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Blind Mother and Daughter Look into Each Others’ Eyes for the First Time in Years

Source: APO

This World Sight Day, the world unites around the theme ‘People at the heart of eye health’. For Marie Jeanne and her daughter Germaine, this message could not be better represented. After years of blindness due to cataracts, this mother and daughter from a remote Malagasy village had both vision and lives restored thanks to a 15-minute cataract surgery aboard the Africa Mercy, the hospital ship operated by international charity Mercy Ships (https://MercyShips.Africa).

At 80 years old, Marie Jeanne had already suffered tremendous loss, including seven of her eight children had passed away. Her last comfort came from weaving raffia mats and hats, until even that joy was stolen three years ago. A year later, her daughter Germaine also began losing her vision, leaving her unable to farm or care for her children. “If I had a weak faith, I might have given up,” Germaine shared.

Their journey to healing began when a family member heard about Mercy Ships on the radio. Encouraged by hope, they traveled to Toamasina, where the Africa Mercy was offering free cataract surgeries to those in need. On the same day, both mother and daughter underwent the quick, restorative procedure.

Their surgeon, Dr. Guy Chevalley, explained, “Their cataracts were so advanced that their pupils were no longer black, but completely white.” Ophthalmic Program Manager Ella Hawthorne added, “They could only see movement, just a hand waving in front of them. That was it.”

The following morning, with eye patches as they sat side-by-side, they looked at each other clearly for the first time in years. What followed were uncontainable tears of joy.

“We no longer live in darkness,” Marie Jeanne said. “Our eyes can see, and our hearts are full of happiness!”

Globally, an estimated 2.2 billion people have a vision impairment or blindness, with at least 1 billion cases preventable or yet to be addressed, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) (https://apo-opa.co/46Jdjxv). Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to timely eye care remains limited. The lack of affordable services and trained specialists often means that treatable conditions, like those faced by Marie Jeanne and Germaine, lead to needless suffering and lost potential.

Ella Hawthorne reflected on the moment: “It was very emotional to see their happiness when the patches came off at the same time. What a blessing it is to help this family. To see someone truly, to spend time with them and having that taken away and then restored is incredibly special.”

Marie Jeanne has since returned to her craft, weaving raffia into mats and hats with the skill she had longed to use again. And Germaine is back to farming, participating actively in her church and caring for her precious children  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.

For more information about Mercy Ships, contact:  
international.media@mercyships.org   

ABOUT MERCY SHIPS:  
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.  

Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit www.MercyShips.org and follow @ MercyShips on social media.  

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French President Meets Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs

Source: Government of Qatar

Paris, October 09, 2025

HE President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron met Thursday in Paris with HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani.
At the outset of the meeting, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs conveyed the greetings of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to HE the French President, along with His Highness’s wishes of good health and happiness to him, and continued progress and prosperity to the government and people of the French Republic.
For his part, HE the French President entrusted HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs with his greetings to HH the Amir, wishing His Highness good health and happiness, and further development and growth to the Qatari people.
During the meeting, they discussed ways to support and enhance bilateral cooperation, as well as developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, in light of the agreement on all terms and mechanisms for implementing the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, and the means to ensure its full implementation.

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Washington Positions United States (U.S.) as Africa’s Strategic Energy Partner

Source: APO


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U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has called for a new era of partnership between the United States and Africa, framing the continent as both a strategic ally and an emerging powerhouse for global energy investment.  

Speaking at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies in Cape Town, Cruz said the U.S. must become a strong and committed partner in advancing Africa’s energy ambitions through exploration, production and infrastructure investment.  

“Africa is a strategic partner,” he said. “The U.S. is Africa’s partnership alternative to communist China, and we’re here today to create that robust alternative. We’re changing the paradigm. U.S. Africa policy now revolves around investment-led commercial diplomacy.” 

Cruz drew parallels between Texas’ energy-driven economy and Africa’s resource potential, describing how energy had delivered millions of jobs and billions in economic value to the U.S. “As a Texan, I understand the immense benefit that comes with being blessed with abundant resources,” he said. “Texas is rightly known as the energy capital of the world. I believe the United States should be a strong and committed partner in Africa’s energy future.” 

