Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

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The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) yesterday met with the Department of CoGTA and Merafong City Local Municipality to assess the municipality’s financial viability and service delivery performance.

The Committee expressed deep concern over Merafong’s deteriorating financial and governance position, which has left residents exposed to prolonged service disruptions. Towns such as Welverdiend have endured electricity outages lasting more than a month due to transformer failures, while water provision has been compromised by the municipality’s R1.4 billion debt to Rand Water. Although a payment of R50 million secured partial restoration, only about 80% of water supply has resumed, and full restoration remains uncertain. Infrastructure in the Carletonville CBD continues to decline, while the municipality’s own performance assessment shows that just 34% of service delivery targets were achieved in the past financial year.

The Committee noted that these concerns align closely with findings of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), which earlier this year considered a petition from residents of Khutsong. The NCOP’s report, adopted on 1 April 2025, raised alarm over ageing infrastructure, unreliable transformers, and poor governance in Merafong. Amongst its resolutions, the NCOP directed Gauteng CoGTA to step in under Section 154 of the Constitution to provide structured support, called for monthly progress reports from the municipality, and prioritised the resettlement of informal settlements in hazardous dolomitic zones. It also instructed that forensic investigations be undertaken into questionable procurement and payments thereof, reckless recruitment, and the appointment of dubious senior officials. The Committee is particularly concerned that these directives remain outstanding and have not yet served before the full Council. The Committee has committed to ensuring that both the Department and the Municipality account fully on their implementation.

The Committee also raised concerns regarding the appointment of a Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Merafong. While the municipality appointed the Deputy CFO in April 2024, questions remain about the compliance of such a position with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), which does not make provision for the designation of “Deputy CFO” within municipal structures. The Committee emphasised the need for urgent legal certainty on the matter to ensure that the municipality’s financial management structures are fully aligned with legislation. The Committee will write to the MEC for COGTA to receive further clarity on this matter.

Committee Chairperson, Hon. Mzi Khumalo, acknowledged that while Merafong faces immense challenges, there are signs of improvement, particularly in its financial reporting. “The municipality has started to make progress in strengthening its audit processes, and that effort should not be overlooked. These are small but important steps towards restoring stability. However, sustained progress requires firm leadership, improved revenue collection, and stronger accountability. With the right interventions and the full commitment of all spheres of government, Merafong has the potential to recover and rebuild public confidence,” he said.

The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to rigorous oversight of the 10-point turnaround strategy, including cash flow improvements, the rollout of smart metering, enhanced indigent household support, and strengthened audit outcomes. It further called on the Department and the municipality to fast-track compliance with NCOP directives and demonstrate measurable progress in addressing service delivery and governance failures.

– on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Department of Higher Education and Training announces that, following consultation with the National Skills Authority (NSA) in terms of Section 15(1) of the Skills Development Act, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, MP, has appointed administrators to the Services SETA, Local Government SETA (LGSETA), and Construction SETA (CETA).

This intervention follows serious and entrenched governance failures in these entities, including procurement irregularities, lapses in oversight, and board instability, which threatened their ability to deliver on their mandate to advance skills development.

The following appointments have been made:

• Mr Matjie Lehlogonolo Alfred Masoga – Administrator of the Services SETA

• Mr Dithabe Oupa Nkoane – Administrator of the Construction SETA (CETA)

• Mr Zukile Christopher Mvalo – Administrator of the Local Government SETA (LGSETA)

“This decision marks the first step in stabilising SETA governance. We cannot allow governance failures to erode the public’s confidence in our skills development system. These administrators have a clear mandate to restore integrity, enforce consequence management where necessary, and ensure that learners and workers are not prejudiced by institutional weaknesses. Our goal is to reposition SETAs so they can contribute effectively to the fight against unemployment, poverty, and inequality,” said Minister Buti Manamela.

Brief biographies of the administrators

• Mr Matjie Lehlogonolo Alfred Masoga is a seasoned public leader with extensive experience in governance, economic development, and strategic management. He is the former CEO of the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ SOC), Group Executive at the Limpopo Economic Development Agency, and former Deputy Speaker of the Limpopo Legislature. He holds multiple postgraduate qualifications, including a Master of Management in Governance and Public Leadership, and is currently a PhD candidate in Public Affairs.

• Mr Dithabe Oupa Nkoane has more than 20 years’ experience in public administration, governance, and infrastructure development. He has served as Municipal Manager and Section 139 Administrator at Emfuleni Municipality, Acting City Manager of Tshwane, Head of City Planning in Ekurhuleni, and CEO of the Municipal Demarcation Board. He holds a Master’s degree in Town and Regional Planning and has extensive experience in financial recovery, organisational turnaround, and spatial development.

• Mr Zukile Christopher Mvalo is the current Deputy Director-General for Skills Development at the Department of Higher Education and Training, with direct oversight of all 22 SETAs, the National Skills Authority, and the QCTO since 2013. He has a strong legal background, holding an LLM, LLB, and Postgraduate Diploma in Employment Law, alongside a Master’s in Public Administration. He has also held senior executive roles in local government and corporate services.

Mandate of the administrators

The administrators’ mandate is to:

• Restore governance and financial integrity in line with the PFMA

• Enforce consequence management where wrongdoing is found

• Ensure core programmes, including learner support and employer partnerships, continue without disruption

• Oversee the proper reconstitution and appointment of new Accounting Authorities

The Minister wishes the administrators well in the execution of their duties.

– on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Tourism, Ms Ronalda Nalumango, has noted with concern the dissolution, with immediate effect, of the South African Tourism Board by the Minister of Tourism, Ms Patricia de Lille.

According to media reports, the minister dissolved the Board because it exceeded its powers by appointing a board member to carry out some of the functions of the previous Chairperson, Professor Gregory Davids, who resigned in July. It was further reported that the Board contravened its own charter by holding a special Board meeting that the Chairperson did not convene.

Ms Nalumango said that the committee will invite the minister to brief it on her decision to dissolve the South African Tourism Board.

“We look forward to hearing from her about this development, particularly in light of the committee’s earlier engagement on her commitments to take South African Tourism to new heights when she marked 100 days since her appointment as minister,” said Ms Nalumango.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade has noted the Minister’s decision to dissolve the entire board of SA Tourism.

The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Sonja Boshoff, said that when such decisions are taken, they should always be aimed at improving governance within government entities.

She said: “The committee is satisfied that the Minister acted on sound legal advice in arriving at her decision, which the committee notes and welcomes. The role of this entity is even more crucial given the geopolitical ructions that the country currently faces.”

Ms Boshoff further stated that it would be ideal for a new board to be appointed without delay, and she stressed that the absence of a board should not disrupt the programmes of SA Tourism.

Minister Patricia de Lille announced on Wednesday that she had decided to dissolve the board with immediate effect. The Minister said the board had failed to show cause in addressing the legality of the procedure it followed when convening a special meeting on 1 August—against her advice—wherein an unlawful resolution was taken.

“As the shareholder, one expects that the Minister’s counsel on such matters should be regarded and respected by entities under her portfolio,” Ms Boshoff said.

Ms Boshoff added that the committee will continue to exercise effective oversight over the entity. “We want to see improved performance from SA Tourism, not meaningless meetings and international trips. Small role players within the sector must benefit meaningfully from the work and programmes of SA Tourism. We do not want redundancy and duplication of work already being done by the Department of Tourism.”

Ms Boshoff called on the Minister to act with speed to stabilise the entity so that it can focus on restoring South Africa’s image among international tourists. “South Africa must be a destination of choice for international travellers. There is nothing they cannot find in this beautiful country of ours,” she concluded.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, made an inaugural visit to South West State’s Baidoa city, reaffirming the Mission’s commitment to enhancing peace, security and stabilization efforts in Somalia.

Ambassador Diene praised the ongoing joint military operations by AUSSOM and Somali Security Forces (SSF) in the Shabelle region and other parts of Somalia.

“We are supporting our Somali brothers and sisters. Our mandate is to support a Somali-led peace process. The ongoing operations are a priority defined by the federal government of Somalia, and we are collaborating closely with them to defeat Al-Shabaab,” Ambassador Diene said on Tuesday.

He highlighted the forces’ liberation of strategic Barire town and Sabid-Anole villages as significant milestones in Somalia’s efforts to defeat Al-Shabaab, reiterating AUSSOM’s support for sustained operations against the militant group.

At Sector 3 headquarters, Ambassador Diene commended Ethiopian troops serving under AUSSOM for maintaining the region’s peace and security, with support from the Ghanaian Formed Police Unit (FPU) Contingent.

“I found a well-prepared, well-structured sector. A lot has been accomplished by our troops, and there is still much to be done. They have shared their challenges, and we will explore the best ways to support them,” he added.

Ambassador Diene also praised the strong collaboration among key regional and international partners, including AUSSOM, the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), the Federal Government of Somalia, and South West State administration.

The SRCC acknowledged the responsibilities placed on the African Union in Somalia’s stabilization process, recognizing the progress made and existing funding challenges.

Sector 3 Commander Brigadier General Teklu Hurisa Janka expressed satisfaction with the briefing provided to the SRCC on the sector’s status and operations of the Ethiopian Contingent.

“We were pleased to welcome the SRCC and his delegation to Sector 3 headquarters,” said Brig. Gen. Janka.

