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Government reaffirms commitment to managing migration

Source: Government of South Africa

Government reaffirms commitment to managing migration

Government has assured citizens that it is actively managing migration through lawful, coordinated and constitutional measures, as planned demonstrations against illegal migration take place across the country.

“Our objective remains clear: a South Africa where immigration laws are respected and enforced, where borders are secure, where communities are safe, where businesses compete fairly, and where human dignity and constitutional values are upheld,” a statement issued by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration (IMC) said on Tuesday.

Government said it will continue to intensify efforts to combat criminality, corruption, human trafficking, labour exploitation and all forms of illegality associated with irregular migration, while ensuring that enforcement actions are carried out within the framework of the Constitution and the law. 

“We call on all South Africans to remain calm, reject misinformation and xenophobia, and continue working with government and law enforcement agencies to build safe, stable and cohesive communities.

“Together, we can manage migration in a manner that protects our national interest, promotes the rule of law and advances the values upon which our democracy is founded,” the IMC said.

Government further acknowledged genuine concerns about migration, border management, service delivery, public safety and economic opportunities.

“These concerns deserve to be heard and addressed through lawful and democratic processes. Government particularly welcomes the fact that most participants rejected violence, vigilantism, intimidation, looting and damage to property. Such actions have no place in a constitutional democracy and undermine the very goals that communities seek to achieve,” the IMC said.

Government also reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to implementing the President’s Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management.

The five-point plan focuses on strengthening the enforcement of immigration and labour laws, securing borders, improving migration management systems, closing legislative and policy gaps, and working with countries across the continent to address migration challenges in a coordinated manner.

Meanwhile, government expressed its sincere appreciation to all South Africans who are exercising their constitutional right to protest peacefully and responsibly.

“We commend citizens, community leaders, organisers, civil society formations, religious leaders and law enforcement agencies for their commitment to peace, restraint and respect for the rule of law throughout the country,” the IMC said.  

Government said the peaceful conduct displayed today reflects the strength of democracy and demonstrates that South Africans can voice their concerns firmly and lawfully while respecting the rights and dignity of others. –SAnews.gov.za

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What Namibia Can Learn from Angola’s Oil Reform Playbook

Source: APO – Report:

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Namibia has emerged as one of the world’s most promising frontier oil and gas markets, with multi-billion-barrel discoveries positioning the country for first production by 2030. Yet moving from discovery to commercial production requires more than resource potential. It requires an investment framework that provides fiscal certainty, reduces execution risk and enables long-term capital deployment at scale.

Angola offers one of Africa’s clearest examples of how targeted upstream reform can reshape an entire sector. These lessons are explored in Crude Oil: Power, Turnaround and Transformation in Angola by NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC), now available globally. The book highlights how policy and fiscal reforms repositioned Angola from a declining producer to one of Africa’s most competitive upstream investment destinations.

Reform That Reset Angola’s Upstream Sector

Following years of production decline, Angola launched a wide-ranging reform program aimed at revitalizing both mature and frontier assets. In 2018, production had fallen by around 20% after an extended period without new licensing rounds, while imports accounted for roughly 80% of refined petroleum demand.

Today, that trajectory has shifted. Angola has attracted approximately $70 billion in planned upstream investment, supported by renewed exploration activity and a wave of offshore project developments. Key milestones include the $5.1 billion Greater PAJ development, which reached FID in 2026, alongside the Begonia and CLOV Phase 3 projects, both of which entered production in 2025. The Agogo FPSO is now onstream, while the Kaminho development is targeting first oil around 2028.

Exploration momentum is also accelerating, with TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil and Shell securing new acreage in Benguela and Namibe, alongside continued onshore activity from independents such as Afentra, Corcel and Etu Energias. Together, these developments reflect improved investor confidence in Angola’s regulatory and fiscal environment.

From Reform to Investment Certainty

Angola’s turnaround was not driven by geology alone, but by a deliberate shift in the quality and predictability of its investment framework. Since 2018, the country has introduced structural reforms including the Natural Gas Law, Gas Monetization Law, Permanent Offer framework and Marginal Fields legislation, all of which streamlined licensing procedures, improved fiscal competitiveness and strengthened long-term visibility for investors.

