Category: MIL-OSI

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United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) strengthens child protection and calls for inclusive dialogue in Budi County

Source: APO


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Community leaders, government officials, women, youth and security actors in Budi County have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting children from violence while calling for dialogue with neighboring communities to address cattle raiding and road ambushes.

The commitment came during UNMISS engagements in Chukudum, Eastern Equatoria, focused on grave violations against children and supporting locally led conflict prevention efforts.

While authorities reported no grave violations against children by organized forces or armed groups in Budi County, community leaders identified the recruitment of children during communal conflicts as a continuing concern.

“What we have is the recruitment of children during communal conflicts for cattle raids, which needs addressing,” explained Amin Julius Ben, Budi County Commissioner.

Lucretia Pascari-Tomoianu, UNMISS Child Protection Officer, reinforced the importance of continued efforts to safeguard children.

“The information reported by the authorities demonstrates their commitment to children’s rights, which are foundational to the growth and well-being of both children and communities.”

The awareness sessions strengthened participants’ understanding of children’s rights, reporting mechanisms, and their role in preventing and responding to protection concerns.

Beyond child protection, community members raised concerns about food insecurity, poor infrastructure, cattle raiding and road ambushes.

“Our community is disconnected as the shortest road is hardly accessible because the bridge is broken, and we cannot get information easily – only through the internet, which very few people can access,” said youth leader Benedict Lokoro.

The growing threat posed by food insecurity is also having a significant impact on local communities.

“We need peace with our neighbors because women and children are leaving the county for mining areas and neighboring Uganda and Kenya due to hunger and communal conflicts,” asserted women’s representative, Mary Lobder.

Security officials acknowledged the challenges posed by communal violence and linked it to limited resources and logistics that constrain their response.

Inspector of Police, Brigadier General Mark Onek, emphasized the importance of dialogue and community-based violence prevention initiatives.

“I believe the communities of Ikwotos and Budi can communicate effectively to halt cattle raids and road attacks. Incidents involving armed deserters and children require stronger dialogue and community-based prevention and security.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets the Minister of National Defence of the Hellenic Republic

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Minister of National Defence of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Nikolaos Dendias. The meeting was also attended by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defence and Military Production, Lieutenant General  Ashraf Salem Zaher, and Chief of the Armed Forces Armament Authority, Major General Mohamed Adly Abdel Wahid Soliman. From the Greek side, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to Cairo, Ambassador Νikolaos Papageorgiou, attended the meeting along with Director of the Foreign Relations and Military Strategy Directorate at the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, Major General Ioannis Kouris.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, stated that President El-Sisi welcomed the visit of the Greek Minister of National Defence to Egypt, noting the pivotal importance of the existing strategic partnership between Egypt and Hellenic Republic. The President stressed the necessity of strengthening efforts to further advance this partnership across various fields, particularly in the military and defence domains, in a manner that serves the interests of the two friendly peoples. President El-Sisi also asked that his greetings be conveyed to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

During the meeting, President El-Sisi underscored the significance of the trilateral cooperation among Egypt, Greece and Cyprus, pointing out that this mechanism has become a successful model of regional cooperation aimed at achieving peace, stability, and shared prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean. In this regard, President El-Sisi stressed the crucial need to further advance cooperation among the three countries to confront common challenges and achieve development in the three countries.

The Greek Minister of National Defence expressed his appreciation for visiting Egypt and conveyed to President El-Sisi the greetings of Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis. Minister Dendias affirmed Greece’s appreciation of the depth and longstanding nature of its historical relations with Egypt, confirming his country’s keenness on bolstering coordination with Egypt to address common challenges. The Greek Minister emphasized the importance of advancing cooperation and coordination between the two countries in combating terrorism and addressing irregular migration, noting, in this regard, his country’s appreciation for Egypt’s pivotal role in curbing irregular migration.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets the Minister of Defence of Cyprus

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Vasilis Palmas. The meeting was attended by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of Defence and Military Production, Lieutenant General Ashraf Salem Zaher; Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus in Cairo, Mrs. Elena Rafti; and Director of the Military Staff of the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, Brigadier General Charis Georgiou.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said President El-Sisi welcomed the visit of the Cypriot Minister of Defence, stressing the importance of the two countries’ bilateral relations. The President emphasized the vital need to strengthen the existing strategic partnership and elevating it to broader prospects across various areas, notably in the security and military domains, so as to fulfill the shared aspirations of the two friendly peoples. The President requested that his greetings be conveyed to Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.

During the meeting, President El-Sisi underscored the significance of the trilateral cooperation between Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece. The President confirmed that this mechanism is a pivotal framework for consolidating security, stability, and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean region, thereby advancing the shared interests of the three countries and addressing common challenges.

The Cypriot Minister of Defence conveyed the greetings of Cypriot President Christodoulides to President El-Sisi, underscoring the vital importance Cyprus attaches to its close cooperation with Egypt. Minister Palmas lauded the ongoing progress in bilateral coordination across political, economic, and military spheres. Cyprus Minister of Defence expressed appreciation for Egypt’s crucial role in de-escalating tensions and establishing peace and stability in the region. He reaffirmed Cyprus’ commitment to fostering the ongoing coordination between the two countries to confront common challenges, particularly in the Mediterranean region. In this context, he commended Egypt’s central role in countering illegal migration.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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Seychelles: President Herminie Meets African Union Commission Deputy Chairperson

Source: APO

President Patrick Herminie met with H.E. Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, earlier this evening on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The meeting provided an opportunity for Ambassador Haddadi to express her appreciation to Seychelles for the support extended to her during the African Union Commission elections held in February 2025. Ambassador Haddadi, of Algeria, was elected Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission for a four-year term, succeeding Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa of Rwanda.

The discussions also reflected the importance of continued cooperation between Seychelles, the African Union and its institutions, particularly in advancing shared priorities and strengthening Africa’s development agenda.

Also present at the meeting were the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr Barry Faure; Minister for Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment, Mr. Pierre Laporte; Chief of Staff Ms Jennifer Vel; H.E. Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the APRM Continental Secretariat; and Mr Jean Paul Adam, Director for Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resources Management at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 Technical Sessions Put Technology Behind Africa’s Next Energy Projects in Focus

Source: APO


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African Energy Week (AEW) 2026’s Day 2 Technical Stages will put the technology and technical expertise behind Africa’s next wave of energy projects in focus, with sessions covering subsurface interpretation, deepwater exploration, gas development, project economics, digitalization, offshore operations and infrastructure.

The program will unfold across two exhibition-hall stages, with the Drill Room focusing on practical applications across exploration, gas development, offshore operations and LNG, while the Innovation Hub will examine frontier exploration, energy markets, digital technologies and infrastructure. Together, the sessions connect project-level technologies with the wider investment and development challenges facing Africa’s energy industry.

The day opens with GeoEnergy Petroleum Director Maged Fahim, who will examine how legacy and newly acquired subsurface datasets can be integrated with modern technologies to identify additional upstream opportunities. TGS Principal Exploration Advisor Felicia Winter will then focus on Angola’s deepwater basins, examining how modern seismic acquisition and imaging can be used to reinterpret existing data and evaluate frontier plays.

The discussions come as Angola seeks to build on renewed offshore activity. TotalEnergies announced in September that it plans to invest $10 billion in Angola over the next five years, including in exploration, while advancing its $6 billion Kaminho deepwater development.

Gas development will take center stage through two presentations by TotalEnergies. Alexandre Depiesse, GPI Venus, will address appraisal strategies and commercial viability for Orange Basin discoveries, while Mozambique LNG Operations and Project Director Nicolas Cambefort will examine development and optimisation of the Rovuma Basin gas resources. Mozambique LNG, a 13.1-million-ton-per-year project in Area 1 led by TotalEnergies, resumed activities in January 2026 following the lifting of force majeure, putting development of Mozambique’s major offshore gas resources back into focus.

The Republic of Congo National Showcase will provide another perspective on Africa’s expanding LNG industry. The country’s Congo LNG project reached a new stage in February 2026 with the start of commercial production from its second phase. The addition of the Nguya FLNG unit brought total liquefaction capacity to 3 million tons per year, expanding Congo’s ability to monetize its offshore gas resources.

The program will then broaden from individual projects to the continent-wide investment outlook with the launch of The State of African Energy 2027. AEC Senior Vice President Verner Ayukegba and S&P Global Energy Executive Director Max Pietzsch will present the outlook, covering upstream oil and gas, LNG, downstream markets, power, renewables and critical minerals against changing demand, trade flows and energy security requirements.

Project decision-making will remain under examination as S&P Global Energy Technical Research Analyst Tasnika Goorhoo presents “From Limited Data to Better Decisions: How Benchmarking Strengthens Upstream Project Outcomes.” The session will examine how comparative project data can help operators assess performance, costs and development outcomes.

NOV Vice President Mats Anderson will address offshore optimization through high-speed downhole connectivity and real-time distributed measurements, examining how faster access to downhole information can improve operational visibility and decision-making.

Infrastructure will also feature prominently, with Kenyon International West Africa CEO Victor Ekpenyong examining asset integrity and pipeline infrastructure through the company’s CACTUS and FlexSteel technologies. Honeywell Technologies Africa will close the technology-focused sessions with its end-to-end LNG offering, while SLB, InSwitch, the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone and PETROSEN will bring additional perspectives on technology, digitalization and energy services.

“AEW 2026 reflects the practical challenges facing Africa’s energy industry as projects move from resource potential toward development and production,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “From subsurface interpretation and deepwater exploration to LNG development, project benchmarking, digitalization and infrastructure, these technical sessions highlight the expertise and technologies needed to develop Africa’s resources efficiently and create lasting value across the energy value chain.”

AEW 2026 takes place from October 12–16 in Cape Town, bringing together governments, investors, operators and technology providers to discuss investment, project development and the future of Africa’s energy sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Au-delà du crédit carbone : qui fixe les règles des marchés en Afrique?

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Alors que les marchés du carbone africains passent progressivement de la préparation à la mise en œuvre, les questions ne portent plus seulement sur la création de crédits carbone, mais sur la manière dont leur valeur est créée, répartie et gouvernée. Les décisions relatives à la propriété des projets, au financement, à la vérification, à la tarification et au partage des avantages détermineront qui participe au marché, qui en bénéficie et comment l’Afrique crée de la valeur à travers ces marchés.

Ces questions seront au cœur du Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) 2026, du 13 au 15 octobre au Kigali Convention Centre, au Rwanda. Le sommet réunira gouvernements, développeurs de projets, investisseurs, acheteurs et experts techniques afin d’examiner les décisions qui façonnent les marchés du carbone africains et leur capacité à attirer des investissements et à générer un impact durable.

Les pays abordent ces décisions à partir de contextes réglementaires, économiques et environnementaux différents. Si les évolutions récentes en Afrique de l’Est témoignent d’une activité croissante sur le marché, les questions liées aux exigences internationales, aux capacités techniques, à l’investissement et au partage des avantages concernent l’ensemble du continent.

Elles soulèvent également une question plus large : comment les pays africains peuvent-ils jouer un rôle plus important dans la définition des règles, des standards et des mécanismes qui façonnent les marchés du carbone mondiaux ?

Ousmane Fall SARR, Coordinateur de l’Alliance ouest-africaine sur les marchés du carbone et la finance climatique, déclare :

« Les pays africains développent leurs marchés du carbone à partir de situations différentes. Le renforcement de l’expertise africaine et de la coopération régionale sera essentiel si le continent veut contribuer à l’élaboration des normes et des pratiques de marché qui déterminent la capacité de ses projets à être compétitifs, à attirer des investissements et à créer de la valeur. »

Après plusieurs années consacrées aux cadres réglementaires, aux standards et à la préparation des marchés, de nombreux pays africains entrent désormais dans une phase de mise en œuvre. L’attention se porte de plus en plus sur la manière dont les projets sont autorisés, financés, vérifiés et connectés aux acheteurs internationaux, ainsi que sur la capacité du continent à jouer un rôle plus important dans l’évolution des marchés du carbone mondiaux.

Dans ce contexte continental, l’Afrique de l’Est illustre l’évolution rapide des marchés du carbone africains. En janvier 2026, le Rwanda et Singapour ont lancé un appel à projets dans le cadre de leur accord bilatéral aligné sur l’Article 6 de l’Accord de Paris, ouvrant la voie à l’utilisation de crédits carbone autorisés par certaines entreprises singapouriennes pour répondre à leurs obligations en matière de taxe carbone.

Plus largement, les cadres régissant les marchés du carbone se renforcent à travers le continent. Le Kenya et l’Ouganda développent leurs systèmes réglementaires et leurs capacités de marché, tandis que l’Afrique du Sud poursuit des réformes destinées à moderniser son écosystème carbone et à attirer davantage d’investissements. Ces évolutions mettent en lumière des questions communes liées à l’autorisation des projets, à la vérification, à la tarification, à l’accès aux acheteurs internationaux et à la manière dont la valeur générée est partagée. Elles renforcent également l’attente selon laquelle la finance carbone doit produire des bénéfices durables pour les économies et les communautés africaines, au-delà du crédit lui-même.

Emmanuelle Nicholls, Directrice de portefeuille du CMAS, déclare :

« Le crédit carbone n’est que le point de départ. Les décisions relatives à la gouvernance, à l’investissement et au partage de la valeur détermineront l’impact économique réel des marchés du carbone pour l’Afrique. »

Ces décisions ont des conséquences qui dépassent les transactions individuelles. La finance carbone est de plus en plus étroitement liée à la conservation, à l’agriculture, à la restauration des sols, à la sécurité alimentaire, aux énergies propres et à la gestion des déchets. Son succès sera donc également évalué en fonction de la capacité des projets à produire des résultats environnementaux crédibles et des bénéfices durables pour les économies et les communautés africaines.

La question n’est pas seulement de savoir comment les crédits carbone sont générés, mais comment la valeur qu’ils créent est utilisée. La zone de conservation de Chinko, en République centrafricaine, en offre un exemple concret. Les revenus du Chinko Carbon Project sont réinvestis via un fonds communautaire qui finance des projets de développement local, notamment l’agrandissement d’un centre médical à Agoumar. Lors du CMAS 2026, African Parks et Welthungerhilfe exploreront la manière dont la finance carbone peut produire des bénéfices environnementaux, économiques et sociaux durables, ainsi que les mécanismes de gouvernance qui permettent d’y parvenir.

Alors que les marchés du carbone africains passent de la préparation à la mise en œuvre, le CMAS 2026 se concentrera sur les décisions qui façonnent les projets, les investissements et les transactions. Les participants examineront les conditions nécessaires pour renforcer la confiance du marché, attirer des capitaux et garantir que la valeur créée par les marchés du carbone bénéficie durablement aux économies et aux communautés africaines.

Le CMAS 2026 est accueilli par le Ministère de l’Environnement du Rwanda, avec le Programme des Nations Unies pour le développement (PNUD) et la Banque africaine de Développement (BAD) comme organisations hôtes, la Banque de développement de l’Afrique Australe (DBSA) comme partenaire hôte et AUDA-NEPAD comme partenaire institutionnel stratégique.

Organisé en amont de la COP31, le CMAS 2026 réunira les acteurs qui façonnent l’avenir des marchés du carbone africains. Alors que les pays passent de la préparation à la mise en œuvre et que les mécanismes de l’Article 6 prennent de l’ampleur, les discussions de Kigali porteront sur les décisions qui détermineront qui crée la valeur, qui en bénéficie et comment l’Afrique peut renforcer son rôle dans l’élaboration des marchés du carbone de demain.

