Category: Africa

Posted on

Call to adhere to road rules as accidents claim 10 lives 

Source: Government of South Africa

The Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, has reminded motorists to be alert on the roads as two separate crashes claimed the lives of 10 people on Monday.

Four people were killed on the R547 between Kinross and Kriel when a sedan they were travelling in lost control and overturned on the side of the road. 

The four were all men, and they include the driver. Two passengers sustained serious injuries, and they were transported to the nearby hospital in Evander for further medical attention.

In another incident that took place on the N12 between Delmas and Emalahleni, seven people, all passengers, lost their lives abruptly when an articulated truck crashed into another truck. 

“The truck, which has seemingly been converted to transport passengers, was at the time of the crash picking up employees on the road to ferry them to work at the nearby farm. The seventh person succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment at the hospital,” the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison said.

Six passengers were seriously injured while eleven people escaped with slight injuries. 

The injured were rushed to the hospital closer to the scene for further treatment. The investigation into both crashes is already underway.

“Despite all efforts that government and its entities continue to put to reduce road crashes, the number of people losing their lives in these collisions is still rising.  It is essential that all road users play their part by being alert while driving. They must also comply with the rules. More than 80% of collisions on the road are caused by human behaviour and regrettably people’s recklessness claim innocent people’s lives,” the MEC said.

He has extended his heartfelt condolences to the affected families and wished those who were injured a speedy recovery. 

Motorists have been advised to follow these safety tips:
•    Do not drive under the influence of alcohol.
•    Adhere to the speed limit.
•    Ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy.
•    Avoid using cell phones while driving.
•    Buckle up at all times.
•    For long journeys, take regular breaks.
•    Pedestrians must cross streets at marked intersections.
•    Pedestrians must wear bright clothing when walking in dark areas.
–SAnews.gov.za
 

Posted on

Suspects expected to appear in court following police operations 

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, August 18, 2025

Seventeen suspects are expected to appear before the Secunda Magistrate’s Court today charged with various offences, including contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa, Mpumalanga police said.

Aged between 26 and 62, the suspects are due to appear in court on Monday, 18 August, following their arrest on Friday.

They were arrested during a successful intelligence-driven operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi in Secunda.

The suspects were charged with various offences, including possession of gold bearing material, as well as possession of illegal mining equipment.

“During the operation, dedicated law enforcement members apprehended the suspects for failing to produce valid documentation to be in the country. The operation highlights the ongoing efforts by police to combat illicit mining. Illicit mining equipment was confiscated. 

“The detectives are working collaboratively with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the arrested suspects,” the SAPS said in a statement on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi said he was grateful to the team for the exceptional efforts displayed in curbing illegal mining activities in the province. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Nzimande advocates for African-led climate research at international conference

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has emphasised the continent’s critical role in global climate research and the need for African institutions to contribute to global knowledge production. 

He highlighted the urgent need for African-led scientific research and climate adaptation strategies, stressing the importance of historically Black universities in Africa’s research agenda.

“I’m a very strong advocate for the deliberate development of the research capacity of our historically disadvantaged institutions, and for them to develop and be supported to be at the centre of knowledge production in our country and indeed globally,” he said. 

The Minister was speaking at the 3rd International Conference on Earth and Environmental Sciences (ICEES 2025), a collaboration between the University of Zululand and China’s Chang’an University on Monday. 

“While we value collaboration. We do not want our historically disadvantaged universities to be comfortable with simply being consumers of knowledge that others produce. 

“Universities on the African continent must make their own distinct contribution to the global knowledge project,” Nzimande said, calling for a sovereign Research and Development Agenda for Africa.

The conference comes against a backdrop of severe environmental challenges. 

According to the 2023 World Meteorological Organisation report, African countries are losing 2% to 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) to climate change, with some nations diverting up to 9% of their budgets to climate response efforts.

The report also states that up to 118 million extremely poor people living on less than US$1.9 per day will be exposed to drought, floods, and extreme heat and Africa. 

Nzimande also touched on the “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, emphasising the urgency of prompt, well thought out actions.

“There is an unparalleled peak in climate-related crises, and no continent remains unaffected. We are increasingly witnessing life-threatening heatwaves, floods, disappearing species and the severe pressures on water as well as ecosystems.”

