RS Supports Sustainable Power Solutions Delivered by Sharps Electrical in Botswana

Source: APO

RS South Africa (https://za.RS-online.com), a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a global provider of product and service solutions for industrial customers, is proud to recognise the achievement of Sharps Electrical, our authorised reseller in Botswana, whose work continues to enable sustainable and reliable power solutions for some of the country’s most iconic luxury safari destinations.

Sharps Electrical (https://SharpsElectrical.co.bw) has successfully delivered electrical infrastructure for landmark projects in the Okavango Delta, including Xigera Safari Lodge, Atzaró Okavango Camp, and most recently, Elela Camp. Each of these projects represents a significant technical and environmental achievement, requiring solutions that balance operational reliability with careful preservation of one of the world’s most ecologically sensitive regions.

Working in the Okavango Delta demands more than technical capability. Projects must be executed with minimal environmental impact while meeting the exacting standards of world‑class hospitality. Sharps Electrical’s strong local presence and deep understanding of these conditions have been central to delivering power systems that are resilient, efficient, and aligned with sustainability objectives.

Reflecting on the nature of this work, José Xavier, Chief Operating Officer at Sharps Electrical, said, “Delivering projects in the Okavango Delta goes far beyond electrical infrastructure. It is fundamentally about trust, consistency, and respect for the environment. Having a reliable supply relationship is critical in such remote and sensitive locations, and RS has consistently supported us with dependable products and service that allow us to deliver to the highest standard.”

As a preferred supplier, RS plays a key role in enabling this approach by providing access to high‑quality electrical products that support durable, energy‑efficient, and responsibly engineered installations. This capability allows Sharps Electrical to plan with confidence and maintain continuity across complex projects in remote locations.

“What Sharps Electrical has achieved in Botswana clearly demonstrates what is possible when strong local capability is reinforced by a dependable global supply network,” said Viv Muthan, Head of Export Sales and Operations at RS South Africa. “At RS, we create high quality experiences for our African customers by complementing the local expertise of in‑country partners with reliable, sustainably designed technologies, such as our Better World product range, backed by the RS platform.”

RS South Africa’s collaboration with Sharps Electrical reinforces a shared commitment to Make Amazing Happen for our customers. By supporting infrastructure that reduces operational risk and enables responsible energy use, the partnership helps preserve the integrity of the Okavango Delta while ensuring uninterrupted power for critical lodge operations.

Together, RS and Sharps Electrical are helping to deliver power solutions that quietly underpin exceptional guest experiences, where luxury coexists with conservation. These projects stand as a testament to what can be achieved when strong local expertise is supported by a trusted global partner with aligned values.

RS is proud to support Sharps Electrical as they continue to deliver resilient power solutions across Botswana, helping ensure that some of the country’s most iconic destinations remain reliably powered by RS for the long term.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.

PR contact details:
PR Contact Person – RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
RS South Africa
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366

Media Contact Person – NGAGE Agency:
Thobile Ndlovu
Senior PR Account Executive
thobile@ngage.co.za
+27 11 867 7763

Further information is available via these links:
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/42cPyuJ
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3QRpJhl
X: https://apo-opa.co/42h5VGE
RS South Africa: https://za.RS-online.com
RS Africa Exports: https://Africa.RSDelivers.com 
DesignSpark: https://www.RS-online.com/designspark
RS Group plc: https://www.RSGroup.com

About RS:
RS is a global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably.

We operate in 36 markets, stock over 800,000 industrial and specialist products and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations.

We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it’s our people that make the difference.

Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people planet and profit.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2024 reported revenue of £2,942 million.

For more information, please visit: www.RSonline.co.za

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Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya to brief media on President’s public programme

Source: President of South Africa –

Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, will on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, host a media briefing to update the public on the President’s programme and address topical issues of interest.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 6 May 2026
Time: 12h00 (Media arrival at 11h30)
Venue: Imbizo Media Centre, Parliament, Cape Town

RSVP: Members of the media wishing to attend the media briefing in person are requested to submit their details to shadi@presidency.gov.za by 11h00.

Media following remotely may text their questions to Shadi Baloyi 072 571 6415. 

