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Khampepe Commission’s deadline extended to July 2026

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, December 1, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the deadline for the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations of attempts to halt the investigation or prosecution of Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases.

In a statement on Monday, The Presidency said the President has determined 31 July 2026, as the new date for the submission of its final report.

In May 2025, President Ramaphosa signed a proclamation establishing the commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Judge Sisi Khampepe, with retired Northern Cape Judge President Frans Diale Kgomo and Adv Andrea Gabriel SC appointed as assisting commissioners.

READ | President establishes commission of inquiry into delay in TRC cases

According to the original Terms of Reference, the Commission was expected to complete its work within 180 days of the proclamation and submit its report to the President within 60 days of completing its work.

However, President Ramaphosa has acknowledged several factors that delayed progress. These include the late start of the Commission’s work, outstanding documentary responses, anticipated applications for cross-examination, and the upcoming recess from mid-December 2025 to early January 2026.

As a result, the President has amended the Terms of Reference to stipulate that the Commission must now complete its work by 29 May 2026 and deliver its final report by 31 July 2026.

“President Ramaphosa says the extension will aid the Commission to complete its work without any further delay and to provide the country with a full account of the circumstances that gave rise to the establishment of the Commission,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy President Mashatile hails breakthrough HIV prevention injection

Source: Government of South Africa

As the globe commemorates World AIDS Day, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said the introduction of lenacapavir, a long-acting preventative treatment, is set to change the landscape of HIV prevention in South Africa.

This is after government recently announced the groundbreaking development in HIV prevention that promises to revolutionise how individuals safeguard themselves against the virus.

The Deputy President, who is also the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), addressed the official commemoration at Ga-Masemola Stadium in the Sekhukhune District of Limpopo. 

Lenacapavir is a revolutionary long-acting injectable drug that offers six months of protection and requires only two injections per year. 

In October this year, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) achieved regulatory readiness, making it the first in Africa and the third globally to register lenacapavir.

According to the country’s second-in-command, this innovation is particularly significant for people who struggle to adhere to daily pill regimens and touched on the profound implications for marginalised communities.

“Lenacapavir offers hope for young women who cannot negotiate condom use. It empowers adolescent girls navigating relationships marked by power imbalances. It protects key populations who face stigma and discrimination.

“Lenacapavir speaks to the reality of our people’s lives, that prevention must be practical, dignified, discreet, and compatible with the pressures of daily survival.”

Acknowledging the urgency of ensuring rapid access to life-saving tools, the Deputy President warned against the missteps of the early antiretroviral therapy (ART) era. 

“Let me be clear: we cannot repeat the mistakes of the early ARV era, where life-saving tools reached our shores too slowly. This time, we move with urgency, with foresight, and with unity,” he stated.

Deputy President Mashatile described the lenacapavir as more than just a drug but a symbol of what becomes possible when science, political will, and community demand meet at the same table.

Meanwhile, to tackle the significant gap of 1.1 million individuals who need access to HIV prevention, the Deputy President called for a critical examination of efforts towards marginalised communities.

“Let us confront stigma with courage, fund research, and ensure treatment reaches everyone. This is a commitment to health, dignity, justice, and equality for all people.”

Currently, South Africa’s statistics are at 96-80-97, while global figures stand at 95-85-92.

These targets are a global strategy for ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030, aiming for 95% of all people living with HIV to know their status; 95% of those who know their status to be on sustained antiretroviral treatment; and 95% of those on treatment to be virally suppressed.

To confront the stubborn second 95 target, government launched an ambitious national recovery effort in February this year, known as the 1.1 million “Close the Gap” Treatment Acceleration Campaign. 

“The campaign represents mothers who stopped treatment because transport was too costly, men who walked away after negative clinic experiences, young people who feared disclosure, and thousands who moved between provinces without continuity of care.” 

He has since called for multi-sectoral coordination to ensure that the country continues to perform various community-based interventions.  

South Africa marks today’s commemoration following a successful Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit, which included the Global Fund’s 8th Replenishment Summit co-hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa and United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer. 

The replenishment campaign aims to secure US$18 billion to support health efforts from 2027 to 2029, to save 23 million lives and strengthen responses to HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.

In addition, he said government is working around the clock to implement policies that improve access, retention, and re-engagement with treatment.

This includes policies that directly address structural inequalities and work to dismantle stigma, particularly for the most vulnerable individuals, such as women and girls, people who use drugs, sex workers, and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and other identities (LGBTQIA+) community.

In the meantime, he said government continues to make significant improvements in HIV testing, treatment and care through expanded access to antiretroviral therapy and innovative community-led prevention efforts.

“On this World AIDS Day, we celebrate the incredible progress that has transformed HIV from a death sentence into a condition that can be managed with dignity and hope. 

“Yet, our mission is far from over. Today, we stand at a defining moment – where science, compassion, and unwavering resolve can unite to end an epidemic that has cast its shadow for many years.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Machines whisper before they scream: we built an AI model that predicts expensive problems

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Edward Khomotso Nkadimeng, Post Doc Fellow: AI and Data Systems in Nuclear/Particle Physics, Stellenbosch University

In most industries, maintenance is a waiting game. Things are fixed when they break. But in the 21st century, an age defined by data and automation, that approach no longer makes sense. The solution could be predictive maintenance. This is an approach that uses sensors and software to analyse equipment performance in real time and predict when it might fail.

