Category: MIL-OSI

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CoGTA welcomes classification of GBVF as a national disaster

Source: Government of South Africa

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has welcomed the decision of the Head of the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), Dr Bongani Elias Sithole, to classify gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as a national disaster in terms of Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act of 2002. 

According to the department, this decisive action comes after a comprehensive reassessment of earlier reports and updated submissions from state organs and civil organisations.

“After evaluating the persistent and immediate life-safety risks posed by ongoing acts of violence, the NDMC has concluded that GBVF now meets the threshold of a potential disaster as defined in the Act,” the department said in a statement on Friday. 

Citing Sections 23 and 26 of the Act, the department explained that the National Executive now carries primary responsibility for coordinating and managing this national disaster, using existing legislation and the contingency arrangements already established across government. 

“The classification calls on all organs of state to strengthen their support to existing GBVF response structures, to fully implement their contingency arrangements, and to ensure that all necessary mechanisms are activated to enable the National Executive to manage the disaster effectively.” 

In terms of Section 22 of the Act, the department said organs of state, the private sector, communities and individuals are urged to intensify their risk-reduction and prevention practices through the implementation of GBVF-related standards, procedures and legislative measures.

In addition, individuals are strongly encouraged to refrain from any acts of GBVF. 

Meanwhile, the national, provincial, and municipal authorities are also advised, consistent with the Act, to implement multisectoral prevention, mitigation, relief and rehabilitation plans to address the effects of this disaster holistically.

Importantly, the department stated that this classification does not invoke emergency powers. 
Instead, it reinforces and strengthens existing systems by consolidating key initiatives. 

These include the work of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on GBVF, the Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Priority Committee, the 90-Day GBVF Acceleration Programme, the expansion of Thuthuzela Care Centres, the strengthening of Sexual Offences Courts, and ongoing reforms within the criminal justice system.

All affected organs of state are required to submit progress reports to the NDMC, as set out in Section 24, to enable the monitoring of interventions by government departments, municipalities, non-government organisations and communities.

Meanwhile, the notice explains that the classification will be revoked by the Head of the NDMC once the occurrence can no longer be regarded as a disaster under the Act, unless a national state of disaster is declared in the future. 

In that case, the classification will automatically lapse when the national state of disaster ends or expires in terms of Section 27(5).

“This effort pulls together every sphere of government and every critical sector, including policing, social development, justice, health, education, economic development, and traditional leadership. Above all, it confirms a fundamental truth that GBVF is not a women’s issue. It is a national crisis,” Hlabisa said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement declaring GBVF as a national crisis.

DWYPD Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said the “bold and necessary” declaration marks a significant step toward strengthening South Africa’s multi-sectoral response to “one of the most devastating and persistent human rights violations affecting women, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.”

READ | DWYPD welcomes President Ramaphosa’s call as GBVF declared a national crisis

President Ramaphosa made the announcement when he was delivering the keynote address at the closing ceremony of the G20 Social Summit at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni, on Thursday. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa takes centre stage as world leaders touch down in Johannesburg

Source: Government of South Africa

Heads of State and Government have started arriving in Johannesburg ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which officially opens tomorrow and concludes on Sunday at the Nasrec Expo Centre, in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

The annual gathering is drawing not only world leaders but also hundreds of media representatives and international visitors. 

Government has confirmed that preparations are complete and it’s all systems go for the Summit.

South Africa assumed the year-long G20 Presidency in December 2024, becoming the first African state to host the prestigious global forum.

Among the dignitaries already in the country include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, President of the European Council António Costa, Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh, Premier of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang, and United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Several other leaders are expected to arrive throughout the day.

Security has been tightened around the Nasrec Expo Centre, with multiple road closures in the vicinity. 

Earlier this week, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) expressed confidence in the country’s readiness to ensure the safety of delegates and the public during the Summit.

“As the NATJOINTS, we have been meeting daily with all relevant role-players to ensure our security plan is well-executed,” NATJOINTS Chairperson, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, said.

