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Utilities urged to close the performance gap in smart meter programmes

Source: APO

Smart meters have already been deployed across many utilities and municipalities, yet the expected returns are still not being fully realised.

Improved revenue collection, accurate billing and clearer visibility of consumption remain persistent challenges for organisations that have invested in smart metering infrastructure.

To address this gap, ESI Africa, part of VUKA Group, and GridLens Energy will host a live webinar titled “Maximising smart meter returns” on Tuesday, 2 June 2026 from 14:00 to 15:00 SAST.

The webinar will take a practical look at where smart metering programmes underperform after deployment and what utilities, municipalities and energy users can do to improve outcomes from systems already in place.

Across the sector, common challenges include underutilised data, poor system integration, revenue leakage, billing inaccuracies and limited operational visibility. For many organisations, the issue is not whether to invest in smart metering, but how to extract measurable performance from the investment already made.

The session will bring together experts from GridLens Energy, Drakenstein Municipality and eThekwini Municipality to unpack the technical, financial and operational barriers that prevent smart metering programmes from delivering their full value.

Webinar details

Title: Maximising smart meter returns
Date: Tuesday, 2 June 2026
Time: 14:00 to 15:00 SAST
Registration: https://apo-opa.co/4dCRUcD

Expert speakers

  • Carson Dean, Founder, GridLens Energy
  • Hilton Smith, Chief Accountant: Water and Electricity Billing, Drakenstein Municipality, South Africa
  • Sindisiwe Shozi, Chief Engineer, eThekwini Municipality, South Africa

Key discussion points will include:

  • Why smart meter programmes often fail to deliver expected returns
  • Where value is lost across data, systems and operations
  • How to improve billing accuracy and reduce revenue leakage
  • The role of integration and interoperability in improving performance
  • Practical approaches to extracting more value from existing deployments

The webinar is designed for utilities, municipalities, metering teams, billing departments, revenue managers, infrastructure decision-makers, large commercial and industrial energy users, technology providers and system integrators.

Smart metering investment has already been made. The priority now is performance.

Register for the webinar here:
https://apo-opa.co/4dCRUcD

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

About ESI Africa:
ESI Africa is Africa’s trusted power, energy, water and utility multimedia platform. Positioned as an impartial industry mouthpiece, ESI Africa has delivered technical developments and analysis in print and digital formats since 1996.

Through its print, digital and webinar platforms, ESI Africa connects readers with solution providers and delivers insight into Africa’s energy, power, utility and water transformation.

Website: www.ESI-Africa.com

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group connects people and organisations across Africa’s energy, mining, mobility, green economy and retail sectors through events, content and strategic networking. VUKA Group is a venture partner to The Global Trust Project and a leader of NPO Go Green Africa.

Website: www.WeAreVUKA.com

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DFFE pilots tree-planting initiative to curb wastewater plant odours

Source: Government of South Africa

DFFE pilots tree-planting initiative to curb wastewater plant odours

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is piloting an initiative to plant trees around wastewater treatment plants across the country to help mitigate odours generated by treatment processes and protect surrounding communities and the environment.

“The Wastewater treatment plants are essential for protecting public health and water resources;  however, they are often associated with persistent odour emissions that negatively affect surrounding communities,” Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts said on Monday in Pretoria.

The initiative will begin at the Ekurhuleni Water Care Company (ERWAT), which operates 19 wastewater treatment works. 

According to Swarts, odours generated from processes such as sludge handling, anaerobic decomposition and chemical reactions continue to present environmental and social challenges for nearby communities.

“These odours can lead to neighbouring community discomfort, complaints, and reputational risks, particularly in densely populated areas within the City of Ekurhuleni. 

“Inadequate odour mitigation measures may also weaken public trust and reduce the perceived acceptability of wastewater infrastructure, despite its critical role in service delivery.

“It is therefore important to develop green spaces through tree planting in and around the wastewater treatment plant, which offer buffers between the communities and add to the general wellness of the environment,” Swarts said.

The Deputy Minister was addressing the launch of the Presidential One Billion Trees Programme, which seeks to mobilise South Africans from all walks of life – including government, the private sector, business, interfaith formations, diplomatic corps, traditional leaders, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), youth formations and communities – to plant trees as part of efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The launch follows the success of the 2025 One Million Trees Campaign, during which more than 1.3 million trees were planted across the country on Heritage Day in September 2025. 

