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Clothing and textile sector is crucial to SA’s economic recovery

Source: South Africa News Agency

The clothing and textile sector has a critical role to play in South Africa’s economic recovery and re-industrialisation efforts, says Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield.

He was addressing the Annual General Meeting and 20-year anniversary of the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster held at UVU Africa in Cape Town. 

Whitfield highlighted some key targets of the government which are aimed at revitalising the South African economy. Among these is the creation of 100 000 new direct jobs in manufacturing, a 4.1% growth in manufacturing exports and a 3% average annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth during the current term of government. 

He said that under the Government of National Unity, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) is advancing a bold, coordinated industrial strategy – one the builds real momentum behind inclusive economic growth and job creation. 

However, government alone cannot achieve sector revitalisation. 

This, according to Whitfield, requires collaboration with key stakeholders, through platforms such as clusters, on factory floors, in skills development hubs, and within local ecosystems that are solving problems and scaling practical solutions every day. 

“The Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster (CCTC) is not just a regional initiative; it is a catalyst. Through shared services, coordinated skills training, and supplier development, this cluster is helping to build a stronger, more competitive, and more sustainable industry from the ground up.

“It is strengthening local supply chains, enhancing productivity, and enabling firms, large and small, to respond to global market demands with agility and innovation,” he said.

He said that working with all its key partners through the Retail–Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Master Plan, government is committed to doing the work necessary to deal with the trade imbalance that has resulted in the staggering 223% rise of imports within the sector. 

“We must boost export capacity, focusing on quality, reliability, and compliance, to reach key global markets with premium finished goods. We need to be ready, on standards, on delivery, on traceability.
“And we must shift from being exporters of raw input to suppliers of premium, finished product. The road ahead is clear, and the groundwork is already in place. 

“Through collaboration, innovation, and continued investment in people and partnerships, we can ensure that this sector not only survives but thrives.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy President to respond to oral questions

Source: South Africa News Agency

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will this afternoon respond to questions for oral reply in the National Assembly. 

At Thursday’s session, which will take place at 2pm, the country’s second-in-command will touch on a wide range of issues from agricultural support, water shortages and intensified efforts in the country’s comprehensive HIV and AIDS response.

As Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Agriculture and Land Reform, the Deputy President will inform Members of Parliament (MPs) on government efforts towards improving access to funding and resource support for small-scale and smallholder farmers, as well as supporting infrastructure development in rural areas.

Following the withdrawal of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding by the United States Government, the Deputy President will reassure MPs that government has the capacity to fund its HIV/AIDS programme. 

“The withdrawal will not have a dire impact in the purchasing and the distribution of the antiretrovirals,” the Deputy President Office’s statement read. 

The Deputy President is also expected to emphasise the need to enhance municipal service management and financial stability in the water sector to address water shortages in the country.

“In light of the persistent and evolving threat posed by gang-related violence in both urban and peri-urban areas, the Deputy President will brief Parliament on the comprehensive strategy the Justice, Crime-Prevention and Security Cabinet Committee has implemented to dismantle organised criminal networks,” the statement read. 

He will further reiterate South Africa’s commitment to the rule of law, which his Office said is a cornerstone of South Africa’s democratic constitutional order. – SAnews.gov.za

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Young SAPS officer takes policing to new heights

Source: South Africa News Agency

This Youth Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) proudly celebrates the dynamic young men and women in uniform, who go above and beyond the call of duty. 

Among them is 27-year-old Constable Roycolle Naicker, a trailblazing drone pilot based in Johannesburg District, Gauteng.

Armed with a qualification in Forensic Science and Technology, Naicker is part of a new generation of officers using innovation to fight crime. He joined the SAPS in 2019 at just 21 years old, trading in his previous role in the motor industry as a fitter and turner for a life of public service.

Policing runs in Naicker’s blood. Growing up surrounded by family members in the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies, he was inspired by their dedication and courage. Their example lit a fire in him to serve and protect his country.

Following basic police training, Naicker quickly expanded his skillset. In 2020, he completed Crime Intelligence training, and two years later, earned his licence as a drone pilot. His work now takes him to the skies, providing critical aerial support for operations on the ground.

From capturing high-definition footage during crime prevention missions to collecting evidence that strengthens investigations, Naicker’s drone expertise plays a vital role. These flying tools offer a bird’s eye view that helps officers plan ahead, track suspects, and access hard-to-reach areas. 

In search and rescue missions, drones equipped with thermal cameras even allow officers to detect movement in the dark, giving the SAPS a powerful edge.

Drones have revolutionised police operations, allowing them to monitor high risk areas, predict suspects’ movements, and respond faster than ever before.

Although he is passionate about drones, Naicker’s heart remains rooted in his forensic background. He hopes to one day join the SAPS Forensic Division, where he believes his technical skills and drone expertise can further strengthen crime scene investigations.

True to his values, Naicker lives by the principle of doing good even when no one is watching. It’s this quiet integrity that he hopes to pass on to South Africa’s youth.

“You can do anything you put your mind to,” said Naicker to the youth of South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

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The 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Finals Set: Al Ahli Tripoli to face Petro de Luanda in South Africa on June 14

The 2025 BAL Finals (https://BAL.NBA.com) are officially set. Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) will face Petro de Luanda (Angola) on Saturday, June 14 at 4 p.m. CAT at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, marking the culmination of the league’s milestone fifth season. 

In last night’s first semifinal, Al Ahli Tripoli defeated APR (Rwanda) 84–71. Fabian White Jr. led the way with 23 points and 7 rebounds, while Caleb Agada added 17 points. Al Ahli’s sharp shooting from beyond the arc (41.4%) proved decisive, as APR struggled from three, going just 4-for-18. Nuni Omot led APR with 22 points, while Obadiah Noel, Chasson Randle, and Aliou Diarra each contributed 13 points. 

In the second semifinal, the defending champion Petro de Luanda cruised to a 96–74 win over Al Ittihad (Egypt) as they continue their pursuit of back-to-back BAL titles. Kendrick Ray led all scorers with 21 points, while Aboubacar Gakou added 17. Petro shot 40.7% from three and made 85% of their free throws. For Al Ittihad, Lual Acuil scored a team-high 16 points, but the team struggled from deep, hitting 5 of 26 attempts. 

Al Ittihad will face APR in the third-place game on Friday, June 13 at 7 p.m. CAT. 

PRESS CONFERENCE 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

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Vision with Precision: New Firmware Updates for PTZ, Apps, Controller Plus Cinema EOS and XF Camcorders

Canon (Canon-CNA.com) today announces the launch of some exciting and free-to-download firmware updates for its Auto Tracking Application RA-AT001, PTZ cameras, RC-IP1000 controller plus Cinema EOS and XF professional camcorders. The firmware is expected to be available from July onwards and consists of the following:

AUTO TRACKING APPLICATION RA-AT001

Canon’s renowned Auto Tracking PTZ capabilities have significantly evolved thanks to the latest firmware update adding the following new paid-for1 features: Multi-Person Framing, Face Direction Framing and Sit/Stand Framing. These new features enhance the PTZ camera’s ability to achieve pleasingly natural and professional compositions.

Multi-Person Framing

Ideal for visual podcasts, talk shows and lectures where it’s important to keep several people together in the frame and maintain a well-balanced composition.

Face Direction Framing

Based on the direction in which the subject is facing, this function automatically leaves space in front of the face for a more aesthetically pleasing composition.

Sit/Stand Framing

When people sit down, the camera can now automatically zoom in on the individual. And when they stand up, the camera will automatically zoom out.

PTZ CAMERAS

New firmware is also available for Canon’s range of PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) cameras. Improvements include automatic RTMP/SRT streaming re-connection in the event of a network disruption, as well as the ability to reduce the frame rate of web-based live camera feeds to optimise performance on congested networks.
 

MULTI-CAMERA CONTROL APP

Canon’s Multi-Camera Control App is a free-of-charge iOS smartphone / iPad application for controlling and monitoring up to four professional video cameras simultaneously. The new Multi-Camera Control App update will now allow PTZ cameras to be controlled and in addition will include Pan/Tilt, Preset Selection, Auto Tracking on/off operation plus pinch-in/out zoom.

RC-IP1000 CONTROLLER

Three important updates are now available via new firmware for the RC-IP1000 controller. Standard Communication serial support is added, which allows operators to control PTZ cameras indoors by serial communication, plus improvements have been made to camera pre-registration, with a long press on the touch panel added to register a preset and a larger Preset Thumbnail layout now added.

CINEMA EOS AND XF PRO CAMCORDERS

Enhanced virtual production support with Unreal Engine has been added by connecting multiple computers simultaneously, plus it is now possible to play RAW video files in-camera with digital lens correction applied and with improved OSD customisation.

