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PH Embassy in Rabat, Kontra-GaPi Hosts Music and Dance Workshops for Moroccan Students


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The Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino (Kontra-GaPi), a Filipino performing arts ensemble from the University of the Philippines, in their visit to Morocco organized by the Philippine Embassy in Rabat, conducted a series of interactive workshops for Moroccan students to promote Philippine music and dance. Professor Pedro Abraham, Jr., founder of Kontra-GaPi, expressed elation at the opportunity to promote Philippine culture as their visit coincided with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Philippine-Moroccan relations.

At the workshop held on 20 June 2025 at Ecole Internationale de Musique et Danse (EIMD), young Moroccan musicians aged 8 to 13 tried their hands at playing various indigenous instruments such as kulintang, gangsa, tongatong, angklung, kubing, eliciting smiles in their faces. Parents in attendance expressed gratitude to the Embassy for giving their children a rare and unforgettable experience and even shared their intention to visit the Philippines afterwards.

On 21 June 2025, another workshop was held at the Dati Drouk dance studio where Professor Abraham said “I admire Morocco’s rich history, which spans more than 5,000 years—about the same length as the Philippines’ pre-colonial history. I believe that music and dance transcend national boundaries, and I hope to share with you the rich traditions of Filipino gamelan music and indigenous dance.”

Energized by the brief performance of Kontra-GaPi and the workshop that followed, the members of Dati Drouk performed a full dance sequence composed of movements from various Filipino ethno-linguistic groups. The workshop culminated in a spontaneous cultural exchange, as Dati Drouk members responded with an extemporaneous dance performance to the hypnotic rhythms of gnaoua music.

EIMD is a premier institution in Rabat offering comprehensive music, dance, and theater training for over 1,500 students annually and supporting both aspiring professionals and amateurs. On the other hand, Dati Drouk is the first institution in Morocco offering structured professional training in contemporary dance.

The two workshops were conducted on top of the performances of Kontra-GaPi before the Diplomatic Corps on 17 June 2025 and the Filipino community on 22 June 2025. Philippine Ambassador to Morocco Leslie Baja expressed great satisfaction at the opportunity to showcase Philippine culture, saying that “culture is a bridge linking the Philippines and Morocco”.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines.

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Seychelles and Lebanon establishes Diplomatic Relations


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In the spirit of promoting bilateral relations and the strengthening of friendship, the Republic of Seychelles and the Republic of Lebanon have formally established diplomatic relations through the signing of a Joint Communiqué on the 25th of June 2025.

The establishment is founded on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and respect for international law and cooperation, and will allow for the promotion of exchanges in various fields of mutual interests for the benefit of the two countries.

The signing took place in New York between the Permanent Representative of Seychelles to the United Nations, Ambassador Ian Madeleine, and the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Lebanon to the United Nations, Ambassador Hadi Hachem.

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

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Stronger Health Through Smarter Taxes in Mauritius


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WHO has joined forces with VISA NGO and the University of Cape Town to assess the impact of increasing health taxes in Mauritius. Using a simulation tool, the study examined how tax hikes affect tobacco use, government revenues, and premature deaths.

A 15% annual cigarette tax increase could:

  • Boost excise revenue by 55%
  • Reduce smoking prevalence from 18.1% to 17.4%
  • Prevent 11,600 premature deaths by 2029

Even more ambitious action—a 25% annual increase—could:

  • Double excise revenues
  • Lower smoking prevalence to 16.3%
  • Save 19,300 lives by 2029

On 20 June 2025, WHO convened high-level officials from the Ministries of Health and Finance to discuss the findings, presented by the University of Cape Town’s Research Unit on the Economics of Excisable Products and a WHO taxation expert.

WHO and VISA echoed the study’s call for regular, significant tax increases—one of the most effective ways to curb noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) 

Earlier, on 26 May, VISA and WHO presented the findings to key stakeholders including the Mauritius Revenue Authority, Ministries of Education and Youth, the University of Mauritius, NGOs, and consumer groups.