Crucially, these reforms embedded the core conditions that underpin upstream capital allocation decisions. Investors gained greater fiscal certainty through more predictable tax and royalty regimes, while stabilization clauses provided contractual protection against unilateral fiscal or regulatory changes over the life of projects. At the same time, approval and permitting processes were streamlined to reduce delays between discovery, FID and production, improving execution speed across the upstream value chain. These reforms were reinforced by stronger institutional continuity within the regulatory system, helping preserve technical expertise and ensure more consistent decision-making across policy cycles.

The 2018 Natural Gas Law established a dedicated framework for gas investment, unlocking monetization opportunities across Angola’s estimated 11 trillion cubic feet of reserves. The Permanent Offer mechanism, introduced in 2021, further improved market efficiency by enabling continuous licensing outside formal bidding rounds, reducing negotiation timelines and improving the flow of new opportunities to investors. Angola also introduced the Incremental Production Initiative to extend the life of mature fields and unlock stranded reserves, a framework expected to recover around 500 million additional barrels and extend field life cycles by up to two decades, significantly improving project economics and lowering investment risk.

A Blueprint for Namibia’s Next Phase

Namibia faces a similar but distinct challenge. While its discoveries have positioned it as a major frontier basin, sustaining investment beyond first oil will depend on embedding a bankable regulatory framework anchored in fiscal certainty, stabilization mechanisms and fast, transparent permitting systems that enable rapid project execution. Angola’s experience demonstrates that beyond fiscal incentives alone, execution speed and regulatory predictability are equally decisive in determining whether discoveries are converted into producing assets.

Equally important is institutional continuity within regulatory bodies, ensuring that technical expertise and administrative capacity are retained across policy cycles. This continuity helps reduce uncertainty for investors and supports more efficient project approval processes, both of which are critical in capital-intensive upstream environments.

Angola has also strengthened domestic participation through its Local Content Law, introduced in 2020. This has supported the emergence of indigenous companies such as Etu Energias and CABSHIP, which now play an increasingly important role across the value chain. Etu Energias alone has executed nearly $1 billion in M&A activity between 2022 and 2025 and is targeting 80,000 barrels per day by 2030, underscoring the importance of local operators in sustaining production growth and reducing operational risk.

Policy Certainty Drives Capital

As Namibia approaches first oil, Angola’s experience underscores a central principle: geology attracts attention, but predictable and enforceable policy frameworks attract capital. Stable regulation, transparent licensing, competitive fiscal regimes, stabilization clauses, efficient permitting systems and institutional continuity collectively determine whether upstream potential is converted into long-term production.

“Angola’s resilient and investor-friendly regulatory framework has attracted sustained investment across exploration, brownfield redevelopment and new offshore projects,” states Ayuk. “For Namibia, the opportunity is to build on its world-class discoveries by embedding the fiscal certainty, stabilization clauses and institutional capacity that give investors confidence to commit long-term capital.”

With global competition for upstream investment intensifying, Angola offers a practical roadmap for frontier producers. By combining resource potential with predictable, enforceable and efficiently administered policy frameworks, Namibia can accelerate its transition from exploration success to sustained production, deeper local participation and long-term economic growth.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Guinea’s Mining Advisor to Highlight Simandou-Led Growth Strategy at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026

Source: APO – Report:

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Daouda Diakité, Principal Advisor to Guinea’s Minister of Mines and Geology, Bouna Sylla, has been confirmed as a speaker at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa’s Most Influential Mining Conference – scheduled for October 14-16 in Cape Town. His participation reinforces AMW’s role as the leading platform connecting African governments with international capital to unlock the continent’s next generation of mining investments.

Guinea is currently accelerating the rollout of its Simandou 2040 strategy, a long-term development plan designed to leverage mining revenues to finance large-scale infrastructure, industrialization and economic diversification.

