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Police reaffirm commitment to protect older persons

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has urged communities to unite in protecting older persons and to take a stand by reporting abuse. 

“SAPS is obliged and mandated by the Constitution and the Older Persons Act, 2006, to ensure the protection of all elderly persons and dealing effectively with the plight of older persons by empowering and protecting them,” police said in a statement.

Wednesday, 1 October, marked the 35th anniversary of the United Nations in declaring, recognising and honouring worldwide the contributions of older persons.

In South Africa, the commemoration forms part of the Older Persons Week and Social Development Month, which are observed annually to demonstrate the nation’s commitment to caring for the most vulnerable in society.

SAPS said elderly abuse is a growing social concern across society and has many forms, such as violence, lack of access to services, physical abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse and neglect.

“Abuse can be the result of a single act or may continue over a period of time. Abuse can be accidental or a deliberate act. 

“An abuser may be a relative, a partner, a caregiver, a volunteer, a neighbour, a friend, or even a stranger. Since elder abuse is often conducted by those who have access to older persons as caregivers or relatives, it tends to be under-reporter,” the police said.

“The elderly are important pillars of society and continue to play useful roles in society by sharing their wisdom and experience with society.”

SAPS encouraged the public to observe measures to ensure the safety of older people. These include:

  • Installing handrails, non-slip mats, and removing tripping hazards.
  • The use of walkers, canes, or wheelchairs to prevent falls.
  • Regularly checking in with family and friends to prevent isolation.
  • Educating communities on common scams targeting seniors.
  • Considering investing in a medical alert.
  • Encouraging participation in senior centres for socialisation and activities.

To curb elderly abuse, a multi-agency approach and community-based partnerships is needed in order to effectively safeguard the elderly with government departments such as the Department of Social Development, the Department of Health and those in the criminal justice system and civil society organisations for the successful conviction in cases which involve elderly abuse. 

Anyone who suspects that an older person is being abused or has suffered abuse-related harm is urged to report the matter to the nearest police station or immediately call SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App or report to a social worker.

All information received will be treated confidentially. – SAnews.gov.za

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Joburg Water provides update on Coronationville water provision

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Johannesburg Water has moved to assure residents that progress is being made to improve water supply to Coronationville in the west of the city. 

The area was the sight of violent protest last month with residents demanding water supply.

“Johannesburg Water is making progress on the planned intervention for an immediate intervention to improve supply to the high zone of Coronationville. The project commenced on 22 September 2025, with excavations to expose pipework on the ground. Excavations have been completed on both sides of the street in the vicinity of Harmony and Hamilton streets, Coronationville.

“This is where the cross-connection will be made. A socket has been welded onto the main pipe supplying Crosby on 29 September 2025. Road cutting and trenching were also completed on 30 September 2025, with pipe-laying and valve installation activities currently underway,” the entity said in a statement.

READ | ‘We are going to find solutions’ to Jhb water challenge – Mayor Morero

Furthermore, final pipe connections will be made for the rest of the week with “commissioning of the cross-connection is expected on Friday”.

“In addition, Johannesburg Water has allocated a dedicated team to investigate, assess feasibility and then only implement interventions which could address challenges in sensitive areas supplied within the Commando System, including Claremont, Westbury, and Westdene. 

“These investigations are ongoing and will be resolved progressively, as the challenges and potential solutions differ across each block. It should also be known that the improvement of the Commando System is still dependent on the ongoing medium – and long-term project interventions underway or which are due to commence,” the statement read.

Residents are warned to take care around the construction area in Coronationville.

“This is a reminder that the Coronationville project remains an active construction site. Residents and members of the public are urged to exercise extreme caution in the area and to keep clear of the site, which is strictly off-limits to unauthorized persons. These measures are in place to safeguard both the public and Johannesburg Water employees and contractors.

“Johannesburg Water will continue to provide updates as work progresses and apologises for the inconvenience caused during this intervention,” the statement concluded. 

