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President Ramaphosa to lead National Heritage Day celebrations in the Western Cape

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the 2026 National Heritage Day celebrations on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at Rosemoor Stadium in Thembalethu, George, Western Cape.

The National Heritage Day celebration will be held under the theme “Celebrating Our Living Heritage: Strengthening the Ties That Bind Us”, highlighting the role of living heritage in promoting national unity, social cohesion, Ubuntu and a shared sense of belonging.

National Heritage Day is observed annually on 24 September and provides an opportunity for South Africans to recognise, celebrate and reflect on the country’s diverse cultural heritage.

The theme underscores the importance of living heritage in strengthening social cohesion and nation-building, while recognising communities as custodians of heritage and promoting dialogue, mutual understanding and a shared sense of belonging.

National Heritage Day is the culmination of the month-long Heritage Month activities.

September was declared Heritage Month in 1995, providing an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on the country’s shared history, celebrate its cultural diversity and strengthen a collective sense of belonging grounded in the constitutional values of human dignity, equality, non-racialism, non-sexism and Ubuntu.

As part of the month-long Heritage Month programme, provinces and heritage institutions undertook and continue to embark on activities that promote community participation, education, cultural expression and the transmission of heritage knowledge across generations.

South Africa’s heritage landscape has been shaped by a history of colonial dispossession and apartheid-era exclusion, which marginalised indigenous cultures, knowledge systems and forms of cultural expression.

Since the advent of democracy, the country has progressively reoriented the heritage sector towards inclusivity, redress and cultural democracy.

This approach is reflected in constitutional protections, as well as policy and legislative frameworks that recognise cultural participation, living heritage and Indigenous Knowledge Systems.

This year’s activities included the Living Human Treasures and Heritage Custodians Recognition Programme, which recognises individuals who preserve and transmit Indigenous Knowledge and cultural practices.

Other activities included intergenerational heritage dialogues, school heritage programmes, Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Heritage Symposia, and museum heritage education programmes.

These initiatives provided platforms for communities, heritage practitioners, traditional leaders, cultural workers, artists, Indigenous Knowledge holders, learners and young people to engage with and celebrate South Africa’s diverse heritage.

Members of the media wishing to cover this year’s celebration are requested to apply for accreditation by completing the attached Accreditation Form (Copy of SSA SCREENING TEMPLATE MEDIA.xlsx) in full and sending it to Likhona Qwabe at likhonaq@dsac.gov.za and Kamogelo Ledwaba at kamogelol@gcis.gov.za.

Deadline for submission is extended to Monday, 21 September 2026 at 16h00. Please note that PDF submissions will not be accepted.

Media enquiries:

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture: Zimasa Velaphi, Head of Communication and Marketing – 072 172 8925 / ZimasaV@dsac.gov.za

The Presidency: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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O antigo Vice-Presidente Sénior da DAMAC, Paulo J. Cruz, foi nomeado Diretor Executivo fundador do African Collaboration Group (ACG) para liderar o desenvolvimento de distritos desportivos e de entretenimento em toda a África

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O African Collaborations Group (ACG) (www.ACGafrica.com), a plataforma estratégica de referência para o desenvolvimento de projetos e de colaboração centrada na industrialização do desporto em África através de ecossistemas distritais financiáveis, anunciou hoje a nomeação de Paulo J. Cruz como seu Diretor Executivo Fundador.

Cruz chega ao ACG vindo do Grupo DAMAC, um dos maiores promotores imobiliários privados do Médio Oriente, onde foi Vice-Presidente Sénior de 2022 a 2026. Em 2025, o Grupo registou cerca de 10 mil milhões de dólares em vendas de imóveis. O seu mandato na DAMAC aprofundou ainda mais uma carreira já distinta que abrange a criação de infraestruturas, a estratégia de urbanização e o desenvolvimento imobiliário em grande escala em África, no Médio Oriente e na Europa.

Ao longo dos seus 28 anos de carreira, o Sr. Cruz originou ou estruturou projetos que vão desde 50 milhões de dólares a mais de 5 mil milhões de dólares, gerindo iniciativas desde a fase inicial do conceito, passando pela análise de viabilidade, estruturação financeira e alinhamento com investidores, até às fases de entrega. A sua experiência profissional inclui altos cargos na BP (uma das empresas de energia mais importantes do mundo), no BlackIvy Group (uma plataforma de investimento em infraestruturas apoiada pelos EUA), na Movares (uma empresa europeia líder em consultoria de engenharia) e na Cushman & Wakefield (uma empresa de consultoria imobiliária reconhecida mundialmente).

Antes da DAMAC, o Sr. Cruz foi Diretor Executivo do Grupo LandAfrique, uma plataforma de desenvolvimento pan-africana centrada em parques industriais, infraestruturas, habitação e projetos de energia em toda a África Subsariana, solidificando ainda mais a sua reputação como um dos executivos de desenvolvimento mais experientes do continente.

