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DIRCO, UNISA to host G20 town hall meeting in Cape Town

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), in collaboration with the University of South Africa (UNISA), will host a Group of 20 (G20) Town Hall Outreach on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, in Cape Town.

The event will be held under the theme: “Financial Inclusion for Economic Development: Creating Access to Benefit Grassroots Economies”.

This G20 Town Hall Outreach aims to engage South Africans on the significance, objectives, and benefits of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, as well as to solicit input from non-state actors and civil society.

According to the department, South Africa’s G20 Presidency stands as a vital moment to shape global dialogues and promote economic development. 

“It represents a strategic opportunity to advance change in global governance while working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” the advisory read. 

Meanwhile, the engagement will also touch on financial inclusion, which according to the department is increasingly recognised as a critical element of the global economic system, particularly in relation to poverty eradication, equitable growth and social stability. 

“In a globalised economy, financial inclusion has the potential to reduce inequality, foster resilience and promote sustainable development.”

The inaugural DIRCO-UNISA G20 Town Hall Outreach was held on 14 May 2025 in Pretoria, Gauteng.

The second edition followed on 8 August 2025 in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.

Tomorrow’s engagement is scheduled to take place at the Imbizo Media Centre at Parliament in Cape Town, from 9am to 12pm. – SAnews.gov.za

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Canon Miraisha expands legacy in Kenya with Maono Africa to empower youth in Dandora

Source: APO

  • Canon Miraisha programme partners with Maono Africa to train youth in photography and filmmaking in Dandora, Nairobi. 
  • The initiative has empowered over 7,000 creatives across 11 African countries, with a goal to train 10,000 by 2030. 

A decade ago, Canon (www.Canon-CNA.com) took a bold step toward creating sustainable, creative livelihoods across Africa. It began in Kenya, where the very first Miraisha programme was launched, laying the foundation for what has now become a continent-wide initiative blending opportunity, skill, and storytelling. 

Today, Canon Central and North Africa proudly announces a new chapter in this journey. Under the Canon Miraisha programme, the brand is partnering with a grassroot organization in Dandora, Nairobi- Maono Africa, to provide essential training in photography and filmmaking to underserved youth and young mothers. 

The Miraisha programme, named from a fusion of Japanese and Swahili words to reflect both Canon’s heritage and its commitment to Africa, has become a symbol of transformation. Since its inception in 2014, Miraisha has trained over 7,000 aspiring creators across 11 African countries, with over 650 participants earning paid commissions, and more than 450 having their work published, screened, or exhibited. The program aims to impact 10,000 participants by 2030, not just with skills, but with tangible career pathways in the creative industry. 

“Kenya is where Miraisha first came to life, and it continues to hold a special place in our hearts,” said Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa. “Our new partnership with Maono Africa is deeply aligned with the Miraisha vision- of not only teaching skills but creating real, lasting impact in communities. These organizations are doing extraordinary work, and together we aim to inspire, train, and uplift the next generation of storytellers in Dandora and beyond.” 

Through this partnership, Canon and its community collaborators will offer specialized training in visual storytelling, tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of each group. 

Maono Africa, whose work spans sport and arts, education and skills development, health and Advocacy, will collaborate on the same modules while engaging a broader youth demographic through the lens of purpose-driven storytelling. 

“At Maono Africa, our mission has always been to give young people the tools to reimagine their future. Storytelling through photography and film is one of the most powerful ways to do that. This partnership with Canon Miraisha allows us to not only train but also empower youth in Dandora to create stories that reflect their reality, resilience, and aspirations,” said Kenneth Owili, Founder of Maono Africa. 

The ongoing photography and filmmaking workshops, scheduled between August and October 2025, will combine in-person training sessions with virtual webinars. Participants will explore a wide range of modules covering the fundamentals of visual storytelling- spanning photography techniques, exposure, composition, as well as key aspects of filmmaking such as shooting, screen direction, and practical assessments.  