“We provided a comprehensive update on the current security situation, ongoing military operations against Al-Shabaab, and the vital work being carried out by Ethiopian troops to support peace and stability in Somalia. The SRCC expressed appreciation for our efforts, and we equally valued his presence and engagement.”

As part of his visit, the SRCC paid a courtesy call to the South West State administration and met with the Federal Member State’s Parliament Speaker, Ali Said Fiqi, at the Presidential Villa. They discussed the current security landscape and ongoing support of the African Union in Somalia’s peacebuilding and stabilization efforts.

Ambassador Diene also met with medical personnel at the AUSSOM Level 2 hospital, where he was briefed about the services provided to troops and civilians.

The SRCC was accompanied by senior officials, including AUSSOM Military Chief of Staff Brigadier General Kindu Gezu, and AUSSOM Military Force Engineer Colonel Sulieman Ibrahim.

This marked Ambassador Diene’s fourth visit to the AUSSOM Sectors, having previously toured Sectors One, Two and Four.

– on behalf of African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Source: APO – Report:

The Nairobi Chamber Chorus (NCC) (www.NCC.or.ke) has completed a six-week segment of the Hans Zimmer Live world tour, performing for more than 150,000 people across Australia, Asia, and the Middle East. By sharing the stage with Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer, the Nairobi Chamber Chorus showcased African choral excellence in sold-out venues with audiences exceeding 10,000.

The milestone tour is part of an extended collaboration between the Nairobi Chamber Chorus and legendary film composer Hans Zimmer. Celebrated for his iconic scores in The Lion King, Gladiator, Dune, and Inception, Zimmer is a two-time Academy Award® winner, a three-time Golden Globe® Award winner, a five-time Grammy® Award winner. He has also earned an American Music Award, a Tony® Award, and six Emmy® nominations. The choir’s inclusion in the tour highlights its growing international recognition and reinforces Africa’s vibrant contribution to global music and culture.

The tour kicked off in January 2025, with performances across the United States and Saudi Arabia before continuing into the Asia-Pacific region in March. Recent stops in Australia, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, and Abu Dhabi delivered a fusion of cinematic music and African choral excellence. “As the Nairobi Chamber Chorus, we have been privileged to be part of this spectacular show,” said Ken Wakia, Founder and Director of the Nairobi Chamber Chorus. “Seeing the passion and excitement Hans Zimmer evokes in fans around the world has been humbling, and sharing in that joy through our music is a deeply rewarding experience.”

NCC’s participation in the tour is supported by a strategic partnership (https://apo-opa.co/45qkaLC) with APO Group, announced earlier this year. As part of the collaboration, APO Group provides the choir with high-impact media relations and storytelling support to amplify its presence across international platforms.

Beate Neidhart-Keitel, Managing Director at BNK Management, the company overseeing NCC’s participation in Hans Zimmer Live, highlighted the impact of the collaboration: “The Nairobi Chamber Chorus brings a unique sound and spirit to the Hans Zimmer Live experience. Their professionalism, talent, and cultural authenticity have added immense value to the tour. We are proud to continue this meaningful collaboration.”

Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Founder and Chairman of APO Group, emphasised the broader significance of the choir’s participation: “This is more than a performance; it’s a cultural breakthrough. The Nairobi Chamber Chorus is not only elevating African music on the world stage but also challenging outdated perceptions about the continent. We are proud to stand with them in telling this powerful African success story.”

Hans Zimmer is one of the most celebrated composers of our time. His collaboration with the Nairobi Chamber Chorus is a powerful endorsement of the choir’s talent and artistic integrity. NCC first joined the Hans Zimmer Live lineup in 2024 as part of a group of international artists during the European concert series. The overwhelming response from audiences prompted Zimmer to expand the tour, adding new shows in the United States, including Austin, Nashville, Columbus (OH), Brooklyn, and Baltimore. The ongoing collaboration is a testament to the choir’s growing global appeal and its commitment to bringing Africa’s rich choral traditions to the world stage.

Established in 2005, the Nairobi Chamber Chorus has trained over 300 young vocalists, many of whom have become key contributors to Kenya’s music industry. Made up primarily of university students and recent graduates, the choir uses music as a platform to promote peace, understanding, and international dialogue.

With every performance, NCC shares the vibrant essence of African choral tradition with global audiences, and its partnership with Hans Zimmer marks an exciting chapter in its journey.

This is a Joint Press Release by the Nairobi Chamber Chorus (NCC) and APO Group.

– on behalf of Nairobi Chamber Chorus (NCC).

Media contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

About APO Group: 
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.   

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024.  Additionally, in 2025, the Davos Communications Awards 2025 awarded us with the Gold Award for Best PR Campaign and the Bronze Award for Special Event.  

