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Mashatile highlights Finland’s support for SA at bilateral meeting

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has expressed South Africa’s deep appreciation for Finland’s unwavering support during the country’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency and its struggle against apartheid.

The Deputy President made the remarks during a bilateral meeting on Wednesday with Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo at OR Tambo House in Pretoria.

“This commitment was underscored by the participation of His Excellency President Alexander Stubb at very short notice, for which we remain sincerely grateful. Relations between South Africa and Finland continue to be warm, cordial and constructive,” said Deputy President Mashatile on Wednesday.  

Prime Minister Orpo’s visit follows South Africa’s successful hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit over the weekend in Johannesburg, which was attended by President Stubb and his delegation. 

It also comes shortly after the Prime Minister participates in the 7th African Union–European Union (AU-EU) Summit in Luanda, Angola, marking the 25th anniversary of the AU–EU partnership.

Finland operates as a parliamentary republic, where the Prime Minister serves as Head of Government and oversees daily administration, while the President acts as Head of State with a primarily ceremonial role, including responsibilities in foreign policy and military command.

“Since the dawn of our democracy, Finland has recognised the importance of South Africa’s reconstruction and development efforts and has made a meaningful contribution through various development partnership agreements, as well as expanding trade and investment across diverse sectors.” 

The Deputy President highlighted that bilateral engagement has strengthened recently, especially during the State Visit by former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö in April 2023.

The country’s second-in-command reported that the visit resulted in several tangible and positive outcomes. 

These include collaboration on water resource management, the development of educational models for Early Childhood Development, initiatives aimed at supporting out-of-school youth and adult education, and a joint effort to train young peace mediators.

“These practical projects reflect the substance and value of our partnership.” 

He said yesterday’s visit builds on these high-level engagements and serves to further consolidate our bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of trade and investment. 

“We are encouraged that your delegation includes business leaders seeking to explore new opportunities in smart and sustainable mining, water and built environments, and the development of smart cities.” 

In addition, he stated that water management and digitalisation remain central pillars of bilateral cooperation. 

He referred to the 2023 memorandum of understanding (MoU) on water resources between South Africa and Finland as a significant milestone, particularly emphasising its focus on innovation and technology.

“We also value the Letters of Intent concluded with several municipalities on water resource management.”

Minister of Water and Sanitation Penny Majodina’s visit to Finland in August 2025, along with the participation of a Finnish delegation in the inaugural Technical Conference of the Association of Water and Sanitation Institutions of South Africa (AWSISA) earlier this month, highlights the strength of our collaboration in this field.

“We appreciate ongoing cooperation in advancing innovation systems and start-up ecosystems. Work continues on digital infrastructure – especially low-cost connectivity in township areas – which will help create an enabling environment for inclusive development. In this regard, we value Finland’s active participation in the G20 Digital Economy Working Group.” 

Beyond strong bilateral ties, Deputy President Mashatile believes the relationship has increasingly evolved into a partnership in support of Africa’s broader development priorities. 

“South Africa and Finland share the conviction that equitable representation in the United Nations and the wider multilateral system is essential for sustainable peace and development. 

“We commend Finland’s consistent and principled support for the comprehensive reform of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, and for its advocacy for a more just, inclusive and rules-based international order.”

In addition, he recognised Finland’s continued partnership on key global challenges, including the strengthening of multilateralism and international law, peacebuilding and mediation, gender equality and human rights, and the global response to climate change. 

“The history of our respective struggles and the lessons drawn from our shared solidarity remind us that, by working together, we can help build a better world – one in which the aspirations of all nations and peoples may be realised.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) Launches eBook Reader App Review Competition

Source: APO


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The Islamic Development Bank Institute (https://IsDBInstitute.org/) is pleased to announce the launch of a Competition of the IsDBI eBook Reader App Review. The Reader offers the access to the Institute’s extensive collection of publications in Islamic economics and finance on its online bookstore (https://IsDBInstitute.org/publication).