Cruz’s comments come as the U.S. seeks to strengthen commercial ties with African producers amid growing competition from China and Gulf nations. While Beijing has spent two decades building deep energy and infrastructure links across the continent, U.S. officials are increasingly emphasizing private investment and positioning themselves as partners focused on mutually beneficial projects rather than aid. 

By positioning the U.S. as a “robust alternative,” Cruz emphasized that engagement should focus on transparent, market-driven investment. “Together the U.S. and Africa can secure a safer, freer and more prosperous energy future,” he said. 

DOE Backs Strategy 

The senator’s remarks were echoed by senior U.S. energy officials, reinforcing a multi-agency push to boost investor confidence and expand American engagement across the continent. The week also featured a dedicated U.S.–Africa Energy Roundtable, aimed at increasing private-sector investment and enhancing U.S.–Africa policy alignment to drive investment-led growth, supported by agencies including EXIM and the Department of Energy (DOE).  

“Energy addition is a priority for the DOE, and nowhere can it be more impactful than here in Africa. This is our goal as an agency and it has support from the highest levels of the administration,” said Andrew Rapp, Senior Advisor at the DOE. He emphasized the DOE’s role in creating a “multiplier effect” to attract private capital.   

Josh Volz, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Europe, Eurasia, Africa and the Middle East at the DOE, highlighted U.S. respect for African sovereignty in energy decision-making. “International governments should not stand in the way of how African nations determine their energy futures. We are eager to hear how best we can, from a U.S. perspective, partner with Africa,” he said. Volz noted that the U.S. private sector is already heavily engaged, with $65 billion invested across the continent, complemented by a $2.5 billion pledge operationalized under the Trump administration to support African energy expansion. 

Gas in Focus 

The U.S. is making a major push to strengthen its energy partnership with Africa, with a strong focus on natural gas and LPG development. Earlier this year, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright emphasized the importance of supporting African energy independence, highlighting efforts to expand access to LPG and clean cooking solutions to improve household energy availability across the continent. 

“Africa needs massively more energy. Africans will do that. Africans will deliver that. The United States is thrilled to partner with you in that endeavor,” said Wright. “We want to be your partners in technology and providing capital and partnering in any way we can to pursue that goal.” 

American companies are currently leading some of the largest energy projects on the continent. In March 2025, EXIM approved a $4.7 billion loan for the Mozambique LNG development, which is expected to produce 13.1 MTPA of LNG. ExxonMobil plans to invest $1.5 billion in Nigeria’s Usan deepwater offshore oil field to boost production between 2025 and 2027, while also targeting FID on the $30 billion Rovuma LNG project offshore Mozambique by 2026. Kosmos Energy is a major stakeholder in the $4.8 billion Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project offshore Mauritania and Senegal, projected to produce up to 5 MTPA across multiple phases, and is also engaged in deepwater upstream exploration and production in Equatorial Guinea. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Africanian Learnings: The initiative redefining how Africa writes its own stories

Source: APO

Africanian News (www.Africanian.com) is taking a major step to strengthen African journalism with the launch of Africanian Learnings, a new program designed to empower reporters and writers across the continent.

The initiative debuts with an intensive writing course created in partnership with www.AhoraEG.com, (www.AhoraEG.com)  Equatorial Guinea’s leading local news platform. It aims to help journalists refine their skills and adapt to the rapid changes shaping the global media industry.

In an age driven by Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation, Africanian Learnings provides the tools to combine modern newsroom practices with authentic African storytelling. The curriculum covers strategic AI integration, feature reporting with international standards, and advanced writing for diverse audiences.

Beyond theory, participants will see their best stories published in AhoraEG (Spanish edition) and Africanian News (English edition), reaching readers locally and internationally. “It will be 30 days of training that could redefine the careers of many professionals,” says Eleuterio Ekobo Lobete, Africanian News’ Country Lead in Equatorial Guinea. “We want to set a new standard for how Africa tells its own stories.”

