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Law catches up with COVID-19 TERS fraudster

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 28, 2025

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed the sentence meted out to COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) fraudster, Ntsebeng Marygold Moji and her company, Aqua Land and Swimming Services.

The 38-year-old was found guilty of fraud and money laundering, and received a fine of at least R178 000 for theft or four years’ imprisonment for theft and a five-year prison sentence, wholly suspended for five years, for money laundering.

The company was fined R200 000 for theft and a further R200 000 for money laundering, both wholly suspended for five years.

“This sentencing follows the SIU’s investigation, which uncovered that in 2020, Moji’s company lodged fraudulent TERS applications with the UIF on behalf of 16 individuals who were not employees. The UIF subsequently paid R178 128,36 into Aqua Land’s business account. In line with the SIU Act, evidence pointing to criminal conduct must be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority [NPA] for action.

“The evidence, which was referred to the NPA and formed the basis for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s arrest in February 2025, proved that these individuals were ghost employees. 

“Upon interviewing one of these individuals, the SIU confirmed that the person had never been employed by Aqua Land and had never received any payments from the company,” the SIU said in a statement.

The evidence collected also showed no evidence that any TERS monies were utilised to pay salaries.

“The sentencing of Moji and her company is part of implementing the outcomes of the SIU investigation and ensuring consequence management. 

“President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the SIU to investigate allegations made in respect of the affairs of the Unemployment UIF in terms of Proclamation R.8 of 2021.

“The SIU investigated TERS payments to persons who were not entitled to receive such payments; submitted false, irregular, invalid or defective applications to the UIF, including the causes of such maladministration,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Uganda’s Energy Future to Take Center Stage with Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals (UCEM) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Set to Speak at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: APO – Report:

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Humphrey Asiimwe, CEO, Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals (UCEM) will speak at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, which returns to Cape Town from September 29 to October 3. With extensive experience in energy policy, local content development and regional cooperation, Asiimwe is set to provide key insights into Uganda’s expanding oil, gas and mineral sectors and the private sector’s role in driving sustainable industrial growth.

His participate comes as Uganda’s energy and minerals sectors continue to gain momentum. In the oil and gas industry, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline has surpassed 58% overall progress, with engineering works nearly complete and over 2,400 personnel – 90% of them Ugandan – employed on the project. The 1,443-km heated pipeline – set to be the longest of its kind globally – will transport crude oil from Uganda’s Lake Albert basin to Tanzania’s Port of Tanga, positioning Uganda as a regional oil producer.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Uganda’s mining industry is also undergoing a significant transformation. The country recently signed its first-ever Mineral Production Sharing Agreement for the redevelopment of the Kilembe copper-cobalt mine and launched a state-owned mining company to manage equity interests and promote domestic value addition. Uganda is seeking strategic partnerships and private investment to unlock large deposits of gold, copper, cobalt and rare earth elements, critical for clean energy technologies.

Under Asiimwe’s leadership, UCEM has helped secure over $2.1 billion in local oil and gas contracts for Ugandan companies and facilitated the training of over 7,000 nationals in petroleum-related fields. He continues to champion policy harmonization across East Africa to unlock financing opportunities, enable small- and medium-sized enterprise participation and enhance regional cooperation.

“Humphrey Asiimwe has played a central role in driving local participation, aligning regional policies and shaping sustainable energy growth through strategic partnerships and private sector leadership. His efforts have created real opportunities for Ugandan businesses and workers alike and he continues to be a key voice for local empowerment and long-term industrialization in East Africa,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy chamber.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Genesis Energy Strengthens African Energy Drive as Bronze Partner at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: APO – Report:

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Genesis Energy Group will participate as a Bronze Partner at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. The company is set to showcase its expanding clean energy portfolio and strategic partnerships that are accelerating renewable deployment and energy access across Africa.