Johannesburg Water is a municipal entity of the City of Johannesburg. – SAnews.gov.za

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Madlanga Commission takes scheduled break

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, October 2, 2025

The Madlanga Commission has announced a break from proceedings, with hearings set to resume on 13 October 2025.

“The Commission will be taking a scheduled break from 6 – 10 October 2025 due to the unavailability of Commissioner Sesi Baloyi, who will be attending to her duties as a member of the Judicial Service Commission,” commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels explained.

Hearings were stopped abruptly this week due to illness of a witness.

READ | General Khumalo receiving the “best medical care”

“This week, the Commission’s public hearings would have continued until Friday, 3 October 2025, but when the hearing resumed… Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga adjourned it due to the inability of [Divisional Commissioner for Crime Intelligence] Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo to proceed with his testimony as a result of sudden illness,” Michaels said.

The Commission — which is officially known as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System — has already heard the evidence of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, which was followed by that of South African Police Service (SAPS) National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola.

Other witnesses to have given testimony are KZN Director of Public Prosecutions at the National Prosecuting Authority, Elaine Harrison and SAPS Head of Governance, Legislation and Policy at the Legal Services Division, Major General Petronella van Rooyen. – SAnews.gov.za

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Operation Shanela nets over 5000 in KZN

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Over 5000 suspects have been arrested for various crimes while 105 unlicensed firearms were recovered in the month of September, said KwaZulu-Natal police.

In a statement, the South African Police Service (SAPS), said that of the 5 527 suspects that were arrested across the province, 1 464 were arrested for contact crimes of which 730 of them were arrested for assault with an intent to cause grievous bodily harm. 

A total of 85 individuals were arrested for murder, and 93 suspects were arrested for attempted murder cases. 

“These arrests and recoveries are a culmination of relentless operations conducted by various police units in specified policing precincts. One of the key objectives of Operation Shanela is to tackle areas which have shown an increase in crime volumes,” the SAPS said in a statement on Wednesday.

Drugs were also recovered in the police operations.

“During these operations, those who deal in narcotics did not escape the police radar as a total of 921 suspects were arrested and drugs were recovered in the process. Police also arrested 51 suspects for being in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

“The arrested suspects have appeared in various courts in the province, however the work of the police teams in Operation Shanela II does not end with the arrests of the suspects and recovery of exhibits.”

The police added that “frantic work is on-going” behind the scenes in trying to establish possible links of the arrested suspects with other crimes.

“The firearms recovered will also be subjected to ballistics tests to determine if they have not been used in the commission of other crimes,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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North West Premier to rollout service delivery programme

Source: Government of South Africa

North West Premier Kagiso Lazarus Mokgosi is expected to lead the roll-out of the Thuntsha Lerole programme in the Tswaing Local Municipality on Friday.

The Tswaing Local Municipality, which is part of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, has been identified as one of the ten local municipalities prioritised for Phase 5 of the provincial government’s Accelerated Service Delivery Programme. This as the municipality is facing challenges in service delivery. 

According to the provincial government, these challenges include an inconsistent water supply and the poor condition of road infrastructure.

Through a coordinated effort to enhance access to quality services, the Premier, who will be joined by Members of the Executive Council (MECs), will officially hand over an internal road in Matshelapad. 

As an ongoing endeavour to improve the state of local road infrastructure, the provincial government said pothole patching will be undertaken from Delareyville to Ottosdal, while blading will be conducted in identified internal roads across the local municipality. 

As part of the Title Deeds Friday campaign, which is a nationwide initiative to restore title deeds, the Premier will symbolically issue 10 out of a total of 1 282 title deeds to their rightful owners. 

In addition, three completed RDP houses will be handed over to the designated beneficiaries.
The provincial leadership will conduct an oversight visit to the construction site of the new Delareyville Bulk Pharmacy. 

Once completed, this facility will enhance the supply of medicine across the local municipality and surrounding health facilities, ultimately improving the availability and equitable delivery of healthcare.

Fresh produce will be handed over to indigent families in Matshelapad, Jachtkraal, and Skierlik, while 105 food parcels will be distributed to households in Thawane village. 