The planting of trees in residential settlements, recreational facilities, parks and open spaces has been identified as a critical environmental management intervention to address the effects of climate change. 

The Deputy Minister underscored that greening is not only an environmental responsibility but also a social and economic necessity.

“As a country, we continue to confront the growing challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss and food insecurity. These challenges affect us all, but they weigh most heavily on the poor and vulnerable people,” Swarts said.

She added that biodiversity loss also disproportionately affects the country’s poorest people, particularly in rural areas, who depend directly on natural ecosystems for food, water, medicine, and livelihoods. 

“As ecosystems degrade, these communities face reduced food security, decreased income, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change, exacerbating inequality,” the Deputy Minister said.

She announced that the government plans to plant 10 million trees across the country on Heritage Day this year, working together with all South Africans.

“These trees will be planted across the country in our safe spaces such as schools, community parks, health facilities and in our residential spaces. It is therefore the President’s call that all South Africans participate in this programme by planting trees on Heritage Day,” she said.

The Deputy Minister called on all South Africans, including all spheres of government, organised business, organised labour, civil society and all citizens, to participate in the campaign to plant Ten Million Trees on Heritage Day in September 2026 as part of the Presidential One Billion Trees Programme.

She noted that properties that have been greened using trees and other plants have realised increased property values.

“This, in turn, ensures that Municipalities can collect more rates, thereby enabling increased service delivery in that particular local authority,” she said.

The Deputy Minister explained that the participation of municipalities will improve planning at the municipal level, enabling the identification of projects that can contribute to mitigating climate change, such as repurposing dumping sites into safe and peaceful parks.

“Trees also frequently bear the burden of pollution and industrial waste, especially in densely populated areas and industrialised zones with high levels of air pollution.

“Greening is thus inseparable from the pursuit of spatial justice in the context of a South Africa where the under-development of lower-income communities is the product of historical processes rooted in segregation

“Let us once again come together in the spirit of shared responsibility and common purpose. Let us plant not only trees, but the seeds of hope, dignity and lasting change in every community across our nation,” Swarts said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Western Cape schools closed today amid severe weather conditions

Source: Government of South Africa

Western Cape schools closed today amid severe weather conditions

The Western Cape Education Department says that all schools in the province will be closed on Tuesday due to severe weather conditions affecting parts of the province.

The decision was taken following consultations between the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the South African Weather Service (SAWS), with authorities citing learner and teacher safety as the primary concern.

The closure applies to all public ordinary and special schools across the province.

“In the interests of learner and teacher safety, and after extensive consultation with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a decision has been taken to close all schools in the Western Cape on Tuesday, 12 May 2026,” the Western Cape Education Department said in a statement on Monday.

According to the department, Disaster Management and SAWS recommended the closures based on updated weather projections and current conditions.

“Our default position is always to keep schools open and only close schools in exceptional circumstances, but we are mindful of the severity of the warnings in place,” the department said.

Authorities said the situation will continue to be monitored to allow schools to reopen as soon as conditions improve.

“We will continuously monitor and evaluate the situation to ensure that schools can reopen as soon as possible, which is currently expected to be on Wednesday, 13 May 2026,” the department said. 

As of 13:30 on Monday, a total of 227 schools had applied for closure, in addition to schools already listed for closure in the Cape Winelands and Eden and Central Karoo districts.

The department also confirmed that a number of schools have suffered storm-related damage, which is currently being assessed.

Officials, school principals, teachers and parents were thanked for their cooperation in implementing the school closures.

The department also expressed appreciation to first responders, emergency services and disaster management officials assisting schools during the severe weather conditions. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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NSFAS releases private accommodation payments

Source: Government of South Africa

NSFAS releases private accommodation payments

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has confirmed that payments for private student accommodation at universities were released on Thursday, 7 May 2026.

In a statement issued on Monday, NSFAS said accommodation providers banking with First National Bank (FNB) receive funds immediately upon release, while those using other banks may experience minor delays due to standard interbank processing timelines.

The scheme noted that, in the current quarter alone, it has made three major disbursements to accommodation providers, amounting to over R1.1 billion and benefiting over 100 000 students nationwide.