Como Diretor Executivo Fundador do ACG, o Sr. Cruz irá liderar o desenvolvimento e a expansão de uma plataforma de originação pan-africana, trabalhando em estreita parceria com governos soberanos, instituições financeiras de desenvolvimento (IFD), investidores privados, dirigentes desportivos e de entretenimento e instituições académicas de referência para estruturar projetos a nível distrital que sejam passíveis de investimento e concretização em grande escala.

O ACG funciona como uma plataforma especializada de criação e colaboração, concebida para transformar conceitos em ecossistemas de distritos desportivos e de entretenimento credíveis e financiáveis – arquiteturas capazes de atrair capital institucional e gerar um impacto económico multidimensional a longo prazo, à escala nacional e continental.

A iniciativa emblemática do ACG, o Victory District™, fornece uma estrutura de desenvolvimento distrital exclusiva concebida para criar destinos desportivos e de entretenimento integrados e de utilização mista que transcendem os modelos convencionais de local único. O quadro dá prioridade à otimização da utilização dos ativos, à sustentabilidade a longo prazo, à diversificação alargada das receitas para além da economia dos dias de jogo, à criação de emprego e de oportunidades para os jovens, às vias de desenvolvimento de talentos e às normas de operação e manutenção a nível institucional.

A nomeação do Sr. Cruz segue-se à criação do Conselho Consultivo do ACG, composto por líderes internacionalmente reconhecidos de instituições mundiais de governação, finanças, infraestruturas e desenvolvimento do desporto – incluindo Fatma Samoura, antiga Secretária-Geral da FIFA; Kenny Jean-Marie, antigo Diretor das Associações de Membros da FIFA, Herbert Mensah, Presidente do Rugby Africa e membro do Conselho Executivo do World Rugby e Jan Alessie, cofundador e Diretor Executivo da Cimeira Mundial do Futebol – bem como um Painel Consultivo de Investigação e Impacto de académicos de renome centrados na economia, governação e impacto social do desporto. A lista completa dos membros do Conselho Consultivo e do Painel Consultivo de Investigação e Impacto pode ser consultada aqui: https://apo-opa.co/4xMb5ry.

“O Paulo traz uma combinação excecional de experiência em desenvolvimento de infraestruturas, credibilidade institucional e experiência continental que é praticamente inigualável neste setor. A sua demonstrada capacidade para transformar conceitos de desenvolvimento ambiciosos em projetos financeiramente estruturados e financiáveis posiciona-o como o líder ideal para guiar o ACG à medida que construímos uma plataforma capaz de atrair investimentos transformadores e acelerar a realização de distritos desportivos e de entretenimento financeiramente sustentáveis em toda a África”, afirmou Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Fundador e Presidente Executivo do ACG.

Líder de opinião proeminente e orador nas principais plataformas internacionais – incluindo a Cimeira de Investimento Imobiliário em África (API Summit), a Conferência e Exposição Imobiliária de África (ARCE), a Conferência Anual da União Africana para o Financiamento da Habitação e a Cimeira de Investimento Imobiliário da África Ocidental – o Sr. Cruz foi distinguido como “Pessoa do Mês” pela Sustainable Investments and Alliances for Africa (SIA).

“A infraestrutura é o pré-requisito para a industrialização do desporto em África – sem ela, toda a cadeia de valor permanece teórica. Os atletas precisam de locais para treinar, competir e desenvolver-se. Os organismos que regem o desporto necessitam de recintos que cumpram as normas internacionais. As empresas de radiodifusão, os patrocinadores e os organizadores de eventos necessitam de instalações capazes de gerar valor comercial. Todos os fluxos de receitas da economia do desporto dependem, em última análise, das infraestruturas existentes e do seu funcionamento. No entanto, a forma como essa infraestrutura é originada determina se se torna um motor económico ou um fardo fiscal. Em toda a África, demasiadas instalações desportivas foram construídas isoladamente – um estádio entregue para um único evento e deixado a deteriorar-se numa fração da sua capacidade, drenando as finanças públicas em vez de gerar retorno. O ACG existe para mudar essa equação”, afirmou Paulo J. Cruz – Diretor Executivo Fundador do African Collaborations Group.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Collaborations Group (ACG).

Contacto para a comunicação social:
marie@apo-opa.com

Sobre o African Collaborations Group (ACG):
O African Collaborations Group (ACG) (www.ACGafrica.com) é a plataforma estratégica de referência para o desenvolvimento de projetos e de colaboração centrada na industrialização do desporto em África através da criação de ecossistemas de distritos desportivos e de entretenimento financeiramente viáveis. Ao reunir governos, parceiros do setor privado, instituições de financiamento para o desenvolvimento, actores no sector do desporto e do entretenimento e instituições académicas, o ACG cria soluções estruturadas que transformam conceitos em projetos distritais passíveis de investimento e concretizáveis em todo o continente.

