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Cash assistance from European Union (EU) and United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) empowers Uganda’s most vulnerable refugees

Source: APO


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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a EUR 3 million contribution from the European Union’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) to provide life-saving food assistance to 336,000 refugees in Uganda.

WFP, in partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and UNHCR, will deliver the assistance through digital cash transfers via mobile money and agency banking services to the most vulnerable and newly arrived refugees, primarily from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Sudan. 

“Cash-based transfers are among the most effective ways to support refugee families and host communities, ensuring assistance reaches those in need safely, quickly, and with dignity,” said Liam Kelly, who oversees EU humanitarian aid programmes in Uganda. “Because cash assistance is flexible and multi-purpose, it empowers families to address their most urgent needs while also strengthening local markets and businesses. By enabling people to purchase goods and services within their communities, cash assistance contributes to economic recovery, promotes financial inclusion, builds resilience, and helps lay the foundation for long-term stability.”

In the context of the ongoing Ebola outbreak, the use of digital cash transfers is proving critical by enabling refugees to receive assistance remotely. Digital payments help reduce crowding at distribution points, limit potential exposure to infection, and allow families to safely access food while maintaining flexibility and dignity.

“Cash transfers are at the heart of a more efficient and people-centred humanitarian response, empowering refugees by putting choice in their hands,” said Marcus Prior, WFP’s Acting Country Representative in Uganda. “As part of the broader humanitarian reset, WFP is committed to prioritising assistance based on needs, increasing efficiency in how we deliver support, and working closely with local partners to strengthen Uganda’s refugee response.”

Uganda hosts more than two million refugees across 13 settlements – the largest refugee population in Africa. WFP continues to work with the Government of Uganda and partners to link emergency assistance with longer-term solutions, strengthening resilience and supporting refugee and host communities on a pathway toward self-reliance.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

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Seychelles: President Herminie Commissions Three Deputy Commissioners, Emphasises Integrity, Public Trust, and discipline

Source: APO


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Presented with the gorget that symbolises their new rank and responsibilities, Deputy Commissioners Mr Ned Wirtz, Dr Jemmy Bouzin and Mr Ron Bonnelame were officially commissioned and assigned to their duties during a courtesy call on President Dr Patrick Herminie at State House, where discipline, integrity and public trust were underscored as the foundations of effective policing.

The three officers received their gorgets from President Herminie and Commissioner of Police Mr Godfra Hermitte in a ceremony marking the formal commencement of their functions as Deputy Commissioners of Police.

The gorget serves as a distinguishing rank insignia within the Seychelles Police Force, bearing two leaves for an Assistant Commissioner of Police, two and a half leaves for a Deputy Commissioner of Police, and three leaves for the Commissioner of Police.

During discussions with the newly commissioned officers, President Herminie stressed the importance of discipline and integrity in maintaining public confidence in the police force and ensuring effective service to the nation.

The President noted that misconduct and a lack of integrity within the force ultimately undermine public trust and affect the wider community. He called on the Deputy Commissioners to help foster a culture of professionalism, accountability and ethical conduct throughout the organisation.

President Herminie also highlighted some of the key challenges facing the country, including drug-related offences, violence and other forms of criminality. He emphasised the need for the police force to make effective use of available resources, strengthen community policing initiatives and continue improving operational efficiency in order to address these issues.

Recognising the vital role of law enforcement in supporting the country’s tourism industry and maintaining Seychelles’ reputation as a safe destination, the President urged the newly commissioned officers to remain committed to their responsibilities and to the people they serve.

Reaffirming his confidence in their abilities, President Herminie assured the Deputy Commissioners of his support and encouraged them to lead by example.

After the ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Dr Bouzin told the press that the commissioning represents the official start of their duties in their new positions. “We were already appointed as commissioners. Today, we are being officially commissioned to discharge our functions,” he said.

Reflecting on the President’s message, Deputy Commissioner Dr Bouzin said discipline and integrity must remain at the heart of policing.

“The President mentioned something very important, he wants to see discipline and integrity within the police force. This has also been reiterated by the Commissioner of Police, and these are values that, as deputies, we need to ensure are upheld and enforced,” he said, adding that, “for us, the success of a police officer is determined by discipline. Discipline is the foundation. You also need integrity, and when you have integrity, you earn the confidence of the public.”

Deputy Commissioner Dr Bouzin stated that discipline and integrity had guided him throughout his policing career and were among the principal reasons he had attained his current position.

