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Tourism Minister welcomes Turkish decision to increase direct flights

Source: Government of South Africa

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has welcomed the decision by the Turkish Airlines to increase its direct services between South Africa and Türkiye to 20 weekly flights to strengthen air connectivity between the two countries.

From October 2026, the airline will operate 10 weekly direct flights between Istanbul and Johannesburg and 10 weekly direct flights between Istanbul and Cape Town. 

Turkish Airlines currently operates seven weekly flights to Johannesburg and seven weekly flights to Cape Town. The additional flights will be introduced ahead of South Africa’s summer tourism season.

“This expansion is the result of deliberate engagements between Department of Tourism and Turkish Airlines, supported by growing demand for travel to South Africa.

“It is another vote of confidence in our tourism sector and aligns with our efforts to improve air access through the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan. More flights mean more visitors, more trade, more investment, and ultimately, more jobs,” De Lille said.

The increased frequency is supported by strong market performance. In May 2026, arrivals from Türkiye increased by 92% compared with the same month in 2025, highlighting the growing demand for travel between the two countries.

South Africa’s tourism sector continues to build strong momentum following a record 10.5 million international arrivals in 2025. Between January and May 2026, the country welcomed 4 761 108 international visitors, representing a 12.8% year-on-year increase.

To further stimulate demand, South African Tourism and Turkish Airlines have agreed to implement a joint destination marketing campaign to promote travel between the two countries and support strong passenger demand on the expanded route network.

The announcement follows a series of positive developments in South Africa’s international air connectivity.

In June, Spanish carrier Air Europa launched its inaugural direct service between Madrid and Johannesburg, while last week Brazil’s LATAM Airlines commenced three weekly direct flights between São Paulo and Cape Town.

These developments reinforce the implementation of the Cabinet-approved Tourism Route Development Marketing Plan, which seeks to expand direct connectivity, strengthen strategic airline partnerships, and unlock new tourism and investment opportunities for South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

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Report into KZN healthcare workers’ deaths released

Source: Government of South Africa

Report into KZN healthcare workers’ deaths released

The Health Ombud has found that a series of deaths involving healthcare professionals at public health establishments in KwaZulu-Natal was not as a result of workplace bullying, victimisation, or adverse working conditions at hospitals under investigation.

The investigation probed the deaths of six healthcare workers at the Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, Addington Hospital, Port Shepstone Hospital, Ngwelezane Hospital, Benedictine Hospital and Vryheid Hospital.

The investigation report was released by Health Ombud, Professor Taole Mokoena, during a media briefing on Wednesday.

“The Health Ombud found no evidence linking the deaths directly to workplace bullying, victimisation, or adverse working conditions in the hospitals under investigation.

“However, the investigation identified significant systemic challenges affecting healthcare professionals across all the aforementioned health establishments,” an Ombud statement read.

Key findings of the investigation include:
•    Dr Alulutho Mazwi, a medical intern at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, did not die while on duty, as widely reported. Dr Mazwi had been suffering from uncontrolled diabetes.
•    Dr Tumelo Kgaladi of Addington Hospital died at his residence. The investigation found that he had a history of mental health problems, which he had not disclosed to the authorities.
•    Mr Mvelo Cele, a radiographer at Port Shepstone Hospital, died while on duty. An autopsy confirmed he died of cardiac arrest. There is no evidence linking his death to workplace conditions.
•    Dr Siyabonga Zulu of Ngwelezane Hospital died in a motor vehicle accident while off duty. There is no link between his death and his work environment.
•    Dr S.I. Ngidi of Benedictine Hospital died after ingesting rat poison while off duty. The investigation found that he had been implicated in a fraudulent birth registration.
•    Dr Francis Idika of Vryheid Hospital died of natural causes from a ruptured aortic aneurysm. The investigation found no evidence to support allegations that he died by suicide due to workplace bullying or victimisation

“While no direct causal link was established between the deaths and working conditions, the investigation identified serious systemic concerns across several health establishments.

“These include persistent staffing shortages, frozen vacant posts, rising workloads, shortages of medical equipment and supplies, inadequate employee wellness support services, infrastructure challenges, and security concerns affecting healthcare workers,” the statement noted.

Employee wellness
 

While the investigation did not find any direct links to the deaths and workplace health, the Ombud found increased pressure and under resourced employee wellness services is affecting staff.