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Building a capable, ethical and development-oriented future is everyone’s responsibility

Source: Government of South Africa

Building a capable, ethical and development-oriented future is everyone’s responsibility

By Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi
Last year, during Public Service Month, I called on the public service to recommit itself to professionalism, integrity, and the Batho Pele principles of service excellence. I did so with a clear understanding that our people have grown impatient with empty promises. They want to see a state that works, responds to their needs and delivers services efficiently and with dignity.

Building a capable, ethical, and developmental state remains one of the priorities of this administration. This requires us to recruit and develop public servants who are not only skilled and citizen-centred, but who can also be trusted to execute their responsibilities with integrity and professionalism.

A year on, Public Service Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made, the challenges that remain, and the work that lies ahead. More importantly, it is an opportunity for every public servant to consider the role they must play in building a state that serves its people.

Professionalising the public service
The signing into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Public Service Amendment Act and the Public Administration Management Amendment Act marked an important step in strengthening the professionalisation of the public service.

The Amendment Acts reinforce ethical conduct and provide greater clarity on the roles and responsibilities of executive authorities and heads of departments. They also seek to address wage disparities, promote fiscal sustainability in conditions of service, and give effect to Constitutional Court findings concerning provisions of the Public Service Act. These legislative reforms are complemented by the Professionalisation Framework, which continues to guide recruitment and ensure that suitably qualified and competent candidates are appointed to positions within the public service.

Professionalisation, however, cannot end with recruitment. It must be supported by continuous learning, skills development, and a culture of excellence. The National School of Government remains central to this effort. More than 600 000 people have enrolled in its programmes since its inception, while the Nyukela Senior Management Service programme continues to expand compulsory training in areas such as financial management and digital skills.

The establishment of the 12-member Ministerial Advisory Committee, chaired by former Deputy President Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, will further strengthen this work by providing strategic guidance on the curriculum of the National School of Government. Its contribution will be important in ensuring that public servants are equipped to respond to the increasingly complex demands of a modern, capable, and developmental state.

An ethical and accountable public service
Competence without ethics is not enough.

A professional public service must be ethical, accountable, reliable and worthy of public trust. It must embody the Batho Pele principles not merely as a policy framework, but as a standard of conduct in every interaction with citizens. 

For this reason, we have intensified lifestyle audits and consequence management as part of our efforts to prevent corruption, protect public resources and rebuild confidence in government. In 2026, we achieved a 93% compliance rate in lifestyle audits. This is encouraging progress, but it is not the destination. We are working with key stakeholders, including COGTA and SALGA, to develop regulations that will extend lifestyle audits to the local government sphere.

Accountability must also mean that misconduct has consequences. We will therefore intensify the monitoring of disciplinary case backlogs across national and provincial departments, in line with the objectives of the Discipline Management Strategy. The aim is to strengthen discipline management through clear norms and standards while building the institutional capacity required to deal with misconduct effectively and without unnecessary delay.

The Central Register for disciplinary cases will be operational across all three spheres of government from the beginning of the next financial year. This will strengthen accountability by preventing dismissed employees from simply moving between government institutions to evade the consequences of misconduct.

The Public Service Commission Bill, which is now before the President for assent, represents another important step towards strengthening the Public Service Commission and reinforcing its impartiality and independence.

These measures send a clear message: public service is a position of responsibility, not entitlement. Where public resources and public trust are placed in our hands, accountability must follow.

Improving service delivery 
Ultimately, the success of government is not measured by the number of policies adopted or strategies developed. It is measured by the experience of the citizen. A capable state is one that turns policy into tangible improvements in people’s lives.

Innovations incubated through the Centre for Public Service Innovation are already demonstrating what is possible when government combines public-sector expertise with innovation and technology. The award-winning Broselow Emergency Reference Tape, for example, helps reduce paediatric emergency errors and save lives in healthcare facilities across the Western Cape, Gauteng and the City of Tshwane. The Smart Agriculture Box is supporting Correctional Services and rural communities, while shared e-recruitment and citizen portal systems are helping government improve the way it interacts with citizens.

Government has also approved the Roadmap on Digital Transformation of Government, establishing a focused framework for modernising public services through investment in digital public infrastructure.

At the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), we have further embraced this digital transformation through the launch of the Batho Pele AI Chatbot. The tool provides public servants with instant access to public service policy updates, circulars, legislation and other critical information.

The initiative is the brainchild of a public-private partnership between the DPSA, Meta and Juicetel. It demonstrates how responsible innovation and strategic partnerships can help government improve access to information, strengthen institutional knowledge and support more responsive public administration.

Technology, however, is not a substitute for public servants. It is an enabler. The ultimate responsibility for service delivery remains with the people entrusted with serving the public.

Restoring confidence in government 
The work of building a capable, ethical and development-oriented state is ultimately about one thing: restoring confidence in government. Citizens must be able to believe that when they approach a public institution, they will be treated with dignity; that when government commits, it will act on it; and that when public servants fail in their responsibilities, there will be consequences.

This is not the responsibility of one department, one minister or one sphere of government. It is a collective responsibility. Every public servant has a role to play — from the frontline official assisting a citizen, to the manager making decisions, to the senior executive providing strategic leadership. Public Service Month must therefore be more than an annual commemoration. It must be a moment of recommitment.
We must recommit ourselves to professionalism over complacency, integrity over personal interest, accountability over impunity, and service over self. 

A capable state is built by capable people. An ethical state is built by ethical people. And a developmental state is built by public servants who understand that their authority exists not for themselves, but to serve the people of South Africa.

The responsibility is ours. And the work must continue. 

*Buthelezi is the Minister for the Public Service and Administration
*This article first appeared in Public Sector Magazine

 

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SAWS warns of rainfall and thundershowers

Source: Government of South Africa

SAWS warns of rainfall and thundershowers

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast that a surface high-pressure system will extend its ridge into the eastern and southern parts of the country this week, bringing isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers.

Windy conditions are also expected in some areas.

Monday’s weather is expected to be partly cloudy, windy, and cool to warm, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers.

The weather service has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms, with heavy downpours, hail, and excessive lightning expected.

These conditions could lead to localised flooding and damage to infrastructure and settlements across KwaZulu-Natal.

Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the Nama Khoi Municipality in the Northern Cape.

The extended forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday indicates partly cloudy and cool to warm conditions, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers expected. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Government commits to accelerating service delivery in Phokwane

Source: Government of South Africa

Government commits to accelerating service delivery in Phokwane

Government has committed to accelerating interventions to address persistent service delivery challenges in the Phokwane Local Municipality in the Northern Cape.

The municipality faces challenges including unreliable water supply, ageing infrastructure, housing backlogs, unemployment, and electricity interruptions.

Deputy Minister of Human Settlements Tandi Mahambehlala made the commitment during an Integrated Service Delivery Outreach Visit to Phokwane in the Frances Baard District on Friday.

Leading the outreach on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, the Deputy Minister said the outreach forms part of the work of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Service Delivery, chaired by the Deputy President.

The Deputy Minister said the visit aimed to ensure that government leaders engage directly with communities and understand their challenges first-hand.

“Today is therefore not merely an exercise in listening. It is part of holding all spheres of government accountable for delivery,” Mahambehlala said.

The delegation visited the Vaalharts/Taung Irrigation Scheme, the Vala Zonke Project and the Pecan Nut Processing Plant to assess both the municipality’s development potential and obstacles holding back economic growth.

Mahambehlala said residents have clearly identified a range of pressing service delivery failures, including unreliable water supply, ageing infrastructure, potholes, sewer spillages, and electricity interruptions among others.

“These concerns are legitimate. They are the daily measure of dignity,” she said.

She acknowledged that government’s response has not kept pace with the needs of communities and that while progress has been made in some areas, “implementation has not happened at the speed communities deserve.”

Mahambehlala emphasised that government will have to move beyond engagements and ensure that identified interventions are implemented.

The water and sanitation challenges in Pampierstad, including asbestos pipelines, recurring pipe bursts, sewer blockages and sanitation problems, were among the issues raised. This as government implements projects to upgrade bulk water and sanitation infrastructure.

“As government, we do not claim to have all the answers. But we have listened. We have taken note. We have seen your challenges.”

On housing, Mahambehlala acknowledged long-standing frustrations over housing backlogs, including shortage of serviced sites and delays associated with bulk infrastructure.

She identified projects in Ganspan, Bonita Park, Kingston, Masakeng, Andalusia and Nkandla, but acknowledged that the pace of delivery remains “far from satisfactory.”

Mahambehlala said the outreach must help ensure that blockages delaying these projects are addressed through greater coordination between government institutions.

Unemployment was another major concern, with the municipality’s rate estimated at approximately 43%.

Communities, she said, should not be treated as beneficiaries of development, but that investment in communities translates into jobs, skills and enterprise opportunities.

She also called on the municipality, major employers, agricultural enterprises, businesses and investors to strengthen local recruitment and procurement, while expanding internships, apprenticeships and learnerships.

“Every infrastructure project, every agricultural investment, every housing development must become a vehicle for local job creation, skills development and enterprise opportunities.”

The Deputy Minister also supported calls for a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college in the area to expand access to post-school education and training. She noted that young people should not have to leave their communities to access opportunities.

The government’s response to infrastructure challenges will also have to include roads, electricity networks and protection of infrastructure from vandalism and theft.

Mahambehlala said the Kolong Road Project and Vala Zonke Programme are among interventions being implemented but acknowledged that the infrastructure backlog remains significant.

She said investment in electrification and network upgrades must be accompanied by stronger measures to address vandalism and electricity theft.

The Deputy Minister said the District Development Model provides a framework for ensuring that government does not work in silos.

“National, provincial and local government must plan together, budget together, and deliver together. The people of Phokwane do not care which sphere is responsible. They simply want services, dignity and opportunity,” she said.

While noting Phokwane’s agricultural assets, where local businesses and young people provide a foundation for economic development, Mahlabehlala stressed that this potential can only be realised through coordinated government action and effective implementation.

