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Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Union (AU) Deepen Cooperation on Early Warning and Conflict Prevention Mechanisms

Source: APO – Report:

The Commissions of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) commenced a three-day technical engagement in Abuja aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS) and the ECOWAS Early Warning and Response Network (ECOWARN). The meeting, taking place from 8 to 10 June 2026 at the new ECOWAS Commission Headquarters, forms part of a coordination and experience-sharing visit by a delegation from the West Africa Regional Desk and the CEWS Situation Room of the AUC in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to the ECOWAS Commission.

The meeting builds on the outcomes of the September 2025 AU–ECOWAS–WANEP Early Warning Desk-to-Desk Technical Meeting on Joint Conflict Analysis and Governance Monitoring in West Africa and seeks to advance the implementation of the agreed roadmap for enhanced collaboration, information sharing, and conflict prevention.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Onyinye Onwuka, Acting Director of the ECOWAS Early Warning Directorate, and Mrs. Ma-yah Ngalla, AUC Senior Political Officer and Regional Desk Officer for the Sahel and West African Region, underscored the importance of deeper cooperation in a rapidly evolving peace and security environment. They stressed that strengthened coordination, anchored in the principles of subsidiarity and complementarity, is vital to advancing peace and security in West Africa.

Participants in this important technical engagement include representatives of the African Union West Africa Regional Desk, the ECOWAS Early Warning Directorate (EWD), the ECOWAS Directorate of Political Affairs, the Directorate of Peacekeeping and Regional Security (DPKRS), and the West Africa  Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP).

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Releases the 2025–2027 Regional Economic Outlook Focused on Food Security and Regional Integration

Source: APO – Report:

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The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has released on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, the 2025–2027 edition of its **Regional Economic Outlook (REO)**, a flagship report that analyses macroeconomic developments across the region and highlights the challenges and opportunities related to food security and regional integration.

This new publication comes at a time when the international environment is characterized by a moderate global economic recovery, persistent geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and growing uncertainties affecting global supply chains. The report reviews the recent economic performance of ECOWAS Member States, assesses medium-term growth prospects, and proposes strategic policy directions aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable development across the region.

According to the report, the West African economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience in recent years. Regional real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is estimated at 4.3 percent in 2024, up from 3.6 percent in 2023. This positive momentum is expected to continue throughout the 2025–2027 period, with projected growth rates of 4.8 percent in 2025, 5.0 percent in 2026, and 7.1 percent in 2027, driven in particular by the expansion of the energy sector, extractive industries, infrastructure development, and financial and digital services.

The report nevertheless highlights several risks that continue to weigh on the region’s economic outlook. These include persistent inflationary pressures, vulnerabilities associated with public debt, the impacts of climate change, disruptions to trade flows, as well as geopolitical and security-related uncertainties.

The 2025–2027 edition places special emphasis on food security, identified as one of the major development challenges facing West Africa. In 2024, more than 34.7 million people across the region required urgent food assistance. The report highlights vulnerabilities affecting the four key dimensions of food security, namely availability, access, utilization, and stability of food systems.

The document also notes that dependence on food imports, recurring climate shocks, post-harvest losses, inadequate irrigation infrastructure, and occasional trade restrictions continue to undermine the resilience of regional food systems.

While acknowledging the progress made in implementing the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP), the report underscores the need to strengthen coherence between national policies and regional commitments. It also highlights the strategic role of regional mechanisms such as the Regional Agricultural Information System (ECOAGRIS) and the Regional Food Security Reserve in enhancing the resilience of communities across the region.

The 2025–2027 Regional Economic Outlook reiterates that regional integration remains a critical driver for accelerating economic transformation and strengthening food security in West Africa. The report points to the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the development of regional agri-food value chains, industrialization, and improved transport and trade infrastructure.

To support sustainable and inclusive growth, the Commission recommends that Member States strengthen domestic resource mobilization, improve public financial management, accelerate investments in agricultural transformation, promote mechanization and irrigation, reinforce early warning and nutrition systems, and reduce barriers to intra-regional trade.

The ECOWAS Commission reaffirms its commitment to supporting Member States in implementing policies that promote macroeconomic stability, food security, structural economic transformation, and deeper regional integration, in line with the ECOWAS Vision 2050.