We invite users to share their experiences and feedback as part of a major initiative to enhance the user experience and performance of the Reader.

Participants in the competition stand the opportunity to win generous cash awards:

  • First Prize:  US$1,500
  • Second Prize: US$1,000
  • Third Prize: US$700

The competition also offers an opportunity for participants to influence the future of digital access to knowledge in Islamic economics and finance, and gain recognition for their insights and contributions.

The IsDBI eBook Reader App was released in 2022, available for iOS and Android smart devices, and as a web-based cloud version for all supported browsers. This competition aims to promote user engagement and collect qualitative feedback for further enhancements of the Reader.

More information on the Reader and how to download/access it is available here: https://IsDBInstitute.org/ebook-reader-application/

Participants in this competition are expected to submit a written review essay (about 700-1,000 words) of their experience using the Reader, addressing the following aspects: ease of use; interface/navigation; speed; reading features (bookmarking, highlighting, etc.); and library.

We invite users to submit their reviews by email to isdbi-info@isdb.org (with copy to info@isdbinstitute.org) by 15 January 2026.

Full details on the competition are available on IsDBI website here: https://IsDBInstitute.org/ebook-reader-application/

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

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About the Islamic Development Bank Institute:
The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge beacon of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance, the IsDB Institute leads the development of innovative knowledge-based solutions to support the sustainable economic advancement of IsDB Member Countries and various Muslim communities worldwide. The IsDB Institute enables economic development through pioneering research, human capital development, and knowledge creation, dissemination, and management. The Institute leads initiatives to enable Islamic finance ecosystems, ultimately helping Member Countries achieve their development objectives. More information about the IsDB Institute is available on https://IsDBInstitute.org/

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Government mobilises stakeholders in national response to adolescent pregnancy

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, November 27, 2025

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities will convene the Adolescent Pregnancy Indaba, a national multi-stakeholder dialogue aimed to strengthen South Africa’s response to the alarming rising rate in adolescent pregnancies and associated social, health, developmental and economic challenges.

South Africa continues to record persistently high numbers of pregnancies among girls aged 10–19. These trends have far-reaching and devastating implications for disrupted education outcomes, increased maternal health risks, a deepening cycle of poverty, and heightened vulnerability to gender-based violence (GBV).

The urgency of the crisis demands coordinated national action grounded in evidence, community participation, and long-term policy commitment.

Taking place from 28–29 November 2025 at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Boksburg, Johannesburg, the two-day Indaba will bring together a broad coalition of stakeholders, including policymakers, government leaders, civil society organisations (CSOs), traditional leaders, researchers, health and education practitioners, youth organisations, caregivers and development partners.

Their collective aim to develop a coordinated and evidence-based response that meets the scale of the challenge.

The key focus areas of the Indaba include:
•    Reaffirming national commitment to ending adolescent pregnancy and foster collaboration and coordination among government departments, development partners, non-governmental organization (NGOs), CSOs, the private sector and communities. This includes building on existing successful legislative and policy frameworks while exploring the potential for new innovative solutions anchored within the South African context.
•    Increasing awareness and ensure mutual understanding of the latest statistics (and data gaps), and deeper exploration of the drivers and consequences of adolescent pregnancy in South Africa.
•    Reviewing evidence-based on what works to prevent adolescent pregnancy and reduce the adverse effects of early pregnancy, including strategies for prevention, intervention, and support services. Participants will compare this evidence with current South African practices to identify areas for alignment and improvement. 
•    Integrating the voices and perspectives of adolescents and young people in shaping solutions for adolescent pregnancy.
•    Reviewing and workshop the draft high-level goals, outcomes, outputs, and indicators that will provide the framework for the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Adolescent Pregnancies, which will guide national efforts through the medium-term development plan up to 2030. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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BlueTel Communications pursues global partnerships at Rail Live 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

South African Information and Communications Technology (ICT) company, BlueTel Communications, has arrived at Rail Live 2025 in Madrid with a clear and strategic mission, to secure international partnerships that can modernise and strengthen Africa’s digital and rail communication systems. 

