Category: MIL-OSI

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inDrive and TEARS Foundation empower young commuters with life-saving Skills

Source: APO

inDrive South Africa (https://inDrive.com), in partnership with the TEARS Foundation, recently hosted a youth mobility training session aimed at building a culture of safety, respect and accountability for students and young commuters in South Africa. 

The training focused on the practical realities young commuters face on South Africa’s roads and in public transport, including risks associated with unsafe routes, unfamiliar drivers, and online threats that can spill into daily life. 

“Our goal is to make every journey safer for all commuters, especially young people and students, who are statistically more vulnerable to risks in transit, including accidents, harassment and gender-based violence,” said Ashif Black, CountryRepresentative for inDrive South Africa. 

Beyond the visible tools, inDrive’s backend safety measures, such as AI moderation, profile verification, liveness checks, and complaint response systems, work continuously to block harmful behavior and enhance rider security. 

Making journeys safer 

Transport can present safety challenges for young people, especially women, who often face a higher risk of gender-based violence. This is why it’s important to create safer, more supportive mobility options. In 2024 alone, the TEARS Foundation fielded over 75,000 requests for assistance, underscoring the scale of the crisis and the urgent need for proactive safety measures.  As such, in addition to personal safety measures, inDrive showcased its in-app safety tools, including the SOS button, Share Trip feature, Trusted Contacts, in-app calls to protect personal numbers and 24/7 support. 

“Our mission is to give young people the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate transport safely, so they can move freely and with dignity,” said Mara Glennie, Founder & Chief Executive Office at the TEARS Foundation. “What’s more, when youth are informed and vigilant, they become powerful agents of change in their communities.” 

The training reinforced that safety is a shared responsibility. Respect, accountability, and vigilance are values that protect both passengers and drivers, creating a safer transport ecosystem for everyone. 

“We want young people using inDrive to feel safe, supported and in control,” said Black. “Young commuters face real risks on our roads and in public transport, and it’s critical they know how to protect themselves and each other.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of inDrive.

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Mini budget to be tabled in November

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

National Treasury has announced that the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) will be tabled in Parliament on 12 November 2025.

This after media reports erroneously reported that the MTBPS would be tabled in January next year.

“It is unfortunate and reckless for the publication to have reported the date without having verified the information with the National Treasury. Parliament today published its programme for the fourth term, which indicates 12 November 2025 as the calendar date for the MTBPS tabling.

“National Treasury officials are hard at work with MTBPS engagements and preparations,” the Treasury said in a statement on Monday.

Parliament confirmed the date – revealing that the National Assembly (NA) Programme Committee has resolved that Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana will table the MTBPS, “in line with constitutional and legislative requirements governing the budget process”.

“Furthermore, the NA agreed that it will consider and adopt the MTBPS on 13 January 2026, following the conclusion of the necessary committee processes.

“This year’s later tabling and consideration of the MTBPS is the direct knock-on effect of the national budget itself having been tabled later than usual, owing to well-documented challenges already in the public domain. As a result, subsequent processes in the budget cycle, including the MTBPS, have had to be adjusted accordingly.

“Parliament has therefore ensured that these processes remain aligned with constitutional requirements, while accommodating the unavoidable delays without compromising scrutiny, accountability, or public participation,” Parliament Spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo explained.

The Budget was re-tabled on 21 May 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa wishes the Jewish Community Shanah Tova

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his warm compliments to South Africa’s Jewish community for the celebration of Rosh Hashanah (New Year).

President Ramaphosa said: “I wish our Jewish community Shanah Tova as you spend this time in prayer for forgiveness and in celebration of a fresh start in all areas of life.

“We are blessed as a nation that Rosh Hashanah 2025 takes place in the week in which we observe Heritage Day, as the Jewish community and Judaism are an integral and valued part of our cultural and religious diversity.

“This time of prayer is a time for reflection on suffering and conflict unfolding in different parts of the world, and for recommitting ourselves to tolerance, peace and justice.

“May the year ahead be filled with good health, safety and prosperity.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets Foreign Minister of Serbia

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, September 22, 2025

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Monday with with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Marko Duric, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries, ways to support and enhance them, and a number of topics of mutual interest.

An agreement was also signed to abolish visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and service passports, along with a memorandum of understanding for cooperation between the Diplomatic Institute and the Diplomatic Academy of the two countries.

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets Second Foreign Minister of Brunei Darussalam

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, September 22, 2025

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, met Monday with HE Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, Erywan Pehin Yusof, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries, ways to support and enhance them, and a number of topics of common interest.

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets Uruguayan Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, September 22, 2025

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Monday with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, Mario Lubetkin, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Discussions during the meeting dealt with the cooperation relations between the two countries, means to support and enhance them, as well as a number of topics of common interest.

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Deputy President to lead 2025 Heritage Day celebrations 

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President to lead 2025 Heritage Day celebrations 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, acting as the President, will officiate the 2025 Heritage Day celebrations at Bridgeton Sport Grounds in the Oudtshoorn Local Municipality, Western Cape.