** Access the full 2025–2027 Regional Economic Outlook Report at the following link: Regional Economic Outlook 2025–2027

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Go Bafana Bafana!

Source: Government of South Africa

Go Bafana Bafana!

With the opening whistle set to mark the start of the FIFA Soccer World Cup on Thursday, government has called on South Africans to rally behind Bafana Bafana as they prepare to face Mexico in the opening match of the FIFA Soccer World Cup.

“Government calls on all South Africans to rally behind Bafana Bafana as they carry the hopes and pride of the nation onto the field at Mexico City Stadium. South Africa will face Mexico on Thursday (11 June) at 21:00pm (South African time)  in the opening match of the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup,” Acting Government Spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said on Wednesday.

She added that the national soccer team continues to demonstrate determination, discipline and the fighting spirit that defines South Africa.

“As they represent South Africa on the global stage, let us unite in support of our boys by proudly wearing our colours, raise our voices and stand together behind the team.”

Government is encouraging South Africans to wear green or gold on Bafana Fridays as a visible show of support for the team and to demonstrate the unity and spirit of the nation behind our players.

“Football has the power to bring South Africans together and inspire a shared sense of national pride and unity. To Bafana Bafana: the nation stands with you. Fly the South African flag high and continue to make us proud,” she said in a statement issued by Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

The team has been training at its base camp in Pachuca, Mexico, since last week to help the players acclimatise to the altitude of 2,300 metres above sea level.

READ | Bafana gear up for thrilling World Cup opener against Mexico

The opening match will take place at the Estadio Azteca.

In a recent newsletter to the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa called on South Africans to unite behind Bafana Bafana as the national men’s football team.

“They carry with them the best wishes of more than 62 million South Africans who will be cheering them on at every stage of the tournament. Bafana Bafana are taking part in the World Cup for the first time since we hosted the event in 2010,” the President said in the newsletter.

READ | Bafana Bafana arrive in Mexico

This year’s FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

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Table grape export agreement strengthens SA-Italy ties 

Source: Government of South Africa

Table grape export agreement strengthens SA-Italy ties 

South Africa and Italy have strengthened their agricultural and trade relations following the final approval of a technical agreement that will pave the way for the export of Italian table grapes to the South African market.

The agreement was confirmed during a bilateral meeting between Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida, and South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, on the sidelines of the inaugural South Africa–Italy Agribusiness Forum, currently underway in Cape Town in the Western Cape.

The forum is being held under the theme: “South Africa and Italy Building Resilient, Value-Added Agri-Business Partnerships: From the Soil to the Shelf.”

The two Ministers welcomed the conclusion of negotiations that resulted in the formal acceptance of the work plan governing the export of Italian table grapes, a development regarded as a significant milestone for the agricultural sectors of both countries and a catalyst for deeper economic cooperation.

Lollobrigida described the agreement as a major breakthrough for Italy’s fruit and vegetable industry.

“The opening of the South African market to Italian table grapes recognises the excellence and quality of our products and confirms the effectiveness of our diplomatic and commercial efforts,” Lollobrigida said.

He added that the agreement aligns with Italy’s broader strategy of strengthening economic partnerships with Africa and expressed optimism that similar arrangements could be extended to other products, including apples, in future.

The agreement is expected to expand market opportunities for Italian producers, while enhancing agricultural trade between the two countries through complementary production seasons and increased commercial collaboration.

Fostering trade and innovation 

Addressing delegates at a gala dinner hosted by Lollobrigida and the Italian delegation at Idiom Wine Estate in the Cape Winelands on Tuesday, Steenhuisen highlighted the growing partnership between South Africa and Italy. He described the forum as an important platform for fostering trade, investment and innovation in agriculture.

Steenhuisen said the day’s engagements had revealed significant untapped opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.

“What stood out to me was not simply the opportunities that were identified, but the enthusiasm with which people engaged with one another. Throughout the day, I saw business leaders exchanging ideas, researchers making new connections, and people from two different countries discovering how much they have in common,” Steenhuisen said.

The Minister emphasised that the long-term success of bilateral cooperation is rarely built through official agreements alone, but also on shared experiences and through the confidence that comes from understanding one another’s perspectives and ambitions.

