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Seminar to explore leveraging of AfCFTA for inclusive development

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Human Sciences Research Council’s Africa BRICS and Global South (ABGS) research unit will host a seminar focused on utilising the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to promote regional health-industrial integration and foster inclusive development across the continent. 

The ABGS research unit, based at the Human Sciences Research Council’s (HSRC), focuses on issues related to Africa, BRICS, and the Global South.

Their research explores topics like economic integration, health security, and the role of BRICS in the Global South. 

The hybrid seminar will be held at the HSRC Building in Pretoria on Tuesday, 17 June 2025.

Presented by Senior Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, Dr Geoffrey Banda, the seminar will focus on how the AfCFTA can be a powerful catalyst for strengthening Africa’s local health security through increased and resilient regional trade, industrialisation, and innovation.

“The seminar will further explore how aligning health and industrial policy within the framework of the AfCFTA can drive job creation, enhance resilience, and support the continent’s broader development ambitions under Agenda 2063,” the advisory read. 

In his recent book, “Cancer Care in Pandemic Times: Building Inclusive Local Health Security in Africa and India”, Banda makes a strong argument for an interdisciplinary approach that combines health research with industrialisation and regional economic integration. 

The HSRC said this approach aims to develop sustainable and context-specific solutions to the health challenges faced in Africa.

Key themes to be explored include the vulnerabilities associated with reliance on global supply chains, the intentional connection between health and industrial capabilities, the transition to new technologies along with industrial capabilities, and the use of the AfCFTA to scale innovative procurement. 

“This approach aims to gradually develop continental innovation ecosystems that support resilient regional trading systems.”- SAnews.gov.za

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SA extends its condolences to India following plane crash 

Source: South Africa News Agency

Friday, June 13, 2025

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has extended condolences to the government and people of India after a plane that was carrying 242 passengers crashed.

“The thoughts of the people of South Africa are with the people of India as well as the people of all other countries affected by the crash during this difficult time and extends its sympathy to those families who have lost loved ones,” the department said in a statement.

This as an India Airlines plane crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. Flight AI171 was en route from Ahmedabad to London when it crashed into a hostel for doctors. 

It was carrying 242 passengers from various nationalities, and the cause of the crash is still unknown.

According to the latest reports, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited the scene of the plane crash and met the injured people in the hospital. 

BBC reported that the sole survivor, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, who sat in seat 11A, is recovering in hospital, with his brother stating he “has no idea how he survived”. 

The British public service broadcaster stated there were 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian on the flight. 

Meanwhile, other reports indicate that at least 290 people are dead as families continue to provide DNA samples to assist in identification victims.

Former India’s Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who served between 2016 and 2021, was among the passengers on the plane. – SAnews.gov.za

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Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre to boost tourism

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Department of Tourism in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) will launch the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre in the Free State province next week.

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dion George will launch the Centre.

The two departments recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre to boost tourism in the Free State.

“The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre is a world class and state-of-the art interactive visitor attraction with strong potential for tourism growth,” the Department of Tourism said in a statement. 

Situated within the Golden Gate Highlands National Park (GGHNP) in the Free State, the centre will offer visitors an innovative, creative and quality demonstration of scientific knowledge (paleontological, archaeological and geological) with a broader appreciation of cultural heritage through interactive exhibitions. 

The department successfully secured funding of R120 million from the European Union through the National Treasury for the implementation of the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre. 

The centre is managed by the South African National Parks (SANParks), and it is envisaged that the facility will increase the bed occupancy and more activities for visitors to the park. 

The development of the project includes the Interpretation Centre (paleontological offices and work space), the reception area, lecture halls, the display area-exhibition and display installation, the coffee/curio shop, the activity node – office, activity areas (children), parking – paved parking area, look-out point and bulk services, upgrade electrical supply – transformer & cable, sewer – connect to existing system water – connection.

According to the Department of Tourism, the centre celebrates a globally significant paleontological discovery—the oldest dinosaur embryos known to man offering a world-class educational and cultural experience that deepens public understanding of our natural history.

“The interpretation centre is a unique local attraction which offer visitors an innovative, creative and quality demonstration of scientific knowledge,” the department said.

The centre will be a key driver of local economic development, job creation and tourism growth in the eastern Free State.

The event will culminate with a graduation of the tourist guides that were trained as part of the development of the centre. – SAnews.gov.za

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EC intensifies relief efforts after extreme weather claims 78 Lives

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government, in collaboration with municipalities and social partners, is providing essential relief and recovery services to the communities affected by heavy rains and strong winds that have battered the province since Monday.

The devastating weather conditions have so far claimed the lives of 78 people across multiple districts, with the OR Tambo District Municipality recording the highest number of fatalities.

“The OR Tambo District Municipality accounts for more than 50 fatalities, while Amathole District Municipality accounts for more than six. Bodies are being held at the Mthatha Forensic Mortuary, with identification efforts currently underway,” the provincial government said.

Giving an update on the provincial government’s response and recovery efforts on Thursday, it said a coordinated, multi-agency response was in full effect focusing on rescue operations, relief distribution, and infrastructure recovery.

A reception area has been set up at Sir Henry Elliot Hall to offer counselling the affected families. In the Amathole District alone, approximately 1 000 displaced residents are being sheltered in community facilities.

Emergency relief measures, including food, blankets, and clean water, have also been distributed to affected communities, and Primary Health Care (PHC) services are being delivered on-site. Emergency medical referrals are being facilitated where necessary.

Rescue efforts for hard-hit areas

Among the areas hard-hit by the severe weather conditions include Slovo Park and Decoligny Village in Mthatha, within the OR Tambo District.

A total of 38 people were successfully rescued in Mthatha, through joint efforts by Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the South African Police Service (SAPS), and various volunteer organisations.

“Two helicopters, search and rescue vehicles, K9 units, and technical rescue teams have been deployed. In Joe Gqabi District, heavy snow has led to road closures [while] Alfred Nzo District and surrounding areas [have suffered] critical damage to infrastructure, including roads, clinics, schools, and hospitals,” the provincial government said.

The storm has further caused widespread damage to public infrastructure, with at least 127 schools across 10 districts, and about 20 health facilities affected.

“Assessment and mapping of affected schools are ongoing, while restoration efforts for power, water supply, and road infrastructure are currently underway with the support of engineering teams,” the provincial government said.

Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in the disaster and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring safety and dignity to the affected communities. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets Iranian Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, June 13

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Friday with HE Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the State of Qatar, Ali Salehabadi.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed aspects of bilateral cooperation and explored ways to enhance and develop them. They also addressed the latest developments in the region.

HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation and deep denunciation of the Israeli attack on the Iranian territory, describing it as a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security, and a clear breach of international law and established principles.

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Fine and cool weather conditions for the weekend

Source: South Africa News Agency

Friday, June 13, 2025

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast fine and cold to cool but partly cloudy weather with showers and rain expected in the north-east of the country.

There are currently no weather alerts on their website.

Earlier this week, the country was gripped with severe winter weather with the Eastern Cape experiencing snowfall and heavy rain.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is today visiting flood-affected areas in the Eastern Cape, due to rising casualties and damage to infrastructure in the OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities.

The President will be updated on the search and rescue efforts and support needed to effectively address the devastating disaster across all levels.

According to the latest reports, the death toll from the floods in the Eastern Cape has risen to 78, with more than 1 000 people displaced. – SAnews.gov.za

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Uganda: Museveni preaches benefits of East African Federation, criticises corrupt politicians


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President Yoweri Museveni has emphasised the benefits of the East African Federation, saying that it will lead to economic prosperity and heightened security in the region.

President Museveni, who was speaking after the budget presentation by the Minister of Finance, Matia Kasaija, held in Kololo on Thursday, 12 June 2025, rallied lawmakers to appreciate the importance of the federation.

“Economic and political integration are the correct answer to the question of economic prosperity and security,” said Museveni.

Making reference to the history of the EAC started in 1967 and collapsed a decade later, Museveni said that the community was re-launched in 1999 in the spirit of patriotism and pan Africanism, following the realisation of the need for market for goods and services in the region.

“We are glad by 1980, African leaders had started seeing the importance of market integration as part of the Lagos plan of action,” he said.

Tracing back to the history of other African countries and Uganda’s experience after independence, Museveni said that it was discovered that the internal market for goods and services was not enough.

“As we speak today, Uganda has got surplus of milk, maize, bananas, cement, etc. Where do we sell all these,” he said, adding that East African and African countries are now buying some of the surpluses.

“Otherwise, these sectors of the economy would have collapsed by now. That is how the National Resistance Movement developed the second principle of Pan Africanism because we need it for our prosperity,” he said.

The ready market for goods and services, according to Museveni leads to prosperity of African countries, thereby reducing dependence on foreign aid.

“The East African Community has now expanded to incorporate Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC and Somalia. In addition, we have COMESA and the Continental Free Trade Area. We need to remove all the trade barriers and develop infrastructure to facilitate this trade,” Museveni added.

He also spoke against trade imbalances, stressing the need to assist countries that are joining the federation.

“We do not want a common market where some countries benefit and others lose, no, it is very dangerous,” Museveni said.

Museveni also spoke tough against politicians giving handouts to voters for political support, saying that such leaders are enabling corruption.

“Politics is about principles and policies. That is what you should be telling the public to choose from,” he said.

He advised voters against electing leaders based on handouts, saying that they need leaders who will instead help in the fight against corruption.

“Do not accept petty money from politicians and throw away your power to elect politicians who will help to fight corruption,” said Museveni.

Local Government District officers were not spared, and the President vowed to take action against those found culpable of mismanaging the Shs1.3 billion meant for road maintenance.

He said that he discovered that some districts were instead using the funds to construct new roads.

“In the case of Bunyangabo district, they were mixing up issues. The Shs1.3 billion is for maintenance, not for constructing new roads. I will check and if I find out, there will be casualties among local government officials,” he said.

Digital number plates targeting criminals

President Museveni also dismissed claims that the new digital vehicle number plates are meant for collecting fines, but rather aimed at enhancing security, saying that they are traceable through the central command centre.

“Every vehicle must have a digital number plate. It is about security. Criminals are acting with impunity,” he said.

Referring to the case in which a 45-year-old Godfrey Wanyengera, a resident of Mukono was killed in a road accident, Museveni said that such criminal activities can be countered with the digital number plates.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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East African Community (EAC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in competition and consumer protection


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The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Competition Commission (CCC) and the East African Community Competition Authority (EACCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cooperation in the enforcement of competition and consumer protection laws across their respective Member States

The MOU sets out modalities through which the two regional agencies will cooperate and coordinate their activities in regard to cross-border competition and consumer protection enforcement, among other matters. The MOU further facilitates information sharing particularly during joint investigations, which shall be prioritized so as to safeguard the competition process and protect consumers in the region.

The MOU also provides for cooperation and coordination in carrying out market inquiries and studies, technical assistance and capacity building as well as address the potential duplication in enforcement, thereby creating certainty and predictability in the market.

Under the MoU, the two agencies have set up focal points tasked with coordinating and monitoring implementation of the prioritized activities through annual work plans.  The two institutions have also committed to review various complementary regulations and guidelines to ensure they are fit for purpose.

Speaking during the ceremony, Ms. Stellah Onyancha Ag. Registrar of the EAC Competition Authority said the signing of the MoU marks a significant step towards strengthening collaboration and promoting fair competition within the regional landscape. 

She commended CCC for its commitment and consistent support to the EACCA since its establishment in 2016 in terms of providing technical expertise on prioritization during its commencement, induction/capacity building for EACCA Commissioners, and assistance in the review of the merger guidelines of the EACCA, among others.

“I am confident that the MOU will further solidify the strong ties that already subsist between the EACCA and CCC, foster closer and more productive collaboration and enable the two agencies to contribute to the effective enforcement of their respective regional competition laws”

On his part, Dr. Willard Mwemba, Chief Executive Officer of the COMESA Competition Commission said the MOU is a milestone at the end of what has been a long journey involving several negotiation meetings between two competition authorities in an effort to marry concurrent laws and activities.“It is our hope as COMESA Competition Commission that the signing of this MOU will enhance certainty to business merging within the COMESA and EAC Region, increase detection of cross border anti-competitive practices and consumer violations, and lead to enhanced cross border enforcement”

CCC, a regional competition and consumer protection agency was established by the COMESA Competition Regulations of 2004 while EACCA, an institution of the EAC, was established by the EAC Competition Act, 2006.

The CCC regulates competition and consumer protection matters in twenty-one (21) COMESA Member States while EACCA exercises the same mandate in eight (8) Partner States. Six (6) of the Partner States of the EAC have membership in COMESA. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).

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Stapleton road bridge temporarily closed for urgent repairs

Source: South Africa News Agency

Stapleton road bridge temporarily closed for urgent repairs

The eThekwini Municipality has announced temporary closure of Stapleton Road Bridge in Pinetown, west of Durban, to facilitate urgent and accelerated repair work.

The bridge serves as a key link between Sarnia Road and the King Cetshwayo Highway (M13), providing access to Pinetown and New Germany.

In a statement, the municipality said the decision to close the bridge was made in the interest of public safety, and to enable the repair operations to proceed efficiently and without obstruction.

“Following recent assessments, it was determined that a portion of the concrete structure has been compromised and requires immediate removal and reconstruction. The Municipality’s Structures Department has completed most of the repair design work and is fully mobilised on-site.

“In addition to structural concerns, investigations revealed that the northern road embankment is being undermined, resulting in a narrowed and unstable roadway. Vibrations from heavy vehicles have worsened the condition, especially near the recently reconstructed water main,” the municipality said in a statement.

The city warned that ongoing traffic presents a significant risk to both motorists and the construction workforce. It said full closure of the bridge will allow uninterrupted work to proceed without interruption, reducing the repair timeline, while ensuring maximum safety and quality standards.

The municipality acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the closure and apologised to all affected residents, businesses, and commuters.

“The municipality assures the public that teams are working round the clock to minimise the closure period, while upholding the highest standards of safety and engineering,” the municipality said.

The bridge is expected to reopen within 21 days, or sooner if weather and site conditions remain favourable.

Motorists have been advised to use the following alternative routes into Pinetown:
•    Via Main Road (Underwood Road), or
•    Via the M7 (Edwin Swales Drive) through Bellair.

Power restoration underway after storm damage 

Meanwhile, the municipality has reported significant progress in restoring power supply to areas affected by the recent strong winds, which caused widespread damage to infrastructure and interrupted power in several areas across the city.

The municipality said the Electricity Unit has been attending to a high volume of electricity faults, with many areas already reconnected.

“As teams work through these faults, common causes identified include fallen poles, trees falling on power lines, vegetation encroachments, blown roof sheets, and other foreign objects entangled in the power lines which have all contributed to the numerous outages. City teams are prioritising safety and efficiency as they work to restore power.

“Teams are working round the clock to repair faults and progressively restore power in affected areas. Many areas have already had power restored. Restoration is being done in a phased and safe manner,” the municipality said on Thursday.

Residents are encouraged to report outages via the city’s digital fault reporting platforms, including: 

For the latest developments on reported area outages, visit the Electricity Unit’s online area outage tracker page https://webfaults.durban.gov.za/WebsiteFaultsEllip…/Outage
This list is automatically updated as faults are logged and assigned to various fault teams until restoration. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

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Multi-pronged approach to combat gang violence

Source: South Africa News Agency

Multi-pronged approach to combat gang violence

Government is embarking on a multi-pronged approach to address gang-related crime and its underlying socio-economic causes, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said.

Speaking on the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cabinet Committee’s strategy, the Deputy President emphasised that combating crime requires more than traditional policing.

He further highlighted several key points of the strategy, which include the development of a national anti-gang initiative, the enhancement of anti-gang units within the South African Police Service (SAPS), the implementation of Operation Shanela to focus on strategic law enforcement efforts, and an emphasis on community engagement and collaboration with stakeholders.

The need for a multi-disciplinary approach involving various government departments to address crime effectively was also emphasised.

“This strategy, supported by the anti-gang action plan, focuses on gangsterism through intelligence gathering, proactive policing, community engagement and stakeholder collaboration in this regard,” he said during a question-and-answer session in Parliament on Thursday.

WATCH | Question and answer session in the National Assembly
 

 

READ | Deputy President to respond to oral questions

Additionally, the country’s second-in-command said the SAPS is working around the clock to investigate and finalise gang-related cases, including drug trafficking, shootings and murders.

“As a result, according to the latest statement released by SAPS, ongoing operations, which are focusing on combating and preventing crime, including gender-based violence and femicide [GBVF], have led to the arrest of more than 13 000 suspects.”

He believes that the latest statistics show a significant decrease in most crime categories compared to the previous financial year but added that more efforts are needed.

As the Chair of the JCPS, he stated that he will continue to engage with the Minister of Police, the National Police Commissioner, and the MECs of Safety in all provinces. 

Their goal is to enhance efforts in combating organised crime and gang-related killings, particularly in provinces like KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, where these issues are prevalent.

“Our goal is to eliminate immediate threats posed by crime and gangs in identified high crime areas, while fostering a safe and secure environment for long-term stability.”

The Deputy President emphasised a multidisciplinary approach, engaging various government departments to tackle root causes such as poverty and unemployment.

He noted that economic growth and job creation are crucial in preventing youth from turning to criminal activities.

Water issues 

The Deputy President discussed the Water Task Team’s efforts to address water shortages, with a focus on 105 non-performing municipalities and enhancing municipal service management. 

The team was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa  last year under the leadership of the Deputy President to address water challenges in various areas in the country.

The Deputy President told the Members of Parliament that the Department of Water and Sanitation has established oversight structures and a specialised unit for priority projects and that a comprehensive water debt management plan is recommended. 

“We are going to carefully look at the resolutions of the Water Indaba because it does address, particularly these issues, because some of the municipalities can’t be water authorities,” he said. 

READ | Call for national turnaround plan on water security

In addition, he stated that consequence management for underperforming municipal managers is being considered. 
“So, we are going to look at how we can, where possible, assist them to be effective in generating revenue. We have realised that poor maintenance of facilities is one of the biggest problems. 

“If you visit many of our cities, you’ll find that there are problems with leakages and that non-revenue water is a significant issue. So, we’re going to work with them to try and deal with those challenges.” 

HIV and AIDS

Shifting focus to HIV and AIDS, he said the withdrawal of US$8 billion in the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding for the HIV/AIDS programme will be offset by increased government spending and engagement with other markets. This as funding by the United States Government has been withdrawn. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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