimento ou emergentes, a maioria das empresas são pequenas e juntas representam metade do total de empregos.  Em países como Camarões, Ruanda e Gana, até 50% dos empregos vêm de firmas com menos de 10 funcionários.

No Brasil, esse número pula para mais de 60% e na Índia chega a 80%.

Muitas empresas jovens crescem e se adaptam mais rapidamente, adotam equipamentos mais novos, se modernizam e recrutam mais funcionários nativos digitais.

Crescimento dos negócios

Empresas de alto crescimento são, principalmente, jovens — com menos de cinco anos desde o lançamento. Na Colômbia, empreendimentos com quatro anos ou menos crescem de duas a três vezes mais rápido do que as mais antigas. Mas as startups e empresas jovens também são as que têm maior probabilidade de enfrentar taxas de saída mais altas.

A localização influencia a contratação — mesmo em uma era de conectividade remota. Empresas em agrupamentos regionais ou industriais se beneficiam de logística de fornecedores mais barata, pools de mão de obra qualificada e rápida difusão de know-how.

Vínculos externos aceleram o crescimento dos negócios e a criação de empregos. Empresas que entram em mercados exportadores, se conectam a cadeias de suprimentos multinacionais ou importam componentes de maior qualidade geralmente relatam ganhos mais rápidos em receita e produtividade, além de uma folha de pagamento maior do que os concorrentes que permanecem locais.

Moçambique e Costa Rica

Em Moçambique, o multiplicador de empregos de investimento estrangeiro direto foi estimado em 5,4 após a descoberta de recursos naturais.

Na Costa Rica, fornecedores locais que conquistaram seu primeiro contrato com uma empresa multinacional ampliaram suas equipes em 27% em quatro anos, à medida que se adaptaram a normas de qualidade mais rigorosas e melhoraram suas reputações.

Evidências da África do Sul traçam empresas antes e depois de se juntarem às cadeias de valor globais. Quase toda a contratação adicional vem de novos participantes que escalam rapidamente assim que a demanda estrangeira se materializa.

Enquanto empresas mais antigas e maiores têm maior probabilidade de se integrar a redes de produção, a criação de empregos com a participação na cadeia de valor global é impulsionada por empresas mais jovens que ainda não esgotaram suas economias de escala internas.

O Banco Mundial afirma que ferramentas analíticas complementares, como algoritmos de triagem ou diagnósticos setoriais, são necessárias para identificar empresas cujos modelos de negócios, posicionamento no mercado e profundidade gerencial tornam o crescimento sustentado do emprego mais plausível.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para UN News.

São Tomé e Príncipe deve potenciar infraestruturas resilientes e planos de adaptação ao clima

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Infraestrutura precária, proteção insuficiente contra inundações e falta de recursos financeiros são desafios que São Tomé e Príncipe enfrenta, revela o Fundo Monetário Internacional.

O estudo “Opções de Políticas para Fortalecer a Resiliência de São Tomé e Príncipe a Desastres Naturais” destaca que a alta vulnerabilidade a estes episódios torna vital reforçar a resiliência.

Investimento público

A análise feita ao pequeno Estado insular em desenvolvimento, publicada neste agosto, defende que o investimento público resiliente ao clima alavancaria a capacidade de São Tomé e Príncipe para resistir aos desastres naturais.

O método Dívida, Investimento, Crescimento e Desastres Naturais, Dignad, avaliou o impacto do investimento em capital resiliente ao clima no crescimento econômico e na sustentabilidade da dívida em vários cenários.

Com mais infraestrutura resiliente ao clima e fortalecimento da eficiência do investimento público no crescimento econômico e na dívida os resultados foram promissores comparados à gestão de desastres e aos fundos de contingência financeira.

Programa de Gestão das Áreas Costeiras

Um dos exemplos citados é o apoio à área costeira, adaptação e resiliência a inundações no arquipélago pelo Programa de Gestão das Áreas Costeiras da África Ocidental.

O investimento envolve US$ 15 milhões ao longo de cinco anos, que devem ser alocados principalmente para investimentos físicos, incluindo a transferência de pessoas para zonas de expansão seguras.

Nesse modelo, as diversas instituições apoiam o fortalecimento de seu sistema de alerta precoce, que monitora o clima e os perigos, prepara previsões e dissemina informações.

