Hlabisa advocates for stronger whistleblower protection

Source: Government of South Africa

Hlabisa advocates for stronger whistleblower protection

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting whistleblowers and restoring ethical governance in South Africa.

Speaking at the inaugural Annual Babita Deokaran Lecture on Tuesday, the Minister honoured the bravery of whistleblowers and condemned the recent assassination of Marius van der Merwe, also known as “Witness D, “who was shot and killed outside his home in Brakpan last Friday.

Hlabisa described this incident as a “national wake up call” during the lecture that celebrated the courage and achievements of whistleblowers.

READ | Three persons of interests identified in “Witness D” murder case

This as the Anti-Corruption Centre for Education and Research (ACCERUS) at Stellenbosch University’s School of Public Leadership launched the Babita Deokaran Annual Lecture.

This initiative commemorates four years since the assassination of Deokaran on 23 August 2021, outside her home in Johannesburg. 

At that time, she was the Acting Chief Financial Officer of the Gauteng Department of Health and a key witness in investigations related to the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Deokaran’s fearless exposure of corruption, which included halting over R850 million in suspicious payments at Tembisa Hospital, made her a symbol of integrity. 

The PPE scandal refers to widespread corruption, overpricing, and mismanagement in the procurement of protective gear during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the lecture, Hlabisa paid tribute to Deokaran’s legacy and called for stronger protections for truth-tellers. 

The Minister outlined key commitments, including fast-tracking the Whistleblower Protection Bill, introducing mandatory municipal whistleblower protocols, enforcing accountability through the powers of the Auditor-General South Africa (AG), and establishing a Whistleblower Security Compact with law enforcement agencies.

These reforms aim to create a safer environment for whistleblowers, restore public trust, and embed ethical governance at the local level.

“Babita was killed because she blocked the flow of illicit payments. Witness D was killed because he lifted the veil on collusion. We will not honour their sacrifice with platitudes but with policy, protection, and accountability. Truth-tellers must never stand alone,” said Hlabisa.

The platform was used to commit to accelerating the Whistleblower Protection Bill, expanding its coverage beyond employees. 
This includes criminalising threats, enabling anonymous disclosures, and funding legal, security, and psychosocial support for whistleblowers.

The Minister also called for the implementation of mandatory safe-reporting frameworks in all municipalities, which would be linked to oversight from the AG and would have financial consequences for non-compliance.

He spoke about the need for the enforcement of remedial actions, the issuance of certificates of debt for ignored directives, and the establishment of public dashboards to track corruption cases. 

Hlabisa emphasised the importance of coordinated threat assessments and rapid protection measures in partnership with law enforcement and oversight bodies, advocating for transparent procurement and strict consequences for irregular expenditures.

He encouraged formal collaboration with anti-corruption organisations for training, analytics, and community reporting platforms. 

Speakers from academia, civil society, and government stressed that protecting truth-tellers is essential for ethical governance and democracy, not merely optional.

Inspired by Deokaran’s extraordinary courage, they called for urgent reforms, including the establishment of an Independent Whistleblower Protection Office, sustainable funding through a Whistle Protection Fund, a secure national reporting platform, and support for families, livelihoods, digital security, trauma care, and reintegration into the workforce.

Hlabisa’s keynote address coincided with the commemoration of International Anti-Corruption Day, themed “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”

This day serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility of governments, leaders, civil society, the private sector, and citizens to confront corruption in all its forms.

