Category: MIL-OSI

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Matric support programme to bridge gap to higher education

Source: Government of South Africa

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, has officially launched the Matric Support Programme, aimed at equipping matriculants with information and resources to navigate the transition into the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector.

Launched at Mthingwevu High School in Cofimvaba, Eastern Cape, on Wednesday, the programme forms part of Gondwe’s broader vision of making higher education more accessible. especially for learners in rural areas.

The programme is designed to empower Grade 12 learners with essential information on available study options and funding opportunities, amongst others, to ensure they are well-prepared before entering the higher learning institutions.

The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), and the National Skills Fund (NSF).

The Deputy Minister’s office helpdesk will also play a role in providing direct support and guidance to learners.

Addressing the learners and community during the launch, Gondwe encouraged Grade 12 learners to explore various opportunities available in the PSET system.

“While you are still in matric, you can apply to any of our 50 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges and our 26 universities. After matric, you even have the option to enrol for a skills development programme under the auspices of any of our 21 SETAs.

“What I am saying is that whether you want to become a teacher, a doctor, a plumber, an entrepreneur or even an Information Technology (IT) technician, there is a pathway for you in the higher education and training sector. The future is full of possibilities, start planning your next move today,” the Deputy Minister said.

She also reminded learners that education is more than just a personal achievement, “it is a tool to break intergenerational poverty.”

In addition to the launch, Grade 12 learners received school stationery packs and sanitary towels – part of the department’s effort to support and motivate learners.

Gondwe will on Thursday launch the programme at Jiba High School in Lusikisiki. – SAnews.gov.za

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Have your say on draft plastic pollution regulations

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has published draft regulations for comment that are aimed at prohibiting the production, distribution, sale, import, and export of plastic microbeads and products containing them.

The regulations underscore South Africa’s commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems, rivers, and soils from the pervasive harm caused by these non-biodegradable pollutants, which often enter waterways through wastewater and accumulate in food chains.

“This is a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to protect South Africa’s precious natural heritage from the scourge of plastic pollution. Plastic microbeads may be small, but their impact on our oceans and wildlife is immense. 

“By banning them, we are not only preserving biodiversity but also ensuring a healthier future for generations to come. I urge all stakeholders to engage with this process and help shape regulations that truly make a difference,” the Minister said on Thursday.

The proposed regulations, issued under the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), seek to eliminate the use of plastic microbeads – tiny solid plastic particles smaller than five millimetres commonly found in cosmetics, personal care items, pesticides, toiletries, and other products. 

Once enacted, the rules will impose a blanket prohibition on these microbeads, with provisions for monitoring, evaluation, and strict penalties for non-compliance, including fines up to R10 million or imprisonment for up to 20 years in cases of repeated offences.

A transitional phase allows existing stocks to be phased out over 24 months, requiring affected parties to notify the Director-General and submit phase-out plans. 

The public has been invited to submit written comments on the draft regulations within 30 days from the date of publication in the Government Gazette. 

Submissions can be sent by post to the Director-General, Attention: Mr Jeremia Sibande, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001; by hand at Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria; or by email to jsibande@dffe.gov.za. For inquiries, contact 082 302 6907.

The draft regulations will soon be available for download at www.dffe.gov.za  or can be obtained directly from the department. Comments received after the closing date may not be considered.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said it is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and conserving South Africa’s natural resources for the benefit of all. –SAnews.gov.za

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DIRCO objects to the abuse of the national symbol with ‘non-state actor’

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has expressed its strong objection and concern regarding the recent visit of former South African President Jacob Zuma, an eminent leader and head of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. 

This is after he visited the Kingdom of Morocco and met with Nasser Bourita, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates in Rabat on 15 July 2025.

“While we respect the sovereign right of Morocco to invite individuals and groups, DIRCO, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of South Africa, strongly protests the use of South African national symbols, in this instance the use of the South African National Flag, in the meeting between Mr Jacob Zuma and the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco,” the statement read. 

According to DIRCO, using the South African National Flag during a meeting with a member of an opposition political party, which is considered a non-State actor, is an abuse of established protocol and decorum. 

In addition, the department said this practice undermines the official bilateral relations between South Africa and Morocco.

“South Africa has indicated to the Kingdom of Morocco that the display of national symbols inherently conveys official State endorsement and elevates the perception of the encounter to that of a state-to-state engagement. This characterisation is inconsistent with established diplomatic protocol, as the participants did not represent the official positions or engagements of the South African State. 

“Consequently, this portrayal cannot be recognised as an official bilateral meeting, and the implications drawn from it are firmly rejected.” 

Meanwhile, the department said government holds the firm view that the use of its national symbols in contexts implying official State endorsement of non-governmental engagements is “inappropriate, irrespective of the setting“. 

“In the spirit of fostering and maintaining cordial and friendly bilateral relations, and consistent with the fundamental principles of mutual respect between sovereign States and non-interference in internal affairs, South Africa respectfully encourages the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco to refrain from such actions. 

“Upholding these shared principles is essential for the continued positive development of relations between our two nations.” – SAnews.gov.za 

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SANDF expresses concern over the sharing of obscene material 

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 7, 2025

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has expressed concern over the increasing trend of uniformed members posting obscene photos and videos on their personal social media accounts while wearing military uniforms.

“While the SANDF respects the personal freedoms of its members, the public display of such content, particularly explicit, suggestive, or inappropriate, undermines the dignity of the uniform and the values of the SANDF. 

“The SANDF wishes to remind all members that their conduct, both on and off duty, reflects directly on the integrity and discipline of the force. In light of the recent incident, the SANDF strongly condemn the misuse of our uniform by publishing or sharing explicit photographic or video material on personal social media platforms while in uniform,” the statement read. 

According to the SANDF, such actions are “strictly” prohibited and constitute a serious breach of military discipline, professional ethics and the SANDF Code of Conduct. 

“Members are expected to uphold the highest standards of behaviour and to preserve the dignity of the uniform they wear.” 

The Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, along with the entire Military Command Council, issued a firm warning to all SANDF members. 

They made it clear that such conduct is a criminal offence under military law and will not be tolerated or go unpunished within the SANDF. 

“Any misuse of the uniform in public or online spaces is considered a criminal act under the Military Discipline Code,” the SANDF said on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za

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VUKA Group welcomes Alex Searle as Head of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Enablement & Human Systems

Source: APO

VUKA Group (www.WeAreVUKA.com) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Searle, a 4× founder, community builder, communications & AI advisor and speaker, as its new consultant Head of AI Enablement & Human Systems.

The creation of this role takes place at a critical inflection point in the conferencing and media sector, where the impact of AI-driven automation, shifting audience expectations and exponential technologies is rapidly transforming how events are conceived, produced and experienced.

Alex and CEO David Ashdown first collaborated across South African ventures nearly 10 years ago, where their shared passion for exponential technologies and the power of human-centered AI was first born.

‘All business, irrelevant of industry verticals are at the point of disruption, and that is driven by the role of AI. It has become very real to me that if we fail to embrace AI now, we risk becoming obsolete, and I will not allow that to happen to VUKA Group’ says David Ashdown. ‘That sounds like a strong statement, but I observe the world around me, and the approach to business is evolving fast and it’s driven by technology. I have been in the conference industry for over 25 years and for 23 of those years we have seen incremental change in operating process. In contrast, in the last 2 years we have witnessed exponential shifts in how we operate and the Board at VUKA Group has made a conscious decision to accelerate AI adoption and redeploy our human capital around a balanced blend of human and digital capability. It is critical to our evolution. This allows our people to focus on what they do best: creating the space for connection and innovation to flourish.’

VUKA Group’s digital transformation now has an existential purpose: to harness AI as an opportunity – not a threat – to cement its position as Africa’s leading conferencing and media innovator.

Alex’s appointment is a clear reflection of the VUKA Group’s commitment to defining its own digital future rather than being subjected to external forces. Guided by the exponential models and principles of Open ExO, Alex will spearhead this ambitious transformation. Ashdown comments ‘I am grateful that Alex joins us at this critical time, and I know he will create a deployment model that blends human skills with AI platforms that change the nature of work output. Alex is passionate about the importance of humanising AI and we are excited to work with him.’

‘I’m genuinely thrilled to join VUKA at this pivotal moment,’ adds Alex. ‘Together, we’ll harness AI to amplify human creativity, reimagine how events are experienced and build a future-proof playbook that keeps VUKA and its clients many steps ahead in a rapidly evolving world.’ t: +27 21 700 3500 f: +27 21 700 3501 e: info@wearevuka.com w: www.WeAreVUKA.com

From introducing new AI tools and interconnecting rich organisational intelligence to embedding AI fluency as a core business capability, this new initiative will ensure that every team benefits from greater consistency, better time management and higher-quality output – all of which will translate into more impactful conference & exhibition experiences.

