Category: English

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Mr Tebogo Letsie, has reiterated the committee’s condemnation of the burning of infrastructure in a meeting with the University of Fort Hare’s Council, management, student representative council (SRC) and other stakeholders, after students set fire to buildings during recent protests at the university’s Alice campus.

Mr Letsie said burning of the infrastructure is an outrageous criminality at an institution that should be a shining symbol of reason and an iconic university that is the alma mater of several of South Africa’s great leaders. In addition, some of the university’s buildings are national heritage sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The committee was visiting the university during an urgent oversight programme yesterday following the protests that caused extensive damage to property.

The committee embarked on an walkabout that focused on the burnt buildings and student residences, among other infrastructure. During that walkabout, committee members saw for themselves the difficult and unsafe conditions in which students live, which have even contributed to the death by suicide of some students.

In its presentation, the university council said the students have four concerns: the controversial extension of the Vice Chancellor’s term of office, SRC elections, the safety of students in student residences, and the general safety of students at the university. The committee heard that the council is still considering plans to appoint an independent body to obtain legal advice on the extension of the VC’s appointment.

Meanwhile, Fort Hare’s management team reported on the damage caused during the protests, which included records lost in the fire, and their recovery plan. This includes plans to stabilise the environment, build trust, restore academic continuity and ensure that a strike of this nature never happens again. In addition, management assured the committee about the continued availability of information due to record digitisation.

During the engagement with the various stakeholders, the committee emphasised that the problems – which included, among other things, not holding SRC elections, the failure of the appointment of an interim SRC, the extension of the VC’s appointment beyond the retirement age of 65 – contributed to the strike that then led to the destruction of property.

Mr Letsie said: “Those who destructed property used the strike to commit this horrendous crime and we believe the Minister of Higher Education and Training needs to appoint an independent assesor using section 43 and 44 of the Higher Education Act.”

The committee also emphasised the importance and application of corporate governance in the university and underscored the appalling state of student residences, some of which are a health hazard. Mr Letsie said the university is a centre of learning and thinking; it should always behave in a manner that reflects that.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries has called on the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Education to ensure that schools have administrative staff especially clerks, security, and kitchen staff.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Makhi Feni, said it was apparent that teachers are caught between doing administrative work and teaching. He said that approach compromises the teaching time, and the teacher performance.

“For rural schools to be fully functional the correct tasks should be undertaken by those employed for such a purpose. The schools lack proper kitchens where learners’ food is prepared,” said Mr Feni.

Mr Feni said how the Eastern Cape Department of Education functions should be prioritised throughout as young children need specific care. “How we care for them should be empowering and should set the young ones for life. Where this function is performed in the schools there could be a lot of improvements.”

Mr Feni said it was not enough to merely acknowledge that administrative posts were vacant as if it is normal.

The committee conducted a walkabout in schools around Hamburg, Amathole West District during its week-long visit (20-24 October 2025) to the Eastern Cape to assess, among others, school infrastructure. The committee was alerted of dropping learner numbers and parents preferring to send their children to schools in the urban areas.

“We are not impressed with the infrastructure challenges at some of the schools, as well as the internet connection, ablution facilities, and school fencing.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

In Cameroon, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, following the work of the National Commission for Vote Counting and Public Hearing of Disputes, the Constitutional Council will publish the final results of the presidential election held on October 12, 2025. The commission’s consolidated results are as follows:

• Paul Biya (CPDM) : 53,66%
• Issa Tchiroma Bakary (CNFS) : 35,19%
• Cabral Libii (CPNR) : 3,41%
• Bello Bouba Maigari (NUDP) : 2,45%

The Africa24 Group offers three exclusive Africa News Room debates, exploring post-election issues with experts and analysts. These programs address:

• Citizens’ expectations for the President’s new term
• The electoral process, from management to the publication of results                                                                     
• The impact of the election on Cameroonian democracy

In these in-depth debates, speakers analyze the transparency of the election, the role of electoral institutions, the socio-economic repercussions of the results, and the challenges of consolidating social peace and democracy in Cameroon.

Follow our programs here: https://apo-opa.co/4oASSZN

Africa News Room: Cameroon – Presidential Election Results Special Edition:

These programs are broadcast exclusively on www.Africa24TV.com, on the myafrica24 app, Africa’s leading HD streaming platform, on Africa24 TV (Canal+ 249) and Africa24 English (Canal+ 254).

The Africa24 Group, a 360° coverage and global distribution to 120 million households – Discover “Cameroon Presidential Election 2025” on all your screens live, replay, and on demand on :

• AFRICA24 in French (channel 249) and AFRICA24 English (channel 254) on the Canal+ Africa bundle
• On myafrica24 Africa’s first HD streaming platform.
• On www.Africa24TV.com which gives you full access to all programs

With the Africa24 Group, Together, let’s transform Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AFRICA24 Group.

Contact: 
Communication Department – Africa24 Group
Gaëlle Stella Oyono
Email: onana@africa24tv.com
Tél.: +237 694 90 99 88
| @africa24tv | www.Africa24TV.com

About The AFRICA24 Group:
Launched in 2009, the Africa24 Group is the continent’s leading TV and digital media publisher, with four full HD channels broadcast in the largest packages. A leader among decision-makers and senior executives on the continent, Africa24 in French and Africa 24 English, the Group is the pioneer and leader in African news channels. Africa24 has strengthened this leadership through sports with Africa24 Sport, Africa’s first channel dedicated to sports news and competitions, and Africa24 Infinity, the first channel dedicated to creative industries that showcase the creative genius of African youth in art, culture, music, fashion, and design…

The leading audiovisual brand on the continent, the AFRICA24 Group has four full HD television channels, each a leader in its segment:

• AFRICA24 TV : Leader in African news in French, published by AMedia
• AFRICA24 English : Leader in African news exclusively in English
• AFRICA24 Infinity : The creative talent channel dedicated to music, art, and culture.
• AFRICA24 Sport : Leading sports and competition news channel.

The AFRICA24 Group publishes myafrica24 (Google store and App Store), the world’s first HD streaming platform in Africa, available on all screens (television, tablet, smartphone, computers)… More than 120 million households have access to Africa24 Group channels through major operators such as Canal+, Bouygues, Orange, Bell, etc., and more than 8 million subscribers on various digital platforms and social networks.

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries, Mr Makhi Feni, this morning urged Eastern Cape Department of Education officials not to intimidate school principals when they raise issues with the committee.

He said the committee meeting is an extension of a formal sitting of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). “When information is given to the committee, it should be freely and truthfully without any fear of intimidation. Principals should be free to report on their challenges,” he emphasised.

Mr Feni said accurate presentations are tabled before the committee to assist it in its work. “These schools belong to the community. The presentations should talk to the challenge you are facing.”

The committee started its third day of oversight with a visit to Hamburg Primary School, in the Amathole West District. Among challenges identified so far included filling of administrative posts, fencing of schools and the lack of monitoring of scholar transport.

Mr Feni said the committee did not visit the Eastern Cape in order to intimidate officials but carry out the constitutional mandate for which it was founded. He called on communities to also come out and support schools.

The committee will later move to Gqeberha where it will conduct oversight of community sports recreation facilities and arts and culture centres.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO – Report:

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The sound of boots squelching, immersing themselves into wet soil that would sometimes refuse to let go of the passing “prey”, is one that Major Md Mahbubul Alam Khan, a Bangladeshi peacekeeper, won’t forget anytime soon.

It is a vivid memory from far-away-from-everything Thiet in Tonj South that had ample time to sink in. This is the place Major Mahbubul and his unit called home, for four and a half months.

In fact, they did not just call it home; they made it. From scratch, and out of necessity.

“A security emergency, heavy intercommunal fighting, meant we had to create a makeshift outpost here, initially to protect our Chinese engineering colleagues who were repairing a vital road nearby,” Major Mahbubul recalls. “Water was rationed, communications virtually nonexistent, roads were submerged, but we kept going, because it was essential for us to be there.”

Their stay in a small cluster of tents, without electricity, with pit latrines and pounded by the elements, was intended to be a short one, but as new developments emerged, a return to the comforts of Warrap State’s capital Kuajok would not be on the cards for months to come.

Large-scale intercommunal violence across Warrap’s Tonj region came in the way, making the protection of civilians, and showing their presence, the top priority of Major Mahbubul’s unit.

From their dust- and mud-covered tents, they, and their Pollock-stained-looking vehicles, groaning from the exertion, would set out every morning to perform a variety of duties. On some days, they would bring supplies, or protect others transporting essential goods in convoys, for themselves and local communities.

“On some days, conditions were so bad that it took us hours to cover just a few kilometers. But we pushed on. If we had not, people living here would have thought that we had given up. They may have lost their own hope as well.”

As often as possible, the (originally) Blue Helmets would check in with local communities, engaging with chiefs, women, youth and children, listening to their concerns, while at the same time providing a modest measure of reassurance to otherwise largely deserted villagers.

“Sometimes, language was a problem, we couldn’t always find the right words for communication to be perfect. And yet there was trust, laughter and a sense of being in this struggle together. Smiling children waving at you speaks for itself, and when others see you walking long distances side by side with them through the mud or under a scorching sun, they know that you care,” the Major says.

Eventually, their consistent perseverance paid off. The previously feared stretch of road from Tonj town through Thiet to Romich, could be safely used again, markets reopened, families and cattle moved freely; everyday life, as it used to be known, had returned.

With the security situation across the outpost’s entire operational area significantly improved, the Bangladeshi military could put an end to their prolonged stint in tents.

Major Md Mahbubul Alam Khan will be cherishing his hot showers back in Kuajok, but he won’t be able, and wouldn’t want to, scrub the indelible mark of Thiet off his mind and soul.

“It [the outpost] was temporary, but what it stood for, that UNMISS will walk beside people in need also during their hardest times, will remain.”

– on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO – Report:

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Digital Telecom (https://DigitalTelecom.tech/), a subsidiary of Digital Afrique Telecom (DAT), today announced a strategic partnership with Datel, Estonia’s leading geospatial technology company, to deploy advanced satellite monitoring and digital cadastral solutions across Africa. This collaboration targets three critical areas—modernizing land administration, detecting illegal constructions, and monitoring illegal mining—bringing transformative tools to help governments increase revenues, enforce regulations, and promote sustainable development. 

Building on Estonia’s global reputation as the world’s leading digital nation, the partnership brings decades of experience in e-governance, geospatial technologies, and secure data infrastructure to African markets – helping governments adopt trusted, future-ready digital systems for transparent and efficient administration.  

The partnership’s core mission is to equip African authorities with precise, data-driven insights that can drastically improve governance efficiency and fiscal performance. Together, Digital Telecom and  Datel will combine satellite imagery, geospatial analytics, and digital governance platforms to address long-standing challenges in asset registration, tax compliance, and natural resource management. 

At the heart of the collaboration is the implementation of an advanced electronic cadaster system—a centralized, fully digital platform that integrates editable cadastral maps, automated land tax modules, address enforcement capabilities, and connections to secure national data exchange systems. This innovation will enable local and national authorities to maintain accurate, up-to-date property records, streamline tax collection, reduce administrative burdens, and improve transparency for citizens and investors alike. 

Complementing this modernization effort is satellite-based detection of illegal constructions, a solution proven to deliver measurable fiscal benefits. Using high-resolution imagery and cross-referencing it with municipal building permit data, the system can identify undeclared buildings, mis-declared structures, and unregistered pools that increase taxable property value. In Spain, the municipality of Algete leveraged this technology to uncover over 300 undeclared constructions, 300 mis-declared large buildings, and 150 unregistered pools, resulting in a significant boost to property tax revenues. Authorities gain access to interactive maps, comprehensive reports, and built-in communication tools to directly engage property owners, streamlining enforcement and ensuring fairness in taxation. 

The third major initiative focuses on detecting and monitoring illegal mining operations. By integrating satellite imagery with official mining registry data, AS Datel’s technology can accurately pinpoint unlicensed mining activities within targeted regions. This enables governments to reclaim substantial lost revenues, enforce environmental regulations, and plan for land restoration in affected areas, safeguarding both economic and ecological interests. 

Simplice Anoh, CEO of Digital Telecom, emphasized the transformative nature of the project: 

“By partnering with AS Datel, we are bringing world-class satellite and digital governance technologies to Africa. This is about more than just technology—it’s about empowering governments to protect their resources, ensure transparency, and recover revenues that can be reinvested in public services. From modernizing land records to exposing illegal mining and construction, we are delivering the tools authorities need to build sustainable, prosperous economies.” 

Urmas Kõlli, CEO of AS Datel, added: 

“Estonia’s journey as the world’s most advanced digital society has shown what’s possible when technology and trust come together. At Datel, we have translated this experience into practical digital solutions that help governments make smarter, more transparent decisions. Our work with Digital Telecom brings that same e-Estonia spirit to Africa—helping local and national authorities use satellite data and digital systems to unlock fair growth, improve efficiency, and protect their environment.” 

Through this partnership, Digital Telecom and AS Datel are setting a new standard for how African governments can harness technology to unlock untapped revenue potential, improve compliance, and promote sustainable growth.  

– on behalf of Digital Telecom.

Media Contact: 
Digital Telecom 
Phone : +225 07 07 966 134
Email: media@groupedigital.com  

About Digital Telecom: 
Digital Telecom (https://DigitalTelecom.tech/) is a subsidiary of Digital Afrique Telecom (DAT), delivering cutting-edge ICT solutions that drive digital transformation across Africa. From e-government platforms to advanced data analytics, Digital Telecom empowers governments, businesses, and citizens to embrace the benefits of the digital economy. 

About Datel:
Datel is an Estonian technology company specializing in geographic information systems (GIS), satellite monitoring, and digital transformation solutions for governments and municipalities worldwide. Building on the success of e-Estonia—the world’s most advanced digital nation—Datel combines decades of public sector IT expertise with innovative geospatial technologies to deliver reliable, scalable solutions that enhance transparency, efficiency, and good governance across continents.
 
Datel is the developer of Estonia’s national e-cadastre system and a long-term technology partner of the European Space Agency (ESA), contributing to Europe’s satellite-based Earth observation and environmental monitoring programs. 

Source: APO – Report:

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The Minister of Health, Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial and the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to South Sudan, Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, conducted a two-day high-level field visit to Wau to reaffirm government and partner commitment to strengthening health services in the region. The delegation also included the undersecretary, the chair of the parliamentary health committee, and the Director Generals at the Ministry of Health  and hospitals.

As part of the visit, the Minister officially donated a significant consignment of essential medicines to Wau Teaching Hospital, supported by WHO. The medicines will benefit over 90,000 people over the next three months, addressing urgent needs and supporting routine care services. The consignment includes ten Basic Interagency Emergency Health Kits, enough to treat 10,000 people for three months, alongside supplementary medicine and malaria modules to cover an additional 80,000 people. The supplies also feature essential trauma kits to support surgical services at Wau Hospital and 91 packs of malaria treatment for toddlers, ensuring timely care for vulnerable patients.

Speaking during the visit, Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial thanked WHO for its continued support and underscored the government’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare across the country. “We are mindful of the challenges in terms of infrastructure, human resources, and supplies in health facilities. That is why I’m proud to announce the extension of the maternal ward and the installation of solar panels. With the support of partners such as WHO, we will definitely strengthen the health system state after state.” Building on the Minister’s remarks, Dr. Humphrey Karamagi reaffirmed WHO’s dedication to supporting South Sudan’s health system: “Wau is becoming a vital regional hub for healthcare services and emergency response. WHO remains committed to working with the Ministry of Health to build a resilient health system that can meet the needs of all South Sudanese.”

Wau is being positioned as a regional health hub to support Northern Bahr El Ghazal, Western Bahr El Ghazal, Warrap, and Lakes states. In line with this, WHO has supported the establishment and improvement of several key health infrastructures across the area.

These include the renovation of the Infectious Disease Unit (IDU) at Wau Teaching Hospital and supporting the Wau health warehouse to function as a regional storage and distribution Centre for efficient and quality management of medical supplies closer to the population.  WHO also supported the setup of a bacteriology laboratory and a Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), boosting the region’s diagnostic capacity and emergency preparedness.

In response to the recurring cholera outbreaks, WHO constructed a Cholera Treatment Centre at Tharkueng Primary Health Care Center in Marial Wau Payam. This facility serves as a referral center for cases from Wau Bai Payam, Marial Bai Payam, and neighboring Warrap State.

The molecular laboratory at Wau Teaching Hospital was also renovated and equipped with a PCR machine, biosafety cabinet, fridges, and other essential accessories. In addition, WHO replaced the damaged water pump at the regional blood bank and continues to support the facility with blood donation chairs and laboratory reagents.

To strengthen the supply chain, WHO constructed a medical supplies warehouse within the State Ministry of Health (SMOH) compound. The organization also completed the construction of a modern theater complex and a maternity waiting home at Wau Teaching Hospital through the Canada-funded CIDA project.

To enhance administrative capacity, WHO constructed two permanent office buildings and installed two prefabricated units now used by SMOH staff.

The visit marks a critical step in strengthening the health system at regional level, improving service delivery, and preparing the country for future public health challenges.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – South Sudan.

Source: APO – Report:

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H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, delivered the opening speech at the nineteenth session of the “People and Banks” Economic Conference, organized by the Arab Media Center under the auspices of the Central Bank of Egypt, under the title “Smart Economy… Secure Future.” The conference was attended by Dr. Mostafa El-Feky, Chairman of the Arab Media Center, Mr. Tarek El-Khouly, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, Mr. Mohamed El-Etreby, Chairman of the Federation of Egyptian Banks and CEO of the National Bank of Egypt, Mr. Hisham Okasha, CEO of Banque Misr, and a selection of bankers and economists.

In her speech, delivered via video, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat affirmed that the “People and Banks” Economic Conference, over its previous sessions, has served as an important platform for exchanging visions and ideas on the most prominent issues facing the Egyptian economy, and for presenting developments in the economic and banking arena and their relationship with the Egyptian citizens.

Dr. Al-Mashat noted that this year’s conference is being held at a time when the Egyptian economy is witnessing significant improvement, especially in terms of GDP growth, which reached 4.4% by the end of the last fiscal year. This growth was driven by notable developments in real economy sectors such as non-oil manufacturing, information technology, tourism, and financial intermediation and insurance.

Minister Al-Mashat added that recently, major credit rating agencies have upgraded Egypt’s rating to B with a stable outlook, highlighting the effectiveness of the economic and structural reforms initiated since March 2024. This reflects the strong coordination within the economic ministerial group and the integration between the Central Bank and the government, all aimed at preserving macroeconomic stability and unlocking Egypt’s economic potential.

Amid these developments, Egypt, under the leadership of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, was able to successfully coordinate international and regional efforts to sign a historic peace agreement in Sharm El-Sheikh to end the war in Gaza. The success and durability of this agreement are expected to open up more positive prospects for both the Egyptian and regional economies, including the resumption of activities in the Suez Canal.

Dr. Al-Mashat predicted that Egypt’s economy is on track to achieve growth nearing 5% in the current fiscal year, supported by these positive developments and the government’s commitment to continuing economic and structural reforms.

Minister Al-Mashat stated:“Based on the role undertaken by the Ministry in defining the state’s strategic objectives across all sectors and setting priorities for implementation according to the General Planning Law and the Public Finance Law, the Ministry has developed and formulated “Egypt’s Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs & Resilience”.

This initiative aims to integrate Egypt Vision 2030, the government’s program, and sectoral strategies to transition towards an economic model based on macroeconomic stability and the development of productive and export-oriented sectors.”

Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that “Egypt’s Narrative for Economic Development” is an economic reform program that goes beyond just fiscal and monetary policies. It that is not solely based on fiscal and monetary policies but focuses on the real economy sectors and stimulating policies that support growth and employment, through the implementation of the National Structural Reforms Program, which includes numerous procedures with defined timelines.

In a related context, Dr. Al-Mashat noted that the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation values its close cooperation with the banking sector, led by the Central Bank, through various financing tools provided by international partners, such as credit lines, direct investments, concessional financing, and other funding instruments, the value of which has exceeded $16 billion since 2020 until now.

Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated the critical role of the financial and banking sector in attracting such funding, pointing out that financial institutions, especially banks, account for 42% of these development funds. This reflects the growing confidence of international development partners in the Egyptian banking system as a key channel for capital inflows, SME development, and entrepreneurship support.

Dr. Al-Mashat also touched upon her participation in the World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington, which saw significant interest in the Egyptian market from international financing institutions concerned with the private sector. She clarified that the meetings included fruitful discussions with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to enhance partnership for private sector financing and to utilize the World Bank’s unified guarantees platform, as well as the investment guarantees mechanism with the European Union, thereby providing more financing opportunities for the private sector in Egypt, both local and foreign companies, which ultimately reflects the state’s efforts aimed at empowering the private sector and increasing investments.

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