Category: MIL-OSI

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Ntuli: Traditional leaders key to addressing community challenges

Source: Government of South Africa

Ntuli: Traditional leaders key to addressing community challenges

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has emphasised the important role of Amakhosi and Izinduna in identifying community challenges and ensuring that residents’ concerns and needs are communicated to government.

Ntuli was speaking during a meeting with traditional leaders on Tuesday, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the provincial government and traditional leadership. 

The engagement provided Amakhosi and Izinduna with an opportunity to raise challenges affecting their respective communities directly with the Premier and discuss practical interventions to address them. 
The meeting also provided a platform for dialogue on how government and traditional leadership can work more closely to address issues affecting communities.

“Meaningful engagement with traditional leadership remains essential to ensuring that government understands the realities experienced by communities and can respond more effectively to their needs,” Ntuli said.

The Premier also stressed the importance of moving beyond identifying challenges towards developing practical solutions and ensuring that matters raised by communities are directed to the relevant government structures for attention.

He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to maintaining an open, constructive relationship with traditional leadership, saying sustained cooperation will help strengthen service delivery, community development, and responsive governance.

Ntuli said sustained cooperation between government, Amakhosi and Izinduna will help in ensuring that communities remain active participants in shaping solutions to the challenges they face.

The meeting reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional leadership and ensuring that issues raised at grassroots level receive the necessary attention. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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À Carnot, la Mission multidimensionnelle intégrée des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation en République centrafricaine (MINUSCA) mobilise les acteurs locaux pour prévenir les conflits liés à la transhumance

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

À quelques semaines du début de la nouvelle saison de transhumance, quarante-trois représentants des autorités administratives et communales, des services techniques de l’État, des organisations d’agriculteurs et d’éleveurs ainsi que des communautés locales participent, les 6 et 7 octobre à Carnot, à un atelier de réflexion consacré à la gestion pacifique de la transhumance.

Organisée avec l’appui de la MINUSCA, cette rencontre intervient dans un contexte où la transhumance, bien qu’essentielle à l’économie rurale centrafricaine, continue de générer des tensions entre agriculteurs et éleveurs, notamment autour de l’accès aux ressources naturelles, du respect des couloirs de passage et des dégâts causés aux cultures.

Selon les données présentées lors des travaux, la saison de transhumance 2025-2026 a enregistré au moins 131 incidents sur l’ensemble du territoire national, causant la mort de 35 personnes et faisant 32 blessés. Des chiffres qui illustrent l’importance de renforcer les dispositifs de prévention et de règlement pacifique des différends.

Une situation sécuritaire en amélioration à Carnot

Dans la préfecture de la Mambéré, les acteurs locaux observent toutefois une baisse des violences liées à la transhumance. Pour Serge Simplice Ondiolé Sio, chef du service préfectoral de l’élevage de la Mambéré, les efforts entrepris ces dernières années commencent à produire des résultats concrets. « À mon arrivée en décembre 2024, les assassinats liés à la transhumance étaient fréquents. Depuis l’atelier organisé par la MINUSCA à Carnot en 2025, la situation s’est nettement apaisée, même si quelques incidents isolés continuent d’être signalés, notamment dans le centre-ville et sur l’axe Carnot-Baoro », a-t-il déclaré.

Selon lui, les mécanismes locaux de gestion des conflits sont désormais davantage respectés. Les différends sont de plus en plus orientés vers les autorités compétentes, la gendarmerie ou les juridictions habilitées, limitant ainsi les risques de représailles et de violences communautaires.

Sensibilisation et dialogue comme outils de prévention

Parmi les avancées relevées par les participants figure également le renforcement des actions de sensibilisation auprès des populations. Les chefs de quartier, chefs de groupe et responsables d’associations de jeunesse ont été mobilisés pour diffuser au sein des communautés des messages favorisant la coexistence pacifique entre agriculteurs et éleveurs. Ces campagnes mettent notamment l’accent sur le respect de la réglementation encadrant la transhumance et sur les bonnes pratiques permettant de prévenir les conflits.

