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GCC, Arab Group in Vienna Strongly Condemn Israeli Attack in Doha

Source: Government of Qatar

Vienna, September 12, 2025

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in Vienna expressed their strong condemnation and denunciation of the treacherous Israeli attack on Doha, describing it as a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.
In a statement delivered before the session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors in Vienna, during discussions on the issue of Israeli nuclear armament, the GCC states declared their full solidarity and support for the State of Qatar. They stressed that targeting Qatar constitutes a direct assault on Gulf collective security and the shared destiny of GCC member states.
They also voiced full support for any measures the State of Qatar may take to protect its sovereignty and security and to prevent the recurrence of such acts of aggression, calling on the international community and relevant institutions to respond appropriately to this threat to regional and international peace and security.
Similarly, the Arab Group expressed its strong condemnation of the treacherous Israeli attack on Doha, describing it as a grave violation of international law and the UN Charter and a blatant assault on the sovereignty and security of the State of Qatar.
In its statement before the IAEA Board of Governors, the Arab Group reiterated its absolute rejection and strongest condemnation of this Israeli aggression, adding that it was a serious breach of the sovereignty of an Arab state, a dangerous escalation, and an unacceptable violation that threatens international peace and security.
The Arab Group warned that any further Israeli escalation would jeopardize the security and stability of the region. It affirmed its full solidarity with Qatar, its commitment to ensuring the stability and safety of its citizens and territory, and its support for any measures Qatar might take to safeguard its security and sovereignty.
The group also called on the international community to shoulder its legal and moral responsibilities by compelling Israel to halt its dangerous escalation in the region, end its continuous attacks on neighboring states, and adhere to the rules of international law, international humanitarian law, and the relevant resolutions of international legitimacy. 

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Qatar, Jordan Send Humanitarian Aid to Syria

Source: Government of Qatar

Amman, September 12, 2025

The State of Qatar and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan sent humanitarian aid today to the Syrian Arab Republic.

The assistance, provided by the Qatar Fund for Development and Qatar Charity in cooperation with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, included 24 trucks carrying essential food supplies and medicines.

This aid reflects the State of Qatar’s commitment to helping meet the humanitarian and health needs of the Syrian people and to strengthening joint humanitarian action and cooperation with regional and international partners.

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Qatar Welcomes UN General Assembly Adoption of the “New York Declaration” on the Two-State Solution

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha – 12 September 2025

The State of Qatar welcomes the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the “New York Declaration” on the implementation of the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine, issued by the High-Level International Conference for the Settlement of the Question of Palestine.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers that the adoption of the resolution, with the support of 142 votes, reflects the broad international endorsement of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them their right to establish an independent state. This outcome is also consistent with the recent announcements by several states of their intention to recognize the State of Palestine during the month of September.

The Ministry expresses Qatar’s appreciation for the efforts of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the friendly French Republic, which contributed to the issuance and adoption of the declaration by the United Nations General Assembly.

The Ministry reiterates the State of Qatar’s firm and unwavering position in support of the Palestinian cause and the steadfastness of the brotherly Palestinian people, grounded in international legitimacy and the two-state solution, in a manner that ensures the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

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President Ramaphosa concludes visit to the North West 

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa concludes visit to the North West 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a meeting of the national executive with the provincial executive council of the North West. 

Friday’s engagement held under the theme: “A Nation that Works for All,” formed part of a series of engagements between the President and provinces aimed at enhancing intergovernmental coordination and improve service delivery in line with the priorities of the 7th Administration.

In a statement, the Presidency said the meeting affirmed close cooperation in ensuring the successful delivery of critical infrastructure such as the rebuilding of roads, provision of water infrastructure and energy availability for powering the province’s industrial ambitions. 

“The meeting recognised the improvements that have been achieved in the governance of the province. The national executive pledged to work closely with the provincial government to ensure the resolution of challenges currently plaguing municipalities in the province. 

“President Ramaphosa welcomed the demonstrated level of developmental ambition by the province. The President encouraged the province to exploit public-private sector partnerships in the furtherance of development in the province,” said the Presidency.

In his remarks earlier in the day, President Ramaphosa stressed that elected leaders have a duty to serve the people above personal interests, warning against the erosion of basic rights through poor service delivery.

“We were all elected to serve the people and not our own interests. Failure to deliver services is an infringement of the basic rights of residents and our citizens more broadly. No one should go more than a day without running water while there is a deafening silence from the municipal offices about when the water will be restored,” the President said.

READ | Government determined to turn around struggling municipalities in North West 

Previous sessions between the national and provincial executives include meetings with the Executive Councils of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and most recently, the Northen Cape. 