“Agriculture is ultimately a people business. It may involve technology, machinery, science and innovation, but at its heart, it is still about people, farmers who rise before the sun, families who have worked the same land for generations, entrepreneurs willing to take risks, researchers searching for solutions, and businesses looking for new opportunities,” the Minister said.

He noted that South Africa and Italy share strong agricultural traditions, a commitment to innovation and a deep appreciation for food, agriculture, family, tradition and the importance of preserving what they inherit, while continually innovating for the future.

“Agriculture is about far more than production alone. It is about communities, culture, heritage and the people whose livelihoods depend on the success of the sector. Across both South Africa and Italy, agriculture has helped shape landscapes, sustain rural economies and create traditions that are passed from one generation to the next. Those shared values provide a strong foundation for the partnership we are building,” Steenhuisen said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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SA to host SACU Summit

Source: Government of South Africa

SA to host SACU Summit

South Africa will host the 9th Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Summit of Heads of State or Government, the 56th SACU Council of Ministers and Quarterly Meetings of SACU Institutions next week.

The sessions will be held from 18-26 June 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 (CTICC2) in Cape Town, said the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic).

The meetings will bring together Heads of State and Government, Ministers, senior government officials and delegates from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa.

SACU predates modern trade and customs Agreements, and it remains the oldest functioning Customs Union. It was originally established by the British colonial power in the 1880s. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Children surviving on leaves and water lilies as conflict drives parts of South Sudan to the brink of famine – Save the Children

Source: APO


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Families and children in South Sudan’s eastern Jonglei state are surviving on leaves and water lilies as hunger surges towards famine levels in parts of the country following three months of escalating violence, Save the Children said.

Many families in Jonglei state have been left without essential and life-saving services since an escalation in violence in March led to the suspension of aid operations in areas and government orders to aid agencies to evacuate, triggering mass displacement.

Save the Children suspended its humanitarian operations in Akobo East – a refuge for people fleeing violence across Jonglei – and relocated staff due to increased violence. 

The withdrawal of services followed a similar suspension of operations in February in Walgak in Jonglei after armed gangs looted and vandalized a Save the Children office, destroyed a healthcare centre, and took three of the organisation’s vehicles.

Save the Children staff working in neighbouring counties have reported hearing horrific stories of families going without humanitarian aid while flooding worsens.

In some parts of the state, families and children are surviving on leaves and water lilies collected from swamps and seeds reserved for planting, while mothers walk for hours through floodplains to find anything edible for their children. 

Save the Children said thousands of children are no longer attending school, while others are being forced into labour or early marriage as families struggle to survive. In areas where schools remain accessible, some children have stopped attending because they are too weak from hunger. 

The extreme coping mechanisms come as the latest analysis by the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) – the leading global authority on the severity of hunger crises – showed that four counties, including Nyirol and Akobo in Jonglei state, are at risk of famine.

According to the IPC, more than 7.8 million people – or six in 10 people in South Sudan – are facing acute food insecurity. About 2.2 million children under five require treatment for acute malnutrition—an increase of around 90,000 cases since the previous analysis.  Nearly 700,000 children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition – the deadliest form of hunger that requires urgent medical attention and specialised treatment. 

Health workers have reported children arriving at nutrition centres severely malnourished after surviving for weeks on diluted porridge or a mix of salt and flour. 

This deteriorating situation has become evident at a nutrition site at Bor Hospital in Jonglei state’s Bor County, where Save the Children operates three different programmes helping to screen and treat malnourished children and breastfeeding or pregnant mothers. Tabisa Ajer, 31, a health care worker at the hospital said: 

“We have over 60 children who are severely malnourished right now. Usually, we have 60 later in the wet season when malnutrition tends to spike but the number is high for this early on. The numbers have spiked due to the season and the worsening hunger crisis, flooding and insecurity. A lot of children coming here have diarrhea and vomiting. 

“We are just at the start of the rainy season now, and June to August the hunger situation usually worsens. This year is more dangerous than the other years. Insecurity is impacting food cultivation.”

Chris Nyamandi, Country Director for Save the Children in South Sudan, said: 

“Solutions to extreme hunger are political. This situation can be prevented and mitigated, before more children suffer. Next month South Sudan will mark 15 years of independence and greater investment in inclusive peace and social protection is needed to prevent violence amidst an escalating, underfunded humanitarian crisis response.

