Category: MIL-OSI

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African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) to Champion Infrastructure-Driven Mining Growth at African Mining Week 2025

Source: APO


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African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) Investment Director and Head of Investment Strategy, Ed Stumpf, will participate in the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – the continent’s leading platform for mining and investment dialogue – taking place from October 1–3, 2025, at the Cape Town International Conference Center. 

Stumpf will join a high-level panel discussion on “The Investor Perspective – Financing Africa’s Mineral Industrialization,” unpacking trends and strategies that enable the transition from raw mineral extraction to value-added processing across the continent. His participation reflects AIIM’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure development as a catalyst for long-term, sustainable mining growth in Africa. 

AMW serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

With over two decades of experience deploying capital into essential infrastructure, AIIM has played a pivotal role in enabling mining and industrial operations through investments in energy, logistics and transport. In February 2025, AIIM launched the African Transition Acceleration Fund (https://apo-opa.co/41DlgB8), a strategic vehicle aimed at closing the continent’s energy transition financing gap. The fund targets private sector investment across clean power, sustainable transport and related sectors that either support mining or rely on critical raw materials from it. 

Among AIIM’s current projects (https://apo-opa.co/4mfIbei), the 140 MW Umsinde Emoyeni Wind Farm in South Africa’s Western Cape will supply renewable energy to mining firm Sibanye-Stillwater under a 20-year power purchase agreement, with completion expected by late 2026. AIIM is also developing the 144 MW Khangela Wind Facility, which will provide power to Richards Bay Minerals, reducing its carbon emissions by approximately 470,000 tons annually and covering 26% of its energy demand. In Ghana, through its subsidiary Cenpower Generation, AIIM is advancing the Kpone Independent Power Plant, strengthening energy security in one of Africa’s largest gold producers. 

AIIM is also expanding its logistics capabilities to support mining operations through partnerships and acquisitions. Collaborations with RATP Group and Alstom aim to modernize South Africa’s passenger and freight rail networks (https://apo-opa.co/4mBaB1U), enhancing the transportation of bulk minerals such as platinum group metals. Additionally, AIIM has acquired a minority interest in Incorp (https://apo-opa.co/4fCwUSO), an integrated logistics company managing critical port and storage assets in Kenya and Uganda. 

As African nations push for sustainable mining growth supported by robust infrastructure, AMW provides a vital platform for AIIM and other investors to connect with key stakeholders and accelerate the continent’s mineral industrialization journey. The conference runs alongside African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025, offering a comprehensive view of Africa’s energy and mining sectors. 

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

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Les African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 annonce les nominations pour les prix 2025, célébrant l’excellence dans le domaine de l’énergie en Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Les nominés pour les African Energy Week (AEW) : Invest in African Energy Awards ont été officiellement annoncées, célébrant l’excellence dans le domaine du pétrole, du gaz et des solutions énergétiques au sens large. Avec huit catégories couvrant l’ensemble du secteur énergétique africain et sa chaîne de valeur, les prix récompensent les entreprises et les projets qui transforment l’avenir énergétique de l’Afrique. Les lauréats seront annoncés lors du dîner de gala et de la cérémonie de remise des prix AEW : Invest in African Energy, qui se tiendront le mardi 30 septembre et réuniront des dirigeants des secteurs privé et public en l’honneur de l’innovation, de l’impact et du leadership.

AEW : Invest in African Energy est la plateforme de choix pour les opérateurs de projets, les financiers, les fournisseurs de technologies et les gouvernements, et s’est imposé comme le lieu officiel pour signer des accords dans le domaine de l’énergie en Afrique. Visitez le site www.AECWeek.com pour plus d’informations sur cet événement passionnant.

Leader ESG de l’année

  • SLB – pour son engagement à redéfinir la durabilité par des actions audacieuses sur le climat et l’impact sur la communauté.
  • TotalEnergies – pour son portefeuille élargi de produits à faible teneur en carbone et ses efforts pour atteindre la neutralité carbone d’ici 2030.
  • bp – pour sa transformation en une entreprise énergétique intégrée, intégrant les principes ESG dans toutes ses opérations en Afrique.
  • Eni – pour son approche intégrée des solutions décarbonées et du développement axé sur la communauté.
  • ExxonMobil – pour son engagement en faveur du développement durable à travers l’expansion de son initiative STEM Africa.

