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5th Singapore-Africa Ministerial Exchange Visit (SAMEV), 26 – 28 August 2025

Source: APO – Report:

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Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan will host the 5th Singapore-Africa Ministerial Exchange Visit (SAMEV) from 26 to 28 August 2025. SAMEV is a biennial platform hosted by Singapore since 2014 to strengthen links and encourage the exchange of development experiences between Singapore and Africa. This year’s theme is “Progressing Together towards a Sustainable Future”.

14 Ministers and Deputy Ministers from Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe will attend the 5th SAMEV. They will call on Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong and be hosted to lunch by Minister Balakrishnan. They will meet Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu; Senior Minister of State (SMS), Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Transport Sun Xueling; SMS, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and Ministry of Education Dr Janil Puthucheary; SMS, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs Sim Ann; Minister of State (MOS), Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of National Development Alvin Tan; and MOS, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Trade and Industry Gan Siow Huang.

The Ministers will attend the 8th Africa Singapore Business Forum (ASBF), which is organised by Enterprise Singapore, and visit the Singapore City Gallery, PSA, Marina Barrage, the Sustainable Singapore Gallery, Gardens by the Bay, and the National Museum of Singapore to understand Singapore’s experiences in water management, urban planning, port management, and sustainable development.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Singapore.

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Between concern and hope for peace, United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) listens to the inhabitants of Fataki and Lodha

Source: APO – Report:

At the entrance to the MONUSCO base in Fataki, a locality situated in the territory of Djugu, about sixty kilometers north of Bunia, makeshift shelters line up along the trenches dug around the perimeter secured by Nepalese peacekeepers.

Every night, families from neighboring villages come to take refuge there to escape armed attacks carried out by local militias who take advantage of darkness to target civilians. The fear is such that some sleep directly in these trenches originally designed for the defense of the base, but which have become for civilians a survival space under the benevolent protection of peacekeepers.

At the end of July, ADF rebels attacked a church in Komanda, in the territory of Irumu neighboring Djugu, killing about forty people, including women and children, and burning neighboring homes. In February, Fataki was the scene of a massacre perpetrated by CODECO militiamen, costing the lives of 63 civilians and injuring 19.

« Our villages live in fear »

It is in this context marked by insecurity and the still vivid memory of this violence that General Ulisses de Mesquita Gomes, Force Commander of MONUSCO, went on August 21 to Fataki then to Lodha to meet with communities and listen to their concerns to better protect them.

At Lodha, the meeting with the community takes place in a vast hall with a wooden frame and covered with tarpaulins provided by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. On wooden benches, women, children, internally displaced persons, customary chiefs, and local representatives sit side by side, in an atmosphere heavy with emotion and expectation. All have come to welcome the MONUSCO delegation and listen to the message of the Force Commander who leads it.

“On behalf of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Bintou Keita, I present MONUSCO’s condolences to the families bereaved by recent attacks attributed to the armed groups CODECO, Zaïre and ADF. We stand with you, and we hope that dialogue remains the essential path to end this violence.” declares General Ulisses.

In turn, community leaders take the floor to emphasize how much the presence of peacekeepers remains essential in the face of recurring attacks on the RN27, a vital road axis for the local economy, connecting Bunia to Mahagi and regularly targeted by armed groups. They insist on the need to guarantee security to be able to move freely, work in the fields, send children to school and preserve a dignified life despite persistent tensions.

In this climate of anguish, a mother, looking toward General Ulisses, launches, her voice choked with emotion, a true plea: “I am alive thanks to MONUSCO. Don’t leave. If you leave, we will no longer feel safe.” A representative of local communities pleads for reinforced security. “Our villages live in fear. We ask that security be guaranteed so that we can live with dignity and envision the future.” he mentions.

« The peacekeepers help keep us safe »

The Force Commander recalls that MONUSCO has reinforced its operational posture in Ituri with the intensification of patrols, the deployment of operational mobile bases and the conduct of joint operations with the Congolese army. Their presence is greatly appreciated, and a breath of relief passes over the assembly when General Ulisses announces that the operational mobile base installed at Fataki would remain longer. This presence constitutes precious support and is part of a joint approach, where the protection of civilians relies on close collaboration between FARDC and MONUSCO.

“Going to meet displaced persons alongside the territorial administrator and customary chiefs gave full meaning to MONUSCO’s support to local authorities. The community, particularly women and young people, was able to express its concerns and see the Mission’s commitment to stay by their side, in a spirit of listening and protection,” declares Teohna Williams, MONUSCO’s Principal Adviser for the Protection of Civilians.