Mosikili urged the public to familiarise themselves with the temporary road closures and to cooperate with law enforcement authorities. She added that roads will be closed off completely and movement from pedestrians, cyclists and motorists will be limited when convoys pass through. 

“Roads will be opened as soon as the convoys move past the affected routes,” she said.

At the Nasrec Expo Centre, local and international journalists from various media houses are already gathered in anticipation of briefings from government officials. 

SAnews observed a visible police presence throughout Johannesburg, with officers stationed at major intersections and access routes leading to the venue.

The city is awash with colourful G20-branded posters and banners, some featuring participating Heads of State.

According to Mosikili, additional police officers will be deployed over the weekend to bolster security.

“We will therefore not allow any disruptions, lawlessness and no damaging and defacing of G20 infrastructure, including posters. It is on that note, that we request everyone within the borders of South Africa to cooperate with law enforcement officers at all times, to enable us to deliver a successful event,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za 

  

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Investment in disaster risk reduction essential for global safety, economies 

Source: Government of South Africa

By prioritising investment in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), the world not only safeguards vulnerable communities but also strengthens global infrastructure and economies – proving that every cent spent on prevention helps protect lives and livelihoods.

This is according to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, who delivered the opening remarks at the Group of 20 (G20) Ministerial side event on scaling up investment in DRR, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sandton on Friday.

Delegates meeting this morning ahead of tomorrow’s G20 Leaders’ Summit are gathering at a time when the world faces increasingly complex and interconnected risks.

“Climate change, rapid urbanisation, ecosystem degradation, and widening inequality continue to expose millions to disasters that are predictable, preventable, yet devastating,” said the Minister.  

Hlabisa cited the 2025 Global Assessment Report, which has warned of a stark mismatch between rising global risk and current investment in resilience.

In South Africa, these realities are not theoretical with the KwaZulu-Natal floods of 2022, recurrent droughts, and mounting pressures on municipalities underscoring an urgent truth – the cost of inaction far exceeds the cost of preparedness. 

“Every rand invested in disaster risk reduction saves lives and protects development gains.” 
He informed delegates that government is committed to shifting from a reactive response to proactive, risk-informed planning. 

South Africa recently launched the Early Warning for All Road Map, endorsed during the DRR Working Group meetings in Cape Town, and is currently reviewing its Disaster Management System to better embed resilience in planning, budgeting, and infrastructure investment.

READ | SA launches early warning roadmap

“But government cannot do this alone. Scaling up investment demands bold partnerships between public institutions, the private sector, development finance institutions, researchers, and communities. It requires innovative financing mechanisms, resilient infrastructure, and a shared commitment to protect the most vulnerable.”

Friday’s side event is the flagship initiative of the Presidency, co-organised with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. 

It advances the G20 High-Level Voluntary Principles for Investing in DRR, which provide practical guidance for moving from risk identification to funding solutions.

“Colleagues, resilience is not merely an abstract concept; it embodies the tangible ability of communities to endure and recover from shocks and adversities without losing hope, dignity, or their livelihoods.” 

Hlabisa believes that the true strength of our institutions lies in their proactive capacity to anticipate potential risks and mitigate them effectively before disasters unfold.

“It is the unwavering resolve of leaders, like those assembled in this room, that drives the imperative investment in resilience today. By doing so, we ensure that future generations inherit a safer, more robust world capable of withstanding unforeseen challenges.” 

The Minister urged all those who were in the room to seize the opportunity to cultivate strategic partnerships, mobilise the necessary financing, and turn innovative ideas into measurable actions that propel us forward. 

In addition, he stated that South Africa is fully prepared to collaborate with them to deliver tangible progress aligned with Agenda 2063, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Together, we can build a future marked by resilience and sustainability, where communities thrive even in the face of adversity.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Violence against women and children is deeply connected. Three ways to break the patterns

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Phiwe Babalo Nota, Researcher, Children’s Institute, University of Cape Town

In South Africa, intimate partner violence is the most common form of violence against women, and it is pervasive. According to the National Gender-Based Violence Prevalence Study, 24% of women aged 18 and older have experienced physical or sexual violence by a partner or spouse.

