Source: Government of Qatar
Abuja | October 12 2025
HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Yusuf Maitama Tuggar met on Sunday with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria Dr. Ali bin Ghanem Al Hajri, on the occasion of the end of his tenure.
During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries.
Source: APO
President John Dramani Mahama and First Lady, Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama, have arrived in Beijing, China, to participate in a Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women.
Hosted by President Xi Jinping and UN Women, the 13 and 14 October meeting will bring together other world leaders to “renew the spirit of the Beijing Declaration and accelerate its implementation.”
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, organised by the UN and held in Beijing.
While in Beijing to champion women’s empowerment, President Mahama and his delegation will also focus on strengthening Sino-Ghanaian ties and investment.
President Mahama will hold discussions with his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, and with the Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Li Qiang.
He will also meet with Chinese business leaders and host a Presidential Investment Forum, expected to bring Ghanaian businesses, their Chinese counterparts, and investors together to explore opportunities in Ghana.
President Mahama, who is accompanied by the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, and officials of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, the Free Zones Authority, and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, will also visit Fujian Province to meet businesses with a presence in Ghana.
These engagements aim to strengthen the long-standing partnership between Ghana and China and promote greater cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Also included in the president’s delegation are the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Naa Momo Lartey (MP), the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza (MP), and the Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Ampem Nyarko (MP).
The rest are the Executive Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama; Presidential Advisor and Special Aide, Joyce Bawah Mogtari; Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim; and a Presidential Staffer, Nana Yaa Gyantuah.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
Source: Government of South Africa
Sunday, October 12, 2025
South Africa has called for “calm and restraint” in Madagascar following recent political developments in the island country.
This as the country’s capital, Antananarivo, has been mired protests over the last two weeks.
“The Government of the Republic of South Africa has noted with deep concern the recent political developments in the Republic of Madagascar. We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and the destruction of property that has occurred.
“South Africa calls for calm and restraint from all actors and urges them to do everything necessary to avoid any further action that may escalate tensions or worsen the humanitarian situation,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said in a statement on Sunday.
Furthermore, all parties are urged to “respect the democratic process and constitutional order”.
“It is imperative that any disputes be resolved peacefully through inclusive dialogue, cooperation, and established legal mechanisms. In accordance with the Lomé declaration, South Africa does not support unconstitutional changes of government.
“We wish to recall that regional conflict resolution mechanisms remain at the disposal of the people of Madagascar to facilitate dialogue and a peaceful way forward.
“Minister [Ronald] Lamola reaffirms South Africa’s commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution that upholds the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and sustainable development for the region,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Government of South Africa
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has condemned the anti-LGBTQIA+ remarks made by media personality, Ngizwe Mchunu.
Mchunu made statements on his social media pages denouncing same sex marriage and calling for the expulsion of queer persons from South Africa.
Mchnu and his supporters also attempted to visit a popular market in Johannesburg to chase away queer persons. That attempt failed as they were not allowed entry.
The commission described the utterances as a “grave violation of human rights and an incitement of violence against a marginalised community.”
“Beyond the immediate harm, such rhetoric carries far-reaching consequences. The violent nature of Mchunu’s statements and the incitement that occurred over the past weekend at the KwaMai-Mai establishment in Johannesburg are shocking and unacceptable.
“Words have consequences, and in this case, they have sown fear, division, and potential harm among an already vulnerable group,” the Commission said in a statement on Saturday.
The CGE explained that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) persons are often “discouraged from seeking critical services” because of the fear of violence.
“Historically, South Africa has witnessed the devastating outcomes of hate speech and targeted violence, particularly against black township lesbians since the early 2000s.
“Such incidents remind us that harmful words can quickly escalate into acts of brutality. The CGE is deeply concerned about the persistence of gender-based and sexuality-based violence in a society that remains trapped in binary notions of gender. We therefore call for equal respect and dignity for all persons, women, men, and those who exist beyond these binaries,” the CGE said.
The commission noted that Mchunu continues to enjoy an online and physical platform from which “such dangerous narratives are amplified.”
“The online responses supporting his utterances are indicative of the patriarchal, sexist, and misogynistic underpinnings that persist in our society. Feminist analysis underscores the urgency of interrogating and dismantling these hegemonic masculinities.
“LGBTIQA+ persons are entitled to the same constitutional protection as all other citizens. Hate speech and incitement of violence not only endanger the lives of queer people but also erode public trust in state institutions such as the police and the justice system. They undermine the very foundations of our constitutional democracy,” the CGE said.
Government, civil society and all stakeholders are urged to protect the rights of all persons while the courts are called on to “ensure accountability and expeditious resolution of cases involving hate speech and discrimination.
“It is not for Mr. Mchunu or any individual to determine the cultural belonging of queer people. This incident must instead serve as a moment for national reflection and dialogue, to reaffirm our shared humanity and the rich diversity that defines South Africa,” the CGE said.
Gender-related complaints, including complaints against Mchunu can be sent to: gender-enquiries@cge.org.za or WhatsApp number 083 284 2567.
READ | Government condemns anti LGBTQIA remarks by Ngizwe Mchunu
– SAnews.gov.za
Source: Government of South Africa
Basic Education condemns misinformation on reopening of schools
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has condemned the fake news suggesting changes to the reopening of public schools on Monday, 13 October 2025.
“The Department of Basic Education notes with concern the circulation of fake news on social media and other unofficial platforms suggesting changes to the reopening dates of schools for the fourth term. The department wishes to clarify unequivocally that these messages are false and misleading.
“All public schools across South Africa will reopen as scheduled on Monday, 13 October 2025, marking the beginning of the fourth and final academic term of the school calendar,” said the DBE in a statement on Saturday.
The department condemned the deliberate spread of misinformation, which creates unnecessary panic and confusion among parents and learners.
“Education is a shared national responsibility. False information disrupts schools, confuses parents, and undermines the hard work of our teachers and learners. We appeal to every South African to be vigilant, to verify before sharing, and to help us protect the academic calendar and the upcoming National Senior Certificate examinations,” said Minister Siviwe Gwarube.
The department urged the public to rely only on official DBE communication channels including its website (www.education.gov.za), verified social media pages, and provincial education departments for credible and verified updates.
The department said that as the country moves into this critical period of the school year, it extends heartfelt appreciation to parents, teachers, learners and school management teams who continue to uphold the values of commitment, resilience, and discipline that define our education sector.
Final stretch
With just days remaining before the commencement of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations on 21 October 2025, the department called upon all learners particularly the Class of 2025 to stay focused and make the most of the support provided through revision materials, radio lessons, catch-up sessions, and school-based study camps.
The department said it remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a smooth conclusion to the 2025 academic year. From infrastructure readiness and learner support materials to psychosocial assistance and teacher preparation, all systems are in place to ensure that teaching and learning resume seamlessly on Monday, 13 October 2025. –SAnew.gov.za
Neo
Source: Government of South Africa
Sunday, October 12, 2025
The third and final G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) Technical and Ministerial Meetings are set to get underway on Monday.
To be held in Cape Town, the meetings will be led by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dr Dion George.
“The meetings will bring together delegates from G20 member states, invited guest countries, international organisations, research institutions, and other organisations.
“Significantly, the Ministerial Meeting is expected to adopt the final G20 ECSWG Ministerial Declaration, which reflects consensus positions on global environmental governance across the six priorities identified by the South African Presidency of the G20 ECSWG,” the department said.
The meetings will be held from 13-17 October 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in the Western Cape.
The first two meetings were held via a virtual meeting in March and an in-person technical session held at Kruger National Park in July 2025.
“The department has hosted various dialogues and workshops to unpack the ECSWG priorities throughout the year. Most recently, the G20 ECSWG Science-Policy Dialogue took place from 10–12 September 2025 in Cape Town, in collaboration with the South African Institute of International Affairs, to deepen engagement on technical recommendations and the Ministerial Declaration.
“The [upcoming] ECSWG meeting will feature several legacy components including the announcement of winners of the Pangolin Pact G20 Schools Competition and a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement.
“These engagements will also be an opportunity to highlight South Africa’s Climate Change Act, the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, and efforts to strengthen the biodiversity economy through initiatives like the Kruger–Kirstenbosch–iSimangaliso Icon Strategy,” the department explained. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Government of Qatar
Doha | October 12 2025
HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Sunday with HE Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the State of Qatar Walid Fahmy Al Faqi.
The meeting discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries, as well as issues of mutual interest.
HE the Ambassador conveyed Egypt’s condolences over the death of three members of the Amiri Diwan in a traffic accident in Sharm El-Sheikh while performing their official duties, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By James Boafo, Lecturer in Sustainability and Fellow of Indo Pacific Research Centre, Murdoch University
Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, rare earth elements, and platinum group metals are essential for modern technologies. They are key to industries ranging from electronics and telecommunications to renewable energy, defence, and aerospace systems.
The global demand for these minerals has been growing, as has the competition for them.
The supply and production of these minerals is largely concentrated in the global South. Most of the world’s cobalt is produced in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It produces almost three-quarters of the global cobalt output. Australia produces nearly half of the world’s lithium. Chile accounts for another quarter of global lithium production, with China following at 18%.
China dominates the supply chain through massive investments in mining operations, particularly in Africa. It is responsible for refining 90% of rare earth elements and graphite, and 60-70% of lithium and cobalt. The United States and European Union — long-term trading partners with African nations — have also adopted policies to secure access to Africa’s resources.
The question is what African countries are doing to take advantage of this demand for these critical minerals, especially to drive their own development.
As development researchers we address this question in a special publication on the rising significance of critical minerals in Africa by the Indian Council of World Affairs. In another publication, we look at how emerging resource diplomacy may reinforce Africa’s position in the global economy as a mere source of raw materials.
We recommend that African countries determine for themselves how to benefit from this global competition. This includes developing national strategies that emphasise local value addition and benefits. Also, national strategies should begin positioning African countries to gain from their resources beyond value addition.
The competition for Africa’s critical minerals underscores the urgency of governance reforms and regional cooperation to transform mineral wealth into sustainable prosperity, avoiding another “resource curse.”
A Chinese-led ‘New World Order’ is emerging to counter the US-led Western influence. Eastern and global South countries demonstrate this shift through groupings like BRICS and South-South cooperation in technology and development. China has strengthened its influence in the global South through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative.
Launched in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative is an ambitious infrastructure project that connects continents by land and sea. Since then, over 200 agreements have been signed with over 150 countries and 30 international organisations. The initiative has expanded China’s access to resources. This is often in exchange for infrastructure development that links mining regions to ports.
In Africa, China has invested heavily in mining and infrastructure. Its firms have spent about US$4.5 billion in lithium projects in Zimbabwe, the DRC, Mali, and Namibia. China’s strategic focus includes resource-rich countries such as the DRC, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa and Ghana.
China recently marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a military parade. The parade projected China’s military strength with President Xi warning that China is “unstoppable.”
China is emboldened by its influence and access to critical minerals. This has strengthened its ability to acquire military hardware and other advanced technologies.
Africa holds about 30% of the world’s critical mineral deposits, making it central to geopolitical contest. The US and EU have sought agreements to secure supplies and reduce reliance on China.
The EU has strategic partnerships on minerals with the DRC, Rwanda, Namibia and Zambia. China has bilateral agreements with eleven African countries in the mining sector. The US also has a trilateral agreement with the DRC and Zambia. Its purpose is to support an integrated value chain for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. It also recently signed a ‘Minerals for Peace’ deal with the DRC and Rwanda to help end decades of conflict in eastern Congo.
Although African countries need support to turn their resources into prosperity, our research found that these partnerships risk reinforcing Africa’s marginal position in the global value chain. They often reproduce conditions reminiscent of colonialism: dependency, resource extraction, and power imbalances.
Our research argues that the struggle between the US-led and Chinese-led world orders will hinge on a few things. One is control over emerging technologies. These include renewable energy, defence, aerospace, and AI — all of which depend on critical minerals. Expanded access to, and control of, these minerals and their supply chains will be a key determinant of global power.
Competition between the US and China for critical minerals will intensify. Yet it is crucial that African countries remain neutral. They must engage only in meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships that genuinely advance their countries and its economies.
African countries must explicitly define their priorities in the extractives sector. Without clear strategies, external powers will continue to dictate Africa’s future. The continent will be locked into dependency rather than enabling it to capture real value from its mineral wealth.
Finally, rather than just competing for Africa’s critical minerals, China, the US, and the EU should equitably engage with African countries in the extractives sector to ensure just development across the continent.