Fournisseur de services de l’année

  • Egbin Power – pour son rôle dans la croissance industrielle et économique du Nigeria.
  • NOV – pour son engagement à fournir des technologies et des services avancés qui soutiennent les développements dans les secteurs du pétrole, du gaz et des énergies renouvelables.
  • Technip Energies – pour sa volonté de transformer l’énergie africaine grâce à l’exécution de projets de pointe et à l’excellence de son ingénierie.
  • AGL – pour son rôle d’épine dorsale de la logistique énergétique en Afrique.
  • Northern Ocean – pour ses services dans le domaine du forage offshore de haute qualité, apportant une expertise en eaux très profondes et des actifs de classe mondiale dans les eaux africaines.
  • Odfjell Drilling – pour sa volonté d’étendre les services de forage et de puits offshore et pour son rôle dans plusieurs puits à fort impact en Afrique de l’Ouest et en Afrique australe.

Champion du potentiel local

  • Levene Energy Holdings – pour avoir établi une nouvelle référence en matière de développement énergétique mené par l’Afrique grâce à son engagement profond en faveur du potentiel local et de l’autonomisation.
  • Colibri Business Development – pour son rôle de lien vital entre les investisseurs mondiaux et les opportunités de potentiel local en Afrique.
  • Technip Energies – pour avoir intégré la valeur locale à chaque étape de ses projets africains.
  • Perenco – pour son engagement à faire du développement des talents locaux une pierre angulaire de sa philosophie d’entreprise.
  • EGLNG – pour sa contribution en tant que l’un des plus ardents défenseurs des capacités locales du pays.
  • Woodside – pour ses collaborations et son engagement à intégrer le développement des compétences à chaque étape du cycle de vie du projet.
  • Greater Tortue Ahmeyim – pour avoir établi la norme en matière de collaboration régionale et de développement du potentiel local.

Réformateur de l’année

  • Petroleum Commission of Ghana – pour sa recherche active d’investissements en amont par le biais d’une série de réformes réglementaires et d’incitations ciblées.
  • SANEDI – pour avoir favorisé la transition vers l’énergie propre en Afrique du Sud grâce à des programmes innovants qui encouragent l’efficacité.
  • Ministère des ressources pétrolières, Nigeria – pour avoir fait avancer l’un des programmes de réforme du secteur de l’énergie les plus ambitieux du pays depuis des décennies.
  • Ministère des ressources minérales, du pétrole et du gaz, Angola – pour avoir remodelé le secteur pétrolier et gazier de l’Angola grâce à des réformes audacieuses et à une politique tournée vers l’avenir.
  • Ministère du pétrole et du gaz, Libye – pour la mise en œuvre d’améliorations ciblées des politiques qui continuent à revitaliser les investissements dans l’ensemble du secteur de l’énergie.

Leader de l’année dans le domaine de l’exploration et de la production

  • Eni – pour des avancées significatives en matière d’exploration et de production au Ghana, en Côte d’Ivoire, en Namibie et en République du Congo en 2025.
  • Azule Energy – pour avoir franchi plusieurs étapes importantes, notamment la découverte d’un gisement de gaz offshore et le démarrage du FPSO Agogo, en 2025.
  • bp – pour ses efforts d’exploration dans le delta du Nil occidental en Égypte.
  • Nigeria National Petroleum Company – pour les efforts de prospection fructueux qui ont abouti à des découvertes majeures.
  • Rhino Resources – pour ses succès offshore en Namibie, notamment les découvertes de pétrole léger dans le bloc 2914A.

Opération de l’année

  • Banque africaine d’import-export – pour sa facilité de fonds de roulement de 1,35 milliard de dollars pour la raffinerie de pétrole et le complexe pétrochimique de Dangote.
  • Gabon Oil Company – pour l’acquisition, pour un montant de 307 millions de dollars, de l’ensemble du portefeuille gabonais de Tullow Oil.
  • bp – pour le lancement d’Arcius Energy, qui renforce le rôle de l’Égypte en tant que fournisseur régional stratégique d’énergie.
  • Vitol – pour l’acquisition d’une participation de 30 % dans le projet pétrolier et gazier Baleine en Côte d’Ivoire et d’une participation de 25 % dans le projet de GNL au Congo.

