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Eritrea: Eye Surgery Conducted on 260 Citizens in Akordet

Source: APO


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Cataract surgery has been performed on 260 citizens, including 11 children, at Akordet Hospital.

Dr. Eyob Beyene, an eye surgery specialist at Birhan Aini Hospital in Asmara, said the program was part of nationwide efforts to prevent blindness, and that it has so far yielded commendable results.

Dr. Eyob noted that eye surgeries were previously conducted in collaboration with foreign experts, but are now being carried out with full local capacity. He urged citizens with eye problems to avoid relying on traditional practices and instead seek treatment at health facilities.

The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the medical services they received.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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National Eritrean Festival 2025 Commences

Source: APO

The National Eritrean Festival 2025 was officially opened this morning by President Isaias Afwerki at the Expo Grounds. The opening ceremony, which featured colorful traditional dances and songs from the country’s various ethnic groups, was attended by Ministers, senior Government and People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and numerous nationals from inside the country and abroad.

President Isaias, accompanied by senior officials, toured the regional villages that showcase the traditions and living standards of each ethnic group, as well as innovations, creative works, and products of various enterprises. He was provided with briefings by experts at the respective displays.

The President also visited pavilions highlighting the status and expansion of social services, exhibitions of agricultural products, natural and cultural resources, the rich biodiversity of the Red Sea, as well as historical and ancient heritage sites.

Photo and sculpture exhibitions organized by the Ministry of Defense and individual artists, displays depicting the activities of the Crops and Livestock Corporation, a book fair, paintings, and other exhibitions are among the highlights of the annual national festival.

The festival will remain open until 17 August, featuring traditional music and dances, children’s programs, locally produced films, bazaars, seminars, and other activities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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South Sudan’s new chief justice has a chance to reform the judiciary – if he’s allowed to do his job

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Mark Deng, McKenzie Postdoctoral Research Fellow, The University of Melbourne

South Sudan’s chief justice, Chan Reec Madut, was sacked in late May 2025 after more than 13 years on the bench. Madut leaves behind a legacy of inefficiency and accusations of judicial graft. But the sacking violated South Sudan’s 2011 transitional constitution and the law. Ultimately, the president’s decision threatens the rule of law and judicial independence. Constitutional scholar Mark Deng discusses this worrying development.

What was envisaged for South Sudan’s post-independence judiciary?

South Sudan won independent statehood following an internationally supervised referendum in 2011. The transitional constitution, drafted after the referendum, is the country’s founding law. It provides for the establishment of the three arms of government – legislature, executive and judiciary – with distinct powers and functions. The judiciary exercises judicial power and enforces the rule of law in the country. It has five levels of courts, the Supreme Court of South Sudan being the highest.

To shield courts from political whims, judges are appointed to, and removed from, office by the president of the republic only on the recommendation of the judicial service commission. There are constitutional grounds for removing a judge, relating to gross misconduct or incompetence or mental infirmity. Subject to these grounds and others, a judge may serve until the age of 70.

The chief justice is the head of the judiciary of South Sudan. His responsibilities include administering and supervising lower courts. He has power to issue judicial circulars and directives to lower courts to ensure proper and efficient administration of justice in the country.

What challenges are facing the judiciary?

The judiciary has been facing many challenges that threaten its independence and, by extension, the proper administration of justice. The most notable is political interference.

This has manifested itself in at least two ways. The first is that courts or individual judges face constant threats by the members of the executive branch and the military seeking to get rulings in their favour. For example, a report by the International Commission of Jurists cited a case in which a military general used a threat of force to obtain an outcome favourable to him.

The second is President Salva Kiir’s behaviour towards judges. He has, for example, been sacking judges without following the constitutional procedures that require the judicial service commission to conduct a full and proper investigation before a judge may be removed. This has rendered courts powerless, particularly in relation to enforcing the constitutional limits of power and the rule of law on the political branches of the government.

The sacking of chief justice Madut is the latest and most alarming. It implies that judges serve at the president’s pleasure, much like the government ministers. It also divests the judicial service commission of its constitutional functions.

What’s known about the outgoing chief justice?