The media briefing will be streamed live, and the link will be shared in due course.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile to conduct an Oversight Visit to Ditsobola Local Municipality

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, will on Thursday, 7 May 2026, conduct an Oversight Visit to Ditsobotla Local Municipality (DLM) in the North-West Province, as part of Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of municipalities to effectively deliver basic services to communities.

The Visit follows concerns raised by residents of the DLM during the Deputy President’s recent engagement with the community in January 2026. Among the key issues highlighted by community members, were inadequate access to water and sanitation, unreliable electricity supply, poor road infrastructure, and broader service delivery challenges affecting their quality of life.

This Oversight Visit forms part of the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM), which aims to improve cooperative governance by ensuring alignment and integration of national, provincial, and local Government plans. Through the DDM approach, Government seeks to accelerate service delivery, enhance accountability, and ensure that communities receive coordinated and sustainable support.

The DLM has been facing persistent governance and service delivery challenges, which led to the National Cabinet placing it under administration in terms of Section 139 of the Constitution. These challenges include financial mismanagement, instability in political and administrative leadership, failure to provide consistent basic services, and deteriorating infrastructure. Therefore, this intervention aims to restore functionality, strengthen institutional capacity, and ensure improved service delivery outcomes.

The programme of the Deputy President’s Visit will be preceded by an engagement between the Deputy President and the local Traditional Leadership as well as an engagement with business fora, spearheaded by Ministers.

Furthermore, as part of the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign, Ministers will undertake a cleaning Campaign at Matlaba Primary School and Tau Rapulana Secondary School, in the Bodibe Village.

During the visit, Deputy President Mashatile is expected to engage with local leadership, including the provincial Government, municipal administrators, and other key stakeholders, to assess progress made since the intervention and to identify areas requiring urgent attention. The Deputy President will also interact with community members to provide feedback on Government’s interventions thus far.

The Deputy President will be joined by the Premier of North-West and supported by Ministers and/ Deputy Ministers of Mining and Petroleum Resources; Sport, Arts and Culture, Public Works and Infrastructure; Higher Education; Finance; Agriculture; Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation; Water and Sanitation; Transport; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Electricity and Energy; Communications and Digital Technologies (DDM Champion); as well as Mayors, Councillors and senior Government officials.

Details of the Oversight Visit are as follows:
Date:
Thursday, 07 May 2026
Time: 10:00 to 12:00 (visiting 3 sites)

MEDIA PROGRAMME
Site Visit 1:

Klipveld Water Treatment Plant

Site Visit 2:
Road D933

Site Visit 3:
Nelson Mandela road 

Community Engagement:
Time:
13h00 
Itekeng Biesiesvlei Sports Ground

Members of the media interested in covering the Visit are kindly requested to submit their details (Full Name, Media house, ID/Passport Number and Role) to Ms Linah Ledwaba (The Presidency) on 066 240 7635 or Mr Pius Batsile (DLM) on 082 526 3616.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Qatar Joins 4th IHL Consultations in Geneva

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, May 5, 2025

The State of Qatar participated in the fourth round of states’ consultations under the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law (IHL), organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva.

Qatar was represented by Second Secretary at the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mansouri, who chaired the session on Workstream Three: “International Humanitarian Law and Peace.”

Al Mansouri said armed conflicts leave deep and long-lasting impacts on societies, and that violations of international humanitarian law exacerbate grievances, undermine trust, and hinder prospects for sustainable peace.

He stressed that the core message of the third Workstream is that every war should be conducted with a clear vision for a return to peace, with all actions during conflict directed toward enabling parties to live together peacefully in the post-conflict phase.

He added that the final document of the Workstream aims to translate states’ practices and proposals into practical future recommendations structured across the conflict cycle: before, during, and after hostilities.

He noted that the first part focuses on strengthening preventive systems in peacetime, including measures to protect specific groups such as the missing, detainees, and the dead, and sustaining disarmament efforts to ensure respect for international humanitarian law during conflict and lay foundations for long-term recovery and peace.

He added that the second part focuses on integrating international humanitarian law into mediation and ceasefires during armed conflicts, while the third part addresses the post-conflict phase, providing a model checklist of measures to ensure continued respect for international humanitarian law.

Qatar’s participation comes in its capacity as a co-chair of the third Workstream of the initiative on international humanitarian law and peace, alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Republic of Colombia, and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Holds Phone Call with Russian Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, May 5, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani held a phone call with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov.

The call discussed bilateral cooperation and ways to enhance it, and regional developments, particularly the ceasefire between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as efforts to de-escalate and bolster regional security and stability.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed the need for all parties to respond to ongoing mediation efforts to address the root causes of the crisis through dialogue and peaceful means, and to reach a sustainable agreement that prevents renewed escalation.

Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets US Officials

Source: Government of Qatar

Washington, May 5, 2026

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met separately in Washington with HE Senior Advisor to the US President on Counterterrorism at the National Security Council Professor Sebastian Gorka and HE Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur separately.

The meetings dealt with discussing the strong bilateral, strategic relations and the means to enhance them, in addition to the latest developments in the Middle East and Africa.

The meetings also dealt with counter-terrorism efforts and the means to enhance bilateral cooperation in that field to advance regional and international security and stability.

Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs

Source: Government of Qatar

Washington, May 05, 2026

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met Tuesday in Washington with HE US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker.

The meeting discussed the close strategic ties between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, and the regional developments, particularly those related to a ceasefire between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as efforts to de-escalate and bolster regional security and stability. 

Qatar Condemns Targeting Khartoum International Airport

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | May 5, 2026

The State of Qatar condemns the targeting by drones of a site in the grounds of Khartoum International Airport in the fraternal Republic of Sudan, considering it a blatant violation of Sudan’s sovereignty and a clear breach of the rules of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms Qatar’s categorical rejection of targeting civilian objects and vital facilities, reiterating its full support for the unity, sovereignty, and stability of Sudan.

The Ministry also reiterates the State of Qatar’s stance, calling for a resolution to the armed conflict in Sudan through dialogue and peaceful means, in order to achieve the aspirations of its fraternal people for peace, development, and prosperity.

Ninth round of India-Sudan Foreign Office Consultations

Source: APO


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9th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Sudan was held in Port Sudan on 4 May 2026. The Indian delegation was led by Dr. M. Suresh Kumar, Joint Secretary(WANA), Ministry of External Affairs, and the Sudanese side was led by H.E. Ambassador Maowia Osman Khalid Mohammed, Undersecretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sudan.

2. They reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations including political, economic, trade, capacity building, health, education, energy, mining, agriculture, SMEs, digital public infrastructure and people-to-people ties and discussed ways to further strengthen the partnership.

3. Sudan side reiterated their condemnation of the dastardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam last year and both sides resolved to fight the scourge of terrorism.

4. The two sides also exchanged views on regional issues of mutual interest. Sudan side expressed their appreciation for Indian capacity building and human resource development efforts through Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation and ICCR scholarships and both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation under this important pillar, in the spirit of South-South cooperation.

5. During the visit, the delegation also called on H.E. Dr. Heitham Mohammed Ibrahim, Minister of Health, Republic of Sudan. The Minister appreciated India’s humanitarian assistance and ongoing cooperation in the healthcare sector, including the prosthetic limb camp organised recently in Sudan. The delegation also called on H.E Mr.Mustafa Md Noor, Governor of Red Sea state.

6. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations at a mutually convenient date in New Delhi.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.

Daqo examines moving renewable power reliably from source to load

Source: APO

As reported by ESI Africa, Southern Africa is seeing major infrastructure development. Renewable energy capacity is expanding, industrial demand is rising, and electrification is reaching areas that previously had limited grid access.

However, as generation capacity grows, attention is increasingly turning to another part of the equation: how to move that power reliably from source to load.

Daqo tells ESI Africa that, for developers and EPC contractors, the distribution network is no longer simply a downstream consideration. It is becoming an increasingly important part of how projects are planned, coordinated and delivered.

Why distribution is gaining importance

Grid access, system integration and multi-party coordination are increasingly converging at the distribution level.