1 RA-AT001 Auto Tracking Lite is pre-installed in compatible PTZ cameras. Auto Tracking App RA-AT001 with further functionality is available via a paid licence.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa 
Mai Youssef 
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com 

APO Group – PR Agency:
Rania ElRafie 
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com 

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market. 

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.  

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/3HEAsXW) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better. 

For more information: Canon-CNA.com

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World Football Summit Monterrey Confirms Mexico’s Rise as Global Football Business Hub

World Football Summit (WFS) (www.WorldFootballSummit.com) concluded its second Mexican edition yesterday in Monterrey, bringing together over 1,700 football industry leaders, executives, and pioneers from 40 countries to explore the extraordinary opportunities shaping the future of football in Latin America and North America. The summit’s timing was particularly significant, taking place exactly one year before the inauguration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The two-day summit, held June 9-10 at Pabellón M, positioned Monterrey as a central hub for football business conversations in the Americas, particularly as the region prepares for the transformative impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Strategic Timing for Regional Transformation

WFS Monterrey addressed the pivotal moment the football industry faces in the America’s, with the 2026 World Cup promising a $5 billion economic impact and unprecedented infrastructure development across the region. The summit explored how Mexico’s football industry, projected to reach $1.044 billion by 2029, can leverage this momentum alongside the booming Latin American sponsorship market valued at $745 million across Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, to name a few of its major markets.

“Exactly one year before the 2026 World Cup kicks off, Monterrey has proven itself as the epicenter of the most important conversations about the future of football in the Americas,” said Jan Alessie, Co-Founder and Managing Director of World Football Summit. “The incredible response we received, with over 1,700 industry leaders from 40 countries participating, demonstrates that this event has become fundamental to understanding where the global football industry is heading. The decisions and partnerships forged here will directly influence how the sport develops across the region as we approach this historic World Cup.”

World-Class Speaker Lineup Drives Strategic Discussions

The summit featured an exceptional lineup of industry leaders, including:

  • Davor Šuker, Croatian football legend
  • Jurgen Mainka, Chief Tournament Officer Mexico, FWC26
  • Mauricio Culebro, President of TIGRES UANL
  • Pedro Esquivel, President at Club de Futbol Monterrey (Rayados)
  • Hector Gonzalez, Chief Operating Officer at Club América
  • Alejandro Hutt, Host City Manager at FWC26 Monterrey
  • Arturo Pérez, President at Toluca
  • Olek Loewenstein, Global President of Sports at Televisa Univision
  • Isabella Echeverri, Board Member at Common Goal USA
  • Iñigo Riestra, General Secretary at the Mexican Football Federation
  • Héctor Herrera, Mexican Football Player
  • Mariana Gutiérrez, President of Liga MX Femenil
  • Grace Ahrens, Executive Director, Women in Soccer
  • Fernando Palomo, Host at ESPN

Furthermore, the support of the Mexican political ecosystem was made evident through the participation of top tier representatives, including:

  • Samuel García – Constitutional Governor of the State of Nuevo León
  • Rommel Pacheco – Minister of Sports of the Mexican Government
  • Melody Falcó – General Manager at Instituto Estatal de Cultura Física y Deporte
  • Martha Herrera – Secretary of Equality and Inclusion for Nuevo León
  • Maricarmen Martinez – Secretary of Tourism State of Nuevo León
  • Melissa Segura – Secretary of Culture State of Nuevo León

Recognizing Regional Excellence Through WFS Honors

A highlight of the summit was the WFS Honors ceremony, recognizing outstanding contributions to football development across six categories:

  • WFS Honor for Leading Women in Sport – Mariana Gutiérrez
  • Honor for Transformative Partnerships Shaping the Future of Sport – Club Tigres UANL & DC Comics
  • Honor for Local Grassroots Strategy to Develop Sport – Club de Fútbol Monterrey
  • Honor for Outstanding Leadership in Sport – Don Valentín Diez Morodo, Deportivo Toluca FC
  • Honor for Social & Community Impact Through Sport – Blue Women, Pink Men
  • WFS Honor for Legacy & Greatness  – Davor Šuker

Strategic Partnerships and Regional Collaboration

The event, co-organized with Soccer Media Solutions, showcased strong institutional and commercial support, with key participation from the Government of Nuevo León, FWC 26 Monterrey, Mexican Football Federation, UN Tourism, and LALIGA. Strategic commercial partners included OCV Monterrey (Monterrey Convention and Visitors Bureau), PM SHOP, Caliente MX, Codetur, and Senn Ferrero, with 25 companies exhibiting their products and services at the event.