“To date, 95% of accommodation providers listed on our solution partner portals have had their banking details successfully verified and are now included in direct payments for 2026. For the remaining providers, we are conducting one-on-one engagements to ensure full integration into the direct payment system,” NSFAS said.

NSFAS added that it will issue a monthly disbursement schedule to all accredited accommodation providers. It urged providers to confirm students’ funding status and ensure valid, signed lease agreements are in place, as these remain prerequisites for payment.

The scheme also explained that it is legally mandated to manage accommodation payment functions internally from the start of 2026. This transition has helped resolve several critical issues, including delays in institutional confirmation of students, which affected payment cycles; incorrect classification of some students as transport allowance recipients; and uncertainties regarding accommodation accreditation.

NSFAS acknowledged ongoing operational pressures faced by accommodation providers, including rising utility costs and municipal service challenges.

The scheme reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with sector associations and solution partners to address outstanding issues, including finalising 2026 rental rates, and implementing a more predictable and transparent payment system.

“NSFAS remains committed to the prompt, case-by-case resolution of all payment challenges. We encourage accommodation providers experiencing difficulties to contact us directly for assistance,” the scheme said.

NSFAS further expressed appreciation to accommodation providers for their ongoing partnership and assured all stakeholders of its focus on long-term stability, effective administration, and the wellbeing of NSFAS funded students. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets Ukrainian Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Brussels| May 12, 2026

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met on Tuesday with HE Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha in Brussels.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral cooperation and ways to enhance and develop it, as well as Qatar’s latest efforts in reuniting Ukrainian children with their families, as part of its ongoing mediation efforts aimed at reuniting families separated by the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.

HE Ukrainian Foreign Minister also expressed his country’s gratitude for Qatar’s continued reunification efforts, commending Qatar’s diplomatic endeavors aimed at promoting international peace and security.

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Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Stadium of Life Opens in Maseru

Source: APO

Today marks the official opening of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) (https://FSC.org) Stadium of Life, Africa’s first stadium constructed with sustainably sourced timber. The structure, which sets a new standard for responsible construction practices in Africa, was independently certified by DNV Business Assurance against Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) requirements under project certification (DNV-PRO-002776).

The FSC Stadium of Life is the latest development at the Kick4Life Centre, a hub of social and economic development in the heart of Maseru, Lesotho’s capital city. The centre was first opened in 2011 as part of FIFA’s legacy for the 2010 FIFA Men’s World Cup in South Africa, with this initial support from world football’s governing body resulting in one of the world’s leading examples of a major tournament legacy achieving sustainable social impact.

Today’s event brings together stakeholders from Lesotho and internationally, to learn about the unique approach to sustainable design and construction that was used for the FSC Stadium of Life, as well as learning how the facility supports the wider work of Kick4Life FC, as a charity, social enterprise and football club dedicated to social change.

Gerard Busse, FSC’s Africa and Middle East Regional Market Development Manager, says: “Project certification verifies that the forest materials come from responsibly managed forests, ensuring the promotion of environmental stewardship and community development”.

Peter Alele, FSC’s Africa Regional Director adds: “The project highlights the continent’s potential to set global benchmarks in sustainable forestry, while demonstrating how responsible forest management can support wider social and economic development”.

Greg Markwell, Sales Manager for DNV Business Assurance Africa, says: “We’re proud to have supported the FSC Stadium of Life through our independent certification, helping to give confidence that the timber used is responsibly sourced and traceable. This was a passion project for me personally and the vision reflects DNV’s purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, and shows how sustainability and ingenuity can be embedded into landmark developments that deliver real community value – today and for generations to come”.

The design and construction process was led by Rise International through its ‘in loco’ design and build training programme, which supports the development of young professionals in the construction industry.

Pedro Clarke, the project’s lead architect at Rise International, says: “As the construction sector seeks materials with a lower carbon footprint, eyes are turning towards forest products”.

The stadium features 8,584 treated Eucalyptus poles, minimising concrete use and highlighting the potential of sustainable building materials. The poles were sourced from MTO Forestry’s FSC-certified plantations in Mpumalanga, South Africa, and by using FSC-certified timber, the project directly supports responsible forestry practices.

Daniela Gusman, Founder of Rise International, adds: “The Stadium of Life exemplifies a paradigm shift in sports infrastructure, combining sustainability, social impact, and cultural representation”.