“Again, I appreciate the fact that the President spoke about discipline and integrity because these are values that I have embraced throughout my experience as a police officer. I believe they are among the main reasons why I am in this position today,” he said.

“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge everyone who has contributed to this success. First of all, I thank God for His guidance, as well as the country’s leadership for placing their confidence in us. I also thank my colleagues, whose support has been invaluable,”Deputy Commissioner Dr Bouzin highlighted.

Today’s promotion, he continued “is a reflection of our dedication and commitment. I would also like to thank the members of the public and my family for their continued support throughout this journey.”

The commissioning of the three Deputy Commissioners marks another step in strengthening the leadership of the Seychelles Police Force as it continues its efforts to enhance professionalism, promote community policing and address emerging security challenges in service of the nation.​

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): Amnesty International launches “6 million Voices for Justice for Congo” campaign, in renewed push for accountability for crimes under international law

Source: APO


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Six million people around the world are being asked to sign a petition launched by Amnesty International today, to demand justice for the victims and survivors of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has spanned more than 30 years and claimed an estimated 6 million lives.

The human rights organization’s “6 million Voices for Justice for Congo” campaign is calling for the establishment of an international judicial mechanism to investigate crimes under international law committed by Congolese and foreign security forces, armed groups and other actors between 1993 and 2003.

The brutal fighting has had a devastating toll on civilians, marked by repeated attacks against them and the displacement of millions of people. Rape has been used as a weapon of war, destroying countless lives and inflicting trauma and injury on thousands of women and girls.

“How much longer do Congolese have to wait for justice? Victims and survivors have been promised justice for decades, yet most of the perpetrators of these horrific violations have not been held to account,” said Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Campaigns in East and Southern Africa, Vongai Chikwanda.

“President Tshisekedi claims he is committed to justice. He should turn his words into action and work with the African Union and the United Nations to establish an effective international judicial mechanism to investigate crimes under international law committed between 1993 and 2003, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, and hold those responsible to account. The authorities should also ensure reparations for victims and survivors, including compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction and restitution.”

“It is also time for the Congolese authorities to ensure that Congolese ordinary courts investigate and prosecute crimes committed since 2003 independently, impartially and more efficiently, including through the mixed chambers to be established within the appeal courts.”

Amnesty International’s campaign calls for the adoption of the law on the establishment of the mixed chambers within the appeals courts of DRC, competent for all crimes under international law committed on the DRC territory; as well as for the establishment of a tribunal, comprised of Congolese and foreign judges and staff, competent for the crimes committed during the Congo wars of 1993-2003.

“An entire Congolese generation has known nothing but the conflict, which has robbed them of their human rights, ruptured their lives, and stunted their futures. It is time for a renewed push by national, regional and international actors to ensure justice, accountability, effective reparations and protection of civilians in the eastern DRC. For every Congolese who has died because of the conflict in eastern DRC, we are asking for a name to be added to our petition,” Vongai Chikwanda said.

“Amnesty International stands in solidarity with the victims and survivors of the conflict in eastern DRC, and we invite our members and supporters worldwide to join our campaign to confront the legacy and continuation of mass atrocities in the DRC. Humanity must win.”

The campaign also calls for the DRC to establish 1 October as an annual Day of Reflection and Action on Crimes under International Law Committed in the DRC. The date refers to the day the United Nations released its Mapping Report in 2010, which documented extensive human rights abuses, war crimes, and crimes against humanity committed in the DRC between 1993 and 2003. Many of its recommendations, including the establishment of a special judicial mechanism, remain unimplemented.

“The day would serve as a moment of remembrance, education, solidarity and renewed commitment to justice and prevention of atrocities,” Vongai Chikwanda said.

Background

The conflict in eastern DRC has been ongoing since the 1990s. After the Rwandan genocide in 1994, hundreds of thousands of Rwandan, mostly Hutu fled to then Zaire, including some who took part in the genocide. Their presence, combined with an entrenched pattern of human rights violations during President Mobutu’s rule, contributed to the invasion of the DRC by foreign armies, including Rwanda, which supported the Congolese rebel movement led by Laurent-Désiré Kabila, that ultimately ousted Mobutu in May 1997. However, Kabila’s rise to power did not end foreign military involvement in the country. Tensions quickly emerged between the new Congolese government and its former regional backers, particularly Rwanda and Uganda. This led to renewed foreign intervention, the emergence of new Congolese armed groups supported by the DRC government and neighbouring states, and the outbreak of the Second Congo War in 1998. The continued presence of foreign armies and proxy armed groups deepened insecurity, fueled by disputes based on ethnic identities, and competition over political influence and natural resources, and entrenched cycles of violence that have continued to affect civilians, particularly in eastern DRC. There are currently over a hundred active armed groups in the DRC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.