WHO also applauded the Government’s recent decision to raise taxes by 10% on tobacco and alcohol, and 100% on sugary drinks, extending it to products like chocolate and ice cream.

“This is a gift to public health,” said Dr. Anne Ancia, WHO Representative. “Higher prices on unhealthy products help reduce consumption—especially in a country where obesity, diabetes and cardio-vascular diseases are leading causes of death and disability.”

Dr. Ancia also stressed the urgent need to enforce the Tobacco Law 2022, particularly the ban on single-stick sales, which undermines progress in reducing tobacco use through higher prices.

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

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One IDC board member found to have "conflict of interest"

Source: South Africa News Agency

Friday, June 27, 2025

The Cabinet Office says it has learnt that one of the people appointed to the Board of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has a conflict of interest. 

“It has come to the attention of the Cabinet Office that one of the people appointed to the Board of the IDC has a conflict of interest. 

“This matter will be rectified at the next Cabinet meeting,” read a statement issued on Friday by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), on behalf of the Cabinet Spokesperson.

The IDC Board announcement was made in the Cabinet statement of Thursday, 26 June 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

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WTO Sherpa urges Africa to take charge of its economic destiny

Source: South Africa News Agency

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) Sherpa, Dr Bright Okogu, has challenged African nations to take decisive steps in transforming their economic landscape by creating robust investment environments and processing raw materials domestically.

“Africa needs to take charge of its own destiny,” Okogu said on Friday. 

Traditional development aid, the Sherpa said, is rapidly diminishing, making it imperative for African countries to attract quality investments.

“There’s no running away from it. The aid that people used to depend on is no longer available. It’s been very clear that aid is drying up and with all the changes in the world, people are spending more money on defence in their own countries. So you can’t rely on it, which makes it necessary to ensure you can attract good investment to your country.” 

Okogu spoke during the Group of 20 (G20) Sherpa meeting at the Sun City Resort in the North West province.

He highlighted key recommendations, including developing clear regulatory frameworks, removing bureaucratic obstacles, and investing in local processing capabilities.

Okogu said current intra-African trade remains low, hovering around 15%-16% when it should ideally reach 30%-40%. 

He noted some hurdles including limited infrastructure, similar raw material production, and complex transportation networks that often force African countries to trade through European intermediaries.

Okogu pointed out the anomalies of current trade routes, including instances where African airlines must fly indirect routes through other continents to connect with neighboring countries.

“Countries must invest in converting raw materials into finished products. Take cocoa, for example. Instead of exporting raw beans, African nations should be producing chocolate and cosmetic products, thereby capturing more economic value.”

Okogu stated that the WTO is supporting reform efforts, recognising that meaningful change requires dismantling long-standing structural barriers.

The WTO, the world’s largest international economic organisation with 166 members representing over 98% of global trade and global gross domestic product (GDP), has since outlined key recommendations. 

These, according to Okogu, involve investing in local processing capabilities, developing streamlined regulatory frameworks, creating attractive investment environments, and improving continental transportation infrastructure. 

“Critical minerals like lithium represent enormous potential, but countries must negotiate investment terms strategically, ensuring local job creation and value addition.” 

He also took the time to encourage dialogue to resolve trade tensions. – SAnews.gov.za

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More still needs to be done to strengthen government programmes

Source: South Africa News Agency

While South Africa has made significant strides in developing strategies, building infrastructure, and attracting investment, more must be done to ensure government programmes have a broader and deeper impact on the national economy.

This was said by the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Special Advisor at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Maoto Molefane, during the SSEZ CEOs Forum, held at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in Johannesburg, on Thursday. 

The high-level engagement brought together key stakeholders, including business leaders, government officials, and development partners to reflect on the state of the country’s SEZs and provide input into the draft Spatial Industrial Development Strategy (SIDS). The strategy proposes a reimagined model for SEZs, industrial parks, and township economic development.

Molefane called for a shift from “business-as-usual” approach to meaningful implementation that delivers measurable outcomes that will help reignite the country’s re-industrialisation agenda.

