Libération de la Berge-Est de la Lagune de Cotonou : Remise de chèques aux occupants

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Conformément à la décision du Conseil des Ministres lors de sa session du 30 juillet 2025, l’Agence Nationale du Domaine et du Foncier (ANDF) a procédé, le mercredi 20 août 2025, à la remise symbolique de chèques aux occupants de la Berge-Est de la Lagune de Cotonou. Cette cérémonie s’est tenue sur le terrain du Yacht Club Tennis, situé à Akpakpa, Cotonou. Elle a été marquée par la présence de Monsieur Ghislain HOUNNOU, Directeur Général du Développement Urbain, représentant le Ministre du Cadre de Vie et des Transports, chargé du Développement Durable. Étaient également présents Monsieur Moussa-Fils DJIBRIL AKAMBI, Directeur Général Adjoint de l’ANDF, représentant la Commission de dédommagement, ainsi que les chefs des 3e et 4e Arrondissements de Cotonou, les chefs quartiers desdits arrondissements, et les représentants des occupants de la zone concernée. 

Suite à plusieurs séances d’information et de sensibilisation, les 638 ménages affectés par le projet de libération et d’assainissement de la Berge-Est de la Lagune de Cotonou bénéficient effectivement depuis ce mercredi d’un dédommagement ou d’un accompagnement financier selon le cas,   de la part du Gouvernement. Pour ce premier lot, composé de 110 personnes ayant effectué les démarches administratives nécessaires, des chèques allant de 200 mille à 3 millions de francs CFA leur ont été remis. 

Une enveloppe d’environ un milliard de francs CFA a été mobilisée afin de dédommager tous les occupants recensés le long de la Berge-Est de la Lagune de Cotonou, s’étendant d’Abokicodji jusqu’à Agbato. Pour pouvoir bénéficier de cet accompagnement financier, les occupants concernés doivent fournir une photocopie de leur carte d’identité ou de leur certificat d’identification personnelle, une photo en pied ainsi qu’une photo d’identité. 

Ce projet de libération et d’assainissement vise à réaliser des aménagements urbains et  paysagers. Il est prévu l’installation de lampadaires solaires afin d’éclairer la zone. Des aménagements destinés à embellir l’espace seront également effectués dans le but de favoriser son exploitation touristique, comme l’a souligné le Directeur Général Adjoint de l’ANDF. 

Pour rappel, les mêmes opérations ont déjà été menées du côté Ouest de la berge de la lagune par le Gouvernement.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa to the South Africa – Japan Business Forum on the margins of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development Summit, Yokohama, Japan

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director;
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau;
Ministers;
Ambassadors;
Business and industry leaders;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;
 
It is a privilege to deliver these keynote remarks at a forum that heralds the next chapter of the South Africa–Japan partnership.
 
This next chapter is grounded in shared ideals of innovation, resilience and inclusive prosperity.
 
This year marks 115 years of relations between South Africa and Japan. 
 
It is an opportune time to strengthen our long standing economic relationship. 
 
The recent tariff decisions by the United States have tested South Africa’s reliance on historical markets. 
 
Our government has swiftly activated diversification strategies, including the re-establishment of trade offices and assistance desks. 
 
Japan is a key pillar in our outreach.
 
Prime Minister Ishiba’s recent remarks on Japan’s willingness to adjust tariffs for strained partners signal an alignment that could underpin deeper bilateral tariff cooperation.
 
This business forum provides a great opportunity to focus on what we have done so far, the opportunities between both our countries, and how we can tap into the benefits for a deeper partnership going forward.
 
There are immense opportunities for South Africa and Japan to collaborate on integrated supply chains within strategic sectors, such as battery minerals, automotive components, renewable energy equipment and hydrogen technologies.
 
This would enhance mutual resilience to external trade disruptions.
 
Japan is one of South Africa’s major economic partners and an important source of investment. 
 
South Africa’s exports to Japan are dominated by minerals such as platinum, coal, manganese, titanium and iron ore. 
 