Mahambehlala assured residents that their concerns and the observations made during the visit will be reported directly to the Deputy President. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister asks CIBD to probe Moriel Infrastructure Group gradings

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister asks CIBD to probe Moriel Infrastructure Group gradings

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has noted with concern allegations that the Moriel Infrastructure Group obtained multiple gradings from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), all on the same day. 

This followed a social media video that surfaced wherein Lawrence Mudzinganyama, who was associated with the company, was depicted in a threatening altercation with women that can be heard in the background.

In a statement, the Board of the multi-disciplinary engineering, procurement and construction contracting group said it had resolved to terminate its association with Mudzinganyama “with immediate effect, following the disturbing incident at Vlamo restaurant on Friday evening.”

The CIBD is an agency of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure created to lead industry stakeholders in construction development, with its role being to facilitate and promote the construction industry’s improved contribution to South Africa’s economy and society.

The Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure said allegations suggest that the Moriel Infrastructure Group may not have met all the requirements for the gradings.

“Further allegations suggest that the company may not have met the requirements for these gradings, which may subsequently have been used to secure contracts from various spheres of government,” the Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

The Minister has directed the CIDB to immediately investigate the matter and report back to him at the earliest opportunity.

Mudzinganyama served as Moriel Infrastructure Group’s Executive Chairman and a Director.

“He will no longer represent, speak for, or act on behalf of Moriel Infrastructure Group in any capacity.

“The Board took this decision in accordance with the company’s commitment to the highest standards of conduct, accountability and respect. The behaviour shown in the footage is inconsistent with the organisation’s values.

“Moriel Infrastructure Group unequivocally condemns violence, threats, abuse and intimidation directed at women and vulnerable people. The company recognises the seriousness of gender-based violence in South Africa and remains committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for its employees, stakeholders and the wider community,” the company said.
– SAnews.gov.za

 

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L’ancien Vice-président Sénior de DAMAC, Paulo J. Cruz, nommé Directeur Général Fondateur d’African Collaboration Group (ACG) pour piloter le développement de pôles intégrés de sport et de divertissement à travers l’Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

African Collaborations Group (ACG) (www.ACGafrica.com), la plateforme stratégique de création de projets et de collaboration axée sur l’industrialisation du sport en Afrique au moyen d’écosystèmes de pôles intégrés de sport et de divertissement bancables, annonce aujourd’hui la nomination de Paulo J. Cruz au poste de Directeur Général Fondateur.

M. Cruz rejoint ACG après avoir travaillé chez DAMAC Group, l’un des plus grands promoteurs immobiliers privés du Moyen-Orient, où il a occupé le poste de Vice-président Sénior de 2022 à 2026. En 2025, DAMAC Group a réalisé près de dix milliards USD de ventes immobilières. Son mandat chez DAMAC a approfondi une carrière déjà distinguée couvrant la création d’infrastructures, la stratégie d’urbanisation et le développement immobilier à grande échelle en Afrique, au Moyen-Orient et en Europe.

Au cours de ses 28 années de carrière, M. Cruz a initié ou structuré des projets allant de 50 millions USD à plus de cinq milliards USD, gérant des initiatives allant du concept initial à l’analyse de faisabilité, à la structuration financière et à l’alignement des investisseurs aux étapes de livraison bancables. Sa carrière englobe des postes de direction chez BP, l’une des plus grandes entreprises énergétiques au monde ; BlackIvy Group, une plateforme d’investissement dans les infrastructures soutenue par les États-Unis ; Movares, un cabinet de conseil en ingénierie de premier plan en Europe ; et Cushman & Wakefield, cabinet de conseil immobilier mondialement reconnu.

Avant de rejoindre DAMAC, M. Cruz a occupé le poste de CEO du groupe LandAfrique, une plateforme de développement panafricaine axée sur les parcs industriels, les infrastructures, le logement et les projets énergétiques en Afrique subsaharienne, consolidant ainsi sa réputation en tant que l’un des responsables du développement les plus expérimentés du continent.

En tant que DG Fondateur d’ACG, M. Cruz dirigera le développement et l’expansion d’une plateforme panafricaine de création de projets, travaillant en partenariat étroit avec des gouvernements souverains, des institutions de financement du développement, des investisseurs privés, des directeurs de sport et de divertissement et des établissements universitaires de premier plan pour structurer des projets au niveau des quartiers qui sont à la fois investissables et livrables à grande échelle.

ACG fonctionne comme une plateforme de création et de collaboration spécialisée conçue pour transformer les concepts en écosystèmes de sport et de divertissement crédibles et bancables, des architectures capables d’attirer des capitaux institutionnels et de générer un impact économique multidimensionnel à long terme à l’échelle nationale et continentale.

