Category: English

Posted on

News consumption trends change face of journalism

Source: Government of South Africa

News consumption trends change face of journalism

The impact of technology and rising uptake of social media are making an indelible mark on the landscape of journalism, shifting South African audiences from passive consumers to active participants in the news cycle.

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong on Wednesday said audiences are developing new “news habits” that are transforming the role of journalists and media institutions.

“The good deal of what we know about our world, we know because of journalism,” Morolong said.

Speaking at the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Funders’ Breakfast in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, Morolong said technology, smarter phones and faster internet — coupled with the rise of multinational social media platforms — pull audiences away from local content and shrink revenue streams for news organisations.

“Audiences are also increasingly involved in both curating media for sharing and in commenting, or in other ways augmenting the media they share,” he said.

He warned that digital news consumption, particularly via mobile phones and social media, is fragmenting audiences, weakening traditional income sources.

Printed newspapers — from community titles to established publications — are closing or scaling down at a considerable pace, while community publishers are increasingly struggling to survive.

“While South African news organisations are developing some new business models and income streams that might sustain independent news journalism into the future, this is not happening fast enough or across enough platforms to forestall a likely decline in media diversity, despite the affordances of mobile Internet,” Morolong said.

In the midst of these challenges, Morolong acknowledged the role of funders and partners in keeping community media alive.

“… [Let me extend] government’s deep appreciation for the vital role you play in building a vibrant and sustainable community media landscape.

“Today, we recognise your unwavering commitment and acknowledge the critical role that you, our funders and partners, have made in advancing media development and diversity in our nation.”

He emphasised that while the MDDA often measures its success through the number of community stations supported, the voices amplified and the reach achieved, the true foundation of that impact is anchored in partnerships.

“Behind every one of those measures lies a simple truth — none of it would be possible without partnerships,” he said.

The MDDA is a South African statutory body established in 2003 (Act No. 14 of 2002) to promote media development and diversity. It provides grant funding, training and research support to community and small commercial media, fostering a vibrant, innovative, sustainable, and people-centered sector, particularly in historically disadvantaged communities.

Changing times

Morolong highlighted the financial strain facing the community media csector, noting that the MDDA relies on limited public funds, which must be spread across many beneficiaries.

As a result, many community media outlets operate on tight margins, grappling with high operational costs that too often lead to unsustainability, particularly for smaller projects that struggle to meet regulatory requirements, such as audited financial statements.

Morolong said that 30% funding for community media is now government policy.

“These community radio stations, television broadcasters and print publications exist because of the ecosystem we have collectively built.

“They provide a platform for diverse perspectives, echoing the voices of the citizens they serve and facilitating the fundamental right to freedom of expression.”

He stressed that community media plays a direct role in strengthening democracy by improving access to information and contributing to better social and economic conditions.

With the first community station licensed in February 1995, the sector has grown into a powerful platform reflecting South Africa’s diversity.

Today, stations broadcast in a range of indigenous languages, including Nama and Khilobedu, ensuring that stories are told in languages that resonate most with communities.

Together, they reach an estimated four million listeners across all nine provinces, acting as a vital bridge for both information and culture.

Morolong said the sector’s resilience is supported by key industry bodies such as the National Community Radio Forum, the National Association of Broadcasters and the South African Community Radio Organisation, which continue to guide its growth.

Opening the event, MDDA representative Qondile Khedama underscored the importance of collaboration, telling delegates that the agency’s progress is rooted in strong stakeholder relationships.

“Without interaction with you, the MDDA would not be where it is today. Our interaction with you shows that you are one of the critical stakeholders,” he said.

Khedama called for robust discussions and forward-looking plans to ensure the sustainability of community media, stressing its critical role in local development.

Also addressing the gathering, Sandile Nene, Acting Deputy Director-General for Content Processing and Dissemination at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), acknowledged stakeholder support and reiterated government’s financial commitment through the 30 percent grant.

Nene reminded delegates that South Africa operates within a three-tier broadcasting system and that the MDDA was established as a statutory body to promote media development and diversity.

The MDDA Funders’ Breakfast brought together representatives from community radio stations, newspapers and government, creating a platform not only for reflection, but for charting a path forward. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

0

Posted on

Presidency clarifies Zimbabwe visit, urges law enforcement to act without fear

Source: Government of South Africa

Presidency clarifies Zimbabwe visit, urges law enforcement to act without fear

President Cyril Ramaphosa has clarified that he had no prior knowledge of an individual of interest to law enforcement who was reportedly present during his recent working visit to Zimbabwe.