Japan is South Africa’s most important trading partners in construction, manufacturing and technology. 
 
South African agricultural products currently found in the Japanese market include Rooibos tea, Appletiser juices, citrus, wine, avocados, butternut and maize. 
 
South Africa is a top-tier global agricultural exporter, with strong sanitary and phytosanitary standards and traceability systems, with a growing range of niche, high-value products.
 
Globally, we are ranked the number one exporter of Rooibos tea, the number one exporter of macadamia nuts, the second largest exporter of fresh citrus and the fifth largest exporter by volume of wine.
 
South Africa is a leading global supplier of strategic and industrial minerals used in Japan’s green tech industries.
 
We are world leaders in the supply of platinum group metals and manganese. We are in the top five of vanadium producers and have untapped potential in rare earths.
 
South African exports automotive components to Japanese auto manufacturers across global supply chains, chemicals and polymers, and stainless steel and fabricated metal products.
 
Our products are not only export-ready but uniquely positioned to meet evolving Japanese consumer and industrial demands.
 
Over 270 Japanese companies have a notable presence in the South African economy, sustaining over 200,000 local jobs. 
 
Our strategic position on the African continent, our developed infrastructure and active private sector make South Africa a strong base for regional expansion.
 
We are on a path to revolutionise our energy sector in pursuit of low-carbon, climate resilient development.
 
We are actively seeking investment in the energy sector with a particular focus on renewables and green hydrogen.
 
South Africa is one of the most cost-effective hydrogen producers globally. 
 
We have introduced policies to promote the development of the electric vehicle industry in South Africa.
 
We invite co-investment on manganese, vanadium, platinum group metals and rare earths beneficiation aimed at the clean energy and mobility markets.
 
Investments in AI agriculture, diagnostics, cloud services and pharmaceutical manufacturing will serve both domestic and African demand.
 
South Africa’s economic recovery, renewal and expansion is being driven by a massive rollout of investment in energy, water, road, rail, port, telecommunication, digital and social infrastructure. 
 
Through this, we are expanding economic capacity and improving efficiencies. 
 
We are improving policy certainty and have adequate investment protection mechanisms to reduce risks for prospective investors and existing industry players. 
 
We are committed to taking advantage of intra-Africa trade and financial cooperation through the African Continental Free Trade Area. 
 
Under the African Continental Free Trade Area, South Africa is positioning itself as a continental industrial hub, both in manufacturing and innovation.
 
We invite Japanese companies to co-invest in value chains anchored in South Africa that serve the continental market of 1.4 billion people.
 
South Africa is firmly behind the African Union’s economic priorities, particularly infrastructure connectivity, climate adaptation and industrialisation. 
 
We are also chairing key forums in the G20 and G7 outreach that focus on critical minerals, climate finance and industrial resilience.
 
South Africa and Japan can jointly advocate for rules-based global systems that support fair trade, sustainable investment and value chain integration.
 
Together, we will be able to build industrial corridors in electric vehicles, hydrogen and digital innovation.
 
We should strengthen trading platforms for agricultural products, minerals and health goods.
 
And we should harmonise tariff and regulatory frameworks to incentivise location of high-value manufacturing.
 
We must work to translate our friendship into industrial and human development, with South Africa serving as a gateway to Africa.
 
South Africa is ready to partner with Japan in achieving durable, innovation-driven African economic development.
 
I encourage Japanese businesses to work together to seize the abundant opportunities that South Africa has to offer.
 
I wish you all well in the deliberations going forward.
 
I thank you.

Tributes for ITHPCSA member, Mme Ntswaki Maria Siease

Source: Government of South Africa

The Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council of South Africa (ITHPCSA) has announced the passing of Mme Ntswaki Maria Siease, a dedicated member of the council, who passed away earlier this month.

The ITHPCSA praised Siease who passed away on 12 August, for her distinguished service and unwavering commitment to the council.

“She was an active member of the Legal Committee as well as the Registration, Education and Accreditation Committee, where her contribution, wisdom, and leadership enriched the work of the Council,” the statement read. 