“We continue to face stubborn challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment, and we have to change that. Our view as the dtic is that all the challenges facing this country can only be addressed if we create decent jobs. 

“Through jobs, the number of the South African Social Security Agency recipients will decrease, our tax revenue will increase, informal settlements will shrink, and social ills like crime will subside,” Molefane said.

Molefane emphasised the need for a strategic rethink of the SEZ framework, grounded from past lessons, and guided by the material conditions facing both communities and investors.

“We are no longer in the business of issuing SEZ licences. Our job is not to designate for the sake of designating. Our job is to industrialise this country. The designation of an SEZ should find us already on the ground doing the work to support investments,” he added.

As part of its course correction, Molefane noted that the dtic has introduced several measures, including the establishment of a Special Economic Zones Programme Management Unit (PMU) to provide technical support, ensure greater national oversight, help build necessary industrial infrastructure, and require firm investment commitments before any new SEZ is proclaimed.

“The draft strategy also responds to spatial and economic disparities by prioritising geographic areas with industrial potential, even those without designated SEZs. 

“This ensures that township economies, underutilised industrial parks, and marginalised municipalities are not left behind in the national effort to reindustrialise. 

“There is a need for coherence and collaboration across all levels of government to deliver impactful, place-based interventions,” highlighted Molefane.

The forum also noted the progress made by well-performing zones like Coega, East London, Dube TradePort, and the Tshwane Automotive SEZ (TASEZ), while acknowledging the ongoing work required to integrate Black industrialists, link small businesses, and align SEZs with broader regional development goals.

Stakeholders in attendance welcomed the frankness of the presentation and underscored the importance of turning South Africa’s SEZs into globally competitive zones of productivity, innovation, and inclusive economic opportunity. – SAnews.gov.za

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How New Regional Pipeline Deals are Driving Africa’s Energy Future

Three significant developments in Africa’s energy landscape made headlines this past month: the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) reached 60% completion, the Republic of Congo finalized a pipeline cooperation agreement with Russia, and Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea signed a deal to advance a joint natural gas pipeline. These milestones underscore increasing momentum behind transnational pipeline projects in Africa, which are not only critical to unlocking hydrocarbon value chains, but also pivotal to industrial growth, regional cooperation and efforts to end energy poverty.

With African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies set to take place in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3, recent advances in the midstream sector underscore the growing role of large-scale infrastructure in securing Africa’s energy future. AEW 2025 will provide a platform to unpack how strategic partnerships and regional integration can transform pipelines from isolated projects into engines of inclusive development.

EACOP: Connecting Uganda to Global Markets

The 1,443-km EACOP is set to link Uganda’s oil fields in the Lake Albert region to the port of Tanga in Tanzania, facilitating the export of up to 246,000 barrels per day. With 60% of the project now completed – including land acquisition, environmental approvals and construction – EACOP is on track to become the longest heated crude oil pipeline in the world.

More than just a logistical asset, EACOP represents a critical economic corridor. It is expected to generate thousands of jobs, stimulate local content and unlock ancillary infrastructure such as roads, storage facilities and power lines. By enabling Uganda to monetize its crude reserves, the pipeline also enhances fiscal revenues that can be reinvested into energy access, education and healthcare. At AEW 2025, stakeholders will explore how flagship projects like EACOP can be used as case studies for balancing investment, environmental responsibility and community development, while ensuring African nations retain sovereignty over their resources.

Russia-Congo Deal: A New Axis in Pipeline Diplomacy

Just days after the EACOP update, Russia ratified a bilateral agreement with the Republic of Congo for the construction of the Pointe-Noire-Loutete-Maloukou-Trechot oil pipeline. The agreement lays the groundwork for joint efforts in planning, financing, construction and operation of the pipeline, set to be completed in three years. The move strengthens energy ties between the two countries and opens the door for Russian investment in Congo’s midstream sector, potentially accelerating the development of critical infrastructure needed to monetize and export the country’s hydrocarbon resources.

It also signals a shift in Africa’s external energy partnerships, with Congo turning to non-Western allies to build out its infrastructure and secure long-term offtake agreements. It reinforces the idea that diversified geopolitical engagement can help African nations close the infrastructure gap faster, provided partnerships are structured transparently and with shared development objectives. As African countries look to strengthen global cooperation, AEW 2025 will offer a space to evaluate new alliances, discuss risk-sharing mechanisms and align infrastructure development with continental priorities under the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Nigeria-Equatorial Guinea: A Boost for West African Gas Integration

A recent agreement between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, signed on June 18, aims to fast-track the development of a joint natural gas pipeline, designed to increase cross-border gas trade and support export capacity. This project is expected to deepen energy cooperation between the two countries, facilitate access to cleaner fuels and contribute to the diversification of energy sources in the region. It also exemplifies how collaborative infrastructure development can unlock new economic opportunities, stimulate investments and enhance regional energy security.

Midstream infrastructure companies are also stepping up efforts to improve regional gas trade and distribution. The West African Gas Pipeline Company, backed by Chevron among other shareholders, operates a vital pipeline that transports Nigerian gas to Benin, Togo and Ghana. This pipeline supports power generation and industrial use across multiple West African countries and plays a key role in diversifying the regional energy mix and promoting cross-border gas trade. Meanwhile, the Republic of Mozambique Pipeline Investments Company, which manages the Mozambique-South Africa Gas Pipeline, recently opened a new office in Maputo, aiming to strengthen regional gas connectivity and market integration.

Pipelines and the Fight Against Energy Poverty

While Africa accounts for 17% of the global population, it accounts for just 3.3% of global power generation. Energy poverty remains a major constraint on industrialization, education, healthcare and entrepreneurship. Pipelines, by moving fuel to where it is needed most – across borders and into domestic markets – can help address this imbalance.

“In addition to exporting crude, new pipelines have the potential to deliver LPG and natural gas to underserved regions, reducing dependence on biomass and accelerating the shift toward cleaner household and industrial energy,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber, adding that coordinated planning between countries can ensure pipelines are multi-purpose and scalable, with clear economic multipliers for local populations.

“AEW 2025 will shine a light on the role of pipelines in achieving universal energy access, examining regulatory frameworks, project finance models and technology solutions that can make these developments more inclusive and efficient,” he notes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

AEW: Invest in African Energies
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

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Powering Women’s Economic Transformation in Kigoma


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In Kigoma, Tanzania, where over 80 per cent of livelihoods rely on small-scale farming, fishing, and informal trade, women constitute the majority of the agricultural workforce and are the backbone of the region’s economy.

However, in an increasingly digital economy, limited digital literacy remains a major barrier to unlocking women’s full economic potential, with many women in the region lacking the necessary skills to use mobile platforms, digital financial services, or online marketplaces, impeding the growth and formalization of women-led businesses.

Amid these challenges, women like Chichi Ramadhani Kamandwa are increasingly harnessing digital tools to grow their businesses. A 39-year-old mother of three and a determined entrepreneur living in Kigoma town, Kamandwa runs a small-scale agro-processing business specializing in the milling and packaging of maize, cassava, and nutrient-rich flours.

In 2024, she participated in a Digital Literacy and Branding workshop organized by UN Women to equip women entrepreneurs in the region with practical skills to expand their businesses and access wider markets through digital platforms. The initiative formed part of the second phase of the UN Kigoma Joint Programme (KJP II) – a collaborative effort of 17 UN agencies working with local authorities and communities to advance development and human security in Kigoma – and engaged beneficiaries of UN Women’s African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), who facilitated sessions with hands-on technical expertise and peer-led guidance.

“Before the training, I only used my phone for calls and taking pictures. I didn’t know it could be a marketing tool for my business, helping me showcase my products online, reach more customers, and improve my record-keeping,” said Kamandwa.

With the skills she has acquired, Chichi is now transforming her business.

“I learned how to create product labels, list ingredients and registration numbers to build customer trust, and package my products attractively,” said Kamandwa, adding that the most beneficial change she made was improving my packaging.