L’initiative phare d’ACG, Victory District™, fournit un cadre de développement de district exclusif conçu pour créer des destinations sportives et de divertissement, intégrées à usage mixte qui transcendent les modèles conventionnels mono-sites. Le cadre donne la priorité à l’optimisation de l’utilisation des actifs, à la durabilité à long terme, à une diversification accrue des revenus au-delà de l’économie des matchs, à la création d’emplois structurés et d’opportunités pour les jeunes, aux parcours de développement des talents et aux normes d’exploitation et de maintenance de qualité institutionnelle.

La nomination de M. Cruz fait suite à la mise en place du conseil consultatif de l’ACG, composé de dirigeants internationalement reconnus issus de la gouvernance mondiale du sport, de la finance, des infrastructures et des institutions de développement, y compris Fatma Samoura, Ancienne Secrétaire Générale de la FIFA ; Kenny Jean-Marie, Ancien Directeur des Associations Membres de la FIFA ; Herbert Mensah, Président de Rugby Afrique et Membre du Directoire de World Rugby ; et Jan Alessie, Cofondateur et Directeur Général du World Football Summit, ainsi qu’un Panel Consultatif Recherche & Impact composé d’universitaires de premier plan axés sur l’économie, la gouvernance et l’impact sociétal du sport. La liste complète des membres du conseil consultatif et du panel consultatif Recherche & Impact peut être consultée ici : https://apo-opa.co/4xMb5ry

« Paulo apporte une combinaison exceptionnelle d’expertise en matière de création de projets, de crédibilité institutionnelle et d’expérience continentale qui est pratiquement inégalée dans ce domaine. Sa capacité éprouvée à transformer des concepts de développement ambitieux en projets financièrement structurés et bancables font de lui le dirigeant idéal pour guider ACG dans la construction d’une plateforme capable de catalyser les investissements transformateurs et d’accélérer la réalisation de quartiers sportifs et de divertissement financièrement durables à travers l’Afrique », déclare Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Fondateur et Président Exécutif d’ACG.

Un éminent leader d’opinion et conférencier à des plateformes internationales de premier plan, y compris le Sommet sur l’Investissement Immobilier en Afrique (API Summit), la Conférence et l’Exposition sur l’Immobilier en Afrique (ARCE), la Conférence Annuelle de l’Union Africaine pour le Financement du Logement et le Sommet sur l’Investissement Immobilier en Afrique de l’Ouest, M. Cruz a été honoré en tant que « Person of the Month » par Sustainable Investments and Alliances for Africa (SIA).

« L’infrastructure est la condition préalable à l’industrialisation du sport en Afrique. Sans elle, toute la chaîne de valeur reste théorique. Les athlètes ont besoin de lieux pour s’entraîner, concourir et se développer. Les instances dirigeantes du sport ont besoin de sites qui répondent aux normes internationales. Les médias, les sponsors et les organisateurs d’événements ont besoin d’installations capables de générer de la valeur commerciale. Chaque source de revenus dans l’économie du sport dépend de l’infrastructure existante et de son fonctionnement respectif. Mais l’origine de cette infrastructure détermine si elle devient un moteur économique ou un fardeau fiscal. Dans toute l’Afrique, trop d’installations sportives ont été construites de manière isolée : un stade livré pour un seul événement, puis laissé à l’abandon à une fraction de sa capacité, drainant les finances publiques plutôt que de générer des rendements. ACG existe pour changer cette équation », déclare Paulo J. Cruz, DG Fondateur d’African Collaborations Group.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Collaborations Group (ACG).

Contact avec les médias :
marie@apo-opa.com

À propos d’African Collaborations Group (ACG) :
African Collaborations Group (ACG) (www.ACGafrica.com) est la plateforme stratégique de création de projets et de collaboration axée sur l’industrialisation du sport en Afrique à travers la création d’écosystèmes de sport et de divertissement bancables. En réunissant les pouvoirs publics, les partenaires du secteur privé, les établissements de financement du développement, les acteurs du sport et du divertissement et les universités, ACG crée des axes structurés qui transforment les concepts en projets de quartier investissables et livrables à travers le continent.

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Comment le Dr. Rasha Kelej transforme les soins de fertilité et brise la stigmatisation liés à l’infertilité grâce au mouvement « Plus Qu’une Mère » de la Fondation Merck

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

  • Développer l’expertise médicale locale tout en favorisant la compréhension et l’acceptation sociales nécessaires pour accéder aux soins de fertilité sans honte ni stigmatisation

Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck (https://Merck-Foundation.com/), pilote une approche globale pour transformer les soins de fertilité et briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité grâce au mouvement « Plus Qu’une Mère » de la Fondation Merck. Ce mouvement aborde non seulement la pénurie de spécialistes de la fertilité qualifiés, mais aussi aux barrières sociales, culturelles, religieuses et de communication qui empêchent les femmes et les couples d’accéder à des soins de fertilité de qualité.

« Un changement durable résulte rarement de la simple résolution du problème visible. Un leader doit identifier – et agir sur – les multiples dimensions qui l’entourent », explique la Sénatrice Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret).