This follows reports that surfaced after the President’s visit, which took place on Sunday at the invitation of his counterpart Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Briefing media on Wednesday in Cape Town, Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the President travelled to Zimbabwe on Sunday at the invitation of his counterpart, Emmerson Mnangagwa, for discussions on bilateral relations and regional matters.

Magwenya said the visit underscored the deeply historical relationship between the two countries, rooted in their shared struggles against colonialism and apartheid, as well as strong trade ties. In 2025, South African exports to Zimbabwe reached approximately US$4.3 billion, largely driven by agricultural products and machinery.

During the visit, the two leaders held discussions in an informal setting at Mnangagwa’s farm, where Ramaphosa also sought insight into initiatives supporting local farmers in surrounding areas.

However, the Presidency noted “with concern” reports that an individual wanted by law enforcement was present during the visit.

“President Ramaphosa had no prior knowledge of who will be present during the visit nor was he familiar with the said individual. The President flew to Zimbabwe for a meeting with his counterpart and nothing else,” Magwenya said.

He added that the President supports ongoing investigations, urging law enforcement agencies to pursue the matter “with no fear or hesitation”.

Water crisis response intensified

Magwenya also provided an update on the National Water Crisis Committee (WATERCOM), established earlier this year and chaired by the President to coordinate responses to water supply challenges.

The committee brings together key departments including Water and Sanitation, National Treasury, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements, Public Works and Infrastructure, Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, as well as the South African Police Service.

At a technical level, the structure is led by the Director-General in the Presidency, Phindile Baleni.

WATERCOM is overseeing the implementation of a National Water Action Plan aimed at addressing supply disruptions and accelerating reforms across government.

The plan focuses on improving service delivery in priority areas, reforming local government water systems, unlocking infrastructure investment, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and tackling corruption and criminality in the sector, including the misuse of water tankers.

Engagements on the plan have already taken place with provinces and municipalities, with further consultations planned with business, labour and civil society. An advisory group of water experts from academia and other institutions is also being established.

May programme

Meanwhile, the Presidency outlined a busy programme for President Ramaphosa in May.

On Thursday, the President will visit the South32 Hillside Aluminium smelter in Richards Bay to mark 30 years of operations. The facility, the largest aluminium smelter in the southern hemisphere, supports an estimated 29,000 jobs and has contributed around R35 billion to the economy over the past decade.

On 12 May, Ramaphosa will officially open the Africa Travel Indaba in Durban, a major platform for tourism investment and collaboration across the continent.

He is also expected to address the BlackRock Infrastructure Investment Conference on 13 May, engaging global investors on opportunities in energy, transport, digital and water infrastructure.

Other key engagements include responding to oral questions in the National Assembly on 14 May, presiding over the National Orders awards on 19 May, and undertaking a working visit to Botswana on 20 May for the South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission.

The Presidency said these engagements form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, drive investment, and address domestic challenges facing the country. –SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM

2

Posted on

NCOP to takes ‘Parliament to the People’ programme to the North West

Source: Government of South Africa

NCOP to takes ‘Parliament to the People’ programme to the North West

The National Council of Provinces (NCOP), led by Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, will roll out its flagship public participation and oversight programme, Taking Parliament to the People (TPTTP), to the Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality in the North West next week.

The programme will run from 12 to 15 May 2026, under the theme: “Celebrating 30 Years of the Constitution: Deepening Participatory Democracy for Service Delivery.”

TPTTP forms part of the NCOP’s constitutional mandate in terms of Section 72, which requires Parliament to facilitate public participation and conduct its business in an open and transparent manner.

Parliament’s spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said the NCOP, as the House representing provincial and local interests at national level, plays a unique and critical role in strengthening South Africa’s democracy.

“Its core functions include oversight over local and provincial government; cooperative governance and protecting provincial interests. The NCOP acts as a bridge, ensuring that provincial and local concerns inform national policy and legislation,” Mothapo said.

He added that the TPTTP programme creates a direct platform for collaboration by bringing together all three spheres of government to the same table, with the same communities.