“I realized how much the look of a product matters. After updating my logo and labels and switching to better-quality packaging, my sales increased significantly, because customers had more confidence in my brand,” she explains.

Kamandwa also began using accessible platforms such as WhatsApp to reach new customers, advertise her products, and receive orders.

In Kigoma, many women entrepreneurs navigate complex social and economic realities. Alongside their business efforts, they often carry the primary responsibility for household care and income generation, frequently without consistent support from partners.

“Once a woman begins to earn, she is often left to shoulder everything alone,” Kamadwa explains. “Some men leave for work in other towns, return only briefly, and then leave again, while the woman is left behind to care for the children, run the household, and manage her business on her own.”

Additionally, limited access to financial services or reliable support systems leaves women vulnerable to unfair treatment or exploitative arrangements, particularly when trying to access markets or services.

“When you lack information or tools, people take advantage of you,” says Kamandwa.

Through strategic partnerships with local government authorities, trade officers, mobile service providers, and private sector actors, UN Women, under KJP II, is working to create an inclusive and enabling business environment for women and youth.

“Initiatives such as the digital literacy workshop aim to strengthen the capacity of women-led enterprises to adopt innovative, market-driven practices, build resilience, and transition into formal markets for sustainable growth,” says Ms. Lilian Mwamdanga, UN Women Specialist for Women’s Economic Empowerment.

According to Kamandwa, the benefits of workshops like these extend well beyond the knowledge they gain. They create opportunities for women to connect with peers, share experiences, and establish lasting support networks. “We have even formed small groups to support and uplift one another,” she shares.

“I have also started teaching other women how to use their phones for business. It might seem like a small thing, but it can really transform how we work and sell.”

The use of digital platforms has also empowered women like Kamandwa to manage their sales independently, reducing reliance on informal and often unreliable intermediaries. With increased visibility and growing sales, Kamandwa has expanded her inventory and begun selling her products in bulk.

She also hopes to continue mentoring others and to start providing training for young women interested in business, so they too can build a future of their own.

“If I can do this, I believe other women can too. We just need the right support and a chance to grow,” she says.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

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Eastern Cape June floods declared a national disaster

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Eastern Cape Province has officially been declared a national disaster zone in response to the widespread destruction caused by recent severe weather events.

Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC, Zolile Williams said the declaration, made under the Disaster Management Act (Act No. 57 of 2002), comes amid heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds, and snowfall that have battered large parts of the country, with the Eastern Cape being the hardest hit.

Highlighting the provincial government response to the June disaster, Williams said the Department of Social Development, in partnership with private sector organisations, has extended crucial psychosocial support to displaced families, bereaved communities, and schools affected by the loss of learners.

“These services, which encompass counselling and emotional debriefing, are foundational to the healing and recovery process. Given the profound impact of the incident, we recognise this journey may be prolonged for those most deeply affected,” the MEC said. 

The Department of Health has also deployed on-site healthcare services, providing medical assistance and replacing chronic medication that was swept away by the floods to those in need.

Ongoing assessments are also being conducted to assess health risks in temporary shelters.

Over 400 ID applications received

Williams also reported that the Department of Home Affairs has been active in various shelters across the Amathole and OR Tambo districts, assisting families with applications for essential documents, including Identity Documents (ID), birth and death certificates.

To date, 478 identity document replacement applications have been submitted, through assistance from three mobile units deployed in each of the two districts.

Local schools have resumed classes and provisions were made for learners who missed exams due to the disaster. Postponed examination papers were also written on 23 June 2025.

“Through the Department of Education, we have begun to deliver Learner and Teacher Support Material lost or destroyed during the disaster. We are also ensuring that uniform sets for learners in the flood affected schools has also resumed through the Provincial Department of Education.” 

Restoration of basic services 

Despite the devastation, significant progress has been made with the restoration of water and electricity in affected areas. 

According to Williams, the electricity supply has been restored to over 80% of affected customers, with over 95% of the water supply having been restored in OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities, which were the most affected areas. 

