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Radisson Individuals brand celebrates 100th property milestone and now offers even more opportunities for guests and owners

Source: APO


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Radisson Hotel Group (https://RadissonHotels.com/) announces the expansion of its Radisson Individuals brand, driven by the brand’s exceptional growth to over 100 hotels in operation and under development since its launch in 2020. Today, the portfolio encompasses a variety of property types and experiences appealing to a broad traveler demographic. With an extended brand portfolio that now encompasses the new premier, boutique, and retreats segments, Radisson Individuals provides even more opportunities for distinction and visibility for each hotel.

Radisson Individuals is a soft brand offering independent hotels and regional chains the opportunity to join Radisson Hotel Group’s global network and distribution platform, while giving them the freedom to maintain their own uniqueness and identity. As of today, over 100 hotels across the globe have joined the growing Radisson Individuals network to leverage Radisson Hotel Group’s global recognition and to benefit from the strong halo effect of the Radisson brands. The highest industry standards and training ensure guests can indulge in the flavor and uniqueness of every hotel while enjoying the signature Yes I Can! service that is part of Radisson Hotel Group’s core beliefs.

Recent openings include Le Relais de La Malmaison, a member of Radisson Individuals, a tranquil retreat near Paris; HARBR Hotel Ludwigsburg, a member of Radisson Individuals, a contemporary urban hotel in the greater Stuttgart area; Crystals Beach Resort Belle Mare, a member of Radisson Individuals, a new addition to the Group’s Indian Ocean portfolio nestled along the east coast of Mauritius; and Namah Nainital, a member of Radisson Individuals Retreats, the Group’s fourth hotel in Uttarakhand, India.

Radisson Individuals is now expanding its flexible offering across three segments, from upper midscale to upper upscale, ensuring consistently high standards and relevance to guests and owners across the portfolio.

Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Global Chief Development Officer at Radisson Hotel Group commented on the expansion: “The exceptional success of Radisson Individuals is testament to Radisson Hotel Group’s ability to help the industry set relevant trends and provide true added value for our owners and guests. The evolution of Radisson Individuals with three new segments further offers opportunities for distinction and visibility within an elastic framework.”

The Radisson Individuals brand now encompasses:

  • Radisson Individuals: Radisson Individuals brings together hotels that meet Radisson Hotel Group’s high standards of service and quality yet have unique characteristics that are outside the Group’s core brands. This affiliation empowers hotels to maintain their uniqueness while benefiting from the experience and infrastructure of Radisson Hotel Group.
  • Radisson Individuals Premier: A selection of upper-upscale hotels for both business and leisure travelers. Located in key leisure and business destinations with sophisticated designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and impeccable service.
  • Radisson Individuals Boutique: A collection of intimate hotels selected for their sense of effortless style and timeless character. These handpicked properties invite guests to discover the charm of smaller hotels that blend intimate, stylish settings with impeccable service. Properties and locations are thoughtfully curated to provide delightful stays with strong local influences.
  • Radisson Individuals Retreats: An array of immersive escapes and gorgeous getaways, enriched by hand-picked experiences to rejuvenate the mind and body. These properties act as a platform for unique hideaways in renowned destinations, unlocking their full potential with Radisson Hotel Group’s strong distribution capabilities. Guests are connected with the authentic spirit of each location, focusing on nature while enjoying the highest standards of quality and service.

By affiliating with the Radisson Individuals brand, hotel owners can offer guests opportunities to discover hotels in new locations with unique personalities, assured they will receive the exceptional service they expect from a Radisson Hotel Group hotel.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Radisson Hotel Group.

Media: 
Saadiyah Hendricks
Director Global Corporate & Area PR and Social Media (MEA, MED, SEAP)
saadiyah.hendricks@radissonhotels.com

Connect with Radisson Hotels on: 
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YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4mI5k8K
WhatsApp: https://apo-opa.co/4pMW0Ty
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About Radisson Hotel Group: 
Radisson Hotel Group is a rapidly expanding international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with more than 1,580 hotels in operation and under development in +100 countries. The Group’s overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos. 

The Radisson brand portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art’otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson — brought together under one commercial umbrella brand, Radisson Hotels.  

Radisson Rewards (https://apo-opa.co/46D8hCN) is Radisson Hotel Group’s loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter, counting more than 24 million members. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. 

Radisson Meetings (https://apo-opa.co/4nSRd10) provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional, and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely Carbon Compensated.  

At Radisson Hotel Group, we care for people, communities, and planet (https://apo-opa.co/3KoPp1v) and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as carbon-compensated Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics. 

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group’s portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members. 

For more information, visit our corporate website (https://RadissonHotels.com). 

About Radisson Individuals: 
Radisson Individuals is an affiliation brand comprised of independent hotels, each boasting its own unique identity and united by Radisson Hotel Group’s service philosophy and attention to detail. The brand consists of: Radisson Individuals, Radisson Individuals Premier, Radisson Individuals Boutique, and Radisson Individuals Retreats.