Projet RSE de l’année

  • ConocoPhillips – pour avoir joué un rôle moteur dans le projet d’élimination du paludisme sur l’île de Bioko, en Guinée équatoriale.
  • Chevron – pour avoir eu un impact durable en Afrique grâce à des programmes de développement axés sur les communautés.
  • Oando Energy Resources – pour son engagement communautaire renforcé grâce à des programmes axés sur l’autonomisation des jeunes, l’éducation et la protection de l’environnement.
  • Seplat Energy – pour avoir mis en place des programmes RSE transformateurs dans les domaines de l’éducation, de la santé et de la durabilité environnementale.

Stratégie de monétisation du gaz

  • DIXSTONE & Perenco Gabon – pour le lancement du premier projet de monétisation du gaz offshore du Gabon utilisant une solution FLNG.
  • EGLNG – pour avoir réussi à passer de la première phase à de nouvelles phases au Gas Mega Hub.
  • NLNG – pour l’extension du train 7 de l’usine de GNL du Nigeria, qui sera achevée à 80 % en 2025. 
  • Greater Tortue Ahmeyim – pour le démarrage de la production de la première phase, qui marque une étape vers la création d’un centre régional de GNL.
  • Otakikpo Joint Venture (Green Energy International & Lekoil) – pour l’inauguration d’une installation d’extraction de 12 millions de pieds cubes et d’une centrale de transformation du gaz en électricité de 20 MW au Nigeria. 

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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The African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Announces 2025 Award Nominees, Celebrating Excellence in African Energy

Source: APO

The nominees for the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies Awards have officially been announced, celebrating excellence in oil, gas and broader energy solutions. With eight categories covering the entire African energy sector and its value chain, the awards recognize companies and projects that are transforming Africa’s energy future. The award winners will be announced during the AEW: Invest in African Energies Gala Dinner & Award Ceremony – held on Tuesday 30 September and uniting leaders from across the private and public sector in honor of innovation, impact and leadership.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

ESG Leader of the Year

  • SLB – for its commitment to redefining sustainability through bold action on climate and community impact.
  • TotalEnergies – for its expanded low-carbon portfolio and efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
  • bp – for its transformation into an integrated energy company, embedding ESG principles across all operations in Africa.
  • Eni – for its integrated approach to decarbonized solutions and community-driven development.
  • ExxonMobil – for its commitment to sustainable development through the expansion of its STEM Africa Initiative.

Service Provider of the Year

  • Egbin Power – for its role in driving industrial and economic growth across Nigeria.
  • NOV – for its commitment to delivering advanced technologies and services that support oil, gas and renewable developments.
  • Technip Energies – for its drive to transform African energy through cutting-edge project execution and engineering excellence.
  • AGL – for its role as the backbone of energy logistics in Africa.
  • Northern Ocean – for its services in high-spec offshore drilling, bringing ultra-deepwater expertise and world-class assets to African waters.
  • Odfjell Drilling – for its push to expand offshore drilling and well services and role in several high-impact wells in West and Southern Africa.

Local Content Champion

  • Levene Energy Holdings – for setting a new benchmark for African-led energy development through its deep commitment to local content and empowerment.
  • Colibri Business Development – for its role as a vital link between global investors and African local content opportunities.
  • Technip Energies – for embedding local value into every stage of its African projects.
  • Perenco – for its commitment to local talent development remaining a cornerstone of its operating philosophy.
  • EGLNG – for its contributions as one of the country’s strongest champions of local capacity.
  • Woodside – for its collaborations and commitment to embedding skills development at every stage of the project lifecycle.
  • Greater Tortue Ahmeyim – for setting the standard for regional collaboration and local content development.

Reformer of the Year

  • Petroleum Commission of Ghana – for its active pursuit of upstream investment through a series of targeted regulatory reforms and incentives.
  • SANEDI – for driving South Africa’s clean energy transition through innovative programs that promote efficiency.
  • Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria – for advancing one of the country’s most ambitious energy sector reform programs in decades.
  • Ministry of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Angola – for reshaping Angola’s oil and gas sector through bold reforms and forward-looking policy.
  • Ministry of Oil and Gas, Libya – for its rollout of targeted policy improvements that continue to revitalize investment across the energy sector.

Exploration & Production Leader of the Year

  • Eni – for achieving significant exploration and production breakthroughs in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Namibia and the Republic of Congo in 2025.
  • Azule Energy – for delivering several milestones, including an offshore gas discovery and the start of the Agogo FPSO, in 2025.
  • bp – for its exploration efforts in Egypt’s West Nile Delta.
  • Nigeria National Petroleum Company – for successful exploration endeavors that yielded major discoveries.
  • Rhino Resources – for its offshore success in Namibia, including light oil discoveries in Block 2914A.

