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W Cape issues alert as drunk driving arrests rise

Source: Government of South Africa

Western Cape transport officials have issued a serious warning to motorists after 24 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol were made in just one week.

From 17 to 23 November 2025, the Provincial Traffic Services carried out 168 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checks, and speed control operations across the province. 

During these efforts, over 30 000 vehicles were stopped and inspected, resulting in more than 9 000 fines being issued for various violations related to driver and vehicle fitness.

Officers also recorded 200 speeding offences during this period.

The officials reported that of the 46 arrests recorded, 24 were for driving under the influence of alcohol, three for reckless and negligent driving, six for goods overloading and another six for possession of fraudulent documentation. 

In addition, three arrests involved undocumented persons, while one person was arrested for wilfully damaging or tampering with a vehicle or throwing an object at a vehicle. 

One person was arrested for bribery, another for obstructing or hindering an authorised officer, and one for threatening or suggesting the use of violence against a traffic officer.

Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku expressed deep concern at the spike in drunk driving incidents.

“Every driver who gets behind the wheel after drinking is a danger not only to themselves, but to every person on the road. As we approach the festive season, we are intensifying enforcement to ensure that law-abiding road users can travel safely. Driving under the influence will not be tolerated, and we will continue to take decisive action against offenders,” said Sileku.

Chief Director of Traffic Management Maxine Bezuidenhout urged the public to take responsibility. 

“The high number of drunk driving arrests is deeply concerning. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgement and slow reaction times. Our officers will continue to take firm action against anyone who chooses to endanger others by driving under the influence. We urge motorists to act responsibly, respect the law, and help us prevent unnecessary incidents and loss of life on our roads,” said Bezuidenhout.

To prevent drinking and driving, motorists are encouraged to plan ahead by using e-hailing services or metered taxis, appointing a sober designated driver, arranging to stay over where they are socialising, or asking a friend or family member for a lift. 

They are also urged to refuse to travel in a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Sileku added. – SAnews.gov.za

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Women in film and media call for new narrative at 16 Days of Activism launch

Source: Government of South Africa

Leading voices in South Africa’s film, media and creative industries have called for a fundamental shift in how women are portrayed, insisting that storytelling, content creation and media platforms must move beyond victimhood and actively reclaim women’s power.

The women were speaking on Tuesday at the national launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children 2025 campaign at Gallagher Convention Centre. 

The panel, which was led by Dr Criselda Kananda, spotlighted the experiences and agency of women in the film, entertainment, television and media sectors, and how these industries can challenge harmful narratives and reshape social attitudes. 

Veteran foreign editor Sophie Mokoena criticised the persistent marginalisation of women leaders in newsrooms and international coverage.

“It’s very rare you will see stories about women’s leadership and their successes. Women around the world are competent and capable to lead, but they become victims of negative stories… The media will have to do better in covering the role played by women in building a better world,” Mokoena said. 

Mokoena reflected on the global footprint of South Africa’s former UN Women Executive Director, Pumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, noting that her impact on policy, advocacy and women’s empowerment remains underreported.

“Women have done a lot, and they are still doing a lot quietly. They don’t have coverage. Women are not just victims of gender-based violence. They are living, leading and fighting this scourge. The media’s role should be to tell those success stories,” Mokeona said. 

Music icon and cultural activist Sibongile Mngoma warned that harmful media content continues to shape harmful social attitudes.

“A sound mind thinks right because of what it consumes. If you are feeding society glamorised violence, drug abuse and alcohol abuse using celebrities as brand ambassadors, then that is what society becomes. We must empower women to speak and give them the resources to do the work,” Mngoma said. 

Screenwriter and filmmaker Lerato Mokoka highlighted the power of intentional storytelling and interrogation of bias in writers’ rooms.

“When we unpack scripts, we interrogate why we are saying what we’re saying and who we are representing. You begin to care for the character and realise they represent someone out there, a survivor. We aim to tell stories in a way that is impactful, not harmful,” she said. 

Youth advocate and communications strategist Dumi Le Roux said meaningful change requires centering young people in content creation.

“The tactic that works is having young people co-curate initiatives. Once youth are involved at the core of the table, authenticity finds expression… We create mobilisers and ambassadors who run with the narrative themselves,” Le Roux said. 

SABC Head of Content and producer Lala Tuku emphasised that women must own their stories at every level of production.

“Women’s stories – their complexities and nuance – can only be told by women. It’s not just about seeing a woman on-screen. The head writer, director and creatives behind the scenes must be women too. We must give power and nurture the female voice,” Tuku said. 

Legendary musician and broadcaster Dr Yvonne Chaka Chaka said radio remains a vital tool to reshape attitudes and uplift women’s voices.

“We live in a country where it is sad and hurting to be a woman. At Women Radio, we promote women’s issues 365 days a year. We empower women to speak, to be opinionated, and to respect themselves and each other,” she said. 

Veteran actress and advocate Nakedi Ribane said representation must move beyond stereotypes and poverty-driven narratives.

“Until the lion tells its story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter. We must tell our stories the way we want to. Productions must reflect who we really are families with professionals, children who grow differently from what is usually portrayed. Poverty should not be romanticised,” she said. 

As the country enters 16 Days of Activism, the panel’s message was clear, transforming society begins with transforming stories and ensuring women, in all their diversity, hold the pen. – SAnews.gov.za

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Official Consular Source: Canada Confirms Completion of All Procedures for Qatari Citizens to Obtain Its ETA Starting Today

Source: Government of Qatar

Official Consular Source: Canada Confirms Completion of All Procedures for Qatari Citizens to Obtain Its ETA Starting Today

Doha, November 25, 2025

An official source at the Department of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Canadian authorities have confirmed the completion of all procedures related to Qatari citizens obtaining the Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) within a few minutes, starting today.

The source clarified that Qatari citizens wishing to obtain this visa can apply through the following link:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html
The source pointed out that this step reflects the strength of the relations between the State of Qatar and Canada and the continuous development witnessed in various fields.
It also contributes to supporting bilateral cooperation, facilitating the movement of citizens, and enhancing tourism, cultural, and educational exchange between the two countries, thereby reinforcing the existing partnership and opening broader horizons for cooperation. 

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Study on GCC Wage Protection System Launched

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, November 25, 2025

The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar in Geneva, in cooperation with the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairsآ in the GCC States and the International Labor Organization (ILO), organized a high-level event held at the headquarters of the ILO in Geneva, on the sidelines of the 355th session of its Governing Body, during which a study was launched highlighting the progress made by the GCC countries in building effective wage protection systems (WPS).
The event witnessed a high-level attendance, with the first part featuring keynote addresses by HE Minister of Labor Dr. Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri, HE ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo, and HE Mr. Mohammed Hassan Al Obaidli, HE Director-General of the Executive Office of the Council of Ministers of Labor of the GCC Mohammed Hassan Al Obaidli.
In her keynote remarks at the panel discussion, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva Dr. Hind Abdul Rahman Al Muftah emphasized the effective interdependence and integration of wage protection mechanisms in the State of Qatar.
Her Excellency indicated that enhancing the protection of workers’ rights and establishing fair labor practices are a priority for the State of Qatar. She noted that the Ministry of Labor has adopted an integrated system that includes the WPS, grievance mechanisms, and the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund to ensure effective protection at all stages.
Her Excellency stressed that the integration of these three mechanisms provides a comprehensive framework for protection, promotes decent work, ensures compliance with laws, and reflects the State of Qatar’s commitment to a fair and transparent labor market that protects workers’ rights and promotes social justice.
The joint study reviews the important steps taken by the GCC countries to ensure that wages are paid on time and correctly, through the establishment and development of WPS that comply with international labor standards.
The ILO considers these systems a pioneering innovation at the regional level aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in wage payment practices.

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Africa Finance Corporation Secures US$75 Million Credit Line from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to Accelerate Infrastructure Development

Source: APO

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has secured a US$75 million term loan facility from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). This landmark transaction deepens AFC’s strategic partnership with BADEA.

The agreement was signed by H.E. Abdullah Almusaibeeh, President of BADEA, and Mr. Samaila Zubairu, President & Chief Executive Officer of AFC, as part of AFC Day, held during the B20 Summit in Johannesburg. The signing underscores the two institutions’ shared commitment to scaling sustainable development and unlocking long-term capital for African infrastructure.

The collaboration builds on BADEA’s shareholder investment in 2020, and the cooperation framework signed that year to jointly develop and finance infrastructure across priority sectors. This new facility reinforces BADEA’s role as a strategic partner and strengthens AFC’s capacity to deliver transformational infrastructure across the continent.

The proceeds will support AFC’s mandate to develop and finance critical power, transport and logistics, heavy industries, telecommunications and digital infrastructure, as well as mining and natural resources. Through its established project development, structuring and execution capabilities, AFC will channel the capital into high-impact projects that catalyse economic transformation.

“As a shareholder of AFC, BADEA has been a valued and long-standing partner in advancing our mandate,” said Mr. Zubairu. “By deploying capital into sustainable, high-impact infrastructure, we continue to create pathways for inclusive economic growth across the continent.”

“BADEA and AFC have been strategic partners in advancing Africa’s development agenda, with a remarkable track-record of syndicated transformative projects with medium to long-term financial instruments including equity participation,” said H.E. Abdullah Almusaibeeh, President of BADEA. “Today’s signing of this USD75 million line of credit speaks volumes about BADEA’s agility to respond to development needs with a variety of instruments of different maturities.”

The facility also supports AFC’s broader strategy to diversify its funding base and mobilise long-term capital for Africa’s development. By strengthening collaboration with shareholder institutions such as BADEA, AFC continues to expand its capacity to finance resilient infrastructure and advance sustainable economic development across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Media Enquiries:
Yewande Thorpe
Communications
Africa Finance Corporation
Mobile: +234 1 279 9654
Email: Yewande.thorpe@africafc.org

BADEA 
Badea@badea.org

About AFC:
AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. The Corporation’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure needs and drive sustainable economic growth. Eighteen years on, AFC has built a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for delivering high-quality, transformational infrastructure assets that provide essential services across the continent. AFC has 47 member countries and has invested over US$17 billion since inception.

Visit www.AfricaFC.org

About BADEA:
BADEA is a rated multilateral development finance institution owned by 18 sovereign States, members of the League of Arab States which began operations in March 1975. The Bank’s mission revolving around promoting social and economic development exclusively in Sub Saharan Africa, fostering cooperation between the Arab and the African regions through investment and trade.

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Merck Foundation underscores their long-term partnership with Angola First Lady to train healthcare providers and support Girl Education

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany underscored their commitment to build healthcare capacity and support girl education in Angola during a high-level meeting held between Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and The First Lady of the Republic of Angola, H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, who is also the Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”. The meeting was held during the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation expressed, “I am very happy to have met my dear sister, H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother’ at the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025. We had a very meaningful discussion and about our joint programs in the country to transform the public healthcare landscape and raise awareness about a wide range of social health issues.”

H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” said, “I am very excited to start the Educating Linda Program in my country which aims to empower girls through education and end child marriage, this program is very close to my heart as I consider it one of my main objectives as the First Lady of Angola; and as an African woman, I strongly believe that girl Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment. As a part of the program, we will be providing annual scholarships to 20 brilliant yet underprivileged schoolgirls. Moreover, I am also looking forward to providing scholarships for our local doctors to build and strengthen healthcare capacity in our country.”

Watch the Speech of H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025here: https://apo-opa.co/4rjkNj1

Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej receiving H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” here: https://apo-opa.co/480BFn1

Watch the video of strategy meeting between Merck Foundation CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej and The First Lady of Angola, which was held to define strategies to build healthcare and media capacity in Angola to address a wide range of social and health issues here: https://apo-opa.co/4iloTmE

Dr. Rasha Kelej shared, “Merck Foundation has always believed in the importance of building healthcare capacity and has been working for it since 2012. We have so far provided 2400 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties. We will soon be enrolling doctors from Angola in various medical specialties in partnership with the First Lady and Ministry of Health of Angola. I am certain it will transform the healthcare landscape in Angola”.

Merck Foundation has also conducted three edition of Online Health Media Training for the Angolan journalists, to emphasize on the important role that media plays to influence society to create a cultural shift with the aim to address wide range of social and health issues such as: Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels; to underscore the importance of Empowering Girls and Women in Education and to understand the social and psychological impact social issues like GBV, Child Marriage, FGM etc. over women and their families and communities.

Moreover, to raise awareness of early detection and prevention of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Lady of Angola has also launched their 8 important Merck Foundation Awards for Media, Musicians & Singers, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, and students & new potential talents in these fields.

“I encourage the young Angolan talents to share their creative and inspiring work with us for our 2026 awards. We have celebrated winners from Angola in the previous years and I am looking forward to celebrating more winners in 2026,” concluded Dr. Kelej.

Details of the Awards:

  1. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues:  Support Girls’ Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and Women Empowerment.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

  1. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues: Support Girls’ Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and Women Empowerment. Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.
  1. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues: Support Girls’ Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and Women Empowerment. Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.
  1. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues: Support Girls’ Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and Women Empowerment. Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.
  1. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

  1. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: All Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

  1. Merck Foundation Film Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: All Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle, raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

  1. Merck Foundation Song Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: All Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

Entries for the above awards can be submitted to us at:

submit@merck-foundation.com​

For information on the awards, please visit our website:

www.Merck-Foundation.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

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

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4p2KH9b
X: https://apo-opa.co/43P7cG7
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4rgBrjn
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4igpqGg
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4riahbA
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/49FMlc6
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/48yjlSi

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4p2KH9b), X (https://apo-opa.co/43P7cG7), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4igpqGg), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4rgBrjn), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4riahbA) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/49FMlc6).

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

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Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) marks ‘International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women 2025’ through their “Our Africa” Television (TV) Program, Songs, Children Storybooks and Animation Films

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, together with The First Ladies of Africa and Asia, who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, mark the “International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women 2025” through their “More Than a Mother” Campaign and “Educating Linda” program. Through these programs, Merck Foundation conducts impactful community awareness initiatives aimed at addressing Gender-Based Violence, Empowering Women and Girls at all levels, and Supporting Girl Education.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation expressed, “At Merck Foundation, we are deeply committed to raising awareness about the elimination of violence against women and girls through our various impactful community awareness initiatives that include children storybooks and their adapted animation films, inspiring songs, and many episodes of our TV program “Our Africa”, that has been broadcast on national TV stations across Africa.

Through our ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign, we are breaking the infertility stigma. Infertile women are often subjected to discrimination, social isolation, and in many cases, violence. By breaking this stigma and shifting mindsets, we aim to protect their rights, restore their dignity, and create a more compassionate and equitable society.”

Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” is a powerful campaign that defines interventions to build quality and equitable Reproductive and Fertility Care Capacity, Break Infertility Stigma and Raise Awareness about Infertility Prevention and Male Infertility.

“I firmly believe that education is one of the strongest drivers of women’s empowerment. When women and girls are educated, they gain the confidence, opportunities, and protection needed to break cycles of violence and build stronger futures. Therefore, through our ‘Educating Linda’ program, we are providing annual scholarships to more than 1,000 underprivileged but deserving schoolgirls from 18 countries, enabling them to continue their education, and reach their full potential.” Added Dr. Kelej.

Merck Foundation’s pan African TV program “Our Africa”, that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and features African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness about social and health issues, has episodes dedicated to issues like Stopping GBV, Ending FGM, Breaking Infertility Stigma, Women Empowerment and Supporting Girl Education.

Watch the Episode about Stopping GBV here: https://apo-opa.co/4ihD4ZO

Watch the Episode about Ending FGM here: https://apo-opa.co/4itM8Lq

Watch the Episode about Women Empowerment here: https://apo-opa.co/3M6vaGB

Watch the Episodes on Breaking Infertility Stigma here:

https://apo-opa.co/48iSzwc

https://apo-opa.co/4a9Xz8H

https://apo-opa.co/3XdCgM1

Watch the Episodes on Girl Education here:

https://apo-opa.co/49XAshR

https://apo-opa.co/4pxPcs9

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

Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa, has launched many inspiring children’s storybooks – ‘Not Who You Are’ to raise awareness on Gender Based Violence, to educate children about this sensitive social issue so that they can learn to respect girls and women, from a young age, and ‘More Than a Mother’ to emphasize and strengthen family values of love and respect from an early age by instilling the thought that Women are more than just mothers, they are productive members in the society.  Moreover, children’s storybooks like ‘Educating Linda’, ‘Jackline’s Rescue’ and ‘Ride into the Future’ have also been launched to support girl education. The storybooks have also been adapted to make interesting and engaging Animation Films to raise awareness among children, youth and adults. These animation films are launched in five languages including English, French, Portuguese, Swahilli, and Spanish.

Watch Animation Films here:

Merck Foundation has also released many songs to support women empowerment and girl education.
 

1. Watch, share & subscribe the “Like Them” song here, sung by Kenneth, a famous singer from Uganda: https://apo-opa.co/4od8SjN

2. Watch and share “Girl Can” song here, sung by two famous singers, Irene and Cwezi from Liberia and Ghana respectively: https://apo-opa.co/44tGX8c

3. Watch and share “Take me to School” song here, sung by Wezi, Afro-soul singer from Zambia, to support girls’ education: https://apo-opa.co/49Kd0o9

4. Watch and share “Tu Podes Sim” Portuguese song, which means “Yes, You Can” in English by Blaze and Tamyris Moiane, singers from Mozambique in English here: https://apo-opa.co/4af45Lt 

5. Watch and share “ABC, 123” by Sean K from Namibia song here: https://apo-opa.co/44tH1Vu

6. Watch and share “Superwoman Song” by singers Cwezi and Adina from Ghana here: https://apo-opa.co/48j6r9J

“Every woman deserves respect. Every girl deserves safety. On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, let us unite to STOP Gender-Based Violence. By empowering women, supporting girl education, and championing their rights, we can assure them a future free from abuse, discrimination, and inequality,” concluded Merck Foundation CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

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

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard! 
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/49FFCPd
X: https://apo-opa.co/4rlQlVq
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4iouBnK
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4poR5Y6
Threads:  https://apo-opa.co/3LXXPxI
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4ikKN9m
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3M6B0Yx

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/49FFCPd), X (https://apo-opa.co/4rlQlVq), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4iouBnK), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4poR5Y6), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3LXXPxI) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4ikKN9m). 

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

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Qatar Wins Membership in OPCW for 2026-2028 Term

Source: Government of Qatar

The Hague, November 25, 2025

The State of Qatar won membership in the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for the 2026-2028 term.
This was declared during the 30th Conference of the OPCW States Parties, currently convened in The Hague.
This achievement broadly reflects the confidence of the international community and international organizations in Qatar constructive role in support for the OPCW objectives, strengthening the effective enforcement of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and complying with its provisions, thereby contributing to bolstering global security and peace. 

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Mashatile outlines plans to tackle South Africa’s water crisis

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has addressed the mounting water crisis facing South African municipalities, revealing a multifaceted approach to tackle systemic issues plaguing water and sanitation services nationwide.

Speaking in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Tuesday, Deputy President cited a report from the Department of Water and Sanitation, which shows a significant decline in the capacity of municipal water delivery.

As a result, national reliability has dropped to only 68%, and the quality of water in 60% of water supply systems is deteriorating.

Mashatile said this crisis stems from a combination of factors, including poor governance, lack of technical capacity, inadequate infrastructure investments, and financial mismanagement.

“I must highlight that government is taking decisive steps to resolve the systemic issues that continue to hinder the reliable provision of water and sanitation services to local communities.”

Through the Water Task Team, he said the government is tackling water security challenges by improving infrastructure, reforming institutions and expediting project management in a coordinated approach.

The South Africa National Water and Sanitation Indaba held in March this year proposed key interventions aimed at addressing the challenges of water provision and continuous disintegration of critical water infrastructure, amongst others.

Key recommendations included increased investments through financing options and ensuring the financial viability of the sector.

In addition, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has established a Water Partnership Office housed at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to help municipalities prepare projects for private sector investment.

“Through this office, the department is already implementing several public-private partnerships, such as the Olifants River Management Model Programme.”

According to the Deputy President, this programme has been introduced to address the bulk water needs, particularly in Limpopo, to promote economic development and ensure the delivery of bulk raw water to municipalities.

He explained that this model is based on a 50/50 public-private partnership.

In this arrangement, 50% of the project’s cost is contributed by the mining companies, while the remaining 50% is funded by the government through water infrastructure grants and the budget facility for infrastructure.

He announced that the DWS, Water Boards and water service authorities are working to increase collaboration with the Infrastructure Fund to put in place more blended finance water projects.

He also touched on the projects in major cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, the Vaal Gamagara Water Supply Scheme in the Northern Cape, Lesotho Highlands and uMkhomazi Water Projects.

In combating corruption, the country’s second-in-command acknowledged the significant challenge of water tanker corruption and infrastructure vandalism.

“National Treasury has issued a circular cautioning municipalities against long-term reliance on water tankers, which can only be used as temporary emergency measures.”

The Deputy President stressed the importance of collaborative approaches, calling for increased community involvement and a culture of reporting suspicious activities to expose criminal networks within the water sector.

“As government, we call for increased community participation in protecting critical infrastructure. We also urge communities to report suspicious activities and embrace the culture of whistleblowing to expose criminal networks and corruption within the water sector.”

He stated that the government remains committed to addressing these challenges, viewing water infrastructure as a critical national priority.

“Water is life. Government remains committed to improving the provision of a reliable water supply, especially to township and rural communities.”

Confronting GBVF head-on

Meanwhile, as South Africa marks the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign, he said the country refuses to accept gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as normal.

“To fight GBVF effectively, we need to continually raise awareness, improve coordination and mobilise resources among our institutions. All of us must be activists against GBVF starting in our homes, communities, work and in leadership roles.

“We must declare that this scourge will not persist under our watch,” he added.

The Deputy President was responding to questions from NCOP delegates representing their provinces regarding his delegated responsibilities. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Cartels Challenge Traditional Antitrust Approaches, Experts Conclude at HSE Conference

Source: APO

Digital cartels and algorithmic coordination were among the central topics discussed at the 10th Anniversary International Conference “Antitrust Policy: Science, Practice, Education,” organized by FAS Russia, HSE University and the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre. Officials from BRICS and EAEU competition authorities, judges, researchers and practitioners examined how AI technologies reshape global markets and complicate traditional antitrust enforcement.

During the session “Artificial Intelligence vs. Cartels,” Alexey Ivanov, Director of the BRICS Competition Centre, emphasized that algorithmic coordination represents a new form of cartelization. He noted that algorithms can synchronize prices without human intent or explicit agreements, creating “black boxes” that regulators struggle to interpret. While classical cartels relied on meetings and documented communication, digital cartels may evolve autonomously, react in milliseconds and scale across entire platforms.

Ivanov referenced emerging global enforcement practice that illustrates these challenges. In the United States, the RealPage case has demonstrated how revenue-management software coordinating rental prices across a market can lead to cartel-like outcomes, resulting in dozens of settlements and creating a new benchmark for assessing algorithmic collusion. Similar issues arise in ride-hailing and online marketplaces, where centralized algorithmic systems influence pricing, ranking and access to key tools such as the Buy Box. Risks of algorithmic price management, he noted, also exist on Russian platforms. In global commodity trade, digital platforms such as Covantis show how blockchain-based systems may consolidate, rather than decentralize, market power.

According to Ivanov, some forms of digital coordination are becoming structural features of modern markets. Regulators therefore need to understand how algorithms operate and develop tools that differentiate harmful coordination from efficiency-enhancing mechanisms. This includes transparency requirements for algorithms, real-time monitoring, increased technical capacity within antitrust agencies and expanded international cooperation.

The conference underscored a growing consensus: AI-driven coordination is transforming markets faster than traditional antitrust tools can respond. Experts agreed that enforcement approaches must evolve accordingly to ensure that digital markets remain open, transparent and competitive.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre.

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