“The investigation also found that many healthcare professionals, particularly interns, experience significant pressure to avoid taking sick leave due to concerns about extending training rotations and increasing other colleagues’ workloads.

“In some facilities, employee wellness and support services were found to be under-resourced and unable to adequately meet staff needs.

“The Health Ombud further noted that ongoing budget constraints within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health have contributed to staffing shortages and resource limitations, negatively affecting both healthcare workers’ morale and service delivery,” the statement read.

The Ombud has made several recommendations for each hospital including:
•    Strengthening employee wellness programmes
•    Improving staff support systems
•    Addressing security concerns
•    Enhancing oversight and accountability
•    Ensuring compliance with the prescribed norms and standards for healthcare establishments

“The report’s findings and recommendations will be referred to the Office of Health Standards Compliance [OHSC] for monitoring and implementation as per Statutes. The Health Ombud will continue to work closely with the OHSC to ensure that the recommendations translate into meaningful improvements in healthcare worker well-being, patient safety and the quality of care.

“[Ombud] Professor Taole Mokoena and his staff extend their condolences to the families, colleagues and communities affected by these deaths.

“The investigation underscores the need to create safe, supportive and adequately resourced working environments for healthcare professionals and to ensure that public healthcare establishments continue to deliver quality services to all healthcare users,” the statement concluded.

At the briefing, Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi reiterated condolences to the affected families and staff at the six hospitals.

“No report, no matter how thorough it is, can fill the void left by the loss of loved ones. The pain carried by parents, spouses, children, siblings, friends and colleagues cannot be measured in findings, recommendations and statistics. It is always painful regardless of the cause of death and who might be responsible.

“Hence, on behalf of the National Department of Health, I once again extend our deepest condolences to every family affected by these tragedies which nobody expected.
“The healthcare officials whose lives were lost, were not only employees…but they were…individuals who chose a profession dedicated to caring for others. We honour their memory today and we will always remember them,” Motsoaledi said.

The full report including findings and recommendations can be accessed at https://healthombud.org.za.  – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Advancing Healthcare and Social Change: Dr. Rasha Kelej Honored on the “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026” List by ABCD Africa

Source: APO

Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), has been recognized among the “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026” by ABCD Africa, a prestigious recognition celebrating influential women of African descent who are using their platforms to inspire change, amplify important social conversations, and drive meaningful impact across communities. The list features prominent women leaders and changemakers from 54 African countries and also includes the President of Tanzania. The list came out on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026.

This latest recognition adds to a series of international accolades received by Dr. Rasha Kelej for her leadership and impactful social initiatives. She was recently named among the “100 Most Influential Africans 2025” by New African Magazine and has also been recognized among the “100 Most Influential African Women” by Avance Media for the seventh consecutive year, alongside Africa’s prominent leaders including Presidents, First Ladies, and Prime Ministers. These recognitions highlight her unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment, girls’ education, and improving access to quality and equitable healthcare across Africa.

Expressing her gratitude, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition and to be included in the ‘100 Most Impactful Voices 2026’ list. I sincerely thank ABCD Africa for acknowledging my work over the past 14 years to build healthcare capacity, transform the patient care landscape, break infertility stigma, empower women, and support girl education in Africa and beyond. This recognition is truly very special to me, and it inspires me to continue my efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people.

I also congratulate all the deserving women who have been recognized on this list. Together, we will continue to use our voices to inspire positive change and create a better future for our communities.”

Under Dr. Kelej’s leadership, Merck Foundation has transformed the patient care landscape and built healthcare capacity across Africa and other developing regions.

“We have provided over 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from more than 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, helping to improve access to quality and equitable healthcare,” shared Dr. Kelej.

Dr. Rasha Kelej is also the creator of the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” campaign, a pioneering movement that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education, health and change of mindset. Dr. Kelej works closely with more than 33 African and Asian First Ladies who are the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” to lead Merck Foundation programs in their countries. “I really enjoy working with dear sisters, the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, we are not just partners, we are more than friends, I enjoy our sisterhood and respect it,” Dr. Kelej emphasized.

Moreover, Dr. Kelej is a strong advocate for education as one of the most critical areas of women’s empowerment. Therefore, in partnership with African First Ladies, Merck Foundation has provided, year to date, more than 1200 annual scholarships to high-performing and underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries, enabling them to complete their studies and reach their potential. The program is actively running across several African countries, including Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe and others.

