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More than 8 000 foreign nationals processed at Beitbridge

Source: Government of South Africa

More than 8 000 foreign nationals processed at Beitbridge

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, says the BMA continues to facilitate the lawful and orderly repatriation of foreign nationals through the Beitbridge port of entry, with 8 230 persons having been processed to date.

Between 12 and 24 June 2026, the BMA successfully processed 6 709 Malawian nationals for repatriation, transported in 112 buses and 1 521 Zimbabwean nationals transported in 26 buses. 

“All foreign nationals arriving for repatriation are processed in the presence of officials from their respective embassies to verify identity, travel documentation and compliance with applicable immigration requirements.

“On 25 June 2026, 17 buses transporting foreign nationals arrived at the port without the required Emergency Travel Certificates (ETC). 

“In order to decongest Beitbridge, these buses could not be processed and were directed to the Musina truck stop area until the necessary documentation was obtained and verified. 

“The BMA also noted that a significant number of buses transporting repatriated foreign nationals are registered in South Africa and do not possess the required cross-border permits. In line with the law, buses without valid cross-border permits are not allowed to cross the border,” Masiapato said.

Furthermore, some drivers attempting to transport foreign nationals across the border were found not to be in possession of any passports, which is mandatory for cross-border travel.

The BMA called on all transport operators involved in repatriation activities to comply fully with immigration and administrative requirements before arriving at the port of entry. 

This includes ensuring that buses are roadworthy, drivers are in possession of valid passports, and that all required cross-border permits have been obtained. 

Masiapato said the port of entry will not be used as a waiting area for buses and compliance with these requirements will contribute significantly to the smooth and efficient processing of repatriations.

The BMA called on all foreign nationals participating in voluntary repatriation processes to ensure that they have first been processed by the Department of Home Affairs before presenting themselves at the port of entry. 

Masiapato said Department of Home Affairs-related verifications, as well as all South African Police Service (SAPS)-related clearances, which include ensuring that wanted suspects are not part of the repatriation, must first be completed at the Musina Refugee Reception Centre before arrival at Beitbridge. 

This measure is necessary to prevent delays within the port environment and to improve the efficiency of processing operations.

“The BMA remains committed to working closely with the Departments of Home Affairs and International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), foreign embassies, all law enforcement agencies, border entities and transport operators to ensure that all repatriation processes are conducted in a lawful, safe, dignified and orderly manner,” Masiapato said. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA, China discuss strengthening economic cooperation

Source: Government of South Africa

SA, China discuss strengthening economic cooperation

Deputy President Paul Mashatile held a bilateral meeting with the Communist Party of China Secretary of Shenzhen,  Jin Lei, at the Futian Shangri-La Hotel in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, to discuss strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

According to the Presidency, the meeting engaged on the critical need to heighten trade, investment and friendship between South Africa and China.

It also affirmed Shenzhen’s strategic location as the fastest-growing Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in China, which has risen to take its place amongst the notable metropolises in the region and the world. 

The Presidency said Shenzhen’s fortunes were defined by it being accorded the status of an SEZ, its wide-ranging reforms and a strong market system approach to economic development.

The Deputy President reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening its comprehensive strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China and welcomed the growing practical cooperation between South Africa and Shenzhen, noting the important role played by the South Africa–China Shenzhen Chamber in advancing trade, investment and people-to-people relations.

“Deputy President Mashatile expressed confidence that Ambassador Letsatsi-Duba’s tour of duty in China would further strengthen the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between South Africa and China.

“He further reflected on recent high-level engagements undertaken during his visit to China, including discussions with Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing and his meeting earlier this week with the leadership of the International Department of the CPC,” the Presidency said.

These engagements followed the successful convening of the Ninth South Africa-China Binational Commission held in Cape Town in March 2026, which reaffirmed the depth and strategic nature of bilateral relations.

The Deputy President reiterated South Africa’s unwavering commitment to the One China Policy, as reaffirmed in the Joint Statement issued during President Ramaphosa’s State Visit to China in September 2024, and underscored South Africa’s intention to expand its diplomatic representation through the proposed establishment of a Consulate-General in Guangdong Province.

South Africa welcomed China’s decision to extend 100% duty-free market access to African countries, which took effect on 1 May 2026, noting with pride that it was the first country to export apples to China under this framework.

Deputy President Mashatile further welcomed the signing of the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement in February 2026 and emphasised the importance of concluding the Early Harvest Agreement currently under negotiation between South Africa and China to facilitate expanded access for South African products to the Chinese market.

