Category: MIL-OSI

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7,500 African Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to Receive Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Trade Skills Through New Google and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat Programme

Source: APO – Report:

Thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria and the African continent can now gain critical AI and digital skills to expand their businesses and trade continent-wide. Google and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat have launched the ‘AfCFTA Digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Programme,’ a new, free training initiative powered by the Google Hustle Academy.

Small businesses are the backbone of Africa’s economy, generating nearly 80% of jobs across the continent. This programme is designed to close the digital skills gap by providing entrepreneurs with AI-powered solutions and localized training that addresses the real-world demands of today’s market. The initiative will build on the success of the Google Hustle Academy, which has supported over 18,000 SMEs across Africa since 2022.

H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, commented on the partnership’s significance. “The Programme aligns with the transformative goal of the AfCFTA, particularly outlined in the Protocol on Digital Trade and the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, to position MSMEs, women, youth, persons with disabilities, rural farmers, and other stakeholders as key drivers and beneficiaries of the AfCFTA.  It  is the demonstration of our commitment to fostering digital inclusion and empowering MSMEs to trade under the AfCFTA using digital technologies.”

“Technology is a powerful equalizer, and this partnership is about providing thousands of African entrepreneurs with the practical tools and knowledge to unlock new opportunities,” said Charles Murito, Google’s Regional Director for Government Affairs and Public Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa. “By focusing on critical areas like AI, e-commerce, and cross-border trade, we’re helping to build a more connected and prosperous digital ecosystem across the continent. This is a testament to our ongoing commitment to Africa’s vibrant and dynamic business community.”

A Curriculum for Continental Growth

The training focuses on action-oriented learning through three core modules, and will be delivered in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese to ensure accessibility for entrepreneurs across Africa.

  • Cross-Border Digital Trade: Co-created with the AfCFTA Secretariat, this module turns policy into practice. Entrepreneurs will learn to find new markets, adapt products, and master the logistics of cross-border payments and shipping.
  • Cloud for Small Businesses: This module focuses on using cloud tools to boost efficiency and cut costs. Participants get hands-on training with Google Workspace for teamwork and Google Cloud for secure operations.
  • AI for Productivity: This module provides practical skills to scale a business using AI. Entrepreneurs will learn to use tools like Google Gemini to automate tasks, create marketing content, and analyze customer data.

UpSkill Universe, a leading digital skills training provider, will manage the programme delivery. “Entrepreneurs across Africa are already driving change. We recognise the challenges they face, from the rise of AI to shifting customer behaviours,” said Gori Yahaya, CEO of UpSkill Universe. “This collaboration ensures we can equip businesses with the practical tools and technologies they need to grow, scale, and thrive.”

Eligibility and Application Details

Applications for the programme are now open. The initiative is designed for SMEs that have been in operation for at least six months and are based in selected AfCFTA member states, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Namibia, Zambia, Angola, Mozambique, Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco.

Training is scheduled to begin in November, 2025, and will run in 25 cohorts through June 2026.

Interested SMEs can find more information and apply by visiting: https://apo-opa.co/47MJNY8

– on behalf of UpSkill Universe.

Media Contact:
Media Relations
press@upskilluniverse.com

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Japan and African Development Bank roll out Africa-Asia (A-A) Platform to boost youth entrepreneurship and innovation

Source: APO – Report:

The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) on Friday announced the roll-out of a new initiative, the Africa-Asia (A-A) Platform, dedicated to the promotion of knowledge transfer between Africa and Asia. This platform will ensure a reciprocal exchange of technology and innovation between the two continents.

Download document: https://apo-opa.co/4i1AgzQ

A ceremony to mark the roll-out was held at the United Nations University in Tokyo. The event was attended by Dr Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group, Prof. Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, and Dr. Teruo Fujii, President of the University of Tokyo. The African Development Bank hosted the event with the support of the two universities.

The platform, which is supported by the Policy and Human Resource Development Grant (PHRDG) – Japan’s trust fund within the African Development Bank – comprises several key components. They include the establishment of an Africa-Asia knowledge partnership; development of knowledge dialogue supporting initiatives in both private and public sectors in Africa, and strengthening of individual and institutional research capacity through the promotion of inter-university networking and research.