With over 33 successful partnerships across the region and 25 locally trained Canon instructors, Miraisha has always been about more than just teaching- it’s about creating futures. As Canon Miraisha steps into its second decade, partnerships like this reaffirm the brand’s belief: the future of Africa’s creative industry lies not in foreign investment alone, but in the power of local voices, visions, and stories- ready to be told, captured, and celebrated. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com

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RS South Africa Shines Spotlight on Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) Procurement Challenges in Key Economic Sectors

Source: APO

RS South Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4gljCdG), a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a global provider of product and service solutions, has highlighted the growing pressures faced by procurement professionals responsible for maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) supplies across the country’s vital economic sectors. This follows the release of the 2025 Indirect Procurement Report: Tackling the Cost of Business, produced in association with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS).

The report, now in its eighth year, provides insights into the priorities and challenges of procurement professionals working in manufacturing, energy, public services, and facilities management. Findings reveal that inflationary pressures, supply chain risks, and skills shortages continue to dominate the agenda, while environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are rapidly becoming a business imperative.

Key concerns for MRO buyers include ensuring cost savings, maintaining ageing assets, contract compliance with preferred suppliers, and managing multiple stakeholder expectations across dispersed sites. In South Africa, where industries such as mining, energy, and manufacturing rely heavily on operational uptime, the resilience of supply chains and the ability to secure trusted, high-quality components are critical.

Commenting on the report’s relevance for the local market, Erick Wessels, Sales Director at RS South Africa, says: “Procurement professionals in the Sub-Saharan African region are operating in an environment shaped not only by global inflation and supply-chain pressures, but also by unique local challenges such as energy instability, infrastructure constraints, and the need to maintain older assets well beyond their original life cycles.”

Wessels adds: “At the same time, procurement leaders are being asked to deliver on ambitious sustainability goals while ensuring uninterrupted operations in sectors that underpin our economy. This makes strong supplier partnerships, risk mitigation strategies, and the adoption of best-practice procurement models more important than ever.”

The report also shows a sharp increase in initiatives around sustainable and ethical procurement, with nearly two-thirds of respondents globally identifying ESG as central to corporate strategy. Yet, cost pressures remain a barrier, with more than a third of professionals reluctant to pay a premium for sustainable products.

“For African organisations, the balancing act between cost control and sustainability is particularly complex. Working with trusted distributors who provide not just products, but also technical expertise, supplier vetting, and inventory management solutions, will be essential in building both resilience and efficiency into procurement strategies,” concludes Wessels.

The full 2025 Indirect Procurement report can be found here (https://apo-opa.co/4n7gswO).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.

Links to additional content:
Exports link: https://Africa.RSDelivers.com
MRO Campaign link: https://apo-opa.co/46fuFSx

PR contact details:
PR Contact Person – RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
RS South Africa
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366

Media Contact Person – NGAGE Agency:
Thobile Ndlovu
Senior PR Account Executive
thobile@ngage.co.za
+27 11 867 7763

Further information is available via these links:
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3VhVOhb
X: https://apo-opa.co/463xMwC
RS South Africa (https://za.RS-Online.com/web)
RS Africa Exports (https://Africa.RSDelivers.com)
DesignSpark (https://apo-opa.co/467Z9pu)
RS Group plc (https://www.RSGroup.com)

About RS:
RS is a global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably.

We operate in 36 markets, stock over 800,000 industrial and specialist products and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations.

We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it’s our people that make the difference.

Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people planet and profit.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2024 reported revenue of £2,942 million.

For more information, please visit: www.RSOnline.co.za

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

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has moved to assure the city’s residents that the current water challenges gripping the city are being dealt with.

Morero was speaking during a media briefing at the Alexander Park Reservoir on Monday morning following violent protests across the city last week over the issue.

“We are on top of this problem. We are going to find solutions on the water issue in Johannesburg,” the Mayor said.