In support of youth development, sports equipment will be issued to nine identified schools, while traditional attire will be presented to the Agisanang Traditional Group. 

To enhance access to economic opportunities, the Centralised Supplier Database (CSD) team will be available on-site to assist with the registration, updating, and amendment of company profiles. 

“In addition, integrated primary health care services will be offered to ensure that community members receive vital health screenings and support. In support of the Clean Cities initiative, the clearing of illegal dumping sites will also be undertaken across the local municipality,” the advisory read. 

The Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded programme will also be rolled out in two other districts. 

In the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, the program will be launched at the Pitsong Community Hall in the Greater Taung Local Municipality. 

Meanwhile, in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, public services will be provided at the Tswelelang location in Wolmaranstad, which is part of the Maquassi Hills Local Municipality. – SAnews.gov.za

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ESPN Africa Linear Channels Now Available on Disney+ in South Africa

Source: APO

From today, 02 October 2025, Disney+ customers in South Africa have access to both ESPN and ESPN 2 linear channels, bringing the greatest sporting moments from US and International sporting leagues to the existing vast content library on the platform.  

At no extra cost, fans will be able to schedule appointments with thrilling matchups, unmissable moments and heart-pounding programming from the two channels. The action is already underway, with the football season kicking off with no less than six leagues, including the English Football League (EFL), Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), the Dutch Eredivisie, the German Football Association Cup (German DFB Pokal), the Saudi Pro League and the SüperLig from Turkey.  

American Football fans will welcome the start of the NFL (National Football League) and NCAA NCAA Football and Basketball (National Collegiate Athletic Association) matchups this month too, with the NBA (National Basketball Association) tipoffs from October. Followers of internation al rugby leagues can look forward to the commencement of the US’s Major Rugby, as well as the Japanese Rugby Leagues.  

Comments Kyle de Klerk, Director: Sports for The Walt Disney Company Africa: “We are excited to be adding the ESPN Africa linear channels to Disney+ today, offering South African customers more value through ESPN’s award-winning documentaries, breaking sports news, and, of course, fixtures from the most popular and exciting sporting leagues from the United States and around the world. This addition complements the vast library of must-stream TV series and blockbuster movies such as FX’s “Alien: Earth,” the fifth season of “Only Murders in the Building” and Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch”.”  

The ESPN linear channels add to The Walt Disney Company’s more than 100 years of unparalleled storytelling and characters on Disney+, including the latest and greatest from Disney’s iconic brands and franchises – Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic – as well as the expansive general entertainment offering that features content from Hulu, FX, Searchlight Pictures, 20th Century Studios and more.  

Disney+ customers can also stream celebrated and unmissable TV series and movies such as “The Simpsons,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” FX’s “The Bear,” “Modern Family,” “The Kardashians,” “Andor,” “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” “Criminal Minds,” Marvel Studios’ “Deadpool & Wolverine,” “Moana 2”.  

All Disney+ Premium and Mobile plan customers with an 18+ content rating in South Africa will have access to the linear channels. Disney+ enables parents and caregivers to limit access to content for specific profiles based on content ratings, and the ability to add a PIN to lock profiles with access to mature content.  

In addition to Disney+ in South Africa, ESPN is available on MultiChoice’s DStv and StarTimes across Africa.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Walt Disney Company Africa.

Link To Launch Trailer: CLICK HERE (https://apo-opa.co/46LUWqn)
Link To Assets: Click Here (https://apo-opa.co/46P7pJQ)

MEDIA CONTACTS: 
The Walt Disney Company Africa: 
Luane Lavery 
Luane.Lavery@disney.com  

Jared Stokes 
Jared.Stokes@disney.com  

ESPN Africa Social Media: 
X: @ESPNAfrica
Facebook: @ESPNAfrica
Instagram: @ESPNAfrica
Hashtag: #ESPNAfrica

DisneyPlus Social Media: 
X: @DisneyPlusZA 
Facebook: @DisneyPlusZA 
Instagram: @DisneyPlusZA 
Hashtag: #DisneyPlusZA 

About Disney+:  
Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and much more. In select international markets, it also includes the general entertainment content brand, Star. The flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from The Walt Disney Company, Disney+ offers an unmatched collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. For more, visit www.DisneyPlus.com, or find the Disney+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices. 