In South Africa, Hlabisa stated that combating corruption remains a government priority, with ongoing measures to strengthen law enforcement, enhance prosecutorial capacity, and protect whistleblowers. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile

42 views

Dongfeng Motor réussit avec succès sa mission officielle de soutien au transport du Sommet du G20 en Afrique du Sud, sa flotte verte reçoit une reconnaissance internationale

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Récemment, en tant que partenaire automobile officiel désigné pour le sommet du G20 2025 en Afrique du Sud, Dongfeng Motor (https://Dongfeng-Global.com/) a réalisé une performance exceptionnelle en accomplissant avec succès toutes les tâches de soutien au transport pour le sommet qui s’est tenu à Johannesburg. La flotte verte spécialisée, composée de plusieurs modèles de véhicules à énergie nouvelle tels que le Dongfeng BOX et le Dongfeng 007, a fourni des services de transport efficaces, sûrs, fiables et de haute qualité aux délégations nationales et au personnel de travail pendant la conférence. Son excellente coordination opérationnelle et la performance stable de ses produits ont été très appréciées et reconnues par toutes les parties participantes. Cela a non seulement démontré les capacités de Dongfeng Motor sur la scène internationale lors d’événements politiques et économiques de premier plan, mais a également permis de tester avec succès sa capacité globale à fournir des solutions de transport systématiques dans des scénarios complexes et exigeants.

Cette collaboration est le fruit des efforts conjoints de Dongfeng et du ministère sud-africain des Relations internationales et de la Coopération, qui visaient à fournir une solution de mobilité verte de haut niveau pour le sommet. Le fonctionnement stable et sans faille de la flotte pendant l’événement a permis de présenter au monde entier les dernières réalisations de Dongfeng Motor en matière de technologie d’électrification, de fabrication intelligente et de contrôle qualité haut de gamme. Il s’agit d’une mise en pratique significative de l’engagement à long terme de Dongfeng en faveur de l’innovation et du développement durable. Grâce à ses débuts réussis sur la scène internationale, Dongfeng Motor a démontré par des actions concrètes que ses véhicules à énergie nouvelle sont pleinement capables de répondre aux exigences de transport haut de gamme et rigoureuses à l’échelle mondiale, tant en termes de capacité que de fiabilité.

Le succès de ce partenariat officiel avec le Sommet du G20 a considérablement renforcé la réputation de la marque Dongfeng et son influence en Afrique du Sud et dans l’ensemble de la région africaine, posant une base de confiance solide pour une future expansion du marché. Cette collaboration illustre et met en lumière l’ancrage profond de Dongfeng sur le marché africain ces dernières années, à travers la production locale, les échanges technologiques et d’autres initiatives.

À l’avenir, Dongfeng Motor saisira cette opportunité pour transformer l’expérience acquise lors de cette mission de service et d’assistance en une dynamique d’amélioration continue de ses produits et services. L’entreprise continuera à adopter une approche mondiale ouverte et coopérative.

Distribué par APO Group pour China Dongfeng Motor Industry Imp. & Exp. Co. Ltd.

Entreprise : China Dongfeng Motor Industry Imp. & Exp. Co. Ltd
Contact : Liao Qingli
E-mail: liaoqingli@dfmc.com.cn
Site web: https://Dongfeng-Global.com/

Media files

Candidates scrutinised as interviews for new NPA head commence

Source: Government of South Africa

Candidates scrutinised as interviews for new NPA head commence

Interviews for South Africa’s new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will get underway in Tshwane today.

The position will become vacant next month when current NDPP Advocate Shamila Batohi retires.

Wednesday’s public interviews will be conducted by a panel led by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi.

“This process is transparent and helps to build public confidence in the appointment of a person in this critical office.

“I selected a panel that would combine a variety of skills and experiences. These include the public service administration, financial management, legal and jurisprudence, administration of justice and the promotion of equality and human rights,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said of the panel last month.

READ | Interviews to select new NPA head to be held this week

Other members of the panel are:
•    Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission, Andrew Christoffel Nissen.
•    Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality, Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale.
•    Auditor-General of South Africa, Tsakani Maluleke.
•    Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, Professor Somadoda Fikeni.
•    President of the Black Lawyers Association, Nkosana Mvundlela.
•    Representative of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers, Machini Motloung

Interviews of the six selected candidates will be held today and tomorrow.

First in the hot seat will be Advocate Nicolette Bell followed by Advocate Adrian Mopp and concluding the first day with Advocate Andrea Johnson.