The ceremony follows as an outcome of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) held in Yokohama, Japan in August 2025, under the theme ‘Co-create innovative solutions with Africa’, which aligns with the platform’s emphasis on knowledge sharing.

The principals of the institutions shared their reactions.

Dr Ould Tah: “The Africa-Asia Platform for New Public-Private Partnership Initiatives which we are launching today, represents the next frontier of our collaboration. The success of this pilot project will serve as crucial proof of the viability and impact of linking Africa and Asia through innovative partnerships.”

He added: “By positioning our youth as drivers of innovation and entrepreneurship, anchored by robust public-private partnerships, we are building an attractive African market, to promote investments, create quality jobs, address the root causes of unsafe migration and insecurity while fostering a secure and prosperous future.”

Prof Peterson: “Partnerships between Asian and African countries present an ideal model in which public and private actors on both continents collaborate, co-create and drive innovation. Whilst significant geographic and institutional distances remain between Asian and African actors, universities are strategically positioned to bridge these gaps. Universities are best positioned to play this role through their capacity for inter- and transdisciplinary knowledge production, local and global networks, and their role as convenors.”

Dr Teruo Fujii: “The Africa–Asia Platform will serve as a foundation for knowledge exchange—linking researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. It will promote new business partnerships, joint research on public policy, and opportunities for students and young professionals to learn from one another across continents.”

This new initiative complements existing Bank Group innovation projects such as the Pan African University Phase 2 (https://apo-opa.co/4r4DdUu) and the ENNOVA project (https://apo-opa.co/4o5plXt), an AI-powered innovation and entrepreneurship platform that provides stakeholders with access to market studies, capacity-building opportunities, knowledge resources, financial opportunities and tools for prototyping and incubation.

On the occasion of the roll-out of this Platform, the leaders of the implementing organizations (the African Development Bank Group, the University of Pretoria and the Graduate School of Public Policy, The University of Tokyo), agree to cooperate among their organizations, as well as with all other stakeholders, to achieve its objectives and contribute to the promotion of skills development, youth entrepreneurship and innovation, for Africa’s sustainable development.

Read the joint statement here (https://apo-opa.co/4i1AgzQ).

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacts:
African Development Bank
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Communication and External Relations Department
Email: media@afdb.org

Dr Keiko Takei
Chief Education Analyst
Email: K.TAKEI@AFDB.ORG

Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Tokyo
Mihiro Fujimori 
Email: ppadmin.j@gs.mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp

University of Pretoria
Mr Rikus Delport
Director
Email: ​rikus.delport@up.ac.za

Ms Thembi Tlale
Deputy Director of the Dept of Institutional Advancement
Email: thembi.tlale@up.ac.za

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states.

For more information: www.AfDB.org

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Cluttered desktops: The ‘I might need this someday’ mindset is creating a cybersecurity nightmare

Source: APO – Report:

Digital hoarding poses a significant and often underestimated cybersecurity risk that extends far beyond a simple productivity issue, argues Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy and CISO Advisor at KnowBe4 Africa (http://www.KnowBe4.com/).

Like a garage slowly filling with forgotten boxes, our digital workspaces are becoming repositories of unmanaged data. We are all familiar with cluttered desktops, full inboxes, and personal files saved on work devices. This is digital hoarding – the compulsive accumulation and retention of digital assets beyond their useful life or business need.

“It includes storing multiple versions of documents, keeping outdated software, maintaining unused accounts, and preserving obsolete databases,” explains Collard.

Unlike physical clutter, digital hoarding creates an invisible risk – people  may not even know what data they’re storing or where. “We may be storing personal files mixed with business data across multiple platforms and devices,” she comments.

“This could mean that abandoned projects with sensitive client information are still accessible, while legacy systems could be running alongside modern infrastructure, creating security gaps (https://apo-opa.co/4pkGo93).”

