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A Venezuela Energy Week vai organizar o Houston Industry Showcase, abrindo caminho para o envolvimento comercial dos Estados Unidos antes da cimeira de outubro

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A Venezuela Energy Week irá organizar uma Mostra do Setor em Houston, a 18 de agosto de 2026: uma ronda de apresentações direcionada, concebida para envolver as partes interessadas do setor energético dos EUA antes da cimeira de outubro. Realizado no The Post Oak Hotel, o evento reunirá representantes de alto nível de todo o ecossistema de upstream dos EUA — incluindo empresas de exploração e produção, operadoras independentes sediadas no Texas, empresas de serviços petrolíferos, empresas de engenharia e tecnologia, bancos comerciais, sociedades de capital de risco e family offices — para avaliar vias comerciais de participação no setor energético da Venezuela.

À medida que a Venezuela procura expandir a produção, as empresas norte-americanas continuam bem posicionadas para contribuir com conhecimentos técnicos, capital e capacidades operacionais ao longo de toda a cadeia de valor do setor de exploração e produção. A presença de longa data da Chevron no país destaca a importância contínua da participação da indústria norte-americana, enquanto a dimensão da base de recursos da Venezuela continua a atrair o interesse de grandes empresas internacionais do setor energético, incluindo a ExxonMobil e a ConocoPhillips. As oportunidades abrangem a exploração, o desenvolvimento de campos, a otimização da produção, a reabilitação de infraestruturas e a modernização digital, à medida que a Venezuela procura reforçar o seu setor energético.

Prevê-se também um aumento da procura por empresas de serviços petrolíferos, empresas de engenharia, fornecedores de tecnologia e instituições financeiras capazes de apoiar o investimento a montante e a execução de projetos. Empresas como a SLB, a Halliburton e a Baker Hughes foram identificadas como potenciais parceiros para impulsionar a otimização da produção e a reabilitação de infraestruturas, enquanto os bancos comerciais, as sociedades de capital de risco e os family offices desempenharão um papel importante no financiamento de futuras oportunidades de investimento.

Neste contexto, o Houston Industry Showcase proporcionará uma plataforma de interação estruturada, numa altura em que operadores internacionais selecionados continuam a operar ao abrigo de quadros autorizados pelo Tesouro dos EUA e em que as considerações políticas nos EUA continuam a definir os parâmetros de interação no setor energético da Venezuela.

O evento permitirá que empresas de exploração norte-americanas, operadores independentes, prestadores de serviços petrolíferos e investidores avaliem vias técnicas e comerciais nas áreas da exploração, serviços de campo, execução de projetos e oportunidades mais amplas na cadeia de abastecimento, ao mesmo tempo que apoia o diá. numa fase inicial entre investidores internacionais e partes interessadas focadas na Venezuela, num ambiente comercial estruturado, antes da cimeira de outubro.

Para se inscrever no Houston Industry Showcase, a realizar-se a 18 de agosto, visite www.venezuelaenergyweek.com/rsvp-houston. Para saber mais sobre oportunidades de participação, patrocínio e parceria para o evento ou para garantir o seu lugar na Venezuela Energy Week 2026, em Caracas, em outubro deste ano, contacte info@venezuelaenergyweek.com.

Apoio à recuperação da Venezuela após o terramoto

Os nossos pensamentos estão com as pessoas e as comunidades afetadas pelos recentes terramotos na Venezuela. À medida que o país inicia o longo processo de recuperação, encorajamos os membros da comunidade energética global a apoiar os esforços de socorro e reconstrução através do Fundo de Recuperação e Reconstrução da CAF para a Venezuela, que canaliza contribuições de particulares, empresas e organizações para assistência de emergência, serviços essenciais e esforços de reconstrução a longo prazo.

Para saber mais ou fazer uma contribuição, visite o Fundo de Recuperação e Reconstrução da CAF para a Venezuela.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Energy Capital & Power.

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The sex life of treefrogs: how females build better nests by mating with multiple partners

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Phillip Byrne, Associate Professor School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences (SEALS), University of Wollongong

African grey foam-nest treefrogs (Chiromantis xerampelina) are common across the savannahs and dry forests of south-eastern Africa. Despite their unremarkable outward appearance, these small animals display some of the most intriguing reproductive behaviours known to science. Most notably, the females are highly polyandrous, constructing elaborate foam nests and mating with many different male partners in a breeding season.

Until the 1990s, evolutionary biologists thought that polyandry was extremely rare in nature. Having one mating partner, monandry, was considered to be the norm. However, with the advent of molecular techniques for testing paternity, it quickly became apparent that females across a diversity of animal groups (from bed bugs to blue whales) routinely mate with multiple males during a breeding season. Understanding the benefit of polyandry rapidly became a profound evolutionary puzzle.

Over the past few decades, observational and experimental research by behavioural ecologists has shown that polyandrous females can benefit in many ways. Mating with multiple males may ensure eggs are fertilised, ensure extra nutrients or paternal care for offspring, or increase the genetic diversity of offspring, making them more resilient to future challenges.

Our recent paper introduced a new idea, the “nesting-assistance” hypothesis, as a novel explanation for the evolution of polyandry.

Our team (composed of four prominent herpetologists with expertise in behavioural ecology, evolutionary biology and molecular ecology) theorise that in species where females are primarily responsible for nest construction, and males display some form of nesting assistance, mating with multiple males leads to the production of more viable nests and improved offspring survival or performance.

By studying the reproductive behaviour of a wild population of African grey foam-nest treefrogs for an entire breeding season, we obtained strong support for the “nesting-assistance hypothesis”. As predicted, extra males helped polyandrous females to build a better nest, giving tadpoles a much greater chance of surviving until they hatched.

The mating process

In African grey foam-nest treefrogs the mating process is a protracted and captivating affair. Come hot and steamy summer nights in the wet season between October and February, females begin their reproductive quest by climbing onto tree branches overhanging water. Once a suitable site is chosen, they build a foam nest into which they lay hundreds of eggs.

chiro. Author supplied

For the eggs to be fertilised, females must engage with a male and receive sperm over the five to six hours that it takes to build the nest. This is where things get interesting. While some females mate with just one male during this period, most will attract and mate with multiple partners, and all at once.

A female typically mates with five males simultaneously, although groups of 10 to 15 are not unusual. Scientists call this mating system “simultaneous polyandry”.

Female foam-nest treefrogs build their nests by mixing water with secretions from their reproductive tract and whipping the mixture into a dense foam using their hind legs. The finished nest protects eggs from the intense African heat for almost a week until the tadpoles hatch and drop into the water below. However, if the foam dries out too quickly the entire clutch dies.

Tree frogs calling. Author supplied403 KB (download)

By analysing video recordings, we found that males didn’t simply fertilise the eggs, they also helped to build the nest. During polyandrous matings, several males synchronised their hind-leg movements with the female, and the level of synchrony and churning effort was higher when more males were present. This led to the construction of larger nests that retained moisture for much longer than nests built by a single male and female (monandrous pairs).

The difference had a massive effect on the parents’ reproductive success. Small nests produced by monandrous pairs almost always dried out before the tadpoles hatched, whereas the larger nests built with help from several males were far more likely to remain viable. While polyandrous females benefited by producing more surviving offspring, participating males were rewarded by gaining a share of paternity.

Nesting assistance and polyandry in other species

Chiromantis xerampelina. Author supplied

Across a diversity of invertebrates and vertebrate species where multiple paternity has been reported, males have been observed to show some form of direct or indirect “nesting assistance”. This ranges from males helping to collect and deliver nesting materials through to males investing heavily in excavating nest sites and/or building nests. At present, there is anecdotal evidence for male nesting assistance in solitary bees and wasps, various bird species, sediment and cave-spawning fishes, canids (Arctic foxes and gray wolves) and new-world monkeys (tamarins and marmosets).

Yet, behavioural ecologists have completely overlooked the possibility that help from “male builders” could supply females with a direct benefit that favours polyandry. That is, nobody has previously checked whether more offspring survive when males help build nests. Given this knowledge gap, we now strongly encourage additional tests of the “nesting-assistance hypothesis” across a diversity of animal groups.

We forecast that by enlisting the help of multiple “construction workers”, females in various species might benefit from “home improvements” that elevate the survival and/or performance of their offspring. If this proves to be true, “nesting assistance” may be an important yet currently overlooked explanation for why polyandry is so widespread in nature.

– The sex life of treefrogs: how females build better nests by mating with multiple partners
– https://theconversation.com/the-sex-life-of-treefrogs-how-females-build-better-nests-by-mating-with-multiple-partners-285487

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Venezuela Energy Week to Host Houston Industry Showcase, Unlocking United States (U.S.) Commercial Engagement Ahead of October Summit

Source: APO – Report:

Venezuela Energy Week will host an Industry Showcase in Houston on August 18, 2026: a targeted industry roadshow designed to engage U.S. energy stakeholders ahead of the October summit. Held at The Post Oak Hotel, the showcase will convene senior representatives from across the U.S. upstream ecosystem – including exploration and production companies, Texas-based independents, oilfield service companies, engineering and technology firms, commercial banks, private equity firms and family offices – to assess commercial pathways for participation in Venezuela’s energy sector.

As Venezuela looks to expand production, U.S. companies remain well positioned to contribute technical expertise, capital and operational capabilities across the upstream value chain. Chevron’s longstanding presence in the country highlights the continued importance of U.S. industry participation, while the scale of Venezuela’s resource base continues to attract interest from major international energy companies, including ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips. Opportunities extend across exploration, field development, production optimization, infrastructure rehabilitation and digital modernization as Venezuela seeks to strengthen its energy sector.

Demand is also expected to grow for oilfield service companies, engineering firms, technology providers and financial institutions that can support upstream investment and project execution. Companies including SLB, Halliburton and Baker Hughes have been identified as potential partners in advancing production optimization and infrastructure rehabilitation, while commercial banks, private equity firms and family offices will play an important role in financing future investment opportunities.

Against this backdrop, the Houston Industry Showcase will provide a structured engagement platform at a time when select international operators continue to operate under U.S. Treasury-authorized frameworks, and where policy considerations in the U.S. continue to shape engagement parameters in Venezuela’s energy sector.

The event will enable U.S. exploration companies, independent operators, oilfield service providers and investors to assess technical and commercial pathways across exploration, field services, project delivery and broader supply chain opportunities, while supporting early-stage dialogue between international investors and Venezuela-focused stakeholders in a structured commercial environment ahead of the October summit.

To register for the Houston Industry Showcase on August 18, visit www.venezuelaenergyweek.com/rsvp-houston. To learn more about delegate, sponsorship and partnership opportunities for the showcase or to secure your place at Venezuela Energy Week 2026 in Caracas this October, contact info@venezuelaenergyweek.com.

Supporting Venezuela’s Earthquake Recovery

Our thoughts are with the people and communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. As the country begins the long process of recovery, we encourage members of the global energy community to support relief and reconstruction efforts through the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela, which channels contributions from individuals, companies and organizations to emergency assistance, essential services and long-term rebuilding efforts.

To learn more or make a contribution, please visit the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela (https://apo-opa.co/4fM0rLr).

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Reserve Bank keeps interest rate unchanged

Source: Government of South Africa

Reserve Bank keeps interest rate unchanged

The South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has kept the repo rate unchanged at 7%.

This was announced by Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago on Thursday.

The prime lending rate will also stay steady at 10.50%.

“Four members preferred a hold, while two favoured an increase of 25 basis points.

“The committee agreed that the outlook is uncertain, and with the rate increase at our previous meeting, the policy stance is appropriate for now, with rates somewhat restrictive,” Kganyago said.

Turning to growth, the Governor said that while first quarter growth stood “stronger than expected”, the MPC expects sluggish growth through the second and third quarter.

“Consumer confidence has fallen sharply, and business confidence has also weakened. Sectoral data show generally lower activity, since the start of the war. Prices for our export commodities have also fallen, although terms of trade are better, given lower prices for imports.

“We started this year with good momentum, but households have suffered from higher fuel prices, while uncertainty has weighed on investment. It is also increasingly clear that municipal dysfunction has become a binding constraint on growth,” he said.

Kganyago added however that domestic reforms can propel the economy toward a “rising growth trend, as global conditions stabilise”.

“Our baseline forecast is that the economy starts to recover in the second half of this year, as the shock fades. But the outlook is uncertain. We see downside risks to growth,” he noted.

Stabilising inflation

On Wednesday, Statistics South Africa revealed that the inflation rate hit its highest reading since June 2024, reaching 5% in June.

Kganyago highlighted that this was driven by higher fuel costs as a result of the war in the Middle East.

“Petrol and diesel prices eased this month, but global prices have now risen again. We expect headline inflation to stay above 4% until early next year.

“Aside from fuel, goods prices have been relatively contained. The exchange rate has been resilient, with the rand close to where it started the year against the dollar, and stronger against the euro. This has helped with import prices.

“Food inflation has also slowed recently, which reflects good harvests, as well as fading effects from the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. El Niño may start affecting food supply next year, but this is still a risk factor, not part of our baseline,” he explained.

The Governor reiterated that while inflation outlook has “improved slightly” it still remains too high with slow growth.

“We are setting policy to achieve 3% inflation over time, ensuring the current supply shock does not de-anchor inflation expectations.

“At the same time, we recognise that South Africa’s growth prospects will be driven mainly by domestic reforms. This covers structural interventions, such as fixing local government, and improving productivity in the network sectors, like transport and energy. It also includes the macroeconomic goals of sustainable debt and permanently lower inflation.

“Our main contribution is to stabilise inflation in line with our 3% target, over time, and the MPC will act as needed to achieve that,” Kganyago concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Igreja em África inicia preparativos continentais para a Assembleia Eclesial de 2028

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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Antecipando a Assembleia Eclesial da Igreja em 2028, o Simpósio das Conferências Episcopais de África e Madagáscar (SCEAM) (www.SECAM.org) está a organizar, de 3 a 5 de Agosto de 2026, em Adis Abeba, Etiópia, o Primeiro Seminário Preparatório com o tema “A Igreja Sinodal em África: Caminhando para a Assembleia Eclesial de 2028”.

Reunindo líderes da Igreja Católica, teó.s, agentes pastorais e representantes de conferências episcopais e instituições eclesiais de toda a África e das suas ilhas, este seminário de dois dias marca o início da preparação continental da Igreja em África para a Assembleia Eclesial da Igreja em 2028. Com base no Processo Sinodal global (2021-2024), o encontro proporcionará uma oportunidade para rever a experiência sinodal em todo o continente, discernir as prioridades futuras e fortalecer a contribuição de África para a jornada da Igreja universal rumo a uma forma de ser Igreja mais plenamente sinodal e missionária.

Este seminário é uma oportunidade para nos ouvirmos atentamente uns aos outros, reconhecermos os frutos que já estão a surgir e discernirmos juntos como Deus está a chamar a Igreja em África para servir tanto o continente como a Igreja universal.

O encontro incidirá sobre cinco objectivos principais: avaliar o Processo Sinodal em toda a África; refletir sobre os dons que a Igreja em África oferece à Igreja universal; identificar expressões emergentes de sinodalidade missionária; partilhar experiências regionais e melhores práticas; e contribuir para um documento de trabalho continental que orientará a viagem de África rumo à Assembleia Eclesial de 2028.

Os participantes envolver-se-ão em oração, Conversa no Espírito, discussões plenárias e grupos de trabalho que promovem o discernimento comunitário e a construção de consensos. O programa incluirá apresentações sobre o roteiro global e continental para as Assembleias Eclesiais de 2027-2028, testemunhos de conferências episcopais regionais e iniciativas eclesiais, bem como sessões colaborativas para identificar prioridades concretas para a Igreja em África.

Espera-se que o encontro produza recomendações importantes e uma minuta de documento continental que orientará as próximas etapas da jornada sinodal africana e contribuirá para a preparação da Assembleia Eclesial de 2028.

Rev. Pe. Rafael Simbine Júnior
Secretário-Geral do SCEAM
Acra, Gana

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

Para mais informações contacte:
communications.secam@gmail.com
+233541717984

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Simpósio das Conferências Episcopais de África e Madagáscar (SCEAM) vai convocar a Primeira Conferência Continental sobre Educação Católica em África

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Simpósio das Conferências Episcopais de África e Madagáscar (SCEAM) (www.SECAM.org) vai realizar a Primeira Conferência Continental sobre Educação Católica em África, de 6 a 8 de Agosto de 2026, em Adis Abeba, Etiópia, sob o tema: “Fortalecer a Educação Católica para o Desenvolvimento Humano Integral em África”.

A Conferência reunirá mais de 100 participantes, incluindo bispos responsáveis ​​pela educação, universidades católicas, comissões nacionais de educação católica, congregações religiosas, especialistas em educação, investigadores e parceiros.

Convocada em resposta ao mandato da 20ª Assembleia Plenária do SCEAM, realizada em Kigali, Ruanda, em Julho de 2025, a Conferência visa reforçar a colaboração continental e fornecer orientações estratégicas para a educação católica como catalisadora da evangelização, do desenvolvimento humano integral e da transformação social sustentável em toda a África e nas suas ilhas.

O programa contará com palestras de abertura, painéis de discussão com especialistas, grupos de trabalho temáticos e sessões plenárias focadas nas prioridades-chave para a educação católica. As discussões abordarão a identidade católica, a liderança e a governação, a formação de educadores, a sustentabilidade financeira, a transformação digital e a inteligência artificial, as universidades e a investigação católicas, a proteção, a gestão ambiental e as respostas inovadoras aos desafios educativos emergentes.

Um dos principais resultados da Conferência será o desenvolvimento de um Roteiro Continental para a Educação Católica 2026-2031, que fornecerá prioridades estratégicas e recomendações práticas para orientar as instituições de ensino católicas em todo o continente. Os participantes irão também avançar nas discussões sobre o estabelecimento da Comissão de Educação do SCEAM, idealizada como uma estrutura continental permanente para coordenar as iniciativas de educação católica em África.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

Para mais informações contacte: 
Rev.do Pe. Rafael Simbine Júnior
Secretário-Geral do SCEAM
Acra, Gana
communications.secam@gmail.com
 +233541717984

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Church in Africa Launches Continental Preparations for the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly

Source: APO – Report:

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Ahead of the Ecclesial Assembly of the Church in 2028, the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) (www.SECAM.org) is organising from 3th to 5th August 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the First Preparatory Seminar on the theme “The Synodal Church in Africa: Journeying Towards the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly.”

Bringing together Catholic Church leaders, theologians, pastoral agents and representatives of Episcopal conferences and ecclesial institutions from across Africa and its Islands, this two-day seminar marks the beginning of the Church in Africa’s continental preparation for the Ecclesial Assembly of the Church in 2028. Building on the global Synodal Process (2021-2024), the gathering will provide an opportunity to review the synodal experience across the continent, discern future priorities, and strengthen Africa’s contribution to the universal Church’s journey towards a more fully synodal and missionary way of being Church.

This seminar is an opportunity to listen deeply to one another, recognize the fruits already emerging and discern together how God is calling the Church in Africa to serve both the continent and the universal Church.

The gathering will focus on five key objectives: evaluating the Synodal Process across Africa; reflecting on the gifts the Church in Africa offers to the universal Church; identifying emerging expressions of missionary synodality; sharing regional experiences and best practices; and contributing to a continental working document that will guide Africa’s journey towards the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly.

Participants will engage in prayer, Conversation in the Spirit, plenary discussions and working groups that foster communal discernment and consensus building. The programme will include presentations on the global and continental roadmap to the Ecclesial Assemblies of 2027-2028, testimonies from regional episcopal conferences and ecclesial initiatives and collaborative sessions to identify concrete priorities for the Church in Africa.

The gathering is expected to produce key recommendations and a draft continental document that will guide the next stages of the African synodal journey and contribute to the preparation of the Ecclesial Assembly in 2028.

Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior
Secretary General of SECAM
Accra, Ghana

– on behalf of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

For more information, kindly contact:
communications.secam@gmail.com
+233541717984

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Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) to Convene the First Continental Conference on Catholic Education in Africa

Source: APO – Report:

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The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) (www.SECAM.org) will hold the First Continental Conference on Catholic Education in Africa from 6 to 8 August 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme: “Strengthening Catholic Education for Integral Human Development in Africa”.

The Conference will bring together more than 100 participants, including bishops responsible for education, Catholic universities, national Catholic education commissions, religious congregations, education experts, researchers and partners.

Convened in response to the mandate of the 20th SECAM Plenary Assembly held in Kigali, Rwanda, in July 2025, the Conference aims to strengthen continental collaboration and provide strategic direction for Catholic education as a catalyst for evangelisation, integral human development and sustainable social transformation across Africa and its Islands.

The programme will feature keynote addresses, expert panel discussions, thematic working groups and plenary sessions focused on key priorities for Catholic education. Discussions will address Catholic identity, leadership and governance, educator formation, financial sustainability, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, Catholic universities and research, safeguarding, environmental stewardship and innovative responses to emerging educational challenges.

A major outcome of the Conference will be the development of a 2026-2031 Continental Roadmap for Catholic Education, providing strategic priorities and practical recommendations to guide Catholic educational institutions across the continent. Participants will also advance discussions on establishing the SECAM Education Commission, envisioned as a permanent continental structure to coordinate Catholic education initiatives in Africa.

– on behalf of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

For more information, kindly contact:
Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior
Secretary General of SECAM
Accra, Ghana
communications.secam@gmail.com
+233541717984

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South Africa, Germany deepen Strategic Partnership

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa, Germany deepen Strategic Partnership

South Africa and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their Strategic Partnership, with discussions focusing on expanding economic cooperation, accelerating the Just Energy Transition and addressing pressing global challenges, including conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ukraine and the Middle East.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola hosted Germany’s Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Johann Wadephul, on a working visit to South Africa on Wednesday and Thursday, with the two Ministers holding a tête-à-tête earlier on Thursday before convening official talks.

The visit follows the 12th Meeting of the South Africa-Germany Bi-National Commission (BNC), held in Berlin in April 2026, which marked 30 years of the mechanism and saw both countries elevate their relationship to a Strategic Partnership.

The two countries also adopted a Joint Action Plan aimed at translating the enhanced partnership into practical areas of cooperation.

Lamola said the latest discussions were aimed at reviewing progress in implementing the Action Plan and identifying areas where cooperation should be accelerated.

“I am pleased to report that our engagement was frank, warm and productive. We reviewed implementation across the Action Plan, took stock of the progress made and agreed on the areas in which we must move faster,” Lamola said.

Germany remains one of South Africa’s most important trading partners in Europe, with bilateral trade valued at approximately R295 billion in 2025. More than 600 German companies operate in South Africa, employing around 100 000 people.

Lamola said economic cooperation formed a key part of the discussions, particularly around expanding trade and investment, cooperation on critical raw materials and developing a battery value chain that supports industrialisation and job creation in South Africa.

“We discussed the expansion of trade and investment, cooperation on critical raw materials, and the development of a battery value chain that creates value and jobs here in South Africa,” he said.

The Ministers also discussed cooperation under the Just Energy Transition Partnership, which supports South Africa’s transition towards cleaner energy while ensuring social and economic considerations are addressed.

“We also discussed the Just Energy Transition Partnership, which supports our shift towards cleaner energy in a manner that is socially just, as well as our long-standing cooperation on vocational education and training. This cooperation speaks directly to the urgent challenge of youth employment,” Lamola said.

The Strategic Partnership between the two countries also places emphasis on strengthening political dialogue. Lamola said both sides had agreed to institutionalise regular high-level engagements between their foreign ministries.

“Our intention is to ensure that engagement of this kind becomes a standing feature of our partnership, rather than an occasional event,” he said.

The two ministers further agreed to deepen cooperation on strengthening democratic resilience, including efforts to counter disinformation.

“We further agreed to advance practical cooperation on strengthening democratic resilience, including through efforts to counter disinformation, an area in which both our societies face similar pressures,” Lamola said.

Beyond bilateral matters, the talks covered major international developments, including peace and security challenges on the African continent, particularly the situation in eastern DRC, the war in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

On the Middle East, Lamola reiterated South Africa’s position, calling for the implementation of the ceasefire, humanitarian access and a political solution based on international law.

“We remain gravely concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. We call for the full implementation of the ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and a credible political process leading to a two-state solution, with a viable Palestinian state existing alongside a secure Israel. Our approach is grounded in international law and the United Nations Charter,” he said.

Lamola acknowledged that South Africa and Germany did not share identical views on all aspects of the conflict but said the strength of their partnership allowed them to engage openly.

“South Africa and Germany do not view every aspect of this question in the same way. It is precisely because of the strength of our partnership that we are able to discuss our differences openly and in good faith. I welcomed the candour of our exchange,” he said.

As Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), South Africa also briefed Germany on regional priorities ahead of the SADC Summit scheduled to take place next month.

Lamola said these priorities include industrialisation, agricultural transformation, the energy transition and supporting African-led efforts to promote peace and stability.

“I also expressed South Africa’s appreciation for Germany’s principled support for an inclusive G20, and for its view that the forum should not be diminished,” he said.

South Africa hosted the first G20 Summit on African soil in 2025 and, according to Lamola, remains committed to protecting the inclusivity and integrity of the forum.

The South Africa-Germany relationship is managed through the Bi-National Commission, established in 1996 following former President Nelson Mandela’s State Visit to Germany. The mechanism consists of eight senior official-level working groups covering key areas of cooperation.

Germany is also one of South Africa’s largest sources of foreign direct investment and ranks among the country’s leading overseas tourism markets. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Government calls for action to reduce air pollution

Source: Government of South Africa

Government calls for action to reduce air pollution

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts has called on all sectors of society to help reduce air pollution, emphasising that cleaner air requires collective action by government, industry, communities and individual citizens.

“We can reduce pollution by avoiding the burning of waste, using cleaner energy sources where possible, reporting illegal pollution activities, maintaining vehicles properly, and supporting environmental programmes in our communities,” Swarts said on Thursday.

Speaking during the Ehlanzeni Clean Air Community Dialogue and handover of an air quality sensor in Mbombela, Swarts said children need to be educated about environmental responsibility because they are the future custodians of the country’s natural resources.

Swarts said the sensor forms part of government’s efforts to strengthen community-based air quality monitoring and environmental awareness.

Contributors to air pollution include agricultural machinery and transport vehicle emissions, mining activities, crop residue burning, biomass burning for land preparation, and dust generated by farming activities.

The Deputy Minister said these sources often contribute significantly to local particulate matter concentrations and can have direct health impacts on households. 

“Through partnerships with local communities, schools, municipalities and development partners, we are expanding access to air quality information and empowering citizens to become active participants in environmental governance,” the Deputy Minister said.

She said government is also building a new generation of environmental leaders who understand the importance of clean air and healthy communities.

“The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is committed to expanding air quality awareness programmes across South Africa.

“Through initiatives such as the Air Quality Governance Lekgotla, school competitions, community dialogues and the South African Air Quality Information System, we are bringing environmental information closer to the people.

“Our vision is simple: informed communities, accountable institutions and collaborative action for cleaner air,” Swarts said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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