Edward Khomotso Nkadimeng, a lecturer and researcher in artificial intelligence and data systems in nuclear/particle physics at Stellenbosch University, has researched how a predictive maintenance model can help keep critical systems running – from research equipment to national infrastructure. He explains why this approach could be a practical tool for resilience across Africa.

What is a predictive maintenance model and why did you build one?

For decades after the global industrial boom, many industries relied on a simple rule: wait for a machine to break, then repair it. That made sense when machines were simpler and downtime was just part of the routine.

Periodic maintenance is common too, but still inefficient and often based on time, not actual machine condition. That approach costs time, money, and sometimes even safety. Modern systems are more interconnected and expensive to halt.

A predictive maintenance model is a data-driven system that forecasts equipment failure before it happens. It predicts when systems are degrading, rather than just reacting. It monitors a variety of systems, from industrial pumps, compressors and turbines to scientific instruments, by collecting real‑time data like vibration (which measures how much a machine physically oscillates), temperature, pressure and voltage.

These measurements come from Internet of Things (IoT) or condition-monitoring sensors. Even machines that aren’t ultra-cutting-edge can be instrumented to provide this data. Once collected, the data feeds into machine learning models that learn to recognise patterns associated with slow drift towards failure.

The model monitors a broad range of systems: industrial pumps, compressors, turbines, and high-precision scientific instruments (cyclotrons, vacuum pumps, beamline diagnostics). It is designed for systems where sensor data can be collected – any instrument that generates measurable signals. It uses live data vibration, the physical oscillation of a machine component, where subtle changes in vibration amplitude or frequency often precede mechanical failures, such as bearing wear or rotor imbalance, as well as temperature, pressure and voltages.

While advanced machines may produce richer data, even legacy machinery can benefit with added sensors. The method is therefore broadly applicable to recognise when they’re slowly drifting towards failure.

At NRF-iThemba LABS, a South African national nuclear and accelerator research facility, and Stellenbosch University, I built a system like this out of necessity. Our teams include physicists, engineers and computer scientists who collaborate on high-precision experiments in nuclear and particle physics.

The research instruments are complex, expensive and often one of a kind. When they fail unexpectedly, experiments stop, data is lost, and public funds go to waste. For example, we work with 70 MeV cyclotrons for isotope production, superconducting magnets, radiofrequency acceleration cavities and vacuum systems. These are one-of-a-kind instruments, sensitive to downtime.

So, the goal was to make an affordable, self-learning system that can scale from our research equipment to the industrial infrastructure that keeps African economies running pumps, turbines and power grids. Similar predictive maintenance systems are applied in industrial power plants, water utilities and aviation, reducing unplanned downtime by 20%-40%. Our adaptation for African labs and industrial systems uses low-cost Internet of Things sensors with cloud-based AI.

What did you learn from the model? Why is this useful?

The first thing I learned is that machines whisper before they scream. Long before a breakdown, they show tiny signs like slight vibrations, small voltage drops, or subtle changes in speed.

With enough data on vibration, temperature, pressure, voltage and motor load, for example, these data streams form the input for AI models. These patterns form a kind of language, and artificial intelligence becomes the translator.

By training the model on real operational data like pump vibration over time and other readings, we discovered that failures aren’t random: they follow recognisable signatures. Once the system learns these patterns, it can predict what’s coming and even suggest what to do next. The real benefit is timing, scheduling maintenance exactly when it is needed and not too early, which wastes parts and labour, and not too late (which risks catastrophic failure).

Instead of over-servicing equipment or waiting for something to fail, maintenance can happen exactly when it’s needed. That saves resources, reduces downtime and keeps operations running smoothly. And because the principle is universal, it applies just as well in factories, hospitals and water systems as it does in research labs. For example, detecting a failing motor before a line shutdown in a manufacturing plant, or ventilator sensors predicting pump failure in a hospital, or monitoring municipal pumps to prevent water shortages.

What are the practical implications of applying the model?

The practical impact is huge. Predictive systems help avoid blackouts, water shortages and unplanned shutdowns – issues that affect daily life and essential services. An example can be seen in South Africa’s blackouts: the power utility Eskom’s transformers are monitored for predictive faults. In Cape Town, predictive maintenance of water systems reduces pump downtime. They also make workplaces safer and budgets more efficient.

For African countries especially, where technical resources are often stretched, predictive maintenance is a form of resilience. It replaces firefighting with foresight. By using affordable IoT sensors (small devices collecting data like temperature), cloud-based AI (online software that analyses this data in real-time), and self-learning algorithms, maintenance becomes continuous, automated and smart.

It’s the quiet side of AI, keeping the lights on, the pumps running and the economy stable. Physics, data and engineering can quietly work together to keep important systems alive and reliable.

– Machines whisper before they scream: we built an AI model that predicts expensive problems
– https://theconversation.com/machines-whisper-before-they-scream-we-built-an-ai-model-that-predicts-expensive-problems-267070

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Africa’s longest-running grassland research project offers up a wealth of knowledge

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Craig Morris, Senior Researcher, Agricultural Research Council – Animal Production, University of KwaZulu-Natal

For 75 years, grasslands research conducted just outside Pietermaritzburg, South Africa has informed policy makers and farmers about sustainable management, while training generations of students.