Deal of the Year

  • African Export-Import Bank – for its $1.35 billion working capital facility for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemical Complex.
  • Gabon Oil Company – for the $307 million acquisition of Tullow Oil’s entire Gabonese portfolio.
  • bp – for the launch of Arcius Energy, enhancing Egypt’s role as a strategic regional energy supplier.
  • Vitol – for its acquisition of a 30% interest in the Baleine oil and gas project in Ivory Coast and 25% stake in the Congo LNG project.

CSR Project of the Year

  • ConocoPhillips – for emerging as a driving force behind the Bioko Island Malaria Elimination Project in Equatorial Guinea.
  • Chevron – for making a lasting impact in Africa through community-driven development programs.
  • Oando Energy Resources – for its deepened community engagement through programs focused on youth empowerment, education and environmental protection.
  • Seplat Energy – for delivering transformative CSR programs in education, health and environmental sustainability.

Gas Monetization Strategy

  • DIXSTONE & Perenco Gabon – for the launch of Gabon’s first offshore gas monetization project using an FLNG solution.
  • EGLNG – for successfully advancing from phase one to new phases at the Gas Mega Hub.
  • NLNG – for the Train 7 expansion at the Nigeria LNG plant reaching 80% completion in 2025.  
  • Greater Tortue Ahmeyim – for the start of production at phase one, signaling a step towards creating a regional LNG hub.
  • Otakikpo Joint Venture (Green Energy International & Lekoil) – for the inauguration of a 12 million cubic feet extraction facility and 20 MW gas-to-power plant in Nigeria.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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The Future of FX in Africa: Stablecoins and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Trading Take Centre Stage

Source: APO

A new report titled “The Rise of OTC and Stablecoins: Africa’s Quiet FX Revolution” sheds light on a transformative shift in how cross-border transactions are conducted across Sub-Saharan Africa. The findings reveal a surge in the adoption of stablecoins and over-the-counter (OTC) cryptocurrency trading, signaling a major evolution in the region’s financial landscape.

The report created by TechCabal Insights, in collaboration with Quidax Technologies FZCO, combines proprietary data and interviews with market leaders to illustrate how stablecoins are reshaping settlement and liquidity flows on the continent.

The research shows that stablecoins now represent 43% of all cryptocurrency transactions in Sub-Saharan Africa, marking a significant increase from previous years. Global OTC crypto volumes surged by 106% year-over-year in 2024, with much of this growth driven by Africa-focused stablecoin activity. Nigeria emerged as a global leader, ranking second only to India in crypto transaction volumes, with over $59 billion processed last year. Ethiopia and Zambia also experienced remarkable expansion, each recording more than 100% year-over-year growth in stablecoin inflows, underscoring the momentum of adoption across diverse markets.

Businesses across Africa are increasingly turning to OTC desks (https://apo-opa.co/3JaIGro) and stablecoins to streamline cross-border payments, manage FX volatility, and access faster, more compliant settlement solutions. Far from being late to the party, the report available here (https://apo-opa.co/4mwqGWE) positions Africa as a pivotal frontier in the global digital finance revolution.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Quidax.

About Quidax:
Quidax is an African-founded cryptocurrency exchange (www.Quidax.io) that makes it easy for anyone to buy, sell, store and transfer cryptocurrencies. Quidax additionally enables OTC trading (https://apo-opa.co/3JaIGro) and gives fintechs the tools to offer cryptocurrency services to customers through a dedicated crypto API.

Quidax was officially launched in 2018 and has customers in over 70 countries.

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Government committed to keep American markets open for SA

Source: Government of South Africa

Government committed to keep American markets open for SA

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has made it clear that the South African government is pulling out all the stops to keep the American market open for South African goods.

This is amid the recent imposition of a 30% unilateral tariff by the United States (US) on South African exports.

“We will at the same time accelerate our efforts to diversify markets and build on the efforts we have put in place to ensure predictability in trade and leverage all our existing partnerships to secure markets for our products,” Tau said.

He was addressing the media in Pretoria on the outcomes of a Cabinet meeting held last week on the US tariffs, along with the Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen.