The team said she was passionate about advancing the recognition, regulation, and professionalisation of traditional health practice in South Africa.

In accordance with Section 7(c) of the Traditional Health Practitioners Act, No. 22 of 2007, the council consists of a maximum of 22 members, appointed by the Minister of Health in the prescribed manner.

It plays a critical role in upholding ethical standards, protecting public health, and promoting the recognition and integration of traditional healing within South Africa’s broader healthcare system.

Siease was appointed as one of the nine traditional health practitioners representing each province. 
“She carried this responsibility with pride, dignity, and a deep sense of duty to both the council and the communities she served.”

Beyond her council responsibilities, she also served as a member of the Free State Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC), where she worked tirelessly to promote safe, culturally rooted, and regulated initiation practices. 
“Her involvement at both provincial and national levels demonstrated her dedication to preserving and safeguarding African traditions while ensuring the well-being of communities.”

The council, under the leadership of Sheila Fihliwe Khama, Chairperson of the ITHPCSA, has since extended its deepest condolences to the Siease family, friends, colleagues, and community during this time of mourning.

She will be laid to rest on Saturday, 23 August 2025, at Matsikeng in the Free State. The service will begin at 8 am. – SAnews.gov.za

Ministro Eurico Monteiro preside abertura da 15ª reunião do Conselho Técnico do IEFP destacando importância da qualificação para responder às necessidades do país

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Ministro da Promoção de Investimentos e Fomento Empresarial presidiu à abertura da 15ª reunião do Conselho Técnico do Instituto do Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional (IEFP), que reuniu esta quarta-feira, 20 de agosto, na Praia, todos os dirigentes desta importante instituição, destacando a importância da qualificação para melhor se responder às necessidades do país.

“Não temos grandes alternativas em todo o nosso quadro de desenvolvimento que não passe por uma aposta muito firme no sistema de formação profissional”, afirmou Eurico Monteiro, para quem, no mundo de hoje, não faltam exemplos de como a aposta nas pessoas e na qualificação faz toda a diferença. A título de exemplo, indicou, casos como o da República Democrática do Congo que, não obstante o grande potencial e riqueza em termos de recursos naturais, se afigura entre os países mais pobres do mundo.

Para o governante, a forma como as pessoas se organizam para responder às necessidades do país e aos desafios do futuro é a chave de tudo, razão por que, no quadro da formação profissional, “estamos organizados para dar uma resposta adequada ao país e, particularmente, ao setor privado empresarial”.

Embora nem sempre tenha sido nestes termos, com o protagonismo atual, sublinhou o Ministro, o sistema de formação sempre ocupou um lugar de destaque na organização administrativa do Estado. “O futuro acabou por demonstrar que não havia outro caminho que não o da fortificação do setor empresarial privado por forma a que este se tornasse num motor da economia, mas, mesmo pensando na lógica do setor empresarial do Estado, o sistema de formação profissional sempre teria um papel relevante”, frisou.

“Hoje mais do que nunca!”, vincou Eurico Monteiro, para quem, numa altura em que temos empresas fazendo regressar os seus trabalhadores emigrados, nomeadamente de Portugal, para setores como a construção civil, a indispensabilidade da formação profissional em Cabo Verde, é inquestionável.

“É por isso que vários dos nossos parceiros, como o Luxemburgo e demais cooperações internacionais têm feito uma aposta muito forte para robustecer os sistemas, pois sabem que aqui não se perde nada, aqui ganha-se sempre”, garantiu o Ministro, que completou: “quando estamos a fazer essa aposta, ganha o setor empresarial do Estado, ganha a Administração Pública, ganha o país de uma forma geral”.

Mesmo perante esse quadro, lembrou o Ministro, “há sempre espaço para melhoria”. Entre as melhorias, indicou, uma maior articulação com o tecido empresarial, por forma a entender as razões de queixa de um mercado com falta de mão de obra, perante um sistema de formação profissional forte.