In discussions on economic cooperation, the Deputy President highlighted several priority areas for enhanced collaboration, including the finalisation of the Early Harvest Agreement, progress on matters relating to the Southern African Customs Union framework, support for South Africa’s Trade and Investment Package (2025–2029), mobilisation of investments from Shenzhen, and the promotion of value-added South African exports to China.

Deputy President Mashatile reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to ensuring a conducive environment for Chinese nationals and businesses operating in the country.

He emphasised the importance of continued cooperation in addressing immigration-related challenges in a constructive manner.

“Concluding the meeting, the Deputy President reiterated South Africa’s determination to deepen the All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era and to translate the strong foundation of trust, solidarity and shared values between the two countries into tangible benefits for their respective peoples.

“South Africa looks forward to continuing high-level engagements and to advancing the implementation of decisions taken under the South Africa-China Binational Commission,” the Presidency said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Grey Expands Currency Payout Support with Four New Currencies Amid Cross-Border Market Growth

Source: APO – Report:

Ethiopia is home to over 130 million people with a growing community of freelancers, exporters, small businesses, and diaspora-linked enterprises. Thailand is becoming a destination for creators and tourists. Argentina has one of Latin America’s strongest freelance communities, with professionals earning from clients abroad, while Chile is emerging as a hub for startups and businesses expanding to the region. Despite these growth stories, cross-border payments remain slow and unpredictable. Grey (http://Grey.co), the Y Combinator-backed cross-border payments platform, has added the Argentine Peso, Chilean Peso, Thai Baht and Ethiopian Birr to its payout network, expanding local currency access for users in all four markets.

The addition is a direct response to years of customer demand. “Some of the strongest signals for where Grey should go next come directly from our users,” said Idorenyin Obong, CEO and Co-founder of Grey. “At global events, in community conversations, and through direct feedback, users and prospective customers have repeatedly asked when Grey would fully support these countries. This payout launch is a direct response to that demand. Grey has always been about removing the barriers that make it harder for people to participate in the global economy, and these new currencies bring us closer to that vision.”

Each of the four markets represents a different but important part of the global financial access story.

Ethiopia is one of Africa’s fastest-growing digital economies, with the GSMA projecting that the country’s digital economy could add over ETB 1.3 trillion to GDP by 2028. Mobile money accounts have grown from under 1 million in 2020 to more than 128.5 million by the end of 2024, driven by a young population, rising mobile internet penetration, and growing demand for digital financial access. Yet cross-border infrastructure has not kept pace, and many users have signed up on various remittance platforms only to find they cannot withdraw funds locally. Support for Ethiopian Birr payouts closes that gap, giving users a direct way to receive international income in their own currency.

In Latin America, Argentina and Chile represent two important markets for global work, entrepreneurship and regional commerce. Argentina has a strong base of freelancers, remote workers and internationally connected professionals who work with global clients and companies. Chile, known for its stable business environment and active startup ecosystem, continues to attract entrepreneurs and businesses building across the region. With support for the Argentine Peso and Chilean Peso, Grey is making it easier for users in both markets to connect international income with local financial needs.

Thailand adds a different dimension to the launch. As one of the world’s leading travel destinations and a growing hub for remote workers and digital nomads, Thailand is increasingly central to the way people live and work internationally. For Grey users travelling through or based in Thailand, Thai Baht payouts support everyday financial needs such as accommodation, local services, business payments and personal expenses.

Grey started out as a platform for receiving international payments in 2020. This move reflects how both the platform and its users have grown. They are not just receiving money across borders, they are living, working, exchanging and spending across them. As more people relocate, travel, work remotely, build international businesses and support families across countries, the need for simple, reliable and localised financial access keeps growing.

In addition to enabling payouts in Argentine Pesos (ARS), Chilean Pesos (CLP), Ethiopian Birr (ETB), and Thai Baht (THB), the platform provides individuals and businesses with multi-currency accounts in USD, GBP, and EUR. It also supports transfers to over 170 destinations worldwide and offers virtual cards for seamless international spending.

Grey now serves close to 3 million users, while supporting payouts across 55 countries. The platform is regulated as a Money Services Business under FINTRAC in Canada and FinCEN in the United States.

Users can send payments to freelancers, families, businesses and individuals in Argentina, Chile, Thailand and Ethiopia directly in local currency by downloading the Grey app on the App Store or Google Play Store.

– on behalf of Grey.