Radisson Individuals is created to offer a solution for independent and unbranded hotels to become part of the Group’s family. Radisson Individuals brings together hotels that have unique characteristics and personalities, offering guests an opportunity to discover new locations whilst safe in the knowledge that they will always receive the high standards of quality and service they rely on from Radisson Hotel Group. Radisson Individuals properties are located in key business and leisure destinations.

Radisson Individuals Premier offers a curated selection of upper-upscale hotels in key business and leisure destinations, with state-of-the-art facilities for both business and leisure. Radisson Individuals Premier hotels consist of elegantly appointed rooms, unparalleled attention to detail, offering a seamless blend of style and service.

Radisson Individuals Boutique provides a portfolio of intimate boutique hotels, blending exclusive, stylish settings with impeccable service. These hotels are situated in leisure and business destinations around the world, for those who want to experience local charm. Radisson Individuals Boutique properties are thoughtfully curated to provide a bespoke and uniquely local stay.

Radisson Individuals Retreats provides unique opportunities to become immersed in out-of-the ordinary

experiences and to recharge and reconnect in natural surroundings. Situated in scenic leisure destinations, these lifestyle hideaways connect guests with the authentic spirit of the location, focusing on nature while ensuring the highest standards of quality and service.

Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Radisson Individuals by participating in Radisson Rewards, an international loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards.

Radisson Individuals is a part of the Radisson family of brands, which also includes Radisson Collection, art’otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson, brought together under one commercial umbrella brand – Radisson Hotels.

For reservations and more information, visit our website (https://apo-opa.co/42WjYBY) 

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International Olympic Committee (IOC) launches revamped Young Reporters Programme for Dakar 2026

Source: APO

Applications are now open (https://apo-opa.co/4pMyNB0) for the next edition of the Young Reporters Programme, which will run during the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG). Sixteen aspiring sports journalists from around the world will be selected to take part in this immersive training experience, and develop their skills in a real Games-time environment.  

New format inspired by global media trends

Launched at the inaugural YOG in Singapore in 2010, the IOC Young Reporters Programme has so far trained 125 participants from 68 countries, equipping them with the tools and experience needed to pursue careers in sports media. Many alumni have gone on to work at the Olympic Games or for major broadcasters, digital platforms and news agencies.

An independent review of the programme conducted in 2025 by Dr Jessie Wilkie of the University of Canberra highlighted its success, describing it as “a highly effective and supportive journalism training programme”. The study, which was based on surveys and interviews with former participants, found that 63 per cent of them had gone on to work at the Olympic Games, while one-third had worked with the IOC in some capacity. Dr Wilkie also noted that the programme has built a talented alumni community, many of whom described the experience as a “life-changing” opportunity that had helped launch their careers in sports media. The review also made a series of recommendations to ensure that the programme continues to evolve in line with the changing media landscape.

The Dakar 2026 edition therefore marks a significant evolution in the programme, following the review’s recommendations. Drawing on 15 years of participant feedback and industry insight, the revised format retains the core principles of intensive training and mentorship, while introducing new elements to better align with the modern demands of sports reporting, including a greater focus on social media.

An immersive learning experience  

Under the guidance of senior Olympic media professionals, the selected Young Reporters for Dakar 2026 will experience a comprehensive training programme covering print journalism, photography, broadcasting and social media.

Participants will gain practical experience in mixed zones and press conferences, while reporting on sports events and cultural activities. Coursework will include how to tell compelling human-interest stories, produce content to deadlines, edit multimedia assets, and maintain accuracy and fairness in reporting. They will also explore social media integration and data analysis in sports coverage. 

All stories, photos and video packages produced will be published on the programme’s media platforms, offering participants international exposure. Guest speakers from global media organisations and the Olympic Movement will enrich the learning experience, and all participants will receive an official IOC Certificate of Participation. The most outstanding participant will be honoured with the Steve Parry Award. 

Young professionals aged 21 to 25 with a background in journalism, photography or broadcasting are invited to apply via the dedicated portal on www.Olympics.com. The application window is open from now until 30 November 2025, and successful candidates will be notified by the end of February 2026. All applicants must be fluent in English and provide a portfolio and references to support their candidacy. 

In addition to the open application process, candidates will also be nominated by the Organising Committees of upcoming Olympic and Youth Olympic Games – including Dakar 2026, Dolomiti Valtellina 2028, Los Angeles 2028, French Alps 2030 and Brisbane 2032 – ensuring broad representation from across the Olympic Movement.

The Dakar 2026 YOG will take place over two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world’s best young athletes aged up to 17. The Games will be held across three host sites in Senegal: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Media files

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Helen Zille: will competence, courage and a dose of arrogance be enough to get her elected as Johannesburg’s mayor?