L’objectif est de réduire les incompréhensions entre les différentes parties prenantes et d’encourager le règlement pacifique des litiges avant qu’ils ne dégénèrent.

Ouvrant les travaux, le préfet de la Mambéré, Arnauld Guy Clemenceau, a salué l’engagement des acteurs locaux en faveur de la paix et de la sécurité dans la préfecture. De son côté, le maire de Carnot, Alourou Laurent, a insisté sur l’importance d’anticiper les risques liés à l’arrivée des troupeaux afin d’éviter l’émergence de nouvelles tensions.

Consolider les mécanismes locaux de gestion des conflits

Au nom de la MINUSCA, Dramane Daravé, chargé de l’information publique, a rappelé que l’ambition de la Mission est d’accompagner le leadership des autorités locales tout en renforçant la coordination entre les différents acteurs impliqués dans la gestion de la transhumance. « Au-delà de l’atelier, l’impact recherché est de consolider des mécanismes locaux capables de prévenir et de gérer les conflits dans la durée », a-t-il souligné. Il a également insisté sur la nécessité d’une appropriation locale des dispositifs de gestion de la transhumance, conformément aux orientations du Plan de transition et du Nouveau Modèle opérationnel de la MINUSCA.

Au cours des échanges, les participants ont identifié les principales zones à risque, analysé les mécanismes d’alerte précoce existants et examiné les moyens d’améliorer le partage d’informations entre les différents acteurs. Les discussions doivent déboucher sur l’élaboration d’un plan d’action conjoint pour la saison de transhumance 2026-2027, avec une répartition claire des responsabilités.

Au-delà des recommandations attendues, les participants estiment que le maintien du dialogue entre agriculteurs, éleveurs et autorités locales sera déterminant pour préserver les avancées enregistrées ces dernières années. À Carnot, où les tensions liées à la transhumance ont longtemps alimenté l’insécurité, les acteurs locaux misent désormais sur la prévention et la concertation pour consolider une coexistence pacifique durable.

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

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Home Affairs condemns disinformation on Scalabrini judgement

Source: Government of South Africa

Home Affairs condemns disinformation on Scalabrini judgement

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has condemned disinformation about the Constitutional Court’s 7 July 2026 judgment in the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town matter, which concerns the processing of asylum applications.

“Despite it being public knowledge that this case was vigorously opposed by the department and that it led to a binding ruling of the Constitutional Court, nefarious actors have launched a large scale disinformation campaign targeting the Minister of Home Affairs and other officials, claiming that the decision to suspend good cause interviews was taken at the initiative of the Minister, the department or political parties. This is categorically false,” the department said in a statement on Wednesday.

In July, the DHA said it would study the judgment handed down by the court in the matter between the Scalabrini Centre and the Minister of Home Affairs. 

The Scalabrini Centre is a non-profit organisation that assists migrants, refugees and local South Africans.

The case between the centre and the Minister concerns the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Refugees Act relating to the asylum application process. The Constitutional Court confirmed the Western Cape High Court’s declaration that these provisions were unconstitutional and invalid.

The court declared sections of the Refugees Act, which allowed for immigration officials to deport an asylum seeker if they are in the country without a transit visa, unconstitutional. A transit visa is issued at a port of entry to allow a person to travel to a refugee reception centre and apply for asylum.

The Scalabrini Centre, represented by Lawyers for Human Rights, challenged the Minister of Home Affairs regarding practices related to asylum seekers and the “good cause” interviews required for their applications. If applicants failed to meet these conditions, they had to provide immigration officers with a valid reason and show “good cause” for lacking the required visa. “Good cause” interviews were conducted to determine whether someone, who did not have the required documentation, could proceed with an asylum application.

READ | Home Affairs notes Constitutional Court judgment

The case was brought to the Western Cape High Court, where the applicants argued that certain provisions of the Refugees Act unjustly barred individuals with irregular immigration status from seeking asylum, violating their constitutional rights and international non-refoulement principles.

On Wednesday, the DHA said the Constitutional Court judgment is binding, adding that the “department is constitutionally obliged to implement”.