“In an already hyper-prioritised humanitarian system, international aid cuts continue to disproportionately impact those most vulnerable in one of the world’s most fragile states.” 

Save the Children calls on all parties to the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians, respect international humanitarian law, and ensure safe, sustained, and unhindered humanitarian access to already affected communities. 

The aid agency is also calling for greater and more flexible resources needed to respond to the dire needs of the displaced populations in strained communities, with funding flows designed to reach local actors delivering principled aid.

Save the Children has worked in South Sudan since 1991, providing children with access to education, healthcare and nutrition services, and supporting families with food security and livelihoods assistance.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Save the Children.

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Kenya’s First Lady and Minister of Health acknowledged Merck Foundation’s 328 Scholarships provided for Healthcare Providers in 42 Critical Specialties across Kenya Nationwide in Collaboration with Kenya Medical Societies

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, launched their Educating Linda Program to support girl education at Kenya State House, in partnership with H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H, The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. During the visit, the Merck Foundation Kenya Alumni Summit 2026 was also conducted to highlight the impact of their scholarships program with the aim to build healthcare capacity and transform patient care landscape across Kenya nationwide.

The program was attended by The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, and CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign, Dr. Rasha Kelej and Kenya Minister of Health, Hon. Aden Duale.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign emphasized, “It is a great pleasure to meet my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H. First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and to recognize her for her tremendous efforts as the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”.

I am proud that through our long-term partnership we have provided 328 scholarships for young Kenyan healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved specialties. I am also happy to share that nearly 50% of these scholarships have been awarded to women healthcare providers, reinforcing our commitment to women empowerment.

It was also great meeting Kenya Minister of Health, Hon. Aden Duale and our Alumni, who are the future healthcare experts of Kenya.”

“We are looking forward to extending our scholarship program to more healthcare providers in partnership with First Lady of Kenya and in collaboration with Medical Societies and Ministry of Health when possible.” She added.

H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto E.G.H., The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya expressed,

“Through our impactful partnership with Merck Foundation, we are not just implementing programs, we are transforming lives. Together, we are strengthening our healthcare capacity, empowering girls through education, breaking infertility stigma, and addressing other critical social and health challenges across Kenya. We are immensely proud that, through our strong partnership, we have been able to provide 328 scholarships for our healthcare providers, not only in the capital city, but across the country. It represents a powerful investment in the future of our healthcare system, a commitment to building expertise where it is needed most, and a significant step towards ensuring equitable access to quality care for all our people.

At the same time, we are equally proud to support the education of 47 high-performing yet underprivileged Kenyan schoolgirls, providing them with annual scholarships till they graduate. By empowering these young girls through education, we are not only transforming individual lives, but also shaping stronger families, communities, and a brighter future for our nation.”

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees added, “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity in Kenya and across developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patient care through our scholarships program.”

Hon. Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Health, Kenya shared, “We sincerely appreciate the Merck Foundation Scholarships Program through which 328 scholarships have been provided till today for our local healthcare providers in many critical underserved specialties, helping us to build and strengthen our healthcare capacity, across the country.”

One of the important specialties that Merck Foundation is focusing on in 2025 and 2026 in Kenya is the scholarship of One Year Diploma in Nutrition, to support the program of Feeding and Food Security of Kenya First Lady.

More than 90 scholarships are dedicated to this specialty across the 47 provinces of Kenya. This will create a culture shift in leading a healthy lifestyle for the whole population which will contribute to healthier communities and hence social and economic development of the whole country nationwide.

The program was also attended by the Kenyan winners of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2024 and 2025.

“It was a pleasure meeting and celebrating our Winners, the health and social champions, who are the voice of the voiceless”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Out of the total 328 scholarships, Merck Foundation has provided:

  • 121 scholarships for one-year postgraduate diplomas and two-year master’s degrees in Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, and Endocrinology. These programs enable doctors to establish specialized diabetes clinics across the country.
  • 10 scholarships for Oncology, which is a critical specialty to strengthen cancer care capacity.
  • 49 scholarships for Fertility, Embryology, and Reproductive Medicine under the “More Than a Mother” campaign, bringing hope and support to couples facing infertility challenges.
  • 148 scholarships for other important specialties such as Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Neurology, Emergency Medicine, Dermatology, and many more, contributing significantly to strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system.