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Roger Southall, Professor of Sociology, University of the Witwatersrand

Love her or loathe her, it is hard to deny that Helen Zille is one of the most remarkable politicians South Africa’s democracy has yet seen. Remarkable because she has served in so many high-profile public roles – as mayor of Cape Town, premier of the Western Cape province, leader of the opposition, and leader of the Democratic Alliance before later becoming the party’s federal chair, and wielding power behind the scenes.

She has never steered clear of controversy, and indeed, revels in it in a way which discomforts her opponents.

She is both feared and respected for her intelligence, diligence, hard work, determination, competence, courage, integrity – and let’s face it, not a little dose of arrogance, which at times has led her unnecessarily into trouble, as with her infamous “colonialism” tweet, which caused widespread offence.

Read more: Zille, tweeting and inanity: more reasons for white South Africans to shut up

But this points to another quality she has as a politician: she has a thickness of skin which would make a bull elephant blush. Additional to all this, there has never been any taint of financial scandal about her throughout her long years in public life.

So you can see why her political opponents, and particularly the African National Congress (ANC), are running scared following the announcement by the Democratic Alliance that she will be their candidate for mayor of Johannesburg in the local elections in 2026. At age 74, she ain’t no spring chicken, but she can still do a respectable dance, and intends to waltz her way into the mayoral chair.

However, she may well become the best mayor Johannesburg has never had.

Why she might win

Zille has pitched her running for mayor as a “local gal returning to her roots”, where she grew up, where she worked as a journalist and where, she tells us, she fell in love in a city she has always loved and knows back to front.

And why?

Because she is coming to save it, descending from the clouds of Democratic Alliance heaven in Cape Town – a city it has run since 2009 – to rescue the good citizens of Johannesburg from ANC hell. An ANC, she tells us – and who can deny it? – which has manufactured political instability and municipal collapse. An ANC which has collapsed the most basic of services so that taps in many areas run dry, sewage swamps the pot-holed roads, household waste mounts up, and electricity supply has become erratic. An ANC which has allowed corruption to thrive.

Read more: Johannesburg’s problems can be solved – but it’s a long journey to fix South Africa’s economic powerhouse

Zille does not lack confidence and she talks a good talk. Local government is not rocket science, she says. It’s common sense, it’s getting down to basics, it’s about political will, it’s about proper management of resources. It’s about having the competence and determination to ensure that water flows through the pipes again, that electricity is restored, roads are repaired, and collection of waste is secured.

And how is this to be done? By streamlining the city’s administration, by rationalising its bureaucracy, cutting back the fat, and increasing the investment in maintenance and infrastructure which the ANC has so lamentably allowed to lapse. No community, no suburb will be ignored.

Nirvana is in prospect – but only if she is given the chance to restore the city to its former glory.

We should not doubt that Zille is propagating a gospel that appeals beyond the boundaries of traditional Democratic Alliance support. She has already received the vocal support of one-time prominent ANC praise-singers, such as former University of the Witwatersrand vice-chancellor Adam Habib and Ebrahim Harvey, biographer of former president Kgalema Motlanthe.

Both have pronounced a verdict that will justify defection from the ANC: Johannesburg is in a crisis brought on by ANC misrule and a vote for Zille will not be a vote for the Democratic Alliance, but a vote for the one person with the character, competence and drive to turn the city around.

Although their heresy may not be enough to convince traditional ANC supporters to break with the past, it may appeal to their children, who are not so bound by their grandparents’ and parents’ loyalties.

Read more: Africa’s city planners must look to the global south for solutions: Johannesburg and São Paulo offer useful insights

Zille had to climb over other Democratic Alliance bodies to win her nomination and has doubtless left some bruised egos in her wake. But this will not stop the DA uniting behind her.

The party smells blood, and it’s coloured the black, green and gold of the ANC. Win control of Joburg, hang on to Cape Town, and the Democratic Alliance will be running South Africa’s two major economic hubs. Turn Joburg around, provide a better life for all its citizens regardless of where they live, and the Democratic Alliance will hope to shed its reputation as the party for whites and the well-off, positioning itself nicely for the next general election. It’s a great scenario for the Democratic Alliance.

But there are obstacles in the way.

Why she might lose

To become mayor, Zille will need the backing of a majority of Johannesburg’s 270 seat council. At the last local election in 2021, the ANC emerged as the largest party with 33% of the vote and 91 seats. The Democratic Alliance came in second with 26% and 71. What followed initially was a Democratic Alliance minority government, before this was collapsed in September 2022 by the Economic Freedom Fighters (29 seats) throwing its lot in with the ANC, which took office as the major party in a coalition.

It all became a messy and disheartening story for Johannesburg’s voters, who saw the politicians scrabbling for power and perks while the city went into decline. But it demonstrates what the Democratic Alliance is up against.

And, as Zille has acknowledged, the mixed-member proportional electoral system used in local elections makes it enormously difficult for any single party to win an absolute majority. Even if the Democratic Alliance emerged as the largest party, it would have to fish for support among other parties to form a viable coalition.