Renewable projects are often located far from load centres, and the continued growth of distributed energy is changing system behaviour in ways that require earlier and more careful planning.

As a result, distribution infrastructure is increasingly something projects need to design around from the outset, rather than address later in the delivery process.

A growing focus on coordination and supply

One practical consequence of this shift is greater scrutiny of how electrical equipment is sourced and coordinated.

Traditional multi-supplier models introduce multiple technical and logistical interfaces that may cause delays during installation and commissioning, particularly as project complexity increases.

With a portfolio covering medium- and low-voltage switchgear, transformers, power module systems and busbar solutions, Daqo supports a more integrated approach across the electrical distribution chain.

This can help reduce interface risk and improve alignment from design through to commissioning.

Daqo’s global footprint includes more than 10,000 customers and 32 manufacturing companies, with project engagement across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and APAC, enabling coordinated engineering and production at scale.

Prefabricated solutions can help reduce on-site complexity and improve schedule certainty.

Prefabrication and lead time matter more than ever

On fast-track projects, delivery speed and installation efficiency are becoming increasingly decisive.

Prefabricated electrical solutions (including prefabricated substations, E-Houses and containerised medium-voltage systems) move engineering, assembly and testing into controlled factory environments.

These prefabricated solutions can help reduce on-site complexity and improve schedule certainty.

At the same time, supply timelines remain under pressure due to sustained demand growth and broader supply chain constraints.

Daqo addresses this through manufacturing lead times of four to seven weeks, integrated production across group companies, and strong vertical integration in key materials and components, all of which support delivery stability and cost control.

Performance in the field remains critical

Equipment that meets the specification on paper must also perform in the field.

Large-scale renewable integration can introduce challenges, including voltage fluctuation and reduced system inertia.

Real-world site conditions, including high temperatures, dust, corrosive industrial environments and long transport distances, place further demands on equipment durability and maintainability.

Daqo’s system-level approach incorporates intelligent monitoring, protection functions and environmental resilience into the design, helping support stable operation under variable grid conditions and compliance with IEC and project-specific standards.

Daqo looking ahead

The projects being developed across Southern Africa today will help define the region’s energy infrastructure for decades to come. Adding generation capacity is essential, but the ability to deliver, integrate and sustain electrical systems in the field will play an equally important role in determining long-term project success.

This shift in focus is already influencing how experienced developers and EPCs approach project planning, and how suppliers are expected to respond.

Enlit Africa returns to the CTICC from 19 to 21 May in 2026

Daqo will be present at Enlit Africa (Stand A5), where the team will engage with project stakeholders on distribution system design and delivery across the region. Meet us at Enlit Africa on 19-21 May 2026 at the CTICC in Cape Town, South Africa. ESI Africa, part of VUKA Group, is the Host Media Partner for the event.  More about Enlit Africa: https://apo-opa.co/4tV6HFt   

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

About DAQO Group:
With more than 60 years of industry expertise and an expanding global footprint, Daqo Group delivers integrated solutions that support the global energy transition, from smart substations and renewable energy integration platforms to automation systems and a full range of medium- and low-voltage equipment. With 6 major production bases, 4 research institutes, and 32 manufacturing companies across China, Daqo is supported by a global team of more than 17,000 professionals. Ranked among the top 10 enterprises in China’s electrical industry and trusted by more than 10,000 clients worldwide, we help strengthen grid resilience, improve energy efficiency, and support decarbonization goals around the world. https://en.Daqo.com

About ESI Africa:
ESI Africa – Africa’s trusted power, energy, water and utility multimedia platform – is positioned as an impartial industry mouthpiece, delivering the latest technical developments and analysis in both print and digital formats since 1996.

The brand’s various routes to market are expertly primed to build a bridge between readers and solution providers as ESI Africa sifts through the daily noise and delivers the tale of Africa’s energy, power, utility and water transformation to the African and global market. http://apo-opa.co/4wc0iHp

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group connects people and organisations across Africa’s energy, mining, mobility, green economy, and retail sectors through events, content, and strategic networking. Venture partners to The Global Trust Project and leaders of NPO Go Green Africa. www.WeAreVUKA.com

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