On Thursday, the interview of Advocate Xolisile Khanyile will kick off proceedings followed by Advocate Hermione Cronje and Advocate Menzi Simelane.

Interviews commence from 10am and will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP0qi8o0cS0. –SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

7 views

Uganda to host the first ever African Dragon Boat Cup 2026

Source: APO


.

Sports Diplomacy: Uganda set to host the first ever Africa Dragon Boat Cup from 1st – 4th October, 2026. Mr. Solomon Muwonge, president of the Uganda Dragon Boat Federation, revealed this in a meeting with Ambassador Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting was attended by a visiting delegation from the Africa Dragon Boat Federation led by Mr. Ehab Gouda and Ms. Mary Lai, General Secretary of the continental body. The officials are in the country to assess the country’s preparedness to host the event, train certify local officials and inspect venues for the event.

Amb. Kabonero thanked the federation for the efforts to promote Dragon Boat sport in Uganda as it provides opportunities for Ugandans to explore their talent, market the country and improve people-to-people relations. Mr. Gouda said next year’s event will bring together over 500 professional athletes from 16 countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and South America. In addition, participants will be physically followed by hundreds of their fans, besides the millions of online viewers.

Dragon Boat has been an important traditional sport in China for over 2,500 years. It has over 50 million players, with over 40 million in China alone. Ms. Mary Lai said by hosting the Africa Dragon Boat Cup in 2026, Uganda has an opportunity to showcase opportunities in tourism, investment and trade using sports as a door opener. The meeting was attended by Head of Public Diplomacy Margaret Kafeero and Mr. Stilson Muhwezi, First Secretary in charge of Sports Diplomacy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Youth workers’ tour to historical sites

Source: APO


.

The National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense, organized a tour for youth workers of the Ministry of Agriculture to historical sites in the Northern Red Sea Region. The tour was aimed at acquainting the youth workers with their history.

The 80-member youth group visited the areas in which the Salina and Fenkil operations against the Ethiopian colonizers took place, as well as the Ghinda front and historical sites in Massawa, and they were provided briefings by freedom fighters who were stationed in the areas. They also visited the Northern Red Sea Museum and the Abdur organic fertilizer production institution.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

SA’s proposals adopted at CITES COP20

Source: Government of South Africa

SA’s proposals adopted at CITES COP20

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has applauded the South African negotiating team for successfully securing the adoption of three proposals at the Twentieth Meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) – CITES COP20.

“The successful adoption of three of South Africa’s proposals to amend the listing of the species in CITES appendices is not only indicative of our leadership on the global conservation arena, but also the impeccable quality of scientists we have locally,” the Minister said on Wednesday.

Held from 24 November to 05 December 2025, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the South African delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh.

South Africa’s adopted proposals include the deletion of the bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) from Appendix II and the transfer of two types of succulents – Avonia quinaria and Euphorbia bupleurifolia – from Appendix II to Appendix I. 

In total, CITES COP20 considered 51 proposals for amendment of the CITES appendices while 114 draft working documents were submitted by CITES Parties.

“Our priorities are those that have direct implications to South Africa’s conservation efforts and sustainable use of its biological resources. These priorities have undergone extensive assessment and scientific advice from the Scientific Authority,” the Deputy Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle

0 views

Senegal Approves Payment for African Energy Bank

Source: APO

Senegal has approved its share of payment for the African Energy Bank (AEB), which is expected to be paid before the end of 2025.

Announced by Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General for intergovernmental organization the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) on December 9 at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition in Dakar, the payment comes as Senegal expands its focus on developing its own energy sector, which includes significant oil and natural gas reserves.

“With this payment, we are getting closer to the development of the African Energy Bank,” Dr. Ibrahim stated.

With an initial capitalization of $5 billion – which is expected to grow to $120 billion within three to five years – the AEB has been established to provide dedicated funding for African energy projects, including oil, gas and renewable energy. Headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, the AEB has been established by APPO and pan-African financial institution the African Export-Import Bank.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Media files

.