At AMW 2026, Diakité is expected to provide insights into the policy reforms and investment frameworks shaping the country’s next phase of mining-led growth. In early 2026, Guinea adopted its Planning Law and Program Law, establishing the legislative foundation to mobilize private capital across 122 priority infrastructure and industrial projects under the Simandou 2040 program. The government is also preparing a series of additional regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening the mining investment climate, alongside the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund to channel future mining revenues into long-term national development.

In parallel, Guinea is advancing the Simandou Iron Ore Project, widely regarded as the world’s largest untapped deposit of high-grade iron ore. Construction reached approximately 74% completion in Q1 2026, with rail infrastructure completed and port development nearing commissioning ahead of first production expected in 2027.

The country is also reinforcing its position as the world’s leading bauxite supplier, with exports rising by 25% to 182.8 million tons in 2025. A series of alumina refinery developments are underway to support downstream processing and value addition, including major projects backed by international partners such as Chalco, State Power Investment Corporation, Chinalco, Alteo and Alcoa.

Against this backdrop, Diakité’s participation at AMW 2026 will provide investors and industry stakeholders with a timely update on Guinea’s evolving mining landscape and the expanding opportunities emerging across its value chain. The engagement is also expected to reinforce Guinea’s positioning as a long-term investment destination, as the country moves to convert resource wealth into large-scale industrial and infrastructure development.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Working together for cleaner air in South Africa 

Source: Government of South Africa

Working together for cleaner air in South Africa 

By Bernice Swarts
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is concluding National Environment Month with a renewed commitment to strengthening collaboration among all three spheres of government, government entities, the private sector, research institutions, academia and civil society to tackle pollution and improve South Africa’s air quality.

This commitment is one of the key outcomes of the National Priority Air Quality Summit, recently held in Rustenburg, North West. Led by the DFFE, the summit brought together air quality officials and stakeholders from across the country to strengthen intergovernmental coordination and cooperation on air quality management in South Africa’s Priority Areas. 

The summit also provided an important platform for sharing experiences, best practices and innovative solutions to challenges experienced in the implementation of Priority Area Air Quality Management Plans.

When opening the summit, I challenged delegates to work together to find practical solutions to our country’s air pollution challenges. I am encouraged by a range of interventions explored to improve air quality and reduce pollution in our communities.

One of the interventions discussed was the role of greening initiatives in improving environmental quality. The DFFE is already implementing an ambitious programme to plant ten million trees on Heritage Day, 24 September 2026, under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Presidential One Billion Trees Programme.

Through this initiative, government aims to plant one billion trees over the coming years to improve air quality, combat climate change and create greener communities.

We are excited to be driving this important programme and building on the success of our campaign to plant one million trees in a single day on Heritage Day last year.

The National Priority Air Quality Summit took place during Environment Month, a period when we reflect on our shared responsibility to protect the environment and improve the quality of life of all South Africans. It also coincides with Youth Month, reminding us that the decisions we make today will directly affect the health, wellbeing and opportunities of future generations.

Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa guarantees everyone the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing. This constitutional right places a responsibility on all of us – government, industry, civil society, academia and citizens – to work together to reduce air pollution, improve the quality of the air we breathe. 

The theme of this year’s Summit, “Collective Accountability for Clean Air: Clean Air is Not a Privilege, but a Fundamental Right “– captures the spirit of our Constitution. It recognizes air quality as a basic human right, ensuring that there is accountability across government, industries, and civil society in prioritising our wellbeing as a collective. 

Poor air quality affects the most vulnerable members of our society disproportionately. Children, the elderly, and individuals with existing respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses often bear the greatest burden of pollution. Clean air therefore remains fundamental to achieving sustainable development, improving public health, reducing inequality and building resilient communities.

The 2026 Priority Area Summit focused on several key themes, including:
•    Building technical capacity among government institutions and stakeholders within the new priority area regulatory framework;
•    Assessing lessons learnt from the implementation of the Highveld Priority Area Air Quality Management Plan;
•    Using those lessons to better prepare for the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area and Waterberg-Bojanala priority areas.