Dr. Rasha Kelej has established the “Art and Fashion with Purpose” community to address critical health and social issues, including breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending female genital mutilation and child marriage, stopping gender-based violence, and raising awareness about diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. She has launched several community awareness programs including Health Media Trainings, Songs, Children Storybooks, Animation Films, Awards for best Media, Song, Film and Fashion design, and also a Pan-African TV program “Our Africa”.

Overview of Merck Foundation’s initiatives and impact under the leadership of Dr. Rasha Kelej:

Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:

• 2500+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for healthcare providers from 52 Countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:

• 4000+ Media Representatives from more than 42 countries trained by Merck Foundation to better raise awareness about different social and health issues

• 8 Different Awards launched annually for best Media coverage, Song, Films, and Fashion.

• Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa in English, French, Portuguese, and local languages.

• 9 Children’s Storybooks in four languages – English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili

• 6 Awareness Animation Films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education and prevention and early detection of Diabetes, Hypertension & Cancer.

• Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community.

• 1200+ Scholarships provided annually to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries, to help them to complete their studies and empower them to reach their full potential.

  • 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8.5 Million Followers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

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

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
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Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
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About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4y6Yws9), X (https://apo-opa.co/4yhSMMj), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4yfuGBS), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3QWAdwj), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4vNFc1r) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4vjziUQ).

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

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Cassim to engage Unisa over NSFAS payment delays

Source: Government of South Africa

Cassim to engage Unisa over NSFAS payment delays

Newly appointed Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim will on Thursday undertake his first official public engagement with a visit to the University of South Africa’s (Unisa) in Pretoria, where he will engage stakeholders on delays in National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allowance payments.

The visit follows numerous complaints received through the Deputy Minister’s Helpdesk from students regarding delays in the payment of NSFAS allowances and the discontinuation of data allowances for distance-learning students.

During the visit, Cassim will meet with student leaders and Unisa management to discuss the reported causes of the payment delays, assess their impact on students and receive an update on measures being implemented to resolve the challenges.

Cassim reaffirmed his commitment to the Deputy Minister’s Helpdesk, established by his predecessor, Dr Mimmy Gondwe. The Helpdesk serves as a “helping hand”, providing swift and personalised support to students by escalating queries and grievances and driving meaningful solutions.

“Deputy Minister Cassim has long championed student access and success in higher education, dating back to his student leadership days. Therefore, as his first public engagement, he felt it is important to gain a firsthand understanding of the NSFAS allowances issue and the measures taken to address the challenges effectively,” the department said in a statement.

The Deputy Minister will be accompanied by senior officials from the Department of Higher Education and Training and NSFAS.

The department said the Deputy Minister’s Helpdesk is being migrated to an online platform to provide faster, digitally enhanced support. In the meantime, students requiring assistance can submit queries via email to: Dmsdesk@dhet.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Deputy President to launch multi-stakeholder anti-crime council

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President to launch multi-stakeholder anti-crime council

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to officially launch the uMgungundlovu District Municipality’s Multi-Stakeholder Anti-Crime Council on Thursday, as government steps up efforts to tackle crime through stronger community partnerships.

The launch, taking place in Caluza, Pietermaritzburg, will see the inauguration of 300 Anti-Crime Councillors who will work alongside government, law enforcement agencies, business, traditional leaders and community structures to strengthen crime prevention across the district.

According to the Presidency, the initiative forms part of the Deputy President’s delegated responsibility to support the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM), which aims to improve coordination across the three spheres of government and address challenges including crime, poor service delivery, unemployment and poverty.

The invitation was extended by uMgungundlovu District Mayor, Councillor Mzi Zuma.

The uMgunglovu District comprises the Msunduzi, uMngeni, Mpofana, uMshwati, Impendle, uMkhambathi and Richmond local municipalities.

The Multi-Stakeholder Anti-Crime Council brings together stakeholders from government, the private sector, traditional leadership and local communities in a coordinated effort to combat crime and support law enforcement.

The Presidency described the launch as an important milestone in building a collaborative approach to crime prevention, with the newly appointed Anti-Crime Councillors expected to play a key role in mobilising communities and strengthening partnerships against criminal activity.