Merck Foundation has overall provided more than 2,600 scholarships for healthcare providers in 44 critical and undeserved specialties from over 52 countries.

During the Summit, Merck Foundation alumni shared inspiring testimonies on how these scholarships have transformed their professional journeys and improved patient care in their communities.

Merck Foundation, in partnership with the First Lady of Kenya, is also launching children’s storybooks — “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future”, “Sugar Free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure” in English and Swahili to raise awareness about critical social and health issues among young children. Thousands of copies will be distributed across schools in Kenya. These storybooks have also been adapted into animated films to further enhance their impact.

Moreover, Merck Foundation has conducted 4 Editions of their Online Health Media Training for Kenyan journalists to empower them to raise awareness about sensitive social and health issues such as breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending child marriage and GBV, and promoting healthy lifestyle practices.

Merck Foundation, together with the First Lady of Kenya, also organizes annual awards for media, musicians, filmmakers, and fashion designers to encourage creative talents to raise awareness about important social issues.

Merck Foundation in partnership with the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya has also announced the Call for Application for their 8 important annual Awards for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

Details of the Awards:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

2. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026:  All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

6. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

7. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

8. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

Apply here: https://apo-opa.co/4e3o6EY

Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to:

submit@merck-foundation.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
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Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4uZ5vkN

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4odluJm), X (https://apo-opa.co/4dZj2mw), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4ga9RAY), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4uu5zYB), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4dZkx3Z) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4xpPR3J).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

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Refugee Appeals Authority issues urgent call to asylum seekers

Source: Government of South Africa

Refugee Appeals Authority issues urgent call to asylum seekers

The Refugee Appeals Authority (RAA) has called on all asylum seekers with pending appeals, who are currently gathered outside the Durban Refugee Reception Office, to report to the Authority’s offices as a matter of urgency to receive and acknowledge notices relating to their appeals.

These appellants form part of the RAA’s priority backlog programme aimed at expediting the finalisation of outstanding appeals.

“In terms of Rule 10 of the Refugee Appeals Authority Rules, appellants are ordinarily entitled to receive at least 30 days’ notice of a hearing,” the Department of Home Affairs said in a statement. 

However, given the urgent circumstances and the need to address pending appeals as swiftly as possible, the Authority invites affected appellants to consent to a reduced notice period of 10 days.

Consent to the reduced notice period will enable the Authority to schedule and finalise hearings on an expedited basis, thereby providing appellants with an opportunity to obtain a final determination of their asylum status without further delay.

“Failure to report for service of notices may result in an appeal being determined on the documents before the Authority, as provided for in law. Such determinations will constitute the final determination of the appeal,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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SARS, DPCI seizes 30 bricks of cocaine at the Port of Durban

Source: Government of South Africa

SARS, DPCI seizes 30 bricks of cocaine at the Port of Durban

The South African Revenue Service (SARS), working with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), has secured the seizure of 30 bricks of cocaine at the Port of Durban.

Tuesday’s interception at the KwaZulu-Natal coast follows closely on the heels of another major seizure just three days earlier, during which approximately 90 kg of cocaine concealed in trucks arriving from Brazil was intercepted at the same port. 

READ | Crackdown on drugs continues as SARS intercepts Durban port consignment 

These operations point to intensified efforts by organised crime syndicates to move narcotics through South Africa’s trade gateways, matched by a coordinated and robust response from law enforcement agencies.

The interception forms part of ongoing collaborative efforts between SARS and both local and international law enforcement partners to combat illicit trade and transnational organised crime. 

Through intelligence-led risk profiling and targeting methodologies, a container vessel originating from South America was identified for inspection upon arrival at the Port of Durban.

The Durban Customs team boarded the vessel and located the targeted container, which was positioned below the waterline. 

During the inspection process, customs officials identified signs that parts of the container apparatus had been tampered with. This prompted a more intrusive inspection, which led to the discovery of concealed narcotics. A mobile testing kit subsequently confirmed the substance to be 30 bricks of pure cocaine.

The consignment was identified through intelligence-led profiling and risk assessment conducted by SARS Customs officers. Targeted inspections, supported by detector dogs and on-site verification, resulted in the detection and recovery of the concealed drugs.