Morero said the city will soon unveil its water infrastructure master plan, which will include refurbishments and pipe replacements, which enable the city to deal with water leaks.

“We have also agreed with the Minister of Water [Pemmy Majodina] that Johannesburg will have a programme on dealing with leaks and get support with provincial government. In that way we will reduce our water losses quite significantly as we deal with pipe replacements,” he added.

Furthermore, the city will be “very hard” on illegal water connections, which Morero said are contributing to the current water challenges.

“Illegal connections have been a big problem in the City of Johannesburg. We try from time to time to cut off illegal connections and… to a large extent, the cut-offs do help us in maintaining the water supply.

“What we have agreed on… with Johannesburg Water, we are going to have a meeting with the Johannesburg Police Department with an intention to get them to be consistent in the programme of cut-offs. This will help us a lot in terms of [managing] water demand and it will also help us in terms of our bulk purchases. So, there’s a lot that it can help in reducing the current problems that we have with water,” he said.

On immediate interventions, the city has acquired 20 tankers which will be deployed to communities when needed.

In Coronationville, where water shortages ignited protests last week, the area is being supplied.

“They do have water. What we are doing is a balancing act. At night we close water and during the morning we open it. It’s an issue of demand.

“We have to make a call to our communities to try as much as possible to preserve water…to use it sparingly. So that those areas that are battling to get those levels high, we can be able to provide and increase the levels in their water reservoirs,” Morero said. – SAnews.gov.za

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BMA leadership to visit Durban Harbour

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, will on Wednesday lead a high-level delegation from the BMA’s Executive Committee (EXCO) on a monitoring visit to the Durban Harbour.

This significant visit marks the first time the full BMA EXCO undertakes an official monitoring visit of Durban Harbour (Durban Port), which is Africa’s busiest seaport. 

The Port Management Committee (PMC) is expected to provide a first-hand, on-the-ground operational report on the environment, challenges and complexities faced by BMA officials stationed at this critical national gateway.

The programme will include an extensive inspection of key port facilities, direct engagement with BMA personnel and interactions with various stakeholders operating within the border management environment. 

According to the Border Management Authority, the visit is a critical step in the BMA’s strategy to enhance efficiency, security and compliance at South Africa’s borders.

“The Durban Harbour is a vital artery for the South African economy and a primary focus for our mandate of integrated border management,” the Border Management Authority said in a statement.   

“This visit will not merely be observational, it is a diagnostic mission by the BMA Executive leadership. The EXCO aims to identify systemic challenges and collaboratively develop practical, effective solutions to strengthen border management efforts. 

“The visit underscores the BMA’s commitment to evidence-based decision-making and proactive engagement with the operational realities on the front lines,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government is strengthening the “foundations of our public service" – President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

As South Africa marks Public Service Month, President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured citizens that government is hard at work to strengthen the public service system and has reiterated the commitment to closing the skills gaps, rooting out corruption and returning the public service to its core principle: Batho Pele.

The President addressed the nation through his weekly newsletter on Monday. 

He noted that while there are challenges, there are “dedicated public servants who work tirelessly in service of our nation”. 

“We thank them for the work they do to improve the lives of South Africans. But our public service faces significant challenges. These include skills gaps, outdated systems and processes, inconsistent service delivery and corruption. In many parts of the state, the values of Batho Pele – putting people first – have been eroded.

“That is why we are strengthening the professional foundations of our public service. Through the reforms underway we are working to attract the right skills, implement rigorous performance management and create career pathways that reward merit and excellence. Through the National School of Government, we are investing in training and development,” President Ramaphosa said.

September marks Public Service Month in the country which focusses on the “essential contribution” that South Africa’s 1.7 million public servants make to deliver services to South Africans.

READ | Government launches Public Service Month

“It is through public servants that government provides healthcare, education, policing, social services and countless other essential functions that touch every South African’s life. 

