Category: MIL-OSI

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Over 113 new houses for KZN flood victims

Source: Government of South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has confirmed that over 113 new houses will be built within the next four months to provide permanent shelter for families displaced by the 2022 and 2025 floods.

The announcement was made by Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli during the recent Operation Siyahlola Oversight Programme, which monitors service delivery and infrastructure projects across the province.

Ntuli said the initiative forms part of KwaZulu-Natal’s accelerated disaster recovery plan, which aims to ensure that by 2027, every flood victim in the province will be accommodated in a safe, permanent, and fully serviced home.

The Premier highlighted that the houses will be built to high-quality, disaster-resilient standards, and will include special adaptations for people with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity, accessibility, and long-term comfort.

“These 113 houses represent a promise in action. Our designs are disaster-resilient and inclusive, catering even for people with disabilities. Rebuilding after disaster must mean building better and building for all,” Ntuli said.

Long-term housing plan

The Provincial Government, through the Department of Human Settlements, has made significant progress in fast-tracking the resettlement of flood victims, ensuring that affected families are moved from temporary shelters into safe, permanent housing.

According to the department, a total of 113 top structures will be completed between July and December 2025, supported by an additional R149 million allocations to prepare 692 serviced sites for further housing development.

A further R261 million has been ring-fenced from the Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG) in the 2026/27 financial year for the construction of more top structures, while R25 million from capital balances will be used to complete 108 houses by October 2025.

“The 692 houses are scheduled for completion by December 2026, with beneficiaries expected to move in from December 2026 to January 2027. Working in partnership with affected municipalities, the provincial government will also embark on intensive social facilitation programmes to engage communities that resist the resettlement of flood victims or other developments in their areas.

“All Temporary Emergency Accommodations (TEAs) are planned to close by January 2027, as 837 houses will be completed by December 2026 and 375 flood victims temporarily accommodated at Montclair Lodge and Cornubia TRUs, while their permanent homes, targeted for completion by June 2027, are being built,” Ntuli said.

In addition, the Premier said seven parcels of rezoned land under the eThekwini Metro will be utilised for normal housing projects to address the municipality’s broader housing backlog.

Warning against unlawful resale of government houses

Meanwhile, Ntuli has issued a stern warning against the unlawful resale of government houses or unlawful accommodation of non-beneficiaries.

“Such actions will not be tolerated, and the Department of Human Settlements, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, will take strict legal action against offenders to protect the integrity of the resettlement programme and ensure that the rightful beneficiaries are accommodated,” Ntuli said.

KwaZulu-Natal was hit by catastrophic floods in April 2022, which claimed more than 400 lives, destroyed infrastructure, and left thousands homeless. The 2025 floods compounded the crisis, displacing even more families, many of whom remain in temporary accommodation.

The Premier has expressed gratitude to all government officials, municipal teams, engineers, and construction workers for their role in fast-tracking recovery efforts.

He also commended the communities that have embraced the relocation of flood victims and allowed these critical developments to proceed in their areas.

“Their cooperation has made it possible for the province to move forward with urgency and unity in restoring dignity to those who have lost so much. This housing and resettlement programme marks one of the most ambitious post-disaster recovery initiatives in KwaZulu-Natal’s history, reaffirming government’s commitment to rebuilding communities, restoring dignity, and ensuring no flood victim is left behind,” Ntuli said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Employment and Labour invites written submissions for 2026 National Minimum Wage adjustment

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) Commission is inviting all interested parties or stakeholders to make written submission for possible adjustments to the NMW for 2026.

“NMW Commission will publish its annual report and recommendations concerning possible adjustment to the National Minimum Wage to the Minister of Employment and Labour later in 2025, in accordance with Section 6(2) of the NMW Act, No. 9 of 2018.

“NMW Chairperson Imraan Valodia encourages interested parties to have their say in the possible adjustment,” the department said in a statement on Tuesday. 

The National Minimum Wage is the lowest remuneration rate that employers are obligated and legally permitted to pay their employees for each ordinary hour worked. 

It is illegal for employers to pay their employees less than the minimum threshold. The NMW was first introduced for implementation in South Africa in 2019.