Tau said government has been implementing a response anchored on five key elements: continued engagement with the United States to secure a deal and reduce the tariffs; the diversification of exports to alternate markets; an economic response package to vulnerable companies and workers; trade defense against import surge and dumping; and demand side interventions.

“Cabinet has approved that South Africa submits a revised offer as a basis for negotiations with the US. The new offer builds on the previous offer submitted in May 2025. The new offer substantively responds to the issues the US has raised in the 2025 National Trade Estimates Report,” Tau said.

The Minister said the USA-Africa Trade Desk has informed government that it will be shipping containers of poultry and pork to South Africa in two weeks’ time, which is testimony that these issues have been resolved.

“The shipments will come from the states of Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina and Alabama through the Ports of New Orleans in Louisiana, Savanna in Georgia and Norfolk in Virginia,” Tau said.

Another significant request from the US was that South Africa consider reducing tariffs as a way to address the deficit and tariff disparity with the European Union due to the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.

“South Africa continues consultations with industry and in this regard, in consultation with other members of the Southern African Customs Union, will identify specific lines to respond to this request.

“The recent imposition of a 30% unilateral tariff by the United States on our exports is a significant policy shift that necessitates a clear and decisive response. South Africa has accelerated its diversification efforts of export markets and enhanced competitiveness to mitigate the economic impact of losing preferential trade access.

“We are committed to strengthening our relationships, particularly under the AfCFTA, to build regional resilience. 

“We will also continue the work we have started with our European partners towards enhancing our trade and investment relations in a manner that unlocks sustainable growth and development and entrenches South Africa in new supply-chains,” Tau said.

Tau said government was looking at Asia, including Japan, Vietnam and Thailand, the Middle East and India.

“We are pursuing these markets because we see growing demand, existing negotiations and a positive reception to South African products. 

“This is not just about trade numbers; it is directly linked to job protection. Diversification is about protecting rural livelihoods and sustainable agricultural growth for our people.

“To achieve this, government is deploying dedicated infrastructure for market expansion, including trade and agricultural attachés, increased export certification capacity and a concerted effort to align our biosecurity standards with the requirements of these new markets,” the Minister said.

Earlier this month, government said was creating an economic response package to address job losses and lessen the impact of the US’ decision to impose a 30% unilateral tariff on its imports. 

The package will include the establishment of an export support desk and a localisation fund.

In May, South Africa submitted a comprehensive and ambitious framework deal aimed at addressing trade deficits and promoting mutually beneficial relations. 

The tariffs took effect from 8 August 2025.

Tau said a high-level negotiation team, including both the dtic and the Department of Agriculture has been identified and is ready to engage the US towards a mutually beneficial agreement.

“Our goal is to demonstrate that South African exports do not pose a threat to US industries and that our trade relationship is, in fact, complementary,” Tau said.

Tau said the unilateral tariffs imposed by the United States of America do not only apply to South Africa.

“They also affect over 130 trading partners with whom American consumers and producers interact,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Report exposed electricity wires and illegal connections to save lives

Source: Government of South Africa

Report exposed electricity wires and illegal connections to save lives

Eskom has called on consumers to use electricity safely and report illegal connections as the power utility commemorates Electricity Safety Month.

According to Eskom Senior Manager for Health and Safety, Miranda Moahlodi, the power utility reported some “200 public injuries and fatalities” related to electricity.

“It is genuinely distressing to think that many electricity-related injuries and deaths go unreported to Eskom because communities feel compelled to protect the illegal connections responsible for these incidents.

“Furthermore, criminal activities are on the rise, evidenced by an increasing number of infrastructure vandalism cases, theft of electricity cables, and attacks on Eskom staff.

“We appeal to communities to help us curb the aggression and violence that Eskom employees are subjected to. Like everyone else, we also have families waiting for us at home after work,” Moahlodi noted.

The power utility urged communities to report exposed wires and illegal connections which “pose a serious threat to the safety of our community, infrastructure, and lives”.

“Poorly installed or tampered with electrical lines are among the leading causes of fires in informal settlements and residential areas. By reporting hazards early, we can prevent fires that devastate homes and disrupt people’s lives.

“Community safety is a collective effort. Each one of us has a part to play. If you notice a dangling/ low-hanging wire, an open electrical box, or unsafe connections running through trees, on the street or rooftops, please do not ignore it.

“Let us commit to regularly checking our electrical systems, reporting hazards, and adhering to safety guidelines. Most importantly, we must act swiftly and responsibly as soon as we identify a risk,” Eskom said.