The company forms part of the South African business delegation supported by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) through its Outward Selling Mission (OSM), which aims to expand trade, unlock new markets, and position South African firms within global value chains.

Established in 2012, BlueTel Communications specialises in professional support services for the telecommunications industry, offering planning, implementation, maintenance, and after-sales support across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and parts of East Africa. 

Operating in a niche market traditionally dominated by global vendors, the company has leveraged its engineering expertise, strong customer relationships, and Africa-wide footprint to become a flexible and competitive partner for organisations seeking outsourced telecom solutions. 

Its long-term vision is to grow into one of the continent’s leading telecommunications service providers.

Speaking on the first day of the Rail Live Expo, BlueTel’s Director of Business Development and Finance, Hilkia Jacobs, said the event offered unmatched opportunities for collaboration. He explained that the synergies between ICT and railway technologies made Rail Live the ideal platform for expanding the company’s reach into the rail sector.

“Partnerships are the reason I am here. There is enormous alignment between communications technologies and the rail environment, especially on issues like connectivity, data reliability, and communications across moving trains. 

“We came to Rail Live to find innovators and equipment manufacturers we can partner with, learn from them, train our engineers, and bring those technologies back to South Africa and the broader African market,” Jacobs said.

He noted that expanding into the rail sector has long been a strategic ambition for BlueTel, pointing to earlier attempts to collaborate with Transnet on communications improvements for the Blue Train. 

Jacobs emphasised Africa’s growing demand for modern infrastructure and the company’s commitment to driving technological advancement on the continent.

“Africa is where things are happening. Our goal isn’t to take our expertise to Europe. It’s to bring the best global innovations back home. We want to position ourselves as the bridge between international technology providers and African markets,” he explained.

Since arriving at the expo, BlueTel has already experienced exceptional interest from international firms looking for a reliable partner to enter the South African and broader African markets.

“In the first five to six hours, I made more leads than I normally make in six months. There are strong indications that the companies I engaged with here want to enter the South African market. Because we operate nationally, with offices in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town, we are well positioned to offer clients an immediate footprint, storage facilities, and a trusted partner on the ground,” noted Jacobs.

BlueTel credited the dtic’s Outward Selling Mission for enabling South African companies to showcase their strengths on a global platform, explore new sectors, and attract partnerships that support South Africa’s industrial growth objectives.

“The support from the dtic has given us exposure we would not have achieved on our own. It has opened doors to opportunities that can shape the future of our business and contribute to the development of Africa’s ICT and rail sectors,” Jacobs said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister Tau briefs Parly on SA’s trade relations

Source: Government of South Africa

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau says South Africa continues to benefit from a wide network of preferential and non-preferential trade agreements covering 90 countries, representing 28% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

Tau was addressing the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition supported by Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams on the state of South Africa’s trade relations, progress in ongoing negotiations, and the country’s strategy to navigate an increasingly volatile global trading environment. 

In a statement on Tuesday, Tau told Parliament that global trade is undergoing seismic shifts, with rising unilateral measures, retaliatory tariffs, and disruptions in the multilateral trading system. 

“The share of world trade governed by WTO [World Trade Organisation] rules has already dropped from 80% to 72% in 2025. These shifts, driven by growing geopolitical tensions and great-power competition, are creating uncertainty and weakening predictable rules-based trade,” he said. 

Tau said there is a need for South Africa to strengthen its industrial base, diversify trade partners and build greater economic resilience.

He emphasised the importance of African economic integration, revealing that significant momentum has already been recorded under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).  The AfCFTA which entered into force in May 2019, is expected to boost trade and economic growth on the continent. Trading under the AfCFTA regime commenced January 2021. 

“South Africa exports under the AfCFTA have increased from R485 million in 2024 to R1.386 billion in the first seven months of 2025. Imports under AfCFTA also rose substantially. 