Grasslands and savannas cover more than 60% of South Africa. They are vital not only for livestock and wildlife forage but also for providing key ecosystem services such as water regulation, carbon storage, biodiversity, cultural resources and recreation.

The Ukulinga Research Farm of the University of KwaZulu-Natal is a species-rich grassland with scattered trees. It hosts two long-term experiments that have provided crucial insights into how fire, grazing and soil nutrients shape ecosystems.

Ukulinga research farm, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Kevin Kirkman, Author provided (no reuse)

In 1950, Professor J.D. Scott, founder of the discipline of grassland science at the university, established two complex grassland experiments at Ukulinga: the Veld Burning and Mowing Trial and the Veld Fertilisation Trial. They are now internationally known as the Ukulinga Grassland Fire Experiment and the Ukulinga Grassland Nutrient Experiment. Initially designed to improve hay yield and forage quality, these experiments have run uninterrupted for 75 years. They have evolved into invaluable ecological laboratories.

They are respectively the longest-running fire experiment in the world and the longest-running nutrient addition experiment in Africa.

Scientific studies on these grassland experiments have spanned molecular, microbial, plant community, and ecosystem scales. They have covered fire effects, nutrient cycling, soil processes, biodiversity responses and remote sensing. Comparative and collaborative studies, often involving US and European teams, highlight the global relevance of these datasets. They connect local observations to international ones, revealing universal patterns while highlighting the unique characteristics of southern African grasslands.

I’m a grassland scientist who has been involved in this research. My colleagues and I looked back to assess the value of research done on the farm. We concluded that it has contributed to ecological theory, shaped local management practices, and supported a wide range of comparative studies, networking and education.

The core scientific value of these experiments lies in their duration and the consistent application of the same treatments over time. Decades of continuous treatments (like burning, or fertiliser) have generated data that reveals slow ecological processes, long-term interactions, and effects that short-term studies cannot detect.

Treatments applied in the fire and nutrient experiments. A. Morris, Author provided (no reuse)

The outdoor laboratories allow researchers to pursue new multidisciplinary investigations and examine interactions with emerging environmental pressures, including climate change.

Early grazing experiments

Valuable livestock grazing experiments were conducted in the 1950s and 1960s. One trial (1958-1974) examined three sheep grazing systems – continuous, rotational, and seasonal rest – at different stocking rates. Another 24-year study (1967-1991) tested nine combinations of rotational grazing periods to evaluate multi-paddock systems.

These early trials and several focused short-term studies provided insights into how grass species respond to grazing or mowing. The findings, many of them published in the African Journal of Range and Forage Science, revealed complex relationships between grazing intensity, plant resilience and grassland productivity. They continue to inform rangeland management today.

Read more: Berg winds in South Africa: the winter weather pattern that increases wildfire risks

Some key results of the long-term experiments

Over decades, excluding fire and mowing transformed some plots into dense, woody thickets, dramatically altering both plant composition and ecosystem function. Regularly burned or mown plots maintained productive, species-rich grasslands.

The nutrient experiment has shown that while nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisers can boost grassland productivity, they also alter the original grassland by promoting fast-growing grasses. Over time, added nutrients reduce plant diversity.

Together, the experiments demonstrate how natural disturbances versus artificial nutrient addition drive distinct ecological outcomes. They offer insights into the mechanisms that maintain grassland biodiversity and resilience.

Read more: The long shadow of colonial forestry is a threat to savannas and grasslands

Over the past 75 years, research output from the experiments has steadily grown, and has achieved a broad international reach. Fifty peer-reviewed papers have been produced and the top 10 cited papers from each experiment have collectively been cited in 458 journals by 1,172 principal authors from 78 countries outside South Africa.

The impact

The Ukulinga long-term grassland experiments have shaped sustainable management practices by providing empirical evidence for optimal burning frequencies and seasons in mesic (moderately wet) grasslands. They have highlighted the ecological risks of nutrient enrichment from industrial pollutants, showing how added nutrients can alter grassland composition and reduce diversity.

Beyond research, the experiments have had a profound educational and outreach impact, training generations of students and engaging visitors who carry these insights into policy, conservation and grassland management across South Africa.

Ukulinga now also hosts global-network experiments such as the Nutrient Network (NutNet), Drought Network (DroughtNet), and Disturbance and Recovery Across Global Grasslands Network (DragNet), linking local observations to international studies. Through these collaborations, researchers can compare Ukulinga’s results with similar experiments worldwide.

A rain-out shelter used in the DroughtNet experiment. A. Morris, Author provided (no reuse)

What next

Preserving these long-term studies is critical for understanding slow ecological responses, succession, and tipping points that only emerge over decades.

Ukulinga (isiZulu for “to test”) provides a platform for addressing pressing questions in grassland science. To safeguard its unique scientific value, the long-term burning, mowing and nutrient addition experiments should be maintained without alteration. Continued support and broader collaboration are essential to fully realise their potential for monitoring long-term ecological responses, testing new hypotheses, and guiding sustainable grassland management.

– Africa’s longest-running grassland research project offers up a wealth of knowledge
– https://theconversation.com/africas-longest-running-grassland-research-project-offers-up-a-wealth-of-knowledge-270121

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ConstructAfrica Appoints Jenni Chamberlain as Vice-Chair of its ConstructAfrica Industry Advisory Board (CIAB)

Source: APO

ConstructAfrica (https://ConstructAfrica.com/) is proud to announce the appointment of Jenni Chamberlain, Founder & CEO of Altree Capital, as the Vice-Chairperson of its ConstructAfrica Industry Advisory Board (CIAB), effective 1 December 2025.

Jenni joins the CIAB leadership in this key role as part of ConstructAfrica’s ongoing commitment to strengthening strategic guidance, governance, and stakeholder engagement across Africa’s infrastructure and construction ecosystem.

Commenting on her appointment, Jenni Chamberlain said, “I’m honoured to join the ConstructAfrica Industry Advisory Board as Vice-Chair. ConstructAfrica is a vital hub for thought leadership and collaboration in Africa’s construction and infrastructure sectors. The continent faces an enormous challenge that demands collective ambition and sustainable solutions. I look forward to contributing to its goals to align capital with ambition, foster trust, and connect key players to deliver projects that are built to last, sustainable and unlock Africa’s full economic potential.”

A Strategic Appointment for a Transformative Moment

As Vice-Chair, Jenni Chamberlain will deputise for the Chair, Dr. Nelson Ogunshakin, including chairing board meetings when required, and will lead high-priority initiatives that align closely with ConstructAfrica’s mission of delivering actionable market intelligence and fostering collaboration across public and private sectors. She will also represent ConstructAfrica in high-level forums, support governance and oversight, and help forge strategic partnerships to drive innovation and sustainable growth across the African infrastructure space.

“I am delighted to have Jenni Chamberlain as the Construct-Africa Industry Advisory Board (CIAB) Vice Chair. Her strong background in global corporate finance, knowledge of the continent, energy, and passion for sustainable Africa investment will help to drive forward the Construct Africa agenda,” said Dr. Nelson Ogunshakin OBE, Chairman of the CIAB. “I have known Jenni for over two decades, observed her success on every venture she embarks upon, and believe she will bring the same dynamic thinking and can-do approach into play as we unfold the Construct Africa Industry Advisory Board future programme. I am looking forward to working with Jenni during her tenure, and I am sure the rest of the CIAB members will join me in congratulating Jenni on her appointment as Deputy Chair.”

About Jenni Chamberlain

Jenni Chamberlain is the Founder & CEO of Altree Capital, a pan-African asset management firm that provides investment advisory services to institutional investors.

She also leads the Altree Kadzi Gender Climate Fund, which directs capital to women-led, women-founded, and women-benefitting businesses across sub-Saharan Africa, combining a gender lens with climate-smart investing.

Her pioneering work on gender and climate finance has been spotlighted in forums such as the AVCA, highlighting her role in bridging gender and climate funding gaps in Africa.

Before founding Altree Capital, Jenni held senior roles in global finance, including at HSBC in New York and London, bringing together deep capital markets experience with a passion for African development.

Why This Matters for ConstructAfrica

ConstructAfrica’s mission has always been to convene expert voices, provide timely market intelligence, and drive dialogue that shapes Africa’s infrastructure future. With Jenni as Vice-Chair, the CIAB strengthens its strategic capability to:

  • Expand ConstructAfrica’s voice at high-level global and African platforms.
  • Deepen stakeholder engagement, especially with investors, development finance institutions, and emerging market fund managers.
  • Bridge capital and infrastructure conversations with gender-smart and climate-aware investment thinking.

Dr. Segun Faniran, Founder & Publisher of ConstructAfrica, added, “We are delighted to welcome Jenni Chamberlain as Vice-Chair of the ConstructAfrica Industry Advisory Board. Her appointment to this strategic role underscores our commitment to excellence and marks another pivotal moment for ConstructAfrica. As the Founder and CEO of Altree Capital, Jenni’s bold vision and transformative approach to African investment, along with her dedication to sustainable growth, gender equity, and climate-smart infrastructure, align perfectly with our mission to empower Africa’s construction markets for lasting impact.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ConstructAfrica.

For inquiries, contact:
hello@constructafrica.com

About ConstructAfrica:
ConstructAfrica is a pan-African platform delivering actionable market intelligence, real-time project updates, and strategic insights across Africa’s construction and infrastructure sectors. Through its editorial coverage, data products, and thought leadership, ConstructAfrica supports informed decision-making by investors, developers, policymakers, and infrastructure stakeholders.

For more information, please visit our website https://ConstructAfrica.com/

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SADC Parliamentarians express optimism as climate-focused plenary gets underway in Durban

Source: Government of South Africa

Over 300 delegates attending the 58th Plenary Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) in Durban have expressed confidence in the forum’s potential to advance stronger regional responses to climate change.

This year’s programme focuses on “The Impact of Climate Change on Women and Youth, and the Role of SADC Parliamentarians in Mitigation and Adaptation.”

South Africa is hosting the week-long session, which opened with an optimistic opening address by Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, who reminded delegates that legislatures across the region are not bystanders in the climate crisis, but central players in shaping effective responses.

“Parliamentarians’ roles must extend beyond simply approving budgets to embrace active, intentional and transformative climate change interventions,” Didiza said.

On mitigation efforts, Didiza said national legislatures must align their frameworks with international and regional commitments, including outcomes of the Conference of the Parties (COP), the Paris Agreement, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) climate change strategy.

“This means enacting laws that incentivises cleaner and renewable energy. Mandating sustainable land use and water management practices. Crucially, we must introduce and monitor climate change acts that have established clear national targets, institutional responsibilities, and accountable mechanisms,” Didiza said.

Didiza expressed confidence that the symposium will help regional lawmakers strengthen coordinated approaches to mitigate the impact of climate change, particularly on vulnerable groups.

Mashatile highlights South Africa’s climate priorities

Addressing the gathering virtually, Deputy President Paul Mashatile outlined South Africa’s ongoing efforts to respond to the climate change crisis.

He noted that climate change remains a top priority on the global agenda, with world leaders at recent G20 engagements reaffirming commitments to accelerate action.

The Deputy President highlighted that SADC is one of the most climate-vulnerable regions globally, with women and young people facing disproportionate impacts, including increased work burdens, exposure to gender-based violence, exploitation, and health risks.

He emphasised that SADC parliaments hold a vital mandate and play a “multifaceted role” in promoting effective and equitable climate action through their functions related to legislation, oversight, and representation.

“Immediately, we must enact laws and strengthen our policies to align with regional agreements on climate change. We must also promote gender sensitive policies by introducing legislation that ensures a just and equitable approach; and mandates the mainstreaming of gender consideration in all climate policies,” Mashatile said.

These reforms call for strengthened oversight accountability, whereby parliaments would hold governments accountable for their performance in implementing domestic climate laws, regional commitments and international obligations, the Deputy President noted.

He also underscored the need to allocate sufficient resources for climate mitigation and adaptation programmes, particularly those targeting vulnerable groups. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Simelane calls for unified climate action as SADC faces “unprecedented” climate threats

Source: Government of South Africa

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has urged Southern African parliaments to take bold, people-centred action to confront what she described as an escalating climate crisis threatening development, human security, and the right to adequate housing across the region.

Simelane was addressing the Symposium of the 58th SADC Parliamentary Forum Plenary Assembly, held at Coastlands Hotel and Convention Centre in Umhlanga, north of Durban, on Monday.

Held under the theme: “The Impact of Climate Change in the SADC Region and the Role of Parliaments in Climate Mitigation and Adaptation”, the event brough together over 300 delegates representing Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, eSwatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Simelane said the moment demands collective leadership and regionally aligned solutions.

“It is my greatest honour to address this Symposium of the 58th SADC Parliamentary Forum Plenary Assembly under a theme that could not be more urgent, more relevant, timely or more defining for our collective future.

“Climate change is no longer a distant environmental concern. It is a developmental crisis, a human settlements crisis, a socio-economic and governance crisis, and across the Southern African Development Community, it is increasingly becoming a human security crisis,” Simelane said.

Simelane noted that the SADC region is now facing climate impacts of “unprecedented scale,” with storms becoming more violent in recent years, droughts more severe, floods more frequent and destructive, and heatwaves more deadly.

She noted the recent flooding in KwaZulu-Natal, including displacement of people in Umshwathi Local Municipality, whose homes were swept away in the past few days, as a result of the devastating effects of climate change.

“As we have seen, devasting climate events do not follow national borders. What we have experienced here in Durban and along the Eastern Seaboard of South Africa, has also affected multiple countries simultaneously. In the same way that we are all affected, no single country therefore can address this challenge alone,” Simelane said.

Most vulnerable communities hit hardest

Drawing on South Africa’s Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment, Simelane said the groups most affected by climate disasters are rural communities already facing poverty and limited access to services; residents of informal and peri-urban settlements located in floodplains, steep slopes, wetlands, and fire-prone areas; and women, youth, and children who bear the brunt of inadequate livelihoods, exposure, and socio-economic stress.

“Climate change is not gender neutral. Women are disproportionately exposed, disproportionately impacted, and disproportionately responsible for absorbing the shocks. And yet, women, despite being at the frontlines of climate impacts, remain at the margins of climate decision-making. That must change,” the Minister said.

Young people, she added, are growing up in “a world shaped by climate uncertainty”, and inherit the consequences of decisions they did not make.

“They are the most powerful drivers of innovation, resilience, and adaptation; their creativity, energy, and digital fluency make them essential partners in building climate-resilient communities.”

Strategic pillars for regional climate resilience

Simelane outlined South Africa’s Climate Change Response Strategy and Implementation Plan for Human Settlements, which guides resilience-building efforts to 2030, and proposed three pillars relevant for the wider SADC region:

Pillar 1: Settle people in safe places and preserve the ecosystems that protect them

The Minister stressed the need to avoid placing communities on flood-prone land, wetlands, unstable slopes, coastal danger zones, and heat-stressed areas. “This is the first and most fundamental line of defence against climate hazards.”

Pillar 2: Addressing vulnerable settlements already in unsafe locations

The Minister noted that millions of people already live in hazardous locations. She called for upgrade informal settlements in-situ where possible; improve essential services such as water, sanitation, and electricity; and greater investment in nature-based solutions—wetlands, urban greening, vegetated buffers.

Pillar 3: Establish climate-resilient infrastructure norms, standards and settlement typologies

Simelane emphasised that South Africa infrastructure must withstand new climate realities.

“These shifts will reduce future losses, enhance liveability, and create safer communities. Critically, we must invest in Innovative Building Technologies (IBTs) as the human settlements’ infrastructure of the future, which is reliable, resilient, and durable to mitigate climate change,” she said.

Leading a just transition

Simelane also emphasised that climate resilience is not solely a technical process, but “a community-driven process.”

“We must build a region where communities do not only receive climate information but shape it; where they do not only participate in planning but lead it; and do not only face climate risks but help define the solutions. Disasters move across borders, so information must too.

“As Parliaments we shape the laws, budgets, oversight mechanisms and standards that determine whether our region is prepared or unprepared for the future,” she said, calling for climate-risk integration into land-use legislation, alignment of human settlements laws with regional climate frameworks, and effective mobilisation of climate finance for vulnerable communities.

As the region approaches the midpoint of what she described as “a decisive decade,” Simelane challenged lawmakers to choose proactive resilience over reactive recovery.

“The question before us is simple: Will we build a region that waits for disasters to strike, or a region that acts before disaster becomes inevitable?” she asked.

She urged the delegates to embrace the moment not as a threat, but an opportunity to “reshape our communities, to strengthen our democracies, and to build a region that thrives in the face of climate change.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Scotland London Africa Week 2025 Celebrates Exceptional Engagement, Real Business and Strong Momentum for United Kingdom (UK)-Africa Trade

Source: APO

Scotland London Africa Week 2025 has concluded with outstanding feedback from delegates who described the programme as energising, insightful and productive. Across the week leaders from Scotland, London and Africa came together for high-level engagement, practical discussion and fresh opportunities for collaboration.

The week opened at Old Admiralty House with a strategic briefing from the Department for Business and Trade’s Africa team. Delegates were introduced to the UK Government’s 10-year industrial strategy and its eight growth sectors before the conversation explored the UK’s approach to trade agreements in areas linked to skills and planning reform and how the department works with international partners while keeping a clear focus on priority opportunities.

Officials highlighted the 130 projects delivered through the Ricardo Fund and shared updates on the UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy, the ETIP in Nigeria and the SACUM tariff review. Ben Ainsley delivered an in-depth overview of major African markets while noting that Africa, home to 30% of the world’s population by 2050, is rapidly shaping global economic trends. His briefing covered Egypt, South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco and Nigeria.

A lively roundtable followed, with delegates raising questions on finance, clean energy, supply chain requirements and food security before continuing to Marlborough House for a meeting with the South African Chamber of Commerce UK and some of its members, kindly hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat. Our delegates learned that South Africa remains the UK’s largest trading partner in Africa with trade ties going beyond goods and aligning with many sectors Scottish businesses are active in.  The day ended with an informal dinner that encouraged open conversation and new introductions between our own delegates.

The following day began at the Egyptian Bureau for Cultural & Educational Affairs where Minister Plenipotentiary Wael Abdelraheem and the Egyptian British Chamber of Commerce shared detailed insight on Egypt’s trade and investment landscape. Delegates then received practical guidance on international trade documentation and visa requirements before being welcomed by the National Bank of Egypt UK for a networking lunch.

The afternoon moved to the Embassy of Ethiopia where the Ambassador hosted the group for an exceptional traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony followed by a comprehensive briefing on opportunities across Ethiopia’s rapidly developing economy.  With a population of over 120 million people and a labour-rich workforce, Ethiopia is actively opening up multiple sectors for growth and foreign investment.  Key opportunities highlighted include agribusiness and agro-processing, from large-scale crop production to value addition through processing of dairy, meat, cereals and packaging. The government’s push to build integrated agro-industrial parks creates space for investment in machinery, processing equipment, cold-storage and supply-chain infrastructure.

The evening brought one of the week’s highlights as delegates were welcomed to Dover House by kind permission of the Secretary of State for Scotland The Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP. More than 60 dignitaries, industry leaders and businesses from Scotland, London and Africa attended. Anna Macmillan from the Scotland Office delivered the keynote, with Ebury and Diageo as generous event partners. Diageo served a selection of outstanding whisky cocktails and Ebury spoke about the importance of global trade to business resilience and growth.

The final day was held at Scotland House for the Scotland-Africa Women in Business event with speakers from across the globe and the Women in Trade Hub. Delegates and guests took part in an animated discussion on the Scottish Government’s Gender Export Gap and shared ideas on how to accelerate women’s international trade ambitions.

Frazer Lang, CEO of the Scottish Africa Business Association, said:

“This year’s Scotland London Africa Week has delivered a real sense of purpose and progress. The depth of engagement from partners across government and industry has been outstanding and the enthusiasm from our delegates shows just how much potential there is for Scotland and Africa to grow together. We are proud to support that journey and delighted with the momentum created throughout the week.”

Seona Shand, COO of the Scottish Africa Business Association, added:

“The discussions this week were refreshing, honest and ambitious. From market insights to the inspiring energy of our Women in Business event, delegates left motivated and better connected. It is clear that Scotland’s expertise aligns strongly with the priorities of many African markets and there is real appetite on all sides to build practical, long-term partnerships.”

Scotland London Africa Week 2025 demonstrated the powerful impact of direct engagement, shared knowledge and international collaboration. With enthusiastic participation from every sector, the week showcased Scotland’s commitment to deepening its economic ties with African markets and highlighted the valuable role of SABA in driving these connections forward.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA).

About the Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA):
SABA is the preeminent non-political, Africa focussed, members trade organisation with an unrivalled board of experienced directors which promotes trade, investment and knowledge sharing between Scotland’s world class expertise and Africa’s priority sectors including energy, agriculture, the blue economy, healthcare, skills training and education by leveraging extensive commercial, trade, political and government contacts across Scotland and Africa.