Building on Mexico’s Growing Football Business Ecosystem

WFS Monterrey builds on the success of the inaugural Mexican edition held in Mexico City in June 2024, demonstrating the country’s rapidly expanding role in global football business. The summit addressed critical topics including private equity investment growth, women’s football development, local talent academy programs, fan engagement through technology and data analytics, and cross-border collaboration opportunities.

Key Focus Areas Explored:

  • Maximizing the 2026 World Cup’s economic impact and infrastructure legacy
  • Private equity’s growing interest in Latin American football
  • Women’s football development and commercial potential
  • Multi-club ownership models and governance challenges
  • Broadcasting rights strategy in the digital age
  • Sustainable practices and long-term sport legacy
  • Technology integration and fan engagement innovation

Looking Forward

The success of WFS Monterrey reinforces Mexico’s position as a bridge between North and South American football markets, with Monterrey emerging as a key strategic location for industry development. The summit’s outcomes will contribute to shaping investment, development, and collaboration strategies across the Americas as the region prepares for its starring role in the 2026 World Cup.

WFS continues its global expansion with upcoming events in Hong Kong (September 3-4), Madrid (October 15-16), and Riyadh (December 10-11), further cementing its position as the world’s premier football business platform.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Football Summit.

Media Contact:
Jaime Domínguez
press@worldfootballsummit.com
For more information: www.WorldFootballSummit.com

About World Football Summit:
World Football Summit is a leading international organization for the football industry. Through its platform, we organize events across four continents that bring together key stakeholders from the ecosystem, fostering business opportunities, collaboration, and innovation in the sector. Thousands of professionals representing companies and institutions from around the world actively engage with WFS.

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Azentio Expands Regional Leadership Team to Drive Growth in Middle East and Africa (MEA)


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Azentio Software (www.Azentio.com), a leading B2B technology provider specializing in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector, today announced two strategic appointments to its regional leadership team in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). These new hires reflect the company’s continued investment in strengthening client partnerships and accelerating market expansion in the region.

Joining Azentio’s Dubai office are:

Bashir Khouri, Head of New Business Sales – MEA
Bashir joins Azentio from SAP Fioneer where he led the regional go-to-market strategy and is an accomplished sales leader with over 15 years of experience delivering growth and building strong client relationships across the region. In his new role, he will spearhead Azentio’s go-to-market efforts across MEA, with a focus on driving customer acquisition and expanding into new verticals and territories.  Bashir brings deep domain expertise in digital and core banking, cloud computing, enterprise performance management, governance and compliance, and business intelligence, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, as well as executive education credentials from Harvard Business School Online and eCornell University. His previous roles at SAP and MDSAP saw him successfully drive aggressive growth strategies, optimize sales operations, and engage C-level stakeholders.

“I’m proud to be joining Azentio at such a dynamic time,” said Bashir. “The company’s vision, product strength, and commitment to client success are truly compelling. I look forward to helping expand our footprint and create meaningful value for customers across the region.”

Sam Henderson, Head of Existing Business Sales – MEA
Sam is a seasoned sales leader with a strong track record in building high-performing teams, developing strategic partner ecosystems, and driving growth across enterprise applications, cloud, and cybersecurity. He joins Azentio from Trellix, where he led Channel and OEM Sales across Asia Pacific and Japan during a transformative period following the acquisition of McAfee and FireEye. His earlier roles include leadership positions at AWS, focused on enterprise application partner sales and SAP alliances, and SAP, where he spent six years overseeing general business and channel sales in the region. Sam also played a key role in launching a joint Microsoft-NetApp cloud solution in 2019, helping customers solve complex infrastructure challenges in the cloud.

“I’m excited to join Azentio at such a pivotal time for the business,” said Sam. “I look forward to leading the account management organisation across MEA and working closely with our customers to deliver an industry-leading experience that supports their growth and digital transformation.”

These appointments follow Azentio’s recent expansion in the region, including the opening of its new offices in Dubai and Cairo, which serve as strategic hubs for its operations across the Middle East and Africa.

