Category: English

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, will open a case about serious injuries sustained by South African Police Service (SAPS) dog Sky and he has referred the circumstances surrounding the injuries to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) and the South African Veterinary Council.  

Sky is a Belgian Shepherd previously used by SAPS as an arson-detection dog. According to information provided to Mr Cameron, the dog suffered from severe anxiety and had previously injured herself after escaping from a kennel.

Relevant SAPS management officials were allegedly warned repeatedly that continued confinement placed Sky at risk. Requests were reportedly made for the dog to be removed temporarily from the kennel environment while arrangements concerning its future care were finalised. Those warnings and requests were allegedly not acted upon.

On Monday morning, the dog was found seriously injured in its kennel at the SAPS veterinary facility at Roodeplaat. The information presently available indicates that the dog’s left front leg became caught in or against the kennel gate. It reportedly sustained multiple fractures of the left carpus, including an open fracture through the skin, as well as cuts to her face and leg and extensive bleeding.

The dog was transported to Onderstepoort for emergency treatment. Its injuries were reportedly so serious that veterinarians were concerned about placing it under anaesthesia for surgery. These allegations must now be tested against the veterinary evidence, CCTV footage, duty rosters, kennel-inspection records and the testimony of those responsible for the facility.

The critical question is whether SAPS can be trusted to operate an animal hospital if animals with known medical and behavioural risks are allegedly left without adequate supervision.

“If Roodeplaat is registered and presented as an animal hospital, what after-hours service and in-patient monitoring does it provide?”, asked Mr Cameron. “If personnel were present, why was Sky’s distress apparently not detected and stopped?”

If nobody was present, does the facility comply with the requirements applicable to an animal hospital, the Chairperson queried further. “I have asked the NSPCA to conduct an urgent and independent inspection. I have also asked the South African Veterinary Council to investigate the facility’s registration, professional conduct, staffing, supervision and compliance with applicable veterinary standards.”

The investigation must establish who had custody and control of the dog, who received the warnings, who was responsible for checking the kennels and why no effective preventative action was taken. The officials in command must be criminally investigated where the evidence establishes that they knew of the risk, had a duty and ability to act, and failed to do so. Where sufficient evidence exists, those responsible must be prosecuted.

Mr Cameron said this is not an attack on the many dedicated SAPS dog handlers who care deeply for their animals. “It is an accountability issue concerning the systems and senior management responsible for protecting animals placed in the care of the state.”

Mr Cameron said the identities of persons who provided information concerning this matter will not be disclosed publicly. In addition, SAPS must ensure that no employee or witness suffers intimidation, retaliation or occupational detriment for assisting a lawful investigation.

SAPS relies on service dogs to detect explosives, drugs, human remains and evidence at serious crime scenes. These animals cannot speak for themselves and cannot escape the systems that control every aspect of their lives.

The Roodeplaat facility should remain open only if it can meet the legal, professional and welfare standards required of an animal hospital. If it cannot, its present registration and continued operation must be reconsidered.

Mr Cameron emphasised that all relevant CCTV footage, registers, veterinary records and internal communications must now be preserved. He said this matter cannot be left solely to an internal SAPS process.

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

Source: APO

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On the margins of the 2026 KOAFEC Ministerial Conference, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Development Planning of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Honorable Dr. Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane, held a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Korea, Dr. Jisung Moon.

The discussions focused on strengthening economic cooperation between Lesotho and the Republic of Korea, particularly in artificial intelligence, digitalization, healthcare, education, agriculture, climate change, critical minerals and infrastructure development.

The Republic of Korea encouraged Lesotho to utilize the Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP) to access Korean expertise, develop viable projects and lay the groundwork for possible financing through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).

The meeting reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment to strengthen their bilateral ties and their longstanding relations as they commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of Lesotho.

Source: APO

The Western Cape Government is driving a pioneering model to protect vulnerable homeowners, expanding its strategic housing interventions through a new partnership with Nedbank.

The initiative has already identified 278 Nedbank households facing financial strain, with 48 applications approved to a total value of R6,459,895.64. Overall, the expanded programme is expected to affect 158 bonds and release original title deeds, valued at R17,322,189.71. This builds directly on the Department’s successful collaboration with First National Bank (FNB), which has already resulted in 212 bonds cancelled and original title deeds issued to clients.

Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers emphasised that government is taking the lead in creating practical, impact-driven solutions for residents.

“In my 2026/27 Budget Speech, I issued a clear call to financial institutions to work with us on practical solutions for homeowners experiencing financial distress. Nedbank answered that call,” said Minister Simmers. “This is government setting the agenda and bringing our available housing subsidy instruments to the table, while the private sector identifies qualifying customers. Together, we are creating a pathway towards unencumbered homeownership.”

The initiative utilises two existing provincial housing subsidy programmes: the Individual Housing Subsidy Programme and First Home Finance (formerly known as FLISP). Nedbank screens customers against prescribed subsidy criteria, and where requirements are met, approved subsidies are applied directly toward outstanding mortgage balances to help families secure unencumbered ownership.

Nozizwe Tshabuse, Managing Executive of Operations, Collections and Recoveries at Nedbank, emphasised, “For many families, owning a home is about far more than having a roof over their heads. It is about dignity, security and having something of their own to pass on to the next generation.” She added, “That is why putting our clients first means standing beside them when financial circumstances threaten something as fundamental as their home.”

She further noted, “Our purpose is to use our financial expertise to do good for individuals, families and society, and this partnership brings that purpose to life. By helping qualifying homeowners secure unencumbered ownership, we are not simply helping to resolve a financial challenge today; we are helping protect an asset that can become a foundation for generational wealth and a legacy for the future.”

Minister Simmers noted that the participation of a second major bank proves the model can be scaled across the province.

“A housing policy cannot simply end when someone receives the keys to a front door. We must use every lawful mechanism available to protect the dignity and security that comes with homeownership. Government cannot solve the housing challenge alone, but by leading these partnerships, we are intervening where it matters most,” Simmers added.

Assistance is available to qualifying South African citizens in the Western Cape whose mortgaged property is their first and only home, subject to individual household income criteria and rigorous departmental assessment processes.

The Western Cape Government renews its call to other financial institutions to join this initiative, ensuring that more families can protect their homes, clear their bonds, and secure a lasting generational legacy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Government: Office of the Premier.

Source: APO

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is expanding its support for communities affected by the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Ituri and North Kivu, with support from the DRC Humanitarian Fund. The project will target 30,000 people (18,000 in Ituri and 12,000 in North Kivu) across five health zones, until January 2027.

The outbreak is affecting provinces where acute food insecurity was already among the most severe in the country. In eastern DRC, nearly 10 million people are facing acute food insecurity. Restrictions on movement, market disruptions and loss of income linked to the outbreak are further weakening households that are already struggling.

FAO’s response forms part of the coordinated effort led by the national authorities and the United Nations system, complementing the public health response led by the Ministry of Health and the WHO.

Based on the ‘One Health’ approach, the response operates on two fronts: reducing the risk of zoonotic transmission by training veterinary services and community animal health workers to identify, handle safely and report sick or dead animals promptly, and protecting the livelihoods of affected households through the distribution of seeds, tools, poultry and cash assistance.

“An effective response to Ebola depends on action taken both in treatment centres and at community level,” says Athman Mravili, FAO Representative a.i. in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “When a family loses its crops, livestock or income because of the outbreak, it turns to whatever remains within its reach. And that is often what puts it at greater risk. Protecting livelihoods also means protecting health.”

“This is precisely the strength of the Humanitarian Fund: it enables a rapid, coordinated and integrated response. The One Health approach is an essential component of the response,” says Damien Mama, Humanitarian Coordinator in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “Faced with a virus that spreads between animals and humans, our response must also transcend sectoral boundaries and take a holistic approach.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO

For many women farmers in Liberia, agriculture is more than a livelihood—it is the foundation of their families’ well-being. Yet opportunities to grow their businesses are often limited by barriers such as insecure access to land, limited financial services, inadequate farming tools, and a lack of digital and market information.

Jacqueline Mulbah, a 45-year-old mother of three and a member of the Meni Nana Farming Cooperative in Bong County, knows these challenges all too well.