Madut had worked as a judge in Sudan prior to South Sudan’s independence in 2011. He also served as the deputy chair of Southern Sudan referendum commission. Kiir appointed him as the chief justice of South Sudan on 15 August 2011, replacing John Wuol Makec.

Madut’s tenure was characterised by corruption through nepotism and favouritism. In 2013, for example, he appointed 78 legal assistants, including his daughter, without following the formal recruitment process.

Perhaps of most concern to many people in South Sudan was Madut’s meddling in purely political matters. In 2015, for example, he wrote a letter to Kiir to congratulate him for expanding the number of states from 10 to 28. The letter was inappropriate for three reasons. First, the creation of the 28 states was a political matter for parliament. Second, it was contentious because the president lacked power to create more states in the country at the time. Third, it was apparent that the president’s decision was going to be challenged in the Supreme Court, over which Madut was presiding.

Indeed, opposition parties challenged it as unconstitutional. Because of his expressed support for the creation of the 28 states, Madut was deemed to have a conflict in the case. Consequently, he was asked to recuse himself from the constitutional panel set up to hear the case but he refused. The majority of the Supreme Court judges upheld the president’s decision.

Kiir did not explain what prompted Madut’s sacking. However, it could be the sum of all these accusations that led to this course of action. Whatever the case, the end result of the president’s sacking of judges unilaterally is the erosion of the rule of law and undermining of judicial independence. In short, it is his will that matters now, not the constitution.

Who is the new chief justice and what is his record?

Benjamin Baak Deng is the new chief justice. Kiir appointed him on 28 May 2025 from within the Supreme Court of South Sudan, on which he was also serving as a judge. He has a PhD in international environmental law and had worked as a judge in Sudan from the 1980s to the early 2000s. Like all the South Sudanese who were working in Sudan, he relocated to Southern Sudan during the interim period (2005–2011).

In June 2022, he was appointed to the judicial reform committee mandated by the 2018 revitalised agreement. The committee was mandated with a comprehensive review of the judiciary and its performance and to recommend measures to address the challenges facing it. It finalised its work in March 2024 and submitted its report (yet to be made public) to the president of the republic. Deng is widely regarded as a man of integrity, competence and hard work.

What are the top priorities for the new chief justice?

There are at least four. The first is to resolve the massive case backlog and improve efficiency in deciding cases. The second is to improve working conditions for judges. This would include ensuring a safe workplace and providing judges with modern work equipment.

The third is to uncompromisingly maintain and protect the independence of the judiciary from the political branches. The former chief justice lost public trust and confidence because of his pandering to the executive government, which he did in the most overt way in some instances.

The challenge is that he will be dealing with the same president who has shown little interest in observing his constitutional limits. But the president spoke during Deng’s swearing-in and pledged his commitment to respecting and protecting the independence of the judiciary:

the judiciary must operate independently and remain free from political interference.

It remains to be seen whether the president will put his words into action this time round.

The final area of immediate focus is addressing the under-representation of women in the judiciary. Of the 117 judges in the country, only 21 are women. Women’s under-representation in the judiciary is largely a product of patriarchy, particularly customary practices that traditionally do not allow women to be in a position of authority and to have access to education.

The transitional constitution and the 2018 revitalised agreement obligate the government to take affirmative action to address gender imbalances. At least 35% must be women in every institution of government in South Sudan. The 21 women judges equate to 18%. There are many young women lawyers or law graduates within and outside South Sudan who could be trained and appointed as judges.

The new chief justice has the opportunity to reform the judiciary into an institution that effectively enforces the rule of law and administers justice impartially and efficiently. However, his success will also depend on the commitment of the government to provide the resources required and the space to exercise independence.

– South Sudan’s new chief justice has a chance to reform the judiciary – if he’s allowed to do his job
– https://theconversation.com/south-sudans-new-chief-justice-has-a-chance-to-reform-the-judiciary-if-hes-allowed-to-do-his-job-262351

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Are African countries aware of their own mineral wealth? Ghana and Rwanda offer two very different answers

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Gerald Arhin, Research Fellow in the Political Economy of Climate Compatible Development , UCL

Imagine running a business for over a century without knowing what’s in your warehouse. That’s essentially what many African countries are doing with their mineral wealth. Governments across the continent still have very little knowledge of what lies beneath their soil.

Between the 18th and 20th centuries, European colonial powers exploited African mineral wealth for their industrialisation. Post-independence, many African nations nationalised their mining sectors. International pressure led to privatisation in the 1980s. This weakened the motivation and capacity of governments to develop long-term strategies. They have more incentive to export minerals for foreign exchange in the short term.

As political economists, we have been researching the governance of Ghana’s and Rwanda’s minerals sectors for over a decade. We conducted research into why some African nations are investing more than others in geological investigations. These are studies that examine where minerals can be found and what their economic potential is. We focused on Ghana and Rwanda because of their different levels of commitment to investing in geological investigations.

We found that intense political competition forces Ghanaian governments to have short-term priorities. This makes geological investigations (a long-term, risky venture) unappealing to ruling elites. In contrast, the Rwandan Patriotic Front government has invested in geological surveys over the last decade.

Beyond economic and technical costs, context-specific political dynamics – interests, ideas and power relations – shape the decision to invest in geological mapping.

A mixed search

Ghana is rich in several minerals and is Africa’s largest producer of gold, which is its highest export earner. Minerals generated US$11 billion in revenue in 2024.

The country is also rich in diamonds, manganese and bauxite. It recently discovered lithium in commercial quantities. Lithium is a “critical mineral” for the energy transition and this discovery will be of interest to investors.

Read more: The world is rushing to Africa to mine critical minerals like lithium – how the continent should deal with the demand

Rwanda is a producer of tin, tantalum and tungsten. It also has commercial deposits of gemstones, silica sands, kaolin, vermiculite, diatomite, clays, limestone and gold.

Policy experts and international organisations often encourage governments to invest in geological mapping of their minerals. This is to enhance greater investment in the sector and boost the country’s gains from its resources. But these investigations are costly and lucrative findings aren’t guaranteed.

Some African governments have limited commitment to investing in geological mapping. Others, such as Uganda, Morocco, Botswana and South Africa, have put resources into it. For example, the Ugandan government announced its intention to expand national geological mapping coverage from 50% to 100%.

Ghana’s lack of geological knowledge

The roots of the knowledge gap stretch back to colonialism. European powers meticulously mapped African minerals, but kept the data for themselves. Today, the British Geological Survey holds over 300,000 geological reports and maps from other countries. Much of it is gathering dust in archives rather than helping African governments understand their own resources.

Even basic geological knowledge often sits in London, Paris or Brussels rather than in Accra, Kigali or Nairobi.

Take Ghana, which has been mining gold for over a century yet still lacks comprehensive geological surveys.

We found that the country’s competitive political system, where power alternates between two main parties almost every eight years, stands in the way of long-term planning. Successive Ghanaian governments have relied on private mining companies to conduct geological investigations. There is limited monitoring of whether investigations are carried out before extracting minerals. This approach has obvious flaws. Firstly, companies may not share all their findings. Secondly, the government doesn’t have control over information about its own resources.

We also found evidence of a darker political calculation. Through licensing, political elites are able to maintain lucrative relationships with mining companies. Comprehensive geological mapping might force more transparent, competitive bidding processes that could disrupt these arrangements. This includes vested political interests extending into the small scale and artisanal mining space.

Rwanda’s different path

Rwanda tells a different story. Since 1994, the governing Rwandan Patriotic Front has increasingly taken control of all aspects of the society. As part of this drive it has developed longer-term ambitions in relation to its development strategies.

The country has chosen to know more about what lies beneath its land and has taken steps to improve its capabilities.

Firstly, it revised its mining law. The Rwandan government had initially invited foreign mining companies to obtain permits on a first come, first served basis. Though permit holders were required to invest in geological investigations before extraction, there was limited monitoring of what firms were doing. This is similar to what was taking place in Ghana.

Secondly, the Rwandan government even established its own mining company, Ngali Mining, to invest directly in exploration.