As the founder of Humble Mind, Alex also comes with rich strategy and execution experience across communications, media, community-building. He is the host of The Humble Mind Podcast, which has welcomed CEO David Ashdown and Dominic Wilhelm, Executive Director, of The Global Trust Project (a VUKA Group venture)

A respected thought leader with a substantial LinkedIn following, Alex advises on the human-AI synthesis driving leadership, company culture, trust and how the elements come together to drive outcomes.

‘I’m confident that, together, we will evolve our business model, empower our teams and coach our people to be career secure in an evolving disrupted marketplace. We are confident AI will further contribute to creating unforgettable experiences across Africa and beyond for our attendees and trusted clients.’ notes David Ashdown.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group connects people and organisations to information and each other, across Africa’s energy, mining, infrastructure, mobility, green economy and technology sectors through innovative events, content, and strategic networking. By integrating industry introductions, curated events, and digital engagement, the group empowers businesses to navigate complex markets, forge valuable connections, and drive sustainable success.

Venture partners to The Global Trust Project, Founders of WomenIN empowerment platform and leaders of NPO, Go Green Africa. The VUKA Group’s diverse portfolio acts to contribute to its purpose of ‘Connecting Africa to the World’s Best, to Influence Sustainable Progress’

Discover more at www.WeAreVUKA.com

About Alex Searle:
Alex Searle is a 4x entrepreneur, speaker, community builder and advisor in human-AI collaboration, communication and community-building. Known for empowering leaders and organisations to harness AI effectively without losing sight of human strengths, Alex’s approach combines practical tools with curiosity-driven innovation.

He is also the founder of Humble Mind, which is a community-building consultancy that helps individual professionals and organisations cultivate high-value online communities built around social learning and meaningful connection.

Learn more at: https://Alex-Searle.com/ https://HumbleMind.co/

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Evaluation des contrats d’objectifs 2025 : un taux d’exécution de 49,15% pour le ministre Yacouba Gouba

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le ministre de l’Énergie, des Mines et des Carrières, Yacouba Zabré Gouba, s’est présenté devant le Premier ministre, M. Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, ce mercredi 6 août 2025, pour l’évaluation de la mise en œuvre de son contrat d’objectifs. À l’issue de la séance, le ministre a indiqué que son contrat d’objectifs a été exécuté à hauteur de 49,15 %, pour une cible fixée à 50 %, au premier semestre 2025.

Ce résultat, jugé « assez satisfaisant » par le ministre, s’appuie sur plusieurs acquis enregistrés dans les secteurs de l’énergie, des mines et des carrières.

En matière de sécurisation de l’offre énergétique, le ministre a précisé que les travaux de construction des centrales thermiques de Kaya, Koudougou, Ouahigouya et Komsilga ont été poursuivis, renforçant ainsi les centrales thermiques déjà en service et portant la capacité de production à un peu plus de 800 MW. Il a également annoncé que plus de 41 000 abonnés ont été raccordés au réseau électrique au 30 juin 2025. Par ailleurs, les discussions dans le cadre du développement du programme électronucléaire ont été poursuivies.

Dans les secteurs des mines et carrières, les acquis portent notamment sur l’opérationnalisation des réformes du Code minier et du contenu local adoptées en juillet 2024. « Nous avons mis en œuvre l’essentiel des réformes issues du Code minier et du contenu local, ainsi que leurs textes d’application. Des avenants aux conventions minières en cours d’exécution ont été signés avec l’ensemble des sociétés minières. En outre, plus de 20 tonnes d’or issues de l’artisanat et des exploitations semi-mécanisées ont été collectées à la date du 30 juin », a-t-il souligné.

Pour le second semestre, le ministre Gouba réaffirme son engagement à accélérer la mise en œuvre des réformes, avec l’ambition de renforcer durablement les secteurs de l’énergie, des mines et des carrières, et ainsi contribuer de manière significative à l’amélioration des conditions de vie des populations burkinabè.

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

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Evaluation des contrats d’objectifs 2025 : Dr Aboubakar NACANABO atteint un taux d’exécution de 54,10%

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Premier ministre, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, a procédé ce mercredi 6 août 2025 à l’évaluation à mi-parcours du contrat d’objectifs du ministre de l’Économie et des Finances, Dr Aboubakar Nacanabo. Au 30 juin 2025, le taux de réalisation de ce contrat s’établit à 54,10 %, témoignant d’une bonne dynamique et de résultats significatifs engrangés.