“The Deputy President has welcomed this multi-agency approach where all relevant departments, community stakeholders and the business community view crime prevention as a shared responsibility and collective priority, with government departments, traditional leaders, faith communities, families, schools, labour markets, retail establishments and law enforcement authorities working together to confront and ultimately defeat the scourge of crime,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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eThekwini approves host city agreement with Cricket South Africa

Source: Government of South Africa

eThekwini approves host city agreement with Cricket South Africa

eThekwini Municipality has taken a major step towards hosting matches during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 after Council approved the signing of a Host City Agreement with Cricket South Africa.

The agreement paves the way for Durban to host matches during one of international cricket’s premier tournaments, reinforcing the city’s position as a leading destination for major sporting events, tourism, and investment.

Council authorised City Manager Musa Mbhele to sign the Host City Agreement on behalf of the municipality.

The tournament is expected to attract thousands of international visitors, cricket supporters, commercial partners and global media, providing an opportunity to showcase Durban’s tourism attractions, cultural heritage, world-class sporting facilities, and investment potential.

The municipality said hosting the event is expected to stimulate economic activity across the hospitality, accommodation, transport, retail and entertainment sectors, while creating opportunities for local businesses, employment and skills development.

The Executive Director for Community Services, Dr Vusi Mazibuko has been designated as the lead executive responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Host City Agreement within the municipality.

“An allocation of R600 000 has been provided in the 2026/27 financial year budget to support preparatory and implementation activities linked to Durban’s Host City obligations.

“The full scope of municipal responsibilities and related operational requirements will be finalised during the implementation process and will be incorporated into future budgeting and approval processes,” the council said.

Durban, Portugal explore stronger ties

Meanwhile, eThekwini Municipality and Portuguese cities are set to explore closer cooperation in culture, trade and tourism following discussions between eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba and Portuguese Ambassador to South Africa, Carlos Costa Neves.

Neves and his delegation met with Xaba in Durban on Monday to discuss areas of collaboration, with a focus on preserving shared cultural heritage and exploring strategic socioeconomic partnerships.

Among the key outcomes of the meeting was an agreement to explore formal sister-city partnerships between Durban and the Portuguese cities of Lisbon and Porto.

Xaba said the proposed partnerships will strengthen cooperation and promote mutual growth in key sectors including maritime trade, tourism, municipal infrastructure, and knowledge exchange.

“As a city, we view these developments as a significant step towards enriching Durban’s cultural landscape while unlocking new opportunities for international trade, investment, and tourism,” Xaba said.

Xaba also announced plans to relocate the statue of renowned Portuguese writer and poet Fernando Pessoa from the Durban Central Business District to the Durban Botanic Gardens.

He said the proposed relocation will preserve the monument while placing it in a safer, more accessible tourism and heritage destination.

“Fernando Pessoa occupies a unique place in Durban’s history. He lived in the city during his formative years from 1895 to 1905 and attended Durban High School. It was here that he mastered the English language, a skill that profoundly influenced his early literary works and contributed to his international acclaim,” Xaba said.

Neves welcomed the municipality’s decision to relocate the Fernando Pessoa statue and expressed support for strengthening collaboration between eThekwini and Portuguese cities. – SAnews.gov.za

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Withholding municipal equitable shares corrective, not punitive, says Treasury

Source: Government of South Africa

Withholding municipal equitable shares corrective, not punitive, says Treasury

National Treasury says it does not expect the recently announced withholding of July 2026 equitable share transfers to 69 South African municipalities to impact service delivery.

High-ranking department officials briefed the media in Pretoria on Wednesday, following Tuesday’s announcement.

Deputy Director-General (DDG) for Intergovernmental Relations at the department, Ogalaletseng Gaarekwe, explained that portions of the share are released once municipalities submit signed payment plans with their creditors.

“This time last year, we had withheld for 75 [municipalities], but I can assure [you] that by early August, we had already released the money for everyone. So, it depends on how fast the municipalities sort out the payment plans and send us those payment plans.

“Once the portions are released, they pay [creditors]. Once they have done that, we release the whole amount. We are not expecting it to impact service delivery because… the majority of the funding at local government level is raised from own revenue,” Gaarekwe said at the briefing held in Pretoria.

The portion withheld amounts to some R13.5 billion from this year’s total R100 billion equity share.