Read more: South African local government elections: why a great deal hangs on the outcome

Meanwhile, Zille has ruled out striking any deal with the Economic Freedom Fighters and is equally unlikely to strike any agreement with Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe Party. Perhaps she might be able to do a deal with the ANC in an echo of the government of national unity? Or will the ANC be so averse to joining a council led by Zille that it opts for what the DA terms a “doomsday coalition” with the EFF and/or MK?

Much will depend on the nature of the campaign, and whether Zille can avoid making the gaffes to which she is prone. In her speeches to black audiences she must avoid sounding like Madam condescending to Eve – the two characters in a popular South African cartoon strip.

Furthermore, however irrelevant they may be to local government, she may struggle to sidestep broader political issues, such as whether she is prepared to declare Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

Yet Zille will count on voters wanting to have water in their taps.

The Iron Lady’s last stand?

The DA is risking much in putting Zille forward for mayor in Johannesburg. It knows she antagonises as many voters as she attracts and that she never fails to provoke controversy. But the party clearly sees her as well worth the gamble. She has name recognition far and wide. She will draw attention. She is guaranteed to provoke debate. She will ensure that the party’s existing voters turn out in droves while large swathes of the ANC’s supporters may stay at home.

The Democratic Alliance also knows that Zille’s nomination will ensure that the race in Johannesburg will attract national attention and is banking on it reverberating in its favour nationally. And it also knows that this is very possibly the Iron Lady’s last stand.

If she does become mayor, Zille will be 75 when she gets the job, and if she serves a full term, she will be 80 come the following local election. Many within the DA may be reckoning that, at that point, Zille will conclude that it is time to call it quits and exit the political arena gracefully to join the knitting circle in the retirement home in Cape Town where she lives. Even she will conclude by then that she will be too old to continue.

Surely she would, wouldn’t she? Don’t count on it.

– Helen Zille: will competence, courage and a dose of arrogance be enough to get her elected as Johannesburg’s mayor?
– https://theconversation.com/helen-zille-will-competence-courage-and-a-dose-of-arrogance-be-enough-to-get-her-elected-as-johannesburgs-mayor-266220

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Africa’s borrowing costs are too high: the G20’s missed opportunity to reform rating agencies

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Misheck Mutize, Post Doctoral Researcher, Graduate School of Business (GSB), University of Cape Town

One of the commitments the South African presidency of the G20 made in its policy priorities document at the beginning of 2025 was to push for fairer, more transparent sovereign credit ratings. And to address the high cost of capital caused by an illusive perception of high risk in developing economies.

South Africa proposed to establish a commission to look into the cost of capital. In particular, to investigate the issues that impair the ability of low- and middle-income countries to access sufficient, affordable and predictable flows of capital to finance their development.

Read more: Rating agencies don’t treat the Global South fairly: changes South Africa should champion in G20 hot seat

For many in Africa, this was more than a bureaucratic statement. It represented the first real chance for countries in the global south to challenge the entrenched power of international credit rating agencies through the G20. Through the influence of their opinions, Moody’s, S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings are at the centre of driving the high cost of borrowing in Africa.

But the window of opportunity for advances to be made on this are narrowing. The South African government and the country’s business community have not used the opportunity provided by the G20 presidency to press for reforms that could reduce Africa’s borrowing costs and strengthen its financial sovereignty.

Why credit ratings matter so much

Credit rating agencies are not neutral observers of financial markets. Their judgements directly shape investor sentiment, access to finance and the interest rates countries pay when issuing bonds.

For developing countries, especially in Africa, ratings determine whether a government spends its scarce resources on debt servicing or on development needs such as schools and hospitals.

The problem is not just the ratings themselves but the inaccuracy and subjectivity of how they are determined.

Developing economies have frequently complained about several rating challenges.

First, African countries are more likely to be given rating downgrades that aren’t supported by economic fundamentals than countries in other regions.

Second, subjective risk factors are applied by pessimistic rating analysts who are based outside the continent.

Read more: Rating agencies and Africa: the absence of people on the ground contributes to bias against the continent – analyst

Third, developing economies are penalised on the basis of the speculative impact of external shocks such as global pandemics or climate-related disasters.

Lastly, there are significant variations in the weights allocated to risk factors in Africa compared to peer countries with relatively similar risk profiles in Asia and Latin America.

A missed leadership opportunity

The G20 remains the key global forum where both the major advanced economies and the most influential developing economies sit together. As chair, South Africa has the power to shape the agenda, shape working groups and drive communiqués that influence global discourse.

But so far, the proposed cost of capital commission has not been established. It is fair to assert that South Africa’s G20 presidency has not used this platform to redress the cost of capital issue. Its engagements on credit rating reform have been limited to reiterating talking points. There’s no evidence of structured proposals dedicated to the issue.

