Category: English

Source: APO

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Government congratulates the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) as its news division marks 75 years of public service journalism. Since its inception in 1950, SABC News has played a critical role in informing, educating and empowering citizens across the country.

Over the decades, SABC News has evolved alongside South Africa’s democracy, covering the country’s most defining moments, from the struggle for liberation to the birth of a democratic state, and beyond. Its continued commitment to accessible and balanced reporting has cemented its role as a trusted source of information for millions of people in our country.

As part of today’s milestone, Government pays tribute to veteran journalist and International News Editor, Sophie Mokoena, who signs off from the public broadcaster after 31 years of outstanding service to SABC News and the nation. Mokoena’s reporting brought South Africans closer to the world and made global news more accessible and relevant to South African audiences. We commend her immense contribution to public broadcasting and wish her well in her future endeavours.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

Source: APO

When asked what she prefers at school, Francine, 12 years old, looks up with a shy smile. What she loves above all is discovering new things — especially in science. Later, she dreams of becoming a nurse.

Francine lives at the Kigonze displaced persons site, on the outskirts of Bunia, in Ituri. Like thousands of other children, she fled violence with her family, leaving behind her school, her friends, and her landmarks. Today, she lives with her aunt and follows a catch-up school program at Saint-Luc primary school, built on the site so that learning wouldn’t become a lost memory of exile.

It’s there that she discovered Bana Education, a radio program broadcast by Radio Okapi, designed to bring school to those who no longer have easy access to it.

When Learning Comes Through the Airwaves

In one of the classrooms, the teacher adjusts the volume of a speaker connected to a mobile phone. About thirty students listen attentively. The clear voice of a radio educator resonates in the room. The day’s lesson is about gallinaceous birds.

“We use live radio or the rebroadcasts they send us. Thanks to the teacher speaking in easy-to-understand terms, the children follow the lessons. We see that they understand better. They are more motivated,” explains the teacher.

In this school, as in others located in areas with limited access to scholastic instruction, Bana Education has become a pillar of education. A precious solution where textbooks are rare and teachers are understaffed.

Implemented by Radio Okapi, this program accompanies children experiencing school dropout or living in areas affected by conflicts. It offers educational support in mathematics, science, French, and general culture, in a simple, interactive, and adapted manner.

At Saint-Luc school, which hosts 978 students, including 555 girls, children are divided into three levels according to their educational background. The radio program is integrated into classes to expand access to education.

Concrete and Encouraging Results

Loti Benoît, director of the institution, testifies: “Many children here are in precarious situations. Some have lost several years of schooling after fleeing violence. We sometimes welcome them without report cards, without clear history. Bana Education is precious support. Children want to learn. When they hear the radio, their eyes light up.“

He emphasizes the program’s impact, particularly for children in examination classes: “Several ENAFEP questions focused on concepts heard in the broadcasts, especially in general culture. This helps strengthen their level.“

Listening, Learning… and Still Dreaming

Eliya, 14 years old, is in sixth grade. He fled the territory of Djugu with his family. He confirms the program’s usefulness: “I love the science classes. On the ENAFEP, there was a question about oviparous animals. I knew how to answer because I had heard it in Bana Education!” His dream: to become a doctor to “heal people in the community.”

At the TARAJA school catch-up center, also in Bunia, Évodi, a third-level student, recounts: “This program saves me. What I don’t understand well in class, I listen to again at home during holidays. Once, I had homework on adverbial phrases, I understood nothing. Then I listened to Bana Education, I did my exercise well and got a good grade.“

Education, Even at a Distance

Bana Education is much more than a school broadcast. It’s a ray of hope broadcast daily over the airwaves. An appointment that thousands of children await, sometimes gathered around an old radio in their reception center or at home.

In a province marked by years of conflict, it gives meaning back to learning, structures days, brings continuity… and above all, dignity.

In Ituri, in a region still marked by conflicts, education remains a daily challenge.

Today, thanks to this initiative carried by Radio Okapi with MONUSCO support, aid takes another form — that of a voice, knowledge, a lesson. Because a child who learns is a child who hopes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

Source: APO

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As part of Mandela Month, the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will participate in the #67MinutesOfMentorship programme hosted by The Mentorship Boardroom, a platform committed to nurturing talent and expanding leadership networks across sectors.

