Category: English

Source: APO

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From 23 July to 4 August 2025, UN Women, in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT), the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), and the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), held the third edition of the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI) coding bootcamp in Rwanda. This year’s camp hosted 120 high-achieving girls from varied backgrounds and districts across the country, including those living with disabilities. The participants were selected based on their outstanding performance in national examinations, and took part in the two-week intensive programme focused on foundational trainings in coding, robotics, and gender equality.

This year`s bootcamp marks a significant scale-up from previous editions, which trained 50 girls in 2023 and 75 in 2024, reflecting the initiative’s growing impact and commitment to closing the gender gap in digital and STEM fields. Aligned with national development priorities under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), including the flagship One Million Coders Initiative, which seeks to produce one million tech experts in Rwanda by 2029, the AGCCI equips young girls with the technical and leadership skills needed to thrive as future innovators and leaders within the digital economy.

Defying limitations and redefining possibility, Emelyn Iragena and Dushimimana Angel, two remarkable young girls living with unique physical conditions, proved that disability is no barrier to ambition. Over the course of the two-week bootcamp, their resilience, intellect, and vision shone brightly, inspiring many others around them. This is their story.

“I Will Keep Going”: Emelyn’s story of courage, curiosity, and coding toward her dreams

At just 15 years old, Emelyn Iragena from Rwamagana is charting a path of resilience, courage, and transformation. A student at Ecole Secondaire Muhazi and one of the standout participants in the 3rd cohort of the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), Emelyn represents the silent resilience of girls who refuse to give up, no matter the odds.

Emelyn comes from a large family of ten children, five of whom are alive today. “I’m the tenth,” she says quietly. “And five of my siblings passed away.” She has both parents, but family life hasn’t always been easy. “In the community, especially among extended family members, people can be very harsh,” she shares, “But at school, I feel free. My teachers and classmates are kind, and they make me feel like I belong.”

When Emelyn received the news that she had been selected for the AGCCI bootcamp, it was more than just a new experience, it was a breakthrough moment, “I was so happy, and my parents were too. I had never really been to Kigali before, only passed through on the way to visit family in Rulindo. This was my first time really seeing the city.”

From the Amahoro Stadium to the Kigali Convention Centre, Emelyn soaked up every moment, but it was the visits to the Innovation Hubs at Carnegie Mellon University Africa and Fablab that truly opened her eyes, “I was thrilled to see how you can print your own art pieces in 3D, and I learned how old batteries can be recycled. I am excited to share this knowledge back home. Before, I thought you had to go outside the country to do that.”

At the bootcamp, Emelyn acquired knowledge and skills in a series of subject areas including emerging technologies, coding, robotics, and cybersecurity, but more importantly, she discovered a vision for her future. “I’ve always wanted to become a doctor, specifically an orthopedic surgeon, a doctor specialized in bones, so I can help people like me with physical disability” she says with a smile. “Now I see how AI and technology can help doctors do surgery more effectively. This bootcamp has shown me that I can be part of that future.”

In her community, Emelyn is the only one in her family still in school, a reality that has brought its own burden, “Some people keep telling me I won’t make it, that I should give up.” But she’s learned to block out the noise, “I’ve decided to silence those voices by working harder and staying focused on my dream.”

Her message to other girls, especially those living with disabilities or facing social stigma, is clear and powerful:

“Many girls with disabilities don’t get the chance to go to school because of how they look or what others think. But I want them to know: don’t listen to those who try to limit you. Fight for your dream. You can make it.” Emelyn’s journey through AGCCI is more than a story of learning, it’s a story of empowerment, inspiration, and belief. With every line of code, every spark of curiosity, and every challenge she overcomes, she is rewriting the future, not just for herself, but for every girl who dares to dream.

“Nothing is impossible”: Angel’s journey from uncertainty to unstoppable

At just 15 years old, Dushimimana Angel, a student at SS Mary Adelaide heading into Senior 3, is already breaking boundaries, not only in the classroom, but in life. A proud participant of the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), Angel is living proof that confidence, opportunity, and support can change a girl’s life.

Angel was born with albinism, a condition often misunderstood and sometimes met with stigma. But her story is different, “I never felt discriminated against,” she says confidently, “Not at home, not at school. My family has always been supportive, and I’ve always been free to be myself.”

When she first heard she had been selected for the AGCCI bootcamp, Angel was very skeptical, “We couldn’t believe it was real,” she laughs, “But when it was confirmed, I was so excited, and my parents were overjoyed.” Coming from a modest background, where completing primary school had already felt like a milestone, this opportunity felt like a pathway to a whole new world.

At the two-week AGCCI bootcamp, Angel thrived. Despite having limited exposure to digital tools before, she quickly picked up coding, robotics, and digital problem-solving. She emerged as one of the top performers in her cohort, showing not only technical ability but leadership and determination.

Before the camp, she believed that science subjects were too hard, not meant for girls like her. But AGCCI changed everything, “Now I know I can pursue sciences,” she says, “I want to become a medical doctor, specifically an optician, so I can help others see clearly and I won’t give up on that dream.”

Her message to other girls, especially those who may feel held back by fear, disability, or stigma, is both simple and powerful:

“Nothing is impossible. Even if your parents or people around you say you can’t do it, it’s your job to prove them wrong. Keep working hard and never give up.”

Angel is not just a future optician, she is already a role model. Through AGCCI, she’s gained more than skills; she’s found her voice and her vision. And now, she’s using both to inspire a new generation of girls to dream boldly and defy limits.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

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The National Eritrean Festival 2025, which was officially opened by President Isaias Afwerki on 9 August at the Expo Compound, colorfully concluded yesterday with an official ceremony.

The closing ceremony was attended by Ministers, senior Government and PFDJ officials, as well as numerous artists and festival participants from across the regions of the country.

Ambassador Zemede Tekle, Commissioner of Culture and Sports, noted the effort required to accommodate more than 50,000 visitors daily and commended the strong participation of committees, partners, and the disciplined involvement of the public.

Ambassador Zemede also highlighted that the national festival serves as a forum where generations deepen their understanding, transfer noble societal values, and nurture competent and knowledgeable youth and children in one setting.

Mr. Solomon Dirar presented a report outlining the achievements registered and challenges encountered during the week-long event. He stated that the festival was visited by about half a million people from across the country.

The festival featured cultural and musical performances, traditional villages showcasing the cultures and traditions of the various ethnic groups, exhibitions of products by institutions and regions, children’s educational and entertainment programs, book displays, painting and sculpture exhibitions, seminars, literature and poetry competitions, as well as research presentations, among others.

The closing ceremony was highlighted by cultural and artistic performances, with awards presented to individuals and groups who contributed to and participated in the successful implementation of the national festival.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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A permanent desert locust invasion monitoring center has been established in Gadm-Halib administrative area through the coordination of the Ministry of Agriculture’s central office. The center is located about 60 km east of Afabet town.

Mr. Efrem Kiflu, head of Administration and Finance at the Ministry of Agriculture, said the construction of the center was carried out mainly by members of the Defense Forces, with participation from the Segen Construction Company, Adi-Hallo Project, and the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Eritrean Defense Forces in designing and supervising the project.

Residents and administrators of Afabet sub-zone, particularly from the Gadm-Halib administrative area, said the establishment of the monitoring center would significantly ease the burden previously shouldered by locals in monitoring and controlling desert locust infestations.

Members of the Defense Forces who took part in the project expressed satisfaction with their contribution and the timely completion of the center.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Ministry of Agriculture organized training for 62 of its members on material management, procurement, and transit management. The training was conducted at the Ministry’s Regulatory Service Office in Villagio.

The participants included members of the Ministry from the six regions of the country, the central office, administration and finance, the National Agricultural Research Centers, regulatory services, and the National Animal Health Laboratory.

