Over 15 000 individuals have been arrested in the ongoing Operation Shanela operation, said the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to the SAPS, these successes stem from proactive policing tactics, including high-visibility patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-search initiatives and intelligence-led suspect tracing.
From 16 -22 June 2025, 15 372 arrests were made.
Among those arrested were 2,400 wanted individuals, linked to serious and violent crimes (murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery), while a further 159 suspects were arrested for murder (62 in Gauteng and 43 in the Western Cape).
Other key arrests include: • 86 for attempted murder • 100 for rape, with Gauteng leading at 25 arrests • 1173 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) • 235 identified drug dealers • 2602 for drug possession, most in the Western Cape (1460) • 67 for illegal firearm possession, with 22 from KwaZulu-Natal • 14 for human trafficking • 1328 illegal foreign nationals detained • 1140 drivers arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs- KwaZulu-Natal (411), Mpumalanga (225), Western Cape (195) and Gauteng (144)
Police also recovered and confiscated 102 firearms, 1,278 rounds of ammunition and 64 hijacked or stolen vehicles.
In the North West, two suspects were arrested for the fatal shooting of an elderly couple in Rustenburg where a firearm was recovered. Additionally, police intercepted two vehicles on the N1 near Makhado carrying dagga valued at R3 million.
In KwaZulu-Natal, a 49-year-old man arrested in Adams Mission for illegal possession of two AK-47s and a pistol. Ammunition was also seized.
Meanwhile in Gauteng police apprehended three Mozambican nationals in Kingsway for cross-border motorcycle theft. Police also found dismantled motorcycle parts found prepared for smuggling.
In the Eastern Cape two Lesotho nationals were arrested for human trafficking where 10 children were rescued in Matatiele.
“SAPS remains committed to relentless, multidisciplinary crime prevention through Operation Shanela and related initiatives. The National Commissioner of Police, General Fannie Masemola, applauded the dedication of all police officers and partners who collaborated with the police,” the South African Police Service said in a statement on Monday. – SAnews.gov.za
Western Cape, Northern Cape residents urged to be cautious amid cold front
Communities have been urged by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, to be cautious as an intense cold front is anticipated to impact parts of the Western Cape and Northern Cape from Wednesday to Friday.
According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a cold front will make landfall tomorrow over the south-western regions of the country, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, snow, and extremely rough sea conditions.
The weather service has warned the public about the potential impact of heavy rainfall expected in the western parts of the Western Cape, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas, saying this could result in localised flooding from Wednesday into Thursday.
Forecasters have also predicted that roads may become wet and slippery, significantly increasing the risk of road accidents. The public, especially motorists, are urged to drive with caution, reduce speed, and avoid flooded roads.
The SAWS said strong, gusty winds over the interior may cause localised structural damage and uproot trees, posing risks to property and lives.
“As a government, we are deeply concerned about the possible impact of this approaching cold front. We call on all residents, especially those in vulnerable areas, to remain alert, follow official weather updates, and take precautionary steps to protect their lives and property,” Hlabisa said.
The Minister urged municipalities, provincial disaster management centres, and all stakeholders in the affected provinces to remain vigilant, activate contingency plans, and ensure rapid response measures are implemented to assist communities in need.
Cold to icy conditions are expected, with possible snowfall over the western mountain ranges of the Western Cape, extending into the south-western interior of the Northern Cape.
According to the department, severe weather is anticipated to affect the maritime sector.
Gale-force winds and rough seas with wave heights of 5.5 to 7.5 metres are expected along the Northern Cape and Western Cape coastlines.
“This could cause major disruptions to the fishing and port operations and increase the risk of vessels capsizing and accidents at sea.”
Coastal residents, fishers, and beachgoers are strongly advised to stay away from the shoreline and follow maritime safety warnings.
As a cold front moves eastward, the Eastern Cape is expected to feel its effects on Thursday, 26 June, with strong and damaging winds spreading across much of the province, which is already prone to weather-related incidents.
By Friday, 27 June, the department warned that cold and windy conditions will extend into parts of the interior of the eastern provinces, with daytime temperatures dropping significantly. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Luca Bussotti, Professor at the PhD Course in Peace, Democracy, Social Movements and Human Development, Universidade Técnica de Moçambique (UDM)
Mozambique’s government, led by the Frelimo party, has long been planning celebrations for 2025. It is 50 years since independence, won after an anti-colonial war against Portugal led by the same party.