“An operational directive was subsequently issued solely to give effect to that judgment, as is standard practice to ensure compliance with rulings of the highest court in the land. Claims that this judgment by the Constitutional Court grants asylum seekers citizenship or provides for the blanket legalisation of foreign nationals are also categorically false.

“Respect for binding court judgments is fundamental to the rule of law and our constitutional democracy,” the DHA said.

The department said it will continue to fulfil its constitutional obligations, irrespective of whether it was successful in the litigation concerned.

“The matter will be referred to the Independent Electoral Commission for further action in terms of the newly published Code of Conduct on Countering Disinformation,” said the DHA.

The Code provides rail guards for the conduct of political parties, candidates and anyone acting on political parties’ or candidates’ instruction, authority or for reward across all election-related communication, whether online or offline, paid or unpaid. The Code protects legitimate debate and robust debate.

The department further called on South Africans to help combat the growing scourge of disinformation and incitement by verifying information. –SAnews.gov.za 

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South Sudan: Peace Dialogues foster social cohesion in Nyirol County after persisting tensions

Source: APO

The best way to resolve tensions is through dialogue and trust-building.

That’s why the United Nations Mission in South Sudan brought together community members from areas around Nyirol County, not just to address long-standing disputes, but also to identify peaceful solutions.

“Our differences should not destroy our relationships. Dialogue, forgiveness and cooperation can rebuild trust,” highlighted women representative Nyakoang Lam Bath, during the forum involving around 50 community members.

She further emphasized that sustainable peace requires, not just individual, but collective efforts carried forward by authorities, traditional leaders, women, youth, and other groups alike.

Echoing her view, youth leader, Tut Maluok Chop appealed to his fellow youth as well as elders to reject violence, cattle theft, and road ambushes and participate in peacebuilding activities so their communities can unite.

During his appeal, he also offered concrete solutions:

“For us to be in peace, we need to come together as communities to protect our own civilians, especially children, women and elderly, from violence by responding to early warnings, upholding the law and supporting accountability for ourselves.”

The establishment of early warning systems was one of the priority topics.

“In order to properly protect ourselves, we need to prevent violence before it starts by listening to each other’s concerns, report them to authorities and security forces, and engage those on the verge of conflict in peaceful conversation,” stressed Matuom Majuet Thoan, cattle camp youth representative.

Illustrating an example of a conflict prevention mechanism, Paramount Chief, Mabil Hoth, referred to a recently formed peace committee within his Gaatbal community that coordinates peace-building activities, monitors tensions, facilitates dialogue, and follows up on reported incidents.

“We decided to commit to dialogue instead of violence, reconciliation instead of revenge, and unity instead of division,” explained Hoth.

He proposed forming similar committees in neutral places such as Majok, Nyambor or Uror County, where conflict-prone parties from all over the State could come together in a safe space and benefit from impartial peace mediations.

UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer, Beverly Mac-Ocloo, reiterated the mission’s commitment to supporting such initiative while stressing the importance of the primary responsibility resting with the Government and affected communities:

“We are not here to tell the people of Pading or anywhere what type of solutions they are supposed to pursue. Rather, peace must be owned by the people themselves to make it sustainable. Our role is to provide a platform where you can speak, listen to one another, identify common interests, and develop practical ways forward.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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President Museveni Meets United Kingdom (UK) House of Lords Member Lord Krish Raval

Source: APO


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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni met Lord Krish Raval OBE, a Member of the United Kingdom House of Lords, at State House Entebbe during his recent visit to Uganda.

The meeting provided an opportunity for discussions on strengthening the longstanding relations between Uganda and the United Kingdom, including areas of mutual interest and cooperation.

Lord Raval’s visit to Uganda was arranged by Uganda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, H.E. Nimisha Madhvani, and her team, following an invitation extended by the Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda.

The engagement is part of Uganda’s continued efforts to deepen diplomatic, parliamentary and people-to-people relations with the United Kingdom.