“Temos que garantir que a formação que damos corresponde exatamente às competências concretas que são exigidas em determinados segmento de mercado, além de divulgar massivamente as ferramentas que devem ser utilzadas para quem está em situação de desemprego, e para quem busca mão de obra. Para tal, nada melhor do que estabelecer uma relação mais estreita com os empresários, que são as verdadeiras conhecedores das necessidades profissionais do mercado”, finalizou o Ministro, felicitando todo o corpo dirigente do IEFP pelo trabalho que tem sido feito, que não se limita ao volume, estendendo-se também à qualidade a formação.

“Não só as taxas de empregabilidade nas diversas formações como essa própria busca incessante por trabalhadores, por parte de algumas empresas portuguesas mostram a qualidade da nossa formação e, por conseguinte, do trabalho desenvolvido pelos nossos centro e, neste caso, pelo IEFP”, concluiu.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

Moçambique: Governo promete transformar o turismo em motor do crescimento económico

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Governo moçambicano promete lançar programas e acções específicas para desenvolver a cadeia de valor do turismo, explorando ao máximo o extraordinário potencial da indústria como motor de crescimento económico, criação de emprego e promoção de um desenvolvimento equilibrado e inclusivo.

A garantia foi dada pela Primeira-Ministra, Benvinda Levi, na abertura da primeira edição do Fórum Africano de Diplomacia, Turismo e Investimento, na Cidade de Maputo.

“O potencial turístico de Moçambique é inquestionável! A localização estratégica, a gastronomia, os monumentos, a natureza e a diversidade cultural, aliados à simpatia e espírito trabalhador que caracterizam a população moçambicana, constituem oportunidades ímpares a se ter em conta, pelo facto de agregadas, proporcionarem ao nosso país vantagens comparativas e competitivas”, afirmou Levi.

Segundo a dirigente, o executivo já identificou cinco principais destinos turísticos prioritários, designadamente, Maputo, Vilankulo, Gorongosa, Quirimbas e Niassa, que, pela sua localização e atractividade, podem rapidamente contribuir para a competitividade e crescimento do investimento no sector.

Benvinda Levi destacou ainda a necessidade de encorajar os empresários nacionais e estrangeiros a expandirem os seus negócios na indústria turística, bem como em áreas complementares como infra-estruturas, energias limpas, escolas de formação em hotelaria e turismo, conectividade interna e regional.

“Estamos determinados a continuar a melhorar o ambiente de negócios e de investimento, sobretudo na simplificação de procedimentos administrativos, no reforço do quadro legal e regulatório, na promoção de mecanismos de financiamento acessíveis e na criação de incentivos específicos para o investimento no turismo e áreas conexas”, assegurou a primeira-ministra.

Além da vertente económica, Levi salientou a dimensão diplomática do turismo, que considera essencial para estreitar relações entre povos e países. “O turismo, para além do aspecto económico, é um instrumento importante da diplomacia pelo facto de contribuir para o aprofundamento do conhecimento, relacionamento e amizade entre os povos e nações, desempenhando um papel relevante na política externa de cada país”.

No mesmo evento, o presidente do African Tourism Board, Cuthbert Ncube, reforçou a importância de uma visão partilhada para o futuro do turismo em África e apelou a um compromisso colectivo para libertar o potencial do continente através da diplomacia turística.

“Temos que acelerar investimentos no sector do turismo, mas para isso os nossos Governos devem colocar o turismo no coração da democracia”, disse Ncube, destacando o potencial de Moçambique e os avanços em curso na restauração do Parque Nacional da Gorongosa, do Arquipélago de Bazaruto e do Parque Nacional do Zinave, áreas de conservação da biodiversidade.

O responsável defendeu que a conectividade entre destinos africanos e os investimentos em infra-estruturas de base são “inadiáveis” para criar um ambiente favorável à expansão da indústria.

Refira-se que, Moçambique dispõe de cerca de 2.700 km de costa e uma vasta diversidade natural e cultural que o posiciona entre os destinos mais promissores da África Austral. Nos últimos anos, registou avanços importantes, como a recuperação de parques naturais e o crescimento de infra-estruturas em zonas costeiras e de safari.