Taking the floor in turn, Colonel Ruphin Mapela, administrator of the territory of Djugu, emphasized the importance of this tripartite collaboration between local authorities, population, and peacekeepers: “We work for peace. For this, we collaborate with peacekeepers to better secure the population. Our concern is that all these displaced persons can return to their respective villages.“

These words find an echo in the intervention of Chrysostome Safari Malo, president of the Lodha site, who carried the voice of the displaced with insistence: “If we are here, it is thanks to MONUSCO. The peacekeepers help keep us safe. We are happy that a temporary camp has been installed, but we ask that the peacekeepers stay with us because the Djaiba base is too far away.“

In Ituri as elsewhere, MONUSCO remains committed to the protection of civilians and supporting the Congolese government to strengthen stability and work together for lasting peace. In this province, between 80,000 to 100,000 internally displaced persons find refuge near the Mission’s bases in Gina, Fataki, Roe, Drodro and Bayoo.

– on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

Media files

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Celebrating sports stars

Source: Government of South Africa

Celebrating sports stars

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has congratulated all the nominees and winners of the 18th annual South African Sport Awards, which celebrated both legacy and new talent.

Held at the iconic Sun City Superbowl on Sunday, the night was dedicated to honouring the champions, trailblazers, and unsung heroes who continue to elevate the nation’s sporting legacy.

From seasoned champions to rising stars, the awards highlighted the depth and diversity of South African sport. 

The coveted Sport Star of the Year and Team of the Year awards were claimed by Tatjana Smith and 4x100m Men’s Team (Paris Olympics), respectively whose performances have captured the hearts of fans and brought pride to the nation.

“Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the South African Sport Awards 18th Edition. Your commitment, discipline, and excellence are the heartbeat of our sporting identity. You are the reason South Africa continues to shine on the world stage. You are, without a doubt,” the department said on Monday.

This year’s edition, themed, “Celebrating Sporting Excellence,” paid tribute to the remarkable achievements of athletes, coaches, administrators, and media professionals who have not only excelled in their respective disciplines but have also inspired a nation through resilience, passion, and performance.

The winners of the 18th annual South African Sport Awards are as follows:

  • Sport Administrator of the Year: Pholetsi Moseki (Cricket)
  • Recreation Body of the Year: Made for More Zama (Para Surfing)
  • Sport Volunteer of the Year: Phuti Leolani (Football)
  • Youth/Junior Sport Star of the Year: Simoné Kruger (Para Athletics)
  • Youth/Junior Sport Team of the Year: SA U19 Tug of War Men’s Team (Tug of War)
  • Sport Visual Journalist of the Year: Roger Sedres
  • Sports Media Journalist of the Year: Palesa Manaleng
  • Technical Official of the Year: Ernesta Strydom (Para Cycling)
  • National Federation of the Year: South African Rugby Union (Rugby)
  • Sport Team of the Year: 4x100m Men’s Team (Paris Olympics)
  • Coach of the Year: Rocco Meiring (Swimming)
  • Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability: Simoné Kruger (Para Athletics)
  • Sportsman of the Year with a Disability: Mpumelelo Mhlongo (Para Athletics)
  • Sportswoman of the Year: Tatjana Smith (Swimming)
  • Sportsman of the Year: Alan Hartherly (Cycling)
  • Sport Star of the Year: Tatjana Smith (Swimming)

–SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

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SA’s foreign policy guided by national interest -President Ramaphosa 

Source: Government of South Africa

SA’s foreign policy guided by national interest -President Ramaphosa 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed that South Africa’s foreign policy will always be shaped by national interest, constitutional values and priorities, and not by external influence. 

“South Africa’s national interest will forever remain independent, not beholden to external influence. It will reflect our constitutional values and national priorities. As we continue to engage constructively with the international community, we have been consistent that this should always be on the basis of mutual respect,” President Ramaphosa said.  

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, the President emphasised that the country’s outlook is anchored in multilateralism, respect for sovereignty and the pursuit of alliances that advance peace, justice and national interest. 

He reflected on South Africa’s participation at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Japan last week, describing it as an important platform for strengthening trade and investment ties.

“Japan is an important trading partner for South Africa in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, technology and agriculture,” he said.

READ | President urges deeper South Africa–Japan trade and investment ties

Business representatives from both countries used the sidelines of TICAD to explore partnerships in clean and renewable energy, automotive components and hydrogen production. 

A highlight of the discussions was Japanese automaker Isuzu Motors’ plan to expand across the continent. Isuzu’s South African plant has trialled the manufacture of commercial trucks and truck bodies locally and is engaging with Isuzu Motors Japan on its plans to become a manufacturing hub for the African market. 