Media contact:
For all press-related enquiries, please contact Oyinda via oyinda@grey.co

About Grey:
Grey is at the forefront of providing secure and convenient global banking solutions to meet the needs of customers and businesses. Grey holds a Money Service Business license from FINTRAC in Canada, and FinCEN in the USA, and our primary focus is on emerging markets. Our range of services enables individuals and businesses to easily own and manage multi-currency accounts (https://apo-opa.co/4xN3JVE). This includes currency exchange (https://apo-opa.co/4oKrcTi), sending and receiving payments (https://apo-opa.co/44rVyRg) to and from over 170 countries, as well as access to virtual cards (https://apo-opa.co/3R3JuT9).

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On the road to 2030: Health experts renew commitments to transform care for severe noncommunicable diseases in Africa

Source: APO – Report:

Health experts, policymakers, civil society organizations, development partners, and people living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) from across Africa have renewed commitments to accelerate action against severe chronic diseases and strengthen access to quality care at all levels of the health system.

Meeting in Dar es Salaam from 23–25 June 2026 for the 3rd International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa (ICPPA 2026), participants called for stronger political leadership, increased domestic investment, and expanded access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care for people living with severe NCDs, particularly childhood-onset conditions.

The renewed commitments come at a critical time. More than 100 million people in sub-Saharan Africa are living with severe chronic diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatic and congenital heart disease, sickle cell disease, and cancer. Yet access to basic specialized care remains limited, with services largely concentrated in major urban centres, leaving millions of people in low-resource rural areas without access to proper diagnostics—much less the life-saving care they need—and facing even greater financial hardships in their search for both.

Against this backdrop, participants highlighted the importance of scaling up PEN-Plus, an innovative African-led model that brings advanced diagnostics and treatment closer to home for those millions by decentralizing care for severe NCDs to first-level referral hospitals and integrating clinical services available to people living with severe NCDs. Currently, twenty countries in the WHO African Region are either initiating or implementing PEN-Plus.

Hosted by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for Africa and the NCDI Poverty Network, and with support from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, the conference provided a platform to review progress, share lessons, and reinforce commitments towards achieving 2030 NCD targets.

“The PEN-Plus strategy is an African response to an African reality and this conference presents a valuable opportunity to speak with one voice on health investment and the future of noncommunicable disease services,” said H.E. Mohamed Omary Mchengerwa, Minister of Health of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Participants discussed practical strategies to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage by integrating severe NCD services into primary health systems and expanding access to quality care closer to communities.

“Africa must invest more now in addressing noncommunicable diseases with adequate and sustained resources. By strengthening the implementation of integrated approaches such as PEN-Plus, we can ensure that people living with severe NCDs receive the life-saving care they deserve,” said Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

Partners also emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration and country ownership in driving progress.

“PEN-Plus demonstrates what is possible when countries and partners work together to design systems around people. Scaling up these efforts will save lives, strengthen health systems, and bring care within reach of communities that need it most,” said James Reid, Program Officer for the Helmsley Charitable Trust’s Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Program.

Participants agreed that achieving meaningful progress towards 2030 will require stronger health financing, multisectoral collaboration, and intensified action on major NCD risk factors, including tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and air pollution. Leaders further committed to increasing domestic investment in NCD prevention and care, recognizing the growing burden these conditions place on individuals, families, health systems, and economies.

As the conference concluded, participants delivered a clear message: the time to act is now. By strengthening health systems, increasing investment and scaling up innovative approaches such as PEN-Plus, African countries can accelerate progress towards the 2030 targets and ensure that millions of people living with severe chronic diseases receive the quality care they need to lead healthy and productive lives.

“PEN-Plus has shown us this important promise: that integrated health care delivery, strengthened by coordinated social movements, can improve health care for everyone and bring us closer to global health equity,” said Dr Gene Bukhman, Professor at Harvard Medical School and Co-Chair of the NCDI Poverty Network.

– on behalf of World Health Organization – United Republic of Tanzania.