The Deputy Minister will mentor Ms Ntandokazi on Friday, 18 July 2025, as part of the Mandela Day commemorations. 

Ntandokazi is a dynamic young economist who holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Fordham University and currently serves as an Analyst at the National Treasury. She is passionate about development economics, impact investing, and public finance.

This mentorship session forms part of government’s broader commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development, and inclusive economic growth. It also highlights the importance of knowledge transfer between experienced leaders and emerging professionals in driving national development.

The engagement will focus on:

– Navigating career pathways in development finance and policy;

– Strengthening leadership and strategic competencies for young professionals;

– Fostering networks that support public-interest finance and investment;

– Encouraging young women in economics and public service to lead with purpose.

Through this initiative, the Deputy Minister reaffirms her commitment to building a generation of capable, ethical, and driven young professionals who can contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s development agenda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to developing vital infrastructure, announcing the launch of extensive road construction and rehabilitation projects across the Western North Region.

This will be carried out under his flagship ‘Big Push Infrastructure Programme’, a $10 billion initiative aimed at significantly improving national connectivity and economic development.

Addressing a durbar of enthusiastic chiefs and people in Juaboso, as part of his ongoing nationwide ‘Thank You Tour’, President Mahama directly responded to a heartfelt appeal from the Western North Regional House of Chiefs.

The Chiefs had passionately articulated the pressing need for improved road networks, emphasising that their overwhelming support for him and the NDC in the 2024 elections was a clear demonstration of their profound trust in his leadership.

“I have heard your concerns about the roads connecting our farming communities and our markets,” President Mahama stated, acknowledging the region’s vital role in the national economy. “These roads are crucial arteries for moving cocoa, timber, food products, and people across our country. They are not a luxury; they are a fundamental necessity.”

The President assured the gathering that many of these crucial arteries, including vital cocoa roads that had previously experienced delays, will now undergo accelerated completion and new development as part of the ambitious ‘Big Push’ Programme.
“I assure you that these critical projects have been fully captured under our transformative $10 billion Big Push Infrastructure Programme,” he reiterated.

Detailing the scope of this unprecedented commitment, President Mahama explained, “The ‘Big Push’ is a strategic commitment to inject at least $2 billion annually into infrastructure development, with its rollout commencing robustly in the 2025 national budget.”

He further added, “We are dedicating substantial resources and deploying expert technical teams to ensure these roads are completed on schedule, transforming the landscape for our farmers, traders, and communities across the Western North Region.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Ms Khusela Sangoni Diko, has paid tribute to the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) International News Editor, Ms Sophie Mokoena, expressing deep gratitude for her outstanding contribution to journalism and public broadcasting over the past three decades.

Widely known and respected as Mme Sophie in media and political circles across South Africa, Ms Mokoena began her distinguished broadcasting career in July 1994 as a current affairs anchor on Lesedi FM. Since then, she has devoted 31 years of exemplary service to the SABC, steadily ascending to her current role as International News Editor.

As a political reporter, Mme Sophie built enduring professional relationships with leaders across the political spectrum. Her ability to gather and communicate reliable information played a critical role in informing and empowering the public during key moments in the nation’s history.

Throughout her career, Mme Sophie remained unwavering in her journalistic principles – resisting political influence, maintaining neutrality and upholding the highest standards of professionalism. Her integrity and dedication set her apart as a trusted voice in South African journalism.

In her leadership role as International News Editor, she brought the same excellence and commitment to the global stage. Her diplomatic finesse and ability to engage heads of state and international stakeholders strengthened the SABC’s reputation as a credible source of both local and international news.

“As she retires, we salute Mme Sophie for her invaluable service to the nation. She leaves behind a legacy of integrity, courage, and journalistic excellence. The SABC, and indeed South Africa, has been enriched by her contribution. We wish her a joyful retirement filled with rest, reflection, and quality time with her loved ones,” said Ms Diko.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

Ghanaians are now enjoying a stable and dependable power supply, thanks to significant ongoing reforms in the energy sector, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has announced.