Pregnancy can trigger or worsen violence in relationships, often due to changes in power dynamics, financial stress, or a partner’s perceived loss of control.

A longitudinal study in Durban, a South African coastal city, found that 20% of women had experienced at least one form of physical, sexual or psychological intimate partner violence during pregnancy. Another study in Johannesburg, South Africa’s economic capital, found 36.6% of young women reported violence by a partner or spouse, and pregnancy was cited as a key risk period for violence.

Children are directly and indirectly affected by this violence against women. They also experience violence across a range of settings, including their homes, schools and communities. The Birth to Thirty study, a research programme tracking the lives of a group of people in the South African township of Soweto, found that 99% of the cohort had been exposed to at least one type of violence. And 40% had been exposed to five or six other types of violence.

The 18th issue of the South African Child Gauge, a research report launched in November 2025, focuses on the intersections of violence against women and children. These forms of violence occur together in the same households and share the same risk factors. However, they historically have been treated as separate issues, with services housed in different government departments.

This article offers an opportunity to shift the focus from awareness raising to action-oriented thinking that can break the cycle of violence. These reflections come from our chapter in the Child Gauge, which was co-written with Aislinn Delany, an independent social researcher.

In this article, we highlight three approaches that can guide South Africa’s efforts to prevent violence against women and children:

  • starting early

  • working across sectors, with the Department of Health playing a critical role

  • transforming harmful gender norms.

Breaking the cycle of violence

The first 1,000 days (from conception to 2 years old) are a critical development phase that shapes a child’s future health, learning and wellbeing.

Exposure to ongoing violence is especially damaging during the early years. Excessive physical and psychological stress or trauma, also known as toxic stress, can disrupt the development of the brain. This may result in lifelong consequences for children’s cognitive and socio-emotional development.

Studies have shown that children exposed to violence in the home are more likely to normalise violence as a method of conflict resolution. This keeps the cycle of violence going from one generation to the next. It puts boys at higher risk of being violent to their partners as men. It makes girls more vulnerable to victimisation by intimate partners later in life.

Preventing violence against women and children should therefore begin early and continue. Early action can address the root causes and risk factors, interrupting the cycle within an individual’s lifetime and across generations.

The health sector’s role

Violence against women and children is a complex and deeply rooted problem. It requires a coordinated response from a range of sectors, including health, education, justice and social services.

Within this ecosystem of support, maternal and child health services offer one of the most frequent points of contact with pregnant women, young children and their families. These routine contacts provide opportunities to identify women and children at risk and connect families with support services.

It is therefore essential to strengthen the focus on violence prevention during the first 1,000 days through the direct actions of health workers or by using health facilities as platforms for delivery. For example, training health workers not only to screen for substance use, mental health concerns and exposure to violence, but also to provide care that recognises how violence and adversity affect health and behaviour.

Screening must also be linked to clear and reliable referral pathways to services.

The Road to Health Book (the South African child health record given to children at birth) offers another opportunity to strengthen screening and support.

Early opportunities to challenge harmful gender norms

Violence is a learned behaviour, shaped by social norms. Where violence is accepted or justified as a way of resolving conflict, it becomes part of everyday life. Transforming harmful norms is therefore essential to building safer homes and communities.

Some programmes have shown positive results in shifting attitudes and behaviours and reducing violence against women and children. The Bandebereho and RealFathers studies are examples from low-resource settings in sub-Saharan Africa. They are designed to engage men as fathers and have been shown to reduce intimate partner violence and violent discipline of children by engaging men as caregivers.

The beliefs that caregiving is only a woman’s role, and that women should endure violence to preserve family unity, are harmful. By addressing harmful beliefs, these programmes can foster shared caregiving, positive discipline and joint decision-making.

Evidence also suggests that men’s involvement during pregnancy and early childhood can strengthen family relationships and improve maternal and child well-being. Research in Soweto, South Africa found that when fathers attended pregnancy ultrasound scans, they reported stronger emotional bonds with their partners. And they felt a greater sense of responsibility and care for their unborn child.

Similarly, another analysis found that postnatal father involvement was associated with lower rates of maternal depression. These findings underscore the importance of designing gender transformative interventions. Practically, this may mean creating family-friendly health environments, with flexible clinic hours, and programmes that prepare men and families for nurturing and responsive care.

Conclusion

Without intervention, violence against women and children is likely to increase in frequency and severity.

Early intervention is therefore crucial. Violence prevention should ideally be integrated into existing systems at scale rather than treated as additional services. In this, the health sector plays a central role, particularly during the first 1,000 days, given its routine contact with mothers, infants and caregivers.

It is equally important to transform the harmful gender norms that sustain violence and limit men’s participation in caregiving.

Aislinn Delany was a coauthor of the chapter on violence prevention within the first 1,000 days in the South African Child Gauge 2025 on which this article is based.

– Violence against women and children is deeply connected. Three ways to break the patterns
– https://theconversation.com/violence-against-women-and-children-is-deeply-connected-three-ways-to-break-the-patterns-269656

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Cost savings the real power behind South Africa’s solar boom

Source: APO

According to the recently released South Africa’s Largest Solar Survey (https://apo-opa.co/487ALDZ), the South African solar market has changed, with the primary drivers for solar adoption being rising electricity tariffs and a desire for cost savings.

The findings mark a fundamental shift in how South Africans approach energy investment. While load shedding initially sparked the solar boom, the survey shows adoption momentum remains strong despite the easing of power cuts, with 82% of homeowners and 79% of businesses surveyed who don’t have solar planning to install solar within the next 12 months.

Solar generation now costs between 30% to 50% less than grid electricity (around R1.20–R1.70/kWh equivalent after installation). The survey results reveal that 93% of homeowners and 79% of businesses surveyed with solar systems are already realising measurable savings on their electricity bills.

The research, conducted by Jaltech (https://Jaltech.co.za/) and based on over 2,000 South African solar users and potential adopters, represents the country’s largest solar user survey to date.

Enlit Africa and Jaltech will present a webinar of the key insights from the report at 12pm on Tuesday, 25 November 2025. This session is tailored for solar installers/developers, commercial and industrial energy users, and landlords who are considering solar or want to understand current market trends and the impact of solar adoption. Register here: https://apo-opa.co/3MdCXT2 

In the commercial and industrial market, the use of energy management systems (EMS) is rising, helping users optimise performance, monitor savings, and reduce wastage, an indication that South African businesses are becoming more energy savvy, driven by the high cost of power. For 54% of business users surveyed, solar now offsets the majority of their energy consumption.

“South Africa’s solar market has matured rapidly,” says Jonty Sacks, partner at Jaltech. “What began as a response to unreliable electricity supply has become a core financial decision. Solar now represents cost stability, resilience and long-term savings for South Africans from day one.”

Respondents included homeowners and businesses across diverse sectors, from retail malls and commercial property to agriculture and manufacturing.

The full survey can be accessed here: https://apo-opa.co/487ALDZ 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

About Enlit Africa:
Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4444Mnd) brings the top manufacturers, associations, institutions, and government leaders together to shape a sustainable, prosperous energy and water future for Africa. A leading power, energy and water conference and exhibition, Enlit Africa is designed to provide a unique platform to connect decision-makers and determine Africa’s future direction of travel. 

Enlit Africa takes place annually at the CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa. The event is CPD accredited by the SAIEE and SAICE, thereby contributing to the professional development of industry experts.

For more information, please visit the Enlit Africa website (https://apo-opa.co/4444Mnd).

About Jaltech:
Jaltech is a leading alternative investment and renewable energy fund manager, financing solar installations across South Africa. The firm has funded over R1 billion in commercial solar assets, helping businesses and homeowners reduce their electricity costs while supporting the country’s transition to cleaner energy.

https://Jaltech.co.za/

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com/) brings people and organisations together to connect with information and each other in meaningful conversations to reach the next level of growth in their industry ecosystem. With 20 years of experience in Africa, the group serves the Energy, Mining, Smart Mobility, Transport and Retail sectors, through a range of industry touchpoints across digital, print and in-person platforms. With a commitment to data at its core, the group is well-positioned to support industry stakeholders today and into the future. Operating from Cape Town, South Africa the group is actively involved in projects across continental Africa and boasts a diverse African team who take great pride in the work they do for the sectors and markets they serve.

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Ports of entry remain incident-free ahead of G20 Summit

Source: Government of South Africa

With one day to go before the commencement of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, operations across all designated ports of entry remained stable and incident-free over the past 24 hours, said the Border Management Authority’s (BMA).

This is as various Heads of State and Government as well as high-level delegations continue to arrive for the G20 Leaders’ Summit at the weekend.

The BMA has so far facilitated the arrivals of Her Excellency, Ms Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Union, His Excellency Antony Albanese, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the President of Malaysia, the President of the European Council, Mr António Costa, Prime Minister of Vietnam, His Excellency Pham Minh Chinh, the People’s Republic of China Premier, Li Qiang and His Excellency Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, amongst others. 

According to the  BMA, more arrivals are expected today (21 November 2025).

Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Michael Masiapato, said that in the past week under intensified operational deployments, BMA officials successfully facilitated the arrival of delegates, Government officials, and technical teams for the G20 Sherpa meeting, the G20 Social Summit and the B20 Summit. 

“Despite the heightened security environment, increased traveller volumes and the complex coordination required across multiple ports of entry, all arrivals were processed efficiently,” Masiapato said on Friday.

He added that systems across key points of entry are fully operational, supported by BMA information and communication technology (ICT) technicians deployed strategically at OR Tambo International Airport, Lanseria International Airport and Waterkloof Air Force Base. 

“The dedicated G20 processing counters at these facilities are fully staffed to manage the increased volumes associated with summit arrivals.

“Enhanced security measures remain firmly in place. Strict access control protocols have been implemented across all operational zones within both inner and outer perimeters. The South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to conduct routine security sweeps, attending to unattended luggage and parcels in line with international security protocols at the priority areas within the airports. 

“To reinforce operational readiness, the BMA has deployed additional personnel from its back-office functions, while Regional Commanders and Executives are on the ground providing leadership and oversight during the arrival period,” he explained. 

High-visibility patrols and crime-prevention measures are being implemented to ensure full compliance with operational standards and to maintain proper command and control. Searches at designated screening points continue as part of the BMA’s layered security approach.

Masiapato said all BMA officials at land ports of entry identified as contingency support points for ground transport remain in close coordination with their respective regional and international counterparts. Patrols within all port corridors have been intensified to guarantee the free flow of traffic and prevent any potential traffic bottlenecks.

“The BMA remains committed to ensuring that South Africa hosts a safe, efficient, and world-class G20 Summit by guaranteeing secure border operations and uninterrupted facilitation at all times,” Masiapato said.

For Operation HI -TIVISE – Report suspicious activities on 0801 229 019, or via the BMA website platform on www.bma.gov.za 
At a briefing on Wednesday, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said the country was ready for the hosting of the Summit.

READ | G20: Aviation sector ready to receive global leaders

“The aviation sector has completed all critical preparations to meet the rigorous standards expected for this historic event,” said Creecy.  – SAnews.gov.za

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Government welcomes interest rate cut

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, November 21, 2025

Government has welcomed the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%, with the prime lending rate now at 10.25%.

“The rate cut is expected to ease pressure on consumers with loans, support small businesses, and encourage investment and economic activity. Government continues to prioritise measures that help reduce the cost of living, create jobs, and improve economic stability,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Thursday.

In its statement, government said the decision aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen growth, support vulnerable communities, and build an economy that works for all. 

“Government will continue to work with social partners to improve the economic environment and ensure that the benefits of growth reach the poor and those most affected by rising prices,” said the GCIS.

The decision to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points was announced by the Governor of the SARB, Lesetja Kganyago at the bank’s last Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of the year.

READ | Repo rate reduced to 6.75%

At the announcement of the reduction, Kganyago said the decision to reduce the policy rate was unanimous. 
–SAnews.gov.za

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Global cooperation is essential for sustainable industrial policy

Source: Government of South Africa

The G20 Sustainable Industrial Policy Report provides a strong foundation for collective action towards building diversified economic structures , said the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi. 

“The report makes it clear that the world needs sustainable industrial policy now more than ever.  This is because our current systems of production and consumption which are rooted in fossil fuels, resource depletion, and ecological degradation are no longer compatible with a healthy planet or a just economy. The crises we face today are fundamentally tied to how economic value is created and distributed,” said Godlimpi.  

The Deputy Minister was speaking at the launch of the report titled: “G20: Removing International Ostacles to Sustainable Industrial Policy”, held at the headquarters of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) in Pretoria on Thursday.

READ | New G20 Report on sustainable industrial policy launch

The launch of the high-level G20 report was co-hosted with the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit at the weekend.

The report acknowledges that while there is an urgent need for global cooperation to address  climate change, economic underdevelopment, inequality, poverty, and geopolitical instability, the current multilateral system is embattled with barriers that obstruct rather than enable transformative national policies.

Godlimpi said the report provided an invaluable framework for aligning industrial strategies with climate, development, and equity goals.

He further added that sustainable industrial policy offers a different path.

“It enables purposeful transformation; building diversified economic structures that respect planetary boundaries, while also expanding opportunity, strengthening resilience, and improving social outcomes. It is a framework for ensuring that the industries we build today support human and ecological flourishing tomorrow.”

Godlimpi emphasised that if there was an expectation for all countries to transition to sustainable, green, and inclusive industrial systems, then all must recognise that they cannot do so under unequal rules or limited resources.

“The transition to sustainable industry must be just. Among other things, workers must be supported with new skills. Communities must see tangible benefits, and developing countries must have access to the tools, technology, and finance required to build new industrial ecosystems. 

“As South Africa, we are proud to champion this agenda within the G20. Our Presidency has prioritised inclusive growth and industrialisation because we know what is at stake, not only for our own economy, but for the future of all developing nations,” he said. 

The report can be accessed on: 
https://iej.org.za/removing-international-obstacles-to-sustainable-industrial-policy/ 

–SAnews.gov.za

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DWYPD welcomes President Ramaphosa’s call as GBVF declared a national crisis

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement declaring Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) a national crisis.

DWYPD Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said the “bold and necessary” declaration marks a significant step toward strengthening South Africa’s multi-sectoral response to “one of the most devastating and persistent human rights violations affecting women, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.”

President Ramaphosa made the announcement when he was delivering the keynote address at the closing ceremony of the G20 Social Summit at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni, on Thursday.

He urged governments, communities, and social partners to intensify efforts to combat GBVF, empower women and youth, and strengthen South Africa’s health, education, and social systems.

“No society can thrive for as long as gender-based violence and femicide continues and the agency of women is denied. The violence perpetrated by men against women erodes the social fabric of nations. It imposes a heavy burden that constrains development and weakens inclusive growth.”

The President stressed the need for extraordinary and coordinated action, noting that “men and boys are critical partners in transforming harmful norms and advancing gender justice.”

“They must be actively involved in challenging inherited attitudes, power imbalances and social structures that normalise violence and silence survivors. We have agreed, among all social partners, that we need to take extraordinary and concerted action – using every means at our disposal – to end this crisis,” the President said. 

Chikunga reaffirmed the department’s role as the custodian of strategic leadership, advocacy, and coordination to mainstream the socio-economic empowerment of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

She said the declaration underscores the government’s commitment towards accelerating the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF (NSP-GBVF), which includes six pillars: accountability coordination and leadership; prevention and rebuilding social cohesion; justice, safety and protection; response, care, support and healing; economic power; and research and information management.

Recognising GBVF as a violation of human rights, Chikunga said the national crisis declaration elevates GBVF to a top-tier priority that demands urgent and coordinated action across all spheres of government, civil society, the private sector, and communities.

“Government alone cannot end GBVF. It demands a united front—where communities, men, and institutions actively challenge harmful norms, protect survivors, and uphold justice,” the Minister said.

As the country prepares for the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the department will launch the campaign under the theme “LETSEMA,” calling on men, women, boys, girls, and media houses to work together to End Gender Violence and Femicide.

The department said the campaign aims to bring together filmmakers, media professionals, civil society, academia, researchers, and development partners to co-create a shared agenda for GBV prevention through responsible storytelling and inclusive media representation. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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30th Conference of the Parties (COP30): African Development Bank Group’s (AfDB) Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) mobilises nearly EUR50 million in new commitments for just energy transition and Mission 300

Source: APO

The African Development Bank Group’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) (www.AfDB.org), a multi-donor special fund managed by the Bank Group, has secured new investment commitments totalling nearly EUR 50 million, to strengthen the rollout of Mission 300 (https://apo-opa.co/48qxL74) and accelerate climate action across Africa’s power sector.

The commitments, made by the governments of Germany and Italy, were announced at a COP30 side event held at the Africa Pavilion on 14 November. Germany committed EUR 14 million to support SEFA’s universal energy access goal, and EUR 30 million for the new SEFA green hydrogen programme, reflecting the strategic importance of this emerging sector for Africa’s decarbonisation and industrial development. Italy also announced a new contribution of five million euros to the fund.

Dr Katharina Stasch, Director-General for Climate Policy of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), said: “We see the Africa-owned and Africa-led African Development Bank as an excellent partner in unlocking the potential of a green hydrogen economy for African countries.

“By working together, we can create a ‘win–win’: partner countries benefit from new energy resources, industrial development, technology transfer, and new jobs while Europe diversifies its future energy imports. Through our partnership with the African Development Bank and SEFA, we hope to create positive tipping points for the market ramp-up of green hydrogen.”

Roberto Amerise, Director for General Affairs, Financial Programmes, and International Cooperation at the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), highlighted the strong commitment of the Italian Government towards Africa, considered a priority for national energy and climate policies. He stressed the importance of encouraging private investment to accelerate the continent’s energy transition and sustainable development. Amerise also announced a new contribution of 5 million euros to the SEFA Special Fund for 2025.

“These resources,” he said, “reaffirm our collective commitment to advancing SEFA’s strategic objectives and accelerating the implementation of renewable energy and energy access projects in Africa that drive sustainable development.”

Commenting on the new commitments, Dr Kevin Kariuki, Vice-President, Power, Energy, Climate Change and Green Growth, AfDB, said: “Today’s deliberations and commitments at COP30 powerfully reaffirm the urgent need for a unified, bolder approach to Africa’s energy transition, resilience and security.  The new commitments from Germany and Italy will constitute wind in the sails for Mission 300 goals and solidify SEFA’s centrality in Africa’s universal energy access journey”.

The event, moderated by Dr Daniel Schroth, the Bank’s Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, also acknowledged the ongoing support from partners like Norway, with Hans Olav Ibrekk, Special Envoy for Climate, reiterating the country’s commitment to mobilising private sector investments for the success of Mission 300.

A central theme of the event was the vital role of blended finance in de-risking investments and attracting commercial capital to achieve M300 goals. Attendees learned about projects such as the landmark Obelisk facility in Egypt – a 1 GW Solar PV and 200 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) co-financed by AfDB and SEFA – with insights shared by Terje Pilskog, CEO of Scatec.

The discussions also featured the impactful work of BURN, a successful African clean cooking company and SEFA grant recipient. Caroline Amollo, BURN’s Director of Corporate Affairs, demonstrated through their proven market operations how innovative models are effectively driving affordability and widespread adoption.

Speakers highlighted the importance of predictable and attractive regulatory frameworks to attract private capital for a just and equitable energy transition, focusing on bankable, scalable, and human-centred projects, especially in clean cooking. They also stressed the need to leverage declining renewable energy costs through efficient deployment of development funding. The event reinforced collective commitment to integrating energy transition cooperation within broader climate diplomacy, demonstrating that with concerted effort, the goals of M300 and the broader climate ambitions articulated at COP30 are attainable.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:
Communication and External Relations
media@afdb.org 

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