The trainees stated that the training would make a significant contribution to facilitating their daily activities. They commended the organizers and the trainers for their efforts.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the program on 15 August, Mr. Arefaine Berhe, Minister of Agriculture, noted that procurement and material management are among the Ministry’s most essential activities. He called on the trainees to practically apply the knowledge they gained in their workplaces.

Minister Arefaine also stressed that similar training programs aimed at developing the capacity of staff members will continue in earnest.

In the same vein, four months of training on poultry farming was provided to foster families in Dubarwa sub-zone.

Explaining that the objective of the training program was to improve the economic status of foster families, Ms. Tirhas Adresom, head of the National Union of Eritrean Women in the sub-zone, called on all concerned institutions to provide support to the families in their endeavors.

Mr. Abraham Yosief, representative of the administrator of the sub-zone, commended the initiative taken by the National Union of Eritrean Women and expressed the readiness of the sub-zonal administration to stand alongside the trainees in all their future activities.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) today welcomed the findings released by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Dean Macpherson, into allegations of the abuse of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) funds at the Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State.

The investigations followed the committee’s oversight visit to the Free State last month, where 23 municipalities appeared before a joint oversight delegation.

The Chairperson of the committee, Dr Zweli Mkhize, said the committee notes with appreciation the findings which have confirmed that all EPWP Integrated Grant funds for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years were fully accounted for and applied to approved projects. “The investigation found that officials whose salaries and roles were highlighted in media reports were not EPWP participants and that their appointments were made under the municipality’s budget, outside the framework of the national EPWP,” said the Chairperson.

“The committee commends the department for its swift investigation and the minister’s directive to release the withheld EPWP funds so that projects which create much-needed jobs for those unemployed can continue.”

The Chairperson reiterated that the matter arose from the committee’s oversight visit to the Free State last month when members raised concerns about the possible abuse of EPWP funds. He said it is encouraging to see that municipalities and departments are taking the committee’s oversight role seriously by ensuring that allegations are investigated and accountability upheld.

“We welcome the accountability demonstrated by Matjhabeng Local Municipality and the focus to ensure that public funds are used transparently and for their intended purpose. The committee wants to reaffirm its position that oversight is not an academic exercise, but a constitutional mandate aimed at safeguarding the integrity of governance and service delivery,” said Dr Mkhize. “The positive outcome of this investigation demonstrates that effective oversight contributes to transparency, accountability and stronger local government.”

He said that the committee will continue to monitor developments at Matjhabeng and across municipalities, ensuring transparency, accountability and good governance so that people get the quality services they deserve.

The committee will conduct its next oversight visit in the North West and Gauteng from 1 to 6 September.

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

Source: APO

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Despite notable progress in empowering and elevating South African women in science, Deputy Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Nomalungelo Gina has urged greater national commitment to spotlighting the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Ms Gina was delivering the keynote address at the seventh annual Women in Science Symposium, hosted by the University of Pretoria (UP) at Future Africa, UP’s pan-African platform for collaborative research, on Friday 8 August.

Held under the theme ‘Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science’, the Deputy Minister described the event as both a tribute and a call to action to celebrate, empower and propel the voices of women in science towards a future that truly reflects the diversity, strength and potential of South Africa.

“We must reflect on the strides we have made, acknowledge the work yet to be done, and commit ourselves to the determination required for real, lasting transformation,” she said. “Women in South Africa are contributing groundbreaking research, setting global standards in health, environmental sciences, data and digital technologies, and many more fields. Yet we cannot ignore that women and girls remain underrepresented, especially at senior and strategic levels.”

Delegates at the event agreed that South Africa has taken important steps since the dawn of democracy to increase representation and access across all fields, including STEM. However, for every South African woman who breaks through, many more are impeded by invisible glass ceilings and systemic barriers. Therefore, they heard, South Africa must ensure that the doors of learning are open to all who wish to enter, regardless of gender, race or background.

Ms Gina said UP’s Women in Science platform is a crucial platform through which to celebrate the achievements of South African women in science, including those who conduct cutting-edge research, lead multidisciplinary teams, head institutions, and inspire thousands of students.

Similarly, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA) celebrates the outstanding achievements of women in STEM. By honouring trailblazers, emerging researchers and role models, the awards not only showcase the vital contributions of women to the country’s research and innovation landscape but also inspire the next generation of girls and young women to pursue careers in these fields.

Looking at the diverse audience in the auditorium, Ms Gina said, “You are the architects of new knowledge, the innovators tackling our most pressing challenges, the guides who lift as you rise. Your voices, your questions, and your dreams shape not only scientific discovery, but also the fabric of our society. We know from global research that diverse teams are more creative, innovative and better equipped to solve complex problems. South Africa’s future, and indeed the world’s, depends on your perspectives and leadership.”

But representation must go beyond mere numbers, she added. “It must be measured by agency, by the power to influence decision-making, set research agendas, and mentor the next generation. We must listen and respond to women’s voices, not only when they echo agreement, but also when they challenge convention and demand better.”

UP Vice-Principal for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education Professor Sunil Maharaj applauded the phenomenal contributions and advancements that women have made in all areas of STEM. He acknowledged that these achievements were made in the face of many obstacles, with many more still to be overcome.

UP is home to more than 2 932 academics and researchers, of whom 57% are women. UP has 447 professors, of whom 39% are women. Women currently account for 40% of UP’s total of 570 National Research Foundation-rated researchers, and 50% of its South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) positions are held by women.

“Faced with a legacy of inequality, you have had to go all out to prove yourselves in what was, and in too many cases still is, a male-dominated world,” Prof Maharaj said. “My heartfelt wish is that in the near future we can dispense with terms like ‘male-dominated world’ as a never-to-be-repeated anachronism. At UP, we are entirely committed to achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment at all levels and in all fields.”

Dr Rakeshnie Ramoutar-Prieschl, UP’s Director of Internationalisation and Strategic Partnerships, said, “We can do so much more together through empowered intergenerational dialogue that starts to interrupt, disrupt, and break the cycle of stereotypes and gender biases. We must ask ourselves the painful questions about our youth. Who gets to see themselves become scientists? And who gets left out before they even get a chance?

These questions need answers and call for transformative and inclusive change that supports the empowerment of girls and women beyond their current place of being relegated to the fringes of the economy and society.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

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The South African agricultural sector has demonstrated remarkable growth and resilience in the face of significant global trade headwinds, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen notes as recent data show South Africa’s exports have not only remained competitive, but have increased in the second quarter of 2025 to US$161 million, up by 26% from the same period in 2024.

“However, it is important to examine this performance with a forward-looking perspective. The recent imposition of a 30% tariff on our exports by the United States (US) has brought to light the urgent need to diversify our export markets and enhance our competitiveness to mitigate the economic impact of losing preferential trade access.”

Minister Steenhuisen says the results of the second quarter of 2025 also highlight how urgent it is to resolve the ongoing tariff talks with the US. “Our capacity to gain steady, long-term access to this important market continues to be a top priority,” he adds.

The figures speak for themselves. In the first quarter of 2025, South African agricultural exports to the US were US$118 million, up by 19% year-on-year.

“This growth is not merely a statistical anomaly, but a reflection of a bountiful harvest, a surge in high-quality produce, and the efficient operation of our ports. The products leading this charge include a variety of fruits such as citrus, grapes, apples and pears, as well as nuts and wine. As we continue to engage in diplomatic negotiations and work towards a more favourable trade agreement, the focus remains on ensuring that our farmers and exporters can continue to thrive in the global marketplace, securing the future of our agricultural sector,” Minister Steenhuisen emphasised.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO

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The National Oversight Coordinating Committee and the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) will roll out an awareness campaign on the provisions of the Customary Initiation Act (CIA) on 21 August 2025 at Bahurutshe ba ga Moiloa Traditional Council in Dinokana.

The campaign is aimed at raising awareness about the importance of safe, lawful cultural practice, including the rights of initiates, the role of traditional leaders, parents, and initiation school principals.

The campaign follows the mushrooming of illegal initiation schools during the past winter initiation season which led to over 100 initiates being rescued and the tragic death of six initiates. The campaign is also targeted at attaining zero deaths during initiation seasons as well as eradicating unnecessary fatalities through strict enforcement of the CIA and by fostering collaboration between government, traditional leaders, and communities.

The event will be attended by the Chairperson of NIOC, Ikosi Vembi William Mahlangu, NW PICC Chairperson, Kgosi Godfrey Gasebone, Chairperson of the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Kgosi Thari Maotwe, traditional leaders, and representatives from government departments.

Kgosi Gasebone has thrown his weight behind the campaign and said the emergence of illegal initiation schools, especially by chance-takers who are chasing money, will never be tolerated.

“We call upon all traditional school principals to work with local traditional authorities, the Department, and the PICC to ensure compliance and approval of hosting the initiation school. If we all comply, this will go a long way in safeguarding the lives of our young people,” remarked Kgosi Gasebone.

The Customary Initiation Act aims to protect, promote, and regulate initiation. It provides for acceptable norms and standards; initiation oversight and coordinating structures; protection of life; prevention of injuries and all forms of abuse against initiates; addresses the governance aspects of initiation; protects the customary practice of initiation; and ensures that it is practiced within the constitutional and other legal prescripts.

As per the Act, no person must be forced or coerced into attending initiation school, no person under the age of 16 may attend initiation, and a person between 16 and 18 years of age may only attend after obtaining a written consent letter from parents.

Meanwhile, initiation school principals have until 03 October 2025 to apply to operate schools during the summer initiation season. The traditional surgeon must also be 40 years and above, must have undergone initiation over 10 years ago, and must have been mentored as a surgeon for a period of five years.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO

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The North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management chaired by Hon. Freddy Sonakile would like to express its deep concern and outrage following reports that 14 employees of North West Transport Investments’ (NTI) bus companies have taken their own lives due to months of unpaid salaries.

“Families are suffering, homes are being repossessed, and in some cases, workers have reportedly died of hunger, while a legal impasse continues to drag on,” stated Hon. Sonakile.

The Committee is firm in its view that the entire province cannot be held to ransom by one individual, NTI’s first Business Rescue Practitioner, Mr Thomas Sammons, whose repeated appeals have stalled progress.

“This legal circus cannot continue while workers and their families bear the brunt of the crisis. We insist that urgent measures must be facilitated to ensure that salaries are paid without further delay, irrespective of the ongoing court processes. Workers continue to serve the public, and their dignity must be restore,” said Hon. Sonakile.

The Committee has resolved to call on Premier Lazarus Mokgosi, together with the MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, MEC Wessels Morweng, and MEC for North West Provincial Treasury, MEC Keneetswe Mosenogi, to amongst others urgently meet with NTI’s Acting CEO, Dr Ben Dikobe and the current Business Rescue Practitioner, Mr Mahomed Tayob, to devise immediate strategies that will allow salary payments to flow while the legal case continues. The Committee also noted that workers cannot remain the collateral damage of protracted litigation and government indecision.

Furthermore, the Committee calls on the North West Provincial Government to:

• Vigorously defend the current business rescue process in the courts;
• Pursue cost orders against Mr Sammons to deter further frivolous appeals; and
• Demonstrate its seriousness by providing full support to the workers during this transition.

The Committee demands that the Premier and MECs provide formal feedback within 14 days on the concrete steps being taken to ensure that workers are paid.

In parallel, the Committee will also engage with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to establish progress on the case it previously referred regarding NTI’s affairs.

“Failure by government to act with urgency will render it equally complicit in the suffering of employees, especially since it was government that invoked voluntary business rescue in the first place,” stated Hon. Sonakile.

The Committee will continue to monitor this matter closely and will not hesitate to hold both the Department and the entity accountable. The lives and livelihoods of workers must come before any legal theatrics.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.