Com a realização do Fórum Africano de Diplomacia, Turismo e Investimento, o Governo espera atrair novos parceiros e investidores, consolidando o turismo como uma das principais alavancas para o desenvolvimento sustentável de Moçambique. (AIM)

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Portal do Governo de Moçambique.

Sistema das Nações Unidas reafirma apoio a Cabo Verde após fortes chuvas

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Sistema das Nações Unidas reafirmou hoje o seu compromisso com Cabo Verde, na sequência das intensas chuvas ocorridas no dia 11 de agosto, que provocaram danos significativos, sobretudo nas três ilhas do norte do país. A garantia foi reiterada esta manhã, no Mindelo, pela Coordenadora Residente do Sistema das Nações Unidas em Cabo Verde, Dr.ª Patrícia Portela de Souza, durante um encontro com o Ministro do Mar, Eng.º Jorge Santos.

Acompanhada da Representante da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) em Cabo Verde, Dr.ª Ann Lindstrand, a Coordenadora Residente reafirmou que as Nações Unidas, tal como têm feito ao longo dos últimos 50 anos, permanecem ao lado de Cabo Verde nos esforços de resposta e reconstrução.

Segundo a Embaixadora, desde o primeiro momento da crise, diversas agências da ONU, entre as quais a OMS, UNICEF e OIM, têm colaborado com as autoridades nacionais para avaliar os impactos e prestar apoio técnico e humanitário.

“Viemos trazer a nossa solidariedade ao povo de São Vicente, extensiva aos povos de Santo Antão e São Nicolau. É uma catástrofe lamentável”, afirmou a Representante da ONU, sublinhando a importância do diá. direto com as lideranças nacionais, locais e com as comunidades afetadas.

Durante o encontro com o Ministro do Mar, foi dada especial atenção aos prejuízos no setor das pescas e nas instituições ligadas à economia azul, com destaque para os danos causados ao Instituto do Mar, uma das entidades mais afetadas.

“A nossa ideia é reforçar este apoio dos parceiros à resposta que está sendo dada nas três ilhas, tando do ponto de vista social (a prioridade são as pessoas), a questão económica, ambiental e repor a normalidade”, reforçou a Embaixadora Patrícia Portela de Souza para quem “o mais importante é o que está sendo feito”.

A Representante da ONU mostrou-se também satisfeita com os progressos já alcançados, nomeadamente no restabelecimento do abastecimento de água e energia, bem como na garantia da segurança alimentar.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

Seychelles: Minister Sylvestre Radegonde addresses Plenary Session on Peace and Stability at the 9th edition of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development Summit (TICAD)

Source: APO


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The 9th edition of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development Summit (TICAD9) is taking place in Yokohama, Japan from 20th to 22nd August under the theme “Co-Create Innovative Solutions with Africa”.

During the first day of the Summit, Minister Sylvestre Radegonde addressed the plenary session on Peace and Stability. He stated that this year’s theme calls for deeper, more balanced, and forward-looking partnerships and in the context of the TICAD summit, he called for more enhanced cooperation between Africa and Japan, a partnership anchored in mutual respect and a shared commitment to peace, security, and development.

Highlighting the importance Seychelles places on Maritime Security, Minister Radegonde also pointed out that ‘Africa’s extensive maritime domain faces a growing array of transnational threats. From piracy, arms and drug trafficking, and illegal fishing, to human smuggling and emerging cyber risks, these challenges transcend national boundaries. They demand regional coordination, shared responsibility, and strong multilateral cooperation.’

He placed particular emphasis on fragility of Maritime trade in the region referring to the recent conflict in the Red Sea which led to the ‘rerouting of vessels away from the Suez Canal and disrupted African ports and supply chains, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen the resilience and security of maritime corridors.’

Minister Radegonde also mentioned the increasing importance of other domains of security such as Cybersecurity and called for collective efforts to ‘build cyber resilience, uphold digital sovereignty, and encourage the responsible and ethical use of such emerging technologies.’