“Through the TPTTP, delegates to the NCOP assess service delivery challenges first-hand and hold government leaders accountable. The programme, therefore, is not merely a public dialogue but a constitutional exercise in participatory democracy, accountability and cooperative governance. It brings democracy to life at the grassroots level by enabling citizens to voice their concerns and contribute directly to decision-making processes,” Mothapo explained.

It also provides a unique platform for all three spheres of government, including national, provincial and local, to engage collectively on service delivery challenges and policy matters affecting communities.

The programme will enable communities in the Kenneth Kaunda District and surrounding municipalities to engage directly with government leaders on key service delivery issues.

These include local economic development and job creation; infrastructure maintenance, covering water and sanitation, roads, electricity, human settlements, health, and mining; as well as financial management and governance.

Activities will include public hearings, oversight visits to service delivery hotspots, and direct engagements with permanent delegates to the NCOP, Ministers, Members of Provincial Legislatures (MPLs), and local councillors.– SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

7

Posted on

French Climate Envoy Benoît Faraco Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as France Deepens Energy Partnership with Africa

Source: APO – Report:

.

Benoît Faraco, Ambassador for Climate Negotiations, Decarbonized Energy and Climate Risk Prevention at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, will participate in African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, scheduled for October 12–16 in Cape Town. Faraco is expected to engage African policymakers, investors and industry leaders on France’s evolving approach to climate diplomacy and its energy investment strategy across the continent.

His participation comes at a time when African countries are seeking to mobilize significant capital to expand energy access and develop new generation capacity across renewables, natural gas and emerging green fuels, as more than 600 million people across the continent still lack access to electricity. At the same time, France is strengthening its engagement with African energy markets through a renewed 2026 strategy centered on climate finance, infrastructure partnerships and long-term industrial cooperation.

Africa’s energy transition represents one of the largest untapped opportunities globally. The continent holds an estimated 482,000 GW of solar potential, around 180,000 TWh of annual wind potential and roughly 10% of global hydropower resources, of which nearly 90% remains undeveloped. Africa is also positioning itself as a future hub for green hydrogen, with potential production capacity estimated at 30–60 million tons per year by 2050. Against this backdrop, France is increasingly shifting from project-level engagement toward supporting integrated energy systems that link domestic supply development with regional and export-oriented markets.

French investment in Africa’s renewable energy sector continues to expand through a combination of public financing, concessional lending and private sector participation. The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) is playing a central role in scaling deployment, reducing risk for private investors and supporting transmission and grid infrastructure. Through its African Renewable Energy Scale-Up Program, AFD provides between €20 million and €100 million per project, supporting solar, wind and geothermal developments across multiple markets, including Mauritania, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

Beyond financing, French energy companies remain among the most active international developers in Africa’s power sector. EDF power solutions is targeting a fivefold increase in its renewable energy portfolio on the continent between 2024 and 2026, with ambitions to reach 3 GW of installed capacity in the near term.

ENGIE continues to expand its presence across wind, solar, desalination, battery storage and green hydrogen projects, while TotalEnergies is advancing integrated energy developments across markets including Mozambique, South Africa, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Rwanda and Uganda – reflecting France’s growing footprint in Africa’s broader energy diversification landscape.

“Africa’s renewable energy potential represents an opportunity not only for French companies, but also for strengthening Europe’s long-term energy security through electricity and green fuel trade,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “AEW provides a key platform for aligning investment strategies, harmonizing policy approaches and building mutually beneficial partnerships between Africa and France.”

Beyond renewables, France is supporting long-term nuclear energy development across Africa as part of a diversified energy mix. As one of the world’s leading nuclear power producers, it is working to strengthen institutional and technical capacity through initiatives such as the INSC Africa program, which supports countries including South Africa, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco and Nigeria in developing regulatory frameworks, safety systems and workforce training.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Posted on

Radisson Hotel Group leads with Verified Net Zero hotels and highlights Think People, Community, and Planet actions in its 2025 Responsible Business Report

Source: APO – Report:

In a rapidly evolving operating environment shaped by shifting guest expectations, climate risk, and increasing regulatory requirements, sustainability continues to guide the Group’s strategic direction. Radisson Hotel Group (www.RadissonHotels.com) remains committed to supporting careers and communities, as well as achieving Net Zero by 2050. The Group focuses on strengthening the long-term competitiveness of its hotels and owners through sustainability and contributes to the transition toward a low-carbon hospitality sector.