As part of this, our team organises private meetings, round tables, seminars, conferences, global trade missions and offers market research, intelligence sharing and consultancy services.

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Écouter, protéger, alerter : la diplomatie de terrain de Bintou Keita à la tête d’une Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO) en transition

Source: APO


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Arriving in February 2021 to head one of the world’s most exposed missions, Bintou Keita took the reins of MONUSCO amidst seemingly endless offensives, repeated armed violence, apparent impotence, and growing pressure on peacekeeping personnel and resources. This period was marked by a threefold emergency: protecting civilians, stabilizing the conflict zone, and then preparing the mission for a gradual withdrawal, in accordance with the wishes of the Congolese government and under the supervision of the United Nations Security Council.

A seasoned diplomat with over three decades of experience in peace operations, conflict, human rights, and development, she had previously served as Assistant Secretary-General for Africa and Deputy Envoy for the joint AU-UN mission in Darfur. (United Nations)

A swift response to the Nyiragongo eruption: life first

Just days after her appointment, the city of Goma was struck by the sudden eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano. Faced with this emergency, Ms. Keita ordered the relocation of more than 3,000 UN staff and their families, mobilized MONUSCO’s engineering teams to clear roads, helped restore the water supply, and supported volcanological monitoring, stating that ” saving lives was the only priority .” This ” on-the-ground ” approach gave the Mission a humanitarian engineering dimension that went beyond mere peacekeeping.

Facing the M23 offensives: presence, evacuation, negotiations

When the M23 rebel group relaunched its offensive in North Kivu and then claimed to have captured Goma and other towns, Bintou Keita spent several days on the ground, alongside civilian, military, and police teams. She accompanied delicate evacuations—notably via the Rwandan border—of UN personnel, and took responsibility for decisions that were heavily criticized but made within the framework of the mandate to protect civilians.

In June 2025, she received the M23 in Goma, in a rare move towards dialogue with the rebels. She stated at the time that the latter ” expressed its willingness to find a peaceful solution “.

Alert regarding anti-MONUSCO demonstrations, hate speech and human tragedy

In eastern DRC, MONUSCO faces increasing ridicule, hostile and sometimes violent demonstrations, and strong public distrust. In July 2022, protests erupted in Goma, Beni, and Butembo. UN bases were attacked, signs looted, and UN personnel murdered. Ms. Keita strongly condemned this violence and reiterated that ” attacking peacekeepers is attacking the protection of civilians .” She highlighted the proliferation of misogynistic rhetoric, disinformation, and tribal stigmatization, which further deteriorate the security situation.

Transition, gradual withdrawal and local sovereignty

Under her leadership, a joint transition plan was signed in September 2021 between the DRC and the United Nations, establishing a framework for an orderly withdrawal. Tanganyika province was the first to withdraw, followed by South Kivu, where the MONUSCO office was scheduled to close in June 2024, with a transfer of equipment estimated at $10 million. Ms. Keita emphasized: ” The departure of MONUSCO does not mean the departure of the UN .” This statement embodies her approach: maintaining support even after the withdrawal of military personnel.

Priority to women, children, and integrated protection

The diplomat has made women’s participation, child protection, and the prevention of electoral violence a central theme. She is leveraging UN programs to strengthen local capacities, encourage inclusion, and support children associated with armed groups. She asserts that peace cannot be built without justice, without the dignity of the most vulnerable, and without women’s voices. Through this approach, she is giving MONUSCO a more humane and proactive dimension.

A lesson in leadership in adversity

In addition to the challenges inherent in her mandate—combat, natural disasters, and gradual withdrawal—Ms. Keita has demonstrated that peacekeeping is not limited to armored vehicles and soldiers. Her vision includes civil engineering, diplomacy, listening to communities, fieldwork, and the mobilization of all actors: military, humanitarian, governmental, and community-based.

His message remains simple and powerful: one can leave behind the imprint of a mission, while remaining deeply connected to a country, its youth, and the dignity of its people.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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Deputy Minister looks towards a better higher education system

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister looks towards a better higher education system

It is said that a journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step and that single step can open doors to much-needed employment or the start of an entrepreneurial voyage.

“For me the success of our sector is not in just skilling and training but in ensuring that we’re training and skilling for employability. That is where our success lies in that where do our students end up once they emerge from the sector? Are they able to then be absorbed into the economy and employability? I’m not just talking about working for someone, I’m talking about self-employment and entrepreneurship,” Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, told SAnews.

Describing herself as a “very simple person and a hard worker,” Gondwe, who was appointed as Deputy Minister on 30 June 2024, says that her passion is around ensuring that there is collaboration with the private sector “and that we really produce skills and training that is needed and demanded by the economy.”

“In other words, our approach to skills development should be demand-led and of course, opportunity led. We have to skill for the future, and not just for the now and the immediate future,” she said during an interview held at the department’s offices in the Pretoria central business district (CBD). 

Skillset

On whether the country is producing the right skillset needed by a changing world of work, Gondwe said this work is ongoing.

“We are trying to do that, as I said I’m really passionate about partnerships that will ensure that the skills and training that we produce are needed and demanded by the economy and we skill for employability, not just to tick boxes to say we’ve skilled so many young people coming out of the system.”