He warned that without coordinated action, “the outcomes for future generations will indeed be devastating”.

In the South African context, he made examples of extreme weather events and their impact on farmers and rural communities.

“All of this threatens the safety and the livelihoods of citizens, especially those who live in agriculturally dependent rural settings where biodiversity is the cornerstone of everyday survival.”

He announced that the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) has put in place instruments to enable research and development and build State capacity, which is very important in various fields.

“We have developed what we call a science mission. We’ve got a number of these science mission focus areas. We have developed one on global change and biodiversity science, because we firmly believe that this needs to be strengthened.”

Some of the programmes under this science mission include South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), the Alliance for Collaboration on Climate and Earth System Science (ACCESS) and the Centre for Global Change, which plays a crucial role in sustainable global change. 

They are also working on the initiative that focuses on climate change and environmental sustainability. 

Nzimande also discussed the South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap, which includes 13 research infrastructure initiatives, including the National Equipment Programme, South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) and Centres of Excellence (CoEs).

South Africa also participates in global platforms like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. 

He announced the upcoming Global Change National Conference, which will be hosted this year, aiming to strengthen capacity in climate change and environmental sustainability.

He also stressed student involvement, with him encouraging young researchers to “grab this opportunity with both hands”, viewing youth empowerment as a critical investment in Africa’s scientific future.

The conference also seeks to provide participants with the opportunity to share their experiences and research findings, challenges and solutions, with the view to establishing productive new academic and industry research collaborations.

The conference features keynote lectures by distinguished experts from various parts of the world and will bring together scientists and industry experts from over 70 countries across Africa, Asia, North and South America, Europe, and Australia. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

South Africa: Water and Sanitation on more than $10 billion raised during the Water Investment Summit

Source: APO


.

Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina has expressed her satisfaction on the commitments made following a three-day inaugural African Union-Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP) Water Investment Summit which was opened by President Cyril Ramaphosa, in Cape Town, South Africa. The Minister announced that more than 10 billion has been raised in the last three days of the summit and is confident that more will be achieved.

The Summit, which was aligned with South Africa’s G20 Presidency priorities of solidarity, equality, and sustainability, brought together Heads of State, Ministers, investors and development partners to drive solutions to challenges of water provision.

Accordingly, the 1690 delegates in attendance to this Summit rallied support behind the achievement of South Africa’s G20 priorities of rapid and inclusive economic growth, eradication of poverty and hunger, and climate sustainability, by accelerating investments into climate-resilient water and sanitation.

Minister Majodina said 80 priority water investment projects from 38 different countries were identified for the summit and they have already attracted an estimated projection of 10 to 12 billion US Dollars a year, worth of investments.

“In the last three days, we have identified governance, finance, capacity and data gaps in the water sector and together we commit to pay focused attention to these matters. We are making a call to governments to help level the playing fields in order to attract investment. Let us eliminate long and unnecessary red tape which undermines and discourages investment. We have also managed to showcase a pipeline of bankable water and sanitation projects to prospective funders and investors.”

“What we are grateful for is that the matchmaking sessions during the three days have managed to strengthen relations between governments, project developers, and financiers, building trust and paving way for long term collaborations,” Minister Majodina said.

She further noted that the Africa Water Investment Summit, hosted in the context of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, helped to advance efforts towards inclusive and sustainable economic growth and social advancement.

The summit was convened under the auspices of the African Union, the High-Level Panel on Water Investment for Africa and the Republic of South Africa’s G20 Presidency. The commitments were made by the 20 ministers responsible for water, sanitation and environment across the continent and beyond, as supported by the African Heads of State and Government and other global leaders.

The inadequate investments in water have affected the gains made across all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on water and sanitation, and the critical role that water plays in climate change adaptation and mitigation and the goals of Agenda 2063. This is due to the continent’s growing needs, resulting in Africa’s $30 billion annual water investment gap. Therefore, the delivery of water investments across Africa is below target to meet the continent’s growing needs.

In December 2023 during COP 28 in Dubai, UAE, the African Union Commission and AIP International High-Level Panel launched the Africa Water Investment Action Plan, outlining how countries can mobilise the additional US$30 billion per year required to ensure water security and sustainable sanitation on the continent.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment of the African Union Commission, His Excellency Moses Vilakati has described the Summit convened under South Africa’s historic G20 Presidency as more than a gathering, but a call to action, a platform for transformation, and a proof to Africa’s leadership in climate-resilient water security and safe sanitation.

