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Kaspersky warns of a new credential-stealing campaign via Facebook

Source: APO

Since late August 2025, the Kaspersky Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) (www.Kaspersky.co.za) has been observing a new malicious campaign leveraging a stealer — a type of malware designed to steal passwords and other account information. The StealC v2 infostealer is being spread through Facebook messages. More than 400 incidents have been identified to date, targeting users across multiple countries, including confirmed cases in Kenya, Angola, Ethiopia, Niger, Uganda and Zambia, among other African* countries.

As part of this attack, Facebook users receive messages containing a link disguised as a notification that their account has been blocked.

Clicking the link opens a fake support page claiming that the user’s account has been blocked due to suspicious activity. To “restore access,” users are prompted to use the “Appeal” button, which initiates the download of a malicious script that installs the StealC v2, a dangerous malware offered under a Malware-as-a-Service model, on the victim’s device. The malware itself steals passwords, cookies, screenshots, as well as cryptocurrency wallet data.

“Cybercriminals often exploit users’ fear of losing account access and a perceived sense of urgency. This pressure can lead individuals to act without caution, increasing the risk of infection by malware such as StealC v2. Users should remain vigilant and always verify the authenticity of messages before clicking any links,” comments Marc Rivero, lead security researcher at Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team.

StealC v2, first observed in 2025, significantly enhances the malware’s capabilities and elevates the risk to both individual and corporate users. The original StealC, which emerged in 2023 on dark web platforms, quickly became a sought-after tool among cybercriminals thanks to its accessibility, capabilities and ease of access.

To be protected from phishing, Kaspersky recommends corporate and individual users:

  • Practice caution when clicking links. Sometimes emails and websites look just like real ones. It depends on how well the criminals did their homework. But the hyperlinks, most likely, will be incorrect, with spelling mistakes, or they can redirect you to a different place.
  • Look out for urgency or threats. Phishing attempts frequently try to create a sense of urgency or fear. Be cautious of emails demanding immediate action, such as changing a password or providing personal information.
  • Verify unsolicited messages, calls, or links, even if they appear legitimate. Never share 2FA codes.
  • Use Kaspersky Next (https://apo-opa.co/42lrs13) (in corporate environments) or Kaspersky Premium (https://apo-opa.co/4nr4ga5) (for individual use) to block phishing attempts.

Reference:

* Kaspersky identified confirmed cases of the StealC v2 infostealer in Africa in Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Tunisia, Uganda, Zaire, Zambia. There were also confirmed cases in other regions of the world.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

For further information please contact:
Nicole Allman
nicole@inkandco.co.za

Social Media:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/484gz7w
X: https://apo-opa.co/4nkCbRA
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4mbmoUd
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/45TfaPP
Blog: https://apo-opa.co/45VPh1X

About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect individuals, businesses, critical infrastructure and governments around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading digital life protection for personal devices, specialized security products and services for companies, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help millions of individuals and nearly 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za. 

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Youth Charter Issues Global Call to Action as Legacy of the 2nd Africa–CARICOM Summit

Source: APO


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As African and Caribbean leaders, global partners, and the African diaspora convene at the 2nd Africa–CARICOM Summit under the theme “Transcontinental Partnership in Pursuit of Reparatory Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”, the Youth Charter (www.YouthCharter.org) has issued a renewed Global Call to Action to mobilise the next generation in shaping a just, inclusive, and sustainable future.

The Youth Charter Call to Action builds on three decades of work in sport, arts, culture, and digital engagement, aligning with the Summit’s focus on political, economic, and cultural partnerships while advancing reparatory justice. It urges governments, institutions, and communities across Africa, the Caribbean, and the wider diaspora to:

  1. Empower Young People – Invest in education, skills, and enterprise pathways to ensure that youth are at the forefront of continental and transcontinental development.
  2. Champion Reparatory Justice – Recognise the historical and systemic injustices faced by Africans and people of African descent, while supporting programmes that deliver restorative and sustainable impact.
  3. Build Community Campuses – Establish safe, inclusive spaces that harness sport, art, culture, and digital technologies as vehicles for opportunity, resilience, and peace.
  4. Strengthen Diaspora Links – Create platforms for African and Caribbean youth to connect, collaborate, and lead in shaping shared prosperity.
  5. Align with Global Goals – Ensure all youth engagement contributes to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa’s Agenda 2063.