This inaction is surprising given that South Africa itself is no stranger to the sharp end of credit rating decisions. In the past eight years, a series of downgrades by the international rating agencies pushed the country’s debt deep into “junk” status. These decisions have raised borrowing costs and dented investor confidence. Pretoria therefore has both experience and legitimacy to lead a reform conversation on sovereign ratings.

In addition, South Africa’s corporate and financial sector – its banks, insurers and institutional investors – have remained largely on the sidelines.

Platforms such as the Cost of Capital Summit, convened by the Business (B20) working group, Standard Bank, Africa Practice and the African Peer Review Mechanism, were useful. But South Africa’s business community has failed to seize its country’s G20 presidency as a lever to press for reforms that would benefit not only domestic firms but also African partners.

Lower sovereign borrowing costs in host countries, for example, would directly reduce macroeconomic risks for South African corporates operating across the continent and expand their investment opportunities.

What could have been done

Three concrete steps could bring the issue of credit rating reform back onto the agenda.

  • Mainstream credit ratings in the G20 technical task force agenda. Its Communique should clearly reflect that ratings are the gatekeepers of capital by determining borrowing costs, shaping investor sentiments and ultimately determining how much fiscal room governments will have to finance development.

  • Recognise and champion the Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) as one of the mechanisms to address cost of capital in Africa. The African Union has already endorsed the establishment of a continental agency to complement global credit rating agencies. South Africa should use the G20 platform to raise the initiative’s profile, attract technical support and encourage global investors to consider its assessments.

Read more: Africa’s new credit rating agency could change the rules of the game. Here’s how

The cost of inaction

According to UNCTAD, developing countries pay interest rates up to three percentage points higher than peers with similar fundamentals, amounting to billions of dollars annually in excess costs.

This “hidden tax” on development has direct human consequences. Fewer resources for infrastructure, climate adaptation, health systems and education. For Africa, where financing needs are immense, more accurate credit ratings could unlock vital fiscal space.

South Africa cannot afford to let its G20 presidency drift into symbolism. The promise of “fairer, more transparent” sovereign credit ratings must be translated into action, through task forces, communiqués and alliances that advance reform.

Pretoria also needs its business sector to step up. This is not only a moral imperative. It’s also an economic one.

Lower risk premium and fairer access to capital will expand opportunities across the continent, including for South African investors. The world is watching. If South Africa fails to lead, it will confirm suspicions that rhetoric about reforming the global financial architecture is little more than lip service. If it seizes the moment, however, it could leave a legacy far greater than its own domestic struggles. The beginning of a fairer, more accountable system of sovereign credit ratings for the global south.

– Africa’s borrowing costs are too high: the G20’s missed opportunity to reform rating agencies
– https://theconversation.com/africas-borrowing-costs-are-too-high-the-g20s-missed-opportunity-to-reform-rating-agencies-265766

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SIU uncovers syndicates which allegedly looted R2 billion at Tembisa hospital

Source: Government of South Africa

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says its investigation into corruption at Tembisa Hospital, in Ekurhuleni, has uncovered three coordinated syndicates, responsible for the looting of over R2 billion meant for healthcare.

“This staggering sum, intended for the provision of healthcare to the most vulnerable, was instead ruthlessly siphoned off through a complex web of fraud and corruption, representing an egregious betrayal of the nation’s trust,” Head of the SIU, Advocate Andy Mothibi said on Monday.

Addressing the media at the hospital where an interim report on the investigation on corruption at the facility was released, Mothibi said as complex as the probe had been, they had been able to uncover irregularities, fraudulent activities and corrupt activities by officials and service providers.

In September 2022, the Office of the Premier referred matters to the SIU to be investigated. The unit has since then analysed at least 2 207 procurement bundles. 

“Key officials from the Gauteng Department of Health (GDOH) and Tembisa Hospital are accused of benefiting from corrupt payments that facilitated the irregular appointment of service providers, involving money laundering and fraud through fronting and the use of false Supply Chain Management documentation,” Mothibi said.

The investigation currently involves 207 service providers which traded with the Tembisa Hospital under 4 501 purchase orders (PO). Each PO is linked to a purported three-quote procurement process purportedly involving three competing bidders.

“These numbers are constantly updated as new companies are identified through ongoing investigations and the flow of funds involving irregularly appointed service providers at the Tembisa Hospital,” Mothibi said.

The syndicates are the Maumela syndicate, Mazibuko syndicate and the X syndicate.

The Maumela syndicate is linked to Hangwani Morgan Maumela; the Mazibuko syndicate is linked to Rudolph Mazibuko while investigations are continuing into the X syndicate.

The SIU is reviewing 1728 bundles worth R816 560 710 related to the Maumela syndicate and has completed 924 analyses, uncovering significant irregularities. 

The SIU has also traced 41 suppliers or service providers linked to Maumela; three of the companies that were awarded contracts to the value of R13 538 292 in this syndicate are linked to Vusimuzi Matlala.