Report crime and any illegal activities impacting Eskom’s infrastructure on Eskom’s Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22, send an email to eskom@whistleblowing.co.za or SMS 31090.

“Together, we can create safer homes, safer workplaces, and ultimately, a safer South Africa. Remember to contribute by reporting any illegal connections, exposed wires, or electrical wiring that appear dangerous to Eskom or your local municipality.

“By doing this, you could save a child’s life or the life of someone who is unaware of these dangers. Let us look out for each other and always practice electrical safety,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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Capitec, FNB partner with Home Affairs to deliver Smart IDs

Source: Government of South Africa

Capitec, FNB partner with Home Affairs to deliver Smart IDs

Capitec Bank and First National Bank (FNB) have signed up to the Department of Home Affairs’ new digital partnership model that aims to expand access to Smart ID and passport services.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, announced that the partnership will see the expansion of Smart ID and passport services from the existing 30 to hundreds more bank branches in urban and rural areas across South Africa.

It will further expand these services to digital banking applications.

“In fulfilment of the target set by Cabinet in the Medium-Term Development Plan, which tasks Home Affairs with expanding its services to 1 000 bank branches by 2029, the Director-General of the department, Mr Tommy Makhode, on 30 April 2025 wrote to
the Chief Executive Officers of ABSA, African Bank, TymeBank, Capitec Bank, Discovery Bank, First National Bank, Investec Bank, Nedbank, and Standard Bank, inviting them to join this transformative, digital-first new phase of the department’s existing collaboration with the banking sector,” explained the department.

It said the collaboration dates back more than a decade and has, until now, seen the successful delivery of Smart ID and passport services at only 30 branches across five different banks.

The original model relied on the costly duplication of Home Affairs staff and hardware inside bank branches and failed to take advantage of technology to dramatically expand services into all rural and urban areas where bank branches already exist, as well as onto secure banking apps that have come to be widely used across society.

The department said the new partnerships marked the beginning of the end for long travelling distances to reach Home Affairs services, for long queues, as well as for the Green ID book with its unacceptable vulnerability to fraud and identity theft.

It is also the next step in the new digital-first era of public service delivery that the Government of National Unity is building, said the department.

The Minister will visit Capitec and FNB this week to provide further information on how this reform will benefit all South Africans. On Tuesday, the Minister will visit Capitec Head Office in Stellenbosch and then on Wednesday he will visit FNB at the Portside Tower, in Cape Town.

“The department further reiterates its call for all other banks to similarly take up the invitation to work together, to ensure that all South Africans have access to Smart ID and passport services in their own communities.

“This reform marks a critical milestone on our journey to unlock the power of digital transformation to deliver Home Affairs @ home.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Janine

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Parolee denied bail for allegedly impersonating former Hawks Head 

Source: Government of South Africa

Parolee denied bail for allegedly impersonating former Hawks Head 

The Hatfield Magistrate’s Court has denied bail to parolee Thabo Enoch Theletsane, who is facing charges of fraud and allegedly impersonating former Hawks Head, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya.

Theletsane – who was out on parole after serving time for another fraud case – allegedly contacted a businessman on WhatsApp using Lebeya’s profile picture.

“[He] allegedly claimed his phone had been hacked and that the businessman would be contacted by ‘Mr. Mokoena’, purportedly a police officer from the cybercrime unit. Posing as ‘Mr. Mokoena,’ Theletsane allegedly told the businessman that his phone had been hacked and offered to ‘clean’ it. 

“He is accused of requesting the businessman’s frequently used contact numbers, which he then obtained. The accused allegedly asked the businessman to make a payment for a hard drive to store his information; however, this payment was not made,” the National Prosecuting Authority said in a statement.

According to the statement, Theletsane then contacted another complainant “using the numbers supplied by the businessman”.

“He allegedly told the second complainant that their phone had been hacked and requested a payment of R50 000 for a hard drive to store their information. The complainant paid the money. 

“After realising they had been defrauded, both victims reported the matter to the police on 01 November 2024,” the statement read.

Theletsane was arrested in May this year following an investigation and subsequently applied for bail on the basis that he is a father of seven with “another on the way to provide for”. 

“Prosecutor Dikeledi Moganyaka opposed the bail application and read into the record an affidavit by investigating officer Mpho Phantinah Dlamini. The affidavit stated that the accused had deliberately given a false address during the investigation and had two previous convictions for fraud and forgery from 2020, making him likely to reoffend if released.

