Category: MIL-OSI

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Two held for possession of 1000 units of abalone

Source: Government of South Africa

Two held for possession of 1000 units of abalone

Two suspects have been arrested for the alleged possession of 1000 units of fresh abalone in the Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area, which lies on the Western Cape and Eastern Cape border.

They were apprehended on Monday in the vicinity of the western side of the Bloukrans River, near the Clinton area, during a routine patrol conducted by rangers.

“During the patrol, rangers discovered several bags concealed underneath trees. Upon inspection, the bags were found to contain fresh abalone.

“The section ranger was immediately informed, and an observation post was established in the vicinity of the hidden bags,” the South African National Parks (SANParks) said.

While maintaining observation, a group of suspects returned to the site to retrieve the abalone. 

Rangers moved in and successfