Category: English

Source: APO

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• At least 350 aid workers were killed in 2025, and 84 so far in 2026, with Gaza and Sudan accounting for nearly three-quarters of all deaths.
• Humanitarian workers are being killed at record rates even as international humanitarian law explicitly protects them from attack.
• The IRC is calling on governments and parties to conflict to protect aid workers and hold those responsible for attacks to account.

At least 350 aid workers were killed in 2025, one of the deadliest years on record, with more than half of those deaths occurring in the occupied Palestinian territory and one in five in Sudan, according to the Aid Worker Security Database, the leading global tracker of violence against humanitarian workers. Combined, the two crises account for nearly three-quarters of all aid worker killings recorded last year. The International Rescue Committee, which operates in both crises, is warning that humanitarian staff, the vast majority of them local staff serving their own communities, are increasingly paying with their lives for the work of delivering food, medical care, and shelter to people caught in conflict and disaster. 

This year’s World Humanitarian Day comes as the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance continues to climb, even as funding to reach them shrinks. Nearly all aid workers killed — 349 of 350 — were national staff, a reminder that the burden of risk falls overwhelmingly on local aid workers, not the international personnel who often get the public attention. International Humanitarian Law explicitly protects humanitarian and medical personnel, and attacks on them are prohibited.

“Health and aid workers are increasingly targeted,” said Bob Kitchen, IRC Vice President of Emergencies. “Yet, they continue to operate on the frontlines of the world’s most dangerous crises, because the people who need them have nowhere else to turn. In Gaza, in Sudan, that choice is costing lives at a rate we’ve never recorded. Protecting them is the law. The IRC honors its own staff and members of partner organizations who lost their lives this year in service to others.”

In Sudan, where the IRC continues to operate amid the RSF siege on El Obeid and widening conflict, aid workers face escalating risk even as needs deepen. Now the largest humanitarian crisis on the planet, shrinking aid cuts and worsening access means that those on the frontline of the response are especially vulnerable to being caught up in the violence. Meanwhile, the occupied Palestinian territory has seen two and a half years of sustained conflict decimate civilian infrastructure beyond recognition. Aid workers are consistently in the line of conflict with little protection amid ongoing bombardment.

Humanitarian workers are protected under international humanitarian law, and attacks against them are prohibited. Yet accountability for these attacks remains rare. The IRC is calling on governments and parties to conflict to uphold their obligations to protect civilians and aid workers, and to ensure that those responsible for attacks are held to account.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Rescue Committee (IRC) .

Source: APO – Report:

• Across 34 days, a team of 15 engineers at Emirates Engineering built the 2.4-metre sculpture to honour Emirates and Arsenal’s longstanding partnership
• Emirates SkyCargo handled the transportation from Dubai to London, leveraging their expertise in specialised and delicate cargo to ensure flawless delivery
• The installation is now in pride of place at the Directors Box and Diamond Club entrance at the Emirates Stadium

Following last week’s unveiling of the Aircrafted Arsenal Crest, Emirates (www.Emirates.com) is taking viewers behind the scenes to showcase the engineering expertise, craftsmanship and precision that went into the creation of the 2.4-meter illuminated sculpture.

Designed and built entirely in-house by Emirates Engineering teams, the Crest was brought to life by a team of 15 experts in just 34 days. Watch how the team clean, cut, curve, machine, rivet, assemble and paint aviation materials into one of the most recognisable emblems in football.

Once built, the sculpture began its final journey to Emirates Stadium. Carefully packaged in a custom-built, protective crate, the Aircrafted Arsenal Crest was handed over to the experts at Emirates SkyCargo, to be loaded into a freighter departing Dubai for London Stansted. With decades of experience in handling everything from specialised technology through to ancient artifacts, the airline’s cargo arm ensured this one-of-a-kind installation was handled with care at every touchpoint.

Beyond transporting the Crest, aircraft components from cargo operations were used in the build itself, including cargo tracks, floor panels and roller components to help structure and shape the iconic emblem.

The Making Of video captures the people, processes and aviation expertise behind this project, and offers a closer look at how Emirates brought together expertise across its operations to create this tribute to one of its longest-standing partnerships.

The Emirates and Arsenal partnership first began in 2006, and has recently been extended through to 2033. As the partners enter the next chapter of their partnership, Emirates will continue as Arsenal’s front-of-shirt, training kit and stadium naming rights partner.

Read more (https://apo-opa.co/4zp6Ofz) or watch the full video here (https://apo-opa.co/4hHARZC).

– on behalf of The Emirates Group.

Contact:
Emirates Public Relations
​pr@emirates.com 

Source: APO – Report:

Mukuru (www.Mukuru.com), a leading financial services provider, has launched its Visa-branded Companion Card in Botswana. Linked to the Mukuru Wallet, this new offering expands its functionality and enables customers to make secure, cashless payments for everyday purchases directly from their Wallet balance.

With the Mukuru Wallet, customers already manage their money from their phones. Now, the Companion Card extends that convenience to in-person spending. Because the Card is linked directly to the Mukuru Wallet, there is no need to transfer funds between accounts before making a purchase. This means no traditional bank account is required, and both the Wallet and Companion Card work across all mobile networks.

For consumers in Botswana, this means fewer trips to cash-out points and greater access to cashless payment options. Customers can now pay for groceries, transport, utilities, school fees, and online shopping wherever Visa is accepted, bringing digital transactions into daily life.

The launch is timely because it addresses a critical gap in a market where digital infrastructure is robust but financial exclusion persists. Botswana has one of Africa’s highest mobile penetration rates at 166%, with approximately 4.21 million connections in a population of 2.54 million. (https://apo-opa.co/3U5Rowx) Despite this, access to formal banking has not kept pace, with current estimates suggesting that 38% of adults remain unbanked.

Security Customers can Trust

Security is a key feature of the Companion Card. A customer PIN protects every transaction, and online purchases benefit from Visa’s 3D Secure authentication. If a card is lost or misplaced, customers can instantly block or stop it from their phone. In addition, as a registered Electronic Payment Service Provider in Botswana, Mukuru ensures that its services are secure and regulated, helping improve everyday financial access.

Thembani Moyo, Country Manager for Mukuru Botswana, commented, “Our customers already trust the Mukuru Wallet to manage their money. The Companion Card gives them a new, practical way to use it; so paying for groceries or topping up airtime is as easy as swiping a card, without ever needing to visit a branch or carry cash.”

The Companion Card is part of Mukuru’s broader ambition to be a complete financial services partner for its customers. As Botswana’s economy digitises and consumers increasingly expect cashless, card-based ways to pay, the Wallet ecosystem is designed to evolve alongside these needs.

Andy Jury, Group CEO of Mukuru, added, “This is about strengthening what the Mukuru Wallet can do for our customers. We’re building a financial services brand around real, everyday needs, helping customers manage, move, and spend their money securely, and on their own terms.”

For many Botswana households, the Wallet and Card together offer a practical alternative to traditional banking, giving customers control over their money without the barriers that formal banking can present.

Amon Magunje, Country Manager for Visa, Botswana added, “Visa is committed to expanding access to the digital economy through secure and innovative payment solutions. For us, the launch of the Mukuru Companion Card in Botswana marks an important step in advancing financial inclusion, connecting more consumers to the security, convenience and global reach of the Visa network. This collaboration combines Visa’s global capabilities with Mukuru’s deep local presence to deliver greater value and choice to consumers across Botswana.”

Shathiso Choto, Head of Retail Banking, Access Bank added, “At Access Bank, we are proud to champion initiatives that expand access to safe and reliable financial services. Supporting the Mukuru Companion Card allows us to empower more customers to actively and confidently engage in Botswana’s digital economy.”

Getting Started

Customers can sign up for a Mukuru Wallet via WhatsApp on +267 7718 4600, at any Mukuru booth, branch or accredited agent across Botswana. Once their Wallet is funded with a minimum of P50, they will be issued with a Mukuru Card. The physical card extends the functionality of the digital Wallet, giving customers a simple way to use their Wallet balance for everyday payments wherever Visa is accepted.

– on behalf of Mukuru.

About Mukuru:
Mukuru is a leading next generation financial services platform serving more than 17 million customers and processing over 100 million transactions across Africa and key global corridors. Founded over 21 years ago, it has evolved from its remittance roots into an integrated financial ecosystem, enabling customers to send, store and spend, while accessing a growing range of financial tools.

Designed for accessibility, Mukuru operates at the intersection of physical and digital services, supporting customers across varying levels of connectivity, documentation and digital readiness. The business combines scale with strong compliance, customer protection and operational resilience, completing 80% of verifications in under five minutes.

With a footprint across Southern, East and West Africa, Mukuru is committed to positive social impact, responsible innovation, financial inclusion and long-term value creation. Mukuru is fully compliant with South Africa’s B-BBEE framework and has been certified as a Top Employer in South Africa in 2024, 2025 and 2026. It is also one of only four organisations to receive this certification in Zimbabwe for both 2025 and 2026.

Media enquiries: 
Rose.Sande@apo-opa.com

Source: APO – Report:

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Mr Tebogo Letsie, has noted the damning Office of the Public Protector report relating to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the improper funding of students.

According to the report, approximately 40 000 students across 76 higher education institutions were improperly funded to a value of R5.1 billion. The amount emanates from Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigation in terms of proclamation R88 of 2022.

Mr Letsie said the Public Protector’s findings were concerning, but not entirely surprising, given the persistent governance, administrative and system challenges at NSFAS.

“The amount involved is astronomical. R5.1 billion is not a small amount, and we cannot treat this matter as just another administrative failure. These weaknesses have real consequences for students, particularly those from poor and vulnerable households who depend on NSFAS to access and remain in higher education,” said Mr Letsie.

Mr Letsie said student should not have to bear the consequences of governance failures and administrative weaknesses in an institution that exists to support their education. “We have said repeatedly that NSFAS must put students first. Students cannot be left to suffer while those entrusted with the administration of the scheme are preoccupied with governance disputes and boardroom squabbles. The focus must be on ensuring that students receive the support they are entitled to, and that public funds are properly managed,” said Mr Letsie.

Mr Letsie said the recently restored NSFAS Board must take the findings seriously and move with urgency to address the weaknesses identified.

“I hope the restored Board is paying close attention to these findings. It must act swiftly to strengthen governance, improve systems and ensure proper accountability for every rand entrusted to NSFAS. We cannot continue to have the same failures year after year,” said Mr Letsie.

Mr Letsie said the committee will abide by the recommendations from the Public Protector giving the committee 30 days to process the report and secure Parliament’s approval before submitting it to the Public Protector.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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At a time when Africa faces evolving health challenges, growing demands on health systems and the urgent need for greater self-reliance, leaders from across the continent gathered in Ghana with a shared conviction: the future of Africa’s health must be shaped by African leadership, investment and innovation.

The African Union Extraordinary Summit on Health, hosted in Accra, brought together Heads of State, policymakers, health leaders, development partners and global health experts to chart a renewed path towards stronger, more resilient and equitable health systems.

Beyond the discussions and commitments, the Summit served as a powerful reminder that health is not only a measure of human wellbeing but also a foundation for economic growth, social stability and Africa’s sustainable development.

Ghana’s hosting of the high-level gathering underscored the country’s continued leadership in advancing health development on the continent and creating space for dialogue on how Africa can move from dependence to greater ownership of its health solutions.

At the centre of discussions was the need for African countries to strengthen domestic capacity and reduce vulnerabilities in the health sector. Despite significant progress over the years, the continent continues to face challenges, including heavy reliance on imported health commodities. African countries currently import between 70 and 100 per cent of their pharmaceutical products, while approximately 99 per cent of vaccines used on the continent are imported.

Stakeholders emphasised that achieving health security requires more than responding to emergencies — it requires sustained investments in local manufacturing, innovation, health workforce development and resilient health systems that can serve populations now and in the future.

The gathering also reinforced a broader call for countries to view health not only as a social responsibility but as a foundation for economic growth, stability and prosperity. Strong health systems protect communities, support productive populations and strengthen countries’ ability to withstand future shocks.

The Summit was further elevated by the participation of the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose visit to Ghana reinforced WHO’s commitment to supporting African-led solutions for Africa’s health priorities. The WHO Director-General’s presence at the Summit reinforced the importance of collective leadership in shaping Africa’s health future. From strengthening primary health care and achieving universal health coverage to improving pandemic preparedness and expanding access to essential health products, discussions reflected a shared commitment to building a healthier and more resilient continent.

During his engagements in Ghana, Dr Tedros met with His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, where discussions focused on strengthening health systems, advancing universal health coverage and ensuring that health remains central to national and continental development agendas.

He also visited the WHO Ghana Country Office, where he engaged staff and acknowledged their dedication and contribution to improving health outcomes in Ghana and beyond. Addressing colleagues, Dr Tedros encouraged staff to remain steadfast in their commitment to WHO’s mission and the people they serve, particularly during a period of evolving global health challenges.

“The strength of WHO is not measured only by the resources we have, but by the integrity, professionalism and commitment of our staff. A lack of funding will not break this Organization, but a lack of integrity will”, Dr Tedros told staff.

He urged colleagues to remain guided by science, facts and evidence, reminding them that WHO’s credibility depends on its ability to provide trusted health advice based on knowledge and impartiality.

“In a world of competing interests and opinions, do not take sides; stand with science, facts and evidence. That is what must guide our work every day”, he added.

Dr Tedros also engaged with the United Nations Country Team in Ghana, highlighting the importance of collaboration and partnership in advancing shared development goals and supporting countries to address complex health challenges.

For Ghana, the Extraordinary Summit on Health represented another milestone in its contribution to shaping Africa’s health agenda. Through continued collaboration with regional and global partners, the country remains committed to advancing solutions that place people at the centre of health development.

As Africa looks towards the future, the message from Accra was clear: achieving a healthier continent will require bold leadership, sustained investment and collective action. The journey towards health sovereignty may be challenging, but with shared commitment, scientific integrity and partnership, Africa can build health systems that are stronger, more equitable and better prepared for generations to come.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.