Category: English

Source: APO

.

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) welcomes the conviction and sentencing of a serial rapist pastor in a harrowing case involving the sexual abuse of twelve (12) minor children, which were 10 boys and 2 girls, aged between 7 and 14 years. The sentence was handed down by the Nquthu Regional Magistrate’s Court on 23 July 2025.

The accused was convicted and sentenced to ten (10) life imprisonment terms for 9 counts of rape and 1 count of attempted rape, seven (7) five-year terms for 7 counts of sexual assault, and seven (7) five-year terms for exposure of a child to pornography.

The CGE notes that the court did not deviate from the mandatory life sentences prescribed by the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997 for rape where the victims are under the age of 18. This decision affirms the seriousness with which our courts ought to treat crimes of this nature, particularly against minor children. The Commission welcomes this outcome, which sends a clear message that such heinous crimes will be met with the full wrath of the law. It is hoped that this judgment will serve not only as justice for the victims, but also as a deterrent to potential offenders.

The CGE monitored this matter as an own accord investigation/complaint, consistent with its constitutional and legislative mandate to monitor gender-based violence matters, promote accountability, and protect the rights of vulnerable and marginalised groups, in this case being the minor children. The matter required the coordination of multiple stakeholders in the criminal justice system and involved complex logistical and procedural challenges.

The accused pastor lured children to his rented premises under the pretence that they were helping him with tasks and under the guise of offering spiritual or pastoral guidance, where the abuse took place. He used his position of authority and trust within the community to manipulate and groom the children, exploiting their respect for religious and adult figures. The Commission remains deeply concerned by the abuse of trust and authority within religious and community spaces.

This outcome aligns with the key findings of the Commission’s KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office during its financial year 2024/25 investigation into the implementation of Pillar 3 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF), which focuses on access to justice, safety and protection including coordination. As part of the investigation, the Commission engaged with key role players, including the SAPS, NPA, and the DoJ&CD, to assess the implementation of the pillar including collaboration. The successful prosecution of this case demonstrates the importance and practical value of sustained interagency co-operation in ensuring accountability, promoting victim-centred justice, and removing systemic barriers to justice for victims of gender-based violence and child abuse.

The CGE has also noted with grave concern the recent arrests and sentencing of self-proclaimed prophets and pastors in Limpopo, Free State, and North West. The life imprisonment of Pastor Albert Tamasane on two counts for raping an 11-year-old girl, the three life sentences handed to Fezile Zozi in North West for raping women and minors between 2021 and 2023 under the disguise of spiritual revivals, and the life sentencing of Confidence Monyela of Limpopo on two counts of raping minors between the ages of 14 and 19 brings into spotlight the systemic issues that confront those who trust some men of cloth.

It raises fundamental questions about the abuse and sexual exploitation of women and minors at the hands of self-proclaimed prophets and pastors, taking into cognisance that some are still going on trial.

These matters underscore the urgent need for child safeguarding mechanisms in all institutions, particularly those led by individuals in positions of trust.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, praised the National Research Foundation (NRF) for making commendable progress in the area of transformation and for producing high calibre and impactful work. The Minister was speaking at the NRF Awards in Johannesburg on 7 August 2025.

The Minister said that the pipeline for the next generation of researchers looked much healthier because the NRF had funded more women over the last 10 years.

“I also think it is highly commendable and visionary on your part as the NRF that you have awards that focus on next generation researchers and early career/emerging researchers. This is critical for our human resource development needs,” said Minister Nzimande.

The Minister said that South Africa’s public science system had not only produced excellent researchers, but also made the country a sought-after global platform for conducting astronomy, nuclear physics, palaeontology, medicine and social sciences research.

The NRF Awards are held annually as a celebration of South Africa’s research excellence. The awards are also meant to provide an opportunity to inspire emerging and early career researchers to pursue research excellence.

The Minister further commended the NRF for their choice of theme for the event, “Innovating for a Sustainable Future”. He said that the theme was thought-provoking and that the NRF rightfully elevated innovation and placed it at the centre of its efforts to build a responsive public science system and, most importantly, a sustainable future. “This is consistent with Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s newly adopted mantra, which is “Placing science, technology and innovation at the centre of government, education, industry and society.”