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Strengthening access to safe blood saves lives in Nigeria

Source: APO


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Three weeks after a caesarean section in Abuja, 47-year-old Fiyin began bleeding heavily. She needed urgent surgery. But first, her family had to find blood.

“My relative had already donated during the first surgery,” she said. “We were calling people, searching everywhere. Some were willing but couldn’t donate. Others were unavailable.”

After hours of searching, compatible blood was found. The surgery went ahead. Fiyin survived.

Her story reflects what many families face across Nigeria. When blood is not available, treatment is delayed. For women with childbirth complications, children with severe anaemia and patients in emergencies, delays can be life-threatening.

Why safe blood matters
Access to safe, tested blood is essential for health care. It supports surgeries, childbirth, trauma care and the treatment of diseases.

In Nigeria, postpartum haemorrhage is a major cause of maternal mortality, responsible for approximately  23–30% of maternal mortality.

The need for blood is high. Nigeria requires an estimated 1.8–2 million units each year, but far less is collected.

World Health Organization (WHO) advises that countries build national blood systems and coordinate supply through strong policies and networks. The Organization further recommends that countries collect at least least 10 units of blood per 1,000 people to meet its basic clinical needs. 

However, official figures from the National Blood Service Commission indicate that 371 827 units of blood were collected in 2024, leaving a significant gap between supply and need.

Fiyin’s experience illustrates the challenge of securing blood for medical use. The delay highlighted the need for a stronger, more predictable blood supply system built on regular voluntary donations rather than emergency appeals.

Closing the gap through national policy and action
Nigeria is strengthening its blood system under the National Health Policy, the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the National Blood Policy framework.

The National Blood Service Commission is leading implementation, guided by its national strategy to expand access to safe blood. Through the support of WHO and partners, the government is improving how blood is collected, tested, stored and distributed.

Previously, many hospitals depended on family replacement for donations. Now, a more coordinated system is emerging, one defined by broader donation networks and stronger oversight

WHO supports the Government of Nigeria through technical guidance, policy development and reviews, quality assurance standards, workforce training and advocacy for voluntary non-remunerated blood donation. In recent years, this support has helped strengthen national blood policies, improve quality management systems, build the capacity of blood service personnel and enhance the safety, availability and reliability of blood services nationwide.

“Nigeria has made important progress in strengthening its blood system, expanding facility connectivity and improving blood donation reporting to the National Blood Service Agency by states and the private sector. Sustaining this progress will require continued government leadership and regular blood donation by healthy members of the public” said Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative in Nigeria.

The country operates 17 coordinated blood service networks across six geopolitical zones.
Investments are also supporting:

  • workforce training to improve screening accuracy.
  • digital tools to track blood supply and reduce delays.
  • better storage systems to maintain quality.
  • Coordination of network of voluntary blood donors

According to NBSA, Early results show progress.  Official figures shows that voluntary blood donation increased from 12 568 donations in 2024 to 16 344 in 2025, a growth of over 30%.
Still, supply remains below demand.

The role of voluntary, non-remunerated donors
A stable blood supply system depends on regular voluntary donors.

WHO recommends voluntary, non-remunerated donation as the safest and most reliable source of blood.

Yet in Nigeria, most blood still comes from family replacement or paid donors.

This creates delays and risks, especially for low-income families and those in rural areas who may struggle to find donors quickly.

This year’s World Blood Donor Day campaign, “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.” highlights the role individuals play in saving lives.

For Fiyin, that message is personal. Her life depended on people she had never met.

Communities making a difference.
Across Nigeria, communities, schools and organisations are helping to build a culture of donation.

“I realised one donation can save a life,” said Ibrahim Alawode, a regular donor in Abuja. “Now I donate whenever I can.” NBSA is also coordinating network of voluntary non-remunerated blood donors, maintaining a database of volunteers and inviting them to join community blood drives where they serve as role models. NBSA also recognise these volunteers annually during the World Blood Donor Day,

Supporting health workers to act quickly

For doctors and nurses, access to blood changes what is possible.