Email accounts containing years of correspondence, including confidential information, also pose a considerable security risk. “If left unchecked, cloud-storage accounts, shared drives, and personal devices could all be accumulating a treasure trove of uncategorised data,” she shares.

Why we hoard digital data

There are numerous reasons why people may hoard data. “There’s the ‘I might need this someday’ mentality that drives people to retain information, just in case,” says Collard. “There’s also a fear of making the wrong decision by deleting a critical file, so it’s easier to just keep everything.”

Some employees may have a sentimental attachment to their work, making it difficult for them to let go of old projects. In other cases, a lack of clear organisational policies on data retention leaves employees to make their own rules. “When there is no clear guidance, the default behaviour is often to save everything,” Collard notes.

The security implications of digital clutter

This accumulation of data creates a larger attack surface for cybercriminals. “Every account, and device is a potential entry point (https://apo-opa.co/3LJRu8S),” Collard warns. “Outdated software may contain unpatched vulnerabilities, and old documents with sensitive information can be a goldmine (https://apo-opa.co/4i7zcKX) for attackers.”

In the event of a data breach, digital hoarding makes it much harder to identify what has been compromised. The sheer volume of data can overwhelm security teams, and the presence of personal files on work devices can blur the lines between personal and corporate liability. Furthermore, retaining data for longer than legally required can lead to non-compliance with regulations such as the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

How to declutter your digital workspace

Collard believes that tackling digital hoarding requires a combination of clear policies, user-friendly technology, and a shift in organisational culture.

A crucial first step is to establish clear data retention policies that define how long different types of information should be kept. These policies should be automated where possible, with automated prompts that trigger data reviews and clean-up procedures. “Use data loss prevention tools to identify and classify sensitive information automatically,” she suggests, “and establish regular digital decluttering schedules as part of standard business processes.”

Organisations should also make deleting files easier than retaining them. “By providing simple, one-click archive and deletion tools, organisations can create secure disposal processes that employees trust,” she maintains. Implementing graduated storage costs can also make hoarding expensive, while AI-powered tools can suggest files for deletion based on age and access patterns. A practical guideline is the one-year rule – if you have not accessed a file in a year, archive or delete it. Clear folder structures with consistent naming conventions and regular reviews of shared access permissions are also essential.

Ultimately, decluttering effectively requires organisations to engage in cultural and behavioural change. “Recognise and reward employees who maintain clean digital workspaces,” she suggests, “and provide your employees with comprehensive security awareness training (https://apo-opa.co/4piGRIM) on the risks associated with digital hoarding.”

By creating peer accountability through team clean-up challenges, Collard believes that the battle against digital hoarding can be won. “Encourage your employees to share their success stories of improved efficiency through better data management,” she concludes. By treating digital hoarding not as a purely technical problem but as a human behaviour, organisations can move beyond simple storage management to build a more resilient and secure culture, which is crucial for effective management of human risk that exists in every organisation.

– on behalf of KnowBe4.

Contact details:
KnowBe4:
Anne Dolinschek
anned@knowbe4.com

Red Ribbon:
TJ Coenraad
tayla@redribboncommunications.co.za

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Safety warning amid Level 9 weather alert

Source: Government of South Africa

Citizens have been urged to remain cautious as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 9 weather warning.

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (GoGTA) on Monday said while emergency services remain on high alert, the public must follow these safety measures:

– Stay informed by monitoring local news and updates from the SAWS for the latest weather forecasts.

– Evacuate if necessary, following instructions from authorities, and seek higher ground if you are in flood-prone areas.

– Secure your property by clearing debris, securing loose items, and reinforcing doors and windows.

– Stay connected by keeping in touch with loved ones and neighbours, especially those who may be vulnerable.

– Exercise caution and avoid crossing low-lying bridges or flooded roads, as these actions are among the leading causes of flood-related fatalities.

CoGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa said following the outlined safety measures, although they seem simple, remains a powerful tool that saves lives and livelihoods, while preventing avoidable damage to property and infrastructure.

He said the department is implementing disaster response measures since the severe weather warning, which includes widespread flooding and heavy rainfall, especially in the North West, Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces. 