Something has gone wrong, however, especially in the past two years.
Since the country’s popular rapper Azagaia died in March 2023 and peaceful processions in his memory escalated into violent clashes with the police, space has opened up for the establishment of a social movement of young people. This has since turned into a political movement, taking on the name “Povo no Poder” (“People in Power”). At its head is a brilliant politician, Venâncio Mondlane.
Povo no Poder was also the name of Azagaia’s hit song, which had been the soundtrack to 2008 protests against rising energy costs.
Azagaia’s POVO NO PODER.
The demonstrations in March 2023 marked a turning point for Mozambique. It was as if all the energy and indignation about a highly corrupt and increasingly authoritarian country that Azagaia had expressed through his songs had been passed on to previously fearful young people. Now they dared to challenge the police and army in the open and without any weapons.
In late 2024 Mozambicans took to the streets to protest against elections they claimed were rigged. Over 300 people were killed in demonstrations.
Efforts have been made to redress this serious wound. In preparation for the 50 years of independence Frelimo has been recalling key places and symbols in the liberation war, harking back to a time when they represented justice.
But attempts to evoke past glory and ideals are not resonating with ordinary Mozambicans. The mood in the country is subdued.
As a specialist in the politics of lusophone Africa, in particular Mozambique, based on years of research, I find it difficult to envision a future of peace and prosperity for the next 50 years. There are divisive elements at play across the country. The post-election crisis has its roots in widespread discontent. Mozambicans are also rising against the cost of living crisis.
National symbolism has focused on the torch of national unity, travelling the length and breadth of Mozambique to arrive in Maputo at the historic Machava Stadium on 25 June, Independence Day, for a concluding public ceremony.
Not everyone has shared this attempt to patch up a country torn both politically and socio-economically.
Too much has been lost in the intervening decades.
In the initial period of independence Frelimo adopted socialist policies and attempted to promote free and universal social services, primarily healthcare and education. Back then, the ruling class, starting with the country’s first president, Samora Machel, didn’t enjoy any particular economic privileges.
The reality today is quite different.
Journalist and social activist Tomás Vieira Mário, one of the main critics of the current regime, has traced the stages of independent Mozambique’s history. He’s pointed out the contradiction between the initial thrust by many Mozambican common people towards the liberation movement and subsequent, authoritarian developments.
He concluded in an article that all that remained to unite Mozambicans was the
mere sharing of the same territorial space. And a lot of blood.
He was referring to the long war against Renamo from 1976 to 1992 and again from 2013 to 2019, ethnic questions that have never been resolved, and finally the armed attacks in Cabo Delgado of jihadist and ethnic nature.
For his part, renowned philosopher Severino Ngoenha has also underscored the importance of a justice system that is fair and inclusive, and not at the service of one political party.
The new opposition is coming not from Renamo or Frelimo but from the streets. Popular protests have taken place this year even in areas once considered Frelimo strongholds. In Gaza province, southern Mozambique, for example, there have been outbreaks of violence, demonstrating that the bipolar system that emerged from the 1992 peace accord now seems incapable of responding to the new demands of Mozambican society.
On the political level, efforts are being made to overcome the post-electoral crisis and its wounds through the establishment of an Inclusive Dialogue Commission. This is being chaired by jurist Edson Macuacua, who is a vice-minister in the Frelimo government.
The commission is made up of representatives from all major parties as well as three members of civil society. The eventual aim is radical reform of the state.
But there are serious doubts about the success of this ambitious project which I believe are legitimate. The big question, beyond any institutional and electoral reforms, is whether the Frelimo party-state will be able to change its political culture in the next elections, accepting any negative results and, therefore, the loss of power.
Efforts are being made on all fronts to obstruct Mondlane from gaining a political foothold. Mondlane wants to start a new party called the Anamalala (meaning “It will end”, or “Stop!”).
The name has been rejected by the Ministry of Justice because a Mozambican party cannot be named using a local language – in this case Emakhuwa.
On the judicial level, several trials are underway against Mondlane and his closest associates, which could result in convictions for inciting protesters to destroy public infrastructure during the post-election demonstrations. If convicted, he would be declared ineligible to run in elections scheduled for 2029.
Meanwhile, the number of very rich is growing. Mozambique ranks 16th among African countries in terms of the number of millionaires, with 18% growth over the past 10 years.
This inequality puts national unity at risk.
The economic disparities between the capital, Maputo, and the rest of the country are increasingly evident.
Efforts to encourage unity are coming from many quarters: from the promotion of inclusive dialogue; from a civic consciousness that has grown since 2023-2024; and from the country’s economic potential.
But social inequality remains. So do doubts about Frelimo’s willingness to make Mozambique a country where the winner governs without manipulating election results.
– Mozambique after 50 years of independence: what’s there to celebrate? – https://theconversation.com/mozambique-after-50-years-of-independence-whats-there-to-celebrate-259528
The Department of Agriculture has announced the commencement of the new Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, 2018 (Act No. 12 of 2018) and its regulations with effect from 1 June 2025.
This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the proclamation of the new Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, 2018 (Act No. 12 of 2018) after the approval of the regulations by the Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen.
The Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, 2018 (Act No.12 of 2018) is the repeal of the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, 1976 (Act No. 15 of 1976). The proclamation of this Act and its regulations was published in Government Gazette No. 52184 on 6 June 2025 and Government Gazette No. 52850 of 13 June, respectively.
The Act provides for a system whereunder plant breeders’ rights relating to varieties of certain kinds of plants may be granted; for the requirements that must be complied with for the granting of such rights; scope and protection of such rights; and granting of licences in respect of the exercise of such rights and matters connected therewith.
Revisions in the new Act include the following: • Streamlined administrative processes; • Scope of plants eligible for protection extended to all genera and species; • Periods of protection revised to up to 30 years in the case of fruit trees, vines, sugar cane and potatoes, and 25 years for all other crops; • Categories of farmers, crops and quantities in relation to farm-saved seed defined; and • The establishment of an advisory committee, including representation from a wide range of stakeholders such as breeders, farmers and intellectual property law specialists.
The department highlighted that the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, 2018 (Act No. 12 of 2018), will contribute to the South African Government’s objectives and priorities by promoting innovation in plant breeding and agriculture.
“Through the protection of new plant varieties, the Act plays a vital role in enhancing food security, increasing agricultural productivity, and supporting rural development growth. Additionally, the new Act will encourage investment in plant breeding, foster job creation, and supporting economic development,” the department said in a statement on Monday.
The new Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, 2018 (Act No. 12 of 2018) and its regulations can be accessed on the Department of Agriculture website on: https://www.nda.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za
Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) has announced the appointment of Beth Arendse as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 July 2025.
With over 25 years of leadership experience in South Africa’s creative and cultural sectors, Beth brings visionary insight, strategic expertise, and an unwavering commitment to inclusive growth.
“Throughout her career, she has pioneered initiatives that seamlessly integrate the arts, entrepreneurship and education, empowering emerging creatives and advocating for the sustainable development of the creative economy.
“Arendse’s notable contributions include founding transformative platforms such as the Tshwane School of Music, the SA Creative Industries Incubator (SACII), and the Music Business Lab – programmes that have equipped hundreds of young creatives with essential skills, market access and business knowledge, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly competitive and evolving sector,” BASA said on Monday.
Beyond programme leadership, Arendse has served on prominent national advisory bodies, including the Presidential Commission for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the National Advisory Council on Innovation.
Her expert input has helped shape policies aimed at strengthening the creative sector’s adaptability to technological change and shifting economic landscapes.
“In the rigorous process of identifying a CEO, we were spoilt for choice by the calibre of candidates we had the opportunity to interact with, which speaks highly of the value that has been built in the BASA brand over the years.
“However, Beth’s undeniable passion for the creative industries, her entrepreneurial spirit, as well as her innovative approach to dealing with challenges and opportunities, won the day in the end. We are excited to be taking this step with her,” Chairperson of the BASA Board Zingisa Motloba said.
BASA said Arendse’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the organisation recommits to positioning the creative economy in its rightful place at the heart of South Africa’s national development agenda.
Under her leadership, BASA aims to focus on unlocking the full economic, cultural, and innovation potential of the creative sector as a vital driver of inclusive growth.
“I step into this role with a deep belief in the power of the creative economy to shape South Africa’s future—not only to inspire, but to generate economic opportunity, create livelihoods, and unlock the country’s full creative and economic potential.
“I’m honoured to lead BASA into its next chapter and look forward to forging bold partnerships that position creatives as key architects of our economic and social progress,” Arendse said.
BASA was founded in 1997 as a joint initiative between government and the private sector as part of a strategy to secure greater involvement in the arts from businesses operating in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
City Power and Eskom have reached an agreement over their long-standing electricity billing and debt dispute.
The two parties have been in dispute regarding the amount owed to Eskom as debt and how the power utility bills City Power for bulk electricity supply.
During a media briefing on Tuesday, the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, announced that: • City Power will pay an amount of R3.2 billion to Eskom over the next four years • Eskom will write off some R830 million in penalties and related costs
“We have accepted that there are major challenges with regards to tariffs during winter. There is a time of use and during winter, the tariff is particularly heavy, and households, industries and customers find it very difficult to meet their obligations. So, we have accepted that during winter periods, there will be relief in relation to the payment of the R3.2 billion.
“We have been able to write off that R830 million as a result of firstly, they don’t have to pay interest on that which is owed. Eskom has also conceded with regard to the load shedding estimations and also the penalties that have to do with notifiable maximum demand.
“So, all of those have been removed…totalling to R830 million and that’s the concession that Eskom has made,” he explained. The Minister said the resolution of the dispute between the two entities can be used as a template for other struggling municipalities.
“We are excited about this development. We also have something similar in Tshwane and as and when municipalities come forward, we will have these discussions on how best to provide a degree of relief.
“Of course there must be a case that is presented, accepting that Eskom has also got its obligations…they need to collect because they generate electricity. That costs money and they must recover that money from the end user to reinvest it back into their asset base and into the generation of electricity,” Ramogkopa said. – SAnews.gov.za
The Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), has unveiled the second phase of the Africa Phytosanitary Programme (APP).
APP is an initiative of the IPPC and FAO, which aims to strengthen the resilience of Africa’s phytosanitary systems against plant pests of regulatory, economic, and environmental significance, using cutting-edge digital tools.
Held in White River, Mpumalanga on Monday, the launch brought together over 50 phytosanitary specialists from nine countries, including Algeria, Cape Verde, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Liberia, Malawi, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia.
The countries will take part in a weeklong Train-the-Trainer (ToT) workshop in advanced pest surveillance techniques, including the use of customised digital tools and applications for monitoring, detecting, and reporting major pests of economic, regulatory, and environmental importance in Africa.
The participants will be equipped with state-of-the-art tablets for geospatial pest surveillance, use field survey protocols developed by technical experts, and undertake practical sessions using the pest survey tools.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, Jan Hendrik Venter, Director of Plant Health at the Department of Agriculture, emphasised Africa’s potential to become a global leader in high-quality plant product trade.
“Africa stands at a turning point. With immense biodiversity, rising agricultural productivity, and growing opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), we are well-positioned to become a global leader in the trade of high-quality plant products.
“But this vision can only be achieved if we ensure that the movement of plants and plant products is safe, traceable, and fully compliant with international phytosanitary standards,” Venter said.
Venter added that well-trained, well-equipped plant health officials across the continent, are the best line of defence in maintaining pest-free or low-prevalence status, “an essential condition for accessing these lucrative markets.”
The first and pilot phase of APP started in 2023, engaging phytosanitary specialists from Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Mali, Morocco, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Phase 2 builds on achievements made in the pilot phase and aims to train plant health officers, who upon their return to their countries will teach their peers in the national plant protection organisations (NPPOs) and other government stakeholders on the use of the APP suite of digital tools.
“We are building a critical mass of phytosanitary inspectors, technicians and officers across Africa, by equipping plant health officers with the tools and skills to prevent and address major plant pest threats, that ultimately jeopardise food security, agricultural trade, economic growth and the environment,” FAO Deputy Director General and IPPC Officer-in-Charge, Beth Bechdol said in her video message.
Funded through generous contributions from the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, APP phase two builds on support from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) which funded phase one in 2023.
FAO and the IPPC are working to replicate and scale up the benefits from APP to more African countries and other regions.
Mitigating the pest problem in Africa
Globally, plant pests are responsible for destroying about 40 percent of crop yields, resulting in economic losses of approximately USD 220 billion.
In Africa, the impacts of climate change are exacerbating the problem, with invasive pests such as, fruit flies, false codling moth, maize lethal necrosis disease, citrus greening and fall armyworm – causing major damages.
According to the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) data, fall armyworm alone is estimated to cause the highest yield loss in Africa – USD 9.4 billion annually.