With partners including CGTN, APO Group, and Ecofin Agency, and as a member of the AfriLabs network, Africanian News continues to position Equatorial Guinea as a growing hub for media innovation. The first edition will be hosted at Dreams Hub Center for Leadership and Entrepreneurship in Malabo, nurturing local talent with a global impact.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africanian News.

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CORRECTION: CS OILFIELD Delivers End-to-End Chemical Solutions, Boosting Industry Trust at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: APO

CS OILFIELD (https://CS-OILFIELD.com/), a specialty oilfield chemicals and technical services company headquartered in Turkey, recently reinforced its commitment to quality, safety, and operational excellence as a Silver Sponsor at Africa Energy Week (AEW) 2025, held in Cape Town from 29 September to 3 October. With a growing footprint across eight African countries, including Nigeria, Angola, Gabon, and Congo, CS OILFIELD is advancing performance-driven chemical solutions that support procurement efficiency, operational reliability, and sustainable growth across the continent.

“Africa’s oil and gas sector faces mounting pressure to strike a balance between cost control and operational integrity. This pressure on procurement could lead to substandard chemical if a holistic approach is not developed in the sourcing of Oilfield chemicals. High-quality chemicals have far-reaching benefits to the environment and the whole work plan.”

“Every decision in oil and gas operations, even one as seemingly minor as a chemical selection, can make or break a project worth millions of dollars,” said Hasan Mutlu, Co-founder of CS OILFIELD. “Our mission is to break the cycle where chemicals are blamed for operational challenges by ensuring that high-quality, technically supported solutions are delivered reliably and efficiently.”

Chemicals in oil and gas are often overlooked until something goes wrong, resulting in wasted resources, costly downtime, and long-term equipment damage. With up to 15% of non-productive time linked to poor chemical performance, substandard materials can drain billions across the industry.

 CS OILFIELD addresses this hidden cost by delivering high-quality, technically supported solutions that safeguard wellbore integrity, reduce waste, protect the environment, and preserve profitability. Supported by advanced R&D hubs, efficient logistics, and a commitment to operational reliability, the company ensures operators meet design performance without overruns or reputational risk.

At Africa Energy Week 2025, CS OILFIELD showcased its integrated approach to chemical engineering, manufacturing, and field support. The company also stressed its role in maintaining consistent production efficiency while meeting international standards.

CS OILFIELD’s “Building Together” strategy emphasises local sourcing, technical knowledge transfer, and resilient supply chains. By partnering with African companies and investing in community impact, the company contributes to skills development, job creation, and sustainable project delivery.

“CS OILFIELD isn’t just a supplier; we’re a strategic partner,” Mutlu added. “We take the time to understand each project’s unique challenges and goals, ensuring our solutions deliver measurable value today and into the future.”

For more information about CS OILFIELD and its services, visit https://CS-OILFIELD.com/.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CS OILFIELD.

About CS OILFIELD:
Founded by industry professionals in 2017, CS OILFIELD is a service company built on engineering precision, manufacturing expertise, and logistics agility. The company operates with a clear focus: supporting oilfield operations with chemical systems that are developed in the lab but proven in the field. Its portfolio spans both drilling fluid systems and production chemical treatments, enabling contributions across the full lifecycle of the well — from drilling performance to long-term asset protection. Based in Istanbul, CS OILFIELD’s operations extend across Türkiye, West Africa, and the Caspian region, with a local presence in Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, and Baku. From early engagement to field application, the company remains close to the operation and takes ownership of every challenge it undertakes.

https://CS-OILFIELD.com/

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Gauteng’s ‘Coloured’ community feels unsafe: who they are and why they’re discouraged

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Rashid Seedat, Executive Director, Gauteng City-Region Observatory

The “Coloured” community in Gauteng, South Africa’s economic heartland, continues to face barriers to full economic and social inclusion. Despite progress in post-apartheid South Africa, this historically oppressed community continues to experience significant socio-economic challenges.

The term “Coloured” is initially placed in quotation marks to acknowledge its contested nature. Historically, the formation of Coloured identity in South Africa emerged from a complex colonial encounter involving Dutch and British settlers, slaves from south and east Asia and east Africa, and the indigenous Khoi and San peoples. This produced a distinct, mixed group that did not neatly fit into colonial racial categories. During apartheid, Coloured people were legally defined by the 1950 Population Registration Act as those who were neither white nor Black African.

Today, it remains an official racial classification in South Africa. It is also used in everyday discourse. But it is not a universally accepted label.

Quotation marks signal critical distance and sensitivity to the complex debates surrounding the term.

The Coloured population is concentrated mainly in the Western Cape (42.1%) and the Northern Cape (41.6%). There are smaller proportions in the Eastern Cape (7.6%), Gauteng (2.9%), Free-State (2.6%), North-West (1.6%), KwaZulu-Natal (1.5%), Mpumalanga (0.6%) and Limpopo (0.3%).

Current, albeit limited, research on the Coloured community is usually focused on the Western Cape province. This means that there is no new substantial scholarship providing a deeper and more nuanced understanding of this community in Gauteng.

In a bid to fill this gap, the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) initiated a research project that delves into the issues in greater detail. This follows findings from a GCRO Quality of Life Survey released in 2024 which revealed concerning data on the Coloured community in Gauteng. This included the fact that a larger proportion of Coloured people within Gauteng felt unsafe, discouraged, apathetic and dissatisfied compared to the provincial average.

The concerns highlighted in the survey are not separate from questions of Coloured identity. There is a link between an enduring perception of marginalisation within Coloured communities and real material struggles.

Biggest concerns

Safety: The survey indicated that safety remains a concern for the Coloured community in Gauteng. When asked about the main problems in their community, 2.3% indicated gangs as a problem. This compared with 0.2% of the general Gauteng population.

Additionally, 61% of Coloured people believed that the crime situation had worsened in their neighbourhoods over the past year. The provincial average was 48%.

South Africa is often regarded as “the protest capital of the world”. Over 680 protests were recorded in the country from August 2024 to August 2025, an average of nearly two a day. In September 2025, Johannesburg’s majority-Coloured suburbs, Westbury, Coronationville, Newclare and Claremont, erupted in violent protests following prolonged water shortages. These protests reflected broader frustrations over basic service delivery failures.

When Coloured respondents were asked about reasons for protests in the neighbourhood in the survey, 17% indicated that it was a result of crime and safety issues, compared to the provincial average of 4%.

Joblessness and financial stresses: The survey highlighted that 5% of Coloured residents are discouraged work seekers. This is double the average in Gauteng. A total of 26% of Coloured people felt that saving money was impossible, compared to 17% of the general population.

The highest proportion of households experiencing severe food insecurity in Gauteng belong to the Coloured (12%) and Black African (13%) population groups.

Food insecurity refers to individuals who do not have access to sufficient food to lead an active, healthy life. The GCRO developed a food security index based on four indicators: whether households could afford enough groceries, whether there was a place nearby to buy food, and whether adults or children had skipped a meal due to financial constraints.

Political apathy: Among Coloured people who stated that they intended not to vote or were unsure if they would vote, 40% indicated that they do not like politics, broken promises or believed that voting is a waste of time. This is nearly double the provincial average of 26%.

The Coloured community had the highest proportion of people who were dissatisfied with their local municipalities. This dissatisfaction extended to provincial and national government:

  • 72% of Coloured people expressed dissatisfaction with provincial government, compared to 63% across Gauteng, and

  • 78% were dissatisfied with the national government, compared to 67% for the province.

Over a quarter of Coloured people believed that politics was a waste of time (26%) and that South Africa was a failed state (29%). This was much higher than the provincial average.

The survey also shed light on the ongoing racial tensions within Gauteng. Eighteen percent of Coloured residents reported experiencing racial discrimination either always or often. This compares with 13% of the general population.

Unpacking Coloured identity

A range of South African scholars and authors are engaged in debates on the Coloured identity. In developing our own understanding of Coloured identity, we draw on a three-part framework for thinking about its formation developed by professor of anthropology Zimitri Erasmus and set out in the introduction of the book Coloured by history, shaped by place: New perspectives on Coloured identity in Cape Town.

First, Coloured identity cannot be reduced to a “race mixture”. It is a cultural formation shaped by the conditions of appropriation and dispossession under slavery, colonialism and apartheid.

Second, Coloured identity was developed through creolisation, the blending of subaltern and ruling cultures, and is continually, and creatively, remade by Coloured people across time and space in ways that help them make sense of their lives.

Third, the apartheid racial hierarchy placed Coloured between Black African and White. This gave rise to the common refrain, “not black enough to be Black and not white enough to be White”. This position is twofold. On the one hand researchers must recognise the intra-Black racism of Coloured people under apartheid. On the other hand, they need to recognise the community’s enduring sense of marginalisation.

Next steps

The GRCO‘s project, “The Coloured community in post-apartheid Gauteng” aims to understand and explore dimensions of the Coloured experience in Gauteng.

The research initiative includes these areas of focus: a political and historical overview; a demographic and geographic profile; an examination of social and economic conditions; subjective well-being; political attitudes; and the role of religion.

Shamsunisaa Miles-Timotheus and Shannon Whitaker, junior researchers at the GCRO, are co-authors of this article.

– Gauteng’s ‘Coloured’ community feels unsafe: who they are and why they’re discouraged
– https://theconversation.com/gautengs-coloured-community-feels-unsafe-who-they-are-and-why-theyre-discouraged-264716

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Global partnerships must empower Africa, not replace dependency – President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for global investments under the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative to be structured in a way that empowers African countries and supports their own development priorities, rather than creating new forms of dependency.

The President was delivering a statement at the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels on Thursday, hosted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. 

He said the forum presented an opportunity to advance cooperation between Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe in pursuit of sustainable and inclusive growth. 

The President emphasised that as a continent, Africa is striving for universal access to energy through diversification, equitable financing and technology transfer. 

“The support from the EU and its member states will play an important part in this journey. It is important that the substantial investments that are being made through the Global Gateway are structured in a manner that empowers African countries and does not replace one dependency with another.

“They must enable African countries to pursue development paths that are suited to their circumstances and to the needs of their people,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The Global Gateway Forum brings together leaders from around the world to discuss clean, secure, and sustainable investment in infrastructure and connectivity across regions.

Partnership anchored in shared priorities

President Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to the strategic partnership with the European Union, which he said had “evolved in scope and substance over the years.”

He noted that the South Africa-EU Summit held in Cape Town, earlier this year, had deepened cooperation and reaffirmed shared values in areas such as climate resilience, digital connectivity, transport infrastructure, vaccine production, and trade.

“Together, we have an opportunity to strengthen resilience by advancing investments in digital and green infrastructure, fostering innovation, securing supply chains and encouraging diversification that supports sustainable and inclusive growth,” he said. 

Driving Africa’s industrialisation and energy transition

President Ramaphosa emphasised that Africa must be an equal partner in trade and industrialisation, calling for the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers that constrain African exports to the EU. 

He said investment and trade should serve as instruments to foster industrialisation on the continent and to support Africa’s vision for energy security and diversification. 

“South Africa has embarked on a just transition that advances renewable energy, while safeguarding energy security, and enabling social and economic development.
 
“We are using our natural resource endowments – such as solar, wind and our critical minerals – to build industries that will grow our economies,” he said. 

The President highlighted that South Africa is implementing far-reaching economic reforms in energy, water, logistics, and telecommunications to improve competitiveness and attract investment, alongside a massive infrastructure investment drive to expand the capacity of the economy.

Preparing to host the first G20 Summit on African soil

President Ramaphosa also used the Brussels forum to reaffirm South Africa’s readiness to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit next month, under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.”

He said over 100 preparatory meetings have already taken place since South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency from Brazil. 

A key priority for the Summit, he said, will be to address the unsustainable debt burdens faced by developing economies, particularly in Africa.

“It is simply unacceptable that many developing economy countries pay much more for their debt than what more developed economy countries pay. This unfair treatment perpetuates inequality not only between individuals, but amongst countries as well,” the President said. 

He announced that South Africa has established a G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Wealth Inequality, led by Nobel Laureate Professor Joseph Stiglitz, to present recommendations on global inequality at the Summit. 

Call for reform and fair climate financing

President Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s stance on the reform of international financial institutions to ensure that multilateral development banks can better tackle global challenges.

He urged stronger action against predatory mining practices and for fair management of critical minerals, while calling for greater climate financing support to developing economies in the Global South. 

“We must build consensus on the reform of international financial institutions to better tackle global challenges. Greater support needs to be given to developing countries through climate financing and reconstruction in the aftermath of extreme weather events,” the President said.

Concluding his address, President Ramaphosa said South Africa remains committed to working closely with the European Union to ensure that shared ambitions translate into tangible outcomes that benefit citizens across continents.

“Together, we can foster inclusive growth, build resilience and create a sustainable and secure future for all our people,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Letsike represents SA at the feminist financing conference in Spain

Source: Government of South Africa

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, will represent the South African Government at the Financing for Feminist Futures (F4FF) Conference, taking place at La Casa Encendida in Madrid, Spain, from 8–10 October 2025.

Held under the theme: “Resourcing Resistance and Building Feminist Solidarities”, the global conference is convened by the Walking the Talk Consortium, comprising Hivos, Equipop, Restless Development, ODI Europe, and Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung, and co-hosted by La Coordinadora, Spain.

The event brings together feminist leaders, funders, policymakers, and movement-builders to reimagine the future of feminist financing, amid deep cuts to global aid and the rising backlash against women’s and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) rights.

Building on outcomes from the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) and the Compromiso de Sevilla, the F4FF conference calls for expanded investment in the care economy, gender-based violence prevention, and the sustainable resourcing of feminist movements worldwide.

Letsike said the South African government is “walking the talk” by focusing on translating the gender-responsive budgeting, fiscal policies, and investment frameworks that address women’s specific needs and promote gender equality, thereby fostering inclusive and equitable economic development.

“Our approach is through strategies that focus on gender-responsive budgeting, fiscal policies, and investment frameworks, to address women’s specific needs and promote gender equality, thereby fostering inclusive and equitable economic development,” the Deputy Minister said.

During the conference Letsike will contribute to two key sessions:
• The Strategic Session – Track 3, themed: “Strengthening Feminist Funding for Gender Equality: Building on Financing for Development 4 and Exploring New Possibilities.”
• The Closing Plenary, themed: “Resourcing Resistance and Building Feminist Solidarities.”

In both sessions, the Deputy Minister will highlight South Africa’s leadership in advancing feminist economic justice and inclusive public finance, rooted in the principles of substantive equality and social transformation.

Her participation underscores the central role of feminist financing in achieving the National Development Plan (NDP 2030), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Feminist financing is not charity but structural reform. Every budget is a moral document that reveals who we value and what future we choose. Our task is to ensure that the global financing architecture reflects the principles of justice, care, and equality,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Last call for athletes to participate in region 5 marathon

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has urged all aspiring runners, young and old, seasoned, or first-time runners, to take part in the Region 5 Marathon taking place this weekend at the Union Buildings in Tshwane.

“This marathon is not only for elite athletes, but also for everyone who believes in the power of sport to unite and uplift,” McKenzie said on Wednesday.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has officially begun the countdown to the Region 5 Marathon, which is expected to set the capital ablaze with colour, culture, and competition.

With entries continuing to roll in and anticipation soaring, organisers are calling on athletes across Southern Africa to secure their spots in what is fast becoming one of the continent’s most exciting new running spectacles. 

Offering R50 000 each for the 21.1km male and female winners, the Region 5 Marathon is raising the bar for regional competition — blending elite athletics, community spirit, and cultural celebration into one unforgettable experience.

“The Region 5 Marathon is not just about running, it is about showing the world the strength, unity, and talent of our continent. This is a celebration of health and togetherness, and I’m proud that South Africa is part of it. 

“It’s about thousands of South Africans coming together, getting fit, and building our nation through sport. With big prize money on the table, we are showing our commitment to growing athletics and creating real opportunities for athletes at every level. I urge all aspiring runners, young and old, seasoned, or first-time runners, to take part in this extraordinary event,” McKenzie said.

 African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 CEO, Stanley Mutoya, hailed the event as a “historic milestone” for the region. 