Thirdly, it has attracted investment in geological surveys, with some support from donors. In this way, it directly employs geological investigation firms rather than relying on mining firms to invest in investigations themselves.

The results are impressive: between 2012 and 2016, the government attracted four different sets of North American and European firms to conduct extensive mapping studies.

Fourth, as a result of these surveys, the government re-categorised existing mining areas into 52 separate areas for mineral exploration. As a result, the Rwandan government now attracts investment to these areas because there is more understanding of which minerals exist there.

It’s important to note that Rwanda imports many of its minerals from neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo and then re-exports them. Importing and re-exporting DRC minerals earns Rwanda immediate foreign exchange earnings. This is particularly evident in rising Rwandan gold exports in recent years. Thus, even where governments may be keen to invest in geological investigations, when other short-term priorities exist it is less easy to sustain long-horizon goals in domestic mining sectors.

Breaking the knowledge barrier

The global demand for minerals is soaring.

This has made developing comprehensive knowledge of underground resources more urgent for African countries. However, our research suggests that simply throwing more money at geological surveys won’t reorganise domestic minerals sectors if political incentives favour short-term interests.

Understanding the political dynamics is the first step towards unlocking Africa’s mineral potential. Only by learning more about the power structures that shape these decisions can countries begin to map their way to more sustainable mineral wealth.

– Are African countries aware of their own mineral wealth? Ghana and Rwanda offer two very different answers
– https://theconversation.com/are-african-countries-aware-of-their-own-mineral-wealth-ghana-and-rwanda-offer-two-very-different-answers-261703

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Statement of the African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

Source: APO


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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf joins the global community in commemorating the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This day is an opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage, knowledge systems, and resilience of indigenous communities across Africa and the world.

The Chairperson reaffirms the African Union’s commitment, as enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (1981) and guided by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ Working Group on Indigenous Populations/Communities, to promote and protect the rights of indigenous peoples. He underscores their vital role in preserving cultural diversity, safeguarding the environment, and advancing sustainable development in line with Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.

The African Union Executive Council, during its 47th Ordinary Session, urged Member States to strengthen measures to protect the rights of indigenous peoples, and reaffirms its support for the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007) as a global normative framework complementing AU instruments.

Mr. Youssouf calls on Member States, partners, and all stakeholders to work together, through inclusive policy-making, equitable resource-sharing, and respect for traditional knowledge systems, to ensure that indigenous voices are heard, their rights upheld, and their contributions fully valued in building a more inclusive, just, and sustainable Africa for all.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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President Ramkalawan Announces Financial Reward for Seychellois Medalists of the 13th Commission de la Jeunesse et des Sports de l’Océan Indien (CJSOI) Games

Source: APO – Report:

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The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, has announced a special financial contribution to all Seychellois athletes who won medals during the 13th Commission de la Jeunesse et des Sports de l’Océan Indien (CJSOI) Games, hosted in Seychelles from 1st to 11th August 2025.

In recognition of their outstanding performances and dedication, medalists of Team Seychelles will each receive:

• SCR 10,000 for every Gold Medal

• SCR 7,500 for every Silver Medal

• SCR 5,000 for every Bronze Medal

President Ramkalawan commended the athletes for their determination, discipline, and commitment, which brought pride and joy to the nation. He highlighted that their achievements serve as an inspiration for the younger generation and reaffirm Seychelles’ growing presence in the regional sporting arena.

Reflecting on the successful hosting of the 13th CJSOI Games, the President expressed Seychelles’ pride in welcoming athletes from all member states and emphasised the solidarity and unity fostered through the event. “These Games have once again proven that sport has the power to unite nations, strengthen friendships, and celebrate our shared values,” he said.

The President also extended his heartfelt congratulations to all participating athletes and teams from across the Indian Ocean region, thanking them for contributing to the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that defined the Games on Seychelles soil.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Improving access to maternal health care in Burkina Faso

Source: APO


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“During my first pregnancy three years ago, I had to travel 45 km just to have get an ultrasound. I had to pay for transport, wait for an appointment and sometimes even go to a private clinic and pay 10 000 CFA francs. Between the cost of transport and the time lost, a lot of women gave up,” says Kindo, a mother of two. “Now that we can have an ultrasound here in Tiériba, free of charge, and on the same day as the consultation, it’s a real relief.”

In Burkina Faso, improving access to obstetric care is a major strategic focus in the efforts to curb maternal mortality. An initiative has been introduced: training midwives in basic obstetric ultrasound during antenatal consultations to improve pregnancy monitoring—particularly in remote areas where specialists are hard to reach. Obstetric ultrasound is a key tool in antenatal care to determine gestation date, detect foetal abnormalities, detect ectopic pregnancies, assess foetal growth and determine the most suitable delivery method.

In 2021, the Ministry of Health launched a pilot programme in eight health districts in Boucle du Mouhoun and Hauts-Bassins regions.

“In the past, pregnant women monitored at our centre had to go elsewhere to get an ultrasound. This caused delays in diagnosis, extra costs, and sometimes avoidable complications,” says Denise, a midwife and head of the maternity ward at the Sakaby Urban Medical Centre.

Denise, along with 17 other midwives, received specialized training in basic obstetric ultrasound in November 2023. “This initiative is a game-changer because early detection of complications is essential for the safety of both mother and baby,” she explains. Following the training, she and her team performed over 2000ultrasounds tests between January 2024 and March 2025, and 10 high-risk pregnancies were identified and managed in time.

“Easy access to ultrasound is of strategic importance, both in terms of public health and socio-economic development. Ultrasound enables early and noninvasive diagnosis of abnormalities, allowing for timely care,” explains Dr Moussa Dadjoari, Head of Women, Men and Elderly Health Services at the Ministry of Health’s Family Health Directorate.

The Sakaby Urban Medical Centre also recorded the highest number of antenatal consultations and deliveries since the start of the project, with over 1300 antenatal consultations and deliveries November 2022 and October 2023.

The initiative is part of a broader drive to improve maternal care quality, alongside other measures such as free healthcare for pregnant women and children under five, including childbirth-related care, free access to family planning, enhanced community health through targeted health promotion and prevention for pregnant and postpartum women, and better management of obstetric complications.

The project was made possible through funding from the Sexual and Reproductive Health Project, which supported the development of a training manual for ultrasound and the training of trainers.

Dr Jean de Dieu Sanou, a gynaecologist-obstetrician at Sourou Sanou University Hospital in Bobo-Dioulasso and one of six trainers recruited for the project, welcomes the results but highlights areas for improvement. “Although the training duration for midwives was relatively short, it provides useful basic knowledge in underserved areas. The lack of ultrasound can lead to late diagnosis of serious conditions or missing multiple pregnancies altogether.”

WHO recommends one ultrasound before the 24th week of pregnancy to optimise antenatal follow-up. This approach not only reduces risks for mother and child but also strengthens women’s trust in the health system. “For this recommendation to become a reality, it’s vital to invest more in staff training, health facility equipment and community awareness,” says Dr Ramatou Sawadogo Windsouri, head of the maternal and child health programme at the WHO office in Burkina Faso.

WHO has provided strategic support to the Family Health Directorate to engage professional bodies, particularly obstetrician-gynaecologists, midwives and radiologists in promoting acceptance. WHO also supported the development of a training manual tailored to the Burkina Faso context.

Nevertheless, challenges remain. In most health centres, only one midwife has been trained, making the service unavailable in their absence. Supply shortages have aso been reported.

WHO and the Ministry of Health plan to extend the project to other districts, with support from the World Bank. The goal is to make basic prenatal ultrasound an essential service accessible to all pregnant women, wherever they live. By bringing ultrasound into public health centres, inequalities in access to care are reduced and lives are saved.

“After having the ultrasound with my midwife, I felt reassured seeing the baby’s position in my womb and knowing everything was fine. It made for a better pregnancy experience,” says Kindo, hopeful that this essential service will remain sustainable and accessible to all pregnant women in Burkina Faso.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

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South Africa: Presidency on preparations for National Convention of National Dialogue

Source: APO


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In preparation for the first National Convention of the National Dialogue process, President Cyril Ramaphosa met on Thursday 7 August 2025 with representatives of the interim Preparatory Task Team (PTT), which has been given the responsibility of organising the convention and preparing for the public dialogues that will take place thereafter.

At the meeting, the representatives reported to the President that the members of the PTT were divided on a number of issues, including the state of readiness of the PTT to deliver the National Convention as scheduled to take place on 15 August 2025.

Members of the PTT representing some of the Foundations involved in the initial planning of the National Dialogue argued that the National Convention should be postponed to a later date.

President Ramaphosa said he understood the National Convention to be a call to action for citizens to lead an inclusive dialogue on the challenges facing the country.

“Ever since we announced the date of the first National Convention, South Africans from all parts of society have been getting ready to take part in the local conversations that will follow. There is a great desire to get involved and be heard.”

President Ramaphosa said that although challenges have been experienced, it was essential that the first National Convention proceed on 15 August 2025.

“The National Convention must happen so that South Africa’s people can take ownership and control of the National Dialogue. Invitations have gone out to organisations across the country and delegates are preparing themselves to attend the convention. It is at the National Convention that the people of South Africa will take over and run with the National Dialogue process,” he said.

As a consequence of the divisions within the PTT and the decision to proceed with the National Convention as scheduled, some of the Foundations have indicated that they would step back from organising the event and participation in the PTT. They told the President they nevertheless remained committed to the National Dialogue process and would continue to encourage participation.

President Ramaphosa expressed appreciation for the role played by the Foundations in initiating, championing and driving the National Dialogue. While he expressed regret at their withdrawal from this part of the preparations, he was encouraged by their intention to continue to play a meaningful role in the National Dialogue as it unfolds.

On Friday 8 August 2025, the President met with the co-chairs, deputy chairs and the secretary of the Eminent Persons Group. These are prominent South Africans who have accepted appointment by the President as volunteers who will use their standing and expertise to act as guarantors of the National Dialogue.

The meeting with the leadership of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) reflected broadly on progress towards the National Convention.  

The EPG emphasised the need for the inclusivity and credibility of the National Dialogue process. They also called for more effective coordination, governance as well as improved communication.

“The National Dialogue is a once in a lifetime opportunity to bring all South Africans together to resolve our challenges and build a better future. The Eminent Persons Group stands ready to play its part in making this a reality,” said Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, co-chairperson of the Eminent Persons Group.

Above all, the EPG members reaffirmed their commitment to voluntarily use their influence and expertise to ensure that the first National Convention laid a firm foundation for an inclusive and vibrant national conversation.

The first National Convention, which will bring together 200 organisations from 33 different sectors, will kickstart the National Dialogue process, by among others:

▪ Endorsing the need for and value of a National Dialogue
▪ Outlining key themes for discussion in the National Dialogue process
▪ Agreeing on the approach and modalities for the public dialogues
▪ Finalising the establishment of a broadly representative Steering Committee to coordinate the implementation of the National Dialogue going forward

The National Convention will be a call to action for citizens to lead an inclusive dialogue on the challenges facing the country. The National Dialogue itself will take the form of public dialogues in localities and within various sectors across the country.

To this end and in light of the difficulties within the PTT, the convention organising team has been reorganised and is being reinforced by various social partners and civil society formations. This will ensure that the National Convention is successfully held from 15 August 2025 and the National Dialogue process can begin.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

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President Ramaphosa calls for greater economic empowerment of women

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to accelerate efforts to empower women economically and tackle the complex barriers such as poverty, inequality and unemployment that continue to hinder their development.

Speaking at the National Women’s Day commemoration at Nkowankowa Stadium in Tzaneen, Limpopo, on Saturday. President Ramaphosa saluted the achievements of South African women over the years, including their pivotal role in transforming the nation and contributing to socio-economic development.

“This celebration is also a clarion call to accelerate the role of women in the economy and empower them, as well as tackle the complex barriers, which hinder their development,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President highlighted government measures to increase women’s participation in the workforce, bridge the gender pay gap, and greater inclusion in every sector of the economy, including leadership positions.

“Over a quarter of top managers in the private sector are women. Today, South Africa ranks second out of the G20 countries in terms of female representation. Forty-two per cent of Members of Parliament are women, this is higher than a number of developed countries,” the President said.

While acknowledging this progress, the President emphasised that “it is not enough, [and] we cannot rest until we have achieved gender equality throughout society.” and called for renewed commitment to achieving full gender equality across society.”

He said women in South Africa today, continue to reap the benefits of the changes that were ushered in through the brave actions of the women of 1956.

The President also noted government’s achievements, including accelerated access to basic services, social welfare, and economic opportunities for women, lifting millions out of absolute poverty.

“The Employment Equity Act and other progressive laws have paved the way for more equitable representation of women in the economy – and by this one must add all women, whether they are Black or White.

“The proportion of women in the workforce has been increasing. The empowerment of women contributes to sustainable development, inclusive growth, and the cultivation of resilient communities.

“About 40 percent of preferential procurement in the public sector is awarded to women-owned businesses. Women-owned SMMEs are also supported through the National Empowerment Fund, the Small Enterprise Finance Agency, and National Infrastructure Fund,” the President highlighted.

March for women’s rights continues

In her opening remarks, Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga encouraged women to continue to march for their rights like the 1956 women who marched to the Union Buildings, with a focus on tackling gender-based violence and Femicide (GBVF).

“The march must continue till we are free. We still live in a society, where there are women trapped in abusive relationships,” Chikunga said.

Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba, called on women to establish themselves and carry each other’s problems.

Women are resilient and capable. We must be given opportunities to empower ourselves,” she said.

She also urged women who are trapped in abusive relationships to seek help.

For many women in Limpopo, the day symbolised liberation from many social ills.

Mandy Shikwambana, from Giyani, told SAnews that government must ensure protection of women and ensure that they live freely without been abused by their partners.

“Women are the cornerstone of every nation and yet they are oppressed by their partners. Government must ensure that women are protected,” Shikwambana said.

Another resident, Precious Ralikgo called on government to continue to educate women about their rights.

“There are many women who are being abused by their partners, but they do not know where to go for help. Those men who abuse women must go to jail — that is the only way to end violence against women and children,” Ralikgo said.

Every year on 9 August, South Africans from diverse backgrounds, races, and cultural groups come together to celebrate National Women’s Day.

On 9 August 1956, a significant number of women launched a campaign aimed at ending the pass laws imposed by the government at that time.

This year’s commemoration is held under the theme: ’Building Resilient Economies for All’. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Joint Statement on the Inaugural Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM) Meeting for the Peace Agreement Between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda

Source: Government of Qatar

Addis Ababa – August 9 , 2025

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Rwanda, the State of Qatar, the African Union Commission, and the Togolese Republic (as the Representative of the AU Mediator) on the occasion of the first Joint Security Coordination Mechanism meeting held this week at the African Union Commission headquarters in Addis Ababa.

Begin Text:

On August 7-8, 2025, representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda (Rwanda), along with observers from the United States, the State of Qatar, the Representative of the AU mediator, and the African Union Commission held the first meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism for the Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of Rwanda that was signed in Washington, D.C. on June 27, 2025.

The Joint Security Coordination Mechanism is responsible for the implementation of the Concept of Operations for the Harmonized Plan for the Neutralization of the FDLR and Disengagement of Forces/Lifting of Defensive Measures by Rwanda (annex of the Peace Agreement signed June 27, 2025). The Mechanism is also tasked with facilitating intelligence and information sharing between the parties for the purpose of implementing the Peace Agreement. During the first meeting, the Permanent Members—DRC and Rwanda—adopted terms of reference to govern future meetings of the Mechanism and began discussions on implementing the Peace Agreement.

The Representative of the AU Mediator, the African Union Commission, the State of Qatar, and the United States participated in these discussions to ensure the effective, efficient, and impartial implementation of the Agreement, as well as the continuation of good-faith initiatives to achieve lasting stability in the region. Both the DRC and Rwanda expressed their appreciation for the invaluable contributions and joint efforts of the African Union, United States, and Qatar as partners in advancing a peaceful resolution.