The mantra was introduced as part of the Department’s efforts to align its work with the National Development Plan 2030 and the Science, Technology and Innovation Decadal Plan. It reflects a strategic vision to prioritise and integrate science, technology, and innovation into all aspects of national development.

The Chairperson of the NRF Board, Prof. Mosa Moshabela, also expressed pride in the work of the NRF. “As the chairperson of the NRF board, I am deeply proud of the work that is done by the NRF to support and enable our vibrant and diverse research community. The mandate of the NRF is to promote and support research through funding, through human capital development and through the provision of research infrastructure. These remain critical in our collective pursuit of a knowledge-based economy and society,” he said.

“May we view this evening as a testament to what is possible when excellence meets opportunity. The individuals we celebrate exemplify academic rigour, intellectual curiosity and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Whether they are in the laboratory, in communities, or across global platforms, they are mentors, they are collaborators, they are trailblazers,” Prof. Moshabela added.

The Chief Executive Officer of the NRF, Dr Fhulufhelo Nelwamondo, highlighted the NRF’s commitment to placing science, technology and innovation at the centre of government. He said that the NRF took the call to action to heart given its mandate and the critical role it plays in the national system of innovation.

The awards were presented in two categories, namely, Special Awards and NRF ratings.

SPECIAL AWARDS

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Prof. Jill Farrant, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town

Research Excellence Award for Next Generation Researchers

• Mr Avela Sogoni, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Mr Mashite Tshidi, School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand
• Dr Riona Indhur, Department of Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology
• Ms Caressa Munien, Department of Chemical Engineering, Durban University of Technology
• Mr Jonathan Oehley, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town

Research Excellence Award for Early Career/Emerging Researchers

• Dr Thulani Andrew Chauke, Department of Adult, Community and Continuing Education, University of South Africa
• Prof. Kgaugelo Edward Lekota, School of Biological Sciences, North-West University
• Dr Mbuzeleni Hlongwa, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal
• Prof. Lebo Gafane-Matemane, Hypertension in Africa Research Team, North-West University
• Dr Msizi Innocent Mhlongo, Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg
• Dr Itumeleng Monageng, Department of Astronomy, University of Cape Town
• Dr Busiswa Ndaba-Vatsha, Institute for Catalysis and Energy Solutions, University of South Africa
• Prof. Musawenkosi Saurombe, Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg
• Dr Bonginkosi Allen Thango, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg
• Dr Azile Nqombolo, Department of Chemical and Earth Sciences, University of Fort Hare

Focused Research Advancement Award

• University of Technology: Durban University of Technology
• Historically Disadvantaged University: University of the Western Cape

Public Engagement with Research Award

• Prof. Leila Patel, Centre for Social Development in Africa, University of Johannesburg

Champion of Research Capacity Development and Transformation Award

• Prof. Namrita Lall, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria

RATINGS-BASED AWARDS

P-rated researchers

• Dr Jesse Heyninck, Department of Computer Science, University of Cape Town
• Dr Simone Richardson, Antibody Immunity Research Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases
• Dr Mitchell Cox, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand
• Dr Mubeen Goolam, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town
• Dr Daniel Hart, Department of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria
• Prof. Laura Heathfield, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town

A-rated researchers

A-rated for the 6th time

• Prof. Michael Wingfield, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria

A-rated for the 5th time

• Distinguished Prof. Philippe-Joseph Salazar, Department of Private Law, University of Cape Town
• Prof. Igor Barashenkov, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town
• Prof. Douglas Butterworth, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town

A-rated for the 4th time

• Prof. Thaddeus Metz, Department of Philosophy, University of Pretoria
• Prof. David Richardson, Department of Zoology and Botany, Stellenbosch University
• Prof. Dan Stein, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town
A-Rated for the 3rd Time
• Prof. Don A Cowan, Centre for Microbial Ecology and Genomics, University of Pretoria
• Prof. Lewis Ashwal, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand
• Prof. Don Ross, School of Economics, University of Cape Town
• Prof. Isabel Hofmeyr, Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of the Witwatersrand
• Prof. Harold Kincaid, School of Economics, University of Cape Town