Disaster Management Centres have been active in these affected areas, while other provinces remain on high alert. 

In addition, national departments, Provincial Disaster Management Centres, Municipal Disaster Management Centres, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the South African Police Service (SAPS) continue to remain vigilant.

“Emergency services are prepared for potential flash floods, mudslides, power outages, and so on.

“Lives cannot be replaced; as such, every precaution we take, every plan we implement, and every act of preparedness must be guided by the principle of safeguarding human life above all else.

“Through our joint efforts, across government, business, civil society, NGOs [non-government organisations] and communities, we can reduce the risk of disasters, strengthen our resilience, and ensure a safer South Africa for all.

“Remember to prioritise your safety and follow official instructions. Stay safe,” CoGTA said in a statement. 

The National Disaster Management Centre will continue to fulfil its responsibilities by promoting an integrated and coordinated approach to disaster management across national, provincial and local government levels, as well as among statutory bodies and other stakeholders involved in disaster response. – SAnews.gov.za

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Bureaux encombrés : la mentalité du « j’en aurai peut-être besoin un jour » crée un cauchemar en matière de cybersécurité

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le stockage numérique excessif pose un risque de cybersécurité important et souvent sous-estimé, qui va bien au-delà d’un simple problème de productivité, affirme Anna Collard, vice-présidente principale de la stratégie de contenu et conseillère CISO chez KnowBe4 Africa (http://www.KnowBe4.com/).

À l’image d’un garage qui se remplit lentement de cartons oubliés, nos espaces de travail numériques deviennent des dépôts de données non gérées. Nous connaissons tous les bureaux encombrés, les boîtes de réception pleines et les fichiers personnels enregistrés sur les appareils professionnels. C’est ce qu’on appelle le stockage numérique excessif, c’est-à-dire l’accumulation et la conservation compulsives d’actifs numériques au-delà de leur durée de vie utile ou de leur besoin commercial.

« Cela inclut le stockage de plusieurs versions de documents, la conservation de logiciels obsolètes, la gestion de comptes inutilisés et la préservation de bases de données obsolètes », explique Collard.

Contrairement au désordre physique, le stockage numérique excessif crée un risque invisible : les gens peuvent même ne pas savoir quelles données ils stockent ni où. « Nous pouvons stocker des fichiers personnels mélangés à des données commerciales sur plusieurs plateformes et appareils », commente-t-elle.

« Cela pourrait signifier que des projets abandonnés contenant des informations sensibles sur les clients sont toujours accessibles, tandis que des systèmes hérités pourraient fonctionner aux côtés d’une infrastructure moderne, créant des lacunes de sécurité. »

Les comptes de messagerie contenant des années de correspondance, y compris des informations confidentielles, posent également un risque de sécurité considérable. « S’ils ne sont pas contrôlés, les comptes de stockage en nuage, les lecteurs partagés et les appareils personnels pourraient tous accumuler un trésor de données non classées », partage-t-elle.

Pourquoi nous accumulons des données numériques

Il existe de nombreuses raisons pour lesquelles les gens peuvent accumuler des données. « Il y a la mentalité du “j’en aurai peut-être besoin un jour” qui pousse les gens à conserver des informations, juste au cas où », dit Collard. « Il y a aussi la peur de prendre la mauvaise décision en supprimant un fichier critique, il est donc plus facile de tout garder. »

Certains employés peuvent avoir un attachement sentimental à leur travail, ce qui rend difficile pour eux de se séparer d’anciens projets. Dans d’autres cas, un manque de politiques organisationnelles claires en matière de conservation des données laisse les employés établir leurs propres règles. « Lorsqu’il n’y a pas de directives claires, le comportement par défaut est souvent de tout enregistrer », note Collard.

