Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

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The Government of The Gambia, in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Gambia Red Cross Society, has officially signed a Project Cooperation Agreement on the 17th of October, 2025 in Banjul, The Gambia, to launch a humanitarian initiative aimed at supporting Persons of Concern, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Refugees, Returnees, Stateless Persons, Asylum Seekers and their host communities.

The agreement was signed by key national stakeholders including the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, the Gambia Refugee Commission, the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA), and the Gambia Red Cross Society. This collaborative effort marks a significant milestone in The Gambia’s commitment to inclusive humanitarian response and regional solidarity.

Funded by the ECOWAS Humanitarian Department, the six-month project is valued at US$699,425.09 is expected to benefit over 2,100 vulnerable individuals across all seven regions of The Gambia. The initiative will deliver life-saving assistance and sustainable livelihood support to those most in need.

Under the agreement, the Gambia Red Cross Society will serve as the lead implementing agency, working closely with NaNA, the Gambia Refugee Commission, and the Ministry of Trade to ensure effective delivery of services. Key interventions include: Cash assistance to vulnerable households, construction of solar-powered boreholes to improve access to clean water and the establishment of community gardens in Foni to enhance food security and resilience.

Beyond immediate relief, the project aims to foster long-term social cohesion and gender equity through:Community engagement platforms, protection training for local authorities and promotion of peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities.

This initiative reflects a shared commitment to uphold human rights, dignity, and security for all individuals affected by displacement and crisis. It also reinforces ECOWAS’s regional mandate to support member states in addressing humanitarian challenges through coordinated and inclusive action.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Zimbabwe hosted a courtesy call by the World Food Forum (WFF) Zimbabwe Youth Chapter, reaffirming FAO’s commitment to empowering young people as key actors in transforming agrifood systems.

The meeting brought together youth leaders, entrepreneurs, and FAO officials to discuss collaboration in advancing innovation, leadership, and policy advocacy for sustainable food systems.

Hosted by FAO, the World Food Forum is a global network launched in 2021 to mobilize action for a better food future. The Zimbabwe Chapter engages young people across provinces to drive national efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovation, inclusion, and entrepreneurship.

“FAO is here to help the youth,” said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative in Zimbabwe. “The future of agriculture is in the hands of young people. While many face challenges such as access to finance and land, through platforms like the World Food Forum we are working together to build opportunities and nurture a global movement for food.”

Representing the FAO Office of Youth and Women in Rome, Sabin Lamichhane, Local Youth Action Specialist, emphasized the importance of youth-led partnerships. “The World Food Forum is building bridges between youth and institutions,” he said. “We are pioneering social partnerships that empower young people across Africa to lead change in agrifood systems through innovation, financing, and collaboration.”

From the youth side, Cinderella Ndlovu, National Leader of the WFF Zimbabwe Chapter, reaffirmed the chapter’s mission to mobilize young people from all walks of life. “Our generation carries the responsibility to reshape the future of food,” she said. “Through collaboration with FAO, we are building a platform where youth voices influence policy, drive innovation, and inspire action in every province.”

Sharing his journey, Bhoko Desmond, a young entrepreneur from Chimanimani and member of the WFF Zimbabwe Provincial Committee, reflected on how FAO’s support helped shape his enterprise.

“Through the FAO Green Jobs Project, I received funding and mentorship that enabled me to start Kopa Green Ventures, a solar energy and agribusiness company,” he said. “By linking renewable energy with farming and agrifood processing, we are proving that young people can build green, resilient, and profitable livelihoods.”

Tafadzwa Manyanye, representing the Masvingo Province WFF youths, also shared an inspiring story of his youth-led agribusiness, FoodWealth. Together with a small team, he launched the initiative to help smallholder farmers reduce post-harvest losses by providing mobile grain shelling, grading, and packaging services.

“With just one 20-horsepower diesel shelling machine, our small team has shown how innovation and collaboration can strengthen local agrifood systems and create opportunities for other young people,” said Tafadzwa Manyanye.

The engagement reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with youth-led networks under the World Food Forum, ensuring that young Zimbabweans continue to shape the future of sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO

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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Subregional Office for Southern Africa (FAO SFS), hosted in Harare, Zimbabwe, joined the global FAO family in commemorating the Organization’s 80th anniversary. Staff members gathered in solidarity, donning navy blue “FAO 80” shirts to mark this historic milestone, reflecting on eight decades of commitment to ending hunger and transforming agrifood systems.

“The journey of eighty years has been one filled with dedication towards achieving food security and sustainable agriculture. Our subregional office remains committed to supporting our member states through strategic initiatives and technical expertise. As we look ahead, we are focused on deepening partnerships, embracing innovation, and accelerating action to transform agrifood systems for future generations,” Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa.

Over the years, FAO SFS has played a pivotal role in advancing FAO’s mandate across the region. As a strategic coordination hub, the office supports SADC Member States in implementing programmes that promote sustainable agriculture, food security, and natural resource management. It houses lead technical officers who provide direct support to country offices, driving FAO’s technical agenda through evidence-based solutions, capacity building, and regional policy alignment.

“This milestone not only marks our achievements but also reinforces our commitment to addressing plant protection and health challenges across the region. We look forward to continuing our work with renewed vigour,” Mathew Abang, Lead Technical Officer, Coordinating Unit for Plant Protection and Health.

The celebration coincided with the recently held World Food Day, observed globally and at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy. This alignment offered a powerful moment of reflection, not only on FAO’s legacy over the past 80 years but also on its evolving role in addressing today’s food system challenges.

World Food Day 2025 celebrated last week and annually on 16 October focused on building resilient agrifood systems and ensuring access to nutritious food for all, themes that resonate deeply with the work of the Subregional Office. The timing of the anniversary celebrations reinforced FAO’s continued relevance and its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in the face of climate change, conflict, and economic uncertainty.

“Celebrating 80 years reminds us how far we have come in pest management practices while highlighting areas where we need further innovation,” Ivy Saunyama, Lead Technical Officer, Pest and Pesticide Management in the subregional office.

To further mark this milestone, the subregional office will host a Family & Wellness Day, dubbed “Fit@80” at the end of the month. This event will feature a series of engaging activities, including participation from stakeholders and partners to demonstrate solidarity and FAO’s commitment to strategic partnerships for effective and sustainable programme delivery. The celebrations will also include Staff Recognition and Sporting Awards, aimed at appreciating the dedication and contributions of FAO personnel in driving sustainable agrifood systems transformation.

“This milestone is not just about institutional achievement, it’s about the people behind the vision of FAO. Recognizing staff and their families during this celebration is a testament to the dedication, resilience, and passion that drive FAO’s work every day,” said Wilbert Mbiza, Human Resources Officer, FAO Subregional Office for Southern Africa.

Founded in 1945 alongside the United Nations, FAO has been instrumental in advancing the UN’s mandate, promoting peace, prosperity, and sustainable development through the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Happy 80 years @ FAO! 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Ad Hoc Committee to Investigate Allegations made by SAPS KwaZulu-Natal provincial head Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is scheduled to meet tomorrow to continue to hear from Minister Senzo Mchunu’s main submission.

The meeting will be in Parliament and will be live streamed on YouTube. Documents for the committee can be found on: https://www.parliament.gov.za/ad-hoc-committee-gen-mkhwanazis-allegations

Details of the meeting are as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 21 October 2025
Time: 9:00
Venue: Committee Room M46, Ground Floor, Marks Building, Parliament

Parliamentary committees are open to the media and the public. Journalists wishing to cover these meetings (including receiving links to virtual meetings) should send their cellphone numbers to Mlindi Mpindi on email mmpindi@parliament.gov.za for inclusion in the Parliamentary Communications Services WhatsApp Group, where such information is shared. Journalists must send these requests using their official email addresses (no private emails).