“In delivering judgment, the magistrate agreed with the State that the accused has the propensity of committing crime since he is alleged to have committed the current offences just days after being released on parole. The court also found his claims about the parole board to be unsubstantiated and ruled that releasing him would not be in the interest of justice,” the statement said.

The case was postponed to September. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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eThekwini welcomes approval to develop new power generation capacity

Source: Government of South Africa

The eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba says the approval for the development of a new electricity generation capacity, marked a critical milestone in the city’s energy roadmap, aimed at diversifying energy sources, reducing reliance on the national grid, and improving energy security.  

The municipality has become the first metro in South Africa to receive ministerial approval to procure new electricity generation capacity directly from Independent Power Producers (IPPs), in what Xaba calls a “precedent-setting moment” for municipal-led energy transition.

Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has authorised the city to move ahead with its Municipal Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (MPPPP), which will add 400 megawatts (MW) to the local grid — 100MW from solar PV and 300MW from gas-to-power.

“We are not only celebrating the decision by the Minister of Electricity and Energy to authorise the city to develop new electricity generation capacity, but we are also affirming our commitment to lead South Africa’s energy transition in a way that is secure, inclusive, and sustainable.

“We are excited that we are the first metro in the country to receive this determination from the Minister to procure new electricity generation capacity directly from Independent Power Producers (IPPs). This is a precedent-setting moment that reinforces the constitutional role of municipalities in ensuring they deliver quality services,” Xaba said.

Energy roadmap and milestones

In line with its energy strategic road map, the municipality launched its energy strategy in 2021, to respond to the national energy crisis.

As a result, the council resolved to initiate its own electricity procurement programme, through the Municipal Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (MPPPP).

Xaba noted that the decision was driven not only by necessity, but by a forward-looking vision of building a decentralised, diversified, and resilient municipal energy system.

“By July 2021, we issued a technology-agnostic Request for Information (RFI) to the market, targeting 400 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy. This move allowed us to engage industry stakeholders, assess investment appetite, and lay the groundwork for meaningful public-private partnerships.

“A year later, our 400 MW business case received full endorsement from the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government. Subsequently, the National Treasury approved the project, positioning eThekwini as a national pioneer in municipal-led power procurement,” Xaba said.

The municipality convened the first Energy Transformation Summit in 2023, with key public and private stakeholders, reaffirming their commitment to a reliable, low-carbon, inclusive energy future.

A Section 34 Determination application was formally submitted and received the full attention of the Minister, and by October 2024, the Minister issued the draft Section 34 determination to National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), which launched public participation in March 2025.

Section 34 Determination outlines the procurement of new electricity generation capacity or transmission infrastructure to ensure a reliable electricity supply. NERSA then reviews the determination and provides its concurrence (or not) based on its regulatory mandate.

The final approval of the Ministerial Determination gives the city the green light to move to the next phase of the Request for Proposals (RFP).

According to the municipality, the programme will allow the eThekwini Municipality to procure 400 MW of new generation capacity (100 MW Solar PV and 300 MW Gas to Power (GTP), with a focus on dispatchable, reliable, and low-carbon energy technologies.

“Our energy strategy is embedded in our Integrated Development Plan (IDP), which is a legislated planning and performance management instrument. The inclusion of our energy mix in the IDP ensures that our power procurement is directly tied to broader development outcomes, job creation, economic growth, climate change and spatial transformation,” the mayor emphasised.

Xaba reassured the city’s ratepayers that the programme is financially sound, with preliminary modelling indicating that it would save the municipality approximately R5 billion over the duration of the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), translating to around R250 million in annual savings.

“These are savings we can redirect to the upgrading of infrastructure for basic services that will directly benefit our residents. Furthermore, this programme is catalytic as it is projected to unlock R8.5 billion in private investment and boost regional industrial activity.

“Most importantly, it will create an estimated 2 200 jobs during construction and operation phases. This initiative will also empower small businesses and promote inclusive enterprise and supplier development,” he said.

On energy security and environmental sustainability, Xaba said once fully operational, the new capacity will reduce eThekwini’s reliance on the national grid by 18%, significantly cushioning the city from up to Stage 3 load shedding.