She emphasised that South Africa’s economy is unlikely to absorb all the young people that come from the higher education sector.

“So we need to see more young people starting their own businesses, enterprise development is very important, and we do have enterprise hubs at our TVETs [Technical and Vocational Education and Training] and Centres of Excellence which are focused on ensuring that we get skills that are needed by various sectors of the economy.

“I think we need to embed enterprise in the curriculum so that it’s not a here or there [situation], but young people know that they have that option and it’s not always that you exit the system and go work for somebody, but you can work for yourself.”

That way she added, young people could employ themselves and others.
“I think we need to ramp-up a bit there in terms of enterprise development, perhaps even find a way to incentivise more young people to start their own businesses.”

Priorities 
Since assuming office, partnerships with the private sector, the Matric Support Programme and addressing water and sanitation issues at institutions of higher education have been some of her priorities.

“I’m very passionate about seeing partnerships between the private sector and the department and its entities and that is to bridge the gap between the world of work and our institutions and to make sure what we are offering is what is needed and demanded by industry and by the economy and that our students once they exit, will have the relevant skills.

“I want to reiterate: it’s not just about skilling and training. We have got to skill and train in skills that are needed and demanded by the economy so that our students can then find employment. We have to skill for employability and so I’ve been very passionate about that and going out and speaking to the private sector about partnering [with us],” she said.

To date she has signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Old Mutual, Microsoft and Takealot. Signed in September, the agreement with the Takealot Group aims to expand youth skills development, bridge education-to-employment gaps, and support workforce growth in South Africa.

The MoU between the department and Microsoft is on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills development and was announced in October. The three-year MoU aims to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors in preparing South Africa’s workforce for the rapidly evolving digital economy.

“We have four partnerships that are in the pipeline, including a partnership with an international partner around skills development and making sure that the skills that we offer really speak to what’s needed not only by the economy, but also outside of our economy in other countries.”

The Taking Higher Education to the People programme also sees the department visiting the most rural and under-resourced communities where it informs them about opportunities that are available in the higher education space.

“Also, we have the Matric Support Programme which is aimed at bridging the gap between basic and higher education. It is targeted at your matric students to just say to them: ’This is what you can expect. These are the opportunities that are available and we can’t wait to welcome you in our sector.’” 

The department also engages in business and skills imbizos where it partners with local municipalities to get to the Neither in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) cohort. 

“At some stage, we were sitting at 3.8 million young people that were neither in employment nor training. So, I thought we can’t always run our programmes at our institutions, lets partner with municipalities, that way we can then get to that NEET cohort and tell them about opportunities that are there outside of the university and TVET space. We do that with our SETAs [Sector Education and Training Authorities].”

She has also partnered with her Department of Water and Sanitation counterpart, Sello Seitlholo, around water and sanitation challenges at  institutions.  The two Deputy Ministers have assisted a college in securing seven water tanks for the college while waiting for the water authorities to sort out the projects that will ensure water provision not only for the TVET, but the greater community at which it is located.

Asked about when the three MoU’s will bear fruit, she said that “youth unemployment is not something we can ignore; we have to tackle it.”

“With the partnerships, they will soon start yielding results, most of them were signed recently.  And if we can ensure that the next set is signed at the beginning of the year, we are going to ensure that these slowly but surely rollout. Some of these partnerships will benefit community colleges,” she said.

AI 
Asked about her thoughts on whether AI is a threat or a gain in the higher education space, Gondwe said it is somewhat of a double-edged sword.

“It’s somewhat of a double-edged sword; there’s certain roles and responsibilities that are going to be replaced by AI but there are those that can’t. Artisans are so important. But through partnerships with Microsoft and other industry leaders in the ICT [ information and communications technology] space, we are ensuring that students have the right skills to be able to be competitive when it comes to accessing the market. I see it more as an opportunity for us to ensure that our students have the skills to meet what is needed by this AI generation,” she explained.

Safer campuses
Gondwe who is keen in making a difference in the lived experience of ordinary people, expressed concern over the student protest action experienced at some of the country’s campuses.

“We are concerned obviously because these are our entities. We don’t only want to offer quality education and training, but we also want to be able to do that in an environment that is conducive and safe, so it does concern us. The Minister is leading efforts to ensure that we are ready for the 2026 academic year,” she said.

She added that a war room has been established and that there is engagement with institutions. Recently the Universities of the Free State and Fort Hare University experienced protest action.

“The Minister [Buti Manamela] is leading those efforts. People assume that because maybe we are not talking about something a lot, we are not doing something about it. There are efforts to ensure that we engage VCs [Vice Chancellors]  to ensure that we are ready for the 2026 academic year and our campuses are safer.”

Pathways to a better future
The Deputy Minister counts youth unemployment and ensuring that there are pathways for employment for young people as bugbears. 

“The rate of unemployment, especially among young people, is alarming and worrisome. Being a mother as well, as my daughter will be in matric next year. I am determined to ensure that there are pathways for employment, for careers for young people and that we are not just skilling and training for the sake of training. Those days are gone. We have to really care about where young people end up and not to add to the unemployment queues,” she said. 

It is clear that the Deputy Minister who adds that her leadership role does not mean that “I’m the paragon of all wisdom” and “listens to people a lot” is keen on ensuring that the journey of students does not end in a dead end. – SAnews.gov.za

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