Taking his turn at the Government #AccountabilitySeries, John Jinapor stated that there has been a significant turnaround from the “persistent and erratic power outages” experienced earlier this year.

“We have witnessed a remarkable improvement and reliable supply of power,” he stated, attributing this success to comprehensive reforms addressing both technical inefficiencies and financial challenges within the sector.

“You can attest to the fact that we are now experiencing a reliable, uninterruptible supply of power,” he emphasised, a demonstration of the visible impact of the government’s interventions.

Looking ahead, Mr Jinapor unveiled plans for a five-year strategic document aimed at accelerating Ghana’s renewable energy and green transition agenda.

This crucial blueprint will guide future policy reforms, ensuring a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future for the nation.

The Ministry’s initiatives reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a robust, sustainable, and reliable energy sector for all Ghanaians.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

Mr. Meles Keleta, acting coordinator of the Students’ Summer Work Program at the Ministry of Education branch in the Anseba Region, reported that over 6,000 participants in students’ summer work program from 38 centers are actively and effectively carrying out the planned activities.

The program includes the construction and renovation of terraces, digging holes for tree planting, and supporting the families of martyrs and disadvantaged citizens, among other tasks.

Mr. Meles stated that the program is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Forestry and Wildlife Authority, Ministry of Agriculture, and other stakeholders. He noted that commendable progress is being made according to the planned schedule.

He also emphasized that the program plays a vital role in instilling work ethics, discipline, and nationalism among students, as well as encouraging knowledge sharing.

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

Source: APO

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In continuation of implementing the directives of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to localize the prosthetics and assistive devices industry and support mine victims in Matrouh Governorate, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, visited the Prosthetics Center in Matrouh to follow up on its efforts to support the injured and mine victims in the governorate, in cooperation with the Armed Forces Center for Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Rheumatology, and witnessed the delivery and maintenance of 100 prosthetic limbs for the injured people of the governorate who were affected by the mines.

During the visit, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat listened to the people of Matrouh who were affected by mines and held a dialogue about the mechanism for applying for a prosthetic limb, the manufacturing timeline, and obtaining it, reaffirming the government’s keenness to provide prosthetic devices with the highest levels and standards of efficiency, enabling the injured to reintegrate into society. She also emphasized the government’s interest in supporting development efforts in border governorates, whether through the investment plan or the presidential initiative “Decent Life.”

The Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation also inspected the process of manufacturing and fitting prosthetic devices at the Prosthetics Center by the center’s officials, stressing the need to adhere to the highest standards of efficiency and ensure continuous maintenance of prosthetic devices for the people of Matrouh.

Furthermore, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized the keenness to maximizing the efforts exerted by the Prosthetics Center in Matrouh, in coordination with the relevant entities, especially the Armed Forces Center for Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Rheumatology, to provide all aspects of support to the people affected by mines in Matrouh Governorate, by enabling them to reintegrate into society and overcome challenges that prevent their effective participation in various aspects of life.

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat added that the ministry, in cooperation with the relevant national entities and in implementation of the directives of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, is working on developing the Prosthetics Center in Matrouh in collaboration with the German side, in a way that contributes to enhancing its efficiency and strengthening its role in localizing the prosthetics industry in Egypt.

Last week, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat signed the reciprocal letters for the feasibility study grant for the National Prosthetic System Development Project, amounting to 1.52 million Chinese yuan, which aims to position Egypt as a regional hub in the Middle East and Africa for providing prosthetic limbs and assistive devices for people with disabilities, as well as acquiring manufacturing capability according to internationally approved standards.

It is worth noting that in 2007, the Executive Secretariat for Mine Clearance was established at the ministry under Ministerial Decree No. (125) to act as a national coordination and contact point among all entities concerned with mine clearance and the development of the North West Coast, whether governmental, private sector, or civil society, and to mobilize the financial resources necessary to implement its activities. Its current geographical scope of work covers the NorthWest Coast and its desert hinterland, from El-Hammam in the east to El-Salloum in the west and Siwa to the south.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.