Pour le Dr. Rasha, le mouvement « Plus Qu’une Mère » n’a jamais consisté uniquement à octroyer des bourses aux spécialistes de la fertilité et aux embryologistes. Il s’agissait de transformer l’ensemble du contexte de l’infertilité.

« En l’absence de spécialistes formés, il nous fallait développer les capacités médicales. Si la stigmatisation empêchait les femmes et les couples de se faire soigner, il nous fallait changer les mentalités. Si la désinformation était alimentée par le discours public, nous devions sensibiliser et former les médias. Si des croyances culturelles ou religieuses profondément ancrées engendraient des résistances, nous devions aborder ces sujets avec respect », explique le Dr. Rasha.

Développer une expertise locale en fertilité

Un pilier essentiel du mouvement a été de développer une expertise médicale locale durable. Plus de 800 bourses d’études ont été octroyées à des professionnels de santé de 42 pays dans le cadre du programme « Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère », soutenant la formation spécialisée en soins de fertilité et contribuant à l’émergence des premiers spécialistes locaux en fertilité et embryologistes dans de nombreux pays où il n’existait même pas un seul spécialiste.

L’objectif du Dr. Rasha n’était pas seulement de former des médecins, mais de garantir aux femmes et aux couples l’accès à des soins de fertilité et de reproduction de qualité dans leur propre pays, au sein des hôpitaux publics, des centres privés et des institutions universitaires, tout en veillant à la pérennité de cette expertise.

« Mon objectif était de développer une expertise locale afin que les femmes et les couples puissent accéder à des soins de fertilité et de reproduction de qualité dans leur propre pays », explique le Dr. Rasha.

Cette approche reflète un principe fondamental du mouvement « Plus Qu’une Mère » : l’accès aux soins de fertilité ne doit pas dépendre de la situation géographique, du statut social ou de la possibilité de voyager à l’étranger.

Au-delà du système de santé

Cependant, le Dr Rasha a reconnu que la formation des médecins à elle seule ne suffirait jamais.

L’infertilité est entourée de stigmatisation et d’idées fausses, les femmes étant souvent accusées à tort. Dans certaines communautés, les croyances culturelles et religieuses engendrent également une résistance aux traitements de fertilité.

Pour lutter contre ces perceptions profondément ancrées, le mouvement a étendu son action au-delà du système de santé et a réuni des Premières Dames d’Afrique, des ministères, des professionnels de la santé, des médias, des artistes, des chefs religieux et des leaders communautaires.

Dr. Rasha s’est associée aux Premières Dames d’Afrique pour devenir Ambassadrices du Mouvement « Plus Qu’une Mère », mettant à profit leur influence pour toucher les communautés et contribuer à un changement de mentalité concernant l’infertilité.

À l’écoute des communautés

Le Dr. Rasha s’est également rendue personnellement dans des communautés, notamment en zones rurales, au Burundi, en Ouganda, en Sierra Leone, au Libéria, en Gambie, en Guinée, au Tchad, au Niger et en République Centrafricaine.

Lors de ces visites, elle a écouté des femmes, des couples, des médecins, des responsables communautaires et des chefs religieux et a constaté de visu la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité et, en particulier, le fardeau considérable qui pèse sur les femmes.

Ces expériences ont renforcé la nécessité d’une approche globale de l’infertilité, plutôt que de la considérer uniquement comme un problème médical.

Faire des médias un acteur de la solution

Changer la perception du public impliquait également de changer la façon dont l’infertilité était abordée.

En collaboration avec les associations de presse locales, la Fondation Merck a dispensé des formations aux journalistes et aux professionnels des médias sur la santé, contribuant ainsi à garantir que l’infertilité soit traitée avec exactitude, sensibilité et responsabilité.

L’objectif n’était pas simplement d’informer les journalistes, mais de faire des médias un acteur de la solution, plutôt que de renforcer involontairement la stigmatisation de l’infertilité.

Le mouvement a également lancé des prix annuels des médias et des créations, encourageant journalistes, cinéastes, créateurs de mode, musiciens, chanteurs et autres artistes à utiliser leur influence et leur créativité pour lutter contre la stigmatisation de l’infertilité et d’autres problèmes de santé et sociaux cruciaux.

À travers des articles, des films, des chansons, la mode, le récit et d’autres formes d’expression créative, le mouvement a diffusé ces messages au-delà des structures de soins traditionnelles et a touché un public que les congrès médicaux, à eux seuls, n’auraient pas permis d’atteindre.

Créer un écosystème pour le changement

Le mouvement « Plus Qu’une Mère » rassemble ainsi de nombreuses voix, car changer des perceptions profondément ancrées exige un effort collectif.

« Nous avons mobilisé des Premières Dames, des représentants des ministères, des professionnels de la santé, des médias, des artistes, des chefs religieux et des responsables communautaires, car changer des perceptions aussi profondément ancrées nécessite la mobilisation de nombreuses voix vers un même objectif », explique le Dr. Rasha.

C’est pourquoi le Dr. Rasha considère cette réussite comme bien plus qu’un simple programme de formation médicale.