Taking place on Wednesday, 24 September 2025, the event is organised in collaboration with the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the Western Cape Provincial Government.

According to the Presidency, this year’s Heritage Month is celebrated with the theme: “Re-imagine Our Heritage Institutions for a New Era.”

This year’s Heritage Day will focus on the importance of leveraging heritage as a foundation for building a dynamic, socially responsive, technologically innovative and economically inclusive future.

The celebrations on Wednesday are expected to focus on how society, through culture, continues to evolve in response to social, economic, and technological challenges.

“It will also focus on museums as custodians of memory and knowledge, and as institutions that are uniquely positioned to lead the shift. 

“Museums are at the heart of transformation and are part of heritage sites that are traditionally tasked with the collection, preservation, and exhibition of cultural artefacts,” the advisory read. 

Over the years, the Presidency stated that there has been a need for museums to urgently reposition themselves as spaces of relevance, innovation, and community engagement. 

“South Africa’s heritage sector has long been a cornerstone of our national identity, collective memory and reconciliation. So, our museums as cultural and heritage institutions play a vital role in healing communities and preventing the recurrence of past injustices,” said the Deputy President. 

He added that there was a growing need to re-evaluate how heritage is understood and accessed by the citizens, in line with the country’s evolving social, economic and technological challenges.

“Thus, the commemoration of Heritage Month this year provides us with a timely opportunity to reflect on this shift and explore how memory can be transformed into momentum by using heritage as a tool for innovation, job creation, social cohesion, as well as nation-building,” Deputy President Mashatile added. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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World Bank Establishes Regional Hub for Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in Riyadh

Source: APO


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The World Bank announced today the opening of a new regional hub in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to serve the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP) region. The Riyadh hub will be co-located with the World Bank Group’s Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regional office.

The Riyadh Hub brings the World Bank’s leadership closer to country teams, clients and regional partners. The MENAAP’s regional Vice President and regional practice directors have relocated to Riyadh, marking a new chapter in the World Bank’s operational footprint.

“Riyadh is not only a gateway to the region’s transformation, but also a powerful platform for global knowledge exchange and policy innovation,” said Ousmane Dione, Vice President for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. “It is especially meaningful to mark this relocation on Saudi National Day, a moment that celebrates the Kingdom’s transformation and its growing role as a global convener of development knowledge.”

This milestone aligns with the 50th anniversary of technical cooperation between the World Bank and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Over the past five decades, the Bank has supported major reforms in key sectors through advisory services, technical assistance, and capacity development.

Recently, the World Bank Group and Saudi Arabia launched a new global Knowledge Hub (K-Hub) in Riyadh to facilitate regional and global knowledge exchange, joint research, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at advancing global development impact.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

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President Boakai Welcomes New Petroleum Agreement with Oranto; Pledges Responsible Development of Liberia’s Resources

Source: APO


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President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has welcomed the signing of four Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) between the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) and Atlas/Oranto Petroleum, granting exploratory rights over offshore blocks LB-15, LB-16, LB-22, and LB-24.

The signing ceremony took place in Paris, France.

The contracts, which include a signature bonus of US$12 million and an estimated investment value of US$200 million per block, represent an important step in reviving Liberia’s oil and gas sector after more than a decade of limited activity. They follow a recent agreement with TotalEnergies and further demonstrate Liberia’s readiness to responsibly engage credible investors.

“Our goal is to ensure that Liberia’s resources are managed with transparency and responsibility. These contracts will be implemented with strict standards of environmental protection, strong local participation, and clear accountability so that Liberians benefit directly from the opportunities created.” The President said.

Atlas/Oranto, a privately held African oil group founded in 1991, operates in several African countries. In Liberia, the company’s activities will be guided strictly by national laws and oversight to guarantee responsible exploration.

The Government of Liberia, through the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), expressed appreciation to TGS, its long-standing geophysical and geological partner, for nearly 25 years of support in promoting Liberia’s offshore potential.

President Boakai also commended the efforts of the Liberian negotiating team, led by the LPRA, and with the participation of:

• Hon. Fabian Michael Lai, President & CEO of NOCAL
• Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning
• Hon. Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, Minister of Justice

As required by law, the four PSCs will now be forwarded to the National Legislature for ratification. Once approved and signed by the President, they are expected to boost investment in Liberia’s energy sector, create jobs, and contribute to the long-term goals of President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for national growth and development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.

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Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets CEO of Save the Children

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, September 22, 2025

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met with HE CEO of Save the Children, Inger Ashing, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Discussions during the meeting dealt with ways to protect children’s rights in areas of conflict and humanitarian crises, and to enhance international initiatives aimed at improving the conditions of the most vulnerable children.

The two sides agreed to strengthen the partnership between the State of Qatar and the international organization, including launching joint initiatives and projects that contribute to the protection and empowerment of children in crisis-affected communities.

HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation affirmed the State of Qatar’s commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts to protect children and provide them with education and healthcare, based on its priorities in the areas of international cooperation and sustainable development.