President Ramaphosa said forums like TICAD are vital to South Africa’s economic diplomacy efforts, which aim to secure market access, attract investment, and reduce reliance on traditional markets at a time of global trade disruptions and tariff pressures.

“Economic diplomacy is an important part of our country’s foreign policy and has become all the more critical at a time of economic headwinds and global power shifts. 

“South Africa’s National Interest Framework Policy Document, published in 2022, is clear that it is in the country’s national interest to forge strategic alliances that support economic partnerships and trading arrangements that favour, advance and safeguard our national interest.”

He underscored that South Africa’s foreign policy remains rooted in principle, citing the country’s continued solidarity with Palestine and Western Sahara despite criticism from some nations.

“South Africa’s foreign policy outlook is not determined by pressure exerted by outside forces, but by principle. 
“It is on principle that we continue to stand with the Palestinian people in their quest for statehood, recognising as we do the pain of dispossession, land theft and state-sanctioned brutality,” he said.

Peace efforts 

The President highlighted that South Africa has lent its support to peace efforts across the continent and beyond. 

He pointed to South Africa’s peacebuilding role across the continent, noting that the country is the 15th largest contributor to United Nations (UN) peacekeeping among all UN member states, from supporting the Arusha Peace Accords in Burundi and the South Sudan process to facilitating the Pretoria Agreement that ended the conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.

He also noted that South Africa continues to engage both Russia and Ukraine in pursuit of peace, after joining other African leaders on a peace mission in 2023.

“These engagements all reflect our commitment to advancing a foreign policy that advances our national interest and reflects the aspirations of our constitution, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Charter.

“Respect for multilateralism and the pursuit of peace will continue to define our outlook, as will the advancement of social justice and human rights,” he said. 

Quoting former President Nelson Mandela, the President said South Africa is “situated at a particular confluence of world affairs” and is uniquely positioned to act as a bridge-builder between the Global South and the developed North.

“For these and other reasons, our approach to diplomacy will continue to be guided by respect for sovereignty, the pursuit of a just and equitable world order, and a firm belief that negotiation and dialogue have a key role to play in the mediation and resolution of conflict,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Cypriot Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha| August 25, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Monday at the Amiri Diwan with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr. Constantinos Kombos, who is visiting the country. 

During the meeting, the two sides discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them. They also discussed enhancing economic partnership, especially in the energy field, in addition to other topics of mutual interest. 

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Ambassador Yin Chengwu Met with the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Liberia Umutoni

Source: APO – Report:

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On August 22, H.E. Yin Chengwu, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, met with H.E. Christine N. Umutoni, the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Liberia. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening coordination and cooperation between China and the UN in Liberia.

Yin introduced the outcomes of China-Liberia cooperation and commended the UN in Liberia for its contribution to improving the social well-being and people’s livelihood in Liberia. He expressed China looks forward to strengthening cooperation with the UN and jointly advance economic and social development in Liberia.

Umutoni thanked China for its long-term strong support for the cause of the UN, and expressed the hope to continue to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China to bring benefits to the Liberian people.

– on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Liberia.

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At The 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and partners explore innovative solutions to tackle deforestation in Africa

Source: APO – Report:

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A new tool “The Solutions-tree: Solutions to halting deforestation – through sustainable agrifood systems transformation” which aims to help countries fight deforestation, was previewed today together with other innovations co-created with African countries at an event co-hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF), the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), the UN-REDD‘ African Forest Forum (AFF) initiative,  at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9). The tool is aligned with FAO’s efforts to collaborate with countries, international organizations and institutions to demonstrate how co-created knowledge and cross-sectoral collaboration can play a key role in halting deforestation while boosting economies, livelihoods and sustainable agriculture.

While deforestation rate decreased between 2010 and 2020, Africa – and the world – still faces an major challenge in overcoming this complex and persistent crisis, rooted in range of direct and underlying factors, including governance issues, competition for land among economic sectors, poverty, and insecure land tenure. 

Key solutions to halt and reverse deforestation lie in transforming how key commodities (in the case of Africa, especially meat and crops such as cassava, maize, and cocoa) are produced, along with strong engagement and capacity strengthening of small-scale farmers.

Developed by FAO, the Solutions-tree provides governments and partners with an innovative framework to identify, prioritize, and implement cross-sectoral actions that address direct and underlying drivers of deforestation. So far, it has been trialed in Benin and Guinea and will be officially launched in October 2025.

While opening the TICAD9 side-event, Alue Dohong, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, underlined the urgency of collective action: “Deforestation is one of the greatest challenges to Africa’s sustainable development. Halting deforestation is not just an environmental goal, it is an imperative for Africa’s food security, climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and socio-economic development,” he said.