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.  

Source: APO

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Lomé, the capital of the Republic of Togo, is hosting a two-day hybrid meeting beginning August 20, 2025, organised by ECOWAS. The meeting is dedicated to monitoring and evaluating the implementation of Regulation C/REG.21/12/17 on roaming across Public Mobile Communications Networks. This event also marks the 18th gathering of Roaming focal points from across the region.

This hybrid meeting, brings together focal points from the National Regulatory Authorities of ECOWAS Member States, representatives from the Secretariat of the West African Telecommunications Regulators’ Assembly (WATRA), representatives from the ECOWAS Commission’s Directorate of Digital Economy and Post, representatives from UEMOA and the ECOWAS National Office in Togo.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on behalf of Mr Sediko DOUKA, ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation, Ms Folake Olagunju, Acting Director Digital Economy and Post, welcomed the full participation of Member States focal points at this important meeting.

She highlighted the progress made since the regulation’s adoption, particularly through bilateral tariff agreements between Member States. “This meeting is more than a checkpoint; it is a catalyst. It offers a valuable platform for Member States to exchange experiences, share lessons learned, and offer practical insights, especially for those still navigating the implementation process… The ECOWAS Commission remains fully committed to supporting Member States in this endeavour… ” said Ms Folake Olagunju.

In his address to participants, Mr Musa Jalloh, Deputy Director of Regulation at the National Telecommunications Authority of the Republic of Sierra Leone, emphasised the importance of digital integration and a unified regional market. He praised the growing number of bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding between Member States, reflecting the commitment of authorities to significantly reducing telecommunications costs and improving interoperability for the benefit of citizens across the ECOWAS region.

The meeting was officially launched by Mr Michel Yaovi Galley, Director General of the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) of Togo, represented by Mr Cabo Amar Vinyo, Director of Markets and Data Regulation. Mr Vinyo called for the full implementation of the regulation across all Member States to enhance consumer satisfaction, improve connectivity, democratise internet access, and promote regional integration.

Over the course of the meeting, focal points will present updates on roaming service implementation, assess compliance with community price caps based on national monitoring and review progress on tasks assigned during the 19th Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers on Telecommunications/ICT/Digital Economy. Discussions will also address delays in bilateral agreements and explore operator concerns related to fraud.

Experts will evaluate regulatory proposals, review the ECOWAS Commission’s progress in updating the Regulatory Framework and examine WATRA’s engagement with the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) to provide technical assistance for community roaming.

As a reminder, Regulation C/REG.21/12/17 was adopted in December 2017 by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers. It aims to establish a harmonised legal and tariff framework for roaming within ECOWAS Member States, reduce high costs for voice, SMS and data roaming and determine the rights and obligations of community roaming service providers and regulators.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

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Ghana and Japan have signalled a new push to deepen economic cooperation and accelerate priority infrastructure projects during a bilateral meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and the Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan on the sidelines of TICAD 9 in Yokohama.

President Mahama acknowledged Ghana’s central role in Japan’s cocoa supply, noting that Ghana accounts for about 70% of Japan’s cocoa imports.

He encouraged Japanese firms to expand investments in Ghana’s cocoa value chain, including a public–private partnership with the Cocoa Processing Company to revamp the plant and boost value addition.

The President also highlighted upcoming milestones in Ghana–Japan relations, including the centenary of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi’s arrival in Ghana and the 50th anniversary of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) in 2027—anniversaries he previously discussed with H.E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, Japan’s Ambassador to Ghana.

On infrastructure, President Mahama stressed the strategic importance of the Volivo Bridge over the Volta River, a critical component of Ghana’s Eastern Corridor that links Accra and Tema to the north and onward to Burkina Faso and Niger.

He emphasised the bridge’s role in moving agricultural produce such as yams and maize from northern Ghana to markets in the south.

Mr Mahama also expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan for the JPY 11.239 billion loan signed on 5 December 2016 for the project and reaffirmed Ghana’s request for additional support—especially grants—to close the remaining 64% procurement gap.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba welcomed closer collaboration with Ghana to expand infrastructure development and recalled the long-standing partnership that helped establish the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

He acknowledged that Japanese chocolate lovers depend largely on Ghanaian cocoa.

Reiterating Japan’s commitment to Ghana’s development priorities, the Prime Minister gave an assurance that Tokyo would work to expedite solutions to funding gaps to ensure the successful completion of key projects.

He also sought Ghana’s support for Japan’s candidate, Masahiko Metoki, for the position of Director General of the Universal Postal Union’s International Bureau and Ghana’s backing for Japan’s positions on reforms to make the United Nations Security Council more democratic.

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development brings together African leaders, Japan, and international partners to advance sustainable development and investment across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.