Distribué par APO Group pour VUKA Group.

Lien supplémentaire :
https://apo-opa.co/4rqlSWJ

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Beyond the carbon credit: Who sets the terms for Africa’s carbon markets?

Source: APO – Report:

A carbon credit may be traded as a single unit, but its value is shaped long before it reaches a buyer. Decisions about project ownership, finance, data, verification and benefit-sharing determine who participates, who carries the risk and who ultimately benefits. As new regulations and international partnerships expand market access, these questions are becoming increasingly important across Africa.

They will be central to the Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) 2026, taking place from 13 to 15 October at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda. The summit will convene African governments, project developers, investors, buyers and technical experts involved in decisions across the carbon-market value chain.

Countries are approaching these decisions from different regulatory, economic and environmental positions. While recent developments in East Africa demonstrate growing market activity, questions concerning international requirements, technical capacity, investment and benefit-sharing are relevant across Africa.

Ousmane Fall SARR, Coordinator of the West African Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance, says:

“African countries are developing carbon markets from different starting points. Stronger African expertise and regional cooperation will be important if the continent is to contribute to the standards and market practices that determine how its projects compete, attract investment and create value.”

Against this continental backdrop, East Africa provides a timely example of how the market is developing. In January 2026, Rwanda and Singapore invited applications for carbon-credit projects under their bilateral Implementation Agreement, aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Credits from authorised projects may be used by eligible Singapore-based carbon tax-liable companies to offset up to 5% of their taxable emissions, subject to both governments’ requirements.

Across the continent, carbon market frameworks are rapidly taking shape. Kenya and Uganda are strengthening regulatory oversight, regional partnerships are helping governments build market capacity and infrastructure, and South Africa is advancing reforms to modernise its carbon-credit ecosystem and attract investment. Together, these developments are bringing greater focus to questions of authorisation, project ownership, verification, pricing and access to international buyers, while also raising expectations that carbon finance should deliver sustainable economic and development value beyond the credit itself.

Emmanuelle Nicholls, Portfolio Director for CMAS, says:

“A carbon credit may be the final product, but behind it are decisions about ownership, data, risk, pricing and who ultimately benefits. The conversations in Kigali will examine what credible participation looks like across the full carbon-market value chain.”

These decisions have consequences beyond individual transactions. Carbon finance is increasingly connected to conservation, agriculture, soil restoration, food security, clean energy and waste management. Its success will therefore also be judged by whether projects produce credible environmental outcomes and lasting benefits for African economies and communities.

A practical example comes from the Chinko Conservation Area in the Central African Republic, where revenue from the Chinko Carbon Project is channelled through a community fund that supports locally selected initiatives, including the expansion of a medical centre in Agoumar. At CMAS 2026, African Parks and Welthungerhilfe, both Bronze Sponsors, will share perspectives on how carbon finance can support conservation, climate resilience, food systems and community development, while highlighting broader questions around project governance, impact and the distribution of value.

From project-level impact to market-wide structures, these questions will underpin discussions at CMAS 2026. The programme will address government authorisation, buyer requirements, pricing and offtake, investment risk, early-stage finance, registries and African measurement, reporting and verification capacity. It will connect the question of who sets the terms with the practical requirements for building credible, investment-ready projects and transactions.

CMAS 2026 is hosted by the Ministry of Environment of Rwanda, with UNDP and the African Development Bank as host organisations, the Development Bank of Southern Africa as host partner and AUDA-NEPAD as strategic institutional partner.

Taking place ahead of COP31, CMAS will focus attention on the decisions behind every carbon credit and what they mean for African governments, projects, investors and communities.

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

Additional Link:
https://apo-opa.co/4rqlSWJ

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KZN government reaffirms commitment to fight GBV and femicide

Source: Government of South Africa

KZN government reaffirms commitment to fight GBV and femicide

The KwaZulu-Natal (KN) provincial Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), strengthen community safety and support efforts to ensure that survivors have confidence in the criminal justice system.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli made the commitment during the court appearance of a 46-year-old suspect linked to the alleged rape of 16 women in the province.

Ntuli arrived at the Durban Magistrates’ Court accompanied by Acting Head of the KZN Department of Community Safety and Liaison Funi Makhanya, departmental management and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) activists. 

The suspect made his first court appearance on Monday, 21 September 2026, where he is facing a series of sexual offences, which he allegedly committed between 2014 and 2025.

According to the police, 14 of the alleged rape cases were recorded in Cato Manor, with one each in Plessislaer and Taylor’s Halt. The suspect is also facing several other charges, including housebreaking and attempted murder.

The arrest follows an intensive investigation by specialised investigators from the Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation Unit and the Investigative Psychology Unit. 

Investigators allegedly established links between the cases through the suspect’s modus operandi and DNA evidence.

Ntuli’s attendance at court forms part of the provincial government’s continued focus on GBVF and its support for law-enforcement efforts to investigate serious violent crimes and bring perpetrators before the courts. 

The Premier welcomed the arrest following the police breakthrough and underscored the importance of evidence-based policing in addressing GBVF. 

“This case underscores why we need professional, intelligence-led and evidence-based policing to protect women and bring alleged perpetrators to justice,” Ntuli said.

He said the Provincial Government stands in solidarity with the survivors and all victims of gender-based violence as efforts continue to strengthen the fight against GBVF across the province. 

Speaking after the suspect’s court appearance, Ntuli called for improved collaboration between civil society and various organs of state to defeat the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in the province. 

The Premier also urged Gender-Based Violence Activists to heighten their awareness campaigns in all corners of the province to ensure that all women receive the necessary information to effectively deal with any threats linked to the GBVF.

He further urged communities to continue providing information that can assist law-enforcement agencies in investigating cases of violence against women and children.

“The provincial government continues to advocate for a coordinated response to GBVF involving law enforcement, traditional leaders, civil society, communities, and other stakeholders. Through the province’s year-round Silwa Nechilo campaign, confronting violence against women and children requires sustained action throughout the year.

“Let us speak out, report abuse, support survivors and refuse to protect those who prey on women. Together, we must confront GBVF and make every community a place where women and girls can live without fear.” Ntuli said.

The court appearance marked the beginning of the judicial process in relation to the charges against the accused. The allegations remain subject to determination by the courts.

The case was postponed to 28 September 2026. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Two arrested for UIF fraud

Source: Government of South Africa

Two arrested for UIF fraud

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has welcomed the arrest of two Eastern Cape women in connection with an alleged R1.1 million fraud case involving UIF funds.

The two women appeared in the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crime Court, following their arrest by the Hawks for their alleged part in the scheme.

“[One of the women] was employed by the Department of Employment and Labour within the Employer Services Section. Her responsibilities included the capturing, verification, and filing of employer declaration of employees’ forms, commonly known as UI-19 forms, on benefits files.

“The investigation alleged that prospective UIF claimants were assisted with claim forms and other documentation, despite some allegedly not meeting the requirements to receive benefits.

“It is further alleged that arrangements were made in certain instances for bank accounts through which proceeds from fraudulent claims could be received,” the Department of Employment and Labour said in a statement.

Furthermore, the Hawks found discrepancies which were “subsequently identified during an audit by the department, after which the matter was referred for further investigation”.

The two suspects are alleged to have acted together in arranging and executing the scheme.

“We welcome the work of the Hawks in pursuing allegations of fraud involving UIF funds. Every rand lost through fraudulent activity is a resource that should have been available to support workers who legitimately depend on the Fund.

“We will continue to cooperate with law-enforcement authorities to ensure that allegations of wrongdoing are thoroughly investigated and that those found to have acted unlawfully are held accountable,” UIF Commissioner Thulani Tshefuta said.