However, Williams noted that the floods caused significant damage to roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.

He said the costs of repairing damaged infrastructure is estimated at R5. 1 billion, and this include about R3. 2 billion required across sector departments and R 1. 8 billion for the Municipal Infrastructure, as per MISA [Municipal Infrastructure Support Management] assessments. 

A total of 6 869 households were affected, with 4 724 people left homeless across the province, except for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, whilst 2 145 homes were partially damaged.

“R461 million is required for Temporary Residential Units (TRUs), however, the province has R120 million rand, and we are looking to national government for an intervention in this area,” Williams said.

Housing support and temporary shelters

The Department of Human Settlements, in partnership with OR Tambo District Municipality, has activated mass-care shelters, including community halls and bed-and-breakfast facilities for displaced families in OR Tambo and Mnquma. 

Williams said these arrangements will be operational for at least 30 days.

“The Provincial Government is [also] securing land to facilitate the delivery of Temporary Residential Units and permanent housing, ensuring that our response addresses both urgent needs and long-term stability for these vulnerable communities. 

“Currently, land has been identified in Mnquma for approximately 1 100 temporary residential units, while in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, land has been identified and we await a council resolution on the matter,” the MEC said.

The floods caused extensive damage to road infrastructure, with the total repair estimated at R935 million. The Department of Transport has reprioritised R102 million from its budget, leaving a shortfall of R832 million.

Emergency road clearance operations are underway, but 29 roads in Chris Hani and 22 in OR Tambo districts remain impassable. Internal teams began major repairs on 23 June 2025, and alternative routes are currently being used.

In terms of public facilities, 431 schools and 69 health centres have been affected across the province. suffered damage. Repair work to the value of R600 000 has been completed on healthcare facilities.

In the agricultural sector, interventions have been made in terms damage assessment, provision of veterinary services and technical advice.

“In the main, farmers have lost 1 339 units of livestock, 1 803 hectares of crops have been destroyed, suffered damages to machinery, irrigation material such as pipes and risers, water tanks and fencing materials,” Williams said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Health Minister responds to misinformation on COVID-19 vaccine

Source: South Africa News Agency

Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has expressed serious concern about a “sustained“ campaign of misinformation and disinformation regarding the COVID-19 vaccines. 

Recently, in what appears to be a deepfake video, SABC news anchor Oliver Dickson is seen to be interviewing Professor Salim Abdool Karim, the Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA). 

During the fake interview, Abdool Karim is depicted as making claims that the COVID-19 vaccine is causing harm and resulting in fatalities.

“The latest fake news campaign, driven by artificial intelligence applications, has targeted a distinguished South African scientist, Abdool Karim, who is portrayed as warning South Africans about the purportedly deadly effects of the COVID-19 vaccines that… saved the lives of many South Africans during the difficult time of the pandemic,” the department said.

The department believes that this campaign is being led by some unscrupulous individuals, who are promoting their business interests. 

It said these people are determined to spread distorted and malicious information about the alleged negative effects of COVID-19 vaccines to promote their harmful remedies, which pose a risk to the health of South Africans.

“According to our information, these actions are meant to hoodwink members of the public into buying fake heart medicine. This is done through mail order, and the fake product is not working or is making people feel even sicker.” 

Abdool Karim and the organisation he leads, CAPRISA, have also distanced themselves from these videos by imposing a “fake news” stamp on all the circulating videos.

The department has also since done its part by joining the fake news alert on social media.

“Minister Motsoaledi condemns in the strongest terms possible the fake news campaign by these charlatans with business interests who, for their nefarious reasons, are determined to create confusion among the people for the sake of immoral profiteering,” the department said. 

The Minister has since appealed to all to reject these remedies that purportedly cleanse the victim’s blood vessels and improve heart performance. 

“Motsoaledi encourages all South Africans to continue to embrace all life-saving vaccines approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority and the National Department of Health.

“The Minister, therefore, calls upon all South Africans to close ranks, isolate the forces of darkness and join the fight against misinformation and disinformation in the best interests of South Africa and all its people,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za