O Dignad conclui que países estão mais bem preparados para lidar com desastres naturais quando investem em infraestrutura resiliente, instalam e utilizam sistemas de alerta precoce e investem em proteção climática e ambiental.

Para esse propósito é importante garantir subsídios e financiamento em condições concessionais para infraestruturas resilientes e planos de adaptação. O reforço da gestão do investimento público também ajudará a garantir um uso mais eficiente de recursos limitados, maximizando seu impacto.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para UN News.

Media files

Baixar .tipo

Ambassador Yin Chengwu Met with the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Liberia Umutoni

Source: APO – Report:

.

On August 22, H.E. Yin Chengwu, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, met with H.E. Christine N. Umutoni, the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Liberia. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening coordination and cooperation between China and the UN in Liberia.

Yin introduced the outcomes of China-Liberia cooperation and commended the UN in Liberia for its contribution to improving the social well-being and people’s livelihood in Liberia. He expressed China looks forward to strengthening cooperation with the UN and jointly advance economic and social development in Liberia.

Umutoni thanked China for its long-term strong support for the cause of the UN, and expressed the hope to continue to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China to bring benefits to the Liberian people.

– on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Liberia.

At The 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and partners explore innovative solutions to tackle deforestation in Africa

Source: APO – Report:

.

A new tool “The Solutions-tree: Solutions to halting deforestation – through sustainable agrifood systems transformation” which aims to help countries fight deforestation, was previewed today together with other innovations co-created with African countries at an event co-hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF), the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), the UN-REDD‘ African Forest Forum (AFF) initiative,  at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9). The tool is aligned with FAO’s efforts to collaborate with countries, international organizations and institutions to demonstrate how co-created knowledge and cross-sectoral collaboration can play a key role in halting deforestation while boosting economies, livelihoods and sustainable agriculture.

While deforestation rate decreased between 2010 and 2020, Africa – and the world – still faces an major challenge in overcoming this complex and persistent crisis, rooted in range of direct and underlying factors, including governance issues, competition for land among economic sectors, poverty, and insecure land tenure. 

Key solutions to halt and reverse deforestation lie in transforming how key commodities (in the case of Africa, especially meat and crops such as cassava, maize, and cocoa) are produced, along with strong engagement and capacity strengthening of small-scale farmers.

Developed by FAO, the Solutions-tree provides governments and partners with an innovative framework to identify, prioritize, and implement cross-sectoral actions that address direct and underlying drivers of deforestation. So far, it has been trialed in Benin and Guinea and will be officially launched in October 2025.

While opening the TICAD9 side-event, Alue Dohong, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, underlined the urgency of collective action: “Deforestation is one of the greatest challenges to Africa’s sustainable development. Halting deforestation is not just an environmental goal, it is an imperative for Africa’s food security, climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and socio-economic development,” he said.

“We have to collectively move away from ‘agriculture versus forestry’ trade-offs”, said Serena Fortuna, FAO Senior Forestry Officer and UN-REDD Management Group Member, “and work with governments and communities to co-create and scale up catalytic and transformational solutions that keep forests standing while boosting food security, rural economies and contribute to achieving climate targets”.

African countries are proving that this quadruple win can be a reality. 

Working together

At the event, partners and panelists from across Africa showcased how cross-sectoral collaboration is advancing efforts to stop deforestation.

Awessou Kohomlan Beranger, Senior Officer from Benin’s Ministry of Living Environment and Transport, presented how Benin is using the Solutions-tree to shape its REDD+ strategy and how it boosted a systemic approach. He highlighted how participatory science and collaborative approaches play a decisive role in guiding countries towards more sustainable and resilient development pathways. Roselyn Fosuah Adjei, Director of Ghana’s Forestry Commission Training Centre, shared Ghana’s experience in identifying cost-effective REDD+ solutions. She emphasized that holistic cost-benefit analysis for REDD+ can help stakeholders recognize the value of forests in climate finance and shared benefits. Professor Labode Popoola, Executive Secretary of the African Forest Forum, highlighted the need to align forest strategies with agriculture and food security goals, stressing that REDD+ is central to protecting forests and ensuring a livable future for all. ITTO’s project in Côte d’Ivoire showcased agroforestry as a key tool to protect forests while empowering women across Africa.

In closing, panelists shared a common message in the lead-up to COP30: Africa is proving that reducing deforestation and strengthening agriculture are intertwined and they are not unattainable goals. But world leaders’ commitments must now be translated into concrete action, if not at the COP in the heart of the Amazon, when?

FAO also highlighted its broader forestry work in Africa. The Green Climate Fund-funded PROMIRE project in Côte d’Ivoire, for example, has trained over 5 000 farmers to adopt sustainable cocoa production and has rehabilitated degraded lands to convert into agroforestry systems.

Kochi Kiyotaka, Director of the International Forestry Cooperation Office at MAFF, closed the event by reiterating the importance of working across agriculture and forestry to find sustainable solutions.

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), led by the Government of Japan since 1993, provides a global platform for African countries and partners to advance sustainable development, strengthen resilience, and build partnerships to achieve shared prosperity.

– on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

Le Président Ndayishimiye a conclu avec succès sa mission au Japon

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Président de la République du Burundi Son Excellence Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE accompagné de la Première Dame Son Excellence Angeline Ndayishimiye est rentré le 24 août 2025 d’une mission riche en travail au Japon où il a représenté le Burundi à la 9e édition de la Conférence internationale de Tokyo sur le développement de l’Afrique (TICAD), qui s’est tenue du 20 au 22 août 2025.

Dans un point de presse animé par le parte parole du Président Burundais, madame Gatoni Rosine Guilène a fait savoir que lors de la première session plénière consacrée à la paix et à la stabilité, co-présidée par le Burundi et le Japon, le Président Ndayishimiye a rappelé le rôle actif du Burundi dans la stabilisation de plusieurs pays africains, notamment la République Démocratique du Congo, le Centrafrique et la Somalie, soulignant que le Burundi demeure un acteur engagé dans la recherche de solutions durables.

L’ Envoyé Spécial de l’Union Africaine au Sahel et champion de l’Agenda Jeunesse, Paix et Sécurité, a partagé l’expérience de son pays tout en réaffirmant la volonté de l’Afrique de s’appuyer sur un partenariat solide avec le Japon pour valoriser ses ressources au service de l’égalité pour tous.

Le 1er Vice-Président de l’union Africaine Son Excellence Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE a également plaidé en faveur d’une réforme du Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU afin de renforcer la représentativité et l’efficacité des institutions internationales.

En marge de la 9ème TICAD le Président de la République du Burundi, Son Excellence Évariste Ndayishimiye, reconnu comme « l’ami des jeunes du monde », a accordé une audience, à Yokohama, au Dr Révérend Ock Soo Park, fondateur de l’Organisation Internationale de la Jeunesse (IYF), originaire de la République de Corée; une rencontre qui s’inscrivait dans la volonté commune de renforcer la coopération en faveur de la jeunesse burundaise et qui a déjà initié divers projets en direction des jeunes Burundais.

Le Chef de l’État a salué ces initiatives et a invité l’IYF à collaborer étroitement avec le Programme d’Autonomisation Économique et d’Emploi des Jeunes (PAEEJ), afin de consolider les synergies et amplifier l’impact des actions déjà engagées.

Le Chef de l’État burundais s’est entretenu avec M. Akihiko Tanaka, Président de l’Agence Japonaise de Coopération Internationale (JICA), partenaire stratégique du Burundi. Les discussions ont porté sur l’appui de la JICA dans des secteurs prioritaires tels que les infrastructures, les transports et la santé.

Le Numéro Un burundais Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye a également eu un déjeuner de travail avec une délégation de parlementaires japonais conduite par M. Daishiro Kamagiwa, Secrétaire général de la Ligue d’Amitié Parlementaire Japon–Union Africaine, mettant en avant les opportunités d’investissement offertes par le Burundi et insistant sur l’importance d’un partenariat gagnant-gagnant dans des domaines tels que le tourisme, les infrastructures, l’éducation, la santé et l’agriculture, avec un accent particulier sur la promotion du riz de montagne et le développement de la pisciculture dans le lac Tanganyika.

Toujours selon le Porte Parole, le Président burundais a également rencontré ces homologués, tel est le cas de Son Excellence Faure Gnassingbé, Président du Conseil du Togo et Médiateur de l’Union africaine pour la RDC. Les deux personnalités ont échangé sur les perspectives de coopération bilatérale et se sont penchées sur les enjeux de paix et de sécurité dans la région, et en RDC.

Le Chef de l’État burundais Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye, Envoyé spécial de l’Union Africaine pour le Sahel, a eu un échange fructueux avec son homologue angolais, Président en exercice de l’Union Africaine, Son Excellence João Lourenço. Ils ont examiné la situation sécuritaire au Sahel et dans la région des Grands Lacs.

Le Président burundais, Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye, a été reçu par le Premier Ministre japonais, Son Excellence Ishiba Shigeru, pays ami de longue date du Burundi. Les deux dirigeants ont salué l’excellence des relations bilatérales et exprimé leur volonté commune de les renforcer davantage.

Le Premier Ministre japonais s’est par ailleurs réjoui de la maturité socio-politique atteinte par le Burundi et a chaleureusement félicité le Chef de l’État pour ces avancées et s’est engagé à soutenir la vision 2040-2060.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.

SANDF responds to allegations around General Maphwanya

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has expressed concern over allegations suggesting that the Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, is defiant toward the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga.

On Sunday, City Press reported that Maphwanya has allegedly vowed to continue defying the Minister’s directive to reinstate Colonel Eugene Motati, an air force officer who was unlawfully dismissed in 2019, based on an untested sexual harassment allegation made by a SABC journalist.

According to the publication, the directive aligns with findings from the Military Ombudsman, which stated the Colonel’s dismissal was unlawful.

However, the SANDF said these allegations are incorrect, misleading, and disregard the facts surrounding the matter.

“There is misrepresentation on the merits of the facts regarding the matter at hand, but it is not in the nature of the SANDF to discuss its members’ administrative matters in the public media, so are the Ombudsman’s recommendations and ministerial decisions,” the statement read. 

In addition, the insinuation that the Chief of the SANDF is “defying” or “giving the middle finger” to the Minister is baseless and irresponsible, said the defence force.

“General Maphwanya remains fully committed to the constitutional authority of the Minister and is engaging the matter with the utmost respect and diligence. In line with good governance and military protocol, the Chief of the SANDF is currently consulting with the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans and the Ombudsman on the matter.” 

The SANDF has since assured the public and all stakeholders that due process is being followed, and any final determination will be made in strict compliance with the law, established military procedures, and the directives of the Executive Authority. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Beneficiaries urged to safeguard title deeds for future generations

Source: Government of South Africa

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has urged beneficiaries of fully subsidised government houses to value their properties and safeguard them as lasting assets for future generations.

Simelane made the call during the handover of title deeds to homeowners in Kwahlomendlini, Mandeni Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast.

“Value your properties. The title deeds you are receiving today are not just pieces of paper. They are instruments of dignity, economic empowerment, security, and a promise of a better future,” Simelane said.

The Minister emphasised that title deeds provide legal ownership, protect families from illegal evictions or occupation, and offer peace of mind for current and future generations.

Earlier this month, the Minister and provincial Human Settlements MECs resolved to revive the Title Deeds Fridays campaign, an initiative aimed at mobilising all spheres of government to release all outstanding title deeds to rightful beneficiaries.

As part of the 2024-2029 Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP), the Department of Human Settlements is targeting the registration and handover 80 000 title deeds, unlocking asset value worth more than R16 billion.

Last week, Simelane and KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma conducted an oversight visit to assess housing needs of families affected by the 2022 floods in eThekwini and uMgungundlovu Districts Municipality.

Nearly 100 permanent houses were handed over to displaced families whose homes were destroyed.

Acknowledging delays in settling other victims, Simelane said the department has invested in social facilitation for both affected families and surrounding communities.

“We must reject the ‘Not in My Backyard’ mentality. This mindset perpetuates a form of pre-1994 segregation.

“It hinders the dismantling of the apartheid spatial planning. True democracy requires inclusive communities that reflect the values of our Constitution,” she said.

The Minister commended traditional leaders and communities who have embraced displaced families with compassion and solidarity.

The department has undertaken to prioritise building over 1000 housing units to accommodate victims of disasters in and around eThekwini. The MEC confirmed that government has secured several pockets of state-owned land to house displaced communities. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Women’s Empowerment: A non-negotiable for South Africa’s future 

Source: Government of South Africa

By Bernice Swarts 

Malibongwe Igama Lamakhosikazi! – Praise the name of women! This rallying cry, echoing from the historic 1956 Women’s March, remains as relevant today as it was when more than 20,000 women stood in defiance of the oppressive pass laws. 

Their courage and unity were a turning point in our history, laying the foundations for a non-sexist, non-racial democracy.

But while we rightly honour the women of 1956 every August, I am convinced more than ever that our country cannot afford to limit women’s recognition to a single month. Women’s empowerment is not an event – it is an ongoing process that contributes the hope of our communities. The progress of our country is directly linked to the progress of its women.

Since 1994, our democracy has made important strides in advancing gender equity. Today, women occupy 25.8% of top management positions in the private sector and 43% of seats in Parliament. These achievements are significant, but much more remains to be done to ensure full economic and social emancipation for women in our country. 

This year’s Women’s Month theme, “Building Resilient Economies for All,” reminds us that empowering women is not an act of charity – it is the foundation of inclusive growth. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed it well when he said: “When a woman is empowered – everyone gets empowered. When women prosper, we all prosper. When women rise, we all rise.”

As the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, we continue to prioritise women in the employment profile of the department – especially at the most senior levels. We are proud that our department is led by a female Director-General, Ms Nomfundo Tshabalala. Of the 11 Deputy Directors General positions, nine are held by women. There are 204 positions at Senior Management level and 105 are held by women which constitute 51% representation. Our Total Permanent Staff Compliment is 3115 and 1623 are women which constitute 52% representation. It is also worth mentioning that the department has achieved on 2% Government set target for Persons with Disabilities; we have employed 64 persons with disabilities. These figures reflect a deliberate effort to ensure inclusivity and equity within our department.

Beyond the corridors of our offices, we are implementing programmes that continue to open doors for women across communities. Between 2020/21 and 2024/25, the department created 323,462 Expanded Public Works Progarmme (EPWP) work opportunities, surpassing our five-year target. Of these, 56% went to women, 59% to youth, and 1.09% to persons with disabilities. Through the EPWP, we also achieved 95% of our five-year target for Full-Time Equivalents, contributing 140,594 to the total and advancing the goals of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework. Moving forward, we will intensify our focus on prioritising women within EPWP and many of our programmes.

Our department’s efforts to empower women are also reflected in the services we deliver to the public. We are transforming the forestry sector by transferring plantations to communities. Between 2020/21 and 2024/25, we transferred 21 plantations across the country, fostering inclusive economic participation and empowering rural communities – particularly bringing in women to benefit from this programme. The transfer of these plantations to our communities supports the objectives of our Commercial Forestry Masterplan.

Through our Chemicals and Waste Management Branch, we are involving women in initiatives to tackle plastics pollution, e-waste, and hazardous chemicals – this sector remains important in the creation of green jobs and sustainable livelihoods.

But empowerment is not only about jobs and leadership – it is about safety and dignity. South Africa cannot talk about women’s empowerment while Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) continue to plague our communities. Government has strengthened the legislative framework with measures such as the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, the Domestic Violence Amendment Act, the National Council on GBVF Act, and the NPA Amendment Act.

These laws are crucial, but laws alone will not end GBVF. Every South African – men and women – must actively take part in creating safe communities and ending this national crisis.

As we honour the bravery of the women of 1956, let us recommit ourselves to a future where women and men build together, rise together, and prosper together. Because when women thrive, nations flourish.

*Bernice Swarts is the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
 

Zero tolerance for violence and drugs in schools

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, August 25, 2025

Government has condemned all forms of violence in schools, which undermine learning, safety, and the future of children.

In a government news bulletin on Monday, government emphasised that schools must be safe spaces, and teachers must be respected for their role in shaping young minds. It added that violence in schools is unacceptable, and learners must respect rules, teachers, and peers. 

“Government calls on parents to take an active role in the upbringing of their children and to instil values of respect, responsibility, and non-violence. Learners must not bring drugs to school. Anyone found in possession of any mind-altering substance will face disciplinary action and the full might of the law.”

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is currently working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure active police participation in creating safe and orderly learning environments.

The SAPS-DBE collaboration strengthens early detection of criminal activity in schools and provides a support system to teachers and learners facing threats. 

The public is urged to report any cases of violence and crime to their nearest police station or by calling the SAPS crime stop number on 08600 10111. – SAnews.gov.za