Category: MIL-OSI

Posted on

Cruise season set to inject R120m into Nelson Mandela Bay economy

Source: Government of South Africa

The arrival of the Mein Schiff 4 passenger liner at Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) Port of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, is expected to inject approximately R120 million into the local economy, underscoring the growing importance of cruise tourism in the region.

The vessel’s arrival at the weekend, officially marked the opening of the 2025/26 Cruise Season in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Her timely berthing in the Bay sets the stage for a total of 25 confirmed cruise liner call-ins, including nine overnight stays, which are expected to bring more than 40,000 passengers to the city over the course of the season.

Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe described the occasion as a proud milestone that reaffirms the city’s growing status as a preferred global cruise destination.

“Every vessel that docks at our port brings new opportunities for our residents and local businesses. The cruise industry contributes millions into our economy each season through visitor spending, local procurement, and job creation, benefiting tour guides, crafters, transport operators, and hospitality workers across the metro.

“Beyond the economic impact, it strengthens our international profile, promotes our cultural heritage, and supports small businesses in communities that supply local products and experiences. Nelson Mandela Bay is truly open for tourism, trade, and shared prosperity,” Lobishe said.

This year’s cruise schedule is set to be the longest on record, concluding with the anticipated arrival of Zhao Shang Di Yun on 9 July 2026.

Commenting on the significance of the season, Nelson Mandela Bay Ports Manager, Pamela Yoyo, said the 2025/26 cruise season promises to further elevate the city’s standing as a must-visit global destination, driving sustainable growth in tourism and reinforcing the port’s role as a catalyst for economic development.

“Beyond the substantial economic impact, this is a valuable opportunity to showcase the city’s vibrant culture and renowned hospitality to the world. We are committed to creating memorable experiences for our guests and driving sustainable economic growth through strategic partnerships,” Yoyo said.

Yoyo also assured that TNPA will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of all visitors throughout the season.

“TNPA remains dedicated to supporting the city’s tourism initiatives through ongoing investment in port infrastructure, availability of marine resources to service vessels and collaborative efforts with key stakeholders,” Yoyo said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Posted on

Call to protect intellectual property of creatives amid AI revolution

Source: Government of South Africa

As the international community embraces the digital revolution and artificial intelligence (AI), KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mntomuhle Khawula, has stressed the importance of safeguarding the intellectual property and moral rights of artists and creative practitioners.

“Cultural and creative sectors are among the fastest-growing in the global economy – contributing significantly to global Gross Domestic Product and employing millions of young people across the world. These sectors are not peripheral to development; they are central to how nations innovate, how communities’ express identity, and how economies diversify,” Khawula said on Monday in Zimbali, KwaZulu-Natal.

While AI has brought boundless opportunities for creativity and innovation, the MEC said it also poses new and complex challenges. 

“But the challenges that confront our nations and our sector may also be looked upon as opportunities for new inroads, new frontiers and new bridges,” he said.

The MEC was addressing the fourth Group Twenty (G20) Culture Working Group (CWG) Meeting, which forms part of the build-up to the G20 Summit taking place in November 2025, under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.” 

Established in 2020 as a permanent forum within the G20 framework, the G20 Culture Working Group promotes culture as a driver of sustainable development, support the creative economy, and protect cultural heritage globally.

“For South Africa, and for KwaZulu-Natal in particular, the creative and cultural industries represent a new frontier of economic opportunity – a way to build prosperity that is inclusive, sustainable, and rooted in our identity,” the MEC said.

The province is positioning itself as a gateway into Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African continent as a natural meeting point for cultural exchange, investment, and innovation. 

“As global partners look to Africa, we invite you to see our province and South Africa not merely as a destination, but as a dynamic springboard for regional collaboration and creative trade,” he said.

The MEC highlighted that Africa’s diverse cultures and breathtaking tourist destinations serve as a potent lever for investment and trade. 

“From the majestic Victoria Falls to the timeless pyramids of Egypt, these attractions draw millions of visitors each year, creating opportunities for economic growth and cross-border collaboration. 

“It is imperative that our Ministers weave a collective synergy that harnesses multilateral relations. By doing so, we can translate our potential into tangible outcomes, creating a platform where Africa engages in fair trade with all G20 member countries. Cultural and heritage tourism is one of our key drivers in this journey,” he said.

The MEC emphasised that cultural and heritage tourism is not just about preserving history – it is about translating heritage into opportunity.

“Across KwaZulu-Natal, we are reimagining historic and sacred sites – some of which are world heritage sites: from the Valley of the Zulu Kings, where seven Zulu Kings of the first initial order are buried,  and the Drakensberg Mountains to the Ohlange Institute and Sibhudu Cave – we are transforming these into centres of learning, innovation, and sustainable tourism.

“The potential that our great continent holds are immense, a treasure trove of resources waiting to be unlocked by equitable trade partnerships. With the establishment of the African Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), we are at the doorstep of a new era of economic collaboration,” he said.

AfCFTA is a free trade agreement that aims to create a single, integrated continental market for goods and services across 55 member states of the African Union.

“Let us unite in our efforts to create a future where our continent thrives, not just for ourselves, but for generations to come. Together, we can build a prosperous Africa that is open for business and rich in opportunities.

“Through strategic partnerships, may this meeting of ministers and all critical stakeholders integrate our creative industries into global value chains – from film co-productions and music collaborations to fashion, gaming, and digital storytelling. No one should be left behind,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Catch up on your child’s immunisations this November

Source: Government of South Africa

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is calling on all parents and caregivers to ensure their children are fully immunised as the province prepares to launch its National Immunisation Catch-up Drive from 1 to 30 November 2025.

During this period, the department aims to close the immunity gap caused by missed vaccinations.

This follows a decline in infant immunisation coverage below the provincial 95% target, leaving many children vulnerable to measles, polio, tuberculosis (TB), diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus. 

The department is currently responding to a measles outbreak in Khayelitsha and providing a mass immunisation service at schools, preschools, and healthcare facilities to prevent the spread of the disease within the community. 

The provincial department announced that healthcare teams are conducting contact tracing in response to a rise in diphtheria cases in the Cape Metropole.

“These diseases are preventable by ensuring that we improve our immunisation coverage in the province and provide herd immunity for the protection of our loved ones who are more vulnerable to getting sick,” the statement read. 

From 1 to 30 November 2025, all public health facilities across the Western Cape will offer free catch-up immunisation services for children who may have missed routine doses.

“No appointment is needed to access the service during the catch-up drive. Local outreaches are planned in your community. Contact your local clinic for the schedule of these outreach visits. Immunisations are also available at private providers at a cost.”

The teams will also visit schools and preschools for immunisations and health checks. 

“Parent or caregiver consent is required to immunise your child, so we encourage you to sign and return the consent form provided by your child’s teacher.” 

Expanded Programme on Immunisation

The Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) ensures that children receive life-saving vaccines at key stages of their early development. 

From birth through adolescence, these vaccines protect against tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b, which causes meningitis and pneumonia, rotavirus diarrhoea, pneumonia, and measles.

As children grow older, the department said they receive boosters to maintain protection against these diseases. 

Meanwhile, girls aged nine years and older are also offered the HPV vaccine with parent consent, which helps prevent cervical cancer later in life. 

“By ensuring every child follows the full EPI schedule, parents protect not only their own children but also their communities from preventable diseases.”

Senior Specialist in Infectious Disease at Tygerberg Hospital, Dr Heather Finlayson, states that the South African EPI protects children from diseases that may lead to school absence, hospitalisation, or death.

She said vaccines are safe, well-studied, and essential for building healthy children and communities.  

“Even a small drop in vaccination coverage can undo years of progress. We urge all parents and caregivers to make sure their children are fully immunised. Vaccines save lives and are provided free of charge at all public health facilities,” Finlayson added.

Parents are advised to visit their nearest clinic to check if their child’s Road-to-Health Booklet is up to date, and no appointment is needed. 

They are also encouraged to make sure that all vaccinations are current, and children who have missed any doses should catch up on their immunisations.

“Vaccination protects individual children and entire communities. By ensuring your child is fully immunised, you help prevent outbreaks and keep everyone safer.

“The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness calls on all parents, caregivers, and community leaders to be advocates for immunisation. Together, we can protect our children and build a healthy, safe, and resilient society.”

Services part of the immunisation catch-up drive include: 

• Checking the child’s Road-to-Health Booklet.  
• Routine and catch-up immunisations.
• Vitamin A supplementation.
• Deworming.
• Nutrition check.
• Health screening and education. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Economia circular africana ganha impulso com mais oportunidades para inovação

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Nos arredores de Adis Abeba, Behailu Seboka, 30 anos, fundador da Askema Engineering, fabrica pastilhas de travão a partir de materiais descartados de matadouros. O que começou como um projeto universitário agora emprega 268 pessoas e atende 6.400 clientes em toda a Etiópia. “Com o apoio certo, podemos provar que a economia circular não é boa apenas para o ambiente, mas também para os negócios”, afirma.

A Askema Engineering, expositora na Reunião Anual de 2025 da Aliança Africana para a Economia Circular (ACEA), exemplifica como a engenhosidade africana – quando apoiada por políticas e investimentos coordenados – pode tornar-se um ativo industrial e pronto para exportação.

Em todo o continente, empresas como a Askema estão a criar uma visão tangível da transição circular, e os participantes da Reunião Anual da ACEA conheceram várias iniciativas lideradas por pequenas e médias empresas africanas comprometidas com essa abordagem. 

Em Madagáscar, o Ministério do Ambiente está a estabelecer parcerias com inovadores locais para reciclar saquinhos de polietileno em fios duráveis para bolsas. No Burquina Faso, os resíduos plásticos são transformados em pedras de pavimentação ou tábuas utilizadas para secretárias escolares e equipamentos para espaços públicos.

Estes projetos ilustram a essência da circularidade, um modelo económico que promove a sustentabilidade através da reutilização e reciclagem de materiais e recursos, e da eliminação de resíduos.

Impulsionando o desenvolvimento de África

Todos os anos, mais de 10 milhões de jovens entram no mercado de trabalho africano, mas apenas 3,1 milhões de empregos são criados. Com o mercado global da economia circular estimado em 546 mil milhões de dólares e com o potencial de criar 11 milhões de novos empregos até 2030, a adoção da circularidade por África pode tornar-se um fator de mudança para o emprego e o crescimento inclusivo.

A Aliança Africana para a Economia Circular (ACEA) (http://apo-opa.co/4hAbcQm), composta por 21 países africanos, está a liderar os esforços para incorporar os princípios circulares nas estratégias de desenvolvimento do continente. A sua missão: transformar a transição verde numa alavanca para o desenvolvimento e a integração.

A Reunião Anual da ACEA de 2025, organizada pelo Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento em Adis Abeba, de 14 a 16 de outubro, proporcionou uma plataforma fundamental para o diá., a troca de conhecimentos e a criação de parcerias. Os participantes exploraram formas de ampliar modelos circulares que proporcionem dividendos ambientais e económicos.

A reunião contou com a participação de Estados-Membros e representantes de 19 instituições parceiras, incluindo a União Africana, a União Europeia, o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, a Organização Africana de Harmonização (ARSO) e agências da ONU, como o Programa das Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento (PNUD) e o Programa das Nações Unidas para o Meio Ambiente (PNUMA).

Confiança e cooperação crescentes

As discussões centraram-se na harmonização de normas, financiamento e políticas industriais para superar a fragmentação do ecossistema da economia circular africana. Iniciativas como o Mecanismo Africano de Economia Circular (ACEF), um instrumento catalisador do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, e o Plano de Ação Continental para a Economia Circular (CEAP) da União Africana já estão a impulsionar o progresso, em linha com a Agenda 2063 da UA.

“Gostaria de felicitar a Aliança Africana para a Economia Circular e o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento pelo seu compromisso determinado com a economia circular”, afirmou a Embaixadora da Finlândia na Etiópia, Sinikka Antila. “O número crescente de membros da ACEA ilustra a confiança crescente nesta visão partilhada”. A Finlândia é um dos países parceiros da Aliança e um doador do ACEF (http://apo-opa.co/49plvEJ).

Aubin Ndodjide, representante do Chade na Etiópia, também elogiou os esforços da Aliança para converter as oportunidades da economia circular em soluções tangíveis e empregos sustentáveis para os jovens africanos.

O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento incorporou a circularidade na sua Estratégia Decenal 2024-2033, reconhecendo-a como uma base para a prosperidade sustentável. A nova agenda dos Quatro Pontos Cardeais do Grupo do Banco – expandir o acesso ao capital, reformar o sistema financeiro, aproveitar o potencial demográfico e investir em infraestruturas resilientes – reflete o mesmo espírito.

“A economia circular liga os quatro pontos cardeais do Grupo do Banco numa única equação: transformar os recursos, as ideias e a juventude de África em alavancas do poder económico”, afirmou Nathaniel Oluoch Agola, Diretor Nacional Interino do Grupo Banco na Etiópia.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media:
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas, 
media@afdb.org

Media files

Baixar .tipo

Posted on

Senegal-UK Chamber of Commerce to Support MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 as Strategic Partner

Source: APO – Report:

.

The Senegal-UK Chamber of Commerce (SENUKCHAM) will participate as a Strategic Partner at the upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition, taking place from December 9-10 in Dakar. As the MSGBC region cements its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing energy frontiers, the Chamber’s involvement underscores the expanding role of UK engagement across West Africa’s energy and extractive industries.

In partnership with the British Embassy in Dakar, SENUKCHAM helped launch the British Chamber of Commerce in Senegal in June 2025, marking a key milestone in strengthening bilateral commercial relations. The Chamber serves as a key conduit for UK firms seeking to enter the Senegalese market, while also supporting Senegalese enterprises looking to expand into the UK.

British companies continue to play a pivotal role in Senegal’s energy transformation, led by energy major bp, operator and lead partner of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project – a landmark cross-border development shared with Mauritania. Jointly executed by bp, Kosmos Energy, Petrosen and SMH, the project reached a major milestone with first LNG exports in April 2025, marking the start of full-scale production. Phase 1 of the GTA project is expected to deliver approximately 2.4 million tons of LNG per year.

Beyond Senegal, the UK’s footprint continues to grow across the region. In Mauritania, bp is advancing gas exploration and exploring large-scale green hydrogen production, positioning the country as a future clean energy hub. Meanwhile, in Guinea-Conakry, London-based Rio Tinto is leading the development of the Simandou iron ore project – one of the world’s largest untapped deposits – with production slated to commence by late 2025. Additionally, AngloGold Ashanti, a UK-linked miner, continues operations at the Siguiri gold mine, a cornerstone of Guinea-Conakry’s mining output.

SENUKCHAM’s Strategic Partnership with MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 aligns with its mission to expand UK business participation in West Africa’s energy and industrial sectors. By connecting policymakers, investors and enterprises from both regions, the Chamber aims to leverage the Dakar platform to showcase British expertise, promote sustainable energy cooperation and strengthen regional economic ties across Mauritania, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry.

“The UK has played an important role in shaping Senegal and the wider MSGBC region’s energy landscape – from pioneering LNG developments to advancing new frontiers in hydrogen and mining,” states Sandra Jeque, Project Director at Energy Capital & Power. “This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to fostering sustainable growth, international collaboration and cross-border investment across West Africa’s energy sector.”

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sectors. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Posted on

Vestergaard, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (University of Ghana) and Ministry of Health Ghana redouble country-led malaria elimination efforts through vector control research and innovation

Source: APO – Report:

Vestergaard Sàrl (www.Vestergaard.com), the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (University of Ghana), and the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Ghana Health Service announced today that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost malaria control research and innovation in Ghana.

This agreement is a milestone in advancing the country’s leadership and self-sufficiency for the region in health research and malaria elimination, reflecting a commitment to public–private partnerships that can help reignite the pace of progress in the global malaria fight through a country-led response.

Battling over 6.5 million cases of malaria a year, Ghana is one of 11 “high burden to high impact” countries (https://apo-opa.co/47JlYjM).

The MoU formalizes collaboration and support to the NMEP in its mission to achieve malaria elimination in Ghana, with a focus on vector control. It covers areas including entomological surveillance and insecticide resistance management, data generation and analysis for evidence-based decision-making, capacity strengthening and knowledge transfer for effective entomological monitoring, and operational research related to challenges in vector control.

Professor Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Director, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana said: “The Institute has always delivered on its mandate to support the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service by providing high end laboratory diagnostic and monitoring and surveillance services in support of public health. Malaria research has remained a key component of our support, and through this MoU with Vestergaard and the NMEP, we are confident that our collective efforts will significantly advance the goal to eliminate malaria in our country and the African region.”

Hilarius Paul Asiwome Kosi Abiwu, National Programme Manager, Ghana NMEP, said: “The National Malaria Elimination Programme of the Ghana Health Service/Ministry of Health is proud to partner with NMIMR and Vestergaard in this crucial initiative. This MoU signifies a united front in our commitment to significantly reduce the burden of malaria in Ghana and move closer to our goal of elimination through strategic partnership.”

Amar Ali, CEO of Vestergaard, said: “Ghana continues to be a steadfast leader in the battle against malaria. Our collaboration with the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, spanning 14 years, has been vital in developing and testing our long-lasting insecticidal mosquito nets. We commend the Ghanaian Ministry of Health’s dedication to research and pledge our continued support to save lives and protect livelihoods from the devastating impacts of this disease in Ghana and across sub-Saharan Africa.”

– on behalf of Vestergaard Sàrl.

Media contacts:
Vestergaard
Sarah-Jane Loveday
Director of Communication & Marketing
media@vestergaard.com

Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research
Afia Adoma Boakye
Assistant Registrar
aaboakye@ug.edu.gh

Ghana National Malaria Elimination Programme, Ghana Health Service
Madam Otubea Akrofi
Vector Control Lead
otbansah@gmail.com

About Vestergaard Sàrl:
Vestergaard is a social enterprise making innovative fabrics that have life-changing impact. Our PermaNet® insecticide-treated mosquito nets are a mainstay of global malaria elimination programmes, and our crop protection products safeguard harvests across Africa and beyond. Founded in Denmark in 1957, today the company is headquartered in Switzerland, with manufacturing and quality testing operations in Vietnam. We have teams across Africa, with facilities including a vector control research laboratory in Ghana, and our R&D is led from the USA. We have been a member of the United Nations Global Compact since 2006 and a certified B Corporation since 2021.

More information: www.Vestergaard.com

About the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research:
The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), established in 1979 as part of the University of Ghana, is Ghana’s leading biomedical research Institute. Its mandate focuses on three core areas: conducting research into diseases of public health importance, building capacity through training of scientists and students, and providing diagnostic and surveillance services to support national health programs.

NMIMR conducts studies on infectious and non-communicable diseases, including malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, neglected tropical diseases, and emerging infections. It also plays a critical role in genomic surveillance, public health diagnostics, and nutrition and drug discovery research. Beyond research, the Institute provides evidence to guide policy and collaborates closely with the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service. With strong support systems such as its Institutional Review Board, Office for Research Support, Quality Management Unit, and ISO 15189:2022 accredited laboratories. NMIMR continues to serve as a hub for scientific innovation and public health advancement in Ghana and beyond. 

More information on the institute can be found at https://Noguchi.ug.edu.gh/

Media files

.

Posted on

Saudi Arabia: Release 10 Nubian Egyptian Men Immediately

Source: APO – Report:

.

Saudi authorities should immediately release 10 Nubian Egyptians who have been unjustly detained for over 5 years, Human Rights Watch said today. On September 6, 2025, the Specialized Criminal Court (SCC) in Riyadh reduced the sentences of the prisoners on appeal, yet all 10 remain unjustly detained.

Saudi authorities arrested the 10 men in July 2020 and held them without charge or trial for over a year. The SCC initially sentenced the men to prison terms ranging from between 10 and 18 years on October 10, 2022. The sentences now range from 7 to 9 years.

“As Saudi authorities invest billions into hosting high-profile entertainment and cultural events, they apparently arrested these Nubian men for expressing their cultural heritage,” said Joey Shea, Saudi Arabia researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The Saudi government needs to release them immediately and unconditionally.”

The Saudi appeal session in the men’s case was originally scheduled for September 22, but Saudi authorities unexpectedly requested the appearance of the prisoners on September 6 and held the session that day. Families learned of the reduced sentences on September 11 as the prisoners are granted only one phone call every two weeks.

All 10 prisoners should be immediately and unconditionally released, regardless of their initial sentence, as these men have been held arbitrarily and seemingly in reprisal for merely expressing their cultural heritage, Human Rights Watch said.

Nubians are a minority ethnic group in Egypt and Sudan. The Egyptian government has subjected Nubians in Egypt to repression, and continues to prevent them from going back to their lands after multiple forced displacements in recent decades.

Saudi authorities arrested the men, community leaders of the Egyptian Nubian diaspora in Riyadh, after their community group organized an event in October 2019 commemorating the contributions of Nubian soldiers in the October 1973 war with Israel. The event was cancelled after Saudi police interrogated some of the men about the perceived political messages of the event.

The SCC brought charges against the Nubians in September 2021, more than a year after their initial arrest, charging them with spreading false and malicious rumors on social media, establishing an unlicensed association, and supporting a terrorist group.

The initial decisions issued by the SCC on October 10, 2022, included sentencing Wael Ahmed Hassan Ishaq, Ali Jumaa Ali Bahr, and Abdullah Jumaa Ali Bahr to 10 years in prison; Jamal Abdullah Masri, Saleh Jumaa Ahmed, and Abdulsalam Gomaa Ali to 12 years; Adel Sayed Ibrahim Fakir to 14 years; Dr. Farajallah Ahmed Yousif and Sayyed Hashem Shater to 16 years; and Mohamed Fathallah Shater to 18 years.

Before the October 2022 ruling, the men struggled to hire a non-court appointed lawyer. Many lawyers and firms approached by relatives were fearful to take up the case because it was perceived as political. The Saudi sponsor of one of the men was finally able to hire a lawyer for the session before the ruling was handed down. The men were also represented by a court-appointed lawyer.

The Dahmit Nubian Village Association, a Nubian cultural society in Riyadh that organized the event, is registered with the Egyptian consulate in Riyadh, a relative said, adding that the association and other Nubian cultural societies are nonpolitical groups established to preserve Nubian cultural heritage, traditions, and language.

On October 29, 2019, the Egyptian consulate in Riyadh released a statement calling on Egyptian citizens in Saudi Arabia to “respect the laws and regulations of the Kingdom.” The statement said that it is illegal for non-Saudi nationals to “establish groups or bodies” and called for existing entities to be abolished.

“By continuing to detain peaceful cultural leaders, Saudi authorities are demonstrating that the spate of prisoner releases earlier in 2025 does not indicate a policy shift towards ending the unlawful crackdown on dissent,” Shea said. “Saudi authorities should demonstrate their commitment to reform and cultural promotion by releasing these Nubian men immediately.”

– on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Posted on

Francophone British Business Council (FBBC) Back Energy Development with MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 Partnership

Source: APO


.

The Francophone British Business Council (FBBC) will participate as a Partner at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition, taking place in Dakar from December 9-10. The organization is set to engage regional ministers, investors and industry stakeholders to foster international investment and partnerships across Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry.

The FBBC promotes trade between the UK and Francophone countries, including West African nations such as Senegal, Niger, Togo, Guinea-Conakry and Ivory Coast. The organization enables access by British companies to new markets seeking partnership and investment, offering bilateral networking events and trade missions, and facilitating connections with governments and commercial entities in Francophone nations. The FBBC focuses on key economic sectors including energy, security, agriculture, logistics, education and healthcare, promoting UK-based expertise to meet demand in these countries.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit https://MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

British companies are significantly involved in the MSGBC region, particularly in the oil, gas and renewable energy sectors. British multinational bp is a key player, holding operatorship and a major stake in the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project, which straddles the maritime border of Senegal and Mauritania. Beyond traditional hydrocarbons, UK firms are also active in the region’s energy transition, with bp exploring large-scale green hydrogen production in Mauritania and British company Chariot pursuing its Project Nour, a massive green hydrogen initiative.

“FBBC’s participation as a Partner highlights the global dimension of MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025. Their involvement reinforces the role of international collaboration in unlocking investment and accelerating shared energy development across the basin,” states Sandra Jeque, Project Director, Energy Capital & Power.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Posted on

President Ramaphosa arrives in Switzerland for a State Visit

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, 28 October 2025, arrived in Switzerland, for a two-day State Visit at the invitation of Her Excellency President Karin Keller-Sutter of the Swiss Confederation.

The President will on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, hold Official Talks with President Keller-Sutter on a range of bilateral issues, including the G20 Presidency.

The visit will see the signing of two agreements on Cooperation in the fields of Arts, Culture and Heritage and Letter of Intent on Cooperation in Peace Mediation and Democracy Resilience. The agreements will strengthen cultural ties, explore new cooperation initiatives under domestic law and promote joint efforts in peace-making and mediation within multilateral organisations.

The South African Government will also receive a number of heritage artefacts of the Nkuna Royal Family from the Government of Switzerland.

On Thursday, 30 October 2025, Presidents Ramaphosa and Keller-Sutter will visit an industrial firm in eastern Switzerland and a vocational school to highlight vocational education and training. The visit supports a youth cooperation aimed at building skills for the modern economy.

The vocational school offers dual education and apprenticeship programs with hands-on workshops, specialised training rooms, and open learning spaces that promote practical, connected learning.