The inclusion of a unique ‘Biodiversity Stand’ dedicated to showcasing diverse flora from across Lesotho’s ten districts further highlights the important relationship between sport and nature, and will be used for community education about the importance of promoting biodiversity.  A small outdoor amphitheatre – the Theatre of Life – has also been integrated, providing a stunning space for a wide range of educational sessions and cultural performances, and the opportunity to watch football through the lens of nature.

Steve Fleming MBE, Co-founder of K4L, says: “With the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup starting next month, we are proud to continue building on the legacy of Africa’s first tournament 16 years ago. Since the initial investment of a centre through FIFA’s ’20 Centres for 2010’ initiative, we have added a number of award-winning hospitality social enterprises, including No.7 Restaurant and Hokahanya Hotel & Conference Centre, which generate income to sustain our sports-based community programmes, as well as providing training and employment opportunities for young people”.

Fleming continues: “Combined with our health education, gender empowerment and life-skills development programmes, this pioneering approach to organisational sustainability and livelihoods saw us recognised with the 2025 Laureus Sport for Good Award, and the FSC Stadium of Life is the latest development which continues to push new boundaries in Sport for Good and the sports industry as a whole”.

Motlatsi Nkhahle, Kick4Life’s Country Director, adds: “The new facility will extend the impact of Kick4Life’s existing centre, serving as a home ground for our football teams, including our women’s team who became national champions of Lesotho in 2025, qualifying for the CAF Women’s Champions League. Through the Kick4Life Academy, the facility will also be used to prepare more young people – on and off the field – for genuinely life-changing student-athlete scholarships at international universities”. 

The launch event will also provide an opportunity for guests to observe a Sport for Good exhibition on Kick4Life’s 5-a-side pitch, with new artificial turf donated by SIS Pitches. There will also be an introduction to the centre’s latest social enterprise – Bophelo Gymnasium & Health Club, led by two young women who have been trained as gym and fitness instructors. Constructed using four repurposed shipping containers, the gym was developed as a part of SESLA (Sport for Education and Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa) and the Sustained Insight and Impact Initiative, backed by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and Agence Française de Développement (AFD).

Nkhahle concludes: “The FSC Stadium of Life is more than just a place to watch football; it is a destination that combines sport, nature, art, culture and social impact. It is an inspirational place where you can become part of a special community dedicated to building a brighter future for the children and young people of Lesotho”.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Forest Stewardship Council.

About Kick4Life FC:
Kick4Life FC is a multi-award-winning charity, social enterprise and football club based in Lesotho in Southern Africa. Their mission is to transform the lives of children and young people in Lesotho through the power of sport, with a range of interventions focused on health, education, gender, employability and nature. Through Kick4Life Assist, they also support organisations globally in developing and implementing Sport for Good programmes and social enterprises. Kick4Life’s work was recognised with the Laureus Sport for Good Award 2025.

About Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®):
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) is a non-profit organization that provides a proven responsible forest management solution. Currently, over 170 million hectares of forests worldwide are certified according to FSC standards. It is widely regarded as the most rigorous forest certification system among NGOs, consumers, and businesses alike to tackle today’s deforestation, climate, and biodiversity challenges. The FSC forest management standard is based on ten core principles designed to address a broad range of environmental, social and economic factors. FSC’s “check tree” label is found on millions of forest-based products and verifies that they are responsibly sourced, from forest to consumer. https://FSC.org.

About Rise International:
Rise International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to partnering with rural African communities to create sustainable opportunities in education, architecture, and economic empowerment, with a special focus on women and children. Their innovative social enterprise model combines humanitarian mission with sustainable business practices, creating self-funding initiatives that generate both social impact and economic value within the communities they serve.

About DNV Business Assurance:
DNV Business Assurance is a leading global provider of accredited management system certification, supply chain assurance, and training services. Operating in over 100 countries, it helps companies across diverse sectors manage risk, improve performance, and ensure compliance, having issued over 70,000 certificates for safety, quality, and environmental standards.

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Qatar Participates in High-Level Meeting of Int. Coalition for Return of Ukrainian Children

Source: Government of Qatar

Brussels| May 11, 2026

The State of Qatar participated in the high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, held in Brussels on Monday.

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad represented the State of Qatar at the meeting.