In June 2025, Genesis signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Desert Technologies Industries Factory to develop and deploy solar and battery storage solutions across the continent, with a pipeline exceeding 4.5 GW. The company has also partnered with Global Citizen on the Scaling Up Renewables in Africa campaign – designed to mobilize resources, drive policy reform and expand access to clean power – while signing an MoU with USAID to mobilize $10 billion for renewable projects.

Genesis’ ongoing initiatives include supplying 334 MW to the Port Harcourt Refinery in Nigeria, advancing a 1 GW solar rollout in the West African Economic and Monetary Union, and developing the Lagos Green Hydrogen Park. These build on the company’s 2024 partnership with BPA Komani to scale battery storage solutions across Africa.

Under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Akinwole II Omoboriowo – who will speak at AEW 2025 – Genesis Energy Group continues to strengthen its role as a key player in Africa’s clean energy transition through project development, financing and high-impact partnerships.

“Genesis Energy’s growing portfolio of renewable projects underscores its role in driving Africa’s clean energy transition. By mobilizing capital and deploying innovative solutions, Genesis is advancing energy access, sustainability and long-term growth,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.

Participation at AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies reinforces Genesis Energy Group’s commitment to shaping Africa’s energy future. By engaging with investors, governments and industry leaders in Cape Town, the company aims to catalyze new partnerships and unlock opportunities that will accelerate clean energy development across the continent.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

African Energy Week (AFW):
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

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RwandAir Strengthens Operations with Added Aircraft

Source: APO – Report:

RwandAir (www.RwandAir.com) has received two Boeing 737-800 aircraft this month, one of which is already in operation. Additionally, newly serviced aircraft are returning to operations, and a third aircraft is expected in Q4 of this year. These added aircraft will significantly enhance service and operations, thereby reducing delays and cancellations.

In recent months, RwandAir has experienced several unexpected technical disruptions across parts of its fleet, which temporarily reduced the number of aircraft available for operations. This led to service adjustments that regrettably affected our customers’ travel plans, but have now been fixed, with the affected aircraft successfully returned to service.

RwandAir CEO Yvonne Makolo said:

“RwandAir is pleased to have resolved the challenges to our schedules over the last weeks, and to welcome our aircraft back into operation. We would like to sincerely apologise to all of our customers whose travel plans were disrupted during this period, and thank them for their patience while we worked on service disruptions. Together with the arrival of new aircraft, the strengthened fleet will enable RwandAir to improve reliability, strengthen our schedules, and deliver an even better travel experience to all our passengers.”

The Boeing 737-800s are configured with 12 Business Class seats and 162 Economy Class seats, will primarily operate on short and medium-haul flights. Later this year in Q4, RwandAir anticipates the delivery of a wide-body Airbus A330-200, further enabling the airline to enhance its long-haul operations between Africa and global destinations.

The new aircraft additions reinforce RwandAir’s commitment to modernising our fleet and expanding our route networks. The investment in both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft reflects RwandAir’s strategic focus on intra-Africa travel and our goal of connecting Africa to the world.

– on behalf of RwandAir.

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Institut Photovoltaïque d’Île-de-France (IPVF) Confirms: LONGi’s BC Modules Hi-MO 9 Outperform TOPCon in Power Gen & Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE)

Source: APO – Report:

Renowned European third-party technical consultancy IPVF recently conducted a comprehensive value assessment of two 50MW ground-mounted PV projects in France and Denmark. The study provides an in-depth comparison of the power generation performance between LONGi’s BC module Hi-MO 9 (2382*1134mm) and mainstream TOPCon products (2382*1134mm).

Data reveals that LONGi’s Hi-MO 9 (http://apo-opa.co/45VFJCE) BC modules demonstrate significant advantages over TOPCon products in per-watt power yield, system costs, and particularly levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), delivering higher lifetime returns for large-scale centralized power plants. Multiple globally authoritative institutions including Enertis Applus+ have previously analyzed the field performance of BC versus TOPCon technologies, with all test results consistently favoring BC products. LONGi’s BC technology is now driving a new wave of technological transformation and large-scale adoption worldwide through its superior return-on-investment value.