“We came together with a shared mission: to close Africa’s $30 billion annual water investment gap, and we leave with renewed momentum, concrete commitments, and a bold vision for the future. The African Union declared Water as the Theme for the Year 2026, and it is our fervent hope that this will help in our drive for better water investments in the Continent,” said Commissioner Vilakati.

The Summit also served as a platform to consolidate the position of AU Member States on water investment in preparation for the 2026 UN Water Conference, which will be hosted by the Government of Senegal and the United Arab Emirates.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Posted on

Le Chef de l’État honore la mémoire de feu le Président Léon MBA

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Au sortir de la messe d’action de grâce célébrée ce matin en faveur de la Nation, en la paroisse Saint Pierre, et en prélude à la commémoration du 65ème anniversaire de l’accession du Gabon à la souveraineté internationale, le Président de la République, Chef de l’État, Chef du Gouvernement, Son Excellence Brice Clotaire OLIGUI NGUEMA, a honoré ce jour la mémoire de feu le Président Léon MBA.

En présence des Vice-Présidents de la République et du gouvernement, des membres du Gouvernement et de la famille de l’illustre disparu, le Chef de l’État s’est recueilli et a procédé au dépôt d’une gerbe de fleurs au mausolée Léon MBA, premier Président du Gabon.

Cet hommage au Père de la Nation, à la veille des festivités de l’indépendance, traduit l’attachement, le respect et la reconnaissance du Chef de l’État envers les efforts et le legs du défunt en faveur du Gabon. La cérémonie, empreinte de solennité, a été marquée par l’exécution de l’hymne national, la sonnerie aux morts, ainsi que des échanges fraternels entre le Président de la République et la famille du Président Léon MBA.

À l’issue de ce moment de recueillement, le Chef de l’État a procédé à l’inauguration du nouveau service de pédiatrie du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Libreville (CHUL). Réhabilité grâce à l’appui de la communauté libanaise, ce service modernisé est doté de tout le mobilier nécessaire au personnel soignant et administratif, d’une salle polyvalente, d’une salle de conférence, de plusieurs chambres d’hospitalisation ainsi que d’un espace de jeux dédié aux enfants. Ce projet illustre non seulement l’amitié historique entre le Gabon et le Liban, mais également la concrétisation de la diplomatie agissante prônée par le Chef de l’État.

Par ailleurs, Son Excellence Brice Clotaire OLIGUI NGUEMA a inauguré le nouveau siège de Gabon 24. La cérémonie a été marquée par la remise de distinctions honorifiques à plusieurs agents, les interventions du Directeur général de la chaîne, du Ministre de la Communication, la coupure du ruban, le dévoilement de la plaque inaugurale, suivis d’une visite guidée des installations et du lancement de la nouvelle radio « 24 FM ». Cet édifice de cinq étages témoigne de la volonté du Président de la République d’améliorer durablement les conditions de travail des agents et de renforcer l’outil de communication publique.

En outre, dans le cadre de la traditionnelle cérémonie de décoration qu’il a présidée à l’esplanade du Sénat, le Chef de l’État a procédé à la remise de médailles dans l’ordre de l’étoile Équatoriale et l’ordre du mérite gabonais à plusieurs personnalités civiles et militaires, en reconnaissance de leur mérite et de leur engagement au service de la Nation.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République Gabonaise.

Posted on

Accident d’un bus STM à Thio (Glazoué) : 9 rescapés, 1 décès confirmé et 44 disparus

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


À la suite de l’accident survenu dans la nuit du dimanche 17 août 2025, impliquant un bus tombé dans le fleuve Ouémé à hauteur de Thio, dans la commune de Glazoué, le Ministre de l’Intérieur et de la Sécurité publique, Monsieur Alassane SEIDOU, également président de la Plateforme Nationale de Réduction des Risques de Catastrophe et d’Adaptation au Changement climatique, s’est personnellement rendu sur les lieux. 