Uganda and the United Kingdom maintain longstanding bilateral relations, with cooperation spanning trade and investment, education, health, governance, development and other areas of mutual interest.

The visit also highlights the important role of parliamentary and political diplomacy in complementing traditional diplomatic engagements and creating new opportunities for stronger Uganda–UK cooperation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Uganda High Commission, London – United Kingdom (UK).

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African Entrepreneurs Win $400,000 in Catalytic Funding to Scale High-Impact Startups

Source: APO

Six African startups have been selected as winners of the 2026 FINCA (https://FINCA.org/ )Ventures Prize Competition (https://apo-opa.co/4zgFQFQ), receiving a combined $400,000 in catalytic funding to accelerate their impact in key resilience sectors. The competition, a flagship initiative of FINCA’s impact investing arm (https://apo-opa.co/4zimrEA), spotlights the depth and potential of entrepreneurial talent developing practical, scalable responses to some of the continent’s most pressing challenges.

“Africa’s future will be shaped by entrepreneurs who see opportunity where others see market failure,” said FINCA Global CEO Andrée Simon. “One of the most important ways we can support these founders is by backing them early and helping them build the credibility and traction to attract additional investment and achieve meaningful scale.”

Now in its third year, the FINCA Ventures Prize Competition drew more than 700 applications in two categories: fintech for financial inclusion and sustainable agriculture & food systems. First-place winners in each category — VunaPay, co-founded by Gatwiri Njogu-Mokaya and Koya Matsuno, and Kumbatia Seafood, co-founded by Bernard Iha Thoya, Will Gertler, and Nelson Ondego Mumata — received a $100,000 grant, while second- and third-place winners received $60,000 and $40,000, respectively.

A Case for Early Investment

The companies recognized through the FINCA Ventures Prize Competition illustrate the vast opportunity emerging across Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Too often, promising founders struggle to tap into traditional investment networks, despite strong potential, proven track records, and innovative business models.

“Entrepreneurship remains one of the most powerful drivers of economic progress across the continent, but early-stage businesses can’t do it alone,” said FINCA Ventures Managing Director Winnie Mwangi. “Catalytic capital is what allows founders to reach the scale where both financial returns and social impact compound. Investors and partners willing to act early play an essential role in supporting startups through critical growth stages and drawing attention to opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked.”

Advancing Africa’s Startup Ecosystem

The six finalist companies of the 2026 competition, three of which are led or co-led by women, pitched their ventures to a panel of distinguished judges on October 6 in San Francisco at an event hosted by Cisco, and the winners were announced later that evening at an award celebration. The judging panel comprised leaders from across impact investing, venture capital, fintech, and sustainable development.

The award will help first-place winner VunaPay scale its model designed to expand access to timely payments and financing for smallholder farmers through agricultural cooperatives. As co-founder Koya Matsuno explained: “There are about 54,000 cooperatives across Africa, and each of them has between 500 and 10,000 farmers. This equates to millions of smallholder households that we can serve.”

Kumbatia Seafood’s co-founder Will Gertler shared that the team will use the funding to expand the company’s operations to increase impact for small-scale fishers on the Swahili Coast: “The FINCA Ventures Prize will go towards working capital and expansion financing to build out our first sales department and scale our intervention to a dozen more communities by 2030.”

Second-place winners are nesti, co-founded by Christabel Ojuok and David Kimani, in fintech for financial inclusion, and eAgro, co-founded by Tafadzwa Chikwereti and Golden Nhunhama, in sustainable agriculture & food systems. Third-place winners are ChatCash, co-founded by John Josiah Sakala, Leon Kanamugire, Edgar Erick, and Jude Egbokwu, in fintech for financial inclusion, and Pollen Patrollers, co-founded by Margaret Wanjiku, Julieta Wanjohi, and Charity Maina, in sustainable agriculture & food systems.

“The FINCA Ventures Prize is an opportunity to spotlight emerging African entrepreneurs who are creating jobs and building financial and social resilience across the continent,” said FINCA International Board Chair David Weisman. “Their ingenuity and determination are remarkable, and their impact deserves far greater visibility.”

Winners of the 2026 FINCA Ventures Prize Competition

Category: Fintech for Financial Inclusion

FIRST PLACE – $100,000

VunaPay

Website: www.VunaPay.com

Location: Kenya

Founders: Gatwiri Njogu-Mokaya (https://apo-opa.co/4i7JDzD) and Koya Matsuno (https://apo-opa.co/4zboAC6)

In Kenya, VunaPay (www.VunaPay.com) builds last-mile payment and credit infrastructure for agricultural value chains across Africa, enabling instant payments to smallholder farmers through cooperatives. COO Koya Matsuno explained how the company’s digital finance platform is improving transparency, efficiency, and access to formal financial services.

SECOND PLACE – $60,000

nesti

Website: https://nesti.Africa/ 

Location: Kenya

Founders: Christabel Ojuok (https://apo-opa.co/4ekj2Ns) and David Kimani (https://apo-opa.co/3VUtFjH)

In Kenya, nesti (https://nesti.Africa/) is turning rent into a credit-building tool by converting regular, on-time payments into a trusted financial identity that unlocks fair credit and home ownership. CEO David Kimani explained that the company’s mission is to help African renters build generational wealth and achieve financial freedom.

THIRD PLACE – $40,000

ChatCash

Website: https://ChatCash.africa/ 

Location: Rwanda, Zimbabwe

Founders: John Josiah Sakala, (https://apo-opa.co/3U7xfqe) Leon Kanamugire (https://apo-opa.co/4AX9FgE), Edgar Erick, and Jude Egbokwu (https://apo-opa.co/3VQRetJ)

In Rwanda and Zimbabwe, ChatCash (https://ChatCash.africa/) is an AI conversational operating system that turns WhatsApp into automated digital storefronts with native, interactive payment buttons for African micromerchants. CEO John Josiah Sakala explained that the platform helps merchants double their conversion rates while building transaction trails that can unlock access to financial services.

Category: Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems

FIRST PLACE – $100,000

Kumbatia Seafood

Website: www.KumbatiaSeafood.com

Location: Kenya

Founders: Bernard Iha Thoya (https://apo-opa.co/4ARW5e9), Will Gertler (https://apo-opa.co/4zp9k4J), and Nelson Ondego Mumata (https://apo-opa.co/3VUDiyS)

Kumbatia Seafood (www.KumbatiaSeafood.com) sources, finances, and distributes sustainably caught, artisanal fish from small-scale fishing communities along Kenya’s Swahili Coast. CEO Will Gertler explained how the company combines financing, cold chain logistics, export-grade processing, and full digital traceability to connect coastal fishers to premium markets while protecting the marine ecosystems they depend on.

SECOND PLACE – $60,000

eAgro

Website: https://eAgro.co.zw/ 

Location: Zimbabwe

Founders: Tafadzwa Chikwereti (https://apo-opa.co/4zgFuPD) and Golden Nhunhama (https://apo-opa.co/3VReyHO)

In Zimbabwe, eAgro builds AI infrastructure that works without internet, enabling farmers in rural communities to access real-time agricultural guidance through basic mobile phones. CEO Tafadzwa Chikwereti explained how the company’s digital tools combine AI, satellite analytics, soil science, and local advisory systems to improve yields, reduce losses, and strengthen climate resilience across Africa.

THIRD PLACE – $40,000

Pollen Patrollers

Website: www.PollenPatrollers.com 

Location: Kenya

Founders: Margaret Wanjiku (https://apo-opa.co/4zjwAB5), Julieta Wanjohi (https://apo-opa.co/4i54LXg), and Charity Maina

In Kenya, Pollen Patrollers uses solar-powered IoT technology and AI-driven pollination services to help smallholder farmers and beekeepers increase crop yields and reduce bee colony collapse. CEO Margaret Wanjiku explained how the company is building more resilient food systems across East Africa and creating green jobs for women and youth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FINCA.