The African Union’s Plant Health Strategy for Africa highlights that limited technical capability remains a key barrier to achieving sustainable agriculture on the continent.
Through APP, FAO, the IPPC and partners aim to strengthen plant health systems and build national phytosanitary capacity across Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, on Monday announced that the department will on 1 July 2025 begin the rollout of an upgraded National Population Register (NPR) verification service to all companies and government users to verify identities with speed and reliability.
This enhanced service, which will boost service delivery from government departments and enhance financial inclusion in the private sector, will be accompanied by tariff increases implemented after widespread public consultation and after concurrence was obtained from the Minister of Finance.
The department has since 2013 provided the service – known as the online verification system (OVS) – to third parties that connects them to the NPR.
This allows these registered users to check identities and other biographical information of their clients against the Home Affairs database.
However, since its rollout more than a decade ago at a low cost to users, the demands on the OVS have far outstripped the capacity at which it was originally designed.
Since then, there has been no substantive upgrade to the system, while demand and the costs of maintaining the infrastructure increased year-on-year.
“Due to the upgrade stasis and the increased demands placed on the OVS by institutions – and exorbitant over-use by some institutions owing to unsustainably low prices – users now experience a staggering failure rate in excess of 50% on verification checks against the NPR.
“Even in the case of successful verifications, response times often take hours, thereby defeating the purpose of real-time verification.
“Both of these factors are directly undermining services that require such verifications, including through the OVS and at Home Affairs offices,” said the department.
Under-investment and overloading of the OVS is a key factor behind the challenge of having “offline systems” at frontline offices. Additionally, an unreliable NPR poses a direct threat to national security as it undermines the ability of the State to verify identities.
The under-pricing of this service – with fees as low as R0.15 per verification – has deprived the State of the resources required to maintain and enhance the NPR.
In turn, said the department, certain private sector users of the OVS have relied on this artificially low price to inflate their corporate profits at the expense of the quality of services received by the public, while also overwhelming the NPR with queries to such an extent that the failure rate now routinely exceeds 50%.
Effective from 1 July 2025, and following significant development work by the department and its service providers, a new OVS will be rolled out to all users.
The upgraded OVS functions as a sleek, modern system that delivers what it was designed to do. It now performs in real-time and the failure rate has been reduced to below 1%.
For the first time, the new system will also introduce an option for users to do “non-live batch verifications” during off-peak hours at a significantly lower fee than real-time verifications.
This will offer both a cost-effective alternative to real-time verifications and incentivise users to stop overloading the OVS’ live queue, reducing the “system offline” challenge at frontline Home Affairs offices.
As a result, and for the first time in more than a decade, Home Affairs has increased the fees for a single real-time verification check to R10 per transaction.
For non-live batch verifications where a user wishes to verify multiple records simultaneously during off-peak periods, the cost will be R1 per verification field request.
This cost is appropriate for the service provided and is not unreasonable when viewed against the costs charged to clients of the organisations utilising the OVS, according to the department.
There will be no charge for the use of this service by other government departments.
The Minister said this was a matter of national security as every responsible State must take the necessary steps to ensure a functional population register.
“This upgrade also advances financial inclusion and makes a significant contribution to South Africa’s attempts to get off the Financial Action Task Force’s grey list.
“I thank the many stakeholders who expressed support for this vital reform in the interest both of national security and of South Africa Inc during our public consultations and call upon all users of the OVS to rise above narrow profiteering to support the safeguarding of national security,” the Minister said.
“A healthy NPR is also a prerequisite for a functional Digital ID, as the NPR must become the central database against which identities are verified as Home Affairs becomes a digital-first department.
“This investment in the NPR is an investment in national security, in financial inclusion, and in the value of our cherished South African identity that will pay off handsomely for our country,” Schreiber said.
Organisations who would like to be connected to the new OVS must send an email to verifications@dha.gov.za.
“As partners in providing security and safety to the civilian population, we have a collective responsibility to work together amicably and build trust,” said Angelo Lodo Daya, security adviser at the state Governor’s office.
Mr Daya was speaking at an ongoing two-day dialogue for security partners in South Sudan’s Central Equatoria state in Juba, which aims at enhancing confidence, trust and operational coordination between national uniformed personnel and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
With rising conflict across Central Equatoria, it was a timely event according to Njoki Rahab Kinyajui, Head of the UN Peacekeeping mission’s Field Office in the state.