Like many women in her community, Jacqueline struggled to access the resources needed to expand her farming activities. Limited access to finance and modern agricultural support made it difficult to invest in quality seeds, increase production, and improve her family’s income.

That began to change in 2023 through the Digital Inclusion for Women’s Economic Empowerment Project, implemented by UN Women in partnership with the Orange Foundation.

As part of the initiative, UN Women collaborated with the Central Bank of Liberia to digitally link Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) to formal financial services through Orange Money and banking institutions, while also providing digital and financial literacy training and seed grants.

The project targeted 450 women farmers from 15 cooperatives across Bong and Nimba Counties, helping them improve access to financial services, digital tools, and credit opportunities. It also strengthened cooperative structures and enhanced participants’ knowledge of disaster risk reduction.​

For Jacqueline, the impact was immediate and life changing.

Through the project, she was able to access a loan that allowed her to purchase improved seeds and expand her farming activities, an opportunity that had once seemed out of reach.

Today, Jacqueline cultivates more than 10 hectares of land, primarily producing vegetables. Increased production has translated into higher earnings, enabling her to better support her family and invest in her children’s education.

“2023 was a turning point for many other women and me in Gbarnga City,” Jacqueline says. “Today, I feel proud of myself. I can contribute to the well-being of my household, and I am also able to take part in community activities.”

Her monthly income has increased significantly, rising from less than USD 150 to more than USD 350. This improved financial stability has helped her meet her family’s daily needs with greater confidence and consistency.

Like many other women participating in the project, Jacqueline also uses the Buy from Women e-commerce platform to market and sell her produce. Developed by UN Women, the multilingual digital platform connects women entrepreneurs to markets, information, and financial services while helping them grow their businesses and increase profitability.

Access to the platform has expanded Jacqueline’s market reach and reduced post-harvest losses, allowing her to generate a more stable and reliable income.

Beyond the individual benefits, the project is creating positive ripple effects across participating communities. Women now have greater access to financial services and digital tools that enable them to invest in agriculture and small businesses, strengthening local economies and promoting greater economic resilience.

For Jacqueline, however, the most significant transformation goes beyond income.

“I feel more independent now,” she says. “When women are empowered economically, we are able to speak up, make decisions, and contribute meaningfully to our communities.”

Jacqueline’s story reflects a broader truth: when women gain access to financial services, digital technologies, and economic opportunities, they do more than transform their own lives—they help build stronger families, more resilient communities, and a more inclusive future for Liberia.

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

Source: APO

Canon Central & North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) has received a Gold Award at the 2026 Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Awards for its Management Team Development Programme (MTDP), recognised under the category “Best Unique or Innovative Leadership Development Program”. This achievement marks CCNA’s second consecutive year of winning top honours at these global awards.

The Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Awards recognise achievements in human capital management, with entries evaluated by an independent panel of analysts, industry experts and experienced practitioners against criteria including business need, programme design, innovation, adoption and organisational impact.

Gaining competitive advantage and sustainable success in Africa’s dynamic, diverse and ever evolving business landscape, requires leaders who transcend functional boundaries, embrace agility, and lead through a shared organizational perspective, united by a common goal.

The award-winning Management Team Development Program (MTDP) was designed to help lay the foundation for this ambition. Anchored in Canon EMEA’s Leadership Principles, the program elevated enterprise leadership capability within the Management Team.

Somesh Adukia, Managing Director, Canon Central & North Africa, said: “Winning this Gold Award for our Management Team Development Programme is a proud moment for CCNA. It reflects the strength of our leaders and the work our HR team has put into creating a programme tailored to our business. 

This program played a pivotal role in bringing the Management Team together in a development experience and laid the right foundation for the next decade of CCNA’s growth journey . This recognition reinforces our commitment to the continuous pursuit of leadership excellence.”

Deepali Arora, HR Director, Canon Central & North Africa, added: ” Capability is most powerful when developed within the right business context, aligned to organizational priorities. The MTDP program was intentionally designed and delivered fully in-house with an innovative co-facilitation approach.

The program enabled the Management Team to move beyond Functional excellence and strengthen collective organizational leadership. This what makes the recognition truly special.”