Le contrat d’objectifs du ministre s’articule autour de cinq axes majeurs : le pilotage de l’économie, la mobilisation des ressources, la gestion des comptes, l’audit, et la sauvegarde des intérêts de l’État. Ces axes comprennent 28 actions prioritaires et 66 extrants.

‎Parmi les acquis du premier semestre, le ministre a cité le lancement de FASO ARZEKA, une plateforme permettant d’effectuer en ligne les paiements liés à toutes les opérations administratives ; la plateforme SYCAD, qui dématérialise les opérations foncières ; ainsi que la plateforme SECOP, un espace regroupant l’ensemble des informations et pièces nécessaires aux soumissionnaires des marchés publics.

‎En matière de mobilisation des ressources, Dr Nacanabo a souligné la collecte de 1 487 milliards de F CFA au premier semestre, soit 99,7 % des objectifs fixés, auxquels s’ajoutent 101 milliards de F CFA mobilisés pour le Fonds de soutien patriotique (FSP). Il a également annoncé la création d’une société de transit dédiée aux opérations stratégiques pour l’État.

‎Ces initiatives s’inscrivent dans l’objectif de réaliser, d’ici la fin de l’année, « un taux de croissance de 6 %, avec une inflation maîtrisée autour de 3 % et un recouvrement des recettes à un niveau record », a précisé le ministre.

‎Dr Nacanabo a salué « l’engagement de tous les collaborateurs et la bonne collaboration avec les autres ministres », rappelant que l’économie nationale dépend de l’action conjuguée de tous les secteurs.

‎Pour le second semestre, le ministre a annoncé la poursuite du financement des petites et moyennes entreprises (PME) à travers les différents guichets du ministère, que ce soit au niveau du Fonds burkinabè de développement économique et social (FBDES) ou de l’Agence nationale de la finance inclusive. Il prévoit également de renforcer la mobilisation des ressources et de poursuivre les réformes, notamment en matière de digitalisation, de gestion foncière et de pilotage économique. Il a enfin mentionné l’étude nationale prospective Burkina post-2025, en cours de finalisation, ainsi que l’élaboration de la politique nationale de développement.

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

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Uganda: Member of Parliament (MP) demand govt action on roads and road safety amid accidents

Source: APO


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The country’s poor state of road infrastructure and rising fatalities dominated the plenary sitting in Parliament, with MPs demanding urgent action from government to address funding gaps, stalled road works and worsening road safety conditions.

During plenary on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, led the call for a more proactive and comprehensive approach to both road maintenance and safety, following a series of tragic road accidents including one along the Hoima–Buliisa Road in Kigorobya on Tuesday night that claimed the lives of at least 20 traders and left others injured.

“As we strive to improve the state of roads, we should also emphasise road safety,” said Among.

She cited the 2024 Annual Crime Report by the Uganda Police Force, which recorded 25,107 road crashes and 25,808 casualties. Among warned that unsafe road conditions combined with reckless behaviour and weak enforcement have created a deadly combination.

Lawmakers expressed alarm over the state of roads across the country, citing dilapidated stretches, stalled projects, delayed compensation, and failure by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) to utilise allocated budgets.

Kyaka Central MP Hon. Bright Amooti lamented the state of the Kyegegwa–Kakumiro Road, where over 15 trucks remain parked due to impassable conditions.

“That road has been controlled by the Fort Portal station of UNRA and it is no longer in action,” he said.

Hon. Gorreth Namugga (NUP, Mawogola South) demanded immediate funding for critical needs, including Shs1.1 trillion in arrears and Shs850 billion for periodic maintenance.

“We are here for money. We are not here to lament,” she stressed.

Responding to the concerns, Minister for Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, warned of escalating fiscal losses if the maintenance backlog is not addressed urgently.

“Rehabilitation costs about Shs2.59 billion per kilometer, three times the cost of periodic maintenance. Failure to act could result in a preventable loss of up to Shs180 billion,” Katumba said.

He revealed the Ministry faces a Shs2.472 trillion funding gap for the financial year 2025/2026, including Shs1.071 trillion in arrears and Shs443 billion needed for land acquisition. As of July 2025, 27 road projects; 18 government-funded and nine donor-supported—have stalled or slowed due to delayed payments and lack of counterpart funding.