“In past months, we have seen a distinct increase in violence across Central Equatoria, which has led to civilian displacement and fatalities. There is also a proliferation of mis- and disinformation, which has the potential to fuel more tensions. Therefore, this is an extremely important forum, giving us the space to speak candidly with our national and state-level interlocuters about the challenges we face in ensuring a peaceful and secure environment,” stated Ms. Kinyajui.
“There’s no substitute for sitting across a table and having a productive interaction so that we can work with our partners and find pathways to make people’s lives and livelihoods more secure,” she added.
Ms. Kinyajui is optimistic that discussions over the coming two days will create mutual operational understanding about the tripartite agreement between the SSPDF, UNMISS and the Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism—the single window through which the Mission interacts with government entities for enabling and facilitating unhindered movement and deployment of its troops across South Sudan. This platform, therefore, is expected to help ameliorate some of the difficulties that patrolling peacekeepers face on the ground.
“Our patrols are vital to our broader efforts to protect civilians,” explained Ms. Kinyajui.
“However, one of the biggest challenges for us right now in Central Equatoria is limited access. While the primary responsibility for protecting civilians lies with the Government of South Sudan, as a UN Peacekeeping mission, we need to be able to reach locations across the state where the potential for violence is high. So, a cooperative approach between the mission and security partners at every level is essential,” she added.
To foster a deeper understanding of operational guidelines, UNMISS and national and state level security agencies will discuss the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the Government of South Sudan and UNMISS—a key document which defines the legal status of the UN Peacekeeping mission and outlines the immunities and privileges of UNMISS personnel.
Over the course of two days, participants will also deliberate on other core security concerns, including electoral security, confidence building measures for enhanced field cooperation, and the importance of protecting women, girls and children.
At the end of the first day, there is already a palpable sense of camaraderie and a shared concern for community security.
“We have always been steady partners with our sisters and brothers in the United Nations. And it is time for us to strengthen that partnership and ensure these discussions provide us with clarity on how, together we can improve security conditions across the state,” concluded Brigadier General Abraham Kuol from SSPDF Headquarters in Bilpam.
The forum has brought together more than 100 participants, including senior officers from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF); National Police and Security Services; as well as senior military peacekeepers from UNMISS.
Above all, it creates hope that while some of the candid conversations may be tough, they will lead to greater synergy between UNMISS and South Sudanese uniformed actors.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Nigerian energy service company ACE Energy Group has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference – taking place September 3-4 in Luanda – as a Silver Sponsor. Offering a comprehensive suite of services catered to the oil and gas industry, ACE Energy Group has been expanding its presence in Angola’s upstream market in recent years. The company’s AOG 2025 sponsorship reflects its commitment to developing Angola’s onshore market as ACE Energy Group pursues new asset acquisitions in Angola.
Building on its experience in Nigeria, ACE Energy Group is targeting new onshore blocks in Angola. The company was one of several firms that submitted proposals to Angola’s upstream regulator the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency in February 2025 for operatorship of nine blocks in the onshore Kwanza basin. The blocks were initially promoted under Angola’s 2023 bid round but not awarded during the licensing process. The proposals align with the government’s broader strategy of attracting new players to the market as the country strives to sustain oil production above one million barrels per day.
AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contactsales@energycapitalpower.com.
Through licensing rounds and direct negotiation with operators, Angola aims to revitalize onshore production. ACE Energy Group was named operator of onshore Block CON 8 under Angola’s 2023 licensing round, which closed early-2024. Situated in the onshore Lower Congo basin, Block CON 8’s previous exploration activities were conducted in the early 1970s, with four wells drilled: Quinzau-1, Quinzau-2, Ngondo-4 and Ngondo-7. A 2D seismic survey was also conducted, partially covering the northern part of Block CON 8. Structures with possible hydrocarbon accumulation at pre-salt and post-salt levels were identified, showcasing estimated prospective resources of between 870 and 1,909 million barrels of oil. With ACE Energy Group attaining operatorship, new exploration and development opportunities are on the horizon.
ACE Energy Group’s sponsorship of AOG 2025 will support the company’s exploration strategy in Angola. As the largest industry event in the country, AOG 2025 unites stakeholders from across the oil and gas value chain, from upstream operators and financiers to service and technology providers to downstream developers and associated sub-sectors. The event offers a unique platform for companies to engage in dialogue and sign deals, thereby advancing exploration efforts across the country.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