Minister Radegonde commended Japan’s long-standing commitment and financial assistance to maritime security in Africa. He stated that ‘through the technical support provided to the UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme by the Japanese Government, has helped enhance law enforcement capabilities, strengthen institutional resilience, and improve operational coordination across coastal states.’

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.

Sankofa Events, Paul Sinclair et Hyve Events poursuivis pour fausse déclaration

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Sankofa Events Limited et Paul Sinclair ont été ajoutés à une action en justice intentée par l’African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org/) devant la Haute Cour de la République d’Afrique du Sud contre Hyve Events SA Limited. La demande de citation à comparaître a été acceptée. Sankofa Events et Paul Sinclair seront donc parties à une action en dommages-intérêts pour fausse déclaration, exécution illégale et marketing mensonger. Il s’agit d’une notification officielle aux défendeurs, le tribunal estimant qu’il existe des motifs sérieux de croire à une fausse déclaration, une accusation grave qui a des répercussions importantes pour le secteur énergétique africain.

Sankofa Events Limited et Paul Sinclair ont été ajoutés à l’affaire pour leur rôle dans la fourniture de fausses déclarations et d’informations trompeuses concernant la prochaine conférence Africa Oil Week (AOW) : Energy. Cet événement, qui s’est déplacé à Accra, au Ghana, pour sa 31e édition, a fait l’objet de nombreuses déclarations, communiqués de presse et communications trompeurs, notamment concernant ses participants et les thèmes abordés.

Un exemple notable est l’information publiée par les canaux de communication officiels de l’AOW : Energy concernant la participation de la société pétrolière publique équato-guinéenne GEPetrol. Les informations partagées faisaient référence à des présentations techniques, des réunions individuelles et la promotion de nouvelles licences par la société. Ces informations n’ont pas été fournies, autorisées ou validées par GEPetrol. Ce niveau de fausse déclaration vise à inciter les délégués à participer et ne reflète pas fidèlement l’événement lui-même.

À ce titre, l’AEC, qui représente la voix du secteur énergétique africain, poursuit Sankofa Events Limited et Paul Sinclair au Ghana depuis l’Afrique du Sud, car elle reconnaît les dommages que ce niveau de fausse déclaration cause aux parties prenantes à travers le continent. Sankofa Events Limited et Paul Sinclair sont tenus de participer légalement à l’affaire, car ils ont été officiellement mis en cause dans ce procès grave. Les défendeurs disposent d’un délai de 30 jours à compter de la date de signification dans leur pays pour comparaître et s’opposer à la demande de jonction.

Cette affaire survient à un moment charnière pour l’industrie énergétique africaine et son importance ne peut être sous-estimée. À l’heure où le secteur mondial de l’énergie est divisé sur des questions clés telles que la transition énergétique et les investissements dans les hydrocarbures, l’Afrique a besoin d’une voix unifiée. Avec plus de 600 millions de personnes vivant sans accès à l’électricité sur le continent et plus de 900 millions vivant sans accès à des solutions de cuisson propres en Afrique, il n’a jamais été aussi urgent de s’unir, de relever les défis et de faire progresser le développement.

Pourtant, des organisations telles que Sankofa Events Limited et des individus tels que Paul Sinclair utilisent des plateformes telles que AOW : Energy pour faire avancer leurs propres agendas. Au lieu de donner la priorité aux besoins de l’Afrique, ces parties démontrent continuellement leur détermination à attirer des investissements à des fins personnelles. Par le biais de fausses déclarations, elles cherchent à attirer des capitaux et des personnes vers leur événement, sans se soucier du fait qu’elles ne tiendront pas leurs promesses. Cela limite la productivité, entrave les progrès significatifs visant à relever les principaux défis énergétiques et compromet les efforts du continent pour éradiquer la pauvreté énergétique.