“When blood is available, we can act immediately,” said Dr Eni Bassey, a medical doctor with University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) in Cross River State. “It reduces preventable deaths.”

Through collaboration with WHO and partners, Nigeria has strengthened national policies, improved quality systems and trained blood service personnel.

These efforts are contributing to more reliable access to safe blood in health facilities.

What has changed and what comes next?
Progress is visible, but gaps remain.

Before, families often relied solely on emergency appeals. Today, the national system is expanding and voluntary donation is increasing. But demand still outpaces supply.

Closing this gap will require:

  • sustained government leadership
  • continued partner support
  • stronger community engagement and participation

A shared responsibility
Safe blood cannot be manufactured. It depends on people.

For patients like Fiyin, access to blood means a second chance at life. For many others, it is still out of reach.

Donating blood is one of the simplest ways to help. One donation can support multiple patients.

If you are eligible, donate blood regularly and support voluntary donation programmes in your community.

A system built on partnership
Nigeria’s progress reflects collective effort.

Speaking during the 2026 World Blood Donor Day press briefing in Abuja, Professor Saleh Yuguda said:

“Every Nigerian deserves timely access to safe blood when it is needed.

The government remains committed to strengthening the national blood system through investments in infrastructure, technology, workforce capacity and voluntary blood donation programmes. Safe blood is not merely a medical necessity; it is a national resource and shared responsibility.”

Government leadership, community action and collaboration with WHO, development partners and institutions such as Nigeria red Cross, are helping to strengthen the national blood system.
Together, these efforts support broader goals under universal health coverage and maternal health strategies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Nigeria.

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PYEI creates over 155 000 earning opportunities for youth in fourth quarter

Source: Government of South Africa

PYEI creates over 155 000 earning opportunities for youth in fourth quarter

The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) continues to make significant strides in connecting young South Africans to earning opportunities, with 155 161 new opportunities secured during the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year.

Speaking during a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday, Deputy Minister in The Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli said the intervention remains a key vehicle in government’s efforts to address youth unemployment.

“The PYEI is South Africa’s most comprehensive flagship strategy designed to address the chronic youth unemployment crisis. Launched in 2020 by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the PYEI acts as a multi-sector action plan aimed at transitioning young people from ‘learning to earning’. 

“Rather than replacing existing systems, it coordinates, accelerates, and enhances national efforts across government departments, the private sector, and civil society,” Mhlauli said.

The Deputy Minister noted that the release of the fourth-quarter report coincides with the 50th anniversary of the 1976 youth uprising.

“Today’s progress report comes at a seminal moment as we commemorate the strides made by the youth of 1976 exactly 50 years ago. Let their steadfast courage and sacrifice be a reminder to all young people of South Africa that change only comes about though action,” she said. 

She encouraged young people to participate in the upcoming voter registration weekend.

“We therefore want to encourage all young people to make use of this upcoming open voter registration weekend of the IEC to register to vote. By registering to vote, young people affirm their voice, strengthen our democracy and contribute to building a South Africa that reflects their aspirations, hopes and dreams,” Mhlauli said. 

According to the report, the National Pathway Management Network (NPMN), which serves as the backbone of the intervention, continues to expand its reach. 

More than 5.9 million young people are currently registered on the SA Youth platform, while over 5.36 million are registered on the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) system.

Mhlauli said since its launch in 2020, the PYEI has facilitated access to more than 2.5 million temporary earning opportunities through SA Youth and a further 422 667 opportunities through ESSA.

She added that the intervention continues to advance gender inclusion, with over 70% of opportunities accessed through SA Youth being taken up by young women.

Among the key achievements recorded during the quarter was the placement of 18 310 young people into workplace experience opportunities through the private-sector-led Youth Employment Service (YES).

In addition, the Department of Higher Education and Training’s Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) placements programme facilitated 5 005 work-integrated learning opportunities for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) learners and graduates.

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) provided 6 085 financial and non-financial enterprise opportunities to young entrepreneurs, while Phase 4 of the revitalised National Youth Service (NYS) recruited an additional 5 272 young people.

This brought the total number of paid service opportunities created through the programme to 138 056 since its inception.

Looking ahead, Mhlauli said Phase 5 of the NYS will recruit a further 100 000 young people across the country.

A major highlight during the quarter was the conclusion of the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund Pilot, a R300 million outcomes-based financing initiative aimed at supporting youth employment.