This latest recognition builds on CCNA’s success at the 2025 Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Awards, where the organisation received two Gold Awards for its Future Leader Program and CCNA Clubs. Together, these achievements reflect CCNA’s continued focus on creating meaningful, locally relevant development opportunities that strengthen its people and leadership capabilities across the organisation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact: 
Canon Central and North Africa 
Jayashri Namdar 
e. jayashri.namdar@canon-me.com  

APO Group – PR Agency 
Rania ElRafie 
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com  

About Canon Central and North Africa: 
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market. 

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.  

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/4rbhBGr) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better. 

For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com

Source: APO – Report:

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga has called on universities, health professionals and alumni to apply their knowledge, research and expertise in developing practical solutions that support Kenya’s health reforms and national development.

Speaking at the University of Nairobi Faculty of Health Sciences Alumni Breakfast Meeting, Dr Oluga said institutions of higher learning have a critical role in preparing a future-ready workforce capable of responding to the country’s evolving healthcare needs.

Dr Oluga, an alumnus of the University of Nairobi, acknowledged the institution’s contribution to knowledge creation, leadership development and the training of professionals serving Kenya across different sectors.

He highlighted the transformation underway in the health sector, emphasising the need to establish sustainable healthcare financing, reduce reliance on donor-supported programmes and align research, innovation and professional expertise with national priorities.

The Principal Secretary challenged the Faculty of Health Sciences to strengthen research translation, innovation and practical skills development to ensure that academic knowledge contributes directly to improved healthcare services and outcomes.

He also urged professionals and alumni to mentor young people, provide leadership and use their experience and networks to support institutional growth and positively shape the country’s future.

The meeting brought together alumni and stakeholders to explore partnerships supporting key Faculty and University priorities, including infrastructure development, student welfare and academic excellence. It also reaffirmed the importance of sustained alumni engagement in improving the student experience and strengthening the institution.

The meeting was graced by University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor Prof. Eng. Ayub Gitau. Also present were Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Daniel Ojuka; Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance, Planning and Development Prof. Josiah Aduda; Director of Curative and Nursing Services at the Ministry of Health Dr Andrew Toro; Kenya BioVax Chairman Dr Charles Githua Githunji; representatives of the University of Nairobi Alumni Association; and distinguished alumni of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

– on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Source: APO – Report:

For over two decades, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Abdul Bashiru Kamara has dedicated his life to policing and public service. As an Operations Officer serving with the Sierra Leone Formed Police Unit (SLFPU) under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) at Sector 2, he continues that commitment on the frontlines of peace support operations.

Since joining the Sierra Leone Police in 2005, ASP Kamara has built extensive experience in security operations, leadership, and public safety. Within AUSSOM in Kismayo, his responsibilities are central to ensuring the safety and smooth functioning of mission activities.

“My role in the mission is to provide security escorts and also camp protection,” he explained.

Operating in Somalia requires adaptability, professionalism and strong coordination. For ASP Kamara, one of the main difficulties has been overcoming communication barriers while working in a foreign environment.

As Operations Officer, ASP Kamara oversees a wide range of day-to-day security responsibilities. From coordinating deployments to briefing personnel before assignments, his leadership plays a key role in maintaining discipline and operational readiness within the unit.

“Every morning, we brief our personnel before deployment so they can carry out their duties effectively and perform well.”

ASP Kamara’s role demands constant vigilance and coordination in an environment where security remains a top priority. His experience within AUSSOM has significantly strengthened his professional capabilities. Through training opportunities and collaboration with international partners, he has gained valuable operational and communication skills.

“Since joining the mission, AUSSOM has provided crucial training that elevated our capacity. My communication skills have also improved through working with personnel in the mission area.”

Beyond providing security, the SLFPU collaborate closely the Somali Security Forces (SSF). ASP Kamara said the unit supported community-oriented policing and responsible use of force. These efforts support broader AUSSOM objectives to strengthen Somali security institutions.

With 21 years of policing experience, ASP Abdul Bashiru Kamara represents the professionalism and dedication that Peace Support Operations rely on. His story reflects the broader contribution of African personnel serving in Somalia — men and women working far from home to support peace, stability and the protection of communities.

– on behalf of African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).