Senegal’s President Faye Opens MSGBC 2025 with Call for African Energy Sovereignty

Source: APO

Senegalese President H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Faye opened the 2025 edition of the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power conference and exhibition in Dakar today, setting an ambitious tone for regional integration, energy sovereignty and shared prosperity across West Africa’s premier energy basin. Marking the fourth edition of the high-level energy gathering, the President underscored the deepening coordination between Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry and called on global investors to recognize Africa as a space of opportunity ready to shape its own energy future.

The President emphasized that the continuity between previous editions in Nouakchott and this year’s return to Dakar symbolizes more than geographical proximity – it reflects an increasingly united regional front.

“I would like to address the entire world’s investors in these words: Africa is ready,” stated President Faye. “Investing in Africa is not simply about extracting resources. It means contributing to a larger effort, creating jobs for our youth, developing competitive industries and fostering innovations that will shape the continent’s future.”

In addition to the President, the opening ceremony for MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 featured the participation of Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General for continental energy organization the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO), who spoke about prioritizing Africa’s financial independence. He called on the continent’s leaders to develop harmonized centers of excellence in order to promote the skills necessary to promote local capacity building throughout the entire energy value chain.

“I appeal to our leaders to win the African energy industry from undue dependence on foreign players,” Dr. Ibrahim stated, adding, “We need to promote regional centers of excellence for the oil and gas industry.”

Meanwhile, Eng. Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum emphasized how new and upcoming energy projects have the potential to drive a new era of energy prosperity across the MSGBC region. He highlighted the Sangomar oil field – which achieved first oil in 2024 – and the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development – which achieved first gas in December 2024 – as potential catalysts for energy and economic dependence while stimulating further investment in exploration and production throughout the region.

“This will be a catalyst of broader, inclusive industrialization,” stated Eng. Hamel. “We aim to leverage these resources to strengthen the nation’s standing on the global stage.”

Highlighting a historic shift in Africa’s economic positioning, the speakers stressed that the era of being merely a supplier of raw materials must be left behind. The MSGBC basin was described not only as a shared geological resource, but as a community whose development must drive inclusive growth, job creation, innovation and stability.

“As we start this MSGBC conference, it’s very important that we make investment a cornerstone for the region. This investment is what is going to drive this region to thrive with energy,” NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

The speakers concluded the opening ceremony by urging participants to translate dialogue into decisive action. President Faye called for the 2025 edition of the conference and exhibition to serve as a turning point – one where strong commitment, new partnerships and a reinforced collective vision emerge to propel the continent toward energy autonomy and prosperity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Media files

.

Le Sénégal approuve le paiement pour la Banque africaine de l’énergie

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Sénégal a approuvé sa part de paiement pour la Banque africaine de l’énergie (AEB), qui devrait être versée avant la fin de l’année 2025.

Annoncé par le Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim, secrétaire général de l’organisation intergouvernementale Organisation des producteurs africains de pétrole (OPAP), le 9 décembre lors de la conférence et exposition MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 à Dakar, ce paiement intervient alors que le Sénégal se concentre davantage sur le développement de son propre secteur énergétique, qui comprend d’importantes réserves de pétrole et de gaz naturel.

« Grâce à ce paiement, nous nous rapprochons de la création de la Banque africaine de l’énergie », a déclaré le Dr Ibrahim.

Avec une capitalisation initiale de 5 milliards de dollars, qui devrait passer à 120 milliards de dollars d’ici trois à cinq ans, l’AEB a été créée pour fournir un financement dédié aux projets énergétiques africains, notamment dans les domaines du pétrole, du gaz et des énergies renouvelables. Basée à Abuja, au Nigeria, l’AEB a été créée par l’APPO et l’institution financière panafricaine African Export-Import Bank.

Distribué par APO Group pour Energy Capital & Power.