The report highlights how this strategy is being embedded across the business through a structured five-year plan and operational priorities focused on energy efficiency, electrification, renewable energy, and responsible resource use.

A key milestone in 2025 was the launch of the Group’s first Verified Net Zero hotels, establishing a scalable model for reducing emissions across both existing and new properties. These projects demonstrate that meaningful decarbonization can be achieved within operational hotel environments.

The report also provides a transparent view of performance across Radisson Hotel Group’s Think People, Think Community, and Think Planet pillars, translating strategic priorities into measurable outcomes across its global portfolio. This ensures that sustainability remains embedded in decision-making, building trust with guests, owners, partners, and team members, while supporting long-term value creation.

Highlights from the report include:

Think People

People are at the heart of Radisson Hotel Group’s success, with a strong focus on investment in talent development, well-being, and inclusive career growth across its global team of more than 75,000 team members in over 100 countries. The Radisson People Foundation, launched in 2024 to support team members in times of need, assisted more than 250 team members globally. Additional progress includes:

  • 84% team member engagement score, outperforming the industry average by 18%
  • 31% of women in leadership positions, supporting greater gender balance
  • 206 hotels certified by Safehotels, strengthening safety and security for guests and teams

Radisson Hotel Group continues to invest in learning and growth, with its Radisson Academy delivering more than 8.5 million learning hours and 40% of job openings filled internally, reflecting a clear commitment to career progression.

Think Community

The Group continues to create shared value in the wider value chain and communities it is part of through local initiatives and global programs. Its partnership with Just a Drop has helped provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene access to more than 34,000 people. Further impact in 2025 includes:

  • €890,000 in cash and in-kind donations globally
  • 79,000 volunteer hours contributed by hotel and corporate teams
  • EcoVadis Silver Medal, with 76% of global suppliers assessed, reinforcing responsible sourcing practices

These initiatives support community access to essential resources and bolster the Group’s commitment to ethical and inclusive business practices.

Think Planet

Radisson Hotel Group is transitioning to Net Zero by 2050, focusing on the adoption of sustainable building standards, renewable energy, and resource-efficient hotel operations. The new Verified Net Zero program provides a practical, scalable model for reducing emissions across the hotel portfolio. Key milestones include:

  • 23% reduction in emissions intensity per square meter versus the 2019 baseline
  • 6% reduction in total Scope 1 and 2 emissions versus 2019 (24%), while the portfolio grew by 20%
  • 78 hotels operating on 100% renewable electricity, with aims to continue expansion of renewable energy sourcing

In 2025, the Group opened its first Verified Net Zero Hotels in Manchester City Centre and Oslo City Centre, demonstrating how existing and new hotels can operate with significantly reduced carbon emissions across scopes 1, 2, and 3, and still maintain high guest experience and operational standards.

The 2025 report marks an important step forward in transparency and accountability. It is the Group’s first Responsible Business Report aligned with the European Union’s Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs (VSME) reporting framework, based on a double materiality approach that identifies and manages key environmental, social, and governance impacts, risks, and opportunities.

To explore how Radisson Hotel Group is making a meaningful impact every day, download the full report here (https://apo-opa.co/49wpLkZ).

– on behalf of Radisson Hotel Group.

Media Contact:
Saadiyah Hendricks,
Director Global Corporate & Area PR and Social Media (MEA, MED, SEAP) 
Saadiyah.hendricks@radissonhotels.com

 Or connect with Radisson Hotels on:
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4uQM0dZ
TikTok: https://apo-opa.co/4nihneU
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/493S6PJ
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4uqOzTx 
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4cSqwaj 
WhatsApp: https://apo-opa.co/4tg8i7u
X: https://apo-opa.co/3QR8psJ

About Radisson Hotel Group:
Radisson Hotel Group is a rapidly expanding international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with more than 1,600 hotels in operation and under development in +100 countries. The Group’s overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos.

The Radisson brand portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art’otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson — brought together under one commercial umbrella brand, Radisson Hotels.

Radisson Rewards (https://apo-opa.co/42iRhhZ) is Radisson Hotel Group’s loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter, counting more than 27 million members. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.

Radisson Meetings (https://apo-opa.co/3QRR7vA) provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions, placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional, and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely Carbon Compensated.

