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Republic of Congo reinforces measures to curb potential Ebola outbreak

Source: APO


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The Republic of Congo has stepped up measures to rapidly detect and respond to potential Ebola outbreak as neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo faces a new outbreak of the virus in Kasai Province in the central region of the country.

A rapid scale up of outbreak control measures in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has helped slow down the spread of the virus, with no new cases reported for 18 days as of 13 October 2025.

“We are the immediate neighbour of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is regularly affected by outbreaks. We share over a thousand kilometres of border and common populations. Many people transit through ports and other entry points. We have already experienced Ebola; we are highly exposed. It is essential to raise awareness among personnel at entry points,” says Dr Jean Claude Emeka, the Ministry of Health’s Director of Hygiene and Health Promotion.

More than a thousand participants, including port health authorities, took part recently in an outbreak preparedness training session to bolster measures such as screening, early detection and handling of suspected cases.

“Prevention is better than cure. We must not wait for the outbreak to reach us when it is already affecting our neighbour,” says Christian Voumina, Operations Manager at the main airport in the capital Brazzaville. “As the main entry point for international travellers, it is crucial that staff are informed about the disease and the measures to take. Ebola is one of the most dangerous diseases, so we must act early.”

With support from World Health Organization (WHO), the health authorities have carried out an assessment of the national preparedness plan and are updating the National Ebola Preparedness and Response Plan. Public awareness materials to ensure health measures are observed by the population have also been developed and distributed.

“We are on high alert,” says Emma Gisèle Monka, a health officer at Brazzaville’s Maya Maya International Airport. “I’m ready. I distribute information leaflets and what I’ve learned (in the training) enables me to respond to questions about symptoms, mode of transmission and preventive measures.”

Disease surveillance and clinical care measures are also being strengthened. Isolation wards have been set aside at two main public hospitals in Brazzaville, while an ambulance has been stationed at the city’s main airport.

The ongoing preparedness efforts mark a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach. By strengthening surveillance capacities, structuring coordination mechanisms and investing in staff training, health authorities, with support from partners, are working to build a resilient health system capable of responding not only to Ebola but any public health threat. 

“WHO stands with the government to strengthen capacities, ensure surveillance at entry points, and guarantee a rapid response in case of detection,” says Dr Vincent Sodjinou, WHO Representative in the Republic of Congo. “This commitment goes beyond Ebola. It is part of a comprehensive epidemic preparedness approach. This involves strengthening health systems, continuous staff training, establishing multisectoral coordination mechanisms and developing robust contingency plans.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Republic of the Congo.

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President Boakai Declares Wednesday, October 15, ‘World Sight and White Cane Safety Day’

Source: APO


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The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., has by Proclamation declared Wednesday, October 15, 2025, as “World Sight and White Cane Safety Day,” to be observed throughout the Republic as a Working Holiday.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, this year’s World Sight and White Cane Safety Day’s celebration will take place on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Montserrado County, under the theme: “Taking Action and Breaking Barriers–Advancing Economic and Social Inclusion in Line with the Government of Liberia’s AAREST Agenda for Inclusive Development”.   

The Proclamation calls on all relevant ministries, local and international organizations NGO’s, civil society organizations, partners-in-progress, to join the National Union of Organizations for the Disabled, in collaboration with the National Commission on Disabilities and the Liberia Christian Association of the Blind in organizing appropriate programs befitting the observance of the Day.

The Proclamation is in consonance with Resolution 56.26, adopted by Health Ministries of the World Health Organization mandating Member States to observe World Sight and White Cane Safety Day focusing awareness on the recognition that eye health and visual impairment are of public health concern.  

It further indicates that since the invention of the White Cane, it has become a significant symbol of courage and hope in blindness, which serves as traffic sign and courtesy request from police, motorists and pedestrians to give the right of way to the blind, including, access to all public transports.     

The Proclamation also adds that it is the sole responsibility of the Government of Liberia to recognize and protect the fundamental human rights of its citizens, particularly, those who are physically challenged including the blind. 

 Approximately, 285 million people worldwide live with impaired vision and blindness and of these, 39 million people are blind; 246 million have moderate or severe visual impairment while 19 million children are visually impaired or blind, as 82 percent of the people live with blindness at age 50 and above in low-income countries across the world.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

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South Africa: Deputy Minister Mhlauli hosts the Roodepan G20 Leadership Dialogue

Source: APO


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Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will on Thursday, 16 October 2025 at 09h00 host a G20 Community Leaders Dialogue at the Roodepan community’s Roman Catholic Church in the Sol Plaatje Municipality, Frances Baard District, Northern Cape.

This activity will form part of the Government’s country-wide G20 outreach programme. The objectives of the outreach are to:

– Create awareness about South Africa’s membership to the G20;

– Inform the public about South Africa’s role as the Presidency of G20 through profiling lead roles and achievements of South Africa’s contribution to the continent and the African Union through trade and financial policy statements;

– Solicit stakeholder engagement and advocacy for South Africa’s role in the G20 with various stakeholders; and,

– Profile the outcomes of the 130 identified G20 meetings, including the summit through both the Sherpa and Finance tracks.

The dialogue will be preceded by the visit of the Deputy Minister and other leadership to housing project in Roodepan at 09h00, and then proceed to the Roman Catholic Church for engagement with the community leadership that will commence at 10h00.

Deputy Minister Mhlauli, as the District Development Model (DDM) Champion for the France Baard District, will use the opportunity to engage the Roodepan leadership on the District Development Model in general and how it will better the lives of the people.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

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Manamela engages UFS amid student protests

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Following ongoing student protests, Higher Education and Training Minister, Buti Manamela, is engaging with the leadership and stakeholders at the University of the Free State (UFS) to protect the remainder of the 2025 academic year.

The protest started after the university announced its decision to discontinue provisional registration from 2026, prompting demonstrations that escalated on Monday evening, resulting in several security officials sustaining serious injuries.

Manamela confirmed that he has been briefed on the university’s decision to temporarily close the institution until stability is restored.

He said the gravity of the situation necessitates that the safety and security of all students, staff, and property be prioritised.

“The violence that led to serious injuries is deeply regrettable and completely unacceptable. Our thoughts are with the injured officials and their families, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.

“While we recognise the right to protest, it must remain peaceful and within the prescripts of the law. The destruction of infrastructure and violence against persons and property only serve to undermine legitimate concerns and jeopardise the academic future of all students,” Manamela said in statement on Tuesday.

The Minister said he remains in direct contact with the Vice-Chancellor of UFS. A key focus of their discussions is ensuring the preservation of the 2025 academic year.

Manamela has instructed his department to work closely with the university to develop contingency plans that will minimise academic disruption and ensure that no student is unfairly affected by the temporary closure.

He also called on all student leaders, including members of the university community, and all concerned parties to choose the path of constructive engagement over destruction.

READ | Work continues to restore safety at Fort Hare, Free State universities 
– SAnews.gov.za
 

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Condolences for former Kenyan Prime Minister 

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday extended his condolences to the government and people of Kenya following the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

“The nation of Kenya and our continent have lost a patriotic and selfless leader whom I knew and worked with as a friend and brother,” said President Ramaphosa.

The former Prime Minister who led the East African nation from 2008 to 2013, passed away at the age of 80 in India, where he was receiving medical treatment.

The Presidency said President Ramaphosa’s thoughts and prayers are with the Odinga family and friends and associates of the late former Prime Minister, including the Orange Democratic Movement.

“Raila Odinga was committed to the development of his own nation as well prosperity and the silencing of the guns on our continent, as evidenced by his appointment by the African Union to advance peace in Côte d’Ivoire in 2010.

“He remained unwaveringly true to his principles and vision in the face of deep personal sacrifice and obstacles and remained a leader who placed the interests of his country and continent first,” said President Ramaphosa. –SAnews.gov.za

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Umalusi expresses confidence ahead of the 2025 final exams

Source: Government of South Africa

Quality assurance body, Umalusi, has expressed full confidence that the country’s examination system is ready for the conduct, administration and management of the 2025 end-of-year national examinations. 

Briefing the media on the state of readiness in Pretoria on Wednesday, Umalusi Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mafu Rakometsi, said that while an audit had identified some areas of concern, these were not systemic and would not compromise the credibility of the examinations.

“The report presented by Dr Dliwayo makes it clear that, by and large, the system is ready for the conduct, administration and management of the 2025 end of year national examinations. For that reason, I can report to the public that the system is ready,” Rakometsi said.

WATCH | Umalusi briefing 

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According to Umalusi’s audit report, a total of over one million candidates are registered to sit for various national examinations this year, including more than 900 000 learners writing the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams under the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

Of these, 766,543 are full-time candidates, while there are a further 137,018 part-time candidates who wrote in previous years and are seeking to improve their results, will also sit for the 2025 examinations.
In addition, 17,427 learners will write the NSC under the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), while 6,174 candidates are registered through the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI).

The examinations will be conducted across more than 9 400 examination centres nationwide, covering both public and private assessment bodies. 

Presenting the detailed audit report, Umalusi Senior Manager Dr Mary-Antoinette Dliwayo, said the quality assurance body had completed a comprehensive evaluation of all assessment bodies, including the DBE, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the IEB and the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI).

Dr Dliwayo said the audit focused on key areas, such as candidate registration, security of examination materials, readiness of marking centres, and systems for managing irregularities.

“Based on the evaluation, Umalusi is satisfied that all candidates have been registered in accordance with examination regulations, that question papers have been externally moderated, and that adequate security measures are in place for the printing, packaging and distribution of question papers,” she said.

She added that Umalusi is also confident that all markers will be adequately trained before the commencement of marking, which will begin on 15 November and end on 18 December 2025.

Irregularities

Rakometsi issued a stern warning to learners and educators to refrain from any form of examination irregularity or cheating, saying such acts undermine the integrity of South Africa’s national examination system.

“Umalusi berates and condemns this criminal practice with the contempt it deserves. Cheating compromises the integrity of our national examination system, which we are mandated to jealously protect as a Quality Council.”

He also urged parents, guardians and communities to provide support to all candidates and to protect schools and examination centres from being disrupted by any form of protest action.

“We appeal to parents, guardians, teachers, and every other stakeholder to provide the necessary support to all candidates during this critical period. Umalusi discourages communities from using examinations as leverage for protest action. It is the duty of every South African to jealously protect the education of our children,” he said.

Areas of concern and monitoring

While Umalusi’s audit highlighted certain areas requiring improvement, such as a shortage of markers in some subjects and ongoing data consolidation in the DHET’s N3 examinations, the body said these issues are being addressed and will not affect the overall readiness of the system.

All concerns have been communicated to the relevant Heads of Department, Directors-General of the DBE and DHET, and the CEOs of the IEB and SACAI for corrective action before the start of the exams.

Going forward, Umalusi said it will continue to monitor the conduct of the examinations at a sample of centres to ensure compliance with regulations and uphold the integrity of the results.

The quality assurance processes following the examinations will include mark verification, standardisation of results, and approval of their release by Umalusi’s Executive Committee on 9 January 2026. 

Well wishes for the Class of 2025

Rakometsi concluded by commending all stakeholders for their efforts in maintaining the credibility of the country’s examination system and wished the Class of 2025 well as they prepare to write their final examinations.

“Umalusi applauds the efforts of the Department of Basic Education, Provincial Education Departments, DHET, IEB, SACAI and all other stakeholders for doing everything humanly possible to uphold the credibility and integrity of the examinations. 

“We wish the Class of 2025 strength and determination as they enter the final lap of their educational journey,” he said.

Ahead of the start of the 2025 NSC examinations on 21 October 2025, the DBE called on learners to stay focused and make the most of the support provided through revision materials, radio lessons, catch-up sessions, and school-based study camps.

READ | Basic Education condemns misinformation on reopening of schools

In its statement at the weekend, the DBE said it remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a smooth conclusion to the 2025 academic year. –SAnew.gov.za 

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Acting Police Minister’s and National Commissioner’s Failure to Attend Meeting Undermines Accountability

Source: APO


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he Portfolio Committee on Police resolved to adjourn its scheduled meeting with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Civilian Secretariat for Police, which was set to assess the 2024/25 annual report. This decision follows the absence from the meeting of both the acting Minister of Police and the National Commissioner.

The committee underscored that accountability and transparency are non-negotiable principles in a constitutional democracy, particularly given the serious challenges currently facing the SAPS and the persistently high crime rates affecting communities across the country.

“Accountability and openness are sacrosanct in a democratic institution. Without the executive authority and the accounting officer, it was impossible to interrogate the performance, both financial and against planned targets,” said Mr Ian Cameron, Chairperson of the committee.

The committee expressed its appreciation to the Office of the Auditor-General, which was present and prepared to engage in an in-depth discussion on SAPS’s performance. However, the committee maintained that proceeding without SAPS’s senior leadership would undermine its constitutional mandate of oversight.

Additionally, the committee voiced concern over procedural irregularities regarding apologies from the executive. The acting Minister’s apology failed to follow the standard protocol for official correspondence with the committee. More concerning was the absence of any apology or communication from the Director-General of the Civilian Secretariat for Police.

“What is even worse is that the Director-General of the Civilian Secretariat of Police did not even bother to submit an apology to the committee,” Mr Cameron emphasised.

The committee reiterated the importance of the Budget Review and Recommendations Report process as a vital oversight tool used to assess the efficient use of public funds and the achievement of departmental objectives.

It is on this basis that the committee resolved to adjourn the meeting, sending a clear and strong message: oversight cannot be ignored or undermined.

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

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South Africa and China sign landmark agreement

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa and China have signed a historic stone fruit trade protocol, opening the Chinese market to five types of South African stone fruit — apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, and prunes.

The agreement was signed in Shanghai by Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Minister Sun Meijun of China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) on Wednesday.

It marks the first time China has granted market access for multiple stone fruit varieties from a single country under one deal.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Steenhuisen described the agreement as “a major breakthrough for South African fruit producers and exporters at a time when diversification is essential for our agricultural resilience.”

He said the protocol forms part of a broader strategy to reduce South Africa’s dependence on traditional export markets and more responsive to new consumption patterns, as China’s growing middle class, which is driving global demand for high-quality agricultural products.

“While markets are grown and developed over time, the access that this protocol will unlock in a vast new market, such as China, holds great potential, and will offset some of the immediate impact of the US tariffs especially on plums,” Steenhuisen said.

The Minister said the Chinese market could unlock approximately R400 million over the next five years, with that figure projected to double within a decade.
“We are of the view that the inaugural 2025/26 export season can generate approximately R28 million and R54 million in 2026/27.”

He noted that China’s demand for peach and plum imports continues to grow, with imports last year exceeding 21 million cartons of peaches and nectarines and 20 million cartons of plums, exceeding South Africa’s entire seasonal export volume.

Projections also indicate that exports to China are set to grow to 5% of South Africa’s total export volumes in 2032/2033.

Job creation

Steenhuisen said the opening of the Chinese market would also enable local producers to export more share of their harvests at more sustainable prices.
“Stronger demand in China, together with a slight reduction in exports to other markets, are expected to drive market growth. Over time, this improved demand, and increased volumes could encourage further investment at farm level, particularly the establishment of new orchards.

“Over the next decade, this protocol could create a market that will support roughly 350 new direct jobs on farms and in packhouses, and close to 600 new jobs overall once linked industries such as transport and packaging are included,” the Minister said.

During his discussions with Minister Meijun, Steenhuisen also raised the resumption of beef exports from certain South African regions and reviewed progress on foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) regionalisation.

Technical team 

He also invited a GACC technical team to visit South Africa to inspect the country’s cherry and blueberries orchards and packhouses during the current harvest season.

“If the inspection proceeds smoothly, South Africa will likely secure cherry market access to China within the next harvest cycle, strengthen its trade ties, and unlock new export and job opportunities for the fruit sector. This will also consolidate our positive momentum on broader fruit trade cooperation.”

Investment 

The Minister also highlighted the impact of Chinese infrastructure investment in upgrading South Africa’s railways, ports, and highways, improving market access for farmers and boosting logistics efficiency.
This work aligns with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which prioritises infrastructure investment across Africa.

The Minister also encouraged trading partners to make use of the world-class Shanghai Freight Services network to leverage its extensive global logistics network for both sea and air freight, ensuring faster and more reliable delivery of South African agricultural exports to China.

“China has been South Africa’s largest trading partner for more than a decade, and our bilateral trade continues to deepen. We value China’s ongoing cooperation and the shared commitment to exploring opportunities within our agriculture sector and we look forward to building on this partnership through future agreements that benefit both our countries,” the Minister added. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Operation Shanela nets 17 553 suspects

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Weeklong Shanela II operations have led to the arrests of 17 553 suspects across the country, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

According to the police, the success marks a significant stride in the fight against crime and restoration of public safety ahead of the festive season.

“Among those apprehended are 2 837 wanted suspects for serious crimes including murder, robbery, rape, sexual assault, illegal possession of firearms and vehicle hijacking,” the SAPS said of the arrests made between 6-12 October 2025.

Police also confiscated 24 499 litres of alcohol, while 795 suspects were arrested for trading in illegal liquor trade.

This as police arrested 64 suspects for the illegal possession of firearms and 56 others for the possession of dangerous weapons.

A total 351 suspects were arrested for drug dealing while 3 410 others were nabbed for the possession of drugs. A total 152 suspects were arrested for murder and 101 suspects for attempted murder among others.

Police also confiscated 1 791 units of abalone, 125 firearms, including 8 rifles and three shotguns. The SAPS also recovered 81 vehicles.

“As the festive season nears, SAPS remains steadfast in its mission to ensure safety and security for all visitors, citizens, and their properties in the country through Shanela II operations.” – SAnews.gov.za

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President of Romania Meets Ambassador of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Bucharest, October 15, 2025

HE President of Romania Nicusor Dan met with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Romania Osama bin Yousef Alqaradawi, on the occasion of the end of his tenure.

During the meeting, HE President of Romania extended thanks to HE the Ambassador for his efforts in supporting and strengthening bilateral relations, expressing gratitude for the State of Qatar’s role in releasing the Romanian detainees in Gaza.