Contractors, he added, have now been engaged for roads including Mityana–Mubende, Nebbi–Arua, Ishaka–Mbarara, and Mpondwe. In response to complaints about Kyegegwa–Kyenjojo Road, a road unit previously working on Jinja Road has been redeployed to rehabilitate the affected stretch.

Speaker Among, however, raised broader concerns about road quality and Uganda’s dependency on external funding.

“Most roads we have do not last. And by the time we are rehabilitating them, we are still paying loans for their construction,” she said, referencing a recent presidential directive against over-reliance on donor financing.

Among listed several once functional roads now in disrepair including Mityana–Mubende, Mukono–Jinja, Ibanda–Mbarara and Mbarara–Ishaka, and revealed that President Museveni had directed the Minister of Finance to allocate Shs3.2 trillion specifically for these roads.

Minister Katumba also noted that 23 regional stations had become operational following staff absorption issues, and these are expected to bolster ongoing road maintenance efforts.

The conversation quickly turned to road safety, with MPs warning that poor infrastructure, reckless driving, inadequate signage, and unregulated transport systems were exacerbating the crisis.

Kalungu West MP, Hon. Joseph Ssewungu, called on the Committee on Physical Infrastructure to prioritise road markings and signage to improve visibility, especially at night.

Rakai District Woman MP, Hon. Juliet Kinyamatama, proposed the development of a more affordable and reliable transportation system for traders, blaming current business transport costs for dangerous improvisation.

State Minister for Internal Affairs, Hon. David Muhoozi, acknowledged serious gaps in road safety enforcement and promised a multi-faceted strategy.

“There are good traffic officers, but also bad apples. We are considering a road safety inspection unit and expanding CCTV coverage to monitor rogue behaviour,” he told the House.

Speaker Among said that it is now Parliament’s role to make a follow-up and ensure that the issue of the roads are worked on.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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Joburg Mayor appoints MMCs 

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has appointed Councillor Loyiso Masuku as Finance Member of Mayor Committee (MMC) following the election of former MMC Margaret Arnolds as the Speaker of Council.

Masuku leaves her role as MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services.

“In this regard, the Executive Mayor has officially appointed…Councillor Sithembiso Zungu as the new MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services.

“These appointments are crucial as the City seeks to strengthen financial governance, uphold fiscal discipline, and enhance revenue collection to serve its residents better,” the Mayor’s office said in a statement on Wednesday.

The office reiterated Morero’s commitment to “fostering stability, which is essential for maintaining productivity and labour harmony within Johannesburg”. 

“This dedication positions the City as a high-performing organisation that is responsive, professional, and attuned to the needs of its residents.

“The Executive Mayor believes that the leadership, experience, and commitment to public service demonstrated by these appointees will significantly contribute to the success of the administration’s service delivery agenda, facilitating the implementation of the City’s turnaround plan as we collectively work towards building the Johannesburg we envision,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA raises concern over arrival of “dangerous criminals” to Eswatini

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Government has raised concerns with the Kingdom of Eswatini over the arrival of dangerous criminals to that landlocked country and the impact it would have on South Africa’s national security.

“South Africa has raised concerns with the Kingdom of Eswatini following confirmation by the acting spokesperson of the Government, Mrs Thabile Mdluli, that a group of dangerous criminals of various nationalities landed in Eswatini after being transported from the United States of America on a special flight with the potential of more criminals of this profile to follow,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said.

The department said that the arrival of this group was accompanied by a notification from the United States Department of Homeland Security that this group, consisting of individuals from several countries, includes some who have been convicted of serious offenses and crimes and have been deported from the United States and have now arrived in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Reports indicate that these criminals were deported to Eswatini after attempts to send the men from Laos, Cuba, Jamaica, Vietnam, and Yemen back to their own countries were rejected. 

“DIRCO, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of South Africa, noted the aforementioned statement wherein Eswatini and the United States indicated that they would collaborate with the International Organisation for Migration to facilitate the transit of these inmates to their countries of origin. 

“DIRCO also noted that the countries of origin of these deportees are unlikely to receive them,” the statement read. 

While respecting the decision of the Government of Eswatini, South Africa expressed deep concern about “the profile of these individuals and the potential adverse impact on South Africa’s national security and immigration policy, given the geographical proximity between the two sisterly countries”. – SAnews.gov.za