Rahul Arora, Chief Sales Officer at Azentio, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Bashir and Sam to Azentio. Their leadership, experience, and understanding of the MEA market will be instrumental in driving our ambitious growth agenda. As we continue to scale our business in the region, our priority remains delivering transformative technology solutions and exceptional service to our clients.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Azentio Software Private Limited.

Contacts:
Media
Sohini Bhattacharya
sohini.bhattacharya@azentio.com

About Azentio:
Azentio is a leading provider of purpose-built, intelligence-driven technology solutions designed to transform the banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) sectors. By combining cutting-edge innovation with deep domain expertise, Azentio empowers businesses to accelerate growth, enhance operational efficiency, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. With a strong presence across the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, Azentio delivers world-class technology that streamlines processes and delivers tangible results, enabling organizations to achieve sustainable success. For more information on Azentio, please visit www.Azentio.com.

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Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and African First Ladies mark World Hypertension Day 2025 by launching their Annual Awards for Best Media, Fashion, Song, and Film to raise awareness on hypertension, diabetes and importance of healthy lifestyle

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks ‘World Hypertension Day 2025’ in partnership with Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia through their “Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program, by reinforcing its commitment to improving cardiovascular and diabetes care across Africa, and beyond.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation stated, “At Merck Foundation we observe “World Hypertension Day” by expanding access to quality and equitable care in Hypertension, Diabetes, Endocrinnology and Cardiovascular preventive care, which are all co-related, by providing scholarships for young doctors from across Africa and beyond.

“Together with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa, and partners like Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, we have till today provided more than 860 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries, of One-Year Online PG Diplomas and Two-Year Online Master’s Degrees in Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Cardiology, and Obesity & Weight Management, as well as One-Year Clinical Cardiovascular Care and Clinical Diabetes Onsite Fellowship Programs in India, a special 3-month Diabetes Mastercourse in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish languages.

What is special about these scholarships is that they have been provided not only to doctors from capital cities, but also to those from across the country — ensuring wider geographic coverage of healthcare capacity. We remain committed to continuing our efforts to improve healthcare capacity and access to hypertension and diabetes care.”

Merck Foundation has in total provided more than 2270 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Dr. Dzifa Ahadzi, Merck Foundation alumnus from Ghana shares, “I have completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Cardiology and currently pursuing MSc in Cardiology. Being a practicing cardiologist, this program has provided me with the opportunity to consolidate my knowledge and apply current advances in cardiovascular care to my clinical practice. Since completing the PG Diploma in Cardiology, I have been involved in establishing a Heart Failure clinic in my hospital that caters to the needs of a diverse population of Heart Failure patients including women with Postpartum cardiomyopathy and Cardio-oncology patients.

I am extremely grateful to Merck Foundation for the support and exposure it has provided me. It has inspired me and helped me to improve cardiovascular care amongst the population that I serve.”

Merck Foundation scholarships are of great value, given that as per WHO data, the African region has the highest prevalence of hypertension, with approximately 27% of adults affected.

Therefore, Merck Foundation has launched several community awareness programs to emphasize on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about diabetes and hypertension prevention, early detection and management.

Merck Foundation, together with The First Ladies of Africa has launched a storybook and its adapted animation Film “Mark’s Pressure”.

“I believe early education is key to building a healthier community. Through our storybook and animation film “Mark’s Pressure”, we aim to instill healthy habits in children and youth — like reducing salt and sugar, eating well, exercising, and avoiding smoking. I believe that this is the only way to to prevent and manage hypertension and diabetes, which are major risk factors for many serious complications and illnesses.”

Watch the “Mark’s Pressure” Animation Film here:

https://apo-opa.co/45pQuid

Moreover, Merck Foundation’s pan African TV program “Our Africa” conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation has episodes dedicated to raising awareness about Diabetes and Promoting Healthy Lifestyle.

Watch the Episodes here:

https://apo-opa.co/4jMij7M

https://apo-opa.co/43VGaf9

“Our Africa” TV Program has been broadcasted on National and Prime TV stations of many African countries like Burundi, Botswana, Ghana, The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zambia and is currently on social media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4jMijEO), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4jPaTkd), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/43XKSco) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4l3tpX8)] and Merck Foundation [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/445Av6G), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3SMH2Ok), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/403N1Cb) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3HD4xXz)].

Additionally, Merck Foundation together with African First Ladies, also launches annually, their Awards for best Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, Musicians/ Singers, and new potential talents in these fields from African countries to Promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

1. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.

2. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.

Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to:

submit@merck-foundation.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/445Av6G
X: https://apo-opa.co/403N1Cb
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3HD4xXz
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3SMH2Ok
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4l5X9CL
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4jMiwrA
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: www.Merck-Foundation.com/MF_StoreRedirection

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/445Av6G), X (https://apo-opa.co/403N1Cb), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3SMH2Ok), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3HD4xXz), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4l5X9CL) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4jMiwrA).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support 

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Mashatile’s office rebuffs claims of misuse of State funds for ’extravagant’ overseas trips

Source: South Africa News Agency

Mashatile’s office rebuffs claims of misuse of State funds for ’extravagant’ overseas trips

The Office of the Deputy President has released a statement denying allegations of misusing State funds related to Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s international travel. 

This statement follows extensive media coverage from various news outlets and public speculation on the matter. 

“Categorically, the Office and the Deputy President have not, as seems to be suggested, misused State funds or been extravagant in financing the costs of the Deputy President’s international travel,” the statement read on Tuesday evening. 

According to the Presidency, the matter was first raised after a written parliamentary inquiry from Action SA, which prompted detailed disclosures regarding travel expenses.

“In light of such an expected phenomenon, the Deputy President replied to the question in full and also provided specific details, which include correct figures and breakdown of individual costs by members of the delegation supporting the Deputy President.” 

The Deputy President’s Office has stressed that all international trips undertaken are in his official capacity, representing the South African government, as directed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

“Moreover, the majority of these strategic international visits are aimed at strengthening existing bilateral, political, economic and diplomatic relations between South Africa and visited countries.” 

Mashatile has engaged in several significant international working visits since taking office on 3 July 2024, including trips to Ireland, the United Kingdom and Japan, with further planned visits to France. 

The Office has provided a comprehensive breakdown of the expenses associated with these trips, stressing that many figures circulated in the media are inflated. 

News24 recently reported that the Deputy President’s recent trip to Japan in March cost R2.3 million, with R900 000 covering accommodation for him and his wife.

However, the Presidency stated that the Japan visit was particularly highlighted for its strategic relevance, marking the first high-level engagement between South Africa and Japan in a decade, coinciding with the 115th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

During the Japan working visit, the country’s second-in-command was accompanied by various Ministers. 

The Presidency believes that the visit was advantageous for South Africa’s African Agenda, especially considering the current overlap of South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) chairship and Japan’s upcoming hosting of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in August.

“This presents a unique opportunity for South Africa to communicate its own and the continent’s position and priorities to Japan, and the expected support and role that Japan could play in this regard.”

In addition, the Deputy President’s Office stated that the claims of exorbitant costs for certain officials have been disputed, and that the actual expenditure is significantly lower.

“Regrettably, some of the figures presented by the media are significantly blown out of proportion and do not accurately reflect the cost of the trips. For example, one media liaison officer, referred to by TimesLive as the ‘most expensive supporting official’, is said to have cost R580 582 for Japan alone, when in fact, the total cost for that official is less than R66 000, including flights and accommodation.” 

The Office has reassured the public that the Deputy President’s travels are conducted with fiscal responsibility and in alignment with South Africa’s commitment to global relations and investment.

“In terms of the travel policy in the Presidential Handbook, transport for the President and Deputy President during travel outside South Africa is the responsibility and for the account of the State.” 

In addition, the Office mentioned that the financial responsibilities for the visits, which include travel, accommodation, and other miscellaneous expenses, are typically shared between the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and other participating departments. 

“In all these visits, the Office of the Deputy President has insisted on the most cost-effective provisions for the Deputy President and his delegations and has therefore not misused or extravagantly used State funds, as alluded.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets Officials on Sidelines of Oslo Forum for Peace

Source: Government of Qatar

Oslo, June 11, 2025

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi held separate meetings today with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway Espen Barth Eide, HE Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic Asaad Al Shibani, HE Minister of International Development of the Kingdom of Norway Asmund Aukrust, HE State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway Andreas Kravik, HE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye Burhanettin Duran, HE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Majid Takht-Ravanchi, and HE Commissioner for Human Rights in the Ukrainian Parliament Dmytro Lubinets.

The meetings took place on the sidelines of the annual Oslo Forum for Peace held in the Norwegian capital, Oslo.

During the meetings, the parties reviewed bilateral cooperation and ways to support and enhance it, in addition to discussing a number of regional and international issues.