Dans un communiqué de presse, il a précisé que, sur instruction du Président de la République, le plan d’organisation des secours a été immédiatement déclenché après l’annonce de la chute du bus de la compagnie STM, immatriculé CC 0085 MD, en provenance de Lomé et à destination de Niamey, avec 54 passagers à bord. 

À ce stade des recherches, le bilan provisoire fait état de neuf (09) rescapés, tous pris en charge à l’hôpital de zone de Savè où leur état de santé est jugé stable. Un (01) corps sans vie a également été repêché et déposé à la morgue du même hôpital. Quarante-quatre (44) passagers restent pour l’instant introuvables. 

LIRE CI-DESSOUS, L’INTÉGRALITÉ DU COMMUNIQUÉ DU MINISTRE 

Le Ministre de l’Intérieur et de la Sécurité publique, président de la plateforme nationale de réduction des risques de catastrophes et d’adaptation aux changements climatiques communique : 

Le dimanche 17 août 2025 aux environs de zéro heure, un grave accident de la circulation est survenu à hauteur du pont de franchissement du fleuve Ouémé sur la Route Inter-États N°2, lors de la traversée de la localité de Thio, commune de Glazoué, impliquant un bus de la compagnie STM immatriculé CC 0085MD transportant cinquante-quatre (54) personnes. 

En effet, le conducteur de ce moyen de transport en commun en provenance de Lomé pour Niamey a perdu le contrôle de son véhicule après avoir violemment heurté la rambarde du pont sur le fleuve Ouémé avant d’échouer au fond de l’eau. 

Sur instructions du Président de la République, le Gouvernement a déployé le plan ORSEC puis mobilisé tous les moyens pour porter secours et assistance aux victimes, évacuer les blessés, retrouver les personnes disparues et repêcher le véhicule. 

Le Ministre de l’Intérieur et de la Sécurité publique s’est rendu sur les lieux du sinistre, accompagné des membres de son Cabinet, du Directeur général de la Police Républicaine, du Directeur général de l’Agence béninoise de protection civile, du Préfet du département des Collines et des directeurs départementaux de la Santé et du cadre de Vie. 

À l’étape actuelle des investigations, on dénombre : 

– neuf (09) rescapés tous évacués et dans un état stable à l’hôpital de zone de Savè 

– un (01) corps sans vie retrouvé et déposé à la morgue de l’hôpital de zone de Savè ; 

– 44 personnes non encore retrouvées ; 

Le Gouvernement présente ses condoléances à la famille du passager mort, exprime toute sa solidarité aux autres passagers et à leurs familles puis rassure l’opinion publique que les diligences sont en cours pour retrouver les disparus et élucider les circonstances de ce malheureux évènement. 

Enfin, j’en appelle à la responsabilité des compagnies de transport nationales et internationales ainsi que des conducteurs, pour l’observance scrupuleuse du code de la route afin de limiter les risques d’accidents de la circulation. 

Dr Alassane SEIDOU 
Ministre de l’Intérieur et de la Sécurité Publique

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

Posted on

President El-Sisi Meets Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt

Source: APO


.

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with the Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, Mr. Hassan Abdallah.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the meeting addressed several topics related to the performance of the Egyptian economy during the current period, including efforts to reduce inflation rates and indicators for enhancing the country’s foreign exchange reserves. The meeting also reviewed the situation of the global economy, the repercussions of the challenges facing various countries around the world, and their implications for the overall economy.

President El-Sisi emphasized that the availability of sufficient dollar resources reflects positively on the provision of a reassuring stock of various goods, petroleum products, and production supplies for factories. The President also stressed the need to continue efforts to increase dollar earnings, particularly from local resources, and to continue coordination between the government and the Central Bank of Egypt to ensure the maintenance of a flexible and unified exchange rate for foreign currency.

The meeting also reviewed items related to providing opportunities and financing for the private sector to drive economic growth, which attract more investment flows and maximize the role of the private sector in economic activity. President El-Sisi gave directives to enhance incentives to benefit from the available economic opportunities and provide opportunities for the private sector to drive economic growth, which would contribute to attracting more investment flows. The President stressed the need to continue intensive efforts to provide conditions conducive to attracting more foreign investment and empower the private sector.