With regard to the Mazibuko syndicate, the SIU reviewed 651 bundles valued at R283 504 291, with 392 completed analyses revealing assets worth R42 646 502, including multiple properties in the Western Cape and Gauteng.

With regard to X syndicate, the SIU is currently assessing 1237 procurement bundles, valued at R596 424 356.

Apart from these syndicates, the SIU also uncovered other syndicates which have looted millions at the hospital.

Mothibi said the SIU’s evidence has revealed that the total value of corrupt payments linked to officials and employees of GDOH and Tembisa Hospital is R122 228 000.

“The SIU has identified at least 15 current and former officials involved in activities such as corruption, money laundering, collusion and bid rigging with improperly appointed service providers at Tembisa Hospital.

“These individuals abused their positions throughout the procurement process to benefit these providers and enrich themselves. The number of identified officials is expected to rise as the investigation continues. The officials range from entry-level clerks to management-level officials,” he said.

The SIU has prepared 116 disciplinary referrals against 13 officials, of which 108 were delivered to the GDOH relating to maladministration, as well as the irregular appointment of service providers at the hospital.

Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, said the corruption could not have taken place if it was not for the assistance of corrupt officials both at the hospital and Gauteng Health Department.

He said while investigations are continuing, there was a need to look at the officials at the department. “Whistle blowers must be protected and those involved in corruption must be removed from society,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Kusile Unit 6 reaches commercial operation

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 29, 2025

Eskom’s Kusile Power Station Unit 6 has entered commercial operation – officially adding some 800MW to the national grid and strengthening South Africa’s energy security.

The power utility announced the milestone on Monday and it marks the completion of the Eskom Build Programme.

Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane said the milestone was a testament to the power utility’s commitment to its turnaround plan.

“Achieving commercial operation of Unit 6 within the planned timeframe is a testament to Eskom’s disciplined execution of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan. This milestone not only completes the Kusile build programme but also reinforces Eskom’s commitment to restoring energy security, enhancing grid stability, and investing in infrastructure that supports South Africa’s long-term economic growth. 

“Since its synchronisation in March, Unit 6 has consistently met performance benchmarks, contributed to grid reliability, and helped meet electricity demand 97% of the time,” Marokane said.

At the Medupi Power Station, which was also part of Eskom’s Build Programme, Unit 4 of the station was returned to service in July this year.

“Medupi and Kusile will remain central to South Africa’s electricity supply for many years to come. Both stations are designed for an operational lifespan of approximately 50 years. 

“As we celebrate this milestone, we are also accelerating efforts to expand our renewable energy portfolio to complement our baseload infrastructure. This is part of our broader strategy to repower the grid and reduce overall emissions,” Marokane added.

Eskom explained that commercial operation indicates that Unit 6 has “passed all required testing and optimisation phases” and is now fully integrated into the power utility’s operational fleet. 

“Although the unit has been supplying electricity to the grid since its synchronisation on 23 March 2025, its contribution had not been reflected in official reporting until now. From this point onward, Unit 6’s output will be included in the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) calculations, contributing to Eskom’s overall performance metrics.

“This achievement also marks a key milestone in Eskom’s strategic goal to add 2500MW of new capacity to the grid by March 2025 and represents a major step in completing one of the largest infrastructure projects in South Africa’s history,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

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World Heart Day 2025: Dr. Rasha Kelej and African & Asian First Ladies Empower Doctors Across 52 Countries with 925 Specialized Scholarships in Cardiovascular Preventive, Cardiology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity & Weight Management

Source: APO – Report:

  • Merck Foundation in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies, Ministries of Health and Medical Societies provided out of total 2400 scholarships, 925 Scholarships of one-year Post-Graduate Diploma and two-year Master Degree in Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Obesity & Weight Management; and One Year Fellowship program for Diabetes & hypertension for doctors from 52 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
  • Merck Foundation released the First storybooks and Animation Films “Mark’s Pressure”, and “Sugar Free Jude”, with the aim to raise awareness about early detection and prevention of Hypertension and Diabetes (which are correlated) and to Promote Healthy Lifestyle, amongst children and youth in Africa and beyond.

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks ‘World Heart Day 2025’ in partnership with First Ladies of Africa and Asia, Ministries of Health, Medical Societies, and Academia, through their Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Heart Day every day through our continuous efforts to strengthen healthcare capacity and expand access to quality and equitable care in Cardiology, Cardiovascular Preventive, Hypertension, and Diabetes, across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

I am proud to share that, in partnership with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa & Asia and partners like Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, we have provided 925 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries of Online One-year PG Diploma and Two-year Master degree in Cardiovascular Preventive, Cardiology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Clinical Nutrition and Obesity & Weight Management; One Year clinical  Fellowship program for Diabetes and Hypertension; and also a special 3-month Diabetes Mastercourse in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. These scholarships are helping to build a robust network of specialists, reaching beyond major cities and capitals.”

