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Promising trade leads for local companies at Intra-Africa Trade Fair 

Source: Government of South Africa

South African companies that were part of the 30-member business delegation at the recently concluded Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF) in Algeria say they are eager to do business in Algeria and across the continent. 

This as the local companies generated several promising trade leads over the course of the trade fair.
The IATF 2025 was held in Algiers, Algeria, 4 – 10 September 2025, serving as a major platform for showcasing African products and fostering continental trade, investment, and partnerships within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Dr Khulile Mtsetfwa, Chief Executive Officer of Swatek Defence and Aerospace, announced that the company has signed three memoranda of understanding aimed at establishing distribution lines in Algeria.

“The plan is to make sure that we build relations and maintain the line of communication with country agents and distributors to penetrate the Algerian market and the rest of the continent. Our mission throughout the week was to make sure that we expose our products to the countries which were represented at the fair,” said Mtsetfwa.

The company signed a contract worth R20 million that will see them supplying protective gear to a local company. 
Rashmee Ramdeen, Director of Zilon Bulk Bags, said the company’s polypropylene bulk bags were well received by visitors and distributors, generating numerous new business leads.

“There is a potential order that is worth R6 million that is being negotiated with a local company. There was a huge demand for our products because there are few manufacturers who are producing them in Algeria.

“The country is currently importing from Europe, and the price is not competitive. So, this is our opportunity to make inroads in the North African market,” added Ramdeen.

Zanele Sanni, Chief Director of Export and Marketing at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, reaffirmed that the IATF is a powerful tool for trade and investment promotion, helping to drive the implementation of the AfCFTA.

“Participating in this landmark event, assisted in strengthening intra-African trade under the AfCFTA, and accelerating collaboration in critical sectors such as energy, automotives, mining and technology,” said Sanni.

READ | dtic to lead SA business delegation to Intra-African Trade Fair

The South African Pavilion attracted more than 3 000 visitors and 267 buyers, generated approximately 300 leads with an estimated post–six-month sales value of R483 million, and hosted over 120 business-to-business meetings. – SAnews.gov.za

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Department gazettes Transport Amendment Act, recognising e-hailing

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Transport has officially gazetted the long-awaited National Land Transport Amendment Act, along with its amended regulations. 

The Act introduces a new transport category, e-hailing services, as a recognised mode of public transport. This move affirms and formalises a sector that was previously treated as operating outside the law by some existing operators. 

It also requires all public transport operators, including e-hailing providers, to hold valid operating licences to ensure services remain authorised and safe. 
In addition, the Act sets out standards for quality and security that e-hailing platforms must meet to protect passengers and drivers alike.

“Each vehicle should be branded or carry a sign indicating that it is an e-hailing vehicle. 
“Commuters must verify that vehicle and driver details appear in the app, and if not, should exercise precaution,” the statement read. 

According to the department, under the new rules, app developers who permit users to use their apps without an Operating License risk a fine of up to R100 000 or up to two years in jail. 
“All apps must also be registered with the regulators.”

In addition, the Act also requires panic buttons to be installed in e-hailing vehicles to help keep commuters safe and provide quick emergency response and that vehicle owners are responsible for making sure these are installed. 

“The panic button for commuters will assist with crime detection and enable a rapid response by law enforcement or tracking companies. 

“Commuters are also required to ensure that the vehicle and driver are compliant. Drivers are required to have the requisite documents to be eligible for compliance.”

Meanwhile, the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) offices will ensure compliance upon processing all applications before drivers can be issued an operating license.

In addition, e-hailing operators, when applying for an operating license, are subjected to a standard operating license application fee.

“Other operational costs are outside of the Department of Transport’s purview.”
 
This move will also see the companies being required to register and comply with company laws in South Africa under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and South African Revenue Services (SARS), and there may be other requirements with costs. 

“The department will hold workshops to share this information with all operators and officials across the country starting from this week.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The United Arab Emirates Expresses Solidarity with Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) and Conveys Condolences over Victims of Boat Accidents

Source: APO – Report:

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The United Arab Emirates has expressed its solidarity with the Democratic Republic of the Congo over two tragic boat accidents on the Congo River that caused numerous deaths, injuries, and missing persons.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy with the families of the victims, and to the government and people of the DR Congo over the two tragic incidents, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured.

– on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Minister to host reunion for former political prisoners 

Source: Government of South Africa

With the country continuing to mark Heritage Month, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie will lead a reunion of former political prisoners from South Africa and Namibia.

“Held under the theme ‘Reuniting with Robben Island as the Stronghold that Fortified Our Resistance to Achieve Our Freedom,’ this symbolic gathering represents a profound moment of remembrance, healing, and national reflection. 

“It brings together former political prisoners from South Africa and Namibia and will pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery, unyielding resilience, and unwavering commitment of those who were imprisoned for their role in the fight against apartheid,” the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture said on Friday.

The reunion is set to be held at the Robben Island Museum in the Western Cape on Saturday, 27 September 2025.

The ceremony which will be held in partnership with the Association for Ex-Political Prisoners (AEPP) and the Robben Island Museum (RIM), will serve as a symbolic homecoming for many who endured incarceration on the island.

As part of the day’s programme:
•    All ex-political prisoners who were incarcerated at Robben Island, including those from Namibia, will be awarded commemorative medals in recognition of their sacrifice.
•    A Wall of Names honouring all former prisoners will be officially unveiled.
•    Statues of some iconic figures will be inaugurated, serving as enduring symbols of their bravery and ensuring their legacy is permanently etched into the nation’s collective memory.

“Taking place during Heritage Month, the reunion underscores Robben Island’s continued importance as a UNESCO [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation] World Heritage Site and a living monument of resilience, unity, and hope for present and future generations,” said the ministry.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture officially launched Heritage Month 2025 under the theme: ‘Reimagine our Heritage Institutions for a New Era’.

READ | SA steps into Heritage Month

The theme reflects a shift from heritage institutions being custodians of memory to serving as platforms for innovation, inclusion and community development. –SAnews.gov.za

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Ebola vaccination begins in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Source: APO – Report:

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Vaccination of frontline health workers and contacts of people infected with Ebola virus disease has begun in Bulape health zone in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kasai Province where an outbreak of the disease has been declared.

An initial 400 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine—from the country’s stockpile of 2000 doses prepositioned in the capital Kinshasa—have been delivered to Bulape, one of the current hotspots of the outbreak. Additional doses will be delivered to the affected localities in the coming days.

The vaccine is being administered through ring vaccination strategy, which entails vaccinating individuals at highest risk of infection after having come into contact with a patient confirmed with the virus. It is also recommended for health care and frontline workers responding to the outbreak who may be in contact with Ebola patients. The Ervebo vaccine is safe and protects against the Zaire ebolavirus species, which has been confirmed as the cause of the ongoing outbreak. 

The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision has approved around 45 000 additional Ebola vaccine doses to be shipped to the Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of the ongoing outbreak response. WHO supported the health authorities to develop the request for additional doses, and with partners, including UNICEF, also supported the development of a vaccination plan for the rollout of the doses. Vaccination teams are also being trained in data collection and receiving field support.

In addition to the vaccines, treatment courses of the monoclonal antibody therapy (Mab114) drug have also been sent to treatment centres in Bulape for clinical care. 

On the ground, WHO has so far deployed 48 experts in disease surveillance, clinical care, infection prevention and control, logistics and community engagement who, along with partner organizations, are supporting the government to rapidly strengthen outbreak response measures to halt the spread of the virus.

In countries neighbouring the Democratic Republic of Congo, WHO is working with national authorities to bolster operational readiness to enable rapid detection of cases and prompt initiation of measures to curb further spread.

WHO assesses the overall public health risk posed by the ongoing outbreak as high at the national level, moderate at the regional level and low at the global level.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Democratic Republic of Congo.

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National Policy Dialogue: Shaping the Future of Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health in Nigeria

Source: APO – Report:

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Nigeria is prioritizing adolescent health, well-being and development through multisectoral collaboration, in line with the National Health Sector Strategic blueprint and National policy on Health and development of Adolescent and young people. This was the central message of the National Policy Dialogue on the Future of the Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health and Development (AYSRH&D), which convened key diverse stakeholders in Abuja to chart a unified path for adolescent health and well-being in the country. The event underscored the power of multisectoral collaboration and meaningful adolescents and youth engagement in shaping sustainable national programmes.

What Happened and Why It Matters

The two-day dialogue, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, was convened by the Society for Family Health in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, and the State Ministries of Health from Kano, Kaduna, Kwara, and Nasarawa.

The event brought together a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including representatives from Ward Development Committees across the four states, members of the Nigeria National Assembly, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nigeria Governors Forum, Nigeria Health Watch, youth-led organizations, traditional institutions, and private sector partners. 

The goal was to make adolescent and youth health a central part of Nigeria’s development plans. By working together, ministries and partners aim to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s young population and achieve long-term national growth.

WHO played a key role by sharing two important tools:

  • The Framework for Multisectoral Actions on Adolescent Health
  • The Meaningful Adolescent and Youth Engagement (MAYE) Framework

These tools helped guide discussions and emphasized the importance of involving young people in decision-making and programme implementation—at both national and local levels.

Purpose and Strategic Importance

The dialogue aimed to:

  • Build agreement and commitment to prioritize adolescent and youth health and development (AYHD)
  • Identify gaps and share evidence and key sights from the implementation of A360 and discuss opportunities for institutionalizing adolescent and youth-centred design approaches into the national and subnational AYHD Progrommnes 
  • Strengthen coordination between ministries and sectors
  • Encourage partnerships among government, civil society, youth groups, traditional leaders, and private sector organizations

This initiative is aligned to  WHO’s global guidance, AA-HA! 2.0, and contributes to achieving Universal Health Coverage, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and regional commitments to adolescent health.

WHO’s Contributions

During the event, WHO presented a technical paper outlining its Framework for Multisectoral Collaboration and Accountability, a tool designed to help countries develop and implement effective adolescent health programmes. This framework served as a foundation for discussions on strengthening national approaches to adolescent health.

In addition, drawing from Nigeria’s experience, WHO shared valuable insights gained from the application of the AA-HA! (Accelerated Action for the Health of Adolescents) guidance since 2020. These included the review of national policy and implementation plans, the development of monitoring and evaluation tools, and support for programme rollout in Edo and Katsina States.

Dr Joy Ufere-Isikima, WHO Technical Officer for Newborn, Child, Adolescent and Primary Health Care, highlighted the importance of integrated programmes and community-level action. WHO’s support helped revitalized State Adolescent Health and Development Technical Working Groups and developed LGA-level workplans in two states.

UNICEF supported to expand the approach to 9 more states, demonstrating the growing momentum and commitment to adolescent health across Nigeria.

Key Outcomes

  • Strong commitment from stakeholders to improve adolescent and youth health and development
  • Agreement to leverage on multisectoral collaboration and accountability frameworks
  • Recognition of the vital role of young people in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating AYHD programmes
  • Development of commitment statements to guide future policies and actions

Voices from the Dialogue

“When young people are meaningfully involved in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programmes designed for us, it helps improve our health and well-being.” — Margaret Bolaji, Executive Director, Stand With A Girl (SWAG) Initiative

“This event comes at a very critical time in our nation’s history… under the strong leadership of the Coordinating Hon. Minister of Health and Social Welfare.” — Dr Binyerem Ukaire, Director, Family Health Department

“Healthy young people are better positioned to contribute meaningfully to national development.” — Mr Emmanuel Essien, Representative of the Hon. Minister of Youth Development

Next Steps

The dialogue led to an endorsed commitment statements with a shared vision from all stakeholders to accelerate efforts in the implementation Adolescent and youth Health and development programming focused at the subnational levels.  WHO will continue to provide technical support and help Nigeria strengthen its adolescent health systems. Ensuring that young people’s voices remain central to policy and programme development is a top priority.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Nigeria.

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Minister withdraws draft National Credit Act amendment regulations  

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, September 14, 2025

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has withdrawn draft regulations published in the Government Gazette on 13 August 2025 – that would have designated educational institutions as originators of credit information under the National Credit Act amendment regulations.

If implemented, this would have resulted in student debt being reported to credit bureaus across the country.

According to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Tau’s decision to withdraw the regulations was informed by the overwhelming response, comprising more than 20 000 submissions received even before the closing date for public comments on 12 September 2025. 

“The vast majority of the responses were opposed to the proposed regulations. This process has once more demonstrated the robust nature of South Africa’s democracy, where the public can engage with government openly and transparently.”

READ | DTIC responds to Draft National Credit Regulations concerns

The Minister has committed to a process that will review and implement necessary changes to protect students. 

At the same time, efforts to improve access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will continue, aiming to address the current credit funding gap.

“Minister Tau has also committed to engaging relevant stakeholders to further clarify this process and allay any fears with respect to the outcomes of this process,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Western Cape police probe deaths of three men

Source: Government of South Africa

Western Cape police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a deadly shooting incident that occurred in Ekopoleni, Cape Town, on Saturday night.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), three men aged between 24 and 27 were fatally wounded.

A fourth victim, aged 18, was injured and taken to the hospital for treatment.
“At approximately 22:41, a lone gunman opened fire on the victims before being picked up by the driver of an Isuzu bakkie. They are yet to be arrested.” 

While detectives are pursuing all leads, the police said operational members have been deployed in the area to maintain stability. 

“At this stage, the motive for the shooting is believed to be gang related.”
The public is encouraged to share any information that may assist the investigation by contacting Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or through the My SAPS mobile app.

Police have assured that all information provided will be treated confidentially and anonymously.

Meanwhile, as part of ongoing efforts to combat gang violence, serious and violent crime, and organised crime in the Western Cape, police apprehended several suspects for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and drugs on Friday, 12 September 2025.

A joint operation by the Maitland Flying Squad and the Cape Town K9 Unit led to the arrest of a 31-year-old man in Brown’s Farm for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
The statement said members followed up on information about a wanted suspect and firearms and searched the premises. 

The members found two AK-47 assault rifles with ammunition, a signal jammer and a .38 Special revolver in the house. 

The matter will be investigated by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as Hawks.
In an unrelated intervention, members of Maitland Flying Squad responded to a complaint about drugs at a premises in Summer Greens on Saturday, 13 September 2025. 

“Upon searching the premises, the members found a consignment of mandrax tablets, crystal meth, cocaine and an undisclosed amount of cash hidden in different compartments in the house.”
A 49-year-old female was arrested for dealing in drugs.

The suspects will make their respective court appearances in the Athlone and Cape Town Magistrate’s Courts on Monday, 15 September 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Central African Republic in Morocco Investors’ Roundtable Africa24 to Deliver Exclusive Coverage

Source: APO

From September 14 to 15, 2025, Casablanca (Morocco) will host the Investors’ Roundtable of the Central African Republic, under the high patronage of His Excellency President Faustin-Archange Touadéra and with the support of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. This major pan-African event marks a strategic milestone in mobilizing technical and financial partners around the Central African Republic’s National Development Plan (PND).

As a true platform for dialogue and cooperation, the Roundtable aims to strengthen public-private partnerships, attract structuring investments, and fast-track the implementation of key economic recovery projects. It is part of a broader effort to build investor confidence and stimulate inclusive growth in the Central African Republic.

Casablanca Roundtable: A Catalyst for Recovery and Cooperation

The stakes of this gathering are significant. The event will showcase the priority projects of the PND across strategic sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, health, governance, and innovation.

It also provides an opportunity to foster regional and international cooperation while positioning the Central African Republic as an active player in Africa’s economic transformation.

Africa24 Exclusive Editorial Coverage

Africa24 Group, the leading pan-African media network, will deploy an unprecedented audiovisual and digital set-up to capture the event:

  • Live broadcasts of plenary sessions and official addresses.
     
  • Exclusive interviews with financial partners, Heads of State, and private sector leaders.
     
  • In-depth reports from Casablanca at the heart of strategic discussions and key announcements.
     
  • Analytical insights into the economic outlook of the PND, investor mobilization, and the future of development in the Central African Republic.

Follow the Investors’ Roundtable with Africa24

Full coverage will be available live, in replay, and on demand via:

  • AFRICA24 (French, Channel 249) and AFRICA24 English (Channel 254) on Canal+ Afrique
     
  • MyAfrica24 App (Google Play)
     
  • Website: www.Africa24TV.com with exclusive reports, interviews, and special features

With Africa24 Group, Together, let’s transform Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AFRICA24 Group.

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Eskom maintains reliable power supply

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom reports that it continues to reliably supply electricity to South Africa, with unplanned losses from breakdowns remaining well below the 10 000 megawatt (MW) threshold, currently recorded at 7 394MW.

“This reflects sustained structural improvements in plant performance driven by the ongoing implementation of the Generation Recovery Plan,” the statement read. 

In addition, the state-owned power utility said the open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs), or diesel generators, maintained a load factor of just 0.001% for the second consecutive week.

“The sustained technical improvements have ensured a reliable power system, meeting more than 97% of electricity demand since the beginning of the financial year.” 

South Africa has experienced no load shedding since 15 May 2025, with only 26 hours recorded between 1 April and 11 September 2025.

Between 5 and 11 September 2025, planned maintenance increased as Eskom entered the summer period, averaging 4 624MW. 

During this period, the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) fluctuated consistently between 69% and 73%, with the month-to-date average further remaining above the 70% mark.

“This upward trend reflects growing stability and improved reliability across the generation fleet. These figures exclude Kusile Unit 6, which has been contributing 720MW to the national grid since 23 March 2025. 

“Although not yet in commercial operation, the unit is expected to reach that milestone by September 2025.”

To further strengthen grid stability, Eskom has planned to return a total of 2 835MW of generation capacity to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 15 September 2025, and throughout the coming week.

Between 1 April and 11 September 2025, the Unplanned Capability Loss Factor (UCLF), which reflects the percentage of generation capacity lost due to unplanned outages, further decreased to 26.53%. 
The utility said this represents a week-on-week improvement of approximately 0.4%, although it remains about 1.2% higher than the 25.38% recorded during the same period last year.

From 1 April to 11 September 2025, the diesel spend remains well under the allocated budget.
“As of today, 119 consecutive days without load shedding have been achieved,” said the utility on Friday.

Summer outlook

Meanwhile, Eskom recently published the summer outlook, covering the period 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026, which forecasts no load shedding due to the structural progress in plant performance because of the ongoing implementation of the Generation Recovery Plan.

The available generation capacity stood at 28 776MW, with Eskom stating that the current capacity is sufficient to meet requirements over the weekend.

From 1 April to 11 September 2025, Eskom spent approximately R5.9283 billion on fuel for its OCGT plants, generating 1 000.91 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity. 

“While there was no notable increase in expenditure over the past week, the electricity generated represents a significant rise compared to the 578.14GWh produced during the same period last year. 

“It is important to note that diesel expenditure is not consistent throughout the year but fluctuates seasonally in response to system demand and operational requirements.”

Load reduction 

During the previous winter peak periods in the mornings and evenings, load reduction eased slightly – from an average of 544MW in April 2025 to 529MW in June 2025 – with Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng accounting for approximately 87% of the total.

“Eskom appreciates the progress achieved in reducing load nationally, with a 3% improvement recorded between April and June 2025.

“The largest gains were seen in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, with reductions of 13% and 5% respectively. Looking ahead, Eskom is committed to further reducing load reduction by 15–20% by March 2026 and eliminating it within two years.” 

Eskom said this will be achieved by addressing 640 000 illegal connections by March 2026, upgrading infrastructure, including the rollout of smart meters, reducing zero buyers and illegal vending, and expanding free basic electricity registrations in priority areas.

The primary causes of load reduction remain illegal connections and meter bypassing. 
These practices amount to electricity theft and place severe strain on the network, leading to transformer overloads, equipment damage, and, in extreme cases, explosions and extended outages.

“Electricity should only be purchased through Eskom-accredited vendors, and customers are encouraged to regularise their electricity usage. These actions are critical to securing safe, reliable, and fair access to electricity for all.”

Any illegal activity impacting Eskom’s infrastructure should be reported to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp on 081 333 3323. – SAnews.gov.za