“The 2nd Africa–CARICOM Summit is not only a historic political and cultural milestone — it is a call to action for young people of Africa and the diaspora to inherit, shape, and lead the future. Reparatory justice must be lived through opportunity, education, and empowerment,” said Youth Charter Founder and Chair, Prof. Geoff Thompson.

As a legacy of the Summit, the Youth Charter will work with African Union and CARICOM partners to advance its Community Campus Model, ensuring that the voices, creativity, and leadership of young people are central to achieving reparatory justice and sustainable development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter.

For media inquiries, interviews, or partnership opportunities, please contact:

Youth Charter @ Social Media:
LinkedIn: @ YouthCharter
Facebook: @ YouthCharter
Instagram: @ youthchartersdp
YouTube: @ YouthCharter
X: @ YOUTHCHARTER

Youth Charter #Hashtags:
#International Olympic Committee
#Olympism
#Fight4theStreets
#YoungLivesLost
#Call2Action
#LegacyOpportunity4All
#SportDevelopmentPeace
#Empowerthenextgeneration
#CommonwealthSecretariat
#UNSustainableDevelopmentGoals

About Youth Charter:
The Youth Charter is a UK registered charity and UN accredited non-governmental organisation. Launched in 1993 as part of the Manchester 2000 Olympic Bid and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Youth Charter has Campaigned and Promoted the role and value of sport, art, culture and digital technology in the lives of disaffected young people from disadvantaged communities nationally and internationally. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development programmes with the overall aim of providing young people with an opportunity to develop in life.

Specifically, The Youth Charter Tackles educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and the negative effects of crime, drugs, gang related activity and racism by applying the ethics of sporting and artistic excellence. These can then be translated to provide social and economic benefits of citizenship, rights responsibilities, with improved education, health, social order, environment and college, university, employment and enterprise.

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Africa’s Power Ambitions & Success Depend on a Skilled Workforce (By Cobus Van Schalkwyk)

Source: APO

By Cobus Van Schalkwyk, Managing Director, Rolls-Royce Solutions Africa (www.mtu-Solutions.com).

Across Africa, the lights are coming on—literally and figuratively. Industrial zones are expanding. Urban populations are booming. Power projects are rising from Kenya to the Cape. But behind this momentum lies a challenge few are discussing: who will build and maintain this future?

Power plants don’t run themselves. Microgrids don’t install themselves. Even the most advanced systems require skilled engineers to operate safely and efficiently. As Africa races to industrialise, decarbonise, and digitise, its biggest constraint isn’t technology—it’s talent.

According to the Engineers for Africa 2025 report, sub-Saharan Africa has fewer than seven engineers per 10,000 people, compared with a global average of over 50. In Burundi, there is one registered engineer per 825,000 people; in Uganda, one per 30,000; in Tanzania, one per 8,000. Even South Africa, the region’s industrial hub, is falling short. In 2023, it produced 32,141 engineering and science graduates—5,000 below target—and many lack the practical experience employers require.

Meeting Africa’s projected doubling of energy demand by 2030 will require over 610 GW of installed capacity, up from under 250 GW today. This growth hinges on an expanded workforce across electrical, mechanical, civil, and advanced technology disciplines. Renewable and hybrid projects could generate 3.3 million new jobs by the end of the decade, with nearly 40% requiring tertiary or technical training (FSD Africa, 2024). Yet fewer than 25% of university students pursue STEM fields (UNESCO, 2024).

South Africa is currently the only African country with full signatory status in the Washington Accord, a global framework recognising the equivalence of university engineering degrees across 25 countries, including the UK and USA. This allows South African-educated and trained engineers to be recognised by global corporations without requalification—and sets a benchmark for the continent. Expanding this recognition would complement the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), by enabling the freer movement of qualified talent across borders and boosting employer confidence in local skills.

At Rolls-Royce, we are committed to being part of the solution. Our new Power Systems regional facility in Johannesburg is more than an operations hub. It supports customers of our mtu products and solutions across Africa with everything from standalone and critical backup power generators to the high-performance engines that drive locomotives and the world’s largest mining trucks. It is also a centre for capacity building. Alongside assembling and servicing mtu power and propulsion systems, we deliver accredited training in borescope inspections, engine fault isolation, e-learning, and both line and base maintenance. We aim to cultivate engineering excellence that matches the performance of the technology we deliver.