About ESPN:
ESPN, Inc., is the world’s leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment enterprise featuring a portfolio of more than 50 multimedia sports assets. It has eight U.S. television networks and 26 International Networks, ESPN Audio (broadcast, satellite, digital, podcasts), the leading portfolio of digital sports services in the world, ESPN The Magazine, consumer products, ESPN Events and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. Hearst holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN.  

Website: http://Africa.ESPN.com 

About The Walt Disney Company EMEA: 
The Walt Disney Company has been in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for over 90 years and employs thousands across the region. Between Disneyland Paris and its other iconic brands, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, 20th Century Studios and ESPN, The Walt Disney Company EMEA entertains, informs and inspires millions of consumers in more than 130 countries through the power of unparalleled storytelling. Disney+, the company’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, is currently available in 85 markets across EMEA.  

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Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Seeks Investors to Unlock 90% of it Untapped Minerals

Source: APO

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is seeking investment partners to unlock 90% of its mineral resources which remain untapped.

Speaking at African Mining Week 2025 in Cape Town, Louis Watum Kabamba, DRC Minister of Mines, urged industry leaders to partner with the country in driving sustainable mining sector growth.

“Ninety percent of our minerals are not yet exploited. We are offering them. The DRC is seeking industry movers who will harness these resources to stimulate economic growth and create value for our people,” Kabamba said.

He emphasized that the DRC is looking for long-term partners who will go beyond production to invest in exploration, infrastructure and workforce development.

“We are home to the youngest population in the world and we want investors committed to developing our local talent. Our beneficiation strategy ensures high returns through close proximity to resources, a dynamic young workforce, dedicated special economic zones, and a strategic location,” he explained.

Kabamba also highlighted opportunities in copper and iron ore, noting that the country is deploying satellite and spatial data technologies to accelerate greenfield exploration, cut costs and reduce uncertainty.

“We have 20 billion tons of iron ore – enough to supply steel for Africa. The continent must identify what is critical to us and prioritize it to drive regional growth,” he stated.

Kabamba stressed that cross-border cooperation will be essential to unlocking both the DRC’s and Africa’s broader mining potential.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Forum Invest in Senegal 2025 (Fii Senegal 2025), Positioning Senegal as Africa’s Next Digital Hub

Source: APO

As global attention shifts toward Africa’s digital potential, Senegal is emerging as a hub for next-generation technology and investment. With the recent launch of its new digital strategy, the ‘New Deal Technologique’, and a landmark US$10 million partnership formalised with the Gates Foundation just days ago to advance digital transformation efforts, the country is signalling that digital technology is firmly at the heart of national development and technological sovereignty. 

The Forum Invest in Senegal 2025 (Fii Senegal 2025) (https://FiiSenegal.sn/), taking place on October 7-8 at the CICAD Conference Centre in Diamniadio, will bring global leaders, investors, and innovators together to experience that vision in action. 

A high-level panel on “ICT and Artificial Intelligence” aims to highlight the transformative potential of technology and innovation for Africa’s future. Moderated by Eva Sow Ebion, Tech Ecosystem Specialist and Strategic Partner Manager at i4Policy, the panel features Alioune Sall, Senegal’s Minister of Communication, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy; Annabelle Albert-Fonteneau, Head of Acceleration Programmes at the Luxembourg House of Financial Technology; Tidjane Deme, General Partner at Partech; and keynote speaker Aicha Sarr Evans, CEO of ZOOX. These government and industry leaders will share insights on digital transformation, AI adoption, and the creation of resilient ecosystems to accelerate growth and competitiveness.