Superior Efficiency: Hi-MO 9 Delivers 1.84% Higher Per-Watt Generation Than TOPCon 

IPVF’s analysis shows Hi-MO 9’s exceptional low-light performance resulted in 1,210 and 1,639 hours of first-year generation in the French projects, surpassing TOPCon modules (1,187 and 1,611 hours). Similarly, in the Danish project, Hi-MO 9 outperformed TOPCon by 21 and 20 equivalent generation hours respectively, demonstrating robust power yield advantages. 

Since its launch last year, Hi-MO 9 has gained industry recognition through multiple outdoor demonstration projects. Integrating LONGi’s proprietary HPBC 2.0 technology featuring grid lines-free front side, the module significantly enhances power output and conversion efficiency—particularly maintaining high performance under low-light conditions. Combined with its high-temperature and humidity resistance in complex environments, Hi-MO 9 has become a globally sought-after BC product. 

IPVF’s consolidated data confirms that across all four power plants analyzed, Hi-MO 9 delivers 1.84% higher per-watt generation than TOPCon modules on average. This translates to greater lifetime energy output and higher commercial returns for BC-equipped power plants.

Cost Leadership: Hi-MO 9’s Superior LCOE Secures Competitive Edge

LCOE remains the critical metric for power plant economics, where module selection directly impacts project viability. IPVF’s analysis confirms that Hi-MO 9 not only increases energy yield but also optimizes project cost structures, establishing a solid foundation for maximizing lifetime plant returns. Crucially, Hi-MO 9 achieves an average 3.32% lower LCOE than TOPCon modules across the evaluated projects. 

Notably, this advantage was calculated with Hi-MO 9 priced 1¢/W higher than TOPCon. As HPBC technology rapidly evolves, the LCOE benefits of Hi-MO 9 will further expand, substantially boosting end-customer returns. With accelerating global deployment, LONGi’s high-efficiency BC solutions will elevate ROI for worldwide customers and propel the PV industry toward new value growth horizons. 

From pioneering monocrystalline technology to industrializing BC solutions, LONGi consistently applies “first principles” to reduce LCOE through technological innovation. The recent inauguration of LONGi’s “Global BC Ecosystem Collaborative Innovation Center” in Jiaxing, China will accelerate BC industrialization. Moving forward, LONGi will collaborate with global partners through dual drivers—collaborative innovation and ecosystem development—delivering advanced, reliable, and economically superior BC solutions, empowering the BC era with collective wisdom.

This press release is distributed by ESI Africa, a publication of VUKA Group.
Watch the video overview here: http://apo-opa.co/3JzNxCJ

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

About IPVF:
Institut Photovoltaïque d’Île-de-France (IPVF), headquartered in Paris, is Europe’s leading research institute for next-generation solar technologies. It combines world-class R&D capabilities with industrial strategy, accelerating the development and commercialization of high-performance PV solutions. Operating an 8,000m² research platform in Paris-Saclay Innovation Valley, IPVF employs over 150 researchers, engineers, and technicians with industry-academic partners including EDF and Total Energies.

About LONGi:
Founded in 2000, LONGi (Stock code: 601012. SH) is committed to being the world’s leading solar technology company, focusing on customer-driven value creation for full scenario energy transformation.

Under its mission of ‘making the best of solar energy to build a green world’, LONGi has dedicated itself to technology innovation and established several business sectors, covering mono silicon wafers (http://apo-opa.co/46biiXl), cells and modules (http://apo-opa.co/4697ZmC), commercial & industrial (http://apo-opa.co/46c02gs) distributed solar solutions, green energy solutions, building integrated photovoltaic and hydrogen equipment. As an international company, LONGi’s business covers more than 160 countries and regions. Actively practicing its “Solar for Solar” concept, LONGi is accelerating the global transition to sustainable energy and promoting energy equity, enabling more people around the world to access affordable clean energy.