Le mouvement s’est efforcé de bâtir un écosystème où l’expertise médicale locale se développe parallèlement à la compréhension et à l’acceptation sociales nécessaires pour que les femmes et les couples puissent y avoir recours et en bénéficier.

Une vision qui va au-delà de l’accès aux soins médicaux

Au cœur de la vision du Dr. Rasha se trouve un principe simple : aucune femme ne devrait être blâmée pour son infertilité, et aucun couple ne devrait être privé de soins appropriés simplement parce que l’expertise spécialisée n’existe pas dans son pays.

Un véritable accès aux soins de fertilité ne se limite pas à la présence d’un médecin qualifié ou d’un centre de fertilité.

Il signifie que l’expertise est disponible, que les communautés comprennent que l’infertilité est une maladie, que les femmes ne sont plus culpabilisées et que les couples se sentent capables de demander des soins sans honte ni stigmatisation.

À travers « Plus Qu’une Mère », l’approche consiste donc à aborder le problème sous tous ses aspects : renforcer les capacités médicales, changer les mentalités, lutter contre la désinformation, mobiliser les communautés, collaborer avec les Premières Dames et autres acteurs influents, améliorer la couverture médiatique responsable et faire preuve de créativité pour toucher un public au-delà des canaux de communication traditionnels en matière de santé.

Cette approche globale reflète la conviction du Dr. Rasha qu’un changement durable exige d’aller au-delà du problème immédiatement visible et d’agir sur les multiples dimensions qui l’entourent.

« Ma vision était simple dès le départ : aucune femme ne devrait être blâmée pour son infertilité, et aucun couple ne devrait être privé de soins appropriés simplement parce que l’expertise spécialisée n’existe pas dans son pays », a conclu le Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Distribué par APO Group pour Merck Foundation.

Contact :
Mehak Handa
Responsable du programme de sensibilisation communautaire
Téléphone : +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
E-mail : mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

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Commissioner Dimpane lauds arrests of suspects in EC cop killings

Source: Government of South Africa

Commissioner Dimpane lauds arrests of suspects in EC cop killings

The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has commended the Eastern Cape police for the swift and decisive response shown, following the killing of two police officers in Libode.

The activation of a 72-hour operational plan, coupled with intelligence gathering, tracking and coordinated multidisciplinary operations, has resulted in two suspects being arrested while three other suspects were fatally wounded during police operations aimed at tracing those linked to the killing of the two officers.

“The speed with which the operation was activated and the subsequent progress in tracing the suspects demonstrate the resolve of the SAPS to pursue those who attack our members, steal police firearms and undermine the authority of the State,” the police said in a statement.

The SAPS added that officers are representatives of the State, and attacks against them strike at the rule of law and the authority vested in the police to protect communities and maintain public order, while also stressing that such acts will no tolerated.

Dimpane commended the Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata and the multidisciplinary teams involved for their continued commitment to ensuring that those responsible are brought before the courts to face the full might of the law.

“We will not allow criminals to believe that they can attack police officers, steal their firearms and operate with impunity. Our response must be swift, intelligence-driven and uncompromising, within the law. 

“The arrest of two suspects and the fatal wounding of three others demonstrates that our members are pursuing every available lead,” said Lieutenant General Dimpane.

The Acting National Commissioner further reiterated that the loss of Warrant Officer Thando Magoxo and Constable Ntlahla Tyhali is deeply felt by the organisation.

The officers were killed while responding to a call for assistance after armed suspects attacked a spaza shop and demanded money from the shop operator. Both their service pistols were stolen during the attack.

“We remain deeply saddened by the loss of Warrant Officer Thando Magoxo and Constable Ntlahla Tyhali. Their families, colleagues and loved ones remain in our thoughts. 

“We will continue to support them while ensuring that the work these members were doing in service to the people of South Africa does not stop,” said Dimpane. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Police arrest three suspects for murder victim found in Dawn Park

Source: Government of South Africa

Police arrest three suspects for murder victim found in Dawn Park

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has made a breakthrough in the murder investigation of the ninth victim in the series of murder cases involving women currently under investigation in Gauteng.

Three suspects, comprising one man and two women, were arrested over the weekend by members of the Gauteng Murder and Robbery Unit in connection with the murder. 

Police discovered the body of a ninth woman on Thursday (17 September 2026) morning in Dawn Park, Boksburg. Her body was found following the discovery of eight bodies in Ekurhuleni over the past two months. 

The trio is expected to appear on Monday before the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court.

The Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, said police are seized with all nine murder cases, with each case receiving priority attention.

“We remain committed to ensuring that these investigations are pursued with the urgency and determination they require. Our investigators are following all available leads and are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice,” said Lieutenant General Dimpane.

Further details regarding the case will be ventilated in court. 

After the woman’s body was found, police appealed to community members to share any information that may assist with the investigations by calling the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111 or by providing anonymous tip-offs on MySapsApp, which can be downloaded on any smartphone. – SAnews.gov.za

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