In her speech during the event, Her Excellency said that today’s meeting reflects collective responsibility to protect civilians affected by conflict, especially children, whose safety, dignity, and future must remain at the core of all international efforts.

In response to the conflict’s humanitarian dimensions and following the State of Qatar’s high-level discussions with both Ukraine and the Russian Federation during 2023, Qatar undertook humanitarian mediation efforts aimed at facilitating the return of Ukrainian children separated from their families, Her Excellency pointed out.

At the request of the Ukrainian side, Qatar carried out a number of humanitarian missions and hosted consultations with both parties in pursuit of this humanitarian objective, she said.

Qatari mediation efforts succeeded in reuniting 87 Ukrainian children with their families, through more than fourteen humanitarian operations conducted in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross, HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation noted.

Her Excellency affirmed that these efforts stemmed from a humanitarian approach that places children’s safety, dignity, and care as the highest priority, in line with international humanitarian principles. 

The State of Qatar hosted a number of Ukrainian families who were reunited in Doha, via dedicated recovery and rehabilitation programs aimed at supporting their physical and psychological well-being, she pointed out.

In addition to its mediation efforts, Qatar has maintained sustainable humanitarian support for the Ukrainian people, as HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani gave directives in 2023 to allocate USD 100 million to support humanitarian response efforts in Ukraine, Her Excellency highlighted, adding that Qatar also contributed to the “Grain from Ukraine” initiative with USD 20 million, in support of international efforts to strengthen global food security.

HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation further said that the State of Qatar supported educational initiatives and child protection projects, including providing university scholarships to Ukrainian students, in addition to a USD 3.5 million initiative to establish and equip shelters in schools and kindergartens, benefiting thousands of children.
In cooperation with the Olena Zelenska Foundation, Qatar supported efforts to rehabilitate and rebuild vital healthcare facilities in Ukraine, including specialized medical facilities dedicated to child care, she also noted.

Her Excellency stressed that protecting children in armed conflicts must remain a shared international priority that transcends political considerations and geopolitical divisions. 

HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation delivered two practical messages to participants: the first being that mediation alone without sustained practical follow-up is not enough, noting that the State of Qatar is ready to share its experience in reuniting children with their families, numbering 115 children, with any country seeking to achieve the same outcome. 

As for her second practical message, it was that every child still separated from their family is waiting for help, adding that time is not on those children’s side, as words alone cannot restore a stolen childhood.
She added that behind every number mentioned today – 87, 28, 115 – is a child asking themselves every night about the moment they will feel safe again.

Although certainty cannot be promised, yet doing everything possible to help them is, Her Excellency said. 
She concluded by reaffirming the State of Qatar’s commitment to continuing its steadfast approach based on diplomacy and mediation to achieve international peace and security, offering its expertise, networks of relations, and belief in genuine humanitarian action. 

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Global Energy Bodies Converge at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 to Shape the Continent’s Energy Future

Source: APO


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As Africa accelerates efforts to balance energy security, industrial growth and decarbonization, African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 will convene a powerful cohort of global associations whose work is increasingly defining the trajectory of the continent’s energy systems. The participation of Nikki Martin, President & CEO of EnerGeo Alliance; Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary of the African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA); and Carol Koech, Vice President for Africa at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), signals a shift toward deeper coordination across the full energy value chain – from subsurface data and upstream investment to downstream infrastructure and universal energy access.

EnerGeo Alliance, under Martin’s leadership, has been advancing the role of geoscience and data-driven exploration in de-risking investments across frontier markets. Its recent strategic engagements, including partnerships supporting renewed exploration activity in countries such as Libya, reflect a broader push to bring technical rigor and investor confidence back into African upstream sectors. By strengthening the link between subsurface intelligence and policy decisions, EnerGeo is helping governments position their resources more competitively in a capital-constrained global market.

Complementing this upstream focus, ARDA has been at the forefront of reinforcing Africa’s downstream resilience. At its 2026 annual conference, the association underscored energy security as a top priority, with refiners across the continent moving to shield themselves from global market volatility and supply disruptions. This comes as Africa continues to expand refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, a shift that is critical not only for economic sovereignty but also for stabilizing domestic energy markets. ARDA’s work increasingly intersects with broader industrialization goals, positioning refining and distribution networks as key enablers of growth.