“It is with great excitement that we announce the hosting of the Region 5 Marathon – a first of its kind in our history. We call upon all participants and spectators to come dressed in vibrant African attire, as we turn the streets of Tshwane into a canvas of unity and identity. 

“We further encourage Embassies to exhibit and showcase Africa’s rich culinary heritage, making this event not only a sporting spectacle but also a cultural festival,” Mutoya said.

He also called on corporates to join hands with Region 5, noting that the marathon serves as a bold activation in the lead-up to the Group Twenty (G20) Summit, proving that sport is a unifying force that connects communities, economies, and nations. 

“Importantly, this marathon also serves as South Africa’s strategic build-up to the 13th edition of the Region 5 Youth Games in 2028,” Mutoya said.

The President of the Southern Africa Confederation of Athletics (SACA), Zakhele Dlamini, described the event as a defining moment for Southern African athletics. 

“We are excited about the Region 5 Marathon. This historic event is a catalyst for road running excellence in our region and a platform to inspire participation, performance, and pride among our athletics federations. It marks a bold step in strengthening Southern Africa’s presence on the global athletics stage,” Dlamini said.

President of Athletics South Africa (ASA) James Moloi said the host country is ready to deliver a spectacle worthy of the continent. 

Athletics South Africa (ASA) President, James Moloi, said the host country is ready to deliver a world-class event.

“The Region 5 Marathon is a proud moment for South Africa and for the entire Southern African athletics family. Hosting this event at the Union Buildings – a symbol of unity and progress – sends a powerful message that our region is ready to lead the future of global road running.

 “As ASA, we see this marathon as a springboard for development, giving young athletes, clubs, and communities a reason to dream big. We invite the world to witness what Southern Africa can offer – passion, performance, and pure African energy,” Moloi said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng launches Modderfontein Road upgrade project

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has presided over a sod-turning ceremony to officially mark the commencement of the Modderfontein Road (K155) Upgrade Project, between the R25 and Pretoria Road in Edenvale.

The project forms part of the Department of Roads and Transport’s broader commitment to enhancing mobility, accessibility, and connectivity across the province.

It entails the construction of new carriageways, the widening of existing lanes, and various improvements designed to ease congestion and improve traffic flow in the area.

“This project is a clear demonstration of our commitment to building smart, efficient, and accessible transport infrastructure that connects people to opportunities.

“Through the K155 upgrade, we are not just building roads, we are laying the foundation for economic activity, community development, and integrated urban growth,” the MEC said on Thursday.

The upgrade supports the proposed Linksfield Development Node, a mixed-use urban precinct, aimed at creating a well-integrated environment for living, working, and recreation.

The development is expected to stimulate inclusive economic growth, enhance urban character, and improve the quality of life for residents.

Beyond improving transport infrastructure, the K155 project will also unlock socio-economic opportunities, introduce a public transport system to the area, and provide new access points for local communities and businesses along the route.

Key components of the project include:

  • Removal and replacement of existing asphalt (Mill and Inlay)
  • Widening of the existing carriageway
  • Construction of a new dual carriageway road
  • Construction of a new taxi facility
  • Upgrades to stormwater drainage systems and side drains
  • Installation of kerbs, medians, and road markings
  • New traffic signals, street lighting, and pedestrian crossings
  • Installation and modification of gantries, fences, and guardrails
  • Accommodation of traffic and finishing of road reserves

“The layout of the proposed interchange on K155 Road has been revised to align with the existing Modderfontein Road and the proposed Main Road 2.

“This new configuration allows for seamless integration with future upgrades and extensions of the K155 route,” Diale-Tlabela said.

While the interchange will not affect access from Curie Road and Jersey Street, the Modderfontein/Kerry Road intersection will be closed, with traffic diverted to Curie Road. 

The Edenvale Hospital taxi drop-off access will also be relocated to accommodate the new design.

The Modderfontein Road upgrade is a strategic intervention aligned with the Gauteng Provincial Government’s Growing Gauteng Together Through Smart Mobility (GGT2030) vision, which seeks to build a modern, sustainable, and inclusive transport network across the province. –SAnews.gov.za