The minimum wage is currently fixed at R28.79 for each ordinary hour worked. The current rate was announced in February 2025 by Minister of the Department of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth.

The Commission is responsible for annually reviewing and recommending adjustments to the National Minimum Wage. It also investigates and reports annually to the Minister on the impact of the NMW on the economy, collective bargaining, and income differentials, making this information available to the public.

Representations should reach the directorate: Employment Standards, Department of Employment and Labour, Private Bag X117, Pretoria, 0001 or be sent to nmwreview@labour.gov.za by 18 September 2025. 

In addition to making representations on the NMW, the Commission is appealing to interested parties to complete a survey questionnaire on the link: https://forms.office.com/r/jXFtcZag90?origin=1prLink and the link can also be accessed on the Department of Employment and Labour’s website and social media pages. – SAnews.gov.za 

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DSTI Deputy Minister launches SA’s first AI teaching robot

Source: Government of South Africa

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, says that South Africa’s first artificial intelligence (AI) robot will enhance education in the country by enabling learners to reach their full potential.  

Gina was speaking in Durban on Tuesday at the launch of IRIS, the AI-powered, first-of-its-kind robot in South Africa, designed to redefine learning experiences in the country. 

According to the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), it can master all subjects from Grade R to tertiary level, in 11 of the country’s official languages.

Gina said this will not only be used to teach children at school, but it will also inspire them to become familiar with technology, especially in rural areas. 

IRIS is the brainchild of BSG Technologies, founded by Thandoh Gumede, who hails from the rural area of KwaMnqobokazi in Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal. 

The idea to build IRIS came while teaching maths and physical science at a local school, during which she experienced several challenges.

The robot is equipped with software and a keyboard. It functions similarly to any AI tool that utilises deep machine learning, with a special feature of being multilingual. While tools like ChatGPT use text, IRIS uses voice to respond to prompts.    

With her digital innovation skills, Gumede has won several international awards and was crowned Miss Tech Universe 2024-2025 in Thailand. 

Here at home, she is already taking South Africa by storm and is fondly called “Mamaka IRIS”.  

As South Africa celebrates National Women’s Month, the Deputy Minister reminded the audience that science has no gender, no geographical specificity, and no look. 

“Women must lead in shaping the future of science, innovation and fields like AI. These are the skills that will drive tomorrow’s economy, and they require contributions from both men and women.”

The Deputy Minister stated that it was the mandate of the DSTI to support all emerging innovations and encouraged women and youth to take advantage of the department’s funding instruments, such as the Women in Technology and Innovation and the Grassroots Innovation programmes.  

She emphasised the importance of leveraging technologies such as AI within the African context, highlighting the need for the continent to drive innovation and become a primary consumer of its innovations.

Deputy Director-General for Curriculum Management and Delivery at the provincial Department of Education, Mbongiseni Mazibuko, said maximising the full benefits of AI will require everyone to be on the same wavelength of preparedness, and with innovations like IRIS, teachers must be equipped to harness these technologies.  

“Technology is not here to replace teachers, but rather innovations like IRIS will be part and parcel of the future of teaching and learning. We need to make our teachers ready for these technologies, and as a department, we embrace IRIS,” said Mazibuko.

Gumede plans to introduce IRIS to every classroom in South Africa by the end of October this year and stressed the importance of partnership with the private sector to help transform teaching and learning in the country.  

“IRIS does not belong to me. It belongs to everyone of us in South Africa, and that is the reason we need partnerships to be able to do that,” said Gumede, quelling the fear that AI will replace teachers in class.  

Rather, she believes that IRIS will enhance learning and teaching in South Africa and help to close the educational gaps in the country, particularly in Maths, science and technology. 

The launch featured a demonstration of IRIS answering complex questions from some of the learners attending. – SAnews.gov.za

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Liberia: The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) Launches New Strategic Planning Process to support ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) Implementation

Source: APO – Report:

.

The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) has officially embarked on the development of its new five-year strategic plan, designed to align closely with the Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.

Acting Finance and Development Planning Minister, Hon. Anthony G. Myers, who also serves as Deputy Minister for Fiscal Affairs, said the plan will serve as a roadmap to strengthen the Ministry’s role as the steward of Liberia’s national development strategy.

“This new plan will build on the lessons of the 2019–2023 strategic framework, looking at what worked, what fell short, and what needs to be scaled up or reformed,” Minister Myers explained. “The overall goal of the MFDP for the next five years is to strengthen the capacity of our workforce so that we can effectively deliver on our core mandate.”

He emphasized that a refreshed approach is necessary due to the many changes in the Ministry’s functions and mandate since its merger with the Ministry of Planning & Economic Affairs in 2013.

 “A lot has changed administratively, legally, and regulatorily.

We now need a strategic perspective that allows us to better coordinate, facilitate, and implement the ARREST Agenda over the next five years,” he noted.

Earlier at the launch, Deputy Finance Minister for Administration, Hon. Bill McGill Jones, outlined the planning process and urged full participation from departmental heads and unit leaders.

“Sit with the core planning team and consultants, share your priorities, and ensure your voice is part of this process,” he said. “As a team, our focus must remain on improving the lives of all Liberians, addressing challenges such as poverty, unemployment, weak infrastructure, and limited access to quality education and healthcare.”

The new strategic plan will not only align with national priorities under the ARREST Agenda but also reinforce the MFDP’s central role in shaping inclusive growth and sustainable development across Liberia.

The launch brought together Deputy Ministers, Assistant Ministers, Directors, and Assistant Directors from across the Ministry, symbolizing a unified step toward a stronger and more responsive MFDP.

– on behalf of Ministry of Finance & Development Planning: Republic of Liberia.

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Résolutions du Congrès de Union Catholique Africaine de la Presse (UCAP) sur « Équilibrer le progrès technologique et la préservation des valeurs humaines à l’ère de l’intelligence artificielle »

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

L’Union Catholique Africaine de la Presse (UCAP) a organisé son Congrès continental triennal à Accra, au Ghana, du 10 au 17 août 2025, réunissant plus de 100 journalistes catholiques, conférenciers, créateurs de contenu et autres praticiens des médias de plus de 20 pays, dont 19 pays africains. Le congrès a porté sur le thème “Équilibrer le progrès technologique et la préservation des valeurs humaines à l’ère de l’intelligence artificielle (IA)“.

Télécharger le document : https://apo-opa.co/4fHFXSl

Cette rencontre a permis aux participants de débattre des défis éthiques et des opportunités offertes par l’intelligence artificielle (IA), et d’explorer les moyens par lesquels les journalistes catholiques peuvent sauvegarder la dignité et les valeurs humaines tout en embrassant l’innovation technologique.

À l’issue de ce congrès, les participants proposent les résolutions et recommandations suivantes.

  1. Résolution

1.1. Résolution 1 : Sur la sauvegarde de la dignité humaine à l’ère de l’intelligence artificielle

L’UCAP affirme la primauté de la dignité humaine sur le progrès technologique et engage les journalistes catholiques en Afrique à promouvoir des pratiques médiatiques qui défendent la vérité, l’intégrité et les relations humaines authentiques.

1.2. Résolution 2 : Sur l’utilisation éthique de l’intelligence artificielle dans les médias

L’UCAP appelle les institutions médiatiques africaines à établir des lignes directrices éthiques pour l’utilisation de l’intelligence artificielle en matière de journalisme, en veillant à ce que la technologie soit au service de la personne humaine et du bien commun, et en rejetant toute forme de manipulation, de désinformation ou de mésinformation.

1.3. Résolution 3 : Renforcer la formation et l’éducation aux médias

L’UCAP s’engage à améliorer la formation professionnelle des professionnels des médias en Afrique en intégrant des modules sur l’IA, l’alphabétisation numérique et l’enseignement social de l’Eglise dans les programmes de formation, ainsi que dans l’éducation aux médias.

1.4. Résolution 4 : Collaboration avec l’Eglise et la société civile

L’UCAP continuera à collaborer avec les conférences épiscopales, les universités, les décideurs politiques et la société civile pour développer des cadres qui équilibrent l’innovation technologique et la responsabilité morale.