“South Africa implemented the agreement in January 2024, and by 2025, 24 African countries had begun trading preferentially. 
“New market access is now unlocked in 13 non-SADC [Southern African Development Community] countries. Recent breakthroughs include agreement on critical rules of origin for autos and textiles, opening new opportunities for South African industry,” he said.

He said South Africa continues to engage the United States on a reciprocal trade deal that will lower the current tariff imposed that will make South African exports more competitive.

“While South Africa’s access to the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) expired at the end of September, there is strong bipartisan support in Washington for renewal. And current proposals include a one-year and a two-year extension, though no bill has yet been tabled,” the Minister said. 

The Minister highlighted the Butterfly Strategy adopted by the department to mitigate global risk and expand export growth, and said it will assist with objectives to grow South African exports from R2 trillion to R3 trillion by 2030. 

“We will focus our efforts on implementation and adopt a coherent approach to our trade agenda,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Employment and Labour calls for compliance with COIDA  

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, November 27, 2025

The Department of Employment and Labour’s Compensation Fund has called on employers in the building, electrical and construction sectors to improve their compliance with the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA).

This comes after the Fund hosted a Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases (COID) Sector Workshop in Durban on Tuesday aimed at boosting the submission of Return of Earnings (ROEs), improving payments of assessments, and educating industry stakeholders on their legal responsibilities.

The main objective of the Act is to provide compensation for disablement caused by occupational injuries or diseases sustained or contracted by employees or for death resulting from such injuries or diseases and provide for matters connected therewith.

Opening the session, KwaZulu-Natal Deputy Director for COID Services, Jabulani Gumede, thanked employers for attending and stressed that complying with COIDA is a legal requirement to prevent workplace injuries and occupational diseases.

Deputy Director for Employer Services, Vusi Maluleke, highlighted employers’ key obligations, including registration, record-keeping, and ensuring timely ROE submissions. He urged employers to register domestic workers and to verify Letters of Good Standing to avoid falling victim to fraud. 

KwaZulu-Natal Assistant Director for COID Services, Nontsikelelo Mhlonyane, outlined employer responsibilities when employees are injured or fall ill. She reminded employers that all workplace accidents must be reported to the Fund within seven days, while occupational diseases must be reported within 14 days of diagnosis. She also spoke on injury-on-duty leave management, COID benefits, additional pensions and fatal cases.

The Compensation Fund said it will continue engaging various sectors to strengthen compliance and ensure better protection for workers. – SAnews.gov.za

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President notes US counterpart’s attempt to ban SA from G20

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted US President Donald Trump’s intention to bar South Africa from attending the G20 Leaders’ Summit in the United States next year, calling his remarks “regrettable” and rooted in misinformation.

“South Africa is a member of the G20 in its own name and right. Its G20 membership is at the behest of all other members. South Africa is a sovereign constitutional democratic country and does not appreciate insults from another country about its membership and worth in participating in global platforms. 

“South Africa respects the sovereignty of all countries and will never insult or demean another country or its standing and worthiness in the community of nations,” the Presidency said in a statement issued on Thursday. 

In a post on social media platform, Truth Social, on Wednesday, President Trump said that South Africa would not be invited to next year’s Group of 20 Summit in the US. According to the post, this is due to the handover of the G20 Presidency and disinformation about white genocide.  

During the course of the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit last weekend, the South African government indicated that there would be no traditional handover ceremony between South Africa and the United States.

On Thursday, President Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa would continue to play a full, active and constructive role in the G20 and called on member states to recommit to multilateralism, consensus and equal participation.

“It is regrettable that despite the efforts and numerous attempts by President Ramaphosa and his administration to reset the diplomatic relationship with the US, President Trump continues to apply punitive measures against South Africa based on misinformation and distortions about our country,” the Presidency said.