– China and the US are in a race for critical minerals. African countries need to make the rules
– https://theconversation.com/china-and-the-us-are-in-a-race-for-critical-minerals-african-countries-need-to-make-the-rules-265318
Source: Government of South Africa
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is determined to “claw back every cent” that was unlawfully taken from the public purse as a result of corruption and fraud at the Tembisa Hospital in Gauteng.
This is according to SIU Head Advocate Andy Mothibi after the unit obtained a preservation order of some R900 million worth of assets linked to an alleged criminal syndicate that operated at the hospital.
The syndicate – together with two others – allegedly siphoned off some R2 billion that was earmarked for the improvement of healthcare services at the hospital in a complex web of fraud and corruption.
“The orders are a critical step in our commitment to claw back every cent that was stolen from the public purse, specifically Tembisa Hospital.
“This is not merely a preservation but a proactive, intensive effort to trace, secure, and ultimately recover assets that we allege are the proceeds of corruption. We will not allow individuals to hide behind complex corporate and trust structures,” Mothibi said.
Executing the order
Last week, the SIU secured assets valued at approximately R133.5 million belonging to one of the alleged masterminds of the Tembisa Hospital looting, Hangwani Maumela.
Items secured at a Sandhurst home and Emalahleni dealership include:
• A property in Sandhurst: estimated value R70 million
• Three Lamborghinis: estimated value R25 million
• Household contents: estimated value R3 million
• Security in respect of the Household contents: estimated value R500 000
• Two Aston Martin luxury cars
• One Ferrari luxury car
• One Rolls-Royce luxury car
“The Mpumalanga dealership, on a completely without prejudice basis, gave the SIU surety of two immovable properties, without any bonds outstanding on them, valued at approximately R35 million in exchange for the curator, in the interim, not removing the luxury cars from the dealership after the luxury cars have been attached by the curator.
“The preserved assets will remain under the control of the Curator appointed by the Special Tribunal until the final determination of up to 41 main civil recovery proceedings to be instituted, the first of which the SIU is mandated to institute within 60 court days. Once civil proceedings are concluded, the assets will be forfeited to the State,” the SIU explained. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Government of South Africa
The Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) recently held a first of its kind roundtable on the management of sinkholes and dolomite.
“Sinkholes are not just geological events, they are a test of how well we plan, manage, and maintain infrastructure. This roundtable has allowed us to align government, scientists, and engineers behind prevention, preparedness, and resilience,” said MEC Jacob Mamabolo.
This as the Council for Geoscience (CGS) reported that while some sinkholes occur naturally, most are driven by human activity, including ageing infrastructure failures, mining, and groundwater extraction, particularly in Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and Johannesburg. Using data dating back to the 1940s, it identified water ponding, underground leaks, and excessive water abstraction as key triggers, and proposed measures such as water loss control and risk-based land-use regulation.
Thursday’s session brought together experts and stakeholders from the Council for Geoscience (CGS), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the mining industry, academia, municipalities, engineering professionals, and community leaders.
CoGTA Deputy Minister Dr Namane Dickson Masemola emphasised South Africa’s responsibility to lead globally in addressing dolomitic land challenges through science, leadership, and intergovernmental cooperation.
“We must position South Africa as a leader in addressing dolomitic land challenges,” said Dr Masemola, urging “strong political and administrative leadership to transform discussions into practical solutions and actionable work.”
Held in Mogale City, the roundtable marked the first coordinated effort in the province to consolidate scientific, technical, and policy perspectives on the management of dolomitic land and the prevention of sinkhole-related disasters.
The CSIR showcased technological innovations such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and geolocation tools for early detection, and urged the creation of a centralised GIS-based data repository and municipal capacity-building to improve coordinated, science-led risk management.
Experts agreed on the need for stronger alignment between geological science, infrastructure planning, and disaster management legislation to ensure coherent responses and better resource mobilisation.
The Deputy Minister further directed the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) to strengthen its funding, mitigation, and research frameworks, ensuring that sinkhole management receives priority attention in national disaster planning.
“The PDMC [Provincial Disaster Management Centre] will consolidate the outcomes of the roundtable into a technical brief to guide the Disaster Management Workstream of the Local Government Turnaround Strategy, ensuring that Gauteng’s response to dolomitic risks is proactive, coordinated, and science led,” said the provincial department. –SAnews.gov.za
