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SA’s economic recovery efforts bear fruit

Source: Government of South Africa

SA’s economic recovery efforts bear fruit

Government’s efforts to unlock economic growth and remove long-standing obstacles are gaining momentum, with early green shoots emerging in the energy sector and South Africa securing its first credit rating upgrade in 20 years, coupled by a stronger rand.

“Phase 2 of Operation Vulindlela is gaining traction. The results of this initiative led by President Cyril Ramaphosa to unlock growth and remove obstacles in areas that impedes on growth are starting to filter through. The President said the immediate task was to grow our economy so that we can create jobs, reduce poverty and improve the lives of all South Africans,” Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said on Monday in Pretoria.

He was briefing the media on the snapshot of government’s successes for 2025, which is being measured against the State of the Nation Address (SoNA), delivered by the President in February 2025.

In his address, President Ramaphosa, announced that the Government of National Unity (GNU) had adopted the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) for the period 2024-2029.

The MTDP sets out three key priorities of government: to drive inclusive growth and job creation; to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living; and to build a capable, ethical and developmental state.

“The green shoots for an economy recovery are visible. Some key indicators are: The rand holding its own against major currencies and has breached the level of R17 to the US dollar.

“Gross Domestic Product grew by 0.5% in the third quarter meaning that the economy is expanding. Much remains in the pipeline to achieve a higher growth rate given its centrality to attaining the country’s developmental aspirations,” Magwenya said.

He noted the Statistics South Africa’s report on unemployment for quarter 3 showed that unemployment was down by 1.3 percentage points to 31.9% with the construction sector the major contributor with 130 000 new jobs out of the total of 248 000 new jobs.

Government will spend R1 trillion over the next three years on infrastructure projects.

“Stability of energy supply is central to this turn around and we should be building on the successes thus far to the next level This year the Youth Employment Service reached the milestone of 200 000 young South Africans funded and placed into quality first-job experiences.

“SA achieved its first rating upgrade in 20 years when the ratings agency, Standard and Poor upgraded the country’s foreign currency long-term sovereign credit rating to BB from BB-. In addition, the local currency long-term sovereign credit rating to BB+ from BB,” Magwenya said.

In addition, the International Monetary Fund lifted its growth forecast for the country to 1.3% in 2025 and 1.4% in 2026 from 1.1% and 1.2% respectively.

“Tourism is on an upward trajectory and the number of foreign visitors increased by 18% year-on-year from 2024. SA Tourism reported that most visitors were from the US (331 378), followed by the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and France.

“The South African Revenue Service has collected a net revenue of R924,7-bilion by 30 September of this year. This is a year-on-year growth of R78,6-billion and an overall surplus of R18 billion against its printed estimates,” he said.

Confronting challenges

Magwenya acknowledged government’s challenges while emphasising that government is not afraid to confront them.

“Local government remains a challenge and President Ramaphosa and the Cabinet have met with seven of the nine provincial executives to address key issues in this sphere.

“Accusations of corruption in the criminal justice system are before the Madlanga Commission. The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster is continuously looking at measures to fight crime and keep citizens safe,” the Presidency spokesperson said.

He stressed that the GNU priorities to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living. 

“In this regard, we are particularly seized with intervention on assisting households cope with food price volatility, as well as the measures to make public transport affordable. Rising cost of living has become a challenge in many parts of the world, as we have learnt from the Group Twenty (G20) engagements.

“In conclusion, this is not a review of government, but it is a high-level glance of successes and issues challenges since 6 February 2025.

“Furthermore, the measures introduced by the 6th Administration in 2019 are beginning to bear fruit. The focus is for the GNU to accelerate this process and ensure that the green shoots of the economic upswing gain momentum and touch the lives of all South Africans for the remainder of this MTDP period,” Magwenya said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Presidency confirms final Madlanga Commission report will be made public

Source: Government of South Africa

Presidency confirms final Madlanga Commission report will be made public

Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya has assured the public that the final report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry will be made public.

This comes after revelations that the Commission’s interim report will be submitted to the President on Wednesday and will not be released publicly.

“The final report will be made available to the public. The Commission will advise the President on areas that are of national security sensitivity and how those areas will need to be managed. The report is incomplete and the President needs time to study it as he has not had the luxury of time to follow the proceedings of the Commission everyday,” Magwenya said on Monday in Pretoria.