More details here: www.LONGi.com/

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Tributes pour in for political journalist Tshidi Madia

Source: Government of South Africa

Tributes pour in for political journalist Tshidi Madia

The Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has paid tribute to political journalist Tshidi Madia, recognising her contribution to journalism and public discourse.

Madia, who worked with Primedia (EWN and Radio 702), passed away on Wednesday after a short illness. She was Eyewitness News Associate Political Editor and spent more than 10 years in the media. She was celebrated for her political coverage and projects such as ‘Politricking with Tshidi Madia’.

“It is our collective view that young women in the media or the profession of journalism should emulate the brilliance, courage and integrity, which were standards Ms Tshidi Madia crowned her life with.

“We bid a sad farewell to a woman of extraordinary resilience, who rose above her circumstances until her pinnacle of success. On behalf of the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, I convey my deepest condolences to her family and friends,” said Chikunga.

The Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike, also expressed condolences to Madia’s family and colleagues.

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said Madia would be remembered for her professionalism, courage and commitment to telling South Africa’s story.

“During the unfounded allegations made against South Africa about white genocide, she rose above sensationalism to provide clarity and truth to a global audience, ensuring that the world understood the reality of our nation beyond distortion and misinformation,” the GCIS said.

Madia was also recognised as a mentor to young journalists and for building constructive relationships between government and the media.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi described her as “one of South Africa’s most respected political journalists”, who was celebrated for her integrity and commitment to holding power to account.

“Tshidi was not only a journalist of exceptional calibre, but also a voice of reason and fairness. Her fearless pursuit of accountability enriched the country’s democratic discourse. 

“Her passing is a devastating loss to the media fraternity, our democracy, and to all South Africans who relied on her sharp analysis and unwavering commitment to the truth,” said Lesufi. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

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Spotlight on women in construction

Source: Government of South Africa

Spotlight on women in construction

Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala is today expected to give a keynote address at the National Annual General Meeting of the South African Women in Construction and Built Environment (SAWIC and BE).

The meeting will be held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, under the theme: “Leaving no woman behind – Inclusive growth for all women”.

Zikalala is expected to provide details of the work that the DPWI is undertaking to drive the agenda of women empowerment in the built environment sector. 

SAWIC was set up by the late Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Stella Sigcau, 28 years ago. It has worked hand in glove with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure ever since in a strong commitment to sustainable partnerships.

Zikalala is expected to recommit the department to building the capacity of women contractors and entrepreneurs through training and mentorship, and to creating policy certainty and driving for women to access infrastructure opportunities and enterprise development. 

The SAWIC & BE general meeting is expected to attract women in construction, property development, property management and other areas of the built environment professions. SAWIC & BE membership spans both urban and rural areas. 

“As the country closes off Women’s Month, the department wants to assure women in the construction sector that it remains a reliable partner in their development, access to infrastructure opportunities and training,” the DPWI said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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GBV, social cohesion top agenda of Mashatile’s E Cape visit

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver the keynote address at the 14th Annual Convention of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa’s Kumkani Hintsa District Music Association (KHDMA) on Saturday, 30 August 2025. 

The event will take place in Butterworth in Mnquma Municipality, Eastern Cape.

“Deputy President Mashatile’s visit to the Methodist Church of Southern Africa is part of the delegated responsibilities assigned by the President to lead social cohesion and nation-building initiatives in the country, including fostering social compacts with faith-based communities, among others,“ the Deputy President’s Office said. 

In celebration of Women’s Month, the convention will also address the issue of gender-based violence by raising awareness and offering psycho-social services. 

The convention, themed “Igniting the Omnipresent Well of Spirit and Truth in Worship: Becoming an Alternative Community”, aims to inspire individuals to come together and embrace values that support societal norms. 

It will stress the importance of justice, compassion and service to others — all in an effort to foster a positive socio-economic environment.

The Deputy President will emphasise the crucial role of the church in providing spiritual guidance and promoting community development. – SAnews.gov.za

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Limpopo rapist sentenced to 30 years imprisonment

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 28, 2025

The long arm of the law has caught up with a 28-year-old man who has been sentenced to prison following the rape of three teenagers in Limpopo, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

The Polokwane High Court sentenced Freddy Moraka Modibedi for the rape of three teenage girls aged between 15 and 17 on Tuesday.

The teenagers were raped in separate incidents between 3 and 17 September 2022 in Mmotong Ga-Mabotja, Mpone and Boratapelo.

The accused would meet unknown girls to him and threaten them with a knife, rob them of their properties and thereafter rape them.

These three incidents were reported to the police in Seshego and Matlala and the dockets were transferred to the Seshego Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit. 

Sergeant Nation Teffo who is attached to the Seshego Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, was tasked to further investigate the cases.

Following investigations, the suspect was arrested after being on the run for almost a year and was positively linked to the cases. He appeared in the Seshego and Matlala Magistrate’s Court and was remanded in custody. 

The cases were later transferred to the Polokwane High Court, wherein he was convicted and sentenced to 30 years imprisonment as follows:
•    Count 1: Kidnapping – sentenced to six years imprisonment.
•    Count 2: Rape – sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment.
•    Count 3: Robbery – sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment.
•    Count 4: Kidnapping – sentenced to six years imprisonment.
•    Count 5: Rape – sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment.
•    Count 7: Kidnapping – sentenced to 6 years’ imprisonment.
•    Count 8: Rape – sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment.

The court ordered that the sentences in counts 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 shall run concurrently with the sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment in count 2. 

“The accused was therefore sentenced to an effective sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment. It is further ordered that five years of the 30 years imprisonment shall be suspended for a period of five years, on condition that he is not convicted of any offence in contravention of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007 committed during the period of suspension.”

The Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the sentences imposed against the accused. 

“We appreciate efforts by the investigating officer, and everyone involved in cases until justice was served to the victims and their families,” said Lieutenant- General Hadebe. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy President honours renowned, late journalist Tshidi Madia

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has honoured the late senior journalist and editor, Tshidi Madia, stating that the country has lost a powerful voice.

The Eyewitness News (EWN) Associate Politics Editor passed away in hospital on Wednesday morning, following a short illness at the age of 42. 

“South Africa has lost a formidable voice, a voice that could be heard at the time of passing on EWN and a host of radio stations,” the statement read. 

The Deputy President referred to Tshidi as one of the media’s most renowned, respected, and beloved members – “a darling of the media.”

“She was a consummate professional, known to many of us not just for her incisive reporting, but for her profoundly human touch. 

“She possessed that disarming smile and easy-going banter that made it difficult to refuse her an interview.” 

The Office of the Deputy President stated that Madia possessed a unique skill, seamlessly guiding one from straightforward, obvious questions to the most complex and controversial issues in the media landscape. 

“But make no mistake; behind that sharp intellect and strategic approach to her craft was a profound and unwavering love for her country, South Africa – a love only equalled by her passion for journalism. 

“She believed fiercely in the role of a free press in a thriving democracy and held those in power to account with fairness and rigour.” 

The Deputy President said her death is a huge loss to the nation and to the media fraternity at large. 

“We will miss her incisive journalism, her tenacious pursuit of the truth, and her unparalleled ability to draw out the good stories that define and challenge South Africa.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time. May her soul rest in peace.” 

The Office of the Deputy President has extended its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Madia family, friends, colleagues, and the broader media fraternity.

Meanwhile, EWN said Madia will be remembered for her tough questions that cut through political spin.

“She brought the same fearlessness to her podcast, Politricking with Tshidi Madia, where Presidents, party leaders and international figures faced her direct yet humane line of questioning.” 

However, beyond the microphone, she was described by colleagues and friends as loving, hilarious and deeply caring. – SAnews.gov.za