President Ramaphosa said the G20 South Africa 2025 Leaders’ Summit, held in Johannesburg, and attended by several Heads of State and Government, had been widely praised as one of the most successful summits in recent years. 

The summit adopted a declaration affirming the “indisputable strength and value of multilateralism” in addressing global challenges.

The Presidency said that because the United States did not attend the summit, the instruments of the G20 Presidency were formally handed to a US Embassy official at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation headquarters.

“As one of the founding members of the G20, South Africa has always valued the spirit of consensus, collaboration and partnership that defines the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation,” the statement read.

The Presidency added that the United States had been expected to participate in all G20 engagements during South Africa’s Presidency but had elected not to attend the Johannesburg summit out of its own volition.

Despite the US government’s absence, The Presidency noted that American businesses and civil society organisations participated in large numbers in associated events including the B20 and the G20 Social. – SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng hands over operating licences to public transport operators

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, November 27, 2025

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has handed over 300 operating licences to compliant public transport operators during a ceremony held at the Ekurhuleni Council Chambers.

This handover forms part of the province’s ongoing programme to clear the operating license backlog and stabilise the public transport sector.

Since 1 September 2025, the department has issued a total of 525 operating licenses.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, said that the handover demonstrates government’s commitment to strengthening regulation and improving service delivery to operators and commuters.

“Today is more than a handover ceremony. It is a statement of our commitment to rebuilding a licensing system that is transparent, efficient and fair. We are working tirelessly to ensure operators receive services closer to their communities and within predictable timeframes,” Diale-Tlabela said on Tuesday.

The MEC emphasised that public transport remains the backbone of mobility in Gauteng, moving millions of commuters daily, and that regulatory stability is essential for safety, economic participation and job creation.

Furthermore, the strengthened provincial licensing system is designed to validate applications, improve data accuracy, and protect operators from fraudulent middlemen.

“We are taking a firm stance against corruption, fraudulent applications and individuals who extort money from operators under the pretext of consulting. These practices will not be tolerated. We are working closely with law enforcement agencies and our stakeholders to ensure that only legitimate operators are licensed,” the MEC said.

She emphasised that an operating license is not just a document, but an instrument of economic empowerment and responsibility.

“We expect operators to honour the rules of the road, provide safe and reliable services, and contribute to a public transport system that the people of Gauteng can trust. This partnership is key to building a stable, modern and accessible transport network,” the MEC explained.

The department will continue to implement measures aimed at eliminating the remaining backlog and strengthening the regulatory framework to ensure a safer and more efficient public transport environment for all Gauteng residents. –SAnews.gov.za

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At trade show, Moroccan textiles aim to boost exports

Source: APO


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At the Morocco in Mode 2025 trade show in Casablanca, Moroccan textile and clothing manufacturers reaffirmed their export ambitions, especially toward European markets. They are actively seeking financing solutions and aligning with evolving EU sustainability standards.

From 5 to 7 November 2025, Casablanca hosted the 2025 edition of the MIM trade fair, organised by the Moroccan Association of Textile and Clothing Industries (AMITH). Key players in textiles and clothing gathered to discuss how to improve regional and international cooperation.

The International Trade Centre (ITC) supported the initiatives of the Morocco Textile and Clothing programme, promoting sustainable development and competitiveness.

The trade fair featured two flagship conferences:

  • The impact of the European Green Deal and new EU regulations on ethical sourcing: Presented by Ms. Andry Razafindrakoto, Expert in Corporate Environmental and Social Transition. It highlighted the urgency for Moroccan companies to prepare for the new requirements, while calling for greater involvement from brands to ease the regulatory burden.

  • Financing guide for textiles and clothing: Co-hosted by Ms. Aicha Iraqi, Sustainability Specialist, and Mr. Marouane Mouafir, Financial Strategy Expert. it highlighted the financing tools available, particularly green financing. The issue of personal guarantees for managers in accessing loans and subsidies was particularly emphasised.