At Radisson Hotel Group, we care for people, communities, and planet (https://apo-opa.co/3R6AfBg) and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as carbon-compensated Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics.

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group’s portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members.

For more information, visit our corporate website (https://apo-opa.co/48KPB4v).

Media files

.

Posted on

Banco Angolano de Investimentos (BAI) Backs Angola’s Financing Drive as Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 Silver Sponsor

Source: APO – Report:

.

Angolan financial institution Banco Angolano de Investimentos (BAI) has been confirmed as a Silver Sponsor of the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 Conference and Exhibition, reinforcing the growing role of domestic financial institutions in underwriting the country’s next phase of hydrocarbon and energy infrastructure development. Taking place on September 9–10 with a pre-conference day on September 8, AOG 2026 is increasingly positioning Angolan capital as a critical lever in converting project pipelines into bankable investments.

The sponsorship signals a broader shift in Angola’s oil and gas financing landscape. While international capital continues to play a central role in large-scale upstream developments, domestic banks are becoming more active in structuring and supporting mid-sized and early-stage projects, particularly in onshore exploration and independent operator activity. This is a segment where capital access remains uneven, despite strong geological potential and a steady pipeline of licensing opportunities.

The financing gap is most visible in downstream infrastructure. Angola’s Lobito Refinery alone faces an estimated $4.8 billion investment shortfall, underscoring the scale of capital required to close the country’s refining deficit and reduce reliance on imported fuels. For local institutions such as BAI, this represents both a challenge and a strategic entry point, as domestic lenders look to syndicate financing, co-invest alongside international partners and deepen exposure to energy-linked assets with long-term revenue profiles.

At the same time, Angola’s upstream strategy is evolving. Independent operators are playing an increasingly prominent role in advancing marginal fields and onshore blocks, but these projects often fall outside the traditional financing frameworks used by major international oil companies. This creates a structural opportunity for domestic banks to step in with more tailored financing solutions, particularly as regulatory reforms and licensing rounds continue to expand access to acreage.

AOG 2026 is designed to address these opportunities. The event serves not only as a dealmaking platform for international investors, but increasingly as a marketplace for domestic capital allocation. By convening operators, project developers and financial institutions, the conference facilitates direct engagement between those structuring projects and those capable of financing them locally.

BAI’s presence at AOG 2026 reflects this trend. As Angola works to sustain production, expand refining capacity and build out its gas and power value chains, the ability to mobilize local capital alongside international investment will increasingly determine which projects move forward and at what pace.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Posted on

Global Tech Firms Unified Digital Group (UDG) and Era Join African Energy Week (AEW) 2026’s Inaugural Artificial intelligence (AI) and Data Center Track

Source: APO – Report:

.

Leo LaBranche, CEO of Unified Digital Group (UDG) – a global business consulting and advisory firm – and Geoffrey Levene, Partner at Era – an AI-focused investment firm – have been confirmed as featured speakers at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026. During the event, they will take part in the inaugural AI and Data Center Track – NexaGrid: Create. Enable. Build Africa’s Finest Data Centers for the Future. Their participation brings together two influential perspectives on how large-scale digital infrastructure, capital allocation and energy systems are converging across global and African markets.

AEW 2026, scheduled for October 12–16 in Cape Town, will expand its focus on digital infrastructure through the dedicated track, which sits at the intersection of energy, compute and industrial development. The program will examine how data centers are evolving into anchor demand assets for power systems, alongside discussions on sovereign cloud frameworks, intelligent grids and the integration of AI into national energy planning across African economies.

UDG, led by LaBranche, is positioned at the forefront of this convergence, focusing on end-to-end AI infrastructure development that spans gigawatt-scale energy planning, hyperscale data center deployment and satellite-enabled connectivity for remote operations. The group’s recent strategic direction includes agentic AI systems designed for enterprise automation, as well as physical technology integration such as private network infrastructure and robotics, with a strong emphasis on deployment in frontier and emerging markets, including Africa.

Era, where Levene serves as Partner, operates as a bridge between global family capital and the physical infrastructure layer of AI, with a strong focus on data centers, energy systems and compute supply chains. The firm works closely within the broader AI ecosystem to identify investment opportunities linked to hyperscale infrastructure growth, while also supporting ventures in defense tech, climate systems and next-generation AI platforms that depend on high-density computing capacity.