Members of the public may follow sittings live on Parliament TV (DStv Channel 408), via live stream on Parliament YouTube channel and Twitter page on the links below. You may subscribe to the Parliament YouTube channel to receive instant notification of live feeds.
 

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

Source: APO – Report:

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The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and Minister in the Presidency will over the next two days visit key state-owned entities that are central in driving infrastructure-led economic reconstruction and recovery. The visit forms part of Parliament’s Oversight Priority Plan, which has identified investment in infrastructure as a key driver in economic recovery of the country.

“Our visit, which coincides with Transport Month, will assess how state-owned entities are implementing infrastructure initiatives to revitalise the economy as a tool to tackle the scourge of unemployment and poverty. The committee is acutely aware that investment in infrastructure should not be an issue of debate only but should be aggressively implemented, hence the need to assess implementation of this key strategic intervention,” said Mr Rikus Badenhorst, the Chairperson of the committee.

As part of the visit, the committee will interact with key entities, including.

• Airports Company South Africa, with a focus on implementing airport improvement plans across the country
• South African Airways, where engagements will centre around performance.

The committee will also interact:

• Air traffic and navigation services to assess the reliability of communication, navigation and surveillance systems at airports
• Gibela Train Manufacturing Facility to receive a briefing on facility output and localisation
• Briefing on the Salvokop government precinct development programme.

Details of the visit:
Date: Tuesday, 21 October 2025
Time: 09:00
Venue: OR Tambo International Airport

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

Source: APO

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call from President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-myung.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the two presidents exchanged greetings on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Korean President expressed his gratitude and appreciation to President El-Sisi for receiving his special envoy in September 2025, noting that the meeting was fruitful and yielded tangible outcomes. For his part, President El-Sisi renewed his greetings to President Lee on his election as President of the Republic in June 2025, confirming that he looks forward to welcoming him in Cairo at the earliest opportunity, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation and advance relations across various fields.

The call also emphasized the two presidents’ shared commitment to promoting a global culture of peace, commending efforts made in this regard in both the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula.

In this context, President El-Sisi reviewed Egypt’s efforts that led to the agreement to end the war in Gaza Strip, stressing the importance of fully implementing the terms of the agreement.

President Lee expressed deep appreciation for Egypt’s role and for President El-Sisi’s efforts in resolving regional crises.

The call also tackled ways to enhance bilateral relations, with both sides emphasizing the importance of boosting cooperation to attract more Korean investments into Egypt, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence, information technology and communications, shipbuilding, and automobile manufacturing, with a focus on localizing these industries within Egypt. The two Presidents also explored opportunities for cooperation in the fields of education and higher education, including the possibility of establishing a Korean university in Egypt in partnership with Egyptian counterparts.

President Lee noted that Egypt was the first country to host a Korean Cultural Center, adding that two new cultural centers will soon open in Cairo to further promote Korean culture. Furthermore, he congratulated President El-Sisi on the upcoming opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. The two Presidents exchanged congratulations on the qualification of both countries’ national football teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO

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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the world’s gravest health threats, undermining progress in treating infections, threatening lives, livelihoods, and economies. In Ghana, where AMR touches human health, agriculture, and the environment, translating research into action is critical. Yet too often, valuable scientific findings remain locked in journals, inaccessible to those who shape policies and practices.

To bridge this gap, Ghana hosted the fourth module of the Structured Operational Research and Training Initiative (SORT IT) from 15–19 September 2025, focusing on effective communication of research findings. The training, supported by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), WHO, and national partners, brought together mentors and researchers who had previously completed SORT IT cycles from across the country. 

The module trained participants to translate complex research into clear, actionable messages for policymakers, health workers, and communities. Through lectures, peer reviews, mentoring, and practical exercises, participants developed evidence briefs, stakeholder maps, lightning presentations, and elevator pitches tailored for real-world influence.

WHO Representative to Ghana, Dr. Fiona Braka, underscored the importance of turning science into policy impact.

“AMR is a silent pandemic. Research alone is not enough—what matters is how well findings are communicated and used to protect lives. By equipping Ghanaian scientists with communication skills, we are ensuring that evidence doesn’t stay on the shelf but drives decisions that strengthen health systems,” she said.

Trainers also emphasized the added value of communication in operational research. Robert Terry; Knowledge Management expert and a SORT IT trainer, explained, “Our goal is to demystify science communication. A clear evidence brief, a concise pitch, or a well-targeted presentation can be as powerful as the research itself in influencing change. This module gives participants practical skills to make their science matter beyond publications.”

For participants, the experience was eye-opening. Dr Nana Akua Abruquah, a Medical Officer at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Hospital, reflected,   “This module showed me how to move beyond writing for journals. I now know how to engage directly with decision-makers, present evidence in plain language, and ensure that my work contributes to improving practice at the frontlines of care.”

Mrs Karyn Ewurama Quansah, a Research Scientist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Water Research Institute (CSIR-WRI) also shared her excitement about the training and its impact on her work.

“AMR cuts across human, animal, and environmental health. This training has equipped me to communicate my findings not just to scientists, but also to farmers, regulators, and the public. That’s how we can collectively tackle the challenge”, she said.

By the end of the week, participants had produced policy-relevant communication tools and gained the confidence to engage diverse stakeholders. Their outputs will support Ghana’s ongoing efforts to address AMR, aligning with the One Health approach and national strategies.

The training underscored that tackling AMR is not just about producing evidence—it is about ensuring that evidence is heard, understood, and acted upon.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana.

Source: APO

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The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries has called on the Eastern Cape Department of Education and the South African Council for Educators to work with speed on the matter involving a deputy school principal who has been arrested on allegations of trafficking schoolgirls in the Amathole West District.

The committee Chairperson, Mr Makhi Feni, said it was clear that the female deputy principal, who is also a so-called “reverend”, does not deserve to be an educator. He said: “We are disappointed to learn of this incident. The responsible educator bodies must move with speed to remove the deputy principal from the educators roll and appropriate sanction should be taken.”

An official from the provincial education department briefed the committee that disciplinary action will follow, but the process is currently with law enforcement. The committee heard that the deputy principal is currently behind bars and the department will strictly monitor her bail conditions.

“This is the least of the challenges we should be hearing about in the Eastern Cape given the extent of the challenges that the committee has heard about,” Mr Feni said. “Our children should be protected against this so-called ‘reverend’. We cannot wait for the outcome of a criminal process.”

The committee also heard about other issues, including extortion, theft of food from the nutrition programme, unmonitored scholar transport, burglary and ongoing payments of salaries made to former employees.

The committee is currently undertaking a week-long oversight visit in the Eastern Cape, focusing on Amathole West District. The committee will also visit Gqeberha on Thursday.

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

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Ms Joy Maimela, wishes the class of 2025 every success as they officially begin their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations on Thursday.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has registered a total of 903 561 candidates – 766 543 full-time and 137 018 part-time – for the 2025 NSC examinations. The exams officially commence for all learners on Thursday with English, while some candidates will start earlier, on Wednesday, with Computer Applications Technology.

The DBE will administer the exams across 6 955 examination centres, while the Independent Examination Board (IEB) will have 263 centres, and SACAI will have 83.

Ms Maimela said the committee wishes the class of 2025 strength during this final stretch and urged learners to remain focused and dedicated to their studies as the finish line is now in sight.

She emphasised that the emotional and mental wellbeing of all learners should be prioritised during this period, which often comes with heightened stress levels.

Ms Maimela also called on everyone in the education sector to support candidates during this crucial time. “It is a very strenuous period in their academic journey. Please keep a watchful eye on them to ensure they are in a good state of mind and have an enabling environment to study. This is the culmination of 12 years of schooling leading to one final examination. We therefore call on parents, families, friends, educators, officials and communities at large to help create the best possible conditions for these learners to succeed.”

“Furthermore,” Ms Maimela added, “I wish teachers, invigilators, and markers the very best with the tasks ahead and urge everyone to once again ensure the credibility of the NSC examinations.”

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