“During this period our economy can stay productive, our hospitals, schools and police stations will continue operating without any disruption. The project supports both our Climate Action Plan and South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

“It is expected to avoid 250 000 tonnes of CO₂ [carbon dioxide] -equivalent emissions annually, a significant step towards achieving a just transition and low-carbon emissions.”

Procurement rollout process

The mayor also highlighted that the procurement will be rolled out in phases, with the RFP for Solar PV planned to be issued in December this year, while the construction expected by September 2027.

“The Gas-to-Power RFP will follow in 2026 and the details of which will be communicated in due course. This staggered approach allows us to align with demand profiles, strengthen local capacity, and manage implementation risks responsibly,” the mayor explained. –  SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Airtel, Vodacom sign network infrastructure agreement to drive digital inclusion

Source: APO

Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group (www.Vodacom.com) have announced a strategic infrastructure sharing agreement in key markets including Mozambique, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), subject to regulatory approvals in the various countries. 

The agreement marks a transformative milestone in promoting digital inclusion and expanding access to reliable connectivity across Africa. 

The initial partnership focuses on sharing fibre networks and tower infrastructure, to accelerate the roll-out of digital services in these markets, increasing connectivity for customers while reducing operators’ infrastructure costs and improving speed to market. 

By leveraging existing infrastructure, the collaboration aims to deliver improved connectivity, faster internet speeds, and more reliable services. This will not only enhance customer experience but also assist with providing access to digital services for a broader population, particularly those in underserved areas, helping to bridge the digital divide in Africa. 

Vodacom Group’s chief executive officer Shameel Joosub said: “Providing connectivity to empower people is at the core of our strategy. Our partnership with Airtel Africa is a proactive step forward in creating a sustainable, inclusive, and connected digital future for the continent.  

Through infrastructure sharing, we can provide cost-effective services to more people, more rapidly, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age. As we fulfil our ambition to connect 260 million customers by 2030, the need for scalable and cost-efficient network solutions becomes increasingly significant 

This partnership provides us with the opportunity to narrow the digital divide, empowering more individuals and communities through digitalisation across the continent. It is aligned with our purpose to connect for a better future,” concludes Joosub.  

Airtel Africa’s chief executive officer Sunil Taldar said: “This partnership is aligned with our unwavering commitment to delighting our customers by always making our network available to them even in the remotest locations. Working with Vodacom, we will open greater access to digital and financial opportunities which will transform the lives of our customers while complying with all regulatory requirements. 

Even as competitors, it has become a business imperative for us to collaborate in the provision of critical infrastructure required to build resilient network with strong capacity to support the emerging digital technologies as well as the growing need for data-enabled products and services. 

Accelerating the deployment of fibre connectivity is a key enabler in the acceleration of 4G and 5G technologies in Africa to deliver the high-speed, low-latency, and reliable connections needed for modern digital applications.  

This partnership allows for further opportunities for both operators to enhance network performance, extend coverage, and increase mobile, fixed, and financial services leveraging a broader footprint on the continent.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vodacom Group.

Airtel Africa:
Emeka Oparah 
Vice-President Communications & CSR 
Emeka.oparah@africa.airtel.com    

Hudson Sandler 
Cosmas Butunyi, Eugene Ng’ang’a 
airtelafrica@hudsonsandler.com    

Vodacom Group:  
Byron Kennedy 
Executive Head of Media Relations 
Mediarelations@vodacom.co.za  

Khensani Mthombeni 
Principal Specialist for Corporate Media Relations 
Khensani.Mthombeni@vodacom.co.za

About Airtel Africa:
Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with operations in 14 countries across sub-Saharan Africa. Airtel Africa’s integrated offer provides national and international mobile voice and data services as well as mobile money services to approximately 170 million customers. The company’s strategy is focused on delivering a great customer experience across the entire footprint and increasing digital and financial inclusion to transform lives across Africa, in line with our corporate purpose.   

For more information, please visit www.Airtel.Africa or connect with us on LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/47paCSg).  

About Vodacom Group:
Vodacom Group is a leading and purpose-led African connectivity, digital and financial services company. The Group, serves over 211.3 million customers and 87.7 million financial services customers, including Safaricom. From our roots in South Africa, we have grown our business to include operations in the DRC, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Our mobile networks cover a total population of over 500 million people. Vodacom Group is majority-owned by Vodafone (65.1% holding), one of the world’s largest communications companies by revenue. 

For more information, please visit www.Vodacom.com or connect with us on LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/45AUVFh). 

  

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