The summit also focused on the implementation of the recently enacted National Dust Control Regulations, which seek to shift dust management from a reactive to a proactive approach. These discussions are critical as they aim to strengthen implementation capacity, improve accountability and accelerate measurable improvements in air quality management.

While the Summit acknowledged that notable progress has been achieved through enhanced monitoring networks, improved planning and increased stakeholder engagement, many communities continue to experience unacceptable levels of air pollution. We recognise the concerns expressed by communities regarding emissions from industrial activities, domestic fuel burning, transportation, waste burning and other pollution sources. 

We also acknowledge concerns raised by civil society organisations regarding the pace of implementation, transparency, compliance and accountability. Government takes these concerns seriously, and the Summit provided an opportunity to move beyond identifying challenges towards developing practical and implementable solutions.

My message remains clear: government cannot solve air pollution challenges alone. Industry, civil society, academia and communities all have important roles to play.

I also acknowledge and appreciate the support government has received through its partnership with the Clean Air Fund. This philanthropic organisation has partnered with the department since 2024 and has supported our Priority Area Summits since then.

The Clean Air Fund deployed 200 low-cost air quality sensors across Gauteng, North West and the Free State during 2025 and is working with the department to install additional sensors across the country. The organisation is also supporting municipalities and the department through public outreach and community awareness programmes, as well as strengthening the development of air quality management plans.

In addition, the Clean Air Fund has supported research institutions such as the South African Medical Research Council in conducting studies that help government better understand the health impacts of air pollution on communities. This evidence strengthens the case for urgent action to address pollution in Priority Areas.

These partnerships are unlocking valuable opportunities and enabling government to accelerate programmes that were previously constrained by limited resources. We encourage more stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration and partner with government through public-private partnerships to strengthen our collective efforts to improve air quality.

In conclusion, I want to emphasise that our communities have a right to know what they are breathing.
We recognise the growing importance of citizen science and community-based environmental monitoring. Around the world, communities are becoming active participants in environmental observation and data collection. Through the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS), government continues to improve public access to air quality information and strengthen environmental transparency.

We have also enhanced systems that allow members of the public to report air pollution incidents and complaints online, enabling quicker responses and improved accountability.

However, communities must not only be informed – they must also be empowered to participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their health and environment. To this end, the department will host community air quality dialogues across South Africa, especially at all Priority Areas. We will expand public awareness and education initiatives on air quality and pollution. We will increase the number of Air Quality Dialogues across the country and ensure that information is communicated in all official languages so that communities are fully informed and able to participate.

The Summit further resolved to develop a clear and practical plan to strengthen community participation in efforts to reduce pollution and improve air quality. I therefore call on all South Africans to join government, industry and civil society in tackling air pollution and building healthier, cleaner and more sustainable communities for current and future generations.

*Swarts is the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

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Consumer relief as petrol, diesel and paraffin prices decrease

Source: Government of South Africa

Consumer relief as petrol, diesel and paraffin prices decrease

Overburdened consumers will be in for some relief from tomorrow after the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) announced a decrease in fuel prices, excluding LP Gas.

The adjustment for prices from July are as follows:
Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): R2.01 decrease.
Petrol 95 (ULP &LRP): R1.96 decrease.
Diesel (0.05% sulphur): R3.13 decrease.
Diesel (0.005% sulphur): R3.58 decrease.
Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): R5.23 decrease.
Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: R6.97 decrease.
Maximum Retail Price of LPGas: 16c/kg increase and nineteen cents per kilogram (19.00 c/kg) increase in the Western Cape.

This means that a litre of 95 petrol which currently costs R28.06 in Gauteng will now cost R26.10 as of Wednesday. In the coast the price will come down from R27.19 to R25.23 a litre.

“The average Brent Crude oil price decreased from 104.59 US Dollars [USD] to 86.53 USD during the period under review. This is due to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran which has improved global supply outlook.

“The average international product prices followed the decreasing trend of crude oil during the period under review. These factors led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 295.97 cents per litre, 498.47 [cents a litre] and 510.51 [cents a litre], respectively. The prices of Propane and Butane increased during the period under review,” the department said.