Merck Foundation has in total provided more than 2400 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Dr. Nakigunda Kiroga, Merck Foundation Alumnus from Tanzania shares, “I am deeply grateful to Merck Foundation for the opportunity to pursue PG Diploma and MSc in Cardiology.  The training program has strengthened my confidence in assessing patients’ cardiovascular risks and applying evidence-based interventions to reduce them. It has also helped to brace my research capabilities. Moreover, the training program has also equipped me to better educate and guide my patients on their treatment plans and the lifestyle changes that will most benefit their health”.

According to the World Heart Federation, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the second leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa, claiming the lives of over 1 million people every year. Alarmingly, high blood pressure is responsible for more than half of all CVD-related deaths on the continent, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures and increased awareness around cardiovascular health.

Therefore, Merck Foundation has launched a range of community awareness initiatives aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle, and emphasizing the prevention, early detection, and effective management of diabetes and hypertension.

In partnership with African First Ladies, Merck Foundation has released children’s storybooks and adapted animation Films “Mark’s Pressure” and “Sugar Free Jude”.

“On the occasion of World Heart Day 2025, I am excited to share ‘Mark’s Pressure’ and ‘Sugar Free Jude’, the first animation films in Africa designed to raise awareness about hypertension, diabetes, and the importance of healthy lifestyles among children and youth across the continent and beyond. These films are adaptations of our children’s storybooks and aim to inspire communities to reduce sugar and salt intake, exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, and avoid smoking. By promoting these habits, we can tackle diabetes and hypertension which are the major risk factors for serious complications and heart disease and empower future generations to lead healthier lives”. Added Senator Dr. Kelej.

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

https://apo-opa.co/4gP7X7p

Watch the “Sugar Free Jude” Animation film here:

https://apo-opa.co/48Diznt

Merck Foundation’s pan African TV program “Our Africa”, that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and features African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness about social and health issues, has episodes dedicated to raise awareness about Diabetes and Promoting Healthy Lifestyle.

Watch the Episode on promoting Healthy Lifestyle here:

https://apo-opa.co/46KKHTp

Watch the Episode on Diabetes Awareness here:

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

All episode of “Our Africa”  are available on social media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4nCKKri), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/3WaJ8sS), Twitter (http://apo-opa.co/4710Bdq) and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4mEivHG)) and Merck Foundation (Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4nrtPbf), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/48GAJVr), Twitter (http://apo-opa.co/42fU3VN) and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/42jQ2zv)).

Merck Foundation together with African and Asian First Ladies, annually launches their Awards for Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, Musicians, Singers, and emerging talents from these fields to Promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Details of the awards:

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

Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.

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

Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.

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

Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.

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

Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.

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

submit@merck-foundation.com

– on behalf of Merck Foundation.

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

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/4nrtPbf 
X: http://apo-opa.co/42fU3VN
YouTube: http://apo-opa.co/42jQ2zv
Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/48GAJVr
Threads: http://apo-opa.co/4nBPKfZ
Flickr: http://apo-opa.co/3IAeGW0
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com 
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3KrEGDx

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4nrtPbf), X (http://apo-opa.co/42fU3VN), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/48GAJVr), YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/42jQ2zv), Threads (http://apo-opa.co/4nBPKfZ) and Flickr (http://apo-opa.co/3IAeGW0).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

Media files

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OIC Investment Forum in Africa: Unleashing Africa’s Investment Potential 2–4 December 2025

Source: APO – Report:

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The Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT), the trade and investment promotion organ of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in partnership with   Islamic Development bank Group and its Business Forum (THIQAH) (https://IDBGF.org/) together with the Republic of Mali, will host the OIC Investment Forum in Africa from 2 to 4 December 2025.  This landmark event will bring together Ministers, API CEOs, investors, multilateral and regional banks and international institutions to unlock new opportunities for trade and investment across Africa’s OIC Member States.

Africa: A Continent of Untapped Potential

With its dynamic young population, vast natural resources, strategic geographic location, and growing markets, Africa offers unparalleled opportunities for investors. OIC African Member States are emerging as attractive destinations for investment in agribusiness, mining, renewable energy, infrastructure, textiles, tourism, banking, and manufacturing.

Over the past decade, many African OIC Member States have implemented bold reforms that have strengthened their investment climate and enhanced their competitiveness. These efforts have already yielded positive results, yet a vast untapped potential remains. In the post-COVID-19 era, harnessing this potential will require deeper regional economic cooperation and stronger connections between investors and the wide range of opportunities the continent has to offer.

Forum Objectives

The Forum aims to:

  • Identify obstacles hampering investment in Africa and propose concrete policy recommendations.
  • Showcase high-potential investment projects and bankable opportunities. 
  • Facilitate direct dialogue between governments, the private sector, and financial institutions.
  • Promote public-private partnerships and intra-OIC investment flows.
  • Strengthen SME development, youth entrepreneurship, and women’s economic empowerment.
  • Leverage Islamic finance and innovative financial instruments for sustainable growth.