Bridging these traditional energy systems with the continent’s long-term transition ambitions is GEAPP, where Koech leads the organization’s Africa strategy. The alliance has rapidly emerged as a central force in mobilizing blended finance for large-scale electrification and renewable deployment. In 2026, GEAPP and its partners surpassed $100 million in commitments to support Mission 300 – an initiative aimed at connecting 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030 – while simultaneously working to unlock far greater flows of public and private capital. Through technical assistance, project development and market-shaping interventions, GEAPP is helping translate high-level ambition into bankable projects across nearly two dozen countries.

“African Energy Week has always been about bringing together the right partners at the right time,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “The participation of organizations like EnerGeo Alliance, ARDA and GEAPP reflects the increasing alignment we are seeing across the global energy landscape. These are institutions that are not only shaping policy and investment, but actively delivering solutions on the ground – and their engagement at AEW 2026 will be instrumental in advancing Africa’s energy ambitions.”

As AEW continues to evolve into a platform for integrated energy dialogue, the inclusion of these global associations reinforces its role as a convening point for the partnerships that will define Africa’s next phase of growth. Their participation reflects the growing recognition that Africa’s energy future cannot be addressed through fragmented approaches, but through coordinated action across sectors, institutions and geographies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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I remain here; I will not resign – President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

I remain here; I will not resign – President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says he will not resign following last week’s Constitutional Court judgment on the Section 89 impeachment process linked to the 2020 theft at his Phala Phala farm.

Addressing the nation at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Monday evening, the President said nothing in the Constitutional Court ruling compels him to step down from office, adding that resigning would undermine constitutional processes and efforts to renew the country’s institutions. 

“I, therefore, respectfully want to make it clear that I will not resign. To do so would be to preempt a process defined by the Constitution. To do so would be to give credence to a panel report that unfortunately has grave flaws.
 
“To do so would be to abdicate the responsibility that I assumed when I became President of the Republic. To resign now would be to give in to those who seek to reverse the renewal of our society, the rebuilding of our institutions and the prosecution of corruption,” President Ramaphosa said. 
 
The President said he remains committed to serving South Africans and completing the mandate entrusted to him.

“I fully intend to continue serving the people of South Africa and to advance their interests. There is still much work to be done,” he said.

The Constitutional Court on Friday ruled that certain aspects of the National Assembly rules governing the removal of a President from office are inconsistent with the Constitution. 

The matter stems from a report compiled by an independent panel appointed by the National Assembly in September 2022 to conduct a preliminary inquiry into allegations relating to the theft at the President’s Phala Phala farm in February 2020.

The panel found that information before it disclosed, prima facie, that the President may have committed serious misconduct and violated the Constitution.

However, in December 2022, the National Assembly voted against referring the report to an impeachment committee. 

The Constitutional Court has now set aside that vote and ordered that the panel’s report be referred to Parliament’s Impeachment Committee.

President Ramaphosa said he accepts and respects the judgment.

“I reiterate my firm commitment to the Constitution, the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law,” he said on Monday.

The President announced that he will seek a judicial review of the independent panel’s report, saying he believes it contains “grave flaws”.

“On the basis of advice from my legal team and as envisaged by the Constitutional Court when it said ‘unless and until the report is set aside on review’, I have therefore decided to proceed to take the independent panel’s report on review on an expeditious basis. 

“I do so not out of disrespect for Parliament or its processes, but to affirm the need for such findings to be correct in law and in fact, especially where Parliament’s work would be based on and informed by a report I believe is flawed,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The President maintained that he has not committed any wrongdoing and reiterated that he has cooperated with all investigations into the matter. 

“Since a criminal complaint was laid against me in June 2022, I have consistently maintained that I have not stolen public money, committed any crime nor violated my oath of office. 

“From the beginning, I said that I would cooperate with all institutions that are mandated to deal with these types of matters,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa stressed that the Constitutional Court judgment did not make any findings regarding his conduct.

“The Constitutional Court made no finding of any kind regarding my alleged conduct. The Court made no finding on whether there was prima facie evidence of misconduct, nor if the alleged conduct, if established, justifies impeachment and the removal of the President,” the President said. 

He said resigning now would derail efforts aimed at rebuilding institutions, fighting corruption and advancing economic recovery.

“To resign now would be to give in to those who seek to reverse the renewal of our society, the rebuilding of our institutions and the prosecution of corruption,” he said.