1.5. Résolution 5 : Promouvoir une nouvelle éthique de la communication

Les membres de l’UCAP travaillent activement à la promotion d’une culture de paix, de réconciliation et de fraternité en donnant la parole aux sans-voix et en promouvant une communication qui sauvegarde la vérité, la liberté, la justice et la solidarité.

  1. Recommandations

2.1. Aux gouvernements et aux décideurs politiques :

Réglementer l’utilisation de l’IA pour éviter la déformation de la vérité, la manipulation des consciences et l’atteinte à la vie privée.

Investir dans des infrastructures numériques et des cadres éthiques qui protègent la dignité humaine tout en soutenant l’innovation.

2.2. Aux organisations médiatiques :

Adopter des politiques éditoriales qui garantissent que les outils d’IA ne remplacent pas le jugement, la conscience ou la responsabilité humaine.

Mettre en place des mécanismes de vérification des faits et promouvoir la transparence dans l’utilisation des contenus générés par l’IA.

2.3. Aux professionnels des médias catholiques :

S’engager dans une formation professionnelle continue en matière de technologie, d’éthique et de communication, inspirée par l’enseignement social de l’Eglise catholique.

Être des “missionnaires de la paix et de la réconciliation” en résistant à la désinformation et en promouvant l’intégrité dans le journalisme.

Vulgariser le document final du Synode sur la synodalité parmi les professionnels des médias et assurer sa bonne compréhension dans les différentes langues, selon les communautés et les pays.

2.4. À l’Église en Afrique :

Continuer à guider et à soutenir les communicateurs catholiques dans le discernement des défis éthiques posés par l’IA.

Encourager les diocèses et les institutions catholiques à investir dans l’éducation aux médias qui forme les journalistes à la vérité, à la responsabilité et au service du bien commun.

2.5. A l’UCAP en tant qu’Union :

Élaborer une charte continentale sur “l’IA et le journalisme éthique” qui servira de référence aux membres.

Organiser des ateliers, des programmes d’échange et des initiatives de recherche sur l’intersection de la foi, des médias et de l’intelligence artificielle.

Le Comité Exécutif de l’UCAP doit prendre en considération les points d’amendements discutés lors de l’Assemblée Générale concernant les Statuts, ainsi que promouvoir et aider les Section de l’UCAP, les Régions, et renforcer sa coopération avec SIGNIS à travers la gestion du Départment Journalisme de SIGNIS Afrique.

  1. Remerciements

Nous, Union Catholique Africaine de la Presse (UCAP), sommes très heureux d’adresser nos remerciements à la clôture de notre Congrès ici à GIMPA, Legon, Accra (Ghana).

Tout d’abord, nous remercions le Dieu tout-puissant, source de toute sagesse et de toute inspiration, qui a rendu ce rassemblement possible.

Nous exprimons notre profonde gratitude à Son Excellence l’Archevêque Julien Kaboré, pour avoir honoré cette occasion de votre présence et pour votre message profondément inspirant. Vos réflexions nous ont rappelé que si l’intelligence artificielle éblouit par sa rapidité et son innovation, seul le cœur humain – ouvert à Dieu, à la vérité et à l’amour – peut la guider correctement.

Nous remercions chaleureusement le président de la Conférence des évêques catholiques du Ghana, Mgr Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi. Vos paroles nous ont rappelé avec force que les médias ne sont pas simplement un outil technique, mais une réalité morale, chargée de la noble tâche de défendre la vérité, de favoriser l’unité et de protéger la dignité de chaque personne humaine.

Notre gratitude au Préfet du Dicastère pour la Communication, Cité du Vatican, Dr Paolo Ruffini, représenté par Mgr Janvier Marie Gustave Yameogo, pour votre message de solidarité à l’occasion de ce Congrès de l’UCAP.

Nous sommes très reconnaissants à nos distingués invités, partenaires et experts de divers domaines de leur présence et de leurs contributions. Vos points de vue nous aideront à relever les défis urgents à l’intersection de la technologie, de l’éthique et de la foi.

Nous remercions également le président de l’UCAP, M. Charles Ayetan, les coprésidents du comité de planification, Mme Victoria Lugey et M. Benedict Assorow, ainsi que les membres du comité de planification pour leur leadership et leur engagement. Grâce à vos conseils, ce congrès continue d’être un espace d’apprentissage, de discernement et de confraternité pour les journalistes catholiques de toute l’Afrique.

Enfin, à tous les participants – journalistes, conférenciers et amis de l’UCAP venus de toute l’Afrique et d’ailleurs – merci pour votre engagement en faveur de la vérité et au service de l’humanité. Votre présence ici est un témoignage que les médias catholiques et les praticiens catholiques des médias restent un phare, défendant la dignité humaine à l’ère numérique.

Alors que nous nous engageons dans ce dialogue et cette réflexion, puissions-nous être renforcés dans notre mission d’équilibrer le progrès technologique avec les valeurs intemporelles de l’Évangile, et d’être des artisans de la paix, de la vérité et de la réconciliation sur notre continent bien-aimé.

Encore une fois merci et que Dieu vous bénisse tous.

Les Participants au Congrès de l’UCAP,

Accra (Ghana), 17 août 2025.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP).

Contact :
Charles Ayetan
Président de l’UCAP
+228 9980 2198
+233 53 928 5744
ucap.official@gmail.com

Media files

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Confédération États du Sahel (AES) : le Premier ministre en visite d’amitiè au Mali

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Premier ministre, Son Excellence Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, est arrivé ce mardi 19 août 2025 à Bamako pour une visite d’amitié, à l’invitation de son homologue malien, le Général de Division Abdoulaye Maïga.

À sa descente d’avion, le Chef du Gouvernement burkinabè a été accueilli par son homologue malien, entouré de plusieurs membres du Gouvernement. Il effectue ce déplacement officiel en compagnie du ministre en charge de la Jeunesse et de l’Emploi, de la ministre déléguée au Budget ainsi que de membres de son cabinet.

‎Durant son séjour, le Premier ministre prendra part à la célébration du deuxième anniversaire de la Brigade Citoyenne du Mali, une organisation initiée par les autorités maliennes pour promouvoir le civisme, l’engagement patriotique et la cohésion sociale.

Le programme de la visite prévoit également une audience avec le Président de la Transition et Chef de l’État du Mali, le Général d’Armée Assimi Goïta, ainsi qu’une séance de travail entre les deux délégations.

‎Au-delà du renforcement des relations bilatérales entre Ouagadougou et Bamako, ce déplacement s’inscrit dans la dynamique de coopération et de solidarité impulsée au sein de la Confédération des États du Sahel (AES).

Distribué par APO Group pour Service d’Information du Gouvernement du Burkina Faso.

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Have your say on the gazetted BELA Act regulations

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Government has officially gazetted the first two sets of regulations under the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA Act) 2024, for public comment.

Members of the public are invited to submit written comments by 5 September 2025. 

The regulations focus on key provisions of the South African Schools Act relating to school capacity and school admissions. 

The gazetted regulations aim to ensure that the BELA Act, which came into effect on 24 December 2024, is implemented in a way that protects learners’ rights and improves school functionality.

Additional regulations will be released for public comment as soon as they are finalised, legally vetted and approved. 

The gazetting of the regulations offers education stakeholders and the public an important opportunity to actively contribute to shaping the future of basic education.

The draft regulations can be accessed on the Department of Basic Education’s website https://www.education.gov.za and in Government Gazette Nos. 53119 and 53120 of 6 August 2025. 

To submit your comment, you can visit: https://www.education.gov.za/Resources/Legislation/CallforComments.aspx. – SAnews.gov.za

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High-level delegation attends 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development Summit

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Japan leading South Africa’s high-level delegation at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development Summit (TICAD9) in Yokohama City.

President Ramaphosa, who arrived in Japan on Tuesday, will participate in the TICAD9 Summit from 20 – 22 August 2025 under the theme “Co-creating Innovative Solutions with Africa”. 

The summit is underpinned by three Plenary Sessions, which illustrate established areas of cooperation between the African Union and Japan, namely: Society: Realizing a Sustainable Future; Economy: Promoting Trade and Investment; and Peace and stability: Ensuring Human Dignity and Human Security.

In a statement, the Presidency said the 9th TICAD Summit takes place at a time of unprecedented threats to global peace and security, ongoing conflicts in some regions of the world, distortions and disruption to global trade and a concerning revision by some states to unilateral action at a time when multilateralism and collective solutions to common challenges is crucial.

The Presidency highlighted that rising fuel, food and energy prices have severely impacted developing countries, entrenching poverty and fuelling higher levels of inequality in the face of constrained employment and job opportunities. 

“The debt and liquidity crisis on the African continent is worsening the challenging socio-economic environment and constraining the fiscal space for governments to cast a safety net over its citizens. 

“The AU discussions with the government of Japan under the auspices of TICAD presents an opportunity for the two sides to engage in discussions that seek to foster collective solutions to these challenges,” the Presidency said. 

South Africa, as a Member State of the AU, will prioritise support from the government of Japan for the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, especially in the priority areas of infrastructure development, peace and security, and health.  

“President Ramaphosa will advance South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 and pursue bilateral economic engagements with the government of Japan with a view to strengthening trade and investment ties between South Africa and Japan,” the Presidency said. 

The year 2025 marks 115 years of relations between South Africa and Japan. 

The two countries enjoy well-established bilateral relations within the framework of the Partnership Forum held at a ministerial level and maintain strong cooperation in the fields of trade and investment; science and technology; education; skills transfer and capacity building through development cooperation. Bilateral trade between Japan and South Africa had been expanding since the establishment of full diplomatic relations in 1992. 

Japan is one of the major investors (over R90 billion) in the South African economy, with 260 Japanese companies, sustaining over 150 000 local jobs. 

Japan is the 4th largest economy in the world, and total bilateral trade between the two countries in 2024 was R132 billion, with South Africa recording a trade surplus of R52 billion. 

“President Ramaphosa will engage with leading captains of Japanese industry and business. 

“Japan is one of South Africa’s major economic partners with sizeable investments in the South African economy, and the potential for further investments exists. A South African high level business delegation is also participating at the TICAD9,” the Presidency said. 

Also, at the margins of TICAD9 in his capacity as the chair of the Global Leader’s Network for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, President Ramaphosa will deliver a keynote address to parliamentarians, business and developmental agencies on the importance of increasing investments into women’s, children’s and adolescents health as an imperative for peace and security. 

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za

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N West Premier to launch Phase 5 of Service Delivery Programme in Ditsobotla Local Municipality

Source: Government of South Africa

North West Premier Kagiso Lazarus Mokgosi will reaffirm the provincial government’s commitment to improving service delivery by leading the rollout of Phase 5 of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme –Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded. 

This event will take place on Friday, 22 August 2025, at the Ditsobotla Local Municipality in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District.

The provincial department said this phase marks a strategic continuation of the provincial government’s efforts to bring integrated services closer to the people, address long-standing service delivery challenges, and strengthen public participation in governance issues. 

During Phase 5, efforts will be strengthened to provide water and sanitation infrastructure, upgrade sewer networks, maintain roads, clear illegal dumping sites, combat crime and create jobs. 

These initiatives will target and prioritise specific local municipalities, including Ditsobotla, JB Marks, City of Matlosana, Tswaing, Madibeng, Kagisano-Molopo, Ramotshere Moiloa, Moses Kotane, Rustenburg, and Mahikeng.

Government departments, State-owned entities and the private sector will converge at Itsoseng Community Hall, where on-the-spot services will be provided and a community feedback session held. 

Central to this service delivery-oriented programme will be the handing over of community facilities, including a community hall at Springbokpan village, a sports facility at Itekeng township in Biesiesvlei, a community hall at Tlhabologang in Coligny, and a new cemetery site at Itsoseng. 

Included in the day’s activities is a planned oversight visit and inspection of a brick-making plant and facility in Itsoseng. 

This flagship facility was established by the Department of Public Works and Roads (DPWR) during the 2014/15 financial year. At that time, it provided job opportunities for beneficiaries of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). 

However, operations were halted more than three years ago due to various challenges.

As an intervention strategy, the department has plans to resuscitate all brick-making plants across the province to make them sustainable, and to create job opportunities and skills. 

In addition, more than 4 000 paving bricks, which are on-site and produced by EPWP beneficiaries, will be donated to the Ditsobotla Local Municipality for use in any of their paving projects planned on access roads to service delivery points and streets. 

An inspection of a special maintenance project on road D40 – from Thusong to Itsoseng – will also be conducted on the day. 

Some of the standard features of Thuntsha Lerole that will take place during the day include the installation of high-mast lights, mass registration of qualifying citizens for free basic services, clearing illegal dumping sites, law enforcement activities, distribution of agricultural packages to a community agricultural project and a local school, provision of integrated primary health care services, and distribution of sanitary towels to identified local schools. – SAnews.gov.za

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Resoluções do Congresso da União Católica Africana de Imprensa (UCAP) sobre “Equilibrar o Progresso Tecnológico e a Preservação dos Valores Humanos na Era da Inteligência Artificial”

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A União Católica Africana de Imprensa (UCAP) convocou o seu Congresso Continental Trienal em Acra, no Gana, de 10 a 17 de agosto de 2025, reunindo mais de 100 jornalistas católicos, professores, criadores de conteúdos e outros profissionais dos meios de comunicação social de mais de 20 países, entre os quais 19 países africanos. O Congresso centrou-se no tema “Equilíbrio entre o progresso tecnológico e a preservação dos valores humanos na era da Inteligência Artificial (IA)“.

Baixar Documento: https://apo-opa.co/4fHFXSl

O encontro proporcionou uma plataforma para os participantes deliberarem sobre os desafios éticos e as oportunidades apresentadas pela Inteligência Artificial (IA) e explorarem formas de os jornalistas católicos poderem salvaguardar a dignidade e os valores humanos, ao mesmo tempo que abraçam a inovação tecnológica.

No final deste Congresso, os participantes propõem as seguintes Resoluções e Recomendações.

  1. Resoluções

1.1. Resolução 1: Sobre a Salvaguarda da Dignidade Humana na Era da Inteligência Artificial

A UCAP afirma a primazia da dignidade humana sobre o avanço tecnológico e compromete os jornalistas católicos em África a promover práticas mediáticas que defendam a verdade, a integridade e as relações humanas autênticas.

1.2. Resolução 2: Sobre o uso ético da inteligência artificial nos media

A UCAP apela às instituições africanas dos meios de comunicação social para que estabeleçam diretrizes éticas para a utilização da IA no jornalismo, assegurando que a tecnologia serve a pessoa humana e o bem comum, e rejeitando qualquer forma de manipulação, desinformação ou desinformação.

1.3. Resolução 3: Reforço da formação e do ensino dos meios de comunicação social

A UCAP compromete-se a melhorar a formação profissional dos profissionais dos meios de comunicação social em África, integrando módulos sobre IA, literacia digital e ensino social católico nos programas de formação, bem como na educação para os meios de comunicação social.

1.4. Resolução 4: Sobre a Colaboração com a Igreja e a Sociedade Civil

A UCAP deve colaborar com as Conferências Episcopais, as universidades, os decisores políticos e a sociedade civil para desenvolver quadros que equilibrem a inovação tecnológica com a responsabilidade moral.

1.5. Resolução 5: Sobre a promoção de uma nova ética da comunicação

Os membros da UCAP trabalham ativamente para fomentar uma cultura de paz, reconciliação e fraternidade, dando voz aos que não têm voz e promovendo uma comunicação que salvaguarde a verdade, a liberdade, a justiça e a solidariedade.

  1. Recomendações

2.1. Aos Governos e Decisores Políticos:

Regulamentar o uso da IA para evitar a erosão da verdade, a manipulação das consciências e a invasão da privacidade.

Investir em infra-estruturas digitais e quadros éticos que protejam a dignidade humana e apoiem a inovação.

2.2. Para organizações de mídia:

Adotar políticas editoriais que garantam que as ferramentas de IA não substituem o julgamento, a consciência ou a responsabilidade humana.

Estabelecer mecanismos de verificação de factos e promover a transparência na utilização de conteúdos gerados por IA.

2.3. Aos profissionais católicos dos media:

Comprometer-se com a formação profissional contínua em tecnologia, ética e comunicação, inspirada no ensino social católico.