“What we are seeing is a structural shift where digital infrastructure is becoming just as critical as traditional power generation in driving economic growth. The participation of LaBranche and Levene reflects this accelerating convergence between energy infrastructure and digital systems across Africa. This strategic AI- and data-focused track brings together technology and leadership needed to turn that convergence into real, bankable projects across the continent,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

Across Africa, AI and data center development is increasingly being incorporated into long-term energy planning frameworks alongside conventional generation and transmission projects. These facilities are linked to increased electricity demand requirements for new capacity additions, as well as ongoing efforts by utilities and operators to improve grid efficiency through data-driven monitoring and analytics. They are also being discussed in relation to sovereign digital infrastructure requirements for supporting industrial activity, financial services systems and public-sector digital services.

AEW 2026’s AI and Data Center track reinforces Cape Town’s growing role as a convening point for energy and technology dialogue on the continent, bringing together policymakers, investors and infrastructure leaders. The participation of UDG and Era underscores a broader shift toward integrated investment models where compute, power and capital deployment are aligned to accelerate Africa’s digital and energy transformation.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Posted on

Response to Hantavirus case was swift – contact tracing began within hours

Source: Government of South Africa

Response to Hantavirus case was swift – contact tracing began within hours

South African officials worked with speed to detect, contain and respond to the case of Hantavirus detected in the country.

This according to Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, who briefed Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health on Wednesday morning.

The Minister’s update followed the confirmation of Hantavirus in a critically ill British national in South Africa, and in a woman who collapsed at OR Tambo International Airport. She later died in South Africa. Her husband, a third patient, passed away in St Helena.

The three were passengers aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, which was sailing from Argentina to the Canary Islands via Cape Verde.

Motsoaledi explained that contact tracing continues, with 62 people already identified. 

“The lady who arrived at OR Tambo flew in from St Helena… we needed to know the people who were there at the airport before she collapsed (sic). The third contact traces are healthcare workers in Kempton Park where the lady went. 

“The fourth contact traces relate to the gentleman in a hospital in Sandton (and the ambulance crew). He was airlifted directly and didn’t come by commercial flight. 

“The total number of people who were traced and who could have come in contact with them were 62. [Some] 42 of them have already been traced and they are being observed.  The work is ongoing,” Motsoaledi said.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is also conducting contact tracing internationally.

Addressing questions on how one of the patients had been allowed to come into OR Tambo International Airport, the Minister explained that the woman had not presented herself as ill to airline staff in St Helena, making it difficult to flag her in advance.

“On a routine basis, air staff are in touch with countries to report any person who might be sick in the aircraft to warn them…

“In this case, there was no warning coming in because even the staff did not pick up anything. When she arrived at the airport, she came in just like any traveller, not as a sick person. When people arrive, especially from international destinations, we have a temperature measuring [machine] but it does not mean that every human being who is sick [has a high] temperature. 

“This lady went through the scan. It did not record anything from temperature (sic). It cannot be said that South Africa’s safety mechanisms were so lax that they just allowed people in without screening,” Motsoaledi said.

The other patient currently in hospital was medically evacuated from Ascension Island to a South African private health facility in Sandton.

Hantavirus

There are 38 strains of Hantavirus. The Andes strain, which is predominant in South America, is the strain which was the cause of the infection detected in the patients who died in South Africa.

“Person-to-person contact is very rare and it has happened under specific conditions, namely: there must be very close person-to-person contact for transmission to occur from one human to another. Not surprising [is] that the first persons who died are husband and wife.

“It happens to be the only strain out of the 38 that is known to cause human-to-human transmission. But… such transmission is very rare and only happens due to very close contact,” Motsoaledi told the committee.

The Minister explained that Hantavirus is a zoonotic disease transmitted from wild animals to humans and is endemic to the Americas.

 “Whether South African rats carry this… as far as I know, I have never been told of any presence of Hantavirus on the African continent.

“From the information I have, South African rats do not carry Hantavirus because it’s a virus that is found in the Americas… Europe [and]… India,” he said.

South African response

At the same briefing, infectious diseases expert at the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), Professor Lucille Blumberg, told the committee that South African authorities had confirmed detection of the virus “within 24 hours of alert” from international colleagues about concerns about the cruise ship.