A Platform for Action and Partnership

Participants will benefit from:

  • High-level panels on investment climate, sectoral opportunities, and financing mechanisms.
  • Thematic roundtables and an exhibition of investment institutions and services.
  • Networking sessions to connect with policymakers, investors, and development partners.
  • The launch of an OIC Think Tank on Investment in Africa and a Database of African OIC Projects.

Strategic Collaboration

The Forum is organized by ICDT in collaboration with the OIC General Secretariat and the Islamic Development Bank Group (ICIEC, ICD, TIQAH), with the support of other OIC institutions, and international partners, under the aegis of the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Mali.

A Turning Point for Intra-OIC Investment

In recent years, OIC countries have demonstrated strong resilience in attracting investment, maintaining momentum well beyond pre-pandemic levels. Africa, with its abundant resources and growing markets, still holds vast untapped potential waiting to be unlocked. The OIC Investment Forum in Africa is designed to turn this potential into concrete growth by connecting investors from across the OIC region and beyond with transformative opportunities in African Member States.

By uniting capital, expertise, and innovation, the Forum will act as a catalyst for sustainable economic transformation, strengthening Africa’s position as a driving force in intra-OIC trade and investment in the years ahead.

Join Us in Bamako

The OIC Investment Forum in Africa is more than a forum – it is a catalyst for change. It is a platform where vision meets opportunity, where partnerships are forged, and where Africa’s investment story will be rewritten.

Event Details:
More information: https://OIC-AfricaInvest.com

– on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH).

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Qatar, Romania Hold Round of Political Consultations

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | September 29 2025

The third round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and Romania was held in Doha on Monday.
The Qatari side was headed by HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, while the Romanian side was headed by HE State Secretary for European, Middle Eastern and African Affairs in Romania, Clara Staicu.
Throughout this round, both sides discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

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Sierra Leone joins United Nations (UN) Water Convention, strengthening Water Cooperation in West Africa 

Source: APO – Report:

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Sierra Leone has officially acceded to the United Nations Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (UN Water Convention) in a high-level ceremony at the UN headquarters in New York during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s growing commitment to sustainable water governance at both the national and regional level.   

The country now joins a growing group of West African nations that have acceded to the UN Water Convention— including Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo — and who are aligning their water governance with international standards and embracing cooperative approaches to shared basin management. The Water Convention counts now 57 Parties with 13 from Africa. 

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Sao-Kpato Hannah Isatta Macarthy, stated “Sierra Leone’s accession to the UN Water Convention, under the astute leadership of His Excellency the President, Retired Brigadier Dr Julius Maada Bio,  will further enhance transboundary water cooperation, reduce the risk of conflict over shared water resources, foster peaceful cooperation and deepen economic cooperation within the Mano River Union.” 

UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean stated “Sierra Leone’s accession to the UN Water Convention further consolidates the strong momentum for water cooperation in Africa, where over 90% of freshwater is in shared basins. I welcome this important step and encourage all countries sharing water with neighbouring states to harness the UN Water Convention for cooperation to strengthen peace, security, climate change adaptation and sustainable development”. 

As climate change intensifies its impact on water availability across West Africa and brings greater unpredictability in rainfall patterns, longer dry seasons, and increased competition for water, Sierra Leone’s accession sends a clear signal of leadership and readiness to work with its neighbours for shared solutions. With a population of over 8.6 million people, Sierra Leone is located at the center of a hydrologically interconnected region in West Africa. The country shares several transboundary water basins — including the Moa, Great and Little Scarcies, and Mano River basins — with neighboring countries Guinea and Liberia. These shared rivers are not only critical sources of freshwater but also play a vital role in supporting livelihoods, food security, hydropower generation, and ecosystem services for millions.  

Recognizing the importance of these shared water resources, Sierra Leone’s accession to the UN Water Convention seeks to enhance its institutional and technical capacity to manage its rivers more effectively. It also reflects a broader goal to reduce the risk of water-related conflicts, foster regional cooperation, and strengthen the resilience of ecosystems and communities in the face of mounting pressures from climate change and population growth.  

According to the 3rd global cycle of national reporting on SDG Indicator 6.5.2 (2024) measuring transboundary water cooperation, for which UNECE and UNESCO are co-custodians, 64 transboundary rivers, lakes and aquifers are situated across Africa. This makes transboundary water cooperation a must across the continent to adapt to climate change, prevent conflict and ensure the protection of shared water resources.    

Sierra Leone has been engaging in Convention activities since 2022, taking part in activities aimed at building awareness, knowledge, and national readiness. A major milestone in this process was the National Workshop held in January 2024, which brought together stakeholders, including representatives from government ministries, local transboundary water committees, parliament, regional organizations, academia, and civil society. 

This detailed the obligations and benefits of joining the Convention and emphasizing the critical role of transboundary water cooperation in supporting biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration, and climate change resilience.

– on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).