The two were released on R2000 bail each and the matter has been postponed to 5 October 2026 for legal representation.

“The UIF views the arrest as an important step in strengthening accountability and protecting the Fund’s resources, which are intended to provide social protection to eligible workers and their families during periods of unemployment and other qualifying conditions. The UIF is committed to working closely with law-enforcement agencies to investigate the financial misconduct that threatens the integrity of the Fund.

“The Fund has strengthened its measures to detect and prevent fraudulent claims and transactions, while continuing to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to safeguard UIF resources. The Fund remains committed to ensuring that UIF resources are protected and reach the workers and beneficiaries who are legitimately entitled to them at their moment of need,” the department said.

The public, employers and broader stakeholders are urged to report suspected fraudulent activities involving UIF benefits through the Department’s Anti-Fraud Hotline on Telephone Number 0800 601148 or email: fraud@labour.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

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NSFAS restores funding for Nelson Mandela University students

Source: Government of South Africa

NSFAS restores funding for Nelson Mandela University students

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has restored funding for 357 Nelson Mandela University (NMU) students enrolled in extended programmes after they were incorrectly defunded due to incorrect qualification codes.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Yusuf Cassim said NSFAS has also confirmed that all outstanding allowances for the affected students are up to date.

The development follows engagements between Cassim and the NSFAS after his appointment in July where he raised the issue and called for the affected students’ funding to be restored as a matter of urgency.

As part of his delegated responsibilities relating to student accommodation, non-academic barriers to student success and the broader student experience, Cassim visited NMU’s Gqeberha campus on Friday, and George campus on Saturday.

The visit follows concerns raised through the Deputy Minister’s Helpdesk and provided the Deputy Minister an opportunity to engage directly with students and institutional stakeholders.

NSFAS has also committed to meeting with the NMU finance team this week to address outstanding matters and ensure that affected students receive assistance.

Students raised a range of funding concerns, including defunding linked to GAP investigations, incorrect qualification codes, and dual registration.

They also raised concerns about delays in implementing the announced opt-out from the cafeteria-based Meal Management System (MMS).

Cassim said student concerns should not be overshadowed by disruptions.

“We will continue to go where the issues are. The Deputy Minister’s Helpdesk assists all students. Those who need NSFAS funding restored, those who cannot access meals, those experiencing disability support delays, and those raising safety and health concerns must not be crowded out by disruption or student politics,” the Deputy Minister said.

Cassim was accompanied by officials from the Department of Higher Education and Training’s University Branch, NSFAS, Higher Health and several Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).

The stakeholders engaged students and provided information on available support.

Students in Nelson Mandela Bay also raised SETA bursary-related challenges. The Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) and the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (merSETA) also engaged affected students and committed to further discussions with NMU.

At the George campus, engagements with the Student Representative Council (SRC) and students focused largely on the implementation of the MMS opt-out.

Students raised concerns about the quality of food, reported mark-ups of up to 36% on some items and said Halal options were not available.

They also raised concern about safety linked to off-campus accommodation and transport, as well as difficulties accessing effective campus health services.

Cassim said Higher Health will engage with NMU’s campus health services to identify gaps and strengthen student support.

Disability support was also raised, including delays in the approval of disability allowances.

Cassim instructed NSFAS to review the status of payments to the institution for meal allowances linked to the MMS and to develop an operational plan to enable students to opt out of the system as soon as possible.

He emphasised that students must be given a choice in how they access their meals and not be locked into arrangements they did not choose.

The Deputy Minister committed to raise the outstanding issues during a follow-up engagement with the institution, which NMU committed to convening following Friday’s disruptions.

Cassim expressed appreciation to the officials and sector partners who participated in the visit and apologised to students and stakeholders affected by the disruptions at the Gqeberha campus.

“We apologise to students and partners for the challenges experienced at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha on Friday. Those incidents were beyond this Office’s control. However, they should not prevent us from working collectively to ensure that no student is left behind,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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