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Qatar Stresses Role of International Humanitarian Law in Supporting Pathways to Peace in Geneva Talks

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, June 25, 2026

The State of Qatar has highlighted the importance of international humanitarian law (IHL) in preserving pathways to peace, during the fifth consultations among states on international humanitarian law and peace held at the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva.
The State of Qatar was represented at the meeting by HE Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Ambassador Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah, who also spoke on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Republic of Colombia, and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia as co-chairs of the third track of the Global Initiative on International Humanitarian Law, which focuses on IHL and Peace.
In her intervention, HE Dr. Al Muftah said that while international humanitarian law does not in itself create peace, its respect can help preserve the conditions that make peace possible. She noted that adherence to IHL can reduce human suffering, limit destruction, maintain trust between parties, protect essential societal systems, and keep space open for dialogue.
She emphasized that the revised outcome document of the initiative represents a practical tool combining measures that support stronger implementation of humanitarian law, encourage humanitarian dialogue, enrich mediation efforts and peace processes, and guide post-conflict transition phases.
Dr. Al Muftah praised the constructive engagement of participating states, saying their contributions had helped shape and strengthen the draft document.
She also noted that the co-chairs and the ICRC would work towards finalizing the document, with publication in all official languages of the Global Initiative on International Humanitarian Law expected in late September 2026. She added that Switzerland and the ICRC will host the global dialogue on International Humanitarian Law in Geneva on Nov. 3-4, 2026.
The Qatari envoy underlined that international law remains a cornerstone for protecting humanity, fostering dialogue, and supporting recovery, stressing that respect for international humanitarian law can help preserve opportunities for peace even in contexts where peace remains distant. 

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Qatar Participates in 6th Meeting of Joint Oversight Committee on DR Congo-Rwanda Peace Agreement

Source: Government of Qatar

London | June 25, 2026

Representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have reaffirmed their commitment to implementing a landmark peace agreement following talks in London attended by the State of Qatar, the United States of America, the Republic of Togo and the African Union Commission.
The sixth meeting of the Joint Oversight Committee, established to monitor implementation of the peace accord between the two neighboring countries, reviewed developments since its previous session and assessed progress towards reducing tensions in eastern DRC, a region that has experienced years of instability and armed conflict.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the committee expressed deep concern over escalating violence in eastern Congo, warning that continued fighting, including drone attacks affecting civilians, posed a serious threat to both the peace process and the humanitarian situation. Participants also highlighted concerns over the continued spread of Ebola in affected areas.
The committee stressed the urgent need for practical measures to ensure the effective implementation of the ceasefire and prevent further deterioration of security conditions.

During the meeting, the Democratic Republic of the Congo briefed participants on its efforts to neutralize the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group operating in eastern Congo. Rwanda, meanwhile, provided an update on steps related to the disengagement of its forces and the reduction of defensive measures linked to the conflict.

Both governments reiterated their commitment to fully implementing the peace agreement signed on June 27, 2025. The two sides pledged to support immediate de-escalation efforts, particularly in the Minembwe area, and to use their influence with actors on the ground to help maintain stability.

Participants also discussed strengthening verification and monitoring mechanisms. The committee backed proposals to expand the mandate of the Enhanced Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+) so that it can monitor compliance with commitments contained in the Washington agreements. The parties further supported the rapid deployment of the mechanism to carry out its first verification mission and called on all stakeholders to facilitate its work.
The meeting also emphasized the importance of intelligence-sharing and security coordination through the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM), with the aim of developing a shared understanding of future operational steps required to implement the agreements.

The committee voiced strong support for ongoing negotiations between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congo River Alliance/M23 movement under the Doha process. Participants highlighted the importance of confidence-building measures, including avoiding hostile actions or rhetoric that could undermine implementation of the peace agreements or complicate diplomatic efforts in international forums.

The DRC and Rwanda expressed appreciation to the State of Qatar, the United States, Togo and the African Union Commission for their continued contributions to the peace process. They also thanked the United Kingdom for hosting the latest round of discussions in London.

Qatar has played an increasingly prominent role in efforts to facilitate dialogue between parties involved in the conflict, with the Doha track emerging as one of the key diplomatic channels supporting broader regional peace initiatives.
The next meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism is expected to take place within the next 15 days as efforts continue to consolidate the ceasefire and advance implementation of the peace agreement. 

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India: State Visit of Prime Minister to Seychelles (June 27-29, 2026)

Source: APO – Report:

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​At the invitation of the President of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie, Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi will undertake a State Visit to Seychelles from 27-29 June 2026 to attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the National Day of Seychelles as the Guest of Honour. Prime Minister last visited Seychelles in 2015. A contingent of the Indian defence forces, along with two Indian Navy ships, will participate in the celebrations.

2.​ During the visit, Prime Minister will hold talks with President Herminie to review the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Prime Minister will also address the National Assembly of Seychelles and interact with members of the Indian diaspora.

3.​​ India and Seychelles share a longstanding partnership rooted in shared historical, cultural and people to people ties. As a key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean region, Seychelles holds a special place in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and our commitment to the Global South.