As of 30 March 2026, the pilot had enrolled 9 174 young people, achieving 110% of its enrolment target. It also secured 7 044 job placements, exceeding the original target by 54%.

Furthermore, 5 211 three-month sustained jobs had been verified, while 3 795 jobs had been sustained for six months as verification processes continued.

“Most importantly, it proved that outcomes-based financing successfully supports the most disadvantaged, with youth from Quintile 1 schools achieving higher retention rates. Based on these lessons, we are preparing to scale this fund to R1 billion to deliver 20,000 high-quality job placements through a public-private partnership approach,” Mhlauli said.

The Deputy Minister highlighted progress made through the NPMN Innovation Fund, which is focused on expanding opportunities in rural communities.

She said HPSA Southern Africa has enrolled 1 800 young people in KwaZulu-Natal to provide agricultural and animal health services. Of these, 678 are already generating income, collectively recording R1.4 million in sales.

“Already, 678 of these young people are actively generating income, recording R1.4 million in collective sales and proving how targeted innovation can build sustainable self-employment where formal jobs are scarce,” she said.

Looking ahead to the 2026/27 financial year, Mhlauli said government remains focused on expanding quality work opportunities and strengthening partnerships to support young people. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Limpopo councillor arrested for alleged attempted bribery of SIU official

Source: Government of South Africa

Limpopo councillor arrested for alleged attempted bribery of SIU official

A councillor at the Thulamela Local Municipality in Limpopo has been arrested on charges of corruption for the alleged attempted bribery of a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigator.

According to the SIU, Councillor Netshivhumbe Gumani, who is in office, allegedly offered the investigator some R70 000 in exchange for obstructing justice in an investigation at the Mahikeng Local Municipality.

The corruption busting unit is investigating allegations of maladministration and corruption in Mahikeng concerning to two tenders related to lease agreements.

“The SIU’s forensic analysis revealed suspicious financial flows from the municipality’s service provider to unrelated companies and individuals.

“During the investigation, Gumani first approached one SIU investigator, who refused outright. He then targeted a senior investigator, offering R70 000 to ‘close one eye’ and disregard evidence. On 18 June 2026, during a meeting in Mahikeng, the suspect handed over R10 000 in cash as part of the bribe,” the SIU explained.

A third SIU official from the unit’s headquarters was also approached.

“The SIU had alerted SAPS [South African Police Service] and the Hawks, who authorised an entrapment operation. The suspect was arrested immediately after handing over the cash, and the money was seized and counted in the presence of law enforcement officers.

“The SIU emphasises that its investigators uphold the highest standards of integrity. This case sends a strong deterrent message: corruption will not be tolerated, and those who attempt to corrupt SIU investigators will face the full might of the law,” the SIU stated.

Gumani has appeared in the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mahikeng with the case postponed to 29 June for a bail application. – SAnews.gov.za

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Reserve Bank Museum opens doors to promote financial literacy 

Source: Government of South Africa

Reserve Bank Museum opens doors to promote financial literacy 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially opened the newly renovated South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Museum, describing it as a place of learning, heritage and national pride that will help South Africans better understand the role of the country’s central bank.

Speaking at the launch of the museum in Tshwane on Friday, the President said the institution will play an important role in educating the public about monetary policy, financial stability and the country’s economic history.

He said that while the work of a central bank is often not widely understood, it has a significant impact on the daily lives of South Africans.

“Yet the work of this institution has a profound impact on the value of the money in our pockets and the stability of the banks that hold our savings. It gives businesses – both large and small – the confidence to plan, to invest and to grow,” he said.

The President congratulated the Reserve Bank for establishing the museum, saying it will help inform and educate the public about the role and history of the institution.

“Through its exhibitions and its dedicated schools outreach programme, we expect the museum to deepen financial and economic literacy in society,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the museum will provide young people with an opportunity to better understand how economies function and why institutions that safeguard the country’s financial system are important.

“Our young people will be able to walk through these halls and understand how an economy works, how money holds its value and why the institutions that safeguard it matter.”

The President also welcomed the museum’s inclusion of the Reserve Bank’s extensive art collection, which he said reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage.

“As Governor Kganyago has mentioned, the Reserve Bank has a long and proud history of supporting South African artists, having procured thousands of artworks over many years.

“Through this museum, the Bank is giving the public an opportunity to view its extensive art collection in an accessible way.”

Economic stability and the Constitution

The President emphasised the importance of the Reserve Bank in maintaining economic stability, noting that a stable currency and sound financial system are essential for economic growth, job creation and household financial security.

