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President thanks South Africans for successfully hosting G20

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed South Africans for their unity, warmth and commitment after the country successfully hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit and more than 130 meetings throughout the year.

It was the first time the gathering took place on African soil. 

Addressing the nation on Sunday, President Ramaphosa expressed profound gratitude to the public for supporting South Africa’s G20 Presidency and helping the country showcase the spirit of ubuntu to world leaders.

“Allow me to express my profound gratitude to you all, as my fellow compatriots, for ensuring and enabling our beloved country to host a series of successful G20 meetings throughout the year. For showing up for your country. For standing by your country…you remain proudly South African. And once again as your President, I say thank you,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa said global delegates were deeply moved by South Africa’s hospitality, sharing glowing impressions from various officials. 

One wrote, “Your people are extraordinary,” while another noted, “I’ve attended summits on six continents. I’ve never experienced warmth like this”.

A Japanese delegate praised ordinary workers, saying: “Your security guards smile while being vigilant. Your drivers share stories while navigating… everyone treats us like welcomed family.”

Others highlighted ubuntu, with one delegate remarking: “In other countries, hospitality is a transaction. Here, it feels like a tradition.”

International leaders echoed these sentiments. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked “the wonderful people of South Africa,” while IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva praised the country’s incredible hospitality. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz also commended South Africa’s “ambitious presidency in these turbulent times”.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that the G20 Social Summit, attended by more than 5000 participants, demonstrated how civil society remains central to South Africa’s vision of a “People’s G20”. 

He thanked the security services for ensuring all events took place without incident, mayors and municipal workers for preparing host cities, and ordinary South Africans who opened their cities, towns and businesses to delegates. 

The President called for the spirit of collective action shown during the G20 to continue beyond the summit.  

“These cities showed what can be done when a concerted and coordinated effort is made to fix potholes and street lights, to clean up our streets and maintain our infrastructure. This must continue past the G20 and must be expanded to areas of our towns and cities that have been neglected,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The President thanked the Deputy President, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, G20 Sherpas and government officials who guided the deliberations with wisdom and purpose.

“Most importantly, I wish to thank each and every South African… for showing the world the strength of our values, the generosity of our people and the power of what we can achieve when we work together,” the President said. 

Reflecting on the discussions, the President said South Africa used its presidency to put Africa’s development and global inequality at the centre of the G20 agenda. 

Leaders agreed on mechanisms for debt relief, increased climate financing and support for countries vulnerable to climate disasters, as well as commitments ensuring that nations rich in critical minerals benefit from their own resources.

“While some sought to create division and polarisation between nations, we used our G20 Presidency to reinforce our shared humanity. We fostered collaboration and goodwill. We affirmed that our shared goals outweigh our differences.  

“The Leaders’ Declaration adopted at the summit is a clear demonstration that the spirit of multilateral cooperation is alive and strong. The adopted declaration reinforces the importance of the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation, and its continued relevance in the face of a rapidly changing global environment,” the President said. 

He said progress made in the domestic economy, including falling unemployment, improved public finances and a recent credit rating upgrade, reflects the green shoots of an emerging economic recovery. 

“We are also working together to confront some of our greatest social challenges, such as crime and the violence perpetrated by men against women.

“Just over a week ago, we classified gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster. This classification should provide us with a broader range of measures to intensify our shared effort to end this pandemic,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa concluded by urging the nation to work with greater focus and determination to address the many challenges the country is facing and make South Africa a peaceful, prosperous and great nation. – SAnews.gov.za

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Finance Mr. Ahmed Kouchouk.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the meeting reviewed the key features and details of the second tax facilitation package, titled supporting and stimulating tax compliance. This package is part of a broader tax facilitation strategy that includes four packages; the first aims at opening a new chapter and building trust between the Tax Authority and taxpayers, and the second aims at stimulating tax compliance while continuing to support and simplify procedures, enhance automation, expand the base, and ensure tax compliance in future packages.

The Minister of Finance noted that the second package targets all segments of the tax-compliant community and aims to support compliant taxpayers through tax benefits and facilitations that enhance trust, promote voluntary compliance, help businesses grow, support their competitiveness, and guarantee the rights of taxpayers while ensuring liquidity for both taxpayers and companies. He also presented efforts to complete the tax reform process to encourage investment, within the framework of a “Trust Partnership” with the business community, through the launch of the tax facilitation initiative, which has proven successful in the first package.

Mr. Kouchouk pointed out that this initiative had presented a successful model for the desired change for the benefit of the business community and the Egyptian economy. A total of 400,000 cases in which old files were voluntarily closed, and 650,000 taxpayers filed new or amended returns with additional taxes of around 78 billion Egyptian pounds. Additionally, new and additional business volumes totaling about one trillion pounds were reported.

The Minister of Finance also highlighted the second package’s focus on improving the efficiency of the Value Added Tax (VAT) refund system, launching premium tax service centers, and introducing a series of incentives for tax-compliant individuals, along with several other reforms addressing requests from the business community, taxpayers, accountants, and tax experts.

The President gave directives to launch the second tax package, while emphasizing the importance of continuously developing the tax system, building new relationships based on trust, credibility, and certainty, improving all tax services, providing additional facilities, and fostering trust with investors.

The Minister of Finance also reviewed developments in the preparation and implementation of property tax facilitation measures. He explained that the tax vision aims to reduce the tax burden, considering both the social and economic aspects, simplify tax procedures, implement digital transformation, and address the cons identified through practical application. The facilitations offered by the state include simplifying tax returns, extending the assessment and collection period to seven years, raising the exemption threshold for private housing, suspending or waiving taxes in times of crisis, eliminating tax debts and late fees in specific cases, improving the tax appeal process, introducing electronic tax payments, and setting a cap on late fees not exceeding the principal tax amount.

The meeting reviewed the financial and economic performance and efforts to regain investor confidence, in line with a comprehensive and consistent economic vision to increase the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy. The Minister confirmed that economic activity is moving in a positive direction, with private investments growing by 73% in the last fiscal year, noting balanced and encouraging indicators that help restore investor confidence in the Egyptian economy. He emphasized the commitment to maintaining a large primary surplus to increase spending on human development and social protection programs, and to effectively contribute to stimulating manufacturing and exports.

The Minister of Finance reviewed the plan to develop the customs system, which was prepared in full cooperation between the Ministry of Finance (Customs Authority) and the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade. The plan reflects the needs of production projects and business chambers, aiming to address the challenges faced by the business community and implement policies that support and encourage investors. This will contribute to increasing exports and enhancing the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy through simplifying procedures and developing the customs system.

The Minister outlined three key areas of the customs development plan: reducing customs release times, facilitating and automating the customs system, and strengthening control measures to limit smuggling. He mentioned plans to apply a unified and fast inspection system, expand pre-clearance procedures, accept electronic payments, and train customs staff to improve their technical capabilities.

The Minister of Finance presented efforts to reduce the budgetary debt-to-GDP ratio as a national priority, stressing the continued implementation of the budget debt management strategy. He added that the private sector has shown strong confidence in the potential of the Egyptian economy and investment climate, leading to major investment deals such as the “Ras El-Hekma” and “Alam El-Roum” projects.

President El-Sisi emphasized the need to build on the current improvement in economic indicators and work towards increasing private investments to confirm the private sector’s ability to drive growth and development. The President also stressed the importance of investing in human resources through innovative programs and initiatives, alongside training, to ensure performance improvements that serve the economy. Furthermore, President El-Sisi underscored the importance of taking necessary measures to implement digital transformation in the Ministry of Finance’s operations, including in customs and taxes, while stressing continued governance in all procedures.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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Egypt – Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation in a Meeting with Ambassadors of 7 African Countries: His Excellency (H.E.) President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi Regularly Emphasizes Boosting Cooperation and Integration with the Continent’s Countries to Create a Joint Economic Future

Source: APO – Report:

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  • Joint African Action is the Only Way to Face Challenges and Conflicts and Build a Development Model Based on the Exchange of Expertise
  • The Egyptian Private Sector Plays a Pivotal Role in Infrastructure Development in Many Countries… We are Open to Transferring Our Development Expertise and Experience
  • Integration with African Countries is an Extension of Egypt’s Historical Role in Supporting the Continent’s Interests
  • Maximizing the Benefit from South-South Cooperation and Triangular Cooperation to Expand the Scope of Development Solutions and Build Cross-Border Partnerships

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, held an expanded meeting with 7 African country ambassadors, including Algeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Cameroon, Uganda, and Senegal. This took place during the activities of the First Egyptian-African Economic Conference, organized by “Al-Ahram Hebdo” newspaper under the theme “The Africa We Want: Integration and Partnership for the Future.”

The meeting discussed efforts to achieve development in the continent and the joint relations between Egypt and sisterly and friendly countries to face the challenges confronting African nations, strengthen interconnectedness through joint infrastructure projects, increase trade exchange rates and joint investments, and create effective partnerships between the private sectors.

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, reaffirmed that H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, regularly emphasizes boosting cooperation and integration with the continent’s countries to create a joint economic future. She clarified that joint African action is the only way to face challenges and conflicts and build a development model based on the exchange of expertise.

Dr. Al-Mashat pointed out that achieving development in the African continent depends on strengthening ties and integration among the continent’s countries, which constitute an economic bloc rich in resources, capable of playing a pivotal role in the global economy. She noted that Egypt is keen to exert every effort to halt the disputes and conflicts that impede development in the continent’s countries.

Minister Al-Mashat reiterated that the relations linking Egypt with its African partners are not merely diplomatic messages but an effective commitment to boosting joint action, through the entry of the Egyptian private sector into the continent via important infrastructure projects and the implementation of connectivity projects like the Cairo-Cape Town project. This is in addition to continuous cooperation to exchange expertise with the continent’s countries in preparing feasibility studies for projects, and maximizing benefit from Egypt’s expertise in the field of international cooperation and development finance.

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat indicated that Joint Committees are considered one of the innovative mechanisms for strengthening relations, with the Egyptian-Algerian Joint Committee recently convened. These committees contribute to enhancing priorities and exploring areas of joint cooperation.

Minister Al-Mashat also referred to the green transition file and the resources the continent possesses to become a center for renewable energy in light of its unique natural resources. In this regard, Egypt and the continent’s countries are enhancing their partnership with the World Bank to implement its initiative to make renewable energy accessible to 300 million people on the continent.

Dr. Al-Mashat underscored the role of the African Development Bank and other international institutions in advocating for enhanced private sector participation.

The Minister said: “As Egypt’s Governor at the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and other institutions, there is a growing global interest in fostering cooperation with Africa. The EBRD recently added Sub-Saharan African countries to its countries of operation, which reflects the global trend toward the continent.”

Dr. Al-Mashat noted that the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation launched a South-South and Triangular Cooperation Strategy in 2024 to maximize the benefit from South-South Cooperation and Triangular Cooperation to expand the scope of development solutions and build cross-border partnerships. She mentioned that integration with African brothers is an extension of Egypt’s historical role in supporting the continent’s interests.

During the meeting, the African ambassadors reaffirmed their appreciation for the efforts undertaken by H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to promote joint African action, attempt to establish fundamental solutions to the challenges facing the continent, and achieve interconnectedness and integration among countries at various levels, particularly given the continent’s rich natural and human potential.

The participating ambassadors also expressed their appreciation for the efforts of the Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation through economic diplomacy and coordination in international forums to raise the continent’s voice and demands.

The African ambassadors proposed a number of initiatives and suggestions, most notably enhancing inter-African tourism by linking Egyptian tourism networks with tourism channels in the continent’s countries to create new routes, including eco-tourism and forest and natural areas tourism, and benefiting from Egypt’s ability to attract foreign tourists to redirect part of the tourist movement towards other African countries, in addition to enhancing cooperation in the fields of: “education, health, communications, and the exchange of expertise between governmental institutions and the private sector in the continent’s countries.”

– on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

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Qatar, Bangladesh Discuss Strengthening Humanitarian Cooperation

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, November 30, 2025

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad has held talks in Doha with HE Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser, who is currently visiting the country.

The meeting focused on bilateral relations and ways to bolster cooperation, particularly in the humanitarian field.

The visit comes as Qatar continues to position itself as a key humanitarian actor in the region and beyond.

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SADC parliaments urged to drive climate action, protect women and youth

Source: Government of South Africa

SADC parliaments urged to drive climate action, protect women and youth

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on parliaments across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to strengthen legislation, oversight and public participation in response to the worsening impacts of climate change. 

“Climate change impacts such as persistent droughts, extreme weather events (including floods and cyclones), land degradation, and shifting rainfall patterns profoundly undermine sustainable development in SADC, particularly affecting women and youth.

“To effectively address climate change, it is imperative that we allocate sufficient resources to climate change mitigation and adaptation programmes, particularly those that focus on vulnerable groups,” he said. 

The Deputy President delivered his remarks virtually to the 58th Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum on Sunday. He told delegates that that although he would have liked to be with them, he was unable to attend owing to some other pressing Government commitments.

The session, held at the Durban ICC, is themed “The impact of climate change on women and youth in the SADC Region and the role of Parliaments in climate change mitigation and adaptation”.

Deputy President Mashatile said the focus underscores the necessity of collective action by parliaments to address and develop sustainable solutions for this pressing challenge.

“The success of these initiatives hinges on investment in robust monitoring and evaluation capacities, particularly in monitoring the impacts of climate-related programs. It is crucial to ensure these programmes are inclusive, effective, and aligned with their intended objectives, particularly in reducing vulnerabilities and promoting gender equity,” the Deputy President said. 

G20 outcomes highlight Africa’s priorities

He noted that the plenary follows Africa’s historic hosting of the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit. He said the summit placed the interests of the continent and the Global South at the heart of global decision-making.

“A significant achievement was the adoption of the G20 Declaration centred on the themes of solidarity, equality, sustainability as key pillars of inclusive growth,” he said, adding that the declaration emphasised the African philosophy of Ubuntu.

The Deputy President outlined several commitments made by G20 leaders, including support for debt treatment reforms, improved representation of Sub-Saharan Africa at the IMF through the creation of a 25th Executive Board chair, global renewable energy targets, and expanded energy access through initiatives such as Mission 300.

He said leaders also expressed support for sustainable industrial policy, youth employment targets through the Nelson Mandela Bay initiative, resilient food systems under Ubuntu Approaches on Food Security and Nutrition, and the AI for Africa Initiative.

Deputy President Mashatile added that African representation on global platforms was strengthened. 

“The leaders welcomed the African Union as a full member of the G20 and called for a transformative reform of the UN Security Council to make it more representative and inclusive,” he said. 

Climate change hitting women and youth hardest

Deputy President Mashatile warned that the SADC region remains extremely vulnerable to climate shocks such as persistent drought, extreme weather and land degradation conditions that worsen existing inequalities.

“Climate change disproportionately affects women and young people, increasing their work burdens, escalating health risks, and heightening the dangers of gender-based violence and exploitation,” he said.

He stressed that women, as primary providers of food, water and fuel, face extended journeys, thereby increasing their workload, exposure to risks and adverse health consequences.

“This situation exacerbates the vulnerability of girls, leading to a significant rise in school dropouts among adolescent girls. This phenomenon often contributes to unequal gender roles, increasing their risk of child, early, and forced marriages as a coping mechanism for impoverished families. Furthermore, it exposes them to physical and sexual abuse,” he said. 

Parliaments must lead mitigation and adaptation

The Deputy President outlined a strong mandate for SADC parliaments, saying they must legislate, oversee implementation and amplify community voices in climate governance.

“Immediately, we must enact and strengthen our policies to align with regional agreements such as the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development [and] international climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement,” he said.

He urged MPs to promote gender-sensitive legislation, enable renewable energy expansion, and support sustainable critical mineral value chains.

“As we implement these transformative reforms, we must strengthen oversight and accountability. This work will entail Parliaments holding governments accountable for their performance in implementing domestic climate laws, regional commitments, and international obligations,” he said. 

The Deputy President referenced South Africa’s recent progress, the Climate Change Bill which was signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2024, outlining a national climate change response.

He said the law aims to build resilience while supporting jobs and new opportunities in the green economy. Parliament has also recommitted to clean governance and anti-corruption measures as part of strengthening climate action frameworks.

‘Together, we can make a difference’

The Deputy President called for unity and decisive leadership across the region.

“It is imperative that we work together to ensure that our laws and policies reflect the urgent need to address our challenges, including climate change and its disproportionate impact on women and youth.

“As leaders in our communities, let us commit ourselves to meaningful and impactful action…Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our region thrives in the face of environmental challenges,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Tembisa Hospital employee arrested in SIU’s ongoing investigation

Source: Government of South Africa

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed the arrest of Zacharia Tshisele, an employee at Tembisa Hospital, for alleged corruption.

The arrest follows an extensive SIU investigation into procurement irregularities at the hospital.

“During the investigation, the SIU uncovered evidence that Tshisele received unlawful gratification from various service providers at Tembisa Hospital between 01 January 2020 and 01 September 2023,” they SIU said in a statement.

In April 2025, the SIU referred the matter to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), and the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) for criminal prosecution and asset recovery.

“In November 2025, Tshisele paid R13 530 904.27 to the SIU, representing a portion of his ill-got gains. The SIU’s civil investigation to recover all proceeds of corruption from Tshisele remains ongoing,” said the unit.

“As reported in our interim report, the SIU has found that the total value of corrupt payments linked to officials and employees of the Gauteng Department of Health (GDOH) and Tembisa Hospital amounts to R122 228 000.00.

“The SIU has identified at least 15 current and former officials involved in activities such as corruption, money laundering, collusion, and bid rigging in connection with improperly appointed service providers at Tembisa Hospital. These individuals abused their positions throughout the procurement process to benefit these providers and enrich themselves.

“The number of identified officials is expected to increase as the investigation continues. The officials range from entry-level clerks to management-level staff,” said the SIU.

To date, the SIU has disciplinary referrals against 13 officials. Of these, 108 referrals were delivered to the GDOH concerning maladministration and the irregular appointment of service providers at Tembisa.

The SIU said it reaffirms its commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring accountability in public institutions.

The SIU is directed by Proclamation No. 136 of 2023 to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of the Gauteng Department of Health and the Tembisa Hospital.

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU has also referred any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.

Under the SIU Act, the SIU is also authorised to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation in order, inter alia, to recover any losses suffered by the State. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Kenya: Foreign Service Academy Hosts National Defence College Delegation

Source: APO


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The Foreign Service Academy hosted a delegation from the National Defence College (NDC) for an educational visit aimed at deepening their understanding of Kenya’s diplomatic operations.

Political and Diplomatic Secretary Amb. Josphat Maikara led the session, taking the officers through the mandate of the Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs and the country’s evolving foreign policy priorities.

He traced the evolution of Kenya’s foreign policy, highlighting milestones such as the development of the country’s first written Foreign Policy Document in 2014, which defined the pillars of peace, economic, diaspora, environmental and cultural diplomacy.

He also outlined Kenya’s new foreign policy and also the Sessional Paper on Kenya Foreign Policy (2025). The updated framework, he said, is designed to modernize Kenya’s diplomatic approach and align it with rapidly shifting geopolitical realities, emerging economic trends, and fast-evolving technological landscapes that are reshaping global relations.

Amb. Maikara went on to highlight Kenya’s current diplomatic priorities—ranging from regional peace and security and enhanced economic cooperation to climate diplomacy, diaspora engagement, and the expanding role of digital diplomacy.

In his presentation, he also highlighted the close relationship between diplomacy and national security, noting that they are inseparable. He stressed that a coherent and forward-looking foreign policy is essential for safeguarding and advancing Kenya’s strategic interests in an increasingly unpredictable world.

The session concluded with a lively question-and-answer segment, where officers from Kenya and abroad sought clarity on Kenya’s engagement in regional blocs, responses to emerging global challenges, and the interplay between diplomatic efforts and national security. Amb. Maikara provided detailed insights, drawing on Kenya’s experiences and underscoring the importance of collaboration between defence and foreign affairs in advancing the country’s strategic goals

Head of delegation from the National Defence College, Major General Yahya Sheikh Abdi, thanked the Foreign Service Academy for the warm welcome and insightful briefing, noting that the visit had significantly enhanced their understanding of the vital role diplomacy plays alongside defence in advancing Kenya’s national interests.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Republic of Kenya.

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Ambassador Chen Mingjian Attends Opening Ceremony of Painting Exhibition Themed on Tanzania-Zambia Railway with Tanzanian Minister

Source: APO – Report:

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On November 26, the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania co-hosted with National Museum of China, National Museum of Tanzania and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation the opening ceremony of “Shoulder to Shoulder on the Same Path: Painting Exhibition Themed on Tanzania-Zambia Railway” at the National Museum of Tanzania. Chinese Ambassador H.E. Chen Mingjian, Tanzanian Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Hon. Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, Permanent Secretary of Tanzanian Ministry of Transport Hon. Prof. Godius Kahyarara, Zambian Deputy High Commissioner to Tanzania Mr. Anthony Bwalya attended the event and visited the exhibition, together with over 300 people from various sectors. 

Amb. Chen stated in her remarks that since its completion 50 years ago, TAZARA Railway has always been a monument of China-Africa friendship. Last week, Chinese Premier Li Qiang attended the ground-breaking ceremony of TAZARA Railway revitalization project in Lusaka, together with Tanzanian and Zambian leaders. The railway of friendship will shine with renewed splendor in the new era. China stands ready to work with Tanzania and other African countries to carry forward the TAZARA spirit and deepen and solidify the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

Minister Kijaji said that Tanzania-Zambia Railway closely ties the peoples of Tanzania, China and Zambia. Tanzania will never forget the solidarity and generous support from China and remain committed to strengthening the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The exhibition opens to the public in Tanzania until January 26, 2026.

– on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Republic of Tanzania.

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Sends Letter to President Abbas on International (Int.) Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People

Source: APO – Report:

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The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi sent a letter to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, reaffirming Egypt’s unwavering position in support of the Palestinian cause and Palestinian people.

President El-Sisi emphasized that the entire world is witnessing, on this day, the legendary steadfastness of the Palestinian people in the face of injustice and oppression, affirming that the heroic Palestinian people stand resolute on their land, firmly upholding their rights, and adorned with the mantle of heroism and dignity.

The President pointed out in his letter that the suffering of the Palestinian people is not limited to what is happening in Gaza, despite the atrocities witnessed there by the world, but extends to the West Bank and Jerusalem, where Palestinians are subjected daily to systematic practices that include restrictions on movement, land confiscation, protection of settler attacks on unarmed civilians, among other violations that have not deterred them from continuing their lives despite the difficult circumstances.

The President affirmed that this ongoing humanitarian tragedy, which has persisted for over seven decades, imposes upon the international community a humanitarian and moral obligation to support the Palestinian people by all possible means. The President noted that this support empowers Palestinians to persevere and gives them hope that their cause will not be forgotten.

President El-Sisi called upon the international community to fulfill its responsibility in rebuilding what the war destroyed in Gaza and restoring the human dignity of the Palestinian people by contributing to early recovery and reconstruction efforts. The President emphasized that supporting the Palestinian Authority remains a key objective so that it can fulfill its obligations to the Palestinian people and provide them with public services with the respect and appreciation they deserve.

Concluding his letter, the President paid tribute to the heroic Palestinian people, affirming that Egypt has always been, and will continue to devotedly support the Palestinian cause in all forums and at all levels until their legitimate dream of establishing their independent state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, is realized.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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Power system remains stable, resilient

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom says the country’s power system remains stable, with unplanned outages reduced by 763MW year-on-year and a continued decline in diesel usage.

“South Africa’s power system remains stable and resilient, reliably meeting the country’s electricity demand. This performance reflects long-term structural improvements in the generation fleet and the ongoing implementation of the Generation Recovery Plan, which is strengthening operations and securing the nation’s energy future,” said the power utility in a statement.

It said the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) – which measures the percentage of time the generation fleet is available to produce electricity – stands at 68.48% month-to-date, a notable increase of 6.24% from 62.24% in the same period last year.

“Year-to-date, the EAF further increased to 63.65%, with the fleet achieving or exceeding the 70% mark on 39 occasions. These figures underscore both recovery and sustained improvement in the EAF performance, reinforcing energy security and grid stability.

“The continued improvement in the EAF has significantly reduced Eskom’s reliance on costly diesel generation, allowing the company to focus more on cost-effective primary energy sources.”

Additionally, six generation units, equivalent to 2 341MW, are currently on cold reserve due to excess capacity.

“Last week’s diesel expenditure amounted to just R105.5 million. This minimal usage was primarily directed at protecting and replenishing our emergency reserves, highlighting both the financial and operational gains achieved through Eskom’s turnaround,” the utility said.

For the period 21 to 27 November 2025, the average Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) – which measures the percentage of generation capacity lost due to unplanned outages – is at 20.34%, a significant reduction of 1.16% from 21.50% during the same period last year.

The average Planned Capacity Loss Factor (PCLF) for 21 to 27 November 2025 increased to 14.52%, lower than the 17.60% recorded last year. This planned maintenance aligns with Eskom’s maintenance schedule and ongoing efforts to enhance plant reliability and operational consistency.

Between 21 and 27 November 2025, Eskom recorded an average of 9 711MW in unplanned outages, an improvement from 10 474MW during the same period last year. 
This year-on-year reduction of 763MW in breakdowns highlights the growing reliability and resilience of the generation fleet.

South Africa has now experienced 196 consecutive days without an interrupted supply, with only 26 hours of loadshedding recorded in April and May during this financial year.

To maintain a stable electricity supply, Eskom will bring 3 875MW of generation capacity online ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 1 December 2025.

Eskom published the Summer Outlook on 5 September 2025, covering the period 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026, which projects no loadshedding due to sustained improvements in plant performance from the Generation Recovery Plan.

“The power system remains stable, with generation capacity exceeding demand. However, adverse weather is impacting distribution networks, creating access challenges and delaying repairs in certain areas, particularly in Gauteng.

“In addition, illegal connections and meter tampering continue to damage infrastructure and pose serious safety risks. Load reduction remains a temporary measure in high-risk areas to protect both communities and the power network.”

Any illegal activity affecting Eskom’s infrastructure can be reported to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323. – SAnews.gov.za