Les implications de la surcharge numérique en matière de sécurité

Cette accumulation de données crée une surface d’attaque plus grande pour les cybercriminels. « Chaque compte et chaque appareil est un point d’entrée potentiel », prévient Collard. « Les logiciels obsolètes peuvent contenir des vulnérabilités non corrigées, et les anciens documents contenant des informations sensibles peuvent être une mine d’or pour les attaquants. »

En cas de violation de données, le stockage numérique excessif rend beaucoup plus difficile l’identification de ce qui a été compromis. Le volume même des données peut submerger les équipes de sécurité, et la présence de fichiers personnels sur les appareils professionnels peut brouiller les lignes entre la responsabilité personnelle et la responsabilité de l’entreprise. En outre, la conservation des données plus longtemps que la loi ne l’exige peut entraîner le non-respect de réglementations telles que la loi sur la protection des informations personnelles (POPIA).

Comment désencombrer votre espace de travail numérique

Collard estime que la lutte contre le stockage numérique excessif nécessite une combinaison de politiques claires, de technologies conviviales et d’un changement de culture organisationnelle.

Une première étape cruciale consiste à établir des politiques claires de conservation des données qui définissent la durée de conservation des différents types d’informations. Ces politiques doivent être automatisées si possible, avec des invites automatisées qui déclenchent des examens de données et des procédures de nettoyage. « Utilisez des outils de prévention des pertes de données pour identifier et classer automatiquement les informations sensibles », suggère-t-elle, « et établissez des calendriers réguliers de désencombrement numérique dans le cadre des processus commerciaux standard. »

Les organisations devraient également faciliter la suppression des fichiers plutôt que leur conservation. « En fournissant des outils d’archivage et de suppression simples, en un clic, les organisations peuvent créer des processus d’élimination sécurisés auxquels les employés font confiance », soutient-elle. La mise en œuvre de coûts de stockage gradués peut également rendre le stockage excessif coûteux, tandis que les outils basés sur l’IA peuvent suggérer des fichiers à supprimer en fonction de l’âge et des modèles d’accès. Une directive pratique est la règle d’un an : si vous n’avez pas accédé à un fichier en un an, archivez-le ou supprimez-le. Des structures de dossiers claires avec des conventions de nommage cohérentes et des examens réguliers des autorisations d’accès partagé sont également essentielles.

En fin de compte, un désencombrement efficace exige que les organisations s’engagent dans un changement culturel et comportemental. « Reconnaissez et récompensez les employés qui maintiennent des espaces de travail numériques propres », suggère-t-elle, « et offrez à vos employés une formation complète de sensibilisation à la sécurité sur les risques associés au stockage numérique excessif. »

En créant une responsabilisation par les pairs grâce à des défis de nettoyage d’équipe, Collard estime que la bataille contre le stockage numérique excessif peut être gagnée. « Encouragez vos employés à partager leurs réussites en matière d’amélioration de l’efficacité grâce à une meilleure gestion des données », conclut-elle. En traitant le stockage numérique excessif non pas comme un problème purement technique, mais comme un comportement humain, les organisations peuvent aller au-delà de la simple gestion du stockage pour construire une culture plus résiliente et sécurisée, ce qui est crucial pour une gestion efficace du risque humain qui existe dans chaque organisation.

Distribué par APO Group pour KnowBe4.

Détails du contact:
KnowBe4 :
Anne Dolinschek
anned@knowbe4.com

Red Ribbon :
TJ Coenraad
tayla@redribboncommunications.co.za

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Home Affairs to launch Travel Ready campaign

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, November 17, 2025

The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, is set to launch the Travel Ready 2025 Campaign at the brand new Baywest Mall at the Home Affairs office in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape, today.

“The Travel Ready 2025 Campaign aims to prepare citizens for the upcoming festive season travel period by encouraging South Africans to ensure that their essential travel documents are up to date,” said the Department of Home Affairs ahead of Monday’s event.

The campaign forms part of the department’s commitment to delivering dignity for all, by providing efficient, accessible, and people-centred services.

Following the launch, the Minister will proceed to Jeffrey’s Bay for a community outreach engagement.
 – SAnews.gov.za

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Withdrawing of Infrastructure Grant a Setback for the Eastern Cape Education Department, Committee Chair

Source: APO – Report:

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The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries has called on the Eastern Cape Department of Education to respond to the shocking news of half-a-billion-rands infrastructure grant being withheld by the National Treasury.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Makhi Feni, said the news was a setback for the province, and the timing is bad because it happens when the Eastern Cape delegation of the permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces is to be troubled by this news.