Servir como “missionários da paz e da reconciliação”, resistindo à desinformação e promovendo a integridade no jornalismo.

Popularizar o documento final do Sínodo sobre a sinodalidade entre os profissionais dos media e assegurar a sua correta compreensão nas diferentes línguas, de acordo com as comunidades e os países.

2.4. À Igreja em África:

Continuar a orientar e a apoiar os comunicadores católicos no discernimento dos desafios éticos colocados pela IA.

Encorajar as dioceses e as instituições católicas a investir na educação para os media que forme os jornalistas na verdade, na responsabilidade e no serviço ao bem comum.

2.5. À UCAP como União:

Desenvolver uma carta continental sobre “IA e Jornalismo Ético” como referência para os membros.

Organizar workshops, programas de intercâmbio e iniciativas de investigação sobre a intersecção da fé, dos media e da inteligência artificial.

O Comitê Executivo da UCAP deve levar em consideração os pontos de emendas discutidos na Assembléia Geral sobre os Estatutos, bem como promover e auxiliar os Capítulos, Regiões e a Cooperação da UCAP para administrar o Departamento de Jornalismo da SIGNIS África.

  1. Agradecimento

Nós, União Católica Africana da Imprensa (UCAP), temos o prazer de apresentar este voto de agradecimento na Cerimónia de Encerramento do nosso Congresso aqui no GIMPA, Legon, Accra (Gana).

Antes de mais, damos graças a Deus Todo-Poderoso, fonte de toda a sabedoria e inspiração, que tornou possível este encontro.

Expressamos a nossa mais profunda gratidão a Sua Excelência o Arcebispo Julien Kaboré, por ter agraciado esta ocasião com a sua presença e pela sua mensagem profundamente inspiradora. As suas reflexões recordaram-nos que, embora a Inteligência Artificial deslumbre com a velocidade e a inovação, é apenas o coração humano – aberto a Deus, à verdade e ao amor – que a pode guiar corretamente.

O nosso sincero apreço vai para o Presidente da Conferência dos Bispos Católicos do Gana, o Bispo Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi. As suas palavras recordaram-nos com força que os meios de comunicação social não são apenas um instrumento técnico, mas uma realidade moral, à qual foi confiada a nobre tarefa de defender a verdade, promover a unidade e proteger a dignidade de cada pessoa humana.

A nossa gratidão ao Prefeito do Dicastério para a Comunicação, Cidade do Vaticano, Dr. Paolo Ruffini, representado por D. Janvier Marie Gustave Yameogo, pela sua Mensagem de Solidariedade a este Congresso da UCAP.

Aos nossos ilustres convidados, parceiros e especialistas de várias áreas, estamos verdadeiramente gratos pela vossa presença e contribuições. Os vossos conhecimentos ajudar-nos-ão a enfrentar os desafios prementes na intersecção da tecnologia, da ética e da fé.

Agradecemos também ao Presidente da UCAP, Charles Ayetan, aos Co-Presidentes do Comité de Planeamento, Victoria Lugey e Ben Assorow, e aos membros do Comité de Planeamento pela sua liderança e empenho. Através da vossa orientação, este Congresso continua a ser um espaço de aprendizagem, discernimento e comunhão para os jornalistas católicos de toda a África.

Finalmente, a todos os participantes – jornalistas, conferencistas e amigos da UCAP de toda a África e não só – obrigado pelo vosso empenho na verdade e ao serviço da humanidade. A vossa presença aqui é um testemunho de que os meios de comunicação católicos e os profissionais dos meios de comunicação católicos continuam a ser um farol de luz, defendendo a dignidade humana na era digital.

Ao embarcarmos neste diá. e nesta reflexão, possamos ser fortalecidos na nossa missão de equilibrar o progresso tecnológico com os valores intemporais do Evangelho e de sermos artesãos da paz, da verdade e da reconciliação no nosso amado continente.

Obrigado, e que Deus vos abençoe a todos.

Participantes do Congresso da UCAP,

Accra (Gana), 17de agosto 2025.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP).

Contato:
Charles Ayetan,
Presidente da UCAP
+228 9980 2198
+233 53 928 5744
ucap.official@gmail.com

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