During the same period, the Rand strengthened against the dollar from R16.52 to R16.38 per USD.
“This led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and Illuminating Paraffin by 11.27 cents a litre, 13.75 cents a litre and 13.37 cents a litre respectively,” the department stated.

The DMPR also announced that the short-term fuel levy relief by government has “been phased out”.

“The short-term relief measures have been completely phased out and the full fuel levies of 429.00 cents per litre on petrol and 416.00 cents per litre on diesel will be reinstated,” the DMPR said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Indigenous Operators to Power Nigeria’s Next Upstream Growth Phase at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: APO – Report:

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As Nigeria’s energy sector enters a new phase defined by indigenous leadership, local operators are increasingly taking control of mature assets, accelerating marginal field development, and deploying capital into infrastructure that supports long-term production growth. From offshore developments and gas monetization to asset acquisitions and field optimization, this transformation will take center stage at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, where some of Nigeria’s most influential energy executives are confirmed participants.

At the forefront of this shift is Seplat Energy, Nigeria’s largest independent producer, which continues to expand its upstream and gas portfolio following its landmark acquisition of ExxonMobil’s Nigerian subsidiary. The company’s 2030 strategy targets 200,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day and more than 1 billion standard cubic feet per day of domestic gas production, supported by key developments including the ANOH gas processing plant, which achieved first gas in January 2026. Incoming CEO Effiong Okon, alongside CFO and Executive Director Eleanor Adaralegbe, will represent Seplat Energy at AEW 2026, sharing insights into the company’s next phase of production growth, gas expansion and capital allocation strategy.

Other indigenous operators are demonstrating that mature assets can continue to deliver significant value through targeted investment and operational efficiency. SunTrust Atlantic Energies has been producing from the Umusadege field in OML 56 since 2008, generating more than 54 million barrels of crude while sustaining output of around 10,000 bpd. Founder, CEO and President Dr. Ugo Okafor will join AEW 2026 to discuss financing strategies, indigenous asset development and the role of patient capital in Africa’s upstream sector.

Meanwhile, Lekoil Nigeria is illustrating how indigenous operators can transform marginal fields into integrated production and infrastructure hubs. Through its Otakikpo asset, the company has commissioned Nigeria’s first indigenous onshore crude export terminal in nearly five decades, while expanding gas-to-power infrastructure and advancing the commercialization of additional discoveries, including OPL 310. Executive Director and Chief Technical Officer Samuel Olotu will contribute to discussions on infrastructure development, asset optimization and the future of indigenous operations.

A new generation of indigenous producers is also accelerating Nigeria’s offshore production growth. Emadeb Exploration & Production achieved first oil at the Ibom Field in 2025, marking the first shallow-water offshore development in more than 15 years. With over $100 million already invested and further drilling campaigns planned, the company reflects growing confidence among Nigerian-owned upstream players. Managing Director Dr. Oluwasegun Ogunsanya will speak at AEW 2026, sharing perspectives on accelerating project execution and scaling offshore development.

Beyond production growth, financial innovation and structured investment are becoming increasingly important as indigenous operators assume larger roles in Nigeria’s hydrocarbon sector. Pan Ocean Oil Corporation and the Newcross Group exemplify this shift, expanding across producing assets, gas infrastructure and export logistics. Group CFO Dr. Oluseyi Oladapo will participate at AEW 2026, offering perspectives on project financing, asset acquisitions and the capital structures required to sustain Nigeria’s next phase of upstream development.