“The Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Education needs to explain this challenge as it is the most affected by infrastructure needs. This is the time for honesty and reflection. The Eastern Cape is the last province to lose this amount of money sadly for the reasons that the National Treasury has alluded to,” said Mr Feni.

The committee visited schools in the Amathole West District and in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, in Gqeberha last month where serious infrastructure challenges were identified. The sad situation of the infrastructure needs was no better pronounced than at Greenville Primary in Bethelsdorp, in Gqeberha.

Mr Feni said what the National Treasury is saying has revealed the reasons behind a situation where 100% of the infrastructure budget would be spent in the second quarter, when in fact a mere 10% of performance had been achieved.

“The department should motivate to Treasury for the money to be released and not hide their heads into the sand. If help is required, they should indicate as such so that the national Department of Basic Education takes care of the provincial affairs. The province did not need this news, and the timing is bad.”

The committee will demand accountability and will hold the Eastern Cape Department of Education to the highest standard of accountability particularly around the issues of infrastructure.

The Eastern Cape’s permanent delegates to the NCOP will from tomorrow be in the OR Tambo District on the Provincial Week Programme to, among other things, assess service delivery in the municipalities in the district.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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President Ramaphosa to attend official opening ceremony of Platreef Mine

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, attend the official opening ceremony of the Platreef Mine in Mokopane, Limpopo Province.

This landmark event represents a significant B20 success story, showcasing tangible foreign direct investment and industrial advancement in South Africa. 

The event is also strategically scheduled to align with the nation’s broader economic diplomacy just ahead of the Qatari Investment Summit and G20 Summit.

Key milestones to be celebrated include:
· The ceremonial delivery of the first platinum, palladium, rhodium, nickel, copper, and gold concentrate.

· A celebration of the project’s profound impact on local economy, including substantial job creation and the growth of local businesses.

· Recognition of the vital partnerships with local communities and stakeholders.

· The acknowledgement of the official opening of the Masodi Wastewater Treatment Works,
underscoring Platreef’s commitment to responsible water stewardship.

Media are invited to cover the event as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 18 November 2025
Time: 08:00 – 11:30
Location: Ivanplats Mine Site, Farm Turfspruit 241 KR, Mokopane, Limpopo Province

Members of the media wishing to cover the ceremony should send their details to Mmasaku Mohale, Senior Manager: Government Relations & Communications: mmasakum@ivanplats.com or +27 71 865-3847.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Eastern Cape rolls out major support for farmers, textile enterprises

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, November 17, 2025

Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Nonceba Kontsiwe, is set to hand over critical investments aimed at strengthening food security, supporting rural enterprises and empowering women and youth in the Joe Gqabi District Municipality.

On Monday, Kontsiwe will hand over a brand-new tractor and implements to the Mission Youth Project at Phelandaba Village in Senqu Municipality, Sterkspruit.

According to the department, the investment in the project is aimed at encouraging youth participation in agriculture and promote the sector as a viable business opportunity.

On Tuesday, the MEC will officially launch a spring water project and hand over industrial sewing machines and agricultural production inputs under the iLima Lokulima programme at Lower Tsitsana Village in Nqanqarhu (Maclear), Elundini Local Municipality.

“The Spring Water Project, which is set to benefit Sigoga and Saqhuthe villages in Elundini’s Ward 4 initiative, is aimed at enhancing access to water for the rural communities.

“A total of 205 households now have access to clean water from the 26 taps that have been installed both villages. The water will not only assist in consumption but will boost food production,” the department said in a statement.

As part of ensuring synergy between provision of water and food production, the MEC will be handing over production inputs to 120 beneficiaries from Ward 4 in a bid to reduce food insecurity, increase food production and enable aggregation of food for the potential market.