« L’action en justice intentée par l’AEC vise à tenir Sankofa Events Limited et Paul Sinclair responsables de leurs actes. L’Afrique mérite mieux que des organisations et des individus qui font passer leurs propres intérêts avant ceux du continent. L’AEC soutient pleinement le continent et restera déterminée à protéger les intérêts de ses populations », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’AEC.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

Health Minister to host NHI session Cape Town

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, will this evening engage with medical students and the healthcare community at the University of Cape Town.

This discussion will focus on the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, a legislative reform aimed at achieving universal health coverage and addressing the healthcare needs of all South Africans.

The session is part of the Minister’s countrywide roadshow to address the concerns and unpack the benefits of the NHI to the entire population, including ordinary citizens who currently rely only on the public health system for healthcare. 

READ | Health Minister takes NHI roadshow to KZN

“Motsoaledi will use this opportunity to dispel any myths and misinformation about this legislative reform, which is part of the country’s transformative agenda to address the existing disparities in the current fragmented health system,” the advisory, ahead of Thursday’s meeting, read. 

Since the NHI was enacted by President Cyril Ramaphosa in May 2024, numerous stakeholders from various sectors of society have reached out to the Ministry of Health to request exclusive engagement regarding the NHI Act. 

The stakeholder engagement programme includes ordinary people, healthcare providers, health professionals, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders, and young people who will benefit most from the phased implementation of the NHI Act.
The country is actively working towards achieving universal health coverage through the NHI system. 

The NHI aims to offer financial protection for everyone, ensuring that access to quality healthcare is not determined by an individual’s ability to pay. 

It also seeks to use resources efficiently by pooling funds and strategically purchasing services. – SAnews.gov.za

Call for investment in health of women, children and adolescents

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged world leaders to intensify investments in the health and rights of women, children and adolescents, warning that the cost of inaction would be measured in lives lost, diminished futures and destabilised communities.

The President was delivering an address on Thursday at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Global Leaders Network dialogue on Investing in Peace: “Health for Adolescent Youth and Women.”

The session was held on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Summit in Yokohama, Japan.

Speaking in his capacity as Chair of the Global Leaders Network for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, President Ramaphosa said the Network is a coalition of heads of state and government united by the conviction that the health, dignity and potential of women, children and adolescents are the cornerstones of a fair, prosperous and peaceful world.

WATCH | President Ramaphosa addresses UNFPA and Global Leaders Network dialogue

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“The reality that we must confront is that too many women still die in childbirth of preventable causes. Too many children and adolescents still suffer and die from illnesses we know how to prevent or treat,” he said.

President Ramaphosa stressed that every avoidable death represented a policy and administrative failure while every life saved reflected political will.

The President outlined three priority areas for the Global Leaders Network:
•    Placing women, children and adolescents at the centre of universal health coverage  
“Health services need to be safe, effective, compassionate and responsive to the lived realities of those who need them most.”
•    Increasing investment in women, children’s and adolescents’ health.
“As official development assistance is cut, many countries are pursuing domestic resource mobilisation as a sustainable health financing solution. However, we must continue to foster the principle of solidarity through multilateral financing solutions. This includes the consideration of a gap financing mechanism to address the needs.”
•    Upholding sexual and reproductive health rights. 

“The data is clear: a lack of access to safe abortion leads to higher incidents of deaths, costly complications and permanent damage leading to infertility.”

Calling for stronger partnerships among governments, financing institutions, civil society and the private sector, President Ramaphosa urged stakeholders to protect funding for health as a pillar of development cooperation, integrate health into climate and broader development strategies, invest in innovation and digital health, and ensure accountability.

“The Global Leaders Network commits at the highest political level to keeping the voices of the most vulnerable alive in the halls of power. 

“The moral imperative is clear: no woman, child or adolescent should die of preventable causes. We must stand firm against the reversals we are witnessing in sexual and reproductive health and rights. 

“We believe that every woman has autonomy over her sexuality and reproductive choices. Every adolescent should get comprehensive sexual education. Every person should be free from sexually transmitted diseases,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa concluded that women, children and adolescents must remain at the heart of sustainable development, as they represent the future the global community is striving to secure. – SAnews.gov.za