“The future of Nigeria’s energy sector will be shaped by the strength, innovation and investment capacity of its indigenous operators. These companies are not only sustaining production from mature fields but are building a more resilient African energy industry,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Taking place in Cape Town from October 12–16, AEW 2026 will convene Nigeria’s leading independent operators alongside investors, regulators and global energy stakeholders to explore the strategies driving upstream transformation and the broader rise of indigenous leadership across Africa’s oil and gas sector.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Merck Foundation Highlights the Power of Creativity as a Voice for the Voiceless to Break Infertility Stigma and Support Girl Education

Source: APO – Report:

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks World Art Day 2026 through their Pan-African “Art and Fashion with Purpose” community, established by Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. On this occasion, the Merck Foundation also proudly celebrates the 6-year anniversary of this impactful community, which continues to harness the power of art and fashion to address critical health and social issues in Africa and beyond.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and One of 100 Most Influential Africans 2019 – 2025 shared “I am happy to mark World Art Day 2026, and I firmly believe that art, fashion, and media are powerful tools for raising awareness and addressing critical social and health issues. We also proudly celebrate the 6-year anniversary of our ‘Fashion and Art with Purpose’ Community, established in 2020. Through this dynamic community, we continue to raise awareness on important health and social issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending FGM & child marriage, stopping gender based violence, women empowerment and diabetes, hypertension & cancer awareness, while empowering artists across Africa and beyond to use their day-to-day creative work as a powerful tool for awareness, education, and driving a meaningful cultural shift within their communities.

Our community today brings together talented members from more than 25 countries. I am proud of what we’ve built together and the positive social impact it continues to create.”

Merck Foundation has launched many initiatives including their first-ever pan-African TV program, ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’, which uniquely highlights pressing issues across the continent through the voices of their ‘Fashion and Art with Purpose’ community.

‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ is a pan African TV program that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation to feature African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa. The program has captured the attention and hearts of millions of viewers across Africa.

“Our Africa” has been broadcast on prime TV stations of many countries, and is currently on social media handles of Social Media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4p0wIl8), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/44IndNP), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/44yY2xg) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4oWfIfK)] and Merck Foundation [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3RawEm8), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4gNVL8E), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/44yY8oC) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4457g49)].

Watch the Promo of the Program here: https://apo-opa.co/4v96dLr

Beyond Our Africa TV Program, Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa announces annually 8 important Awards, under two themes, for Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers and Musicians/ Singers, and potential young African talents in these fields. The themes of the two categories of awards are: 1) Breaking Infertility Stigma, Support Girls’ Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and/ or Women Empowerment at all levels and 2) promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Entries for the 2026 Awards can be sent to: submit@merck-foundation.com

A significant part of Merck Foundation’s “Art and Fashion with Purpose” Community is made up of the talented winners of Merck Foundation annual Fashion, Film, and Song Awards.

“I am proud and delighted to share that in partnership with my dear sisters, The First Ladies of Africa, we have so far recognized and celebrated 175 exceptional talents as our winners from 25 countries through our Fashion, Film, and Song Awards. Each winner has become a valued member of our ‘Fashion and Art with Purpose’ Community. Together, they continue to use their voice, art, and influence to spark meaningful conversation, challenge deeply rooted perceptions, and raise awareness about sensitive social and health issues across their communities,” added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

The 175 winners include 102 Fashion Award winners, 53 Song Award winners, and 20 Film Award winners, selected for their outstanding creativity and impact from 25 countries including Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, CAR, Congo-Brazzaville, DRC, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Also, as a part of the Community Awareness Programs, Merck Foundation has created over 30 songs with many African Artists, in English, French, Portuguese and also local African languages to address critical issues like breaking infertility stigma, empowering women, supporting girl education, ending child marriage, diabetes awareness, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and more.

Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa has also launched 9 Children’s Storybooks in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili. Additionally, Merck Foundation has adapted their storybooks to create 6 Awareness Animation films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili, with the purpose of reaching out to the communities to raise awareness on the important issues with an aim of instilling change at grassroot levels.

To listen to the Merck Foundation songs, read Merck Foundation storybooks and watch Merck Foundation animation films, click on the below links:  

https://apo-opa.co/4voEiHT

https://apo-opa.co/3RcSe9A 

– on behalf of Merck Foundation.

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

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3RawEm8
X: https://apo-opa.co/44yY8oC
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4457g49
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4gNVL8E
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/44o1pat
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4wnQdqd
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4v4PRUi

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3RawEm8), X (https://apo-opa.co/44yY8oC), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4gNVL8E), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4457g49), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/44o1pat) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4wnQdqd).