“On a ship, it’s not unusual for elderly people to travel… and deaths do occur. The first three cases are elder persons, all of whom have comorbidities. [A colleague] alerted me to patient 3, who was admitted to a hospital in Johannesburg as a pneumonia patient… Within 12 hours, we had an international call and we had a number of players discussing this. It is quite a remarkable effort to make that diagnosis of a most unusual pathogen in a most unusual setting in such a short time.

“As a country, we’ve done extremely well. Patients don’t come and say, ‘I’m part of [this]’ and it does take a bit of time to get all the facts. Within 24 hours, we knew what we were dealing with and we had a large amount of information,” Blumberg said.

Furthermore, contacts were identified and contact tracing began.

“All the names of people who were involved – at OR Tambo, those at the hospital close to the airport and all of those who either transported or admitted the patient – were put on a list and contact monitoring was started.

“It was started even before we knew what we were dealing with. That is in progress and is really working quite well. The incubation period is quite long… and they will have to be monitored. We will go back and identify who is a high risk and decide what we are going to do, and maybe intensify monitoring on those people,” Blumberg explained.

Collaboration with experts in other countries is also underway.

“We have had a number of consultations with counterparts in South America, who have a lot experience of Hantavirus. There’s been lab consultations. The international community have come together to support…in an extraordinary way and all of this has been coordinated through the WHO.

“This is quite an extraordinary response to what was an unknown, unusual virus in an unusual setting,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

1

Posted on

Western Cape activates disaster preparedness measures ahead of severe weather

Source: Government of South Africa

Western Cape activates disaster preparedness measures ahead of severe weather

The Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), in coordination with municipalities and emergency services, has activated monitoring and preparedness measures across affected districts, as the province braces for severe weather conditions.

Members of the Provincial Legislature convened on Tuesday evening, 5 May 2026, to assess the state of readiness of disaster risk management teams in anticipation of an intense weather system expected to impact several regions.

The Western Cape Government expressed confidence in the level of preparedness among disaster management agencies and stakeholders. Discussions included the latest operational updates from the Joint Operations Centre (JOC), which has been activated through the PDMC.

The briefing followed an extended Premier’s Coordinating Forum (PCF) meeting, where mayors and municipal managers from affected areas gave the assurance that all emergency resources have been mobilised.

The principals indicated that continuous monitoring of dam and river levels is underway, particularly in areas where storage capacity is already under pressure.

During the JOC briefing, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) confirmed that a cut-off low system remains in place and is expected to affect parts of the Western Cape, including the Garden Route, Central Karoo, and other inland regions.

In addition to heavy rainfall, the system is expected to bring strong to gale-force winds, very rough sea conditions, especially between Cape Agulhas and Plettenberg Bay, and dangerous wave activity that may pose risks to coastal infrastructure and public safety.

Cold conditions are also expected, with the possibility of snowfall over high-lying areas and mountain passes.

Acting Western Cape Premier, Dr Ivan Meyer, said all provincial departments are on high alert, with the South African Police Service expected to deploy necessary resources.

“Daily JOC meetings will continue until the severe weather subsides. Our highest priority is to protect lives. I strongly encourage all residents to stay safe and avoid taking unnecessary risks,” Meyer said.

He added that the provincial government and other role players will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as required.

Residents have been urged to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines, including, including avoiding non-essential travel during peak of the weather event, staying clear of rivers, streams and flooded roadways, refraining from coastal and marine activities, securing loose household items that may be displaced by strong winds, and adhering to official warnings and updates issued by authorities.

School closures

As a precautionary measure, the Western Cape Education Department has announced school closures on Wednesday and Thursday in selected circuits within the Eden and Central Karoo Education Districts. Affected areas include George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, and surrounding areas.

Learner transport services in affected circuits have also been suspended. The full list of school closures is available on the WCED website: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education 

The Provincial Legislature has expressed appreciation to all officials and stakeholders who are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of communities during the adverse weather conditions. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

0

Posted on

Six months to go to Dakar 2026: International Olympic Committee (IOC) Young Leaders ready to turn Olympic values into action

Source: APO – Report:

In exactly six months, eight International Olympic Committee (IOC) (www.Olympics.com) Young Leaders (http://apo-opa.co/4dngApr) from Africa, Europe and the Americas will head to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) (http://apo-opa.co/4dngBtv) to turn the Olympic values into action. On site, they will work directly with young athletes and local communities, delivering hands-on sport-based activities designed to spark confidence, promote inclusion and create meaningful connections through sport. “This is about finishing what we began,” said Zouzar Bouka. “Everest demands humility and perseverance. Last year taught us hard lessons. This year, we return as a family, carrying Madagascar with us every step of the way.”

KEY FACTS

  • Eight IOC Young Leaders from Africa, Europe and the Americas will be present at Dakar 2026, engaging directly with the competing athletes.
  • Based at Athlete365 House in the Youth Olympic Village, the IOC Young Leaders will highlight how sport and the Olympic values can positively impact well-being, inclusion and education, every day and everywhere.
  • The IOC Young Leaders will also engage with local communities across Dakar, extending the legacy and impact of the Youth Olympic Games beyond the competition venues.

The group of Young Leaders brings together a diverse range of changemakers using sport as a tool for social development in their respective communities, and includes strong representation from Africa:

Audrey Oronda (http://apo-opa.co/3QI8gYJ) (Kenya)

Jordan Joel (http://apo-opa.co/4evpaDG) (Nigeria)

Nadine Taderera (http://apo-opa.co/4dngDl7) (Zimbabwe)

Sara Moamen Abdelsamie (http://apo-opa.co/4cSX04d) (Egypt)

Shereif Kholeif (http://apo-opa.co/42lDxmG) (Great Britain/Egypt)

Jacqueline Simoneau (http://apo-opa.co/4eAsM7v) (Canada)

SunMin Park (http://apo-opa.co/48MsarE) (Canada)

Rafael Valdivieso (http://apo-opa.co/4d8YaY8) (Dominican Republic)

A MOMENT OF PRIDE AND CONNECTION

At Dakar 2026, the energy of the YOG will go beyond competition. For the IOC Young Leaders, the moment is about people, connection and impact.

“Being part of Dakar 2026 represents far more than participation; it is history in the making,” said Sara Moamen Abdelsamie. “As an African, standing on home soil of the first Olympic event ever to be held on our continent fills me with pride, purpose and deep gratitude. It is an extraordinary privilege to be part of this legacy”.

For Jordan Joel, being present in Dakar carries a deeply personal meaning.

“As a Nigerian, it is an honour to contribute to the first Olympic event held in Africa. I hope to inspire young people to see how sport can be used to support communities and address important challenges. It’s more than a game.”

Jordan Joel

IOC Young Leader

Audrey Oronda highlighted the opportunity Dakar 2026 represents for young people: “For me, Dakar 2026 is a moment to amplify youth voices, celebrate inclusion, and inspire long-term change across communities.”

Nadine Taderera, emphasised the importance of connection.

Being part of Dakar 2026 means getting the opportunity to engage with people from diverse backgrounds in celebration of the power of sport.

Nadine Taderera

IOC Young Leader

YOUNG LEADERS CONNECTING WITH YOUNG ATHLETES

United by a shared commitment to social impact through sport, the IOC Young Leaders’ projects address key challenges aligned with the IOC’s Olympism365 strategy to build a better world through sport, including access to education, gender equality, inclusion, peace-building, well-being and youth empowerment.

Their initiatives range from supporting people living with chronic conditions through sport, to empowering women and girls, strengthening community cohesion, creating safer environments and promoting the holistic development of student-athletes.

Inside Athlete365 House in the Youth Olympic Village, the IOC Young Leaders will create a space where athletes can pause, engage and reflect. Through simple, interactive moments – including games, conversations and short learning experiences – they will introduce the athletes to the ideas behind the IOC’s Olympism365 strategy (http://apo-opa.co/3P7W6Yz), showing how sport can shape lives far beyond the field of play.

Outside the Youth Olympic Village, the Young Leaders will also engage with local communities across Dakar, ensuring that the impact of the Games extends beyond the competition venues and resonates throughout the host city.

The Dakar 2026 YOG will take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026.

IOC YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAMME CONTRIBUTING TO OLYMPISM 365 DAYS A YEAR

Launched in 2016, the IOC Young Leaders Programme empowers young people to leverage the power of sport to make a positive difference in their communities. The programme contributes to Olympism365 (http://apo-opa.co/3P7W6Yz), the IOC’s approach to using sport as an important enabler of sustainable development, and specifically to Olympism365’s Innovation portfolio, which aims to identify, sustain and scale innovative sports-based approaches that deliver concrete impact in targeted communities.

– on behalf of International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Media files

.