“We have to collectively move away from ‘agriculture versus forestry’ trade-offs”, said Serena Fortuna, FAO Senior Forestry Officer and UN-REDD Management Group Member, “and work with governments and communities to co-create and scale up catalytic and transformational solutions that keep forests standing while boosting food security, rural economies and contribute to achieving climate targets”.

African countries are proving that this quadruple win can be a reality. 

Working together

At the event, partners and panelists from across Africa showcased how cross-sectoral collaboration is advancing efforts to stop deforestation.

Awessou Kohomlan Beranger, Senior Officer from Benin’s Ministry of Living Environment and Transport, presented how Benin is using the Solutions-tree to shape its REDD+ strategy and how it boosted a systemic approach. He highlighted how participatory science and collaborative approaches play a decisive role in guiding countries towards more sustainable and resilient development pathways. Roselyn Fosuah Adjei, Director of Ghana’s Forestry Commission Training Centre, shared Ghana’s experience in identifying cost-effective REDD+ solutions. She emphasized that holistic cost-benefit analysis for REDD+ can help stakeholders recognize the value of forests in climate finance and shared benefits. Professor Labode Popoola, Executive Secretary of the African Forest Forum, highlighted the need to align forest strategies with agriculture and food security goals, stressing that REDD+ is central to protecting forests and ensuring a livable future for all. ITTO’s project in Côte d’Ivoire showcased agroforestry as a key tool to protect forests while empowering women across Africa.

In closing, panelists shared a common message in the lead-up to COP30: Africa is proving that reducing deforestation and strengthening agriculture are intertwined and they are not unattainable goals. But world leaders’ commitments must now be translated into concrete action, if not at the COP in the heart of the Amazon, when?

FAO also highlighted its broader forestry work in Africa. The Green Climate Fund-funded PROMIRE project in Côte d’Ivoire, for example, has trained over 5 000 farmers to adopt sustainable cocoa production and has rehabilitated degraded lands to convert into agroforestry systems.

Kochi Kiyotaka, Director of the International Forestry Cooperation Office at MAFF, closed the event by reiterating the importance of working across agriculture and forestry to find sustainable solutions.

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), led by the Government of Japan since 1993, provides a global platform for African countries and partners to advance sustainable development, strengthen resilience, and build partnerships to achieve shared prosperity.

– on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

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SANDF responds to allegations around General Maphwanya

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has expressed concern over allegations suggesting that the Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, is defiant toward the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga.

On Sunday, City Press reported that Maphwanya has allegedly vowed to continue defying the Minister’s directive to reinstate Colonel Eugene Motati, an air force officer who was unlawfully dismissed in 2019, based on an untested sexual harassment allegation made by a SABC journalist.

According to the publication, the directive aligns with findings from the Military Ombudsman, which stated the Colonel’s dismissal was unlawful.

However, the SANDF said these allegations are incorrect, misleading, and disregard the facts surrounding the matter.

“There is misrepresentation on the merits of the facts regarding the matter at hand, but it is not in the nature of the SANDF to discuss its members’ administrative matters in the public media, so are the Ombudsman’s recommendations and ministerial decisions,” the statement read. 

In addition, the insinuation that the Chief of the SANDF is “defying” or “giving the middle finger” to the Minister is baseless and irresponsible, said the defence force.

“General Maphwanya remains fully committed to the constitutional authority of the Minister and is engaging the matter with the utmost respect and diligence. In line with good governance and military protocol, the Chief of the SANDF is currently consulting with the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans and the Ombudsman on the matter.” 

The SANDF has since assured the public and all stakeholders that due process is being followed, and any final determination will be made in strict compliance with the law, established military procedures, and the directives of the Executive Authority. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Beneficiaries urged to safeguard title deeds for future generations

Source: Government of South Africa

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has urged beneficiaries of fully subsidised government houses to value their properties and safeguard them as lasting assets for future generations.

Simelane made the call during the handover of title deeds to homeowners in Kwahlomendlini, Mandeni Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast.

“Value your properties. The title deeds you are receiving today are not just pieces of paper. They are instruments of dignity, economic empowerment, security, and a promise of a better future,” Simelane said.

The Minister emphasised that title deeds provide legal ownership, protect families from illegal evictions or occupation, and offer peace of mind for current and future generations.

Earlier this month, the Minister and provincial Human Settlements MECs resolved to revive the Title Deeds Fridays campaign, an initiative aimed at mobilising all spheres of government to release all outstanding title deeds to rightful beneficiaries.