Business meetings and regional synergies

Business meetings let Moroccan companies speak directly with Spanish brands such as El Corte Inglés, SCALPERS and renatta&go, strengthening commercial opportunities across the Mediterranean.

On the sourcing side, the active participation of Egyptian companies (LIONTEX CO., FITEX, Nassertex) and Tunisian companies (Chimitex, mastex) enriched the range of materials and accessories on offer, consolidating ties across North Africa.

With this 2025 edition of the MIM trade show, the Moroccan textile and clothing sector has confirmed its ability to respond to international challenges, strengthen its regional partnerships and integrate the requirements of sustainability, innovation and competitiveness. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

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African Union International Centre for Girls and Women’s Education (AU CIEFFA) Continental Youth Workshop on Digital Innovation and Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Education opens in Nairobi

Source: APO


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A Continental Youth Capacity Building Workshop on Girls in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) for Gender-Responsive Education has officially opened in Nairobi, Kenya. Running from 25th –28th November 2025, the workshop is held under the theme: “Empowering Girls in STEAM: Innovating for Inclusive and Gender-Responsive Education in Africa.”

Organised by the African Union International Centre for Girls and Women’s Education (AU CIEFFA) in collaboration with UN Women, the convening seeks to empower young women leaders in STEAM fields and AU CIEFFA alumni with essential digital and financial literacy skills. The initiative aims to amplify advocacy for girls’ STEAM education and the #AfricaEducatesHER Campaign, while showcasing grassroots efforts by young women advancing education in their communities.

The workshop also celebrates the achievements of women role models in STEAM, including projects led by the AU Go-Gal Top 10 innovators and AGCCI Alumni.

Representing Kenya’s Ministry of Education, Dr. Elyas Abdi, Director General, emphasised the country’s commitment to strengthening STEAM interventions: “Kenya’s commitment to STEAM education is anchored in the national reforms guided by the government’s Kenya Kwanza Education Charter and the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform (PWPER). These frameworks prioritise strengthening STEM and STEAM pathways, expanding digital learning, enhancing teacher professionalism, upgrading laboratories, and promoting gender equity across all levels of education.”

Despite progress, girls remain significantly underrepresented in STEAM education across Africa. Women account for only 35% of STEM graduates, a figure that has stagnated over the past decade.

“For far too long, science has been viewed as a domain reserved for boys and men. While this narrative is gradually shifting, the representation of girls and women in STEAM remains disproportionately low. Yet, young African girls possess the curiosity, creativity, and intellectual rigour required to drive innovation. What they have often lacked is not talent, but equitable access to technology, inspiring female role models, and an educational environment that nurtures and believes in their potential”, said Mrs. Simone Yankey, Coordinator of the AU CIEFFA.

The workshop convenes young people and STEAM professionals from 24 African Union Member States, the majority of whom are women.

Mr Joshua Musyimi, Programme Specialist at UN Women Kenya Office, underscored the importance of policy advocacy, “It is critical not only to equip girls with digital and leadership skills, but also to advocate for policies that guarantee their access to technology, and to push for national education systems to integrate gender, ICT, and coding-related skills. Only then can we ensure that digital inclusion is not a privilege, but a right — and that the achievements of AGCCI (African Girls Can Code) reach more girls, in more communities, for generations to come”.

Contributions from the World Bank Group, represented by Mr Saifeddine Ben Mhenni, and Dr Olubusayo Akinola, Head of Social Welfare, Drug Control and Crime Prevention from AUC’s Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development highlighted ongoing initiatives to promote STEAM across Africa.

The workshop is supported by the World Bank’s East Africa Girls’ Empowerment and Resilience (EAGER) program and aligns with AU CIEFFA’s Strategic Axis 3 on STEAM and Skills Development. It further contributes to continental commitments, including AU Agenda 2063, CESA 16-25, and the recommendations from the 2024 Conference on Transforming STEM in Africa, co-organised by the AU and UNESCO in Addis Ababa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).