Media files

Le président sénégalais Faye ouvre le MSGBC 2025 en appelant à la souveraineté énergétique africaine

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le président sénégalais, S.E. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a inauguré aujourd’hui à Dakar l’édition 2025 de la conférence et exposition MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025, donnant le ton pour une intégration régionale ambitieuse, la souveraineté énergétique et la prospérité partagée dans le premier bassin énergétique d’Afrique de l’Ouest. À l’occasion de la quatrième édition de ce rassemblement de haut niveau sur l’énergie, le président a souligné le renforcement de la coordination entre la Mauritanie, le Sénégal, la Gambie, la Guinée-Bissau et la Guinée-Conakry, et a appelé les investisseurs mondiaux à reconnaître l’Afrique comme un espace d’opportunités prêt à façonner son propre avenir énergétique.

Le président a souligné que la continuité entre les éditions précédentes à Nouakchott et le retour cette année à Dakar symbolise plus qu’une simple proximité géographique : elle reflète un front régional de plus en plus uni.

« Je voudrais m’adresser à tous les investisseurs du monde entier en leur disant ceci : l’Afrique est prête », a déclaré le président Faye. « Investir en Afrique ne signifie pas simplement exploiter les ressources. Cela signifie contribuer à un effort plus large, créer des emplois pour nos jeunes, développer des industries compétitives et encourager les innovations qui façonneront l’avenir du continent. »

Outre le président, la cérémonie d’ouverture du MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 a vu la participation du Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim, secrétaire général de l’Organisation africaine des producteurs de pétrole (APPO), qui a évoqué la nécessité de donner la priorité à l’indépendance financière de l’Afrique. Il a appelé les dirigeants du continent à développer des centres d’excellence harmonisés afin de promouvoir les compétences nécessaires au renforcement des capacités locales tout au long de la chaîne de valeur énergétique.

« J’appelle nos dirigeants à libérer l’industrie énergétique africaine de sa dépendance excessive vis-à-vis des acteurs étrangers », a déclaré le Dr Ibrahim, ajoutant : « Nous devons promouvoir les centres d’excellence régionaux pour l’industrie pétrolière et gazière. »

Par ailleurs, Mohamed Hamel, secrétaire général du Forum des pays exportateurs de gaz, a souligné que les projets énergétiques nouveaux et à venir avaient le potentiel de marquer le début d’une nouvelle ère de prospérité énergétique dans toute la région du MSGBC. Il a mis en avant le champ pétrolier de Sangomar, qui a produit son premier baril de pétrole en 2024, et le projet de développement du GNL Greater Tortue Ahmeyim, qui a produit son premier gaz en décembre 2024, comme catalyseurs potentiels de la dépendance énergétique et économique, tout en stimulant de nouveaux investissements dans l’exploration et la production dans toute la région.

« Cela sera un catalyseur pour une industrialisation plus large et inclusive », a déclaré M. Hamel. « Nous souhaitons exploiter ces ressources afin de renforcer la position de notre pays sur la scène internationale. »

Soulignant un changement historique dans le positionnement économique de l’Afrique, les intervenants ont insisté sur le fait que l’époque où le continent se contentait d’être un simple fournisseur de matières premières devait désormais appartenir au passé. Le bassin du MSGBC a été décrit non seulement comme une ressource géologique commune, mais aussi comme une communauté dont le développement doit favoriser une croissance inclusive, la création d’emplois, l’innovation et la stabilité.

« Alors que nous entamons cette conférence MSGBC, il est très important que nous fassions de l’investissement la pierre angulaire de la région. C’est cet investissement qui permettra à cette région de prospérer avec énergie », NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie.

Les intervenants ont conclu la cérémonie d’ouverture en exhortant les participants à traduire le dialogue en actions décisives. Le président Faye a appelé à faire de l’édition 2025 de la conférence et du salon un tournant décisif, où un engagement fort, de nouveaux partenariats et une vision collective renforcée émergeront pour propulser le continent vers l’autonomie énergétique et la prospérité.

Distribué par APO Group pour Energy Capital & Power.

Media files