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

Posted on

Ghana Breaks New Ground in Forest Governance: Issues Africa’s First Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Timber Licence

Source: APO

Ghana today officially launches the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licence, making it the first African country and the second globally after Indonesia to issue this licence. This historic milestone solidifies Ghana’s leadership in sustainable forest governance and legal timber trade.

The launching ceremony follows the successful go-live of Ghana’s FLEGT license system on Friday, August 15 2025, marking the beginning of verified, legal timber exports.

The launch marks the culmination of about 16 years of reform, collaboration and investment across Ghana’s forest sector, including the ratification of 131 Timber Utilisation Contracts (TUCs) by Parliament last month, the final regulatory hurdle that cleared the way for implementation.

A FLEGT licence certifies that timber and timber-related products exported to the European Union (EU) are legally harvested and processed in accordance with Ghanaian laws. Products covered by a valid licence automatically comply with the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), ensuring seamless access to the EU market while eliminating the risk of illegal timber trade.

More than 350 industry operators have been trained in the licensing process, ensuring smooth transactions for international buyers.

This major roll out also positions Ghana to meet broader international obligations, including compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation and commitments under global climate change frameworks. It further affirms Ghana’s readiness to supply FLEGT-licensed timber to the EU, eliminating additional due diligence for buyers and strengthening Ghana’s position as a frontrunner in sustainable forest governance.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to Ghana.

Media files

.

Posted on

National Treasury hosts engagement on government spending

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, August 18, 2025

The National Treasury will host a fiscal policy engagement with civil society organisations, businesses, professionals, and interested citizens to discuss government’s spending. 

“South Africa currently grapples with low economic growth, high debt, and competing demands for funding. To address these challenges, government seeks to collaborate with society to foster a shared understanding of these realities and seek innovative ideas that can enhance fiscal sustainability,” the National Treasury said.

This engagement builds on the Cabinet endorsing the 2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) Technical Guidelines.

The guidelines outline key actionable reforms to clarify trade-offs, reduce waste, and prioritise high-impact programs.

Importantly, the guidelines outline the economic environment under which the 2026 MTEF is formulated, signals recommendations from the review that will be implemented and incorporates lessons learned from the 2025 budget cycle.

The 2026 MTEF are available via: https://www.treasury.gov.za/publications/guidelines/2026%20MTEF%20Guidelines.pdf.

The engagement will be held on 22 August 2025 at the Development Bank of Southern Africa. It aims to provide an overview of the country’s macro-fiscal situation and the choices government faces.

Key discussion points will include:

  • How to manage trade-offs with government’s budget constraint?
  • How should the country execute policy ambition with the reality of low economic growth and high debt?
  • How can South Africa create collective ownership of sustainable public finances and high-quality services?

Register to attend in-person here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=jzRFGrQCmk-nqHeG9t0yRdW4EsK0v2dDrZOa9lKPzolUNDY3V1VFVzdRSlNJVlhMRUdBUzlHWkNYWS4u&route=shorturl.

The venue only takes 100 people and therefore a first-come-first-served basis will apply. A registration link for virtual attendance will be provided should capacity be reached.

Written submissions may be sent to fiscal.policy@treasury.gov.za, with no more than three pages. Submissions should be sent by 30 August 2025.

Selected contributors may be invited to present their ideas during a panel session. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Proteção Civil distribui água potável em diversas comunidades de São Vicente

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Baixar .tipo

Num esforço para minimizar a escassez de água potável na ilha de São Vicente, na sequência das fortes chuvas do dia 11 de agosto, que danificaram a única estação de captação e dessalinização da Electra, atualmente impossibilitada de produzir e distribuir água desde a noite de domingo, a Proteção Civil mobilizou-se hoje para garantir o abastecimento emergencial a partir da ilha vizinha de Santo Antão.

Com o apoio do navio da Marinha Portuguesa e do navio Nôs Ferry, chegaram esta tarde a São Vicente cerca de 30 toneladas de água potável, que será distribuída em comunidades prioritárias como Espia, Bela Vista e Ribeira Bote.

A operação de transporte e distribuição está a ser acompanhada no terreno por efetivos das Forças Armadas e da Polícia Nacional, garantindo a segurança e a eficácia do processo.

Neste momento crítico, a Proteção Civil apela ao uso responsável e racional da água, enquanto se aguardam condições para o restabelecimento da produção local de forma segura e sustentável.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.