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

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Law enforcement agencies united in ensuring safety of residents

Source: Government of South Africa

Law enforcement agencies united in ensuring safety of residents

North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, says the South African Police Service (SAPS), together with its law enforcement and government partners, is united in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

This as illegal immigration protests are expected to take place on Tuesday.

“Morning parades were held across all districts, where SAPS members were joined by representatives from the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Social Development, Provincial and Local Traffic Services, Intelligence Services and Community Policing Forums in a powerful display of collaboration in ensuring safer communities,” North West police said in a statement.

The Provincial Commissioner said the situation in the province this morning was calm and it was business as usual.

“Law enforcement agencies have intensified deployments across the province, and PROVJOINTS will continue to serve, protect and keep communities safe,” the police said.

On Monday evening, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structures (Natjoints) Chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili warned that where criminality presents itself, law enforcement agencies would respond swiftly, proportionately and decisively within the confines of the law.

Mosikili said specialised operational units were ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

“Our intelligence structures continue to monitor developments in real time, and operational commanders are receiving continuous updates to ensure swift and decisive decision-making,” she said. –  SAnews.gov.za
 

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Police arrest five for breaking in to tuck shop

Source: Government of South Africa

Police arrest five for breaking in to tuck shop

Five people have been arrested for allegedly breaking into a tuck shop in Woody Glen, on the outskirts of Hammarsdale, as authorities have heightened security during protests against illegal immigration across KwaZulu-Natal.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli commended police and other law enforcement agencies for the swift arrests, saying criminal activity would not be tolerated under the guise of protest.

“We acknowledge and respect that civil society has the right to protest and voice their concerns. However, we urge all those participating in today’s marches against illegal immigration to do so within the prescript of the law,” Ntuli said.

He described the arrests as a warning to anyone considering engaging in criminal behaviour.

“The arrest in Woody Glen is a stern warning to everyone that we will not tolerate any acts of criminality. We cannot and will not allow anarchy and lawlessness to be the order of the day,” he said.

Ntuli said law enforcement agencies, private security companies and community safety structures had been deployed to monitor the area throughout the day and would continue maintaining a visible presence to ensure law and order.

The Premier also announced that the provincial government had established a rapid response nerve centre in Durban and similar centres in all district municipalities to coordinate a swift response to any incidents of crime or unrest.

In addition, all members of the provincial executive council have been deployed to their respective districts to work with local leadership in preventing disruptions.

Ntuli said the coordinated deployment was aimed at reinforcing the rule of law across KwaZulu-Natal during the protests and beyond. – SAnews.gov.za

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Beaufort West Municipality urges calm ahead of 30 June protests

Source: Government of South Africa

Beaufort West Municipality urges calm ahead of 30 June protests

The Beaufort West Municipality has called on residents to remain calm, vigilant and responsible ahead of anticipated activities expected to take place on Tuesday.

In a statement issued on Monday, the municipality said it had worked with law enforcement and emergency services to implement precautionary measures aimed at ensuring public safety, maintaining law and order, and protecting essential services.

Municipal officials said the relevant authorities will remain on high alert and are prepared to respond swiftly should any incidents occur.

The municipality reminded residents that government has confirmed Tuesday, 30 June, as a normal working day. Businesses, schools, government offices and essential services are expected to operate as usual, with residents encouraged to continue with their daily routines.

Beaufort West Executive Mayor Gina Duimpies reiterated the municipality’s support for the constitutional right to peaceful protest but warned that criminal behaviour would not be tolerated.

“The safety and well-being of every resident remain our highest priority. We call on everyone to act responsibly, remain peaceful, and work together to keep Beaufort West safe,” Duimpies said.

She added that acts of violence, intimidation, vandalism, xenophobia, discrimination, hate speech and any other criminal conduct would be dealt with decisively by law enforcement agencies.

The municipality also urged residents to obtain information only from official communication channels and to avoid sharing unverified reports or misinformation on social media.

Officials said maintaining public safety would require the cooperation of all residents as authorities continue to monitor the situation. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Janine

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