“When our public service operates at its best, it is a powerful instrument for social and economic development. When it falters, it is often our most vulnerable citizens who bear the brunt,” he said.

Close collaboration

President Ramaphosa noted that as government works to build a “professional, accountable and capable public service”, the public service must be brought closer to the people it serves.

“We must challenge the idea that public servants are providers and citizens are mere beneficiaries of goods and services. The National Dialogue, which was launched in August, provides an opportunity to change the relationship between public servants and the public,” he said.

The National Dialogue paves the way for South Africans all over the country to meet to discuss the issues they face and find a path to take the country forward.

READ | National dialogue outcomes to be determined by citizens: President Ramaphosa

The dialogues will culminate in a National Convention to be held next year which will “finalise a social compact that outlines clear actions and responsibilities for all sectors of society”.

“The thousands of public dialogues taking place across the country will also provide an opportunity for communities to address the immediate challenges that they face where they live. 

“Through the National Dialogue process, each community is encouraged to work with all relevant stakeholders – ward councillors, municipal officials, civic bodies, community organisations and provincial and national departments – on a common plan to address these challenges.

“By working together in an integrated way, drawing together resources from within and outside the state, these stakeholders can find ways to solve local problems. Public servants have a vital role to play in working towards solutions alongside and in cooperation with communities,” President Ramaphosa noted.

This approach takes a leaf from the District Development Model which emphasises “bringing government closer to the people and ensuring that local needs inform service delivery priorities”.

“It is about building a public service that listens to citizens, adapts to their needs and continuously improves its services. Such a public service requires the active participation of citizens as partners in development, growth and transformation.

“I call on every South African to hold government accountable, to engage constructively with public institutions and to recognise the vital role that a professional public service plays in building the society we all want.

“Together, we can build a public service that serves with excellence and integrity and works with South Africans to realise the promise of a better life for all,” the President concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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DWYPD calls for unity to protect rights of people with albinism

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has called on all South Africans to work together in creating inclusive and safe environments where people with albinism can live with dignity and without fear.

The appeal comes as the country observes National Albinism Awareness Month, marked annually in September to promote understanding, fight stigma, and protect the rights of persons with albinism.

Albinism is a rare, genetically inherited condition that affects the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for colouring the skin, hair, and eyes.

This year’s awareness campaign is being observed under the theme: “Demanding Our Rights: Protect Our Skin, Preserve Our Lives.”

DWYPD Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, highlighted that people with albinism face not only health challenges, such as sensitivity to the sun and vision impairments, but also harmful discrimination, stigma, and violence.

“This month provides an opportunity for South Africans to raise awareness about the realities of living with albinism, dispel harmful myths, and promote inclusion in education, employment, healthcare, and community life,” Chikunga said.

The Minister also emphasised the importance of advocating for the protection of persons with albinism against discrimination, exploitation, and violence; while also celebrating their diversity by recognising the achievements, talents, and contributions to society.

“Through collaborative efforts, awareness campaigns, and advocacy, we can build a society where diversity is embraced, rights are respected, and every person – regardless of skin colour or condition – is valued. Together, let us stand for inclusion, equality, and the protection of persons with albinism.

“We call on all citizens, communities, schools, faith-based institutions, and the private sector to unite in creating inclusive, safe environments where people with albinism can live with dignity and without fear,” Chikunga said.

The department also urged all stakeholders to align their efforts with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Declaration on the Protection of Persons with Albinism, adopted on 17 August 2024 at the SADC Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The declaration demonstrates commitment by governments to protect the rights of persons with Albinism who are faced with numerous attacks ranging from abductions, killings, maiming, discrimination and trafficking. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Gauteng police honour fallen heroes

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng has honoured four officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in the 2025/26 financial year.

Held on Sunday, the ceremony honouring three male officers as well as a female officer was led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.

The four were remembered for their courage, dedication and unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the community of Gauteng with the Commissioner posthumously thanking the officers for serving their country with loyalty, bravery and dedication. 

He also thanked their families for supporting the members during the time when they were out on the streets of Gauteng ensuring that communities are safe. 

“On behalf of Gauteng police management, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, their loved ones. Your selfless support and unwavering strength inspired them throughout their career in law enforcement. We are thankful for the time we had with them, and we are honoured that you are here with us today as we salute them for the last time,” he said.

Captain Wynand Du Toit of the Springs Police Station was shot and killed as he intercepted the suspects who were committing a business robbery in Springs on 16 February 2025.

Sergeant Winnie Ntila was shot and killed by the suspects who were committing a house robbery in Vosloorus on 03 September 2024.

Warrant Officer Sello Joel Masedi was knocked down by a car at an accident scene in Mohlakeng while Warrant Officer Mzukisi November was knocked down by a speeding vehicle while conducting a roadblock in Springs.

Lieutenant General Mthombeni assured the families that the SAPS will take care of the educational needs of the children of the fallen heroes and heroine through the SAPS Education Trust. 

On Sunday, 07 September 2025, government hosted the annual South African Police Service Commemoration Day at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

READ | ‘Attacking a police officer is an attack on the State itself’

The day honoured the lives of the 27 police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty during the 2024/25 financial year with Deputy President having issued a  warning against the killing of police officers.

“Let it be clear: attacking a police officer is an attack on the State itself, and it will be met with the full might of the law. We want to make sure that even touching a police officer carries the harshest punishment permitted by our laws, and where possible, tighten these laws,” Deputy President Mashatile said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Rand Refinery Joins African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 as an Associate Sponsor

Source: APO


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South Africa’s Rand Refinery – the world’s largest integrated precious metals refining and smelting complex – has joined the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) as an Associate Sponsor. The company’s participation underscores its commitment to fostering partnerships with global mining stakeholders to advance Africa’s local beneficiation agenda, in line with the event’s theme From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth. 

AMW serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

AMW 2025 will connect Africa’s leading gold-producing nations and companies – including Ghana, Mali, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Egypt, Nigeria, Uganda and B2Gold – with downstream players like Rand Refinery to unlock the full potential of Africa’s gold sector. 

Rand Refinery continues to reinforce Africa’s role as a global gold powerhouse, having refined approximately one-third of the world’s mined gold to date. The company has a crucial role to play as African-gold rich countries seek to maximize gold production and monetization of value-added products for GDP growth. Rand Refinery is advancing the sustainability of gold processing, deploying a 4.5 MW solar PV system to meet its peak power demand, reducing its annual carbon footprint by 8.500 tons. The firm is also spearheading Africa’s responsible gold monetization agenda through innovative traceability and transparency solutions such as RandTrack and the Gold Bar Integrity platform, while aligning with international standards including the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for responsible gold sourcing. The company is also the only refinery in Africa certified by the London Bullion Market Association for good delivery practices. 

AMW 2025 provides an ideal platform for Rand Refinery to showcase its industry milestones and investment strategy. AMW will feature high-level panel discussions and exclusive networking sessions, providing an ideal platform for Rand Refinery to engage with African public and private sector leaders, as well as global investors, to shape the future of Africa’s gold industry. 

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

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets UK National Security Adviser

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, September 14, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Sunday with HE National Security Advisor of the United Kingdom Jonathan Powell, who is visiting the country.

The meeting discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them, as well as the developments in the region, particularly the treacherous Israeli attack that targeted Doha.

During the meeting, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the State of Qatar will take all necessary measures to protect its security and preserve its sovereignty in response to the blatant Israeli attack.

In turn, HE the National Security Advisor of the United Kingdom reiterated the UK’s solidarity with the State of Qatar, its strong condemnation of the Israeli attack, and its categorical rejection of any aggression that threatens the security and safety of the State of Qatar and undermines the security and stability of the region.