As part of the 2024-2029 Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP), the Department of Human Settlements is targeting the registration and handover 80 000 title deeds, unlocking asset value worth more than R16 billion.

Last week, Simelane and KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma conducted an oversight visit to assess housing needs of families affected by the 2022 floods in eThekwini and uMgungundlovu Districts Municipality.

Nearly 100 permanent houses were handed over to displaced families whose homes were destroyed.

Acknowledging delays in settling other victims, Simelane said the department has invested in social facilitation for both affected families and surrounding communities.

“We must reject the ‘Not in My Backyard’ mentality. This mindset perpetuates a form of pre-1994 segregation.

“It hinders the dismantling of the apartheid spatial planning. True democracy requires inclusive communities that reflect the values of our Constitution,” she said.

The Minister commended traditional leaders and communities who have embraced displaced families with compassion and solidarity.

The department has undertaken to prioritise building over 1000 housing units to accommodate victims of disasters in and around eThekwini. The MEC confirmed that government has secured several pockets of state-owned land to house displaced communities. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Women’s Empowerment: A non-negotiable for South Africa’s future 

Source: Government of South Africa

By Bernice Swarts 

Malibongwe Igama Lamakhosikazi! – Praise the name of women! This rallying cry, echoing from the historic 1956 Women’s March, remains as relevant today as it was when more than 20,000 women stood in defiance of the oppressive pass laws. 

Their courage and unity were a turning point in our history, laying the foundations for a non-sexist, non-racial democracy.

But while we rightly honour the women of 1956 every August, I am convinced more than ever that our country cannot afford to limit women’s recognition to a single month. Women’s empowerment is not an event – it is an ongoing process that contributes the hope of our communities. The progress of our country is directly linked to the progress of its women.

Since 1994, our democracy has made important strides in advancing gender equity. Today, women occupy 25.8% of top management positions in the private sector and 43% of seats in Parliament. These achievements are significant, but much more remains to be done to ensure full economic and social emancipation for women in our country. 

This year’s Women’s Month theme, “Building Resilient Economies for All,” reminds us that empowering women is not an act of charity – it is the foundation of inclusive growth. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed it well when he said: “When a woman is empowered – everyone gets empowered. When women prosper, we all prosper. When women rise, we all rise.”

As the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, we continue to prioritise women in the employment profile of the department – especially at the most senior levels. We are proud that our department is led by a female Director-General, Ms Nomfundo Tshabalala. Of the 11 Deputy Directors General positions, nine are held by women. There are 204 positions at Senior Management level and 105 are held by women which constitute 51% representation. Our Total Permanent Staff Compliment is 3115 and 1623 are women which constitute 52% representation. It is also worth mentioning that the department has achieved on 2% Government set target for Persons with Disabilities; we have employed 64 persons with disabilities. These figures reflect a deliberate effort to ensure inclusivity and equity within our department.

Beyond the corridors of our offices, we are implementing programmes that continue to open doors for women across communities. Between 2020/21 and 2024/25, the department created 323,462 Expanded Public Works Progarmme (EPWP) work opportunities, surpassing our five-year target. Of these, 56% went to women, 59% to youth, and 1.09% to persons with disabilities. Through the EPWP, we also achieved 95% of our five-year target for Full-Time Equivalents, contributing 140,594 to the total and advancing the goals of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework. Moving forward, we will intensify our focus on prioritising women within EPWP and many of our programmes.

Our department’s efforts to empower women are also reflected in the services we deliver to the public. We are transforming the forestry sector by transferring plantations to communities. Between 2020/21 and 2024/25, we transferred 21 plantations across the country, fostering inclusive economic participation and empowering rural communities – particularly bringing in women to benefit from this programme. The transfer of these plantations to our communities supports the objectives of our Commercial Forestry Masterplan.

Through our Chemicals and Waste Management Branch, we are involving women in initiatives to tackle plastics pollution, e-waste, and hazardous chemicals – this sector remains important in the creation of green jobs and sustainable livelihoods.

But empowerment is not only about jobs and leadership – it is about safety and dignity. South Africa cannot talk about women’s empowerment while Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) continue to plague our communities. Government has strengthened the legislative framework with measures such as the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, the Domestic Violence Amendment Act, the National Council on GBVF Act, and the NPA Amendment Act.

These laws are crucial, but laws alone will not end GBVF. Every South African – men and women – must actively take part in creating safe communities and ending this national crisis.

As we honour the bravery of the women of 1956, let us recommit ourselves to a future where women and men build together, rise together, and prosper together. Because when women thrive, nations flourish.

*Bernice Swarts is the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment