Category: MIL-OSI

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New Corridor Investments Accelerate Africa’s Mining Growth Ahead of African Mining Week (AMW) 2026

Source: APO


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The signing of a €312 million financing agreement between Proparco, the IFC and Société d’Exploitation du Transgabonais (SETRAG) marks the latest milestone in Africa’s drive to expand the transport infrastructure underpinning mining sector growth. Announced in July 2026, the financing will support the second phase of the Gabon Railway Modernization and Safety Program, accelerating the rehabilitation of the 648-km Transgabonais railway linking the Port of Owendo on the Atlantic coast to Franceville in eastern Gabon. The project is expected to strengthen the transportation of manganese and other minerals to regional and international markets while supporting Gabon’s ambition to increase mining’s contribution to GDP from approximately 6% today to 25% by 2030.

The modernization program reflects the growing role of transport infrastructure in unlocking Africa’s mineral potential. Mining already accounts for roughly 20% of Gabon’s GDP, and upgrading the country’s primary freight railway will improve operational efficiency, enhance safety and reduce logistics costs for exporters. To date, 457 km of track have been renewed with concrete sleepers, while 186 km have been upgraded with new 60 kg rails, laying the foundation for increased mineral exports and long-term industrial growth.

The investment driving Africa’s regional transport corridors will be a key focus at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, taking place in Cape Town from October 14-16. The dedicated panel, “Regional Connectivity: Financing Africa’s Mineral Infrastructure,” will bring together representatives from the Uganda Chamber of Minerals and Energy, Zambia Chamber of Mines, Africa Finance Corporation, Transnet Freight Rail and the Trade and Development Bank to examine financing strategies, rail and port modernization, regional integration and the infrastructure needed to unlock Africa’s next phase of mining growth.

Several landmark projects already illustrate this trend. Among the continent’s largest infrastructure investments is the $753 million Lobito Corridor Railway Project, which reached financial close last month through financing from the U.S. DFC and the Development Bank of Southern Africa. The project supports the rehabilitation, modernization and long-term operation of the 1,300-km Benguela Railway, linking the Port of Lobito in Angola with the DRC border. Once extended into Zambia, the corridor is expected to provide a faster and more cost-effective export route for Angola’s diamonds and emerging rare earth projects, the DRC’s copper, cobalt and tin industries and Zambia’s copper sector, reinforcing Southern Africa’s position within global critical mineral supply chains.

Regional railway investment is also accelerating in East Africa. The $1.4 billion revitalization of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority will modernize one of the continent’s most strategic transport corridors, improving connectivity between the Port of Dar es Salaam and Zambia’s Copperbelt. The project is expected to reduce transport costs while strengthening export capacity for Zambia’s copper and Tanzania’s growing graphite and rare earth industries, supporting both countries’ ambitions to expand mineral production and downstream processing.

West Africa is similarly advancing regional connectivity through the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, where the African Development Bank and ECOWAS concluded a joint multi-country financing mission in April 2026. The 1,028-km transport corridor, linking Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria, has entered its investment phase following the completion of feasibility studies. While centered on a six-lane highway, the corridor forms part of a broader regional logistics strategy expected to improve cross-border trade, strengthen mineral supply chains and unlock new investment opportunities across West Africa’s expanding gold, lithium and critical minerals sectors.

In Guinea, meanwhile, the government approved the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for Phase One of the $1.8 billion Liberty Corridor transport project, paving the way for rail and logistics infrastructure connecting Guinea and Liberia. The project will facilitate exports from the Simandou iron ore complex, the Kon Kweni project and multiple Liberian iron ore operations, supporting Guinea’s emergence as one of the world’s leading iron ore producers while strengthening regional trade links.

As investment in regional transport corridors gains momentum across the continent, African Mining Week 2026 will provide a timely platform for industry leaders to shape the partnerships needed to deliver Africa’s next generation of mining infrastructure and strengthen Africa’s role in global mineral supply chains.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM): Addis Ababa Declaration on Catholic Education

Source: APO

I. Preamble

We, the Presidents of the Episcopal Conferences, Bishops, Catholic educators, leaders of Catholic universities and schools, members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, clergy, lay faithful, young people, and partners in Catholic education from across Africa and Madagascar, gathered in Addis Ababa for a four-day conference from 5-8 August 2026 for the First Continental Conference on Catholic Education. We examined the stakes, challenges and perspectives for catholic education in our continent of Africa.

Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the teaching of the Church, the Global Compact on Education, the Kampala Document and the rich cultural heritage of Africa and Madagascar, we reaffirm that Catholic education is an essential ministry of the Church, a privileged instrument of evangelization, and a powerful force for moulding of character as well as the essential tool for integral human development.

Having reflected together on the opportunities and challenges facing Catholic education in our continent, and having listened to experiences from the different regions of our continent and intending to reinforce the results already achieved, we make the following declarations:

II. Doctrinal Considerations

Based on the teachings of the Church, we affirm:

  1. The dignity of every human person, created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1,26-27).
  2. The inalienable right of every child and young person to receive a quality education rooted in truth, justice, faith, and human dignity (GS 26, GE 1).
  3. Catholic education as an integral part of the Church’s evangelizing mission (EN 44, Catholic School 1977, 9).
  4. The indispensable role of families as the primary educators of their children (FC 36).
  5. The contribution of Catholic educational institutions to nation-building, peace, ethical leadership, scientific advancement, and social transformation (GS 26,31,60, GE 8).
  6. School as a precious instrument for learning to weave bonds of peace and harmony within society from childhood through education in moral and spiritual values ​​(AM, 76).
  7. The importance of participatory education based on the noble values ​​of African culture, open to the contemporary world and inspired by the Gospel, as a guarantee of the New Evangelization and the integral development of our peoples (Kampala Document 198).

III. Historical Considerations

Based on indisputable historical facts, we recognize:

  1. The historic contribution of Catholic schools, colleges, universities, seminaries, and formation centres throughout Africa and Madagascar.
  2. The dedication and sacrifices of bishops, priests, religious, teachers, parents, and lay collaborators in sustaining Catholic education.
  3. The growing challenges posed by poverty, conflict, forced migration, unemployment, inequality, digital transformation, climate change, declining moral values, and inadequate educational resources.
  4. The opportunities presented by technology, research, innovation, artificial intelligence and continental collaboration.

IV. Contextual necessities of our continent

Based on the realities that proper to our continent, we commit ourselves to:

  1. Strengthening the Catholic identity and mission of all Catholic educational institutions.
  2. Promoting academic excellence integrated with spiritual, moral, intellectual, social, and ecological formation.
  3. Investing in the recruitment, formation, and continuing professional development of Catholic educators and leaders.
  4. Ensuring that Catholic educational institutions are safe, inclusive, accountable, and committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons.
  5. Expanding access to quality Catholic education, especially for the poor, the physically challenged, the marginalized, the displaced, and the vulnerable communities.
  6. Promoting ethical leadership, peacebuilding, reconciliation, and responsible citizenship.
  7. Investing on new technologies and encouraging responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence in teaching, learning, research, and administration.
  8. Strengthening collaboration among Catholic schools, universities, seminaries, religious congregations, and Episcopal Conferences across Africa and Madagascar.
  9. Promoting research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills development that respond to Africa’s realities and aspirations, capable of engendering job creation for those who go through catholic educational institutions.
  10. Advancing ecological education inspired by integral ecology and care for creation.
  11. Promoting the integral wellbeing of teachers and educators.
  12. Sharing of gifts between institutions and countries

V. A call to co-responsibility

Knowing that the task for the formation of integral personality requires a synergy of action and co-responsible collaboration, (Final Document of Synod on Synodality 111), we call upon:

  1. Episcopal Conferences to make Catholic education a pastoral priority by establishing a functional national structure for Catholic education.
  2. Governments to recognize and support the contribution of Catholic educational institutions to national development.
  3. Catholic universities, schools, and formation institutions to strengthen quality assurance, good governance, and accountability.
  4. Religious congregations and Catholic organizations to continue investing in educational ministry.
  5. Parents and families to partner actively in the education and faith formation of their children.
  6. Development partners, African Union and others international bodies to collaborate in strengthening Catholic education throughout Africa and Madagascar.

VI.  Continental Coordination

To ensure the realization of this Declaration, we recommend the establishment of SECAM Episcopal Commission for Catholic Education whose work would be to:

  1. Develop a SECAM Continental Framework for Catholic Education.
  2. Establish mechanisms for collaboration, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
  3. Encourage each Episcopal Conference to prepare national implementation plans.
  4. Convene periodic continental meetings to review progress, share best practices, and renew commitments.

VII. Conclusion

Putting ourselves at the disposition of Christ who through his Spirit working in us “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Eph3,20), we entrust this Declaration to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Seat of Wisdom. We renew our commitment to forming generations of faithful disciples, competent professionals, ethical leaders, inventive entrepreneurs and responsible citizens who will contribute to the flourishing of the Church and society.

May Catholic education continue to be a beacon of hope, faith, knowledge, justice, and peace for Africa and Madagascar.

Adopted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

On 7 August 2026

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

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Guyana Accelerates Gas-to-Energy Strategy with Latest Power Project Milestone

Source: APO


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The appointment of Siemens Energy as operator of Guyana’s flagship 300 MW combined-cycle power plant marks a major milestone in the country’s broader Gas-to-Energy (GtE) project, which is designed to transform offshore natural gas resources into reliable, affordable power and support long-term economic development. Announced in June 2026, the agreement advances one of the Caribbean’s most ambitious energy infrastructure initiatives, positioning natural gas as a catalyst for energy security, industrialization and a more diversified energy mix. The power plant, supplied by natural gas from the ExxonMobil-operated Stabroek Block, is expected to begin operations in early 2027.

The 300 MW facility represents one component of the wider GtE development, which also includes a Natural Gas Liquids facility and upgraded transmission infrastructure supplied by gas from the Liza field. Together, these interconnected assets are expected to double Guyana’s electricity generation capacity, reduce electricity costs by approximately 50%, improve grid reliability, reduce dependence on imported liquid fuels and create the foundation for a domestic gas value chain capable of supporting industrial expansion, attracting new investment and strengthening national competitiveness.

The project also represents a cornerstone of Guyana’s broader Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, which integrates responsible natural gas development with renewable energy expansion to create a cleaner and more resilient energy system. Speaking in January 2026, Prime Minister Mark Phillips described natural gas as “a reliable, efficient, and lower-emitting source of energy” capable of meeting the country’s rapidly growing electricity demand while supporting long-term sustainable development.

Guyana is already planning the next phase of its gas development strategy through the proposed Berbice GtE project in Region Six, targeted for completion by 2030. The facility is expected to expand domestic gas utilization, strengthen Guyana’s gas value chain and unlock new opportunities for engineering companies, technology providers and local businesses.

Continued upstream investment is also ensuring sufficient gas resources to support Guyana’s growing domestic market. ExxonMobil is advancing the Longtail development, which will combine the Longtail, Tripletail and Turbot discoveries into one of Guyana’s largest offshore gas projects. The development is expected to produce approximately 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day alongside 290,000 barrels of condensate per day over an estimated 30-year operating life, supported by a FPSO vessel with storage capacity of two million barrels. Meanwhile, exploration campaigns such as the Barreleye-3 well, running through August 2026, continue to target additional discoveries that could further expand Guyana’s domestic gas supply and strengthen future commercialization opportunities.

The growing role of natural gas in Guyana’s energy transition will be a central focus at Caribbean Energy Week 2027, held under the theme “Unlocking the Caribbean Energy Corridor: Oil, Gas, LNG & Investment for a New Global Hub.” The event will examine how gas investments are strengthening energy security, supporting industrial development and creating new commercial opportunities across the Caribbean energy value chain.

Caribbean Energy Week 2027 will host its Guyana in-country launch at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown on September 1, 2026, bringing together government officials, investors, operators and industry stakeholders for an early look at the opportunities, priorities and partnerships shaping Guyana’s energy future.

Latest developments underscore Guyana’s strategy of leveraging its estimated 17 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas resources to strengthen energy security, diversify its energy mix and accelerate economic growth. By positioning natural gas as a complement to renewable energy expansion, Guyana is seeking to use its gas resources as a foundation for industrial development, greater energy resilience and a broader low-carbon transition.

To register for the CEW 2027 Guyana in-country launch, visit https://apo-opa.co/4i1OMtq

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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KZN government calls for motorists to exercise caution on the roads

Source: Government of South Africa

KZN government calls for motorists to exercise caution on the roads

KwaZulu–Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma has called on motorists to exercise extra caution as roads are wet and slippery, with snowfall in some parts of the province.

According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the province is experiencing cloudy and cold to very cold conditions, with scattered showers and rain, and snow over the western high ground.

The wind along the coast will be moderate to fresh southerly to south-easterly but strong in the north.

“Our energetic teams from the Road Traffic Inspectorate and operators of Graders are already monitoring major routes and areas likely to experience another snowfall,” the MEC said in a statement on Tuesday morning.

He reported that the weather is overcast from Cedara towards Midway along the N3,  drizzling from Harrismith towards Van Reenen, and snow is clearing in Memel.

The N11 Amajuba Pass is open in both directions. –SAnews.gov.za

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Cold, wet and windy conditions expected across SA this week

Source: Government of South Africa

Cold, wet and windy conditions expected across SA this week

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says South Africa will experience typical winter conditions throughout the week, with a cold front supported by an upper cut-off low.

The weather service said on Tuesday that wet, very cold and windy conditions can be expected over the southern parts of the Free State, Northern Cape, Gauteng and Mpumalanga, as well as the interior of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Snowfalls are possible over mountainous areas, while rough seas are expected along the coast.

“Farmers and the public in general are advised to take necessary precautions,” SAWS said.

The weather service has issued the following warnings for Tuesday:

  • Orange Level 6 Warning for Disruptive Snow: Disruptive snow leading to disruptions to livelihoods, major traffic disruptions and some communities becoming temporarily inaccessible is expected over Emalahleni, Sakhisizwe, Senqu, Elundini and Matatiele in the Eastern Cape.
  • Yellow Level 2 Warning for Disruptive Snow: Disruptive snow leading to localised traffic disruptions, isolated loss of livestock and crops, and localised disruptions to services is expected in places over Dr Beyers Naude, Raymond Mhlaba, Amahlathi, Intsika Yethu, Dr AB Xuma, Mhlontlo and Mzimvubu local municipalities, as well as Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape, the eastern and southern parts of the Free State along the Lesotho border, and the western parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
  • Yellow Level 2 Warning for Disruptive Rain: Disruptive rain leading to localised flooding of susceptible settlements, roads and bridges is expected over Mpumalanga, except the extreme western parts.
  • Yellow Level 2 Warning for Damaging Winds and Waves: Damaging winds and waves, which could result in disruptions to small harbours or ports, danger to navigation, disruption of coastal activities, damage to infrastructure and settlements, injuries, and danger to life from flying debris, are expected along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
  • Yellow Level 2 Warning for Damaging Winds: Damaging winds, which could result in damage to formal and informal settlements, localised reduced visibility due to dust storms, and localised damage to temporary structures, are expected over the northern parts of the West Coast District and Witzenberg Municipality in the Western Cape, as well as the Namakwa District, except the north-eastern parts of Pofadder Municipality in the Northern Cape, and the western parts of Mpumalanga.
  • Yellow Level 1 Warning for Damaging Winds: Damaging winds leading to difficulty in navigation at sea are expected between Table Bay and Cape Agulhas from Tuesday morning until Wednesday afternoon (11–12 August 2026).
  • Extremely high fire danger conditions are also expected over the Richtersveld Municipality.

–SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Simpósio das Conferências Episcopais de África e Madagáscar (SCEAM): Declaração de Adis Abeba sobre a Educação Católica

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

I. Preâmbulo

Nós, os Presidentes das Conferências Episcopais, Bispos, educadores católicos, líderes de universidades e escolas católicas, membros de Institutos de Vida Consagrada e Sociedades de Vida Apostólica, clero, fiéis leigos, jovens e parceiros na educação católica de toda a África e Madagáscar, reunidos em Adis Abeba para uma conferência de quatro dias, de 5 a 8 de agosto de 2026, por ocasião da Primeira Conferência Continental sobre a Educação Católica. Examinámos os desafios, as dificuldades e as perspetivas para a educação católica no nosso continente africano.

Inspirados pelo Evangelho de Jesus Cristo, pelos ensinamentos da Igreja, pelo Pacto Global sobre a Educação, pelo Documento de Kampala e pelo rico património cultural de África e Madagáscar, reafirmamos que a educação católica é um ministério essencial da Igreja, um instrumento privilegiado de evangelização e uma força poderosa para a formação do caráter, bem como a ferramenta essencial para o desenvolvimento humano integral.

Tendo refletido juntos sobre as oportunidades e os desafios que a educação católica enfrenta no nosso continente, e tendo escutado as experiências das diferentes regiões do nosso continente com a intenção de reforçar os resultados já alcançados, fazemos as seguintes declarações:

II. Considerações Doutrinais

Com base nos ensinamentos da Igreja, afirmamos:

  1. A dignidade de cada pessoa humana, criada à imagem e semelhança de God (Génesis 1, 26-27).
  2. O direito inalienável de cada criança e jovem a receber uma educação de qualidade enraizada na verdade, na justiça, na fé e na dignidade humana (GS 26, GE 1).
  3. A educação católica como parte integrante da missão evangelizadora da Igreja (EN 44, A Escola Católica 1977, 9).
  4. O papel indispensável das famílias como primeiras educadoras dos seus filhos (FC 36).
  5. A contribuição das instituições educativas católicas para a construção da nação, a paz, a liderança ética, o avanço científico e a transformação social (GS 26, 31, 60, GE 8).
  6. A escola como um instrumento precioso para aprender a tecer laços de paz e harmonia na sociedade desde a infância, através da educação nos valores morais e espirituais (AM, 76).
  7. A importância de uma educação participativa baseada nos nobres valores da cultura africana, aberta ao mundo contemporâneo e inspirada no Evangelho, como garantia da Nova Evangelização e do desenvolvimento integral dos nossos povos (Documento de Kampala 198).

III. Considerações Históricas

Com base em factos históricos indiscutíveis, reconhecemos:

  1. A contribuição histórica das escolas, colégios, universidades, seminários e centros de formação católicos em toda a África e Madagáscar.
  2. A dedicação e os sacrifícios de bispos, sacerdotes, religiosos, professores, pais e colaboradores leigos na sustentação da educação católica.
  3. Os crescentes desafios colocados pela pobreza, conflitos, migrações forçadas, desemprego, desigualdade, transformação digital, alterações climáticas, declínio dos valores morais e recursos educativos inadequados.
  4. A oportunidades apresentadas pela tecnologia, investigação, inovação, inteligência artificial e colaboração continental.

IV. Necessidades Contextuais do Nosso Continente

Com base nas realidades próprias do nosso continente, comprometemo-nos a:

  1. Fortalecer a identidade católica e a missão de todas as instituições educativas católicas.
  2. Promover a excelência académica integrada com a formação espiritual, moral, intelectual, social e ecológica.
  3. Investir no recrutamento, formação e desenvolvimento profissional contínuo de educadores e líderes católicos.
  4. Garantir que as instituições educativas católicas sejam locais seguros, inclusivos, transparentes e comprometidos com a proteção de crianças e pessoas vulneráveis.
  5. Expandir o acesso a uma educação católica de qualidade, especialmente para os mais pobres, pessoas com deficiência, marginalizados, deslocados e comunidades vulneráveis.
  6. Promover a liderança ética, a construção da paz, a reconciliação e a cidadania responsável.
  7. Investir em novas tecnologias e incentivar o uso responsável e ético da inteligência artificial no ensino, na aprendizagem, na investigação e na administração.
  8. Fortalecer a colaboração entre escolas católicas, universidades, seminários, congregações religiosas e Conferências Episcopais em toda a África e Madagáscar.
  9. Promover a investigação, a inovação, o empreendedorismo e o desenvolvimento de competências que respondam às realidades e aspirações de África, capazes de gerar a criação de emprego para aqueles que passam pelas instituições educativas católicas.
  10. Avançar na educação ecológica inspirada pela ecologia integral e pelo cuidado com a criação.
  11. Promover o bem-estar integral dos professores e educadores.
  12. Partilhar dons entre instituições e países.

V. Um Apelo à Corresponsabilidade

Sabendo que a tarefa de formação de uma personalidade integral exige uma sinergia de ações e uma colaboração corresponsável (Documento Final do Sínodo sobre a Sinodalidade 111), apelamos a:

  1. Conferências Episcopais: para fazerem da educação católica uma prioridade pastoral, estabelecendo uma estrutura nacional funcional para a educação católica.
  2. Governos: para reconhecerem e apoiarem a contribuição das instituições educativas católicas para o desenvolvimento nacional.
  3. Universidades, escolas e instituições de formação católicas: para reforçarem a garantia de qualidade, a boa governação e a prestação de contas.
  4. Congregações religiosas e organizações católicas: para continuarem a investir no ministério educativo.
  5. Pais e famílias: para se associarem ativamente na educação e na formação na fé dos seus filhos.
  6. Parceiros de desenvolvimento, União Africana e outros organismos internacionais: para colaborarem no fortalecimento da educação católica em toda a África e Madagáscar.

VI. Coordenação Continental

Para garantir a concretização desta Declaração, recomendamos a criação da Comissão Episcopal do SCEAM para a Educação Católica, cujo trabalho consistirá em:

  1. Desenvolver um Quadro Continental do SCEAM para a Educação Católica.
  2. Estabelecer mecanismos de colaboração, monitorização, avaliação e reporte.
  3. Incentivar cada Conferência Episcopal a preparar planos nacionais de implementação.
  4. Convocar reuniões continentais periódicas para analisar os progressos, partilhar as melhores práticas e renovar compromissos.

VII. Conclusão

Colocando-nos à disposição de Cristo que, através do Seu Espírito que opera em nós, “é poderoso para fazer tudo muito mais abundantemente além daquilo que pedimos ou pensamos” (Ef 3, 20), confiamos esta Declaração à intercessão da Bem-Aventurada Virgem Maria, Sede da Sabedoria. Renovamos o nosso compromisso de formar gerações de discípulos fiéis, profissionais competentes, líderes éticos, empreendedores inventivos e cidadãos responsáveis que contribuirão para o florescimento da Igreja e da sociedade.

Que a educação católica continue a ser um farol de esperança, fé, conhecimento, justiça e paz para África e Madagáscar.

Adotada em Adis Abeba, Etiópia

A 7 de agosto de 2026

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

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Gauteng shelter helps woman to rebuild her life 

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng shelter helps woman to rebuild her life 

As South Africa marks Women’s Month, the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) is highlighting the transformative role of shelters for survivors of gender-based Violence (GBV), with one woman’s journey from abuse to entrepreneurship illustrating the impact of timely intervention and support.

Nomfundo Nxumalo’s story reflects how access to protection, counselling and skills development can help survivors rebuild their lives and regain their independence.

After experiencing domestic abuse at the hands of her former boyfriend, Nxumalo sought assistance at the Daveyton Magistrate’s Court, where she applied for a protection order.

Her case was referred to the Gauteng Department of Social Development, and a social worker placed her at the Theodorah Ndaba Victim Support Centre in Daveyton.

Funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development, the shelter provides accommodation, protection and comprehensive support services to women and children who have experienced abuse, in line with the Domestic Violence Act.

In addition to providing a safe place to stay, the centre offers counselling, psychosocial support, therapeutic programmes and skills development initiatives, aimed at helping survivors regain confidence and achieve financial independence.

Speaking during the closing of Mandela Month at the end of July, where the Ekurhuleni Women’s Forum donated pre-loved clothing, sanitary towels and toiletries to the shelter, the 43-year-old mother recalled arriving at the facility with her children and only the clothes on their backs.

“I arrived at the shelter with my children and nothing else. We only had the clothes we were wearing. The shelter provided for all our basic needs until we exited. While I was at Theodorah Ndaba, we received counselling, therapeutic programmes and a host of other services, including skills development, that helped restore my confidence and prepared me for a new beginning,” Nxumalo recalled.

Beyond providing a safe haven, the shelter equipped her with practical skills and opportunities that enabled her to rebuild her life. Through the organisation’s support, Nxumalo obtained her driver’s licence, secured employment, and was encouraged to save towards a more stable future for herself and her children.

“I managed to save R19 500 and bought a stand in an informal settlement. At the back of my mind, I always had the dream of building a home where my children and I could start a new chapter and have a better future,” she said.

Today, Nxumalo is a proud entrepreneur running a full-time perfume business, allowing her to provide for her family with dignity and confidence. Her transformation from a victim of abuse to a self-reliant businesswoman reflects the life-changing impact that timely intervention and holistic support can have on survivors of GBV.

As South Africa commemorates Women’s Month, the department said stories like Nxumalo’s highlight the importance of creating safe spaces where women can escape abuse, heal from trauma and access opportunities that empower them to become financially independent.

They also underscore the critical role played by social workers, counsellors and community organisations in restoring hope and helping survivors reclaim their lives.

“Nomfundo Nxumalo’s journey is a testament to the fact that while Gender-Based Violence may leave deep scars, it does not have to define a woman’s future. With the right support, compassion and determination, survivors can become thrivers, building brighter futures for themselves, their children, and their communities,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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President Ramaphosa meets Daniel Perez family following government intervention

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has met with the family of the late Captain Daniel Perez following the intervention of the South African government in facilitating the release of his remains by Hamas. 

Perez, born and raised in South Africa, was taken hostage and killed on 7 October 2023. 

President Ramaphosa expresses his condolences to the  Perez family and affirms South Africa’s support for an all inclusive peace process that will deliver a lasting peace for the people of Israel and Palestine. 

The South African government remains engaged in assisting all South Africans, irrespective of race or religion, that are ensnared in conflict zones as well as  assisting other foreign nationals where such support is requested. 

This includes facilitating the release of South Africans trapped in a war in Syria, citizens that were sold to Russian mercenaries and the safe return of Ukrainian children. 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Government Urges Extreme Caution as Severe Winter Weather Disrupts Travel Across Parts of South Africa

Source: APO


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Government urges members of the public to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution as severe winter weather, including heavy snowfall, freezing conditions, rain and strong winds, affect several parts of the country. The weather has already resulted in a number of road closures and disruptions across several provinces.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued weather warnings for parts of the country, with conditions expected to bring hazardous travel, particularly over mountainous areas and along affected road networks.

The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive snow, with parts of the Eastern Cape and Free State among the hardest hit, with snowfall affecting a number of major routes and mountain passes. Motorists are advised that Penhoek Pass along the N6 between Komani (Queenstown) and James Calata (Jamestown) has been reopened to traffic. The roadway is currently drivable, following the removal of most of the snow from the road surface by a grader. The R58 between Lady Grey and Ekhephini (Barkly East) has also reopened to traffic.

In KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, authorities are closely monitoring conditions along the N3 and other routes, including the Van Reenen and Oliviershoek Pass areas, where snow, sleet, rain, ice and hazardous road conditions are affecting travel. The N3 between Harrismith and Van Reenen Pass should be approached with extreme caution. Emergency teams are spraying brine across all lanes to prevent black ice from forming.

Other areas, including parts of Mpumalanga and the Western Cape, are also experiencing adverse winter weather, with some routes affected by snowfall, icy conditions and strong winds.

A Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive winds has also been issued for parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape. Strong winds may result in localised impacts, including hazardous travelling conditions, reduced visibility and disruption to transport.

Government, through the National Disaster Management Centre, provincial and local disaster management structures, traffic authorities, emergency services and other relevant stakeholders, continues to monitor the situation and coordinate response measures in affected areas.

Authorities are assessing road conditions, managing closures where necessary and working to keep affected routes safe and accessible where conditions permit. Government further appeals to motorists to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic and emergency officials. Road closures are implemented to protect lives, and motorists should not attempt to bypass barriers or access roads that have been declared unsafe

Members of the public are reminded that weather and road conditions can change rapidly. Roads that are currently open may subsequently be closed if conditions deteriorate, while previously closed routes may be reopened once they have been assessed and cleared by the relevant authorities.

The public is urged to rely on official updates from the South African Weather Service, provincial traffic authorities, road agencies, disaster management structures and emergency services for the latest information.

Government will continue to closely monitor the weather system and its impacts across the country and will coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect communities and road users.

Government urges the public to take the following precautions:

•    Avoid unnecessary travel to areas affected by heavy snowfall, ice, strong winds, flooding or other hazardous weather conditions.
•    Do not attempt to drive on roads that have been closed by traffic or emergency authorities.
•    Motorists travelling on roads that remain open should reduce their speed, maintain a safe following distance and exercise extreme caution, particularly on mountain passes.
•    Follow the instructions and guidance of traffic officials, emergency services and disaster management authorities.
•    Check the latest weather and road conditions from verified sources before undertaking long-distance journeys.
•    Where possible, postpone travel until conditions have improved and affected routes have been assessed and declared safe.
•    Avoid sharing unverified information about road closures and weather conditions, as this may cause confusion and place motorists and communities at greater risk.
•    Take precautions to protect children, older people and other vulnerable people from extreme cold.
•    Farmers and livestock owners are encouraged to ensure that livestock and other animals are kept in safe, warm and adequately sheltered areas during periods of severe cold and snowfall.

Government urges all members of the public to remain vigilant, exercise caution and prioritise their safety as winter weather conditions continue to evolve.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

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Le Bénin et l’Éthiopie renforcent leur coopération dans le numérique et l’innovation

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Du 4 au 8 août 2026, une délégation ministérielle béninoise conduite par Dr Mahuna AKPLOGAN, Ministre de la Transformation Digitale et de l’Innovation, a effectué une visite de travail à Addis-Abeba. Cette mission s’inscrit dans le prolongement des échanges de haut niveau entre les deux pays, notamment du tête-à-tête tenu le 13 juillet 2026 entre le Président de la République du Bénin, Son Excellence Monsieur Romuald WADAGNI et le Premier Ministre éthiopien, Dr Abiy AHMED.

Un partage d’expériences autour de la transformation numérique

La visite a constitué un cadre d’échange sur les trajectoires numériques des deux pays. Le Bénin a notamment partagé les acquis et enseignements de près d’une décennie de transformation numérique, marquée par le développement des infrastructures, la dématérialisation des services publics, l’identité numérique, le renforcement de la cybersécurité et, plus récemment, une ambition accrue autour de l’intelligence artificielle et de l’innovation.

Les échanges ont permis de confronter les approches dans plusieurs domaines : modernisation des services publics, identité numérique et interopérabilité, gouvernance des données, cybersécurité, infrastructures numériques et intelligence artificielle.

Des perspectives concrètes autour de l’IA et de l’innovation

Une séance de travail entre la délégation béninoise et le ministère éthiopien de l’Innovation et de la Technologie a permis de partager le acquis des deux pays.  Cette visite contribue ainsi à approfondir la coopération Sud-Sud, autour d’une ambition partagée : mettre le numérique, l’intelligence artificielle et l’innovation au service du développement et des populations.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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