A-rated for the 2nd time

• Prof. Kelly Chibale, Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town
• Prof. David McQuoid-Mason, School of Law, University of KwaZulu-Natal
• Dr Curtis W Marean, Centre for Coastal Palaeoscience, Nelson Mandela University
• Prof. Josua Meyer, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University
• Prof. Philip Hallinger, Department of Education Leadership and Management, University of Johannesburg
• Prof. Gary Maartens, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town
• Prof. James Raftery, Department of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria

A-rated for the 1st time

• Prof. Andrew McKechnie, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria
• Prof. Ralf Henkel, Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape
• Prof. Susan Harrison, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town
• Prof. Ernst Conradie, Department of Religion and Theology, University of the Western Cape
• Prof. Matthias Bickelhaupt, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg
• Prof. Bruce Biccard, Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, University of Cape Town
• Prof. Jacek Banasiak, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Pretoria
• Prof. Sally Archibald, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand
• Distinguished Prof. Umezuruike Linus Opara, Department of Horticultural Science, Stellenbosch University
• Prof. Alexander (Zander) Myburg, Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University
• Prof. Ivan Vladislavić, Department of Creative Writing, University of the Witwatersrand
• Distinguished Prof. Charlie Shackleton, Department of Environmental Science, Rhodes University
• Prof. Harald Winkler, PRISM, School of Economics, University of Cape Town

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

.

A live X Spaces event exploring how young African innovators are using artificial intelligence (AI) to address food security challenges highlighted that digital inclusion is essential for rural communities. The one-hour live event on X, hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Office for Africa, brought together three AI entrepreneurs, from Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Kenya, who are applying cutting-edge technologies to support smallholder farmers and improve productivity across the continent. Close to 200 people joined the online conversation.

Meet the innovators

The panel featured three young founders:

Tafadzwa Chikwereti of eAgro in Zimbabwe, developers of CropFix, a mobile platform that uses artificial intelligence to diagnose pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies from photos taken by farmers;

Femi Adekoya of Integrated Aerial Precision in Nigeria, who is known as the Flying Farmer because he uses drones and AI to promote precision agriculture. He also trains youth through the Precision Field Academy;

and Lavender Birike of Klima360 in Kenya who uses AI to combine weather, soil, and market data to forecast climate risks and help farmers and insurers make informed decisions.

The session was moderated by Mathew Ayong from FAO, and FAO Digital Agriculture specialist Ken Lohento gave closing remarks.

Big ideas, big impact

Tafadzwa Chikwereti emphasized that smallholder farmers produce a significant share of Africa’s food but are often limited by lack of access to timely agronomic advice. “The biggest challenge is rural connectivity and digital literacy,” he said. “Bundling AI tools with accessible platforms is crucial for improving harvests.”

He explained how eAgro is helping close the information gap for smallholder farmers in rural areas. “We’re using artificial intelligence to analyse crops and identify pest disease and nutrient deficiency,” he said. “We deliver these insights using platforms including SMS text messages, which are crucial for smallholder farmers without internet or smartphones.”

Describing the concept of precision agriculture, Femi Adekoya said, “It means applying the right thing at the right time in the right place with the right intensity. That is sustainable agriculture,” he said.

He added that AI can analyse data collected by drones to provide farmers with targeted recommendations that reduce resource use while improving yield and climate resilience.

He highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors. “We believe African youth can be equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead this work,” he said. “We’re working with universities across Nigeria and supporting youth including in last-mile communities.”

Lavender Birike of Klima360 highlighted the need for better access to open data. “We have a lot of research data sitting in different places. If we could pass policies that enable access and provide safety frameworks, it would open opportunities for young people to develop localized solutions,” she said.

She also shared her perspective on the importance of women’s participation in AI. “This is an opportunity for women to be involved from the beginning,” she said. “Understanding how data is gathered and analysed gives them the opportunity to participate meaningfully and to become digital champions.”

Driving transformation through partnerships

The session concluded with a reflection on how collaboration between governments, universities, the private sector, and development organizations can accelerate the adoption of AI in African agriculture. Led by FAO Digital Agriculture specialist Ken Lohento, the speakers emphasized that innovation must be inclusive and context-specific, addressing the needs of farmers regardless of their location or resources.

Lohento also highlighted FAO’s work in the digital agriculture space, including the Fostering Digital Villages (FDiVi) project in Senegal, Rwanda and Niger that is supporting rural communities to harness digital tools, including AI applications, to boost productivity and build resilience.

The X Spaces event drew strong engagement from the live audience, with participants asking questions and expressing support for the speakers’ insights and innovations. It is part of FAO’s ongoing Youth on the Frontier of Agrifood Systems series, which highlights the role of young people in shaping the future of agriculture in Africa. It follows a successful May session on young ag influencers, and forms part of FAO’s broader efforts to promote youth-led innovation and digital transformation in Africa’s agrifood systems.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO

“People told me multiple times that when they were fleeing from Zamzam [displacement camp], armed people would threaten them while they were in flight, saying sure, ‘Flee, go to that place, run here, run there, we will follow you, we will find you’,” said Jocelyn Elizabeth Knight, a Protection Officer for the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.

Briefing journalists in Geneva, Ms. Knight described speaking to one traumatized child at a UNHCR shelter, whose experience mirrors that of countless other youngsters across the nation.

“A tiny boy told me, ‘You know, during the day things are okay here, but I’m afraid to go to sleep at night in case the place where we’re living is attacked again’.”

Forced into squalor

In Darfur in western Sudan, many people uprooted by violence gather in disused public buildings with few essentials to water and sanitation.  

Meanwhile, new displacement and attacks on civilians continue within Darfur and neighbouring Kordofan region, UNHCR warned, in communities “that are already devastated and have been subjected to unspeakable atrocities”.

The ongoing fighting has also severely constrained humanitarian access and disrupted aid delivery for over two years. With seasonal rains underway, many roads will be impassable for months, further complicating the delivery of aid, the UN agency noted.  

The persistent insecurity has also impeded farming, deepening deprivation in areas at risk of famine or already experiencing famine-like conditions.

Latest UNHCR data indicates that more than 873,000 Sudanese refugees have fled Darfur and crossed into Chad, which now hosts the largest number of registered Sudanese refugees since the start of the conflict. One in three people in eastern Chad is now a refugee.

Deadly disease

In addition to heavy fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and their former allies-turned opponents – the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitaries – that began in April 2023, civilians now face a fast-spreading and deadly cholera outbreak.

“Cholera has swept across Sudan with all the states reporting outbreaks,” said Dr. Ilham Nour, Senior Emergency Officer with the UN World Health Organization (WHO).

She noted that since last July, nearly 100,000 cases have been reported.

Lives on the line

The highly contagious disease spreads rapidly in unsanitary conditions. As of early August, 264 cases and 12 deaths have been identified at Dougui refugee settlement in eastern Chad hosting Sudanese arrivals from Darfur.

Surrounding villages have also reported suspected cases, while others have emerged in Treguine settlement, one of many UNHCR camps in eastern Chad that host Sudanese refugees.

Help to contain the disease is urgent, insisted UNHCR’s Dossou Patrice Ahouansou, Principal Situation Coordinator for Eastern Chad.

“We still have more than 230,000 refugees at the border in very difficult situation,” he said. “Without urgent action including enhancing access to medical treatment, to clean water, to sanitation, to hygiene and most important, relocation from the border, many more lives are on the line.”

As part of the response and to prevent new cases, the UN agency has suspended the relocation of refugees from border points.

UNHCR is seeking $130 million in flexible funding to provide life-saving aid to an estimated 800,000 people in Darfur. In addition, the UN agency will respond to the cholera outbreak and relocate 239,000 Sudanese refugees from the Chad-Sudan border.

Unexploded weapons alert

Meanwhile, the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) confirmed fears that unexploded ordnance from ongoing battles are killing and maiming non-combatants who are unaware of the extent of the danger.

“The sad reality of this ongoing conflict is it is not happening in rural areas, it’s mainly happening in urban areas, in the areas which are highly populated,” said Mohammad Sediq Rashid, Chief of UNMAS Sudan.

Last week, six minefields were confirmed in Khartoum and three of them contained anti-personnel landmines – the first time this has been reported – he told journalists in Geneva.

“Contamination is on the roads, in homes, in schools and airstrips, medical facilities, humanitarian bases,” the UNMAS official continued.

“This is a population [that] is largely unaware of the dangers that are waiting for them…this problem is only growing every day.”

Spotlight on Sudan

In a briefing from Port Sudan for New York-based correspondents on Friday, Edem Wosornu, OCHA’s advocacy director, called for the international community to continue putting the spotlight on the war-ravaged nation, both from a funding and advocacy perspective.

Ms. Wosornu had just returned from Khartoum, where she said the destruction was absolutely devastating.

“It was a decimated city – Khartoum which was once buzzing with life [was] almost a ghost town… I have never seen anything like this before in my almost quarter-of-a-century service to the United Nations.”

Pocket change plea

With the humanitarian plan for Sudan only 23 per cent funded, Ms. Wosornu noted that OCHA is not asking for a lot – only 55 cents per person per day.

“Where we have access, we are able to assist. Where we have safety and security assurances, we are able to assist. Where we have enough supplies and funding, we are able to assist,” she said.

The only real solution to the world’s worst humanitarian crisis is lasting peace, according to Ms. Wosornu. Therefore, OCHA and other partners continue to negotiate with the Rapid Support Forces in addition to the internationally recognized Sudanese military Government.

“We need this [humanitarian] pause desperately…The people are asking for an end to the war that has killed, maimed and led to significant destruction of life and livelihood.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

Civil society organizations are seen as the voice of the people, advocating for communities and promoting peaceful solutions. However, in Warrap State, their voice often struggles to reach far enough.

This week, in Kuajok, representatives from six counties met for three days to discuss improving coordination and connections between the state capital and remote communities.

“Our community is tired of war,” says Bona Malual Akec, Chairperson of the Warrap State Civil Society Network.

He recalls a recent county dispute that escalated to violence before being addressed at the state level.

“By engaging with communities directly, we can come together and resolve issues before they worsen.”

Asunta Nyanut, founder of the Support Women and Girls Organization, emphasizes that the gap goes beyond communication; it’s about whose voices are heard. She has witnessed county-level projects fail due to a lack of information for women’s groups.

“With adequate resources and recognition, we could combat gender-based violence, keep girls in school, and hold perpetrators accountable,” she states.

During the sessions, Asunta translated key points into local dialects, ensuring women from rural areas could understand and fully participate.

The absence of county-level links also leaves many groups invisible.

John Lino Anei, representing those with disabilities, notes that his community frequently misses invitations to peace dialogues and hears about decisions only after they’re made.

“Physical barriers, such as the absence of wheelchairs or transport, hinder participation.”

In Kuajok, John actively ensured inclusion by attending every session, distributing notebooks, helping with projectors, and reminding participants that removing obstacles is essential for significant contribution.

Marco Guot Ajiek, Executive Director of the Relief Aid and Community Care Organization, stressed that stronger coordination among civil society organizations is essential for peace in Warrap.

“It’s about sharing a common vision, learning from each other and shifting mindsets on issues like cattle raiding,” he explains.

By the end of the gathering, participants agreed to establish six county coordination offices with designated points of contact for sharing early warnings and peace updates, and they amended the network’s constitution to ensure county representation in decision-making.

The first-ever forum bringing together representatives from all counties was supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), featuring training on conflict-sensitive peacebuilding and planning sessions.

Civil Affairs Kuajok Team Leader Adewuyi Adewumi urged members to harness their community privilege for positive change.

“Now is the time to act. Build networks and become the vigilant eyes and ears of civil society. Your actions can make a difference!”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO

On Friday, 8 August 2025, Ms. Lin Nan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Seychelles, paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Ian Madeleine, Principal Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Department, at Maison Quéau de Quinssy.

During the meeting, the two diplomats engaged in fruitful discussions on the long-standing and ongoing cooperation between Seychelles and China. They reviewed current partnerships, particularly in the areas of capacity building, education, culture, health, military cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. Both parties expressed their shared commitment to further strengthen these collaborative efforts.

In addition, they explored opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation into new and emerging areas, including eco-tourism, trade, and climate change initiatives. The discussions reaffirmed the mutual interest of both countries in promoting sustainable development and deepening diplomatic ties, grounded in mutual respect, friendship and collaboration.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.