Across Southern Africa, promising training initiatives are emerging to address critical skills gaps in transport, energy, and industrial sectors. Long-term apprenticeship programmes are preparing artisans such as welders, electricians, and fitters for national infrastructure projects, while bursaries in mechanical and transport engineering are helping to build a pipeline of future specialists. In the oil and gas sector, technical academies are delivering training across the full value chain, from exploration to downstream operations. These programmes—often developed in collaboration with vocational institutes and national skills authorities—demonstrate how industry can shape a workforce capable of supporting complex systems.

At the same time, industries are increasingly investing in digital readiness. Newly formed in-house academies and partnerships with universities are not only producing core industrial technicians but also launching AI and cybersecurity initiatives to prepare young people for the future of engineering. These efforts demonstrate that when the private sector leads with purpose, meaningful progress can be achieved.

Africa needs more graduate placements, stronger university–industry partnerships, and wider access to alternative learning pathways—from bootcamps and workshops to maker labs and apprenticeships. These models can rapidly equip people with market-ready skills, align training with evolving technologies, and accelerate delivery of the continent’s infrastructure, industrial, and energy ambitions.

The solutions are known. The models are tested. What’s missing is scale—and urgency.

We believe in training through hands-on experience.  The future of power isn’t just in megawatts, it’s in the hands of the people who make it possible.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rolls-Royce Solutions.

Additional Information:
https://apo-opa.co/3V5ZS48

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Government condemns ongoing femicide and intimate partner violence

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 8, 2025

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has condemned the ongoing femicide and intimate partner violence which continues to thrive in the country. 

In a statement on Sunday, the department urged families and communities to reject the silence that allows intimate partner violence (IPV) to thrive by reporting any form of violence and to stand united in supporting survivors. 

“The department condemns the persistent violence against women and girls, particularly Women with disabilities, who face a significantly higher risk of IPV and femicide compared to women without disabilities, with some studies showing they are two to four times more likely to experience IPV.

“The department further calls on men across the nation to take responsibility, challenge harmful norms, and become active partners in creating a society free from violence,” the department said. 

Femicide and intimate partner violence are ongoing global and national crises, with millions of women and girls killed each year by partners or family members due to deep-rooted misogyny and unequal power dynamics.  According to research, every 10 minutes, a partner and or a woman is killed. 

The department added that gender-related killings (femicide) are the most brutal and extreme manifestation of violence against women and girls. 

According to recent South African Police Service Crime Statistics Reports, intimate partner violence and femicide (IPV) have remained high, particularly in the Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal Natal and Gauteng provinces. 

The DWYPD leads and coordinates South Africa’s multi-sectoral response to GBVF. 

Guided by the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBVF, the department collaborates with government, civil society, and communities to ensure accountability, prevention, survivor support, justice, and women’s empowerment, transforming commitments into tangible results.

Community members are urged to report any GBVF cases through the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428 04 or dial *120* 7867#. – SAnews.gov.za

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Call for inputs on draft water rehabilitation guidelines

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Water and Sanitation has invited stakeholders to submit comments on the Draft Rehabilitation Management Guidelines (RMGs) for Water Resources by 29 October 2025.

Developed in line with Chapter 3 of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998), the guidelines aim to strengthen the protection, use, conservation, management, and control of water resources in an efficient, sustainable, and equitable manner in South Africa.

According to the department, the RMGs, which have been under development since 2020, provide step-by-step measures to guide water users in rehabilitation measures/interventions that can be followed for each water resource.

“The guidelines identified and categorised five water resource themes into rivers, wetlands, estuaries, groundwater, as well as lakes and dams, as per the definition of the NWA, and further outline five phases to be followed to undertake the process of rehabilitation,” the department said in a statement.

They include:
•    Diagnostic Phase, which entails determining the conditions and the type, size, and extent of impacts on characteristics of watercourses.
•    Planning and Assessment aimed at the assessment and collation of available information from maps and datasets on the affected watercourses and the review and assessment of legal considerations.
•    Defining Rehabilitation Objectives, which provides the objective of rehabilitation to ensure the impacts on the characteristics of watercourses are addressed. 
•    Execution Phase, which involves providing recommendations on techniques and methods to address impacts identified. Consideration is also given to the protection of water resources, ecosystem services, people, and livelihoods.
•    Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Phase, which   involves overseeing the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of maintenance and rehabilitation interventions.

The department recently held a public consultation in Pretoria, bringing together stakeholders from government, catchment management agencies, water boards, research institutions, civil society, and the private sector to discuss the draft guidelines and proactive measures to address water quality degradation promote rehabilitation and restoration to maintain water ecosystem function.

Consultations have also taken place through sector platforms such as the Project Steering Committee, Freshwater Ecosystem Network, Catchment Management Fora, Western Cape Estuaries Task Team, and intergovernmental engagements between Water and Sanitation, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Water Research Commission (WRC), as well as the 2024 Wetland Indaba.

“Stakeholders are expected to provide inputs on the draft guidelines [covering] rivers (Volume 1), wetlands (Volume 2), estuaries (Volume 3), lakes and dams (Volume 4), and groundwater (Volume 5), including Guidelines in Practice Report by no later than 29 October 2025.

“This can be done by using the link: https://www.dws.gov.za/wem/rehabguidlines.aspx. Stakeholders are requested to forward their inputs and/or comments to Kgotso Mahlahlane at MahlahlaneK@dws.gov.za and copy Samkele Mnyango  at MnyangoS@dws.gov.za,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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SA, Algeria moves to boost trade through new routes and partnerships

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 8, 2025

South Africa and Algeria have agreed to establish trade routes to improve bilateral trade and market access between the two countries.

This follows a meeting between Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Parks Tau, and Algerian Minister of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion, Kamal Rezig, held in Algeria over the weekend.

The meeting discussed the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Economic Cooperation, signed in December 2024 during the Bi-National Commission between Algeria and South Africa. The agreement covers cooperation in trade, industrial development and infrastructure development.

Tau said the MoU serves as “an umbrella instrument from which all other bilateral economic agreements on trade and investment-related matters draw their specific individual mandates.”

“We also proposed the establishment of the Joint Trade and Investment Committee which will act as a platform for the two parties to meet regularly to enable trade and investment facilitation,” Tau said.

Tau said South Africa’s commitment to continental integration and its partnership with Algeria and other African nations, laid in building a resilient, inclusive and innovation-driven economy.

“Minister Rezig and I agreed to explore opportunities on each other’s markets to enhance cooperation in oil and gas, automotive, infrastructure development, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, aviation, agriculture and agro-processing,” he said.

During the visit, Tau also met with Algerian Acting Prime Minister, Sifi Ghrieb, where they discussed the importance of establishing a business council, which will be used as a vehicle to fast-track trade between the two countries.

“The business council will also enhance collaboration and share technical expertise in strategic sectors. We also discussed at length the re-instatement of the South Africa-Algeria air route that will facilitate people-to-people and commercial relations between the two countries,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Cross River State and Afreximbank sign Hosting Agreement for AfSNET 2026 Investment Conference

Source: APO

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) and the Government of Cross River State have officially signed a Hosting Agreement for the 6th African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network Investment Conference 2026, marking a significant milestone in regional cooperation and investment promotion across Africa. 

The agreement was signed during the Sub-Sovereign Business Engagement session held on the margins of the ongoing Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) in Algiers, Algeria. It was signed by the President & Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, Prof Benedict Oramah and the Executive Governor of Cross River State, H.E Prince Bassey Edet Otu. 

The agreement formalises Cross River State’s role as the official host of the 2026 AfSNET Investment Conference, scheduled to take place in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. The event will convene sub-sovereign leaders, investors, development partners, and key stakeholders to explore trade and investment opportunities across Africa’s regions. 

AfSNET, launched by Afreximbank in 2021 in collaboration with the AfCFTA Secretariat, serves as a platform to strengthen the role of Sub-Sovereign entities in driving intra-African trade and development.  The annual conference aims to put city and state governments at the centre of intra-African trade. The 2026 edition will spotlight investment-ready projects, facilitate matchmaking between investors and local governments, and promote regional integration. 

Speaking during the signing ceremony, President Oramah said: “When Afreximbank launched AfSNET in 2021, our vision was clear: to amplify the voices of Sub-Sovereign governments in shaping economic policy, unlocking investment opportunities, and accelerating trade across Africa. We firmly believe that development must be decentralised, originating where the needs are most pronounced in our cities, provinces, counties, and regions and cascading outward to influence national and continental progress.” 

Speaking at the same event, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, H.E. Wamkele Mene said: “Africa’s integration and transformation will not be achieved from the top down alone. It will be built from the ground up; in municipalities, states, and provinces where policy becomes reality in people’s lives. AfCFTA provides the framework, IATF provides the marketplace, and AfSNET is the bridge between local power and continental impact. Let us seize this moment to empower our sub-sovereigns, accelerate the AfCFTA, and build an Africa that is more connected, inclusive, and globally competitive”. 

Executive Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity:  “We are honoured to host AfSNET 2026 and showcase Cross River as a gateway to investment in Nigeria and West Africa. This event will catalyse economic growth, foster partnerships, and elevate our state’s profile on the continental stage.” 

Preparations for AfSNET 2026 are already underway, with both parties committed to delivering a world-class event. The conference will feature plenary sessions, exhibitions, B2B meetings, and cultural showcases, offering a dynamic environment for dialogue and deal-making. 

This year’s Sub-Sovereign Business Engagement in Algiers marks its fifth edition since 2021, when it was founded. It was attended by governors, mayors, and leaders of sub-sovereign governments from across Africa and the Caribbean. Past editions of the conference were held in Durban, South Africa (2021), Abuja, Nigeria (2022), Cairo, Egypt (2023), and Kisumu, Kenya (2024). The annual event brings together sub-national leaders from across the continent to exchange ideas on how to promote development in African regions.  

Some of the projects that have materialised from the AfSNET initiative include funding for industrial parks and Special Economic Zones in Ogun State, Nigeria, supporting deep seaport development in Cross River State, Nigeria, and helping prepare major projects like the Nyanza Light Metals initiative in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa for bankability, and supporting feasibility and bankability studies for  Africa’s first blockchain-enabled, continuous manufacturing facility for essential medicines in Kisumu, Kenya.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media contact:
media@intrafricatradefair.com
press@afreximbank.com 

About the Intra-African Trade Fair:
Organised by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), African Union Commission (AUC) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is intended to provide a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased intra-African trade and investment, especially in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services and to explore business and investment opportunities in the continent. It also provides a platform to share trade, investment and market information with stakeholders and allows participants to discuss and identify solutions to the challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment. In addition to African participants, the Trade Fair is also open to businesses and investors from non-African countries interested in doing business in Africa and in supporting the continent’s transformation through industrialisation and export development.  

For more information, please visit www.IntrAfricanTradeFair.com. 

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Deputy President Mashatile to open 12th SA AIDS Conference

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Mashatile to open 12th SA AIDS Conference

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), will on Monday afternoon, 8 September 2025, open the 12th SA AIDS Conference at Emperor’s Palace, in Gauteng.

Hosted under the theme: “Unite for Change – Empower Communities and Redefine Priorities for HIV/AIDS“, the conference will bring together leaders, researchers, implementing partners, academics, and advocates from South Africa, the continent, and other countries to address the evolving landscape of combating HIV and its management.

The conference’s Chair, Candice Chetty-Makkan and Co-Chair, Dr Kate Rees, stated that the country finds itself at a critical juncture in global health, and this year has been unusually challenging for many.

“With significant changes reshaping the HIV programme landscape, the participation in the conference is vital to ensuring that communities remain at the centre, priorities are redefined with vision, and progress is sustained,” Chetty-Makkan and Rees said. 

They believe that together, participants have the opportunity to shape strategies that will strengthen the South African and global response and drive meaningful change.

The Deputy President will lead the opening plenary, alongside SANAC Civil Society Forum Chairperson Solly Nduku, SANAC Private Sector Forum Chairperson Mpumi Zikalala, Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. 

The delegates will include representatives from development partners, including United Nations agencies and the United States government. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile

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Political killings task team commended for arrests in Ntombela’s murder

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 8, 2025

The National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) Political Killings Task Team for the swift arrest of suspects linked to the murder of a whistleblower, Xolani Ndlovu Ntombela.

The suspects, a local chief and the hitman are appearing before the Howick Magistrate’s Court on Monday and face a number of charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, as well as possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The murder docket of Xolani Ndlovu Ntombela forms part of the 121 dockets returned to the task team to continue with investigations.

The dockets were returned to the task team on Thursday, 28 August 2025, and within a week, the team arrested a 55-year-old local chief and a 23-year-old hitman for the 2022 murder.

The late Xolani Ntombela was shot and killed in November 2022, inside his homestead.

A preliminary investigation by the task team has so far revealed that Ntombela was murdered for exposing the illegal sales of land in Emasosheni in the Mpophomeni area in Howick, KwaZulu Natal.

General Fannie Masemola has applauded the team for the swift arrests.

“The turnaround time and swift arrests following the return of the dockets is encouraging and it is a step in the right direction. We urge the team to continue with their investigations in the remaining 120 dockets. 

“We need to solve all these cases because families need answers and closure,” said General Masemola.

The task team’s investigations had since July 2018 led to the conviction of more than 130 accused for murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) meets The First Lady of Angola & 13 African and Asian First Ladies of Africa at the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 recently. It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative and H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”, along with First Ladies of Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, and Zimbabwe.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation expressed, “I am very happy to have welcomed my dear sister, H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother’ for the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025. We had a very meaningful discussion and will soon be initiating our joint programs in the country to transform the public healthcare landscape and raise awareness about a wide range of social health issues.”

H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” said, “I am looking forward to start the implementation of the Educating Linda Program which aims to empower girls through education and end child marriage, this program is very close to my heart as I consider it one of my main objectives as the First Lady of Angola; and as an African woman, I strongly believe that girl Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment. Moreover, I am also looking forward to providing scholarships for our local doctors to build and strengthen healthcare capacity in our country.”

Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/47tdbD2

Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej receiving H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”: https://apo-opa.co/46ahYXw

On day 2 of the Summit, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI committee meeting was conducted between The First Ladies of Africa and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, where the African and Asian First Ladies shared the impact report of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries, and future strategy was discussed.

Watch the video of MFFLI committee meeting: https://apo-opa.co/468Ry8z

During the Summit, a strategy meeting between Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej and  The First Lady of Angola was also held to define strategies to build healthcare and media capacity in Angola to address a wide range of social and health issues.

Watch video of the meeting here: https://apo-opa.co/45S7hdt

“Merck Foundation has always believed in the importance of building healthcare capacity and has been working for it since 2012. We have so far provided 2280 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties. We will soon be enrolling doctors from Angola in various medical specialties in partnership with the First Lady and Ministry of Health of Angola“, added Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Merck Foundation together with the office of  First Lady of Angola has organized 3 editions of their Online Health Media Training to encourage the journalist to be the voice of the voiceless and create a culture shift around critical social issues like supporting girl education, ending GBV and FGM, women empowerment, and health issues like diabetes and hypertension awareness.

Merck Foundation also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of Angola for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

The 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation:

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4pe3EGf), X (http://apo-opa.co/3JPQsr6), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/46bYX7k), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4pbbW1F).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4mVMxaS), X (http://apo-opa.co/47s6Zv3), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4mLGqpm), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4pi5RAO).

Link to the YouTube live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/4mRvKWe

Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:

  • 2280+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for doctors from 52 Countries in more than 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.  

Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:

  • 3700+ Media Persons from more than 35 countries trained to better raise awareness about different social and health issues
  • 8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, fashion designers, films, and songs
  • Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa
  • 8 Children’s Storybooks in three languages – English, French, and Portuguese
  • 7 Awareness Animation films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes & Hypertension and supporting girl education.
  • Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community
  • 950+ Scholarships provided to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls to empower them to complete their studies
  • 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8 Million Followers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

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

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard:
Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/4pe3EGf
X: http://apo-opa.co/3JPQsr6
YouTube: http://apo-opa.co/4pbbW1F
Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/46bYX7k
Threads: http://apo-opa.co/4gd29ny
Flickr: http://apo-opa.co/465889r
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3V8eHTJ

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4pe3EGf), X (http://apo-opa.co/3JPQsr6), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/46bYX7k), YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4pbbW1F), Threads (http://apo-opa.co/4gd29ny) and Flickr (http://apo-opa.co/465889r).

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

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