The Fii Senegal 2025 discussions come at a time when the impacts of reform are already evident. Senegal’s Investment Code is lowering entry thresholds, digitising approval workflows, and guaranteeing decisions within ten days. The enhanced Tax and Customs Codes are reducing administrative bottlenecks. The APIX Business Creation Office enables company incorporation in under 48 hours, while the ORBUS and Port Community System digitisation have streamlined trade and customs operations. Additionally, the Startup Act supports emerging tech enterprises. Together, these moves are attracting foreign direct investment into infrastructure, digital services, data centres, and smart projects across Senegal.

Bakary Séga Bathily, Director General of APIX, reiterated that “Senegal is showcasing itself as a sovereign, forward-looking digital hub where reforms, innovation, and opportunity converge. Fii Senegal 2025 will prove to investors that this is the time and place to shape Africa’s digital future.” 

Under the patronage of His Excellency, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Fii Senegal 2025 is set to position Senegal as West Africa’s strategic investment gateway, in line with its main theme of “Connecting Opportunities, Building the Future”. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APIX Senegal S.A.

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Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria and Zimbabwe Advance Mineral Beneficiation

Source: APO

Mining Ministries from Zimbabwe, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) showcased measures driving beneficiation of mineral resources during the Ministerial Forum held today at African Mining Week 2025 in Cape Town.

Louis Watum Kabamba, Minister of Mines, DRC said the country is prioritizing the development of special economic zones as part of its value addition strategy.

“We have a one stop shop removing complications of fiscals and make it easier for industry participation to put capital and technology to drive the beneficiation agenda,” stated Kabamba.

The DRC is also investing in AI technology to maximize and simplify mineral exploration and production.

“We want to use advanced technology to unlock lithium potential. We are also second to Chile in copper production and we want to be first,” added Kabamba.

Winston Chitando, Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Republic of Zimbabwe said the country will commission a new base metal refinery in the next two years.

He said the country holds the world’s second largest reserves of platinum and seeks to leverage its global market position to create employment and manufacturing industries locally.

Zimbabwe also has three industrial parks currently under development in Hwange, Beitbridge and outside Harare to value-add critical minerals, according to Minister Chitando.

“We want value addition making economic sense. Exporting ore all the way to the port and ship them to international does not make economic sense since we are a landlocked country,” added Chitando.

Yusuf Farouk Yabo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines of Nigeria highlighted efforts by the country to create a $1 billion economy by 2030.

“We need leadership, institutions and the right policies hence we are revamping the Mining Act of 2011 to ensure the needs of the private sector are catered for,” stated Yabo.

Nigeria is also investing in digitizing its mining processes, from data accessibility and mineral traceability.

“We want to ensure traceability from mining to monetization, with Nigerian minerals set to come from two sources: license holders or a seller and supplier buying from ASM players who are traced and formalized,” reiterated Yabo.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Namibia Wins ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Award at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: APO

Namibia has been awarded the top prize of the ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Regional Finals during the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy Awards & Gala Dinner on September 30. The team was recognized for its innovative waste-to-energy project.  

Using a 3D-printed frame, the system converts fish waste into bio-feed for plants. The project promotes sustainable farming, turns organic waste into valuable nutrients and supports efforts to combat hunger in rural Namibia.  

The Nigerian Team took home second place for its UltraClean project. Serving as a solar-powered water purification apparatus for classrooms and home, the UltraClean system uses sand filtration, charcoal purification and biochar creation to provide safe water, convert waste into fertilizer and support sustainable development.  

The Angolan Team came third for its project involving solar to remove waste from water. The system aims to mitigate waterborne diseases, support tourism in Angola and convert plastic waste into revenue.  

The Mozambique Team was awarded fourth place for its sanitation and energy solution. The project converts human waste into biogas, which is then transformed into electricity. The system combines a carousel and biodigester to support clean water access, sanitation for children and increase agricultural capacity through irrigation and energy production. 

The competition, a collaborative initiative between the ExxonMobil Foundation and non-governmental organization JA Africa, marks the culmination of a year-long program of quizzes and innovation camps.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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