Media Contact:
Aeriel Emig
Director, Strategic Engagement and Communications, FINCA
aeriel.emig@finca.org

About FINCA:
FINCA is an international organization committed to creating pathways out of poverty through sustainable, scalable solutions rooted in the needs of the people it serves. With a presence in more than 45 countries, FINCA provides innovative tools that help individuals and communities build resilience, generate income, and invest in their children’s education. FINCA’s work is driven by the belief that all people should have the opportunity to leverage their wisdom, talent, and effort to determine their own destiny, and aims to directly serve and support 40 million people by 2028 with proven solutions that spark lasting impact. Learn more at https://FINCA.org/.

About FINCA Ventures:
FINCA Ventures is a pilot impact venture fund launched in 2018, leveraging FINCA’s balance sheet and local networks to invest in early-stage businesses solving challenges faced by communities across Sub-Saharan Africa. Learn more at https://FINCAVentures.

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Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Strengthens Support for Families Living with Cerebral Palsy

Source: APO


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Supporting persons living with disabilities requires more than medical care. It calls for early intervention, sustained rehabilitation, strong family support and an inclusive environment that enables every individual to live with dignity and realise their potential.

This message resonated across the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) as military families, healthcare professionals, caregivers and welfare personnel marked World Cerebral Palsy Day through activities at the Defence Forces Wellness Centre (DFWC) in Lang’ata Garrison, Lanet Regional Hospital (LRH) and Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe.

Observed annually on 6 October, World Cerebral Palsy Day raises awareness of the condition, promotes inclusion and advocates for equal opportunities for persons living with cerebral palsy. The commemorations across KDF establishments provided platforms to highlight the experiences of affected families, address stigma and strengthen awareness of available healthcare and rehabilitation services.

At DFWC, the commemoration, organised by the Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK), brought together KDF families, caregivers, senior officers and healthcare professionals under the theme, “Together Stronger.” A colourful procession led by the Kenya Army Band set the tone for a day centred on solidarity, dignity and collective responsibility.

Chief Guest and Lang’ata Barracks Commandant Brigadier Balata emphasised that supporting persons living with cerebral palsy is a shared responsibility. He urged society to recognise their individual abilities, aspirations and potential while removing barriers that limit their participation and development.

Brigadier Rodha Mkavita, Chief of Compensation and Welfare at Defence Headquarters, acknowledged the resilience of parents and caregivers who provide daily support to children living with disabilities. She reaffirmed the Welfare Branch’s commitment to ensuring that military families requiring specialised assistance can access available support services.

DFWC Commandant Colonel Bii highlighted the Centre’s growing rehabilitation capability, including its operational workshop providing external prostheses and orthotic services for neuromusculoskeletal and other rehabilitation needs.

Speaking on behalf of MWAK Chairperson Mrs Grace Kahariri, Mrs Rose Ng’ang’a highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at bringing specialised services closer to military families. She announced plans to establish an Educational Assessment and Resource Centre (EARC) at Thika Garrison Primary School through collaboration involving MWAK, the Kenya Institute of Special Education and the World Bank.

The planned centre will provide services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and access to assistive devices, reducing the need for families to travel to Nairobi for assessments. MWAK has also equipped a therapy room at the Kahawa Special Unit in accordance with Kenya Institute of Special Education and Ministry of Education guidelines.

Mrs Ng’ang’a urged parents and communities to reject stigma and ensure children living with disabilities are registered, assessed and given opportunities to participate fully in family, school and community life.
Chief Physical Medical Officer Colonel Omar underscored the importance of multidisciplinary and continuous care, explaining that cerebral palsy is a complex neurodevelopmental condition requiring coordinated interventions involving medical specialists, therapists, nurses, caregivers and families.

At Lanet Regional Hospital, healthcare providers, caregivers and other stakeholders similarly used the commemoration to promote early identification, appropriate intervention and inclusive healthcare. Hospital leadership emphasised the importance of creating supportive environments where persons living with cerebral palsy can access quality healthcare and participate meaningfully in society.

The Kenya Navy marked the day at Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe under the theme, “Unique and United.” Deputy Commander Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe Colonel Stephen Kimani encouraged families and caregivers to focus on the abilities and progress of children rather than allowing the condition to define them.

He emphasised early identification, timely intervention and consistent rehabilitation as critical to improving functional abilities and independence. He also commended the Kenya Navy Hospital, Welfare Department and MWAK for supporting affected children and their families.

Through physiotherapy, occupational therapy, mobility assistance and other rehabilitation interventions, the Kenya Navy Hospital and Welfare Department continue to support children in developing mobility, independence and greater participation in everyday activities.

The commemorations across KDF establishments demonstrated a broader approach to military family welfare—one that combines healthcare, rehabilitation, education, awareness and psychosocial support. By strengthening access to specialised services and confronting stigma, the KDF continues to foster an environment where children and families living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities are supported with dignity, care and opportunity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

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SIU claws back billions for the state purse

Source: Government of South Africa

SIU claws back billions for the state purse

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has struck a significant blow against corruption, recovering cash and assets, averting potential financial losses and securing the setting aside of contracts, all amounting to approximately R28.536 billion during the 2025/26 financial year.

The unit noted that this includes some R1.9 billion in potential losses prevented for the state and R936 million in cash and/or assets recovered.

“It also includes contracts valued at more than R25.7 billion that were set aside through legal proceedings before the Special Tribunal and the High Court of South Africa.

“These legal actions help protect public funds from unlawful spending and, where possible, recover and redirect them toward their intended public purposes. The achievement underscores the SIU’s ongoing commitment to combating corruption, maladministration and malpractice, while safeguarding State assets,” the SIU said in a statement on Tuesday.

The unit noted that investigations remain the backbone of its work, with some 5917 investigations closed and conducted under published proclamations during that year.

Forty-eight reports were submitted to the Presidency outlining the outcomes of investigations.

“Some of the reports cover investigations involving the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, Ithala Development Finance Corporation, the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality’s Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works, Makana Local Municipality, Tembisa Hospital in the Gauteng Department of Health, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa [PRASA], eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality’s Water and Sanitation Services and the Department of Home Affairs.

“The SIU referred matters involving evidence of civil wrongdoing valued at R10.7 billion for civil proceedings.

“The PRASA investigation was the largest contributor to the overall amount, with the SIU instituting and conducting civil proceedings valued at R6.9 billion,” the statement read.

SIU Head Leonard Lekgetho said: “Fighting corruption and demanding good governance is not one person’s job. It requires a whole-of-society approach involving government, law-enforcement agencies, investigative and oversight institutions, whistleblowers, civil society, the media, businesses and every citizen.

“If we’re serious about ending the scourge of corruption, we need to ensure that the opportunity to commit corruption is reduced; the ability to conceal corruption is weakened; and that those responsible face appropriate consequences”.

The corruption busting unit also conducted lifestyle audits at departments and entities including the Community Schemes Ombud Service, Housing Development Agency, Independent Police Investigative Directorate, Northern Cape Office of the Premier, PRASA, Gauteng Office of the Premier, Limpopo Department of Public Works and Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

Working together
In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the unit made some 761 criminal referrals to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) relating to “matters involving officials, private entities and individuals suspected of criminal wrongdoing”.

“The SIU also referred 460 officials to their respective State institutions for disciplinary action, ensuring that matters involving alleged wrongdoing are addressed through the appropriate processes.

“The SIU will continue to safeguard the public purse, protect State resources and support efforts to ensure that public funds are used for their intended purposes and for the benefit of all South Africans,” the statement noted.

The Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act provides for the establishment of Special Investigating Units for the purpose of investigating serious malpractices or maladministration in connection with the administration of State institutions, State assets and public money as well as any conduct which may seriously harm the interests of the public. –SAnews.gov.za 

 

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Mabe to pay respects to the Mlangeni family

Source: Government of South Africa

Mabe to pay respects to the Mlangeni family

Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe will visit the Mlangeni family on Wednesday to convey her condolences and pay her respects following the passing of legendary South African musician Bernard “Babsy” Mlangeni.

The visit forms part of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s commitment to honouring and supporting South Africa’s artists and cultural practitioners, particularly those whose contributions have left an enduring mark on the country’s cultural landscape.

Mabe said the visit is an opportunity to stand with the Mlangeni family during their time of bereavement and to honour a cultural icon whose work continues to form part of the collective memory of South Africans.

Mlangeni passed away at the age of 83 following a short illness.

READ | Condolences for legendary musician Babsy Mlangeni

“Babsy Mlangeni’s contribution to our music and cultural heritage will remain an important part of South Africa’s story. His life demonstrated the power of talent, resilience and creativity, and his music touched generations of South Africans. 

“As we stand with the Mlangeni family during this difficult period, we also honour the remarkable legacy that Babsy leaves behind,” Mabe said.

Babsy Mlangeni was a celebrated singer, guitarist and composer whose career spanned almost six decades. His distinctive voice and music resonated across generations, languages and communities, making him an important figure in South Africa’s musical heritage.

His contribution was recognised through the department’s Living Legends initiatives. In 2025, he received the Artist Living With Disability Award at the National Arts and Culture Awards.

The Deputy Minister will use the visit to convey the department’s deepest condolences to the Mlangeni family and to reflect on the importance of preserving and celebrating the work of South Africa’s cultural legends.

The department extended its continued condolences to the Mlangeni family, friends, fellow musicians, the creative community, and all South Africans mourning the passing of this music legend.

“May his family and loved ones find strength and comfort during this difficult time, and may his soul rest in peace,” the department said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Measures to address Fort Hare student concerns

Source: Government of South Africa

Measures to address Fort Hare student concerns

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim has made an agreement with the University of Fort Hare, student leaders and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to improve student accommodation, safety and funding at the institution.

This follows Cassim’s oversight visit to the university’s East London Campus on Monday, where he met with university management, led by Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Mzukisi Njotini, the Student Representative Council (SRC), student leaders, and other stakeholders to address concerns raised through the Deputy Minister’s Helpdesk.

The measures include NSFAS conducting monitoring and evaluation compliance inspections at residences identified by students as being in poor condition.

Among the concerns raised are poor conditions at student residences, student safety, prolonged GAP investigations, and delays in student funding. GAP investigations are vetting and verification processes conducted by NSFAS to confirm student registrations, academic results and financial eligibility. 

Following the engagements, Cassim and the delegation inspected two student residences in East London, which include a privately owned residence leased by the university and a NSFAS-accredited private residence described as being in a horrific condition, with no proper showers, study and laundry facilities.

Under the agreed action plan, SRC accommodation officers in East London and Alice will provide lists of residences and the specific challenges identified at each residence. NSFAS will then begin monitoring and evaluation compliance inspections at the identified residences from next week.

The Deputy Minister’s office will receive progress reports, with particular focus on the consequences for those responsible for accrediting residences that fail to meet the required standards. 

University financial aid officials, working with NSFAS, will also update qualification codes for extended programmes to ensure that funding assessments reflect the correct programmes. 

This is expected to assist students whose funding was discontinued due to incorrect calculations relating to the NSFAS N+ Rule, with the aim of having their funding reinstated where applicable. The N+ Rule is the maximum timeframe that NSFAS funds a student’s tertiary qualification.

The university’s financial aid officials and NSFAS will further meet virtually to address delays in Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme allowances, extended programme funding and other outstanding bursary matters. 

In addition, the university’s Chief Financial Officer will provide a list of unpaid residences, the number of affected students and individual student cases for tracking, with NSFAS involved in the process.

The university has committed to expedite payments to the affected residences and keep the Deputy Minister’s office updated on progress.

“Students cannot study properly in residences with sewage problems, no hot water and no proper place to cook or study, and they should not wait months for funding that has already been allocated to them.

“What matters now are the inspections, lists, meetings and the dates and actions that we have agreed on. My office will track these actions, and I will return to Alice to see the residences at that campus for myself,” the Deputy Minister said.

Cassim thanked the university, SRC and NSFAS for a constructive engagement. – SAnews.gov.za

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