The DDG was quick to emphasise that withholding funds is not punitive but corrective and also preventative, as non-compliance could lead to unintended real-world consequences.

“In our view, we are correcting the behaviour in municipalities. We need to get into the habit of paying our creditors. There are instances where pension fund monies are taken from salaries, but they are not paid over. So, if something happened… families are not able to claim because the municipality did not pay. 

“We are trying to make sure that people do not get used to not paying,” Gaarekwe explained.

The affected municipalities were given notice ahead of the withholding of funds and were also encouraged to furnish reasons to the department why funds should not be withheld. 

“The first set of letters were sent to municipalities on the 22nd of June and the 23rd. At that time, we wrote to 99 municipalities [and] 30 responded in a way that we have not withheld their money.

“This… is a last resort and we do not want to do it all the time. We are expecting that behaviour will change and we don’t have to do it again.

“We are really serious about compliance legislation so it’s important that municipalities…all three spheres of government comply with the legislation that we have,” Gaarekwe said.

Ripple effect

Chief Director of Local Government Budget Analysis at Treasury, Jan Hattingh, highlighted that continued non-payment by municipalities has a ripple effect that eventually leads to hamstrung service delivery.

“As a result of this action, jointly with the Department of Water and Sanitation, two water boards that were on the brink of being closed… are still operational. If a water board cannot proceed and provide services, the impact of that is much more negative, and that means communities cannot get water.

“There’s certainly a linkage [to the Auditor General South Africa’s 2024/25 Consolidated General Report on Local Government Audit Outcomes] but what we are trying to solve is when the Auditor General’s report is released, it’s after the event. What we have observed is that many councils adopt a budget that is not funded.

“So, part of our work and support… is to help them to table a funded budget and help them to deal with the planning problems upfront. If you don’t plan well and you overspend your budget, that portion is regarded as unauthorised expenditure,” Hattingh explained.

He added that the work National Treasury has been doing to guide municipalities has been “extensive”.

“We have even developed a framework for them to deal with consequence management. Ultimately, the councils make the final decisions, and therefore, they make the final choices.

“We are concerned that services are not rendered to communities. This is one of the issues that we are grappling with. [However], the real concern… is the fact that if municipalities don’t use grants productively and from time to time, the money gets surrendered back to the revenue fund.

“That is not the desired effect that we want because those services and that funding are meant to facilitate service delivery. Hence, we are working with provincial Treasuries and partners to equip municipalities to improve their planning [and] budgeting systems so that they can use this money properly, and citizens benefit from allocated resources,” Hattingh said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The United Kingdom (UK) Court Cannot Decide Uganda’s Energy Future; Let Uganda and Africans Make Their Energy Choices

Source: APO


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Four Ugandan farmers have launched a legal challenge in the UK High Court against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), seeking to apply Ugandan constitutional, environmental and climate law to EACOP Ltd., the project’s UK-registered operating company. Filed mere months before the pipeline is expected to begin transporting Uganda’s first crude exports, the case argues that the 1,445-km pipeline breaches Uganda’s legal protections and asks the English court to prevent the project from becoming operational.

This is clearly nothing but the latest example of foreign-backed litigation targeting strategically important African energy projects through overseas courts. And it comes at a time when Uganda and Tanzania stand on the threshold of transformational economic opportunity.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) maintains that decisions about Uganda’s energy future should be made in Uganda – not in London.

And the timing is no coincidence.

After years of permitting, financing and construction, EACOP is approaching one of its most important milestones. Yet just as Uganda prepares to become an oil-producing nation, another legal challenge has emerged – this time asking a British court to determine whether one of Africa’s most important infrastructure projects should proceed.

“This is colonialism 2.0,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “For generations, Africa was told what resources it could exploit and how it should develop. Today, some of those same pressures are being repackaged through foreign-funded litigation and ideological campaigns that seek to dictate Africa’s energy choices from thousands of kilometres away. UK courts should not determine Uganda’s energy future. Ugandans should.”

The Chamber has long warned that legal campaigns against projects such as EACOP are becoming an increasingly common tool for delaying African energy development. Whether through repeated court challenges in East Africa, litigation targeting Mozambique LNG or legal battles that have stalled exploration in South Africa, the pattern is becoming difficult to ignore.

Each lawsuit may differ in its legal basis, but the cumulative effect is the same: greater uncertainty for investors, delayed infrastructure and slower economic growth for countries seeking to monetize their natural resources.

EACOP is the infrastructure that unlocks Uganda’s estimated 6.5 billion barrels of oil resources, connects the country’s production to international markets and creates opportunities for thousands of workers, local businesses and suppliers across Uganda and Tanzania. Developed by some of the world’s largest companies – TotalEnergies and CNOOC – alongside the Uganda National Oil Company and Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation, the project will strengthen local content, generate government revenues, expand infrastructure and support broader industrial development across East Africa.

Activists argue the project has affected more than 100,000 people through land acquisition while raising concerns about freshwater systems and protected habitats. TotalEnergies has consistently maintained that the project has implemented extensive environmental and social safeguards, biodiversity protection measures and international standards designed to minimize impacts while delivering long-term benefits to host communities.

Delaying those benefits carries consequences.

Every year that strategic energy projects are tied up in prolonged litigation is another year that jobs are postponed, investment decisions become more difficult and governments face greater obstacles in addressing energy poverty. For many African countries, responsible oil and gas development remains one of the few realistic pathways to financing schools, hospitals, roads, electricity networks and future renewable energy investments.

The Chamber also argues that the lawsuit raises a broader question of sovereignty. African institutions have already examined legal challenges related to EACOP, and Uganda possesses its own constitutional and judicial mechanisms for resolving disputes. Asking a UK court to intervene risks setting a precedent that extends well beyond one project. It effectively invites foreign jurisdictions to influence domestic development priorities across the continent.

“The time for Uganda to exploit its immensely valuable resources is now. Africa will not give in to international coercion to prevent the continent from energizing and bringing wealth to its people. Africa will not succumb to pressure to adhere to the energy transition on anyone else’s terms. We know what is good for African energy and we will do everything in our power to ensure that the continent’s resources benefit her people,” Ayuk concluded.

The debate over EACOP has never been about a pipeline alone. It is whether Africans retain the sovereign right to develop their own resources, under their own laws and for the benefit of their own people, or whether those decisions will increasingly be contested in foreign capitals by interests far removed from the communities they claim to represent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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One Street Studios Named by Afreximbank and Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) as Co-General Partner of the Pan African Film Fund Aiming to Mobilise up to US$1 Billion

Source: APO


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African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), through its development impact investment arm, the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), today announced the appointment of One Street Studios as the Co-General Partner of the Pan African Film Fund. This Fund aims to mobilise up to US$1 billion for Africa’s film and creative industries.

Launched in May 2025 as part of the Afreximbank Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme, the Pan-African Film Fund will mobilise and direct capital towards the growth of Africa’s film, television, and immersive media industries, positioning the continent as a globally competitive hub for audiovisual production and storytelling.

The Fund will support a diversified portfolio spanning content production, infrastructure and distribution, through a mix of equity, quasi-equity and structured financing solutions tailored to creative industry projects. It will prioritise export-oriented projects with strong global distribution potential, supported by partnerships with studios, streaming platforms and distributors to ensure a robust pipeline of bankable opportunities.

In addition to financing, the Fund will help address structural constraints across the industry by investing across the full value chain of the audiovisual sector. This includes supporting film and television content development and production, strengthening the global distribution of African-produced content, expanding digital streaming and exhibition platforms and developing production studios and post-production infrastructure. Through this integrated approach, the Fund aims to build a globally competitive film ecosystem capable of sustaining long-term growth and positioning African storytelling on the world stage.

FEDA and One Street Studios will serve as Co-General Partners to the Fund. This strategic partnership combines finance capabilities with industry expertise to build a scalable investment platform, aligned with the continent’s rapidly expanding creative economy. As a strategic partner, One Street Studios brings in an integrated model that merges capital with creative vision, financing, developing, and producing content from inception to screen, while bridging the diaspora and the African in support of African-owned narratives. As a fully funded studio, they invest in bold stories and overlooked storytellers, uniting project financing, publishing, and screen adaptation under one roof, to deliver distinctive stories to the global audience.

Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, said: “The partnership between FEDA and One Street Studios is most timely and strategic as it serves as a crucial bridge uniting the diaspora with geographic Africa but also empowers our creative economy to take full ownership of our narratives, enabling us to produce what we consume and consume what we produce.”

Lavaille Lavette, Chief Executive Officer of the Pan-African Film Fund and Managing Partner at One Street Studios / JVL Media, emphasised: “Africa’s creative industries are entering a defining moment. Through the Pan-African Film Fund, we will mobilise long-term capital that supports creators, strengthens production capacity, and builds sustainable global distribution pathways for African storytelling.”

Emmanuel Assiak, Chief Executive Officer of FEDA, added: “African storytelling carries extraordinary cultural depth and universal relevance. Through the Pan-African Film Fund, FEDA is enabling creators to produce world-class content while connecting them with global audiences and long-term investment capital.”

The announcement marks a significant milestone in Afreximbank’s broader Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) strategy, reinforcing its commitment to transforming Africa’s creative industries into a globally competitive sector capable of driving economic growth, job creation, and cultural influence across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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About FEDA:
The Fund for Export Development in Africa (“FEDA”) is the impact investment subsidiary of Afreximbank (www.afreximbank.com), set up to provide equity, quasi-equity, and debt capital to finance the multi-billion-dollar funding gap (particularly in equity) needed to transform the Trade sector in Africa. FEDA pursues a multi-sector investment strategy along the intra-African trade, value-added export development, and manufacturing value chain which includes financial services, technology, consumer and retail goods, manufacturing, transport & logistics, agribusiness, as well as ancillary trade enabling infrastructure such as industrial parks.

About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2025, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$48.5 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$8.4 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), GCR (A), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-), and. Moody’s (Baa2). Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), GCR (A), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-), Moody’s (Baa2) and S&P Global Ratings (BBB+). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

About One Street Studios:
One Street Studios is a visionary production company transforming storytelling by merging capital with creative vision. We finance, develop, and produce ambitious projects, bringing diverse narratives to life from inception to screen. As a fully funded studio, we back the stories and storytellers others overlook, investing in world-class content from the ground up. Our integrated model unites project financing, publishing, and screen adaptation under one roof, giving every project the capital, care, and creativity it needs to reach global audiences. We are committed to amplifying unique voices and producing content that engages, empowers, and moves the world.

About JVL Media:
JVL Media is a full-service production/media packaging firm and independent publisher founded by Viola Davis, Julius Tennon and Lavaille Lavette. The company is dedicated to producing exceptional content that celebrates and amplifies a diverse range of voices and experiences. In addition to its independent projects, JVL collaborates with leading media, and corporate entities to curate and deliver an eclectic spectrum of high-caliber intellectual properties. By championing inclusivity and innovation, JVL Media aims to inspire, enlighten, and entertain worldwide audiences.

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Six Western Cape properties to remain centres for GBVF survivors

Source: Government of South Africa

Six Western Cape properties to remain centres for GBVF survivors

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has formalised the renewal of six State-owned properties made available to the Western Cape Department of Social Development for the continuation of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) shelter services.

The properties in Aurora, Albertinia, Heidelberg, Laingsburg and Moorreesburg were being used to support shelter and care services for survivors of GBVF. The renewal will ensure the continuation of these services.

At the signing ceremony held at the Western Cape Department of Social Development on Wednesday, Macpherson formalised the renewal of the six State-owned properties made available to the Western Cape Provincial MEC for Social Development, Jaco Londt, for the continued provision of shelter and support services for victims and survivors of GBVF.

Macpherson said the renewal reflects the department’s commitment to ensure that public property is used for the public good and does not stand idle or vacant in communities across the country.

The renewal of the properties is part of the department’s broader work to ensure that state-owned properties are actively used to support service delivery alongside the 801 unused and non-essential state-owned properties identified by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure for sale or repurposing.

“When I took office, I made it clear that public assets must be used for the public good. This renewal gives practical meaning to that commitment by ensuring that these state-owned properties continue serving as safe spaces for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“As the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, we are proud to support the Western Cape Department of Social Development and its partners in providing shelter, care and protection to victims and survivors of gender-based violence and femicide,” Macpherson said.

Londt said the partnership with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will play an important role in supporting victims and survivors of Gender-based violence.

“This renewal reflects our shared commitment to putting the needs of our citizens first. By continuing this partnership, we are ensuring that these properties remain safe havens for women, children and vulnerable people fleeing gender-based violence and other crises,” Londt said.

The renewal process forms part of Macpherson’s commitment to ensure that public assets continue to be used for the public good, particularly where they support vulnerable communities and frontline social services. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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