In addition, Kontsiwe will hand over 32 industrial sewing machines, including overlockers and straight-stitch machines to 16 women-owned enterprises from three Joe Gqabi local municipalities.

The initiative seeks to boost the clothing and textile industry, improve rural livelihoods and advance women-owned enterprises.

The two-day programme underscores government’s commitment to supporting rural development and improving the quality of life for communities across the province. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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"This is South Africa at work": Minister Ntshavheni on G20 Social Summit

Source: Government of South Africa

The global gaze will begin to turn towards Gauteng this week, as it hosts the people-centred G20 Social Summit on Tuesday.

The summit – a platform for stakeholders from every part of society – will be held at the Birchwood Hotel in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, from Tuesday, 18 November -Thursday, 20 November 2025.

Following a walkabout at the venue on Sunday, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said preparations have progressed well.

“We are ready. Technically, we are impressed with the progress that’s been made. It’s all systems go.

“The partnerships that we have with the private sector and civil society…we are very happy. The delegates from provinces that are coming down from your Western Cape, Eastern Cape, North West and KwaZulu-Natal…they have started to move and come.

“It’s all systems go. South Africa: Si ready, re ready, ro luga [we are fine in Tshivhenda],” Ntshavheni said.
She added that it is a “all hands-on deck” approach for government.

“It’s a whole of government approach but also civil society. We are very proud, and we are looking forward to the 5000 delegates that will congregate here including those coming from individual activism and the ones representing structures from our provinces, our districts and our local municipalities.

“This is South Africa at work,” said the Minister while also emphasising the importance of the Summit as a platform for the people to have their say.

“You’ve got leaders of the most influential countries…those who run the economies of the world congregating and it’s important that civil society movements and social partners come in and say what is their voice; what is their view. 

“[That is] because it’s not only governments that decide the future; it is ordinary citizens that must contribute to what decision makers do. Everybody will be contributing to shaping the future of the world for the sake of our children,” Ntshavheni said.

Your Summit

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) emphasised that the summit is “not just a summit for world leaders – it’s YOUR summit”.

“The G20 Social Summit ensures that before global leaders meet, they hear directly from people like you: South Africans from all walks of life and from communities in our country, whose voices matter in shaping policies on jobs, food security, energy, equality, and sustainable development,” the department said.

Participants in the multi-stakeholder platform will be drawn from all the corners of society, including:
•    The 14 Official G20 Engagement Groups: Business (B20), Labour (L20), Youth (Y20), Women (W20), Civil Society (C20), Think Tanks (T20), Urban (U20), Parliament (P20), Science (S20) and more
•    Informal Interest Groups: Values20, interfaith initiatives
•    Civil society organisations from grassroots to international
•    Community organisers, informal traders, students, activists
•    Provincial consultations and thematic roundtables for transparent, accessible participation 

“The G20 Social Summit acts as a bridge between high-level decision-makers and grassroots movements. It ensures that policies reflect realities on the ground and that marginalized communities are represented in discussions of international importance.

“This Summit strengthens democracy by enabling marginalised and vulnerable groups to have their voices heard at a global decision-making level. It integrates social priorities – like digital inclusion, climate justice, food security, and sustainable finance – into economic frameworks,” the department explained.

Some of the key themes and priorities which will be explored during the summit include:
•    Fighting Hunger and Poverty – Ensuring food security for all
•    Climate Action and Justice – Protecting our environment for future generations
•    Equality and Inclusion – Breaking barriers across gender, race, region, and class
•    Job Creation and Skills Development – Economic empowerment for youth and communities
•    Digital Inclusion – Bridging the digital divide
•    Sustainable Finance – Fair economic systems that work for everyone 

These priorities are in line with South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme: Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.

“South Africa’s historic G20 Presidency elevates African perspectives and priorities on the global stage. By hosting this summit, we position ourselves and our continent as key players in shaping international policies on social justice, sustainable development, and economic equality.

“Our presidency is rooted in Ubuntu – I am, because we are. The summit brings compassion, dignity, and shared humanity into global governance, recognising that global challenges require collective action rooted in empathy and solidarity,” said the department. – SAnews.gov.za