The President will also hold several meetings with the Swiss business leaders as a part of economic development and collaboration.

PROGRAMME FOR THE SWITZERLAND STATE VISIT

DAY 1: Wednesday, 29 October 2025

TIME (SAST)

13h10 – Tete n Tete

16h00 – Official Welcome Ceremony

16h30 – Speeches by both Presidents in House of Parliament

17h00 – Official Talks

18h10 – Signing Ceremony and presentation of restituted cultural goods

18h25 – Press Conference

DAY 2: Thursday, 30 October 2025

11h20 – Visit to the Vocational and Further Education Center

12h45 – Guided tour of the manufacturing facility and apprenticeship centre

13h45 – Media doorstop with President Ramaphosa and President Keller-Sutter

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Posted on

Safer Festive Season operations net over 16 000 suspects

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

The South African Police Service (SAPS) Safer Festive Season operations are in full swing, and have resulted in the arrest of 16 339 suspects.

The campaign,  running alongside Operation Shanela II, has led to the confiscation of 158 unlicensed firearms across the country.

The operations were carried out from 20 – 26 October 2025.

“Police tracing operations are also key initiatives, leading to arrest of 2 713 wanted individuals linked to serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual offences, illegal possession of firearms, car hijackings and various forms of robbery,” the police said in a statement.

Key arrest include: 

  • 90 suspects were arrested for murder. The Eastern Cape recorded the highest number of arrests (23), followed by Gauteng (21).
  • 102 attempted murder suspects were arrested across the country.
  • 227 suspects were arrested for rape, with the majority of arrests in KwaZulu-Natal (80), followed by Gauteng (49).
  • 292 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs, with the Western Cape recording the highest number of arrests (78), followed by KwaZulu-Natal (63), Eastern Cape (44) and Gauteng (40).
  • 2 001 suspects were arrested for possession of drugs, with the majority of arrests in the Western Cape (976), followed by KwaZulu-Natal (381), Gauteng (262) and Eastern Cape (184).
  • 132 suspects were apprehended for illegal possession of unlicensed firearms.
  • 866 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • 1 464 suspects were arrested for assault grievous bodily harm.
  • 734 were arrested for illegal liquor trade.

Major seizures and recoveries 

  • 1 917 rounds of ammunition were seized during this period.
  • 724 dangerous weapons were recovered.
  • 25 964 litres of alcohol seized.
  • Contraband in goods, worth more than R29.6 million, were confiscated.
  • 65 stolen vehicles were recovered.

Highlights of Operation Shanela II takedowns conducted across various provinces:

  • National: Police seized illegally imported cell phones, mainly Apple iPhone, Samsung gadgets, and cell phone accessories worth more than R17 million, including two-way radios. A police investigation is still underway.
  • Gauteng: Three suspected kidnappers were shot and killed in a shootout with police in Parktown. The suspects were allegedly involved in the kidnapping of a Chinese national in June 2025 and recently attempted to kidnap another businessman in Gauteng. Police also seized two unlicensed firearms.
     – Six illegal miners were arrested at Protea Mine, Magaliesberg. Police seized four rifles, 343 rounds of ammunition, mining equipment including generators, jackhammers, detonation cords with blasting caps, and power gel.
     – Police also arrested one of the suspects wanted in connection with the tavern shooting incident that left five people dead in Bronkhorstspruit. He is facing five counts of murder and six counts of attempted murder. 
  • Free State: Police, in collaboration with the Traffic Department and Mangaung Law Enforcement members, arrested two suspects in connection with possession and manufacturing of fraudulent official documents. The team seized fraudulent materials, including completed application forms for driver’s licences, numerous temporary driver’s licences, and vehicle licence discs.
  • KwaZulu-Natal: Two suspects, aged between 27 and 30 years, were killed in a shootout with the police at Glebelands Hostel on 20 October 2025. The shooting incident occurred when police were searching for a suspect in connection with a hijacking case. Two unlicensed firearms and six rounds of ammunition were seized.
     – In a separate operation at Mbumbulu, police seized three AK 47 assault rifles, one rifle, one pistol and 93 rounds of ammunition.
  • Western Cape: The Western Cape Provincial Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Policing Team and partners confiscated a large consignment of counterfeit clothing, footwear and accessories bearing trademarks, worth R8 million. – SAnews.gov.za