4.​​ The visit will reaffirm the strong and enduring friendship between India and Seychelles and reinforce the shared commitment of both countries to enhance the bilateral relationship across all sectors.

– on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.

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São Tomé e Príncipe: The European Union deploys an Election Observation Mission

Source: APO


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In response to an invitation from the Santomean authorities, an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) will be deployed to observe the presidential elections as well as the legislative, local and regional elections scheduled for 19 July and 27 September 2026 respectively.  

The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has appointed Sérgio Humberto, Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer.

Chief Observer Sérgio Humberto declared: “I am honoured to lead this EU Election Observation Mission to São Tomé e Príncipe. This is the second time since 2022 that the EU deploys an electoral observation mission to the country, and this time the Mission will observe two distinct elections. The Mission will provide an independent and impartial assessment of the respective electoral processes. As Santomean people prepare to vote, the EU reaffirms its support for São Tomé e Príncipe.”

Background 

The EU EOM will provide a comprehensive, independent, and impartial assessment of the entire electoral processes based on international and regional standards for democratic elections.

The Mission is composed of different groups of observers. A core team of seven analysts arrived in São Tomé on 14 June, supported by logistics and security experts. A team of long-term observers will join the mission on 26 June to observe the electoral process throughout the country. As election day approaches, they will be joined by 14 short-term observers and locally recruited observers from diplomatic missions accredited to São Tomé e Príncipe. Finally, a delegation from the European Parliament will join the EOM for the legislative, local, and regional elections in September. The EU EOM will remain in the country until the completion of the entire electoral processes.

In line with the EU election observation methodology, the Mission will publish its initial findings in a Preliminary Statement, which will be presented in a press conference after Election Day. A final report will be published within two months of the completion of the electoral process and will include recommendations – offered for consideration to the authorities – for possible future improvements of the electoral framework.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of European Union External Action: The Diplomatic Service of the European Union.

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Qatar Looks Forward to Hosting DPoA MTR for Least Developed Countries in March

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, June 25, 2026

The State of Qatar has affirmed its aspiration to host the High-Level Midterm Review Meeting of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA MTR) in March 2027, as a positive step to enhance cooperation with the least developed countries and support their efforts in addressing challenges.

This came in a statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani during the joint thematic event on the midterm review of the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Her Excellency began her statement by noting that the event provided a vital platform for discussing critical issues and exchanging visions and ambitious aspirations regarding the goals of the High-Level Midterm Review Meeting of the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries, scheduled to be held in Doha from March 25 to 27. She pointed out that the discussions highlighted the interconnected challenges facing the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), reviewed the progress made in implementing the Doha Programme of Action within the current global development landscape, and addressed the obstacles hindering implementation, including energy insecurity, structural fragility, worsening debt situations, fragile infrastructure, and the need to build resilience to climate change and disaster risks.

Her Excellency commended the valuable contributions and broad participation that characterized the event, reflecting the paramount importance of advancing the Doha Programme of Action and its pivotal role in supporting growth and prosperity in the LDCs.

She also noted that Qatar’s hosting of the Fifth United Nations Conference on the LDCs embodies its unwavering commitment to supporting the issues of these countries and reflects its leading role in hosting major international events under the auspices of the United Nations. 

Her Excellency pointed that the conference was characterized by positive momentum and reflected a genuine desire to provide the LDCs with ambitious measures and innovative global partnerships. In this context, She reiterated that translating the ambitious measures and commitments embodied in the Doha Programme of Action for the LDCs into practical actions is of paramount importance to achieving the desired transformation.

Her Excellency highlighted that Qatar, through the Qatar Fund for Development, signed two agreements last year with the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, within the framework of the Doha Programme of Action, with a contribution of USD 21 million. These agreements aim to build resilience in the LDCs and establish a food reserve system to help address food insecurity among the most vulnerable communities worldwide.

HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani also highlighted Qatar’s hosting last December of the High-Level Meeting of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), under the theme: “Building ambitious global partnerships for a sustainable and resilient exit from the LDC list,” stemming from its firm belief in the importance of international partnerships to support LDCs.

During the joint thematic event, Her Excellency emphasized that the DPoA MTR scheduled for March 2027 will be a crucial juncture for assessing achievements, identifying gaps, renewing solidarity with LDCs, and strengthening partnerships and initiatives that ensure the full and effective implementation of the Doha Development Agenda. This will deliver tangible results that drive sustainable development and provide real momentum for the remaining period of the Agenda.