It is envisaged that the national executive would have met with the leadership of the remaining two provinces, Free State and Western Cape, by the end of this financial year.  –SAnews.gov.za

 

Neo

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Deputy Minister takes G20 message to WSU students

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister takes G20 message to WSU students

South Africa’s G20 Presidency is about unlocking new opportunities for all, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli said.

“As government, we believe that the G20 is for the people. We are using this platform to push for inclusive growth, industrialisation, youth employment, closing the gap and harnessing the potential of technology,” Mhlauli said.

Speaking to students at the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, the Deputy Minister said the country will use its Presidency of the G20 to build a more inclusive and prosperous Africa and a better world, ensuring that no one is left behind.

“As students, you should not stand aside, the G20 is also for you.  We need your participation, we need your ideas,” she said.

WATCH | Deputy Minister addresses students 

She added that the message that government is taking to the world is that South Africa is open for business, rich in talent and determined to reduce inequality while building prosperity.

South Africa’s G20 Presidency is meant to benefit everyone including the youth.

“South Africa’s G20 Presidency is important for the country as that will serve as an opportunity to show [that] as a country we are able to lead and will use the opportunity to speak for everyone not only South Africans.”
The Deputy Minister thanked the students for availing themselves for Friday’s dialogue adding that their attendance shows interest in the G20.

“As government we believe that the G20 meetings should be held in all the corners of the country to get everyone involved.”

Mhlauli said the G20 meetings will continue throughout the country until the Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, in November. 

Student involvement

In her welcoming remarks, the university’s Professor and Vice-Chancellor, Rushiella Songca emphasised the importance of students participation in G20 activities which includes meetings.

“As students you must engage in G20 conversations. You must also have an understanding of South Africa’s G20 Presidency and what it means. I am excited to see the excitement you are showing in the G20,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Government Communication and Information System’s (GCIS) Chief Director for Cluster Communication, David Jocobs emphasised the important of student’s participation in the G20.

“We want students to participate, we want to hear from students what they would want to see happening,” he said adding that the contribution of students will be taken to the Summit in November.
Students at the university said they were keen to learn about the G20.

“I am here to learn more about the G20 and how am I going to benefit from the Summit and what it means for the ordinary people out there,” final year Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) student, Anele Mabandla said.

Mziwoxolo Nziyende told SAnews that he is happy that young people are given an opportunity to participate in the G20 meetings.

“As young people we have a lot to contribute in improving people’s lives and our country. As academics, we have ideas and roles to play in all aspects,” he said.

Prior to the dialogue with students, the Deputy Minister engaged with the university’s senior management and also visited exhibitions as well as the campus radio station.

South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20 on 01 December 2024, marking a historic milestone as the first African country to lead this influential group of the world’s largest economies.

The G20 comprises 19 countries including: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and the United States.

The G20 is expected to have significant economic benefits for South Africa, notably for the tourism, transport, restaurant, entertainment and hospitality industries, with global visibility in all nine provinces. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Edwin

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VUKA Group launches official programme for Johannesburg edition of C&I Energy + Storage Summit 2025

Source: APO – Report:

VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com/) has unveiled the comprehensive programme for the C&I Energy + Storage Summit (https://Energy-StorageSummit.com/), set to take place on 4-5 November 2025 at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg. The summit aims to equip commercial and industrial (C&I) leaders with strategies to enhance energy resilience, reduce costs and navigate market reforms amid South Africa’s evolving energy landscape. 

“We are once again working with the Energy Intensive Users Group (https://apo-opa.co/45ZGn3q) to bring the most relevant information to commercial and industrial companies who are wanting to understand the changing power landscape, explore embedded generation options and get practical insights into the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and its impact on South African industry,” says Chanelle Hingston, Group Director, Power & Energy, VUKA Group.  
 
Programme highlights 

The programme kicks off with powerful keynote sessions on Day 1. To take note of is a welcome address by Murendeni Matshinyatsimbi, Chairman of the Energy Intensive Users Group (EIUG) and a panel discussion which focuses on Resilient operations – water & energy in an integrated risk framework. This cross-sector panel explores how businesses in water-intensive and energy-dependent industries are building operational resilience by integrating water and energy risk into a unified framework. As resource insecurity grows, driven by climate variability, regulatory pressure and infrastructure constraints, companies must move beyond siloed approaches. The discussion will surface practical insights from mining, agri-processing and manufacturing leaders on aligning sustainability goals with risk management strategies that protect both water and energy assets. 

A Project Spotlight session showcases transformative C&I energy projects across South Africa, focusing on business models, technologies and replicability. The day includes a Sector Q&A on leadership in energy storage, exploring battery systems, ROI and financing models like PPAs and leasing. Masterclasses delve into building bankable PPA portfolios for EPCs and wheeling mechanisms for flexible financing. 

Day 2 begins with a bang as the panel on Market design in flux examines sector unbundling, wheeling and opportunities for C&I players. Masterclasses cover energy efficiency as a “first fuel,” battery lifecycle management, circular economy pathways for storage and carbon markets including the impact of CBAM on South African exports. Additional sessions address time-of-use tariffs for cost certainty and the role of traders and aggregators in a liberalised market. 
 
Advisory board  

The programme was developed with input from an esteemed advisory board (https://apo-opa.co/46G24or), including Fanele Mondi, CEO of the Energy Intensive Users Group of South Africa (EIUG); Liana Braxton, Managing Director of SoSimple Energy; Pitso Sekhoto, Middle Manager at the National Transmission Company of South Africa; Duduzile Makhathini, Energy Manager at Goldfields; and Maudene van Rooyen, Specialist: Power and Sustainable Solutions at Standard Bank, amoung others. Their expertise ensures the content is practical and forward-looking.  

To download the full programme and register to attend the Summit in November, visit the event website: https://Energy-StorageSummit.com/

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

For sponsorship enquiries, contact Marcel du Toit:
marcel.dutoit@wearevuka.com

To explore speaking opportunities at the Summit, contact:
Boipelo Motlhowa 
Boipelo.motlhowa@wearevuka.com

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group is Africa’s leading business intelligence, exhibition and networking platform focused on the continent’s infrastructure, energy, mining, manufacturing, and transport sectors. With a portfolio of world-class events, VUKA Group connects decision-makers, fosters innovation, and drives sustainable development across Africa. For more information, visit https://WeAreVUKA.com/  

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Gina heads to Japan to advance relations on hydrogen, sustainable fuels

Source: Government of South Africa

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, will embark on an official visit to Japan from 15 to 18 September 2025, to strengthen cooperation in hydrogen energy and sustainable fuels. 

The Deputy Minister will participate in the Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting and the Ministerial Meeting on Sustainable Fuels on Monday, 15 September, to place South Africa at the centre of high-level global discussions on implementing and collaborating on hydrogen policies.

According to the department, Gina will engage with Japanese officials on international collaboration, demand stimulation, and supply chain development between South Africa and Japan.  

The Ministerial Meetings will be held in collaboration with Expo 2025 Osaka, an event that brings together people and innovations from around the world to address global issues and showcase Japan’s technological capabilities in achieving a hydrogen-powered society. 

“The engagements will serve as a bedrock to create institutional foundations for market-based hydrogen trading and price discovery, an essential step towards legitimising hydrogen as a tradable energy asset,” the statement read. 

Japan is committed to ensuring that its supply chains are secure, transparent and interconnected on a global scale.

The department said Japan also aims to establish global markets that will substantiate its investments in hydrogen production, transportation and utilisation technologies. 

In advancing the sustainable fuels agenda, Japan’s primary objective is to ensure the widespread implementation of sustainable fuels, particularly in industries that are challenging to regulate, such as aviation and shipping.

“The country has expressed commitment to expediting the global adoption of biofuels, e-fuels, and e-methane as part of its Initiative for Sustainable Fuels and Mobility with Brazil.  In addition, Japan aims to diversify the global energy supply ahead of COP30.”

From 16 to 18 September, the Deputy Minister will engage in discussions with representatives from the Japanese government, academic institutions, and commercial entities, including Toyota, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, as well as the universities of Kyoto and Osaka.  

The discussions will focus on science, technology and innovation-related matters, such as nanotechnology, carbon recycling, astronomy and space science technologies.

Green industrialisation

Speaking ahead of the mission, Gina said the Ministerial Meeting on Sustainable Fuels holds considerable significance for South Africa, as the government aims to expedite the diversification of its energy portfolio to foster sustainable and inclusive growth. 

“For example, to reduce the carbon intensity within the aviation sector, South Africa aims to learn from Japan’s advancements in sustainable aviation fuel. Accordingly, strengthening cooperation with Japanese research institutions and enterprises specialising in sustainable aviation fuels and renewable energy sources will be essential,” said the Deputy Minister.

Gina stated that the insights gained from the mission will be instrumental in developing a robust infrastructure for renewable hydrogen and sustainable fuels in South Africa, with the potential to transform key sectors of the economy. 

These include the transformation of the energy and mining sector to decarbonisation operations and power generation.

Advancing the transportation and aviation sectors through the promotion of environmentally sustainable fuels and hydrogen-powered mobility will accelerate South Africa’s transition to cleaner fuels, thereby reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.

In addition, South Africa’s manufacturing sector supports the expansion of new industries in hydrogen storage, fuel cells and electrolysers, while the agricultural sector supports the production of low-carbon fertilisers and strengthens the food supply chain.

“These initiatives have the potential to promote green industrialisation, create jobs in energy-intensive industries, and enhance the resilience of transport and logistics networks, thereby supporting South Africa’s broader social and economic development objectives,” said Gina.

The department said Japan remains a strategic ally for South Africa in scientific research, development and innovation since formalising a scientific and technological cooperation agreement in 2003.  

“In future, the country aims to leverage Japan’s expertise in vehicle manufacturing, electronics and the commercialisation of research to enhance collaborative initiatives in industrial development and technological innovation,” said the department. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Government determined to turn around struggling municipalities in North West

Source: Government of South Africa

The national executive, working with provincial government is determined to arrest the current situation and turn the Ditsobotla Local Municipality as well as other municipalities in the North West. 

This, so that municipalities can once again deliver consistent services and enjoy the respect of communities.

This was the commitment made by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his opening remarks at the engagement between the National Executive and the North West Provincial Executive Council, held in Rustenburg, on Friday.

President Ramaphosa stressed that elected leaders have a duty to serve the people above personal interests, warning against the erosion of basic rights through poor service delivery.

“We were all elected to serve the people and not our own interests. Failure to deliver services is an infringement of the basic rights of residents and our citizens more broadly. No one should go more than a day without running the water while there is a deafening silence from the municipal offices about when the water will be restored,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa addressed the issue of water, following recent water protests in several communities, including Westbury and Coronationville in Gauteng, where residents took to the streets demanding consistent water supply and accountability from municipalities. 

“We must remind ourselves of the National Treasury’s 2024 provincial socio-economic review which points to an increase in the percentage of people living in poverty. It also points to a drop in the number of households with access to basic services like water,” he said. 

The President noted that while the North West provincial government has made strides in growing public infrastructure, communities continue to suffer due to instability and recurring interventions in municipalities, with Ditsobotla Local Municipality being the most recent to be placed under administration.

The President highlighted the need to recognise that fiscal constraints are holding back a number of projects and programmes, particularly at a municipal level.  

However, he called for municipalities to be responsive to the needs of communities, stressing that maladministration, poor governance, and corruption cannot be excused. 

“If a municipality is put under administration, we need to know what the elected representatives and municipal officials are doing to earn their salaries. And we need to ask ourselves whether the salaries that they are paid are value for money and whether they are doing their work,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The engagement in Rustenburg forms part of a series of consultations between the national executive and provincial governments, aimed at strengthening cooperative governance under the Government of National Unity.

North West becomes the seventh province to host such an engagement following similar meetings in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and the Northern Cape.

President Ramaphosa urged all spheres of government to act decisively to restore community trust and accelerate delivery, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and infrastructure. 

He further pointed to opportunities in the province’s Green Hydrogen Masterplan, describing it as a driver of inclusive growth and industrialisation that could benefit not only the North West, but also the national economy and the continent at large.

“Premier Mokgosi, working together with your executive council and the municipal leadership here, I am confident that we can drive development in the Platinum Province. In this effort, no person, no community and no industry should be left behind,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Coca-Cola system invests USD1.65 million in support of water security

Source: APO – Report:

Watersheds critical to water security in Nairobi and surrounding communities are set for restoration thanks to an investment in Kenya of USD1.65 million by the Coca-Cola system (www.CCBAGroup.com).

The project in the Upper-Tana and Mid-Galana basins encompasses agroforestry systems designed to benefit the supply of key water reservoirs for Nairobi and rainwater harvesting in groundwater recharge areas for Mzima Springs.

In collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and local community-based organisations, this initiative aims to replenish water supplies as well as plant thousands of indigenous trees along riparian zones to enhance water quality.

Furthermore, the aim is to contribute to the transformation of degraded farmlands and rangelands through sustainable land management practices, with hundreds of farm ponds installed, and fruit orchards planted to improve food security and offer potential alternative livelihoods for local communities.

The project forms part of the Coca-Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative that was announced last year by the Africa Operating Unit of the Coca-Cola organisation and its authorised bottlers, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company (ECCBC) and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC). It includes a nearly USD25 million investment to help address critical water-related challenges in local communities in 20 African countries by 2030. The work will be led by the Global Water Challenge (GWC) and implemented by a consortium of partners, including The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

“As we face increasing water insecurity worldwide, with demand surpassing supply in many regions including Africa, Coca-Cola is actively working to help accelerate efforts to address water stress, protect local water resources, and build community climate resilience,” said Alfred Olajide, Vice President-Franchise Operations, East and Central Africa at Coca-Cola Central, East and West Africa Limited.

Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya (CCBK) General Manager James Bowmaker said: “CCBK, as part of CCBA, has a responsibility to assist those who face water scarcity and to help protect local water resources where we operate, especially in places with the biggest challenges. The Coca-Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative aims to help protect and enhance the health of important watersheds and to help improve access to water and sanitation services in local communities.”

Ruth Masha, Kenya Country Director at TNC added: “We are proud to be one of the implementing partners for this project, aimed at protecting and restoring our watersheds through nature-based solutions and improving water security for millions across the African continent. We are collaborating with local communities and our grassroots partners – the Upper Tana-Nairobi Water Fund Trust, Green Generation Initiative and Jumuiya Water Fund – as we work towards a sustainable future for people and nature in Africa.”

“Recognising that partnerships are critical to support this work, Coca-Cola and its authorised bottlers are collaborating with governments, businesses, and civil society organisations to design and implement strategic interventions,” concluded Olajide.

– on behalf of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.

Contact:
Paul Victor Oloo
Senior Manager, Communications
Coca-Cola East and Central Africa Franchise
Tel: +254 740 137 268
Email: poloo@coca-cola.com

Eric Githua
Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Director
Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya
Tel: +254 206 998 000
Email: Egithua@ccbagroup.com

Follow Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA):
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4prLYav

Follow The Coca-Cola Company:
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3JZQOeP
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3VdUyM0
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/46yNn7A

Follow The Nature Conservancy (TNC):
X: @ nature_africa (https://apo-opa.co/3JSN0Mt)

About Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA):
CCBA is the eighth largest Coca-Cola authorised bottler in the world by revenue, and the largest on the continent. It accounts for over 40% of all Coca-Cola ready-to-drink beverages sold in Africa by volume. With over 17,000 employees in Africa, CCBA group services more than 800,000 customers with a host of international and local brands. CCBA group operates in 14 countries: South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi and the islands of Comoros and Mayotte.

Learn more at www.CCBAGroup.com

About The Coca-Cola Company:
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company’s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Fuze Tea, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.Coca-ColaCompany.com.

About The Nature Conservancy (TNC):
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters, and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably, and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 76 countries and territories—37 by direct conservation impact and 39 through partners—we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.Nature.org.

About Global Water Challenge:
Global Water Challenge (GWC) is a sector leader in mobilizing clean water access, advancing water security and community empowerment in high need regions around the world. Since 2005, GWC has positively impacted more than 3 million people across Africa, the Americas and Asia with improved WASH delivery while providing critical tools, data and best practices to reach millions more. With our 100+ multi-sector partners, we engage for action – catalyzing financial resources and driving innovative programming for sustainable, local solutions. For more information, please visit www.GlobalWaterChallenge.org.

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Health Ombudsman Conference highlights healthcare as a human right

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, September 12, 2025

The Office of the Health Ombudsman has convened its inaugural two-day conference, which started on Thursday, 11 September 2025, at the Emperors Palace Conference Centre in Kempton Park, Gauteng.

The Health Ombudsman Conference 2025 coincides with the observance of World Patient Safety Day, underscoring the Ombudsman’s commitment to ensuring the quality and safety of healthcare services for all users.

Held under the theme: “Health and Healthcare as a Human Right,” the biennial gathering brings together healthcare professionals, policymakers, regulators, academics, and civil society. 

The event promises to deliver a high-quality and impactful event, featuring discussions that will focus on healthcare as a constitutional right. 

Participants will share insights on strengthening oversight to create a health system that is accessible, fair, and accountable.

The session features in-depth open dialogue sessions and presentations that focus on various factors affecting access to safe and quality healthcare services. 

In addition, discussions cover the contribution of the private healthcare industry and funders towards achieving universal access to healthcare in South Africa.

Health Ombudsman, Emeritus Professor Taole Mokoena, said the conference serves as a vital platform to reflect on South Africa’s progress, challenges, and opportunities in ensuring that healthcare is recognised, not as a privilege, but as a fundamental human right. 

“Our goal is to foster collective commitment to a patient-centred health system that upholds dignity, fairness, and justice,” he said. 

The inaugural conference reaffirms the Health Ombudsman’s mandate to safeguard the public’s right to health, promote a safe and ethical healthcare service, and drive continuous improvement in the quality of care across the healthcare system. – SAnews.gov.za