SARS Commissioner, Dr Johnstone Makhubu and Acting National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Sphesihle Nkosi, highlighted the strength of coordinated enforcement efforts across government agencies.

“This is what it means to act as one government. SARS and the Hawks are cooperating seamlessly, with one agency acting on intelligence and handing over to the other as part of a single value chain. 

“These interceptions demonstrate that we are disrupting and closing down the space for criminal networks to operate. 

“We are strengthening monitoring at our ports through improved cargo profiling and targeted inspections. Our message is clear: South Africa’s borders are not open to illicit trade,” Dr Makhubu said.

“Drugs are destroying families, communities and the country as a whole. This is not a localised problem; it cuts across every sector of society. We will continue to work with our partners to dismantle these networks and protect our economy and our people,” he said.

Lieutenant General Nkosi said the results underscore the value of focused cooperation between agencies.

“These successes are the result of disciplined cooperation. When we pool our capabilities, we are better able to detect, intercept and investigate complex criminal operations. Drug trafficking is not only a law enforcement issue; it is a national threat. It fuels violence, weakens communities and harms our children.

“We will pursue those responsible wherever they operate, both locally and across borders, and hold them accountable. Law enforcement is working as a united front to strengthen our response. Those who traffic drugs into this country will be identified, tracked and brought to book,” Nkosi said.

SARS and law enforcement partners will continue to strengthen controls at all ports of entry. These recent seizures form part of a broader effort to dismantle organised criminal networks, protect legitimate trade and safeguard South African communities. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Rule of law must guide fight against illegal immigration, says Cachalia

Source: Government of South Africa

Rule of law must guide fight against illegal immigration, says Cachalia

Acting Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to tackling illegal immigration, while warning that vigilantism and violence against foreign nationals have no place in South Africa.

Delivering his department’s Budget Vote speech in Parliament on Tuesday, Cachalia said government agrees that illegal immigration is unacceptable and that stronger measures are needed to improve border security and enforce immigration laws.

“Our country’s sovereignty and the rule of law are not negotiable. But I must make myself absolutely clear: we condemn any violent protest action targeting people from other countries,” he said.

Cachalia warned that attacks on foreign nationals damage South Africa’s standing in the region and globally, undermining efforts to attract investment and grow the economy.

“[It] limits foreign investment and undermines our chances to grow our economy and create jobs. It also could harm the cooperation we need with our regional neighbours to address organised criminal networks that bring drugs into our country and that traffic people across our borders,” he said.

He stressed that only the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Border Management Authority (BMA) are authorised to arrest people for immigration offences.

“You cannot build a country that effectively implements the rule of law by breaking those laws,” Cachalia said, adding that police will continue to act against both illegal immigration and those who resort to violence during protests.

The Minister noted that police officers are already under immense pressure as they confront crime under often difficult and dangerous conditions.

Bringing back accountability

Turning to the recent suspension of senior SAPS officials, Cachalia said accountability remains a key pillar of the Police Reset Agenda.

“The most recent suspensions announced by the Acting National Commissioner on Tuesday are pursuant [to the] terms of an internal SAPS investigation. The Acting National Commissioner and I are fully aligned in pursuing consequence management,” he said.

READ | SAPS suspends additional five senior police officers

At the same time, Cachalia praised the vast majority of police officers, who continue to serve communities with dedication and professionalism.

“Your contribution is highly appreciated, and I stand with you,” he said, while also paying tribute to officers who have been killed or injured in the line of duty.

Cachalia described attacks on police officers as unacceptable, citing the deaths of Captain Louis Nel and Sergeant Mandla Khuzwayo of Crime Intelligence in KwaZulu-Natal. The officers were attacked by armed men while on duty in Verulam. Captain Nel died at the scene, while Sergeant Khuzwayo succumbed to his injuries 25 days later.

On the police budget, Cachalia said the allocation is about more than funding.

“It is about whether a child in Lusikisiki can walk to school safely, whether a woman in Thohoyandou can return home from work without fear, and whether a business in eThekwini or Ekurhuleni can invest and create jobs with the confidence that the State will protect its people,” he said.

As the largest institution in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, SAPS has been allocated R127.072 billion for the 2026/27 financial year, increasing to R135.8 billion by 2028/29. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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