The President reflected on progress made since taking office eight years ago, including implementing the recommendations of the State Capture Commission, recovering stolen funds and intensifying the fight against organised crime and corruption.

“We are implementing the recommendations of the State Capture Commission and those responsible for wrongdoing against our people are being dealt with. 

“Through the Madlanga Commission process, we are confronting corruption and criminality in our law enforcement and security services,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa said despite ongoing challenges facing the country, he remains hopeful about South Africa’s future.

“Guided by the rule of law and the principle of accountability, I intend to fulfil and complete the mandate that you, the people, have given me,” he said.

The President vowed that he will continue to do everything within his means to advance the rebuilding of the economy, the restoration of institutions and the renewal of the society. 
 
He further emphasised that he would do everything in his power to strengthen the institutions that are responsible for safeguarding the country’s democracy and upholding the rule of law so that they may never again be abused, co-opted or repurposed to serve criminal interests.

“I will remain in your service and will continue to act in your interests and in the interests of our diverse and remarkable nation. 

“I am confident that together as a nation we will strive, we will progress and we will overcome our challenges and difficulties. I remain here and I am not resigning. – SAnews.gov.za

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Junior Achievement (JA) Africa and ExxonMobil Foundation Launch Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) Africa 2.0 to Equip the Next Generation of African Innovators

Source: APO

JA (Junior Achievement) Africa (www.JA-Africa.org), with support from the ExxonMobil Foundation, announces the launch of the 2026 ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Program, an initiative designed to equip young Africans with critical science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) and artificial intelligence (AI) skills.

The program builds on a successful partnership that has already reached more than 10,000 young people across Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and Nigeria. The 2026 edition, dubbed STEM Africa 2.0, is an initiative that integrates AI learning pathways and aims to equip 4,000 additional students aged 14–17 with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

The launch comes at a pivotal moment for Africa, where the youth population continues to grow rapidly, yet access to STEM and digital skills remains limited. By combining hands-on learning, mentorship from industry professionals, and real-world problem-solving, the program positions young people to participate meaningfully in emerging sectors such as energy, sustainability, and digital innovation.

Through a structured, four-phase learning experience, participants engage in STEM and AI quizzes, zonal competitions, national innovation camps, and a final continental showcase at Africa Energy Week Conference. These experiences move beyond classroom theory, enabling students to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges while building confidence, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.

“The future of Africa will be shaped by the ideas, ingenuity, and leadership of its young people,” said Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO of JA Africa. “Through STEM Africa 2.0, we are not only strengthening STEM competencies but also opening pathways into artificial intelligence and innovation. This is about ensuring that young people across the continent are prepared to lead, create, and solve problems that matter, both locally and globally.”

Alvin Abraham, President of the ExxonMobil Foundation, added: “We believe that investing in young people is one of the most powerful ways to drive long-term economic growth and resilience. By supporting STEM Africa 2.0, we are helping to bridge the skills gap and enabling young people to engage with emerging technologies that will define the future of work.”

The significance of the 2026 launch lies in its forward-looking approach. By integrating AI literacy into secondary school STEM education, the program directly addresses global workforce trends while ensuring young Africans are not left behind. It also strengthens the connection between education and employability, exposing participants to career pathways in high-growth sectors and building a pipeline of future innovators.

In addition to technical skills, the program emphasizes inclusion, ensuring participation from underserved communities and promoting gender balance across all activities. A strong monitoring and evaluation framework will track learning outcomes, behavioral shifts, and long-term progression into STEM-related pathways.

Young people, educators, and partners interested in participating or learning more about the ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Program can visit ExxonMobilSTEMsAfrica.org.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Junior Achievement (JA) Africa.

Media Contacts:
Ellen Ukpi
Director, Marketing & Communications
JA Africa

About JA Africa:
JA Africa is one of Africa’s largest youth-serving nonprofits, equipping young people with the skillset and mindset to succeed in a global economy. Through immersive learning experiences in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and capabilities, JA Africa reaches more than 1.6 million young Africans annually, preparing them to build thriving communities and sustainable futures.

www.JA-Africa.org

About the ExxonMobil Foundation:
The ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of ExxonMobil, supporting initiatives that advance education, economic opportunity, and community development worldwide. Through strategic partnerships, the Foundation invests in programs that equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to drive long-term societal progress and innovation.

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