“When inflation is kept in check, it is the poorest who are protected most. It is they who suffer the most when prices spiral and savings erode,” he said.

Credibility

He stressed the need to protect the institution’s credibility and autonomy.

“We must cherish and defend the integrity and independence of the Reserve Bank for it is a national asset built up over many years and trusted around the world,” he said.

The President also paid tribute to the leaders who have guided the institution since the advent of democracy, including former governors Chris Stals, Tito Mboweni and Gill Marcus, as well as current Governor Lesetja Kganyago.

“The high regard in which this institution is held is the result of the work of many dedicated men and women,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Morolong urges Mams FM to empower youth through job opportunities

Source: Government of South Africa

Morolong urges Mams FM to empower youth through job opportunities

Deputy Minister in The Presidency Kenny Morolong has urged Mams FM to continue placing young people at the centre of its programming and development initiatives.

This as he handed over upgraded, fully digitised broadcast studios to the community radio station in Mamelodi, City of Tshwane on Friday.

Facilitated by the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), the handover was aimed at strengthening community media, empowering local broadcasters and improving access to information at community level.

“Let this studio become a space where future broadcasters are trained, where young entrepreneurs share their ideas, where artists and creatives showcase their talents, and where the next generation of leaders find their voice,” Morolong said on Friday.

Morolong said the upgraded facilities would strengthen the station’s ability to continue supporting the next generation of broadcasters, content creators and entrepreneurs.

“For many young people, community radio serves as the first opportunity to enter the media and communications sector. It provides practical experience in broadcasting, journalism, production, digital content creation and technical operations,” Morolong said.

According to Morolong, the skills gained through community radio help prepare young people to participate meaningfully in the modern economy.

“Through volunteer programmes, internships and training opportunities, stations such as Mams FM become incubators of talent, helping young people gain practical experience that improves their employability and entrepreneurial prospects,” Morolong said. 

He said the station was helping to lower barriers to entry into the creative industries, unlocking opportunities that contribute to skills development, economic participation and job creation.

“Through the installation of a modern on-air studio, a production studio and a power inverter system, the station has significantly improved its operational capacity and resilience. 

“These upgrades will ensure greater reliability, better sound quality and uninterrupted broadcasting even during power disruptions,” the Deputy Minister said.

For listeners, Morolong said the upgrades will ensure continued access to quality programming.

“For the station, they enhance efficiency, sustainability and resilience. For the broader community, new production facilities also open opportunities for emerging artists, musicians, content creators and entrepreneurs to develop their talents using professional equipment,” Morolong said.

Since its launch in April 2011, Mams FM has grown into a trusted and influential community broadcaster, serving as a voice for the people of Mamelodi and the broader Tshwane region.

“Broadcasting on 92.9 FM, the station has built strong connections with its listeners through programming that reflects their realities, aspirations and lived experiences. 

“By celebrating ‘Pitori’ culture, local languages, music and community life, MAMS FM has become a platform for information, dialogue, education, empowerment and the preservation of memory.

“This role is especially important because the history of townships has too often been narrated from the outside, reduced to hardship while overlooking resilience, creativity, leadership and triumph,” the Deputy Minister said.

Morolong said the station helps correct that imbalance by enabling Mamelodi to speak in its own voice.

“Through interviews, commemorations, youth programming, cultural content and community conversations, the station can keep alive the stories of those who resisted oppression, while opening space for today’s residents to imagine and define the future they seek.

“In this way, Mams FM is more than a broadcaster. It is a civic classroom, a cultural archive and a meeting place on air. It connects the liberation history of Mamelodi to the present pursuit of jobs, skills, safety, social cohesion and shared prosperity,” Morolong said.

He added that the station’s greatest strength lies in its ability to bring communities together.

“It provides a space where young people can find inspiration and opportunity, where adults can engage with issues affecting their daily lives, and where the wisdom and experiences of older generations continue to be valued. 

In doing so, Mams FM helps strengthen social cohesion, bridge generational divides and fosters a shared sense of identity and belonging,” the Deputy Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

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JustMarkets to Launch SpaceX Stocks CFDs Trading for Clients

Source: APO – Report:

JustMarkets, one of the leading international brokerages, has announced the upcoming launch of trading in SpaceX (SPCX) CFD shares (https://JustMarkets.com). Starting 17 June 2026, traders will be able to take positions on one of the most closely watched private aerospace companies through the JustMarkets trading platform.