President Cyril Ramaphosa established the Commission after South African Police Service (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, held a media briefing at which he made serious allegations that the Minister of Police and other individuals had colluded to interfere with police investigations.

The Commission is investigating allegations relating to the infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions within the criminal justice system by criminal syndicates.

“Some of the witnesses that have come before the Commission are going to be called back again to continue with their evidence. Some had evidence located in certain specific areas but not as broad as it was meant to be. So those witnesses are still going to be given a chance to return to the Commission and give that evidence.

“It will not be helpful for the witnesses, the Commission itself, and all of us to start getting ourselves into knots over something that has not been completed. The President has undertaken to release the final report publicly when the Commission has concluded its work, ” he said.

Magwenya was speaking during a media briefing to update journalists on the President’s programme and other topical issues of public interest.

Protection of whistle-blowers

Earlier this month, Marius van der Merwe, a Brakpan-based security industry member and former Ekhurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department official, who recently testified before the Madlanga Commission was shot multiple times in full view of his family outside their Brakpan home.

According to Magwenya, there has been extensive engagements in government on protecting witnesses before the commission or those who are to appear at the commission.

“The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development in this regard has also undertaken to engage the leadership of the media to look at ways in which witnesses can be protected and not be unreasonably and unfairly exposed to those who may seek to harm them. 

“Then there’s another aspect to this, which is the protection of whistleblowers. We have a process that’s already underway with the Protected Disclosure Bill that is currently in consultation at a technical level in government before it proceeds to cabinet,” he said.

Government is reviewing the Protected Disclosures Act (PDA) and related laws to create a Comprehensive Whistleblower Protection Framework.

This reform process aims to broaden the definition of “whistleblower” to include contractors, consultants, and members of the public; establish clear procedures for confidential disclosures; strengthen remedies for occupational detriment and clarify the obligations of employers to act on disclosures.

On whether the President will consider extending the timeframe of the work of the Commission, considering that testimonies can be a lengthy process that can last up to  two or three days, Magwenya said the Presidency is open to a discussion on the matter.

“The government and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development have been paying particular attention on the cost aspects of this exercise. The President will then have to be advised on both the merits for an extension as well as what will be the cost implications,” Magwenya said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Heritage, identity, and the risk of digital mimicry

Source: APO – Report:

As South Africans recently celebrated a day of communal braais and shared national pride, our digital lives inevitably mirrored our physical ones. We posted family photos, shared traditions, and celebrated our diverse cultures online. But in this outpouring of celebration, we risked exposing the very essence of our identity to cybercriminals who see our heritage not as a source of pride, but as a blueprint for manipulation.

“Heritage is not just about our traditions and history,” asserts Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy & CISO Advisor  at KnowBe4 Africa (https://www.KnowBe4.com/). “It’s also about an individual’s unique digital footprint that includes their personal information and cultural affiliations.” While celebrating heritage is a positive act, she warns that oversharing details online can provide cybercriminals with the ammunition they need for highly targeted attacks.

The digital shadow of a shared identity

Criminals consistently flock to where public interest is highest, and the increased social media activity around Heritage Day makes it a prime hunting ground. “The celebratory nature of Heritage Day makes people more trusting and less likely to scrutinise suspicious communications,” says Collard. “Cultural pride can override usual scepticism when receiving messages that appear to celebrate or acknowledge one’s heritage.”

This is compounded by a tendency to share more personal information during cultural celebrations, including family photos, location data, and even ancestral origins or family names. This data helps criminals build detailed victim profiles for highly effective social engineering (https://apo-opa.co/4ai7HMO) campaigns.

When ‘ubuntu’ becomes a vulnerability

Cybercriminals are adept at exploiting the cultural significance of the occasion, using traditional greetings and heritage symbols to establish a false rapport. “They leverage the strong sense of ubuntu and community spirit in South African culture to lower victims’ defences,” Collard explains.

This can manifest in several ways, from bogus charity appeals for a community project to phishing campaigns (https://apo-opa.co/3XUN3es) promising tickets to sold-out cultural events. Some scams are even more elaborate, exploiting deep-seated cultural beliefs. “Fraudsters may claim to represent traditional healers (sangomas) or deceased ancestors, promising to ‘bless’ (https://apo-opa.co/3KQS9W3) or double your money through a ritual to manipulate victims into handing over their life savings,” she comments.

Fraudsters can also use artificial intelligence to study cultural posts to impersonate community leaders or heritage groups, exploiting the trust people have in these figures. “Be especially wary of attacks that leverage personal data from your social-media accounts to create a false sense of trust,” she cautions.

Another risk is the deliberate use of “rage-bait” around culturally sensitive topics. “Rage-bait is internet content intentionally designed to provoke anger or outrage to increase engagement,” Collard elaborates. “It’s best not to comment on these posts, as they can be used as a tactic in a larger social-engineering campaign to exploit cultural stereotypes or vulnerabilities for malicious purposes.”

Building our cognitive defences

Protecting our digital identity  is not a purely technical problem; it is a psychological one. “Heritage and identity are deeply emotional topics that could bypass rational security thinking if exploited by scammers or disinformation actors,” Collard maintains. “Technical solutions alone ignore how values influence decision-making and risk assessment – we need to foster digital mindfulness and teach people how to be aware of these tactics.”

For individuals, this means:

  • Smart sharing: Review privacy settings before posting heritage-themed content. Avoid sharing specific locations, family details, or financial information that could be exploited.
  • Verification habits: Double-check heritage-related offers or invitations through official channels. Be sceptical of unsolicited messages, even if they reference your culture.
  • Digital hygiene: Use a password manager to create and manage strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication on all your accounts.

For organisations:

  • Run proactive awareness campaigns: Make employees aware of the specific dangers that exist online when sharing too much personal information
  • Use culturally relevant training: “Using culturally relevant examples and scenarios in security awareness training (https://apo-opa.co/48SeZ7v) is a good idea,” says Collard, as it helps make the threats more tangible and memorable.

Heritage Day should be a time to strengthen our cultural bonds, not to make us vulnerable. “By staying culturally connected while remaining digitally cautious,” Collard concludes, “we can celebrate our heritage while securing our futures, safely.”

– on behalf of KnowBe4.

Contact details:
KnowBe4:
Anne Dolinschek
 anned@knowbe4.com

Red Ribbon:
TJ Coenraad
tayla@redribboncommunications.co.za

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Action strategy to fast-track children’s rights and development

Source: Government of South Africa

Action strategy to fast-track children’s rights and development

Government’s newly approved national strategy aimed at accelerating action for children is one tool aimed at improving the circumstances of the country’s most vulnerable.

In his address to the nation through the weekly newsletter on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that despite the gains made since the advent of democracy, nearly half of South Africa’s children still live in poverty and face high levels of abuse, neglect and poor health outcomes.

Earlier this month, Cabinet approved the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC), a wide-ranging framework designed to improve the health, safety and development of children and adolescents. The strategy will be implemented through the 5th National Plan of Action for Children (2025–2030) and seeks to mobilise government, business, labour and civil society around a shared agenda for children.

“The best way to secure our country’s future is to invest in the health and well-being of its children,” President Ramaphosa said, noting that while progress has been made in reducing child poverty and mortality since 1994, significant challenges remain.

According to a recent Statistics South Africa report, child poverty declined from 69% in 2006 to 49% in 2023. However, children remain the most affected group, with nearly half living in poverty – the highest rate of any age group.

The newly approved strategy identifies 10 national priorities aligned to key stages in a child’s life, with particular focus on adolescents and children with disabilities. It follows extensive consultations with government departments, the children’s sector and children themselves, and is intended to strengthen coordination across all sectors of society.

President Ramaphosa highlighted early-life disadvantages as a critical concern, pointing to maternal undernutrition and its impact on birth outcomes, breastfeeding and child immunity. Poor nutrition in early childhood, the President said, continues to undermine children’s health, education and long-term prospects.

“This domino effect must be broken,” he said, stressing the need for early interventions to prevent children from falling behind before they even start school.

Crimes against children were also flagged as a major national crisis. During Child Protection Month in May, authorities reported more than 26 000 cases of child abuse and neglect in the 2024/2025 financial year, with the majority involving sexual abuse.

“The experience of children today will determine our nation’s social and economic wellbeing over the next twenty years,” President Ramaphosa said, warning that failure to act decisively would have long-term consequences for communities and the economy.

As part of the new strategy, government has announced the launch of a national “Hold My Hand” campaign, calling on every South African to take practical action to improve the lives of children.

The campaign urges citizens to imagine the impact if every child had “enough love, enough food, safety and brainpower”, arguing that such collective action could fundamentally change the country’s future.

Business and organised labour were singled out as key partners in the effort. 

President Ramaphosa said the private sector’s resources and logistics networks could help support under-resourced early learning programmes, while trade unions have a role to play in advocating for time and support for working parents.

The President also paid tribute to civil society organisations, health workers, teachers, social workers, child and youth care workers, as well as parents and grandparents, for their longstanding role in protecting and nurturing children.

“For the sake of our shared future, we must work together to ensure that our nation’s children and young people grow, thrive and are happy,” he said, calling for renewed commitment as the country heads into the new year. – SAnews.gov.za

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President to address commemoration of Reconciliation Day

Source: Government of South Africa

President to address commemoration of Reconciliation Day

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver a keynote address at the national commemoration of Reconciliation Day, taking place at the Ncome Museum within the uMzinyathi District, in KwaZulu-Natal. 

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government will lead this year’s national event under the theme: “Reaffirming Reconciliation for Future Generations.”

This year’s theme enshrines on the call for South Africans to deepen commitment to unity, healing, forgiveness and nation-building for shared future.

The selection of the Battle of Blood River heritage site at the Ncome Museum signifies the value of cherishing unity and peace collectively as South Africans.

“The fierce battle between the Voortrekker invaders and the Zulu forces unfolded 187 years ago in 1838 and marked a historical episode that shaped differing and often divisive commemorative customs for more than a century.

“However, as a part of redressing the past injustices in South Africa, the democratic government redefined the day in 1995 as the National Day of Reconciliation onwards.

“That was a unifying effort to transform the day from a symbol of division into a transformative platform for truth, justice, dialogue, healing and a shared nationhood,” the Presidency said on Sunday.

Hosting the programme on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, at Ncome reaffirms this commitment and invites the nation to engage honestly with its complex past while advancing a future rooted in inclusion, understanding and unity, it said. 

READ | South Africans urged to deepen commitment to unity this Reconciliation Month

–SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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African Development Bank and São Tomé and Príncipe sign three new grant financing agreements

Source: APO – Report:

The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) and the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe have deepened their development partnership with $18 million in new grant financing.

Signed on Thursday at the São Tomé and Príncipe Investment Forum in Brussels, the three agreements will support energy, climate-smart agriculture, and integrated water-energy-food security.

The first agreement delivers $7.5 million for the third phase of the Fiscal Sustainability and Resilience Program -Supplementary Financing (FSERP-SF) – part of a budget support operation, launched in December 2023. This brings the cumulative value to  $20 million to be disbursed directly into the national budget.

The programme drives reforms across two pillars: fiscal sustainability and energy sector transition. Under the programme, the Government of São Tomé and Principe committed to critical reforms to the public procurement system, customs, and debt management.  

On energy transition – a top priority in the country’s National Development Plan – the programme finances improved governance of the national utility, tariff adjustments for cost recovery, and an accelerated transition to renewable energy sources. This policy framework complements investment in energy transformation in generation and distribution infrastructure. The Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF), administered by the African Development Bank, finances this third phase.

The second financing agreement channels the Global Environment Fund’s (GEF) resources into the Co-Management of Climate Extremes for Agriculture and Fisheries Resilience Project (PRIASA III). The goal is to strengthen agriculture and fisheries value chains while deploying climate-resilient technologies to safeguard livelihoods against droughts, floods, and water scarcity.

With a total investment of $18.9 million, including $10 million in AfDB financing and $8.9 million from GEF, the project will be implemented through three components: enhancing value chains and socio-economic benefits, reducing vulnerability through climate-smart technologies and capacity building, and ensuring effective project management for integrated climate adaptation in agriculture and fisheries.

The third agreement is for a  $1.4 million Project Preparation Facility (PPF) for the Water-Energy-Food Security Nexus under the NEW-ERA initiative, to drive sustainable development in the water, energy, and agriculture sectors.

Over two years, the facility will develop critical studies and master plans for integrated water resources management, including a multipurpose dam development, a water treatment plant, climate-resilience measures, and a city-wide sanitation plan.

The PPF lays the groundwork for future investments to deliver universal access to potable water, explore potential hydropower generation, and improve food production by 2030, while strengthening governance and stakeholder capacity. The project will create jobs, enhance ecosystem resilience, and support the country’s climate commitments.

African Development Bank’s Country Manager for  Angola and São Tomé and Principe Pietro Toigo said: “As São Tomé and Principe presents to the global community its National Development Plan and approaches investors to power its private sector, these three financing agreements are a clear sign that the African Development Bank stands with the country as a provider of patient capital and risk mitigation”.

As of 30 November 2025, the African Development Bank Group’s active portfolio in São Tomé and Principe totals about $89.4 million, spread across 12 financing instruments, with an average age of 4.2 years and a disbursement ratio of 49.5 percent. Its sectoral distribution is led by agriculture (43 percent), followed by multisector operations (23 percent), finance (17 percent), energy (15 percent), and water (two percent).

The Bank’s portfolio reflects a strong emphasis on resilience, food security, energy transition, and macroeconomic reforms, alongside growing engagement in the green and blue economy and financial infrastructure.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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African Development Bank Group welcomes Canadian Africa Envoy for discussions to reshape cooperation

Source: APO – Report:

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The Senior Vice-President of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade welcomed Canada’s Special Envoy for Africa, Ambassador Ben Marc Diendéré, to the institution’s headquarters. The cordial meeting was marked by frank discussions, putting the relationship between Canada and the Bank on a new footing.

“Canada is a partner and a great supporter of the Bank. Your country has shown leadership on issues such as climate, inclusive growth and gender equality,” Akin-Olugbade said. She also noted that Canada is one of the five largest contributors to the African Development Fund, the concessional window of the African Development Bank Group. The 17th replenishment of the African Development Fund will take place in London next week, on 15 and 16 December.

“We believe in the African Development Bank as an important instrument for the continent,” Diendéré. “Beyond our existing relationship, Canada has launched its Canada-Africa Strategy in order to strengthen our cooperation with the continent. As a country, we have a political commitment to market diversification. We are keen to see how Canadian companies can benefit from the African Development Bank as an instrument,” he added.

Canada’s Special Envoy for Africa discussed key themes that could be at the heart of a partnership in the future. These include renewable energy, mining, agribusiness, health, technical and vocational education and training, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and the cultural and creative industries.  

Akin-Olugbade and her team presented the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy, adopted in 2024, and the Four Cardinal Points, outlined by Bank president Sidi Ould Tah, that guide the Bank’s investments. The Senior Vice-President highlighted opportunities for strengthening partnership through business opportunity seminars that are held twice a year. She emphasised that the Africa Investment Forum, which ended on 29 November and attracted nearly $15.3 billion in investment interest for 39 bankable projects, is a perfect opportunity for Canadian companies.  

She also raised the possibility of partnerships, beginning with the financing of project design and feasibility studies, and encouraged Canadian companies to participate in calls for tenders for programmes supported by the Bank.

Diendéré invited the Bank to send its representatives to Canada in order to present its work to the Canadian private sector. Akin-Olugbade and Diendéré agreed to prepare a roadmap, which will put the relationship between Canada and the Bank on a new footing and enable them to work together more productively.  

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:
Aissatou Diallo
Communications and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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Former Gucci and Loro Piana Public Relations (PR) Executive Diego Moriondo Appointed Chief Marketing and Communication for APO Group’s Volunteer Program Supporting the Roman Catholic Church in Africa

Source: APO – Report:

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press-release distribution service, is proud to announce the appointment of Diego Moriondo as Chief Marketing and Communication Officer for its Volunteer Programme supporting the governing body of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa, the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

Diego Moriondo brings a rich background in luxury brand management and global communications to the non-profit sector. He will serve in this critical volunteer role following a distinguished career in Media and Marketing at prestigious international fashion houses Gucci and Loro Piana. His high level strategic experience will be instrumental in professionalizing and scaling the Roman Catholic Church’s outreach across the African continent.

In his role as Chief Marketing and Communication Officer for the APO Group Volunteer Program, Diego Moriondo will be responsible for supporting SECAM’s officials in envisioning, developing, and overseeing the entire communication and marketing strategy for the Roman Catholic Church in Africa. His mandate is to strengthen SECAM’s public voice, enhance its visibility, and ensure the cohesive dissemination of its messages across the 38 national and regional episcopal conferences it represents.

“The addition of Diego Moriondo’s world class expertise is a significant milestone for our volunteer program and our partnership with the governing body of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa,” said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Founder and Chairman of APO Group. “Diego’s experience in crafting compelling narratives for global luxury brands like Gucci and Loro Piana will be pivotal in shaping a powerful and unified communication strategy that resonates deeply with Africa’s Catholic community and a wider global audience.”

Diego Moriondo expressed his enthusiasm for taking on this new challenge: “I am honoured to dedicate my experience to supporting APO Group’s mission and the vital work of SECAM. The opportunity to leverage strategic communications to impact the lives of millions across Africa is profoundly meaningful. I look forward to working with the team to develop an integrated strategy that empowers SECAM to communicate effectively throughout the continent.”

The Catholic Church operates 82,235 Catholic Schools in Africa, educating 30,629,476 pupils. Its extensive network of care includes 13,880 facilities such as hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, leprosy centres, homes for the elderly and chronically ill, centres for disabled people, orphanages, kindergartens, and marriage counselling centres.

According to recent data from the Vatican, there are 1.39 billion Catholics worldwide, representing around 18% of the world’s population. Africa’s 236 million Catholics already make up about 20% of the global Catholic population, but they are also the fastest-growing region in the world. By 2050, the World Christian Database estimates that African Catholics will make up 32% of the global Catholic population.

According to the United Nations’ 2022 State of the World’s Volunteerism Report, there are an estimated 862.4 million volunteers globally. Engaging in volunteerism offers individuals a unique opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience, enhance their professional profiles, and develop valuable skills through impactful service.

More information about APO Group’s volunteer programme supporting the Roman Catholic Church in Africa: https://apo-opa.co/3Kuq32Q

– on behalf of APO Group.

Media contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a Provoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple Provoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, the Davos Communications Awards 2025 awarded us the Gold Award for Best PR Campaign and the Bronze Award for Special Event.

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.

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Two suspected blue light robbers shot and killed

Source: Government of South Africa

Two suspected blue light robbers shot and killed

Two suspected blue light robbers were shot and killed on Sunday following a shootout with the police in Parys, Free State.

It is reported that a team of various police units in Gauteng, including Tactical Response Team, Traffic Airwing, Detectives Tracking Team, Head Office Counter Intelligence and private security companies operationalised intelligence information about a VW Golf 7 vehicle involved in blue light robberies. 

The team strategically placed themselves and the vehicle was spotted driving on the R59 road fitted with blue lights. 

As police attempted to stop it, the vehicle sped off leading to a high-speed chase and a shootout between the suspects and the police. The suspects’ vehicle lost control and collided into a fence in the Parys area. 

Two suspects dressed in police uniform were found dead in the car. The team further recovered two unlicensed firearms with ammunition, SAPS uniform with insignia, blue lights, sirens and false registration numbers.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects have been involved in blue light robberies happening on the R59 and other roads between Gauteng and Free State provinces. They hijack victims and kidnap them for hours, while withdrawing sums of money from the victims’ bank accounts.

“The police will continue to intensify their efforts to crackdown on these robberies. The public is once more urged not to stop on isolated areas but rather drive to the nearest police station or filling station. For any criminal activities, the public can report on the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

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SARB announces non-trading days

Source: Government of South Africa

SARB announces non-trading days

The Reserve Bank has advised market participants that it will be closed for trading and settlement on several public holidays this festive season.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) will be closed for trading and settlement on the following official public holidays:
• Tuesday, 16 December 2025 
• Thursday, 25 December 2025
• Friday, 26 December 2025 and
• Thursday, 1 January 2026

“The SARB’s open market and foreign exchange transactions have been scheduled to mature and settle on official business days during December 2025 and January 2026. No settlement will take place via the South African Multiple Option Settlement (SAMOS) system on the dates specified above,” the central bank said.

The SARB’s foreign exchange desk will close at 12:00 midday on 24 and 31 December 2025. 

Domestic money market operations will be conducted as usual, with the position closing at 16:55 on both days.
Queries regarding the above may be directed to Provia Mangoedi at +27 12 313 4952 and Andries Tshishonga at +27 12 313 4950. –SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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