SpaceX IPO is seen by many experts as a landmark moment in global financial markets. With SpaceX being one of the leading private enterprises in the aerospace field, satellite manufacturing and private space exploration, its possible entry to the public market may draw significant attention from traders, investors, institutions and financial analysts.

In an official statement on the launch, JustMarkets (https://JustMarkets.com) said:

“Financial markets continue to grow, and traders are increasingly interested in companies that are driving innovation across industries. SpaceX is one of the most recognized names in modern aerospace and technology. By adding SpaceX stocks CFDs to our product lineup, we are providing our clients with access to new market opportunities while continuing to expand the range of instruments available for trading.”

Including SpaceX stocks CFDs in the trading portfolio, JustMarkets will allow its clients to track the dynamics of price movement, study the situation on the market and perform transactions with the instrument, utilizing all the trading instruments offered by the company.

This instrument adds to the existing portfolio of CFD products offered by the brokerage, including forex, raw materials, precious metals, indices, cryptocurrencies and stocks. The addition expands the company’s product range with an internationally discussed market instrument.

Starting from 17 June 2026, JustMarkets clients will be able to trade SpaceX (SPCX) stocks (https://JustMarkets.com) CFDs on the JustMarkets trading platform.

– on behalf of JustMarkets.

Contact:
Saschin Brown
saschin.brown@justmarkets.com

Risk Warning: Trading Forex and CFDs involves significant risk and can result in the loss of your invested capital. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

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Migration IMC visits Lindela Repatriation Centre

Source: Government of South Africa

Migration IMC visits Lindela Repatriation Centre

In a demonstration of government’s resolve to deal decisively with illegal migration, the Inter Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration embarked on a visit to the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Gauteng.

The centre serves as a facility for undocumented migrants and foreign nationals awaiting either verification of their status or deportation from South Africa.

The IMC is led by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD) and constituted by various departments, including Home Affairs, the SA Police Service, Small Business Development, Department of Defence, International Relations (DIRCO), Employment and Labour, Basic Education and Higher Education and Training.

During the visit to the facility on Friday, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said the visit is part of work the IMC is doing to ensure that the reports  received on illegal migration during IMC meetings correlate with the work on the ground.

“Visiting the facility was to check in terms of the facility and its status in terms of being able to cope with the capacity and to understand the demands, the needs and issues we needed to address.

“This facility is not meant to keep people for a long time. It’s… where you pass through. So ordinarily we would want to see not more than 48-hour stay here and if we could have cooperation with the embassies who are in the country where their nationals are here to come and confirm so that we are able to facilitate transportation,” the Minister said.

She added that government will be deepening collaboration between departments to ensure that the centre runs at a higher rate of efficiency.

“For example, Correctional Services and the Department of Home Affairs. Those who have been sentenced prisoners or released to come here, Correctional Services must make sure that they come with their full files of their medical records so that it doesn’t derail…access to their medication.

“Second is the issue of the functioning of the court that needs to be upgraded to meet the minimum standard requirements, support for the judiciary that is here. They currently operate on Fridays.

“We did receive a report that some of the countries [embassies] are not responding. We requested the Minister of International Relations [Ronald Lamola] to help us in particular with Ethiopian nationals and Nigerians,” she stated.

Kubayi added that government, through DIRCO, has requested that those who are at the centre be included in the lists of those who are embarking on voluntary repatriation to their home countries.

“This is part of the work that we are doing. Lindela is the only centre in the country. Everyone is brought here and it is important to look at the capacity of the facility.

“We are happy that now the facility belongs to Home Affairs and is no longer rented. But privately operated. So, it will give us an opportunity to be able to repurpose it properly to be able to meet the requirements,” she noted.

Turning to violent protests and intimidation of undocumented foreign nationals across the country, Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia was unequivocal about those taking the law into their own hands.

“The responsibility to enforce our immigration laws is the responsibility of the state. No-one has the legal right to take the law into their own hands to arrest or intimidate undocumented foreign nationals in the country.

“We have seen very ugly incidents in our country where people do take the law into their own hands, assault people and even worse. It’s not acceptable and the message from the Ministry to the police service has been that they have to take action under the law against those who effectively are breaking the law.

“What I can say is that we’re determined to deal with criminality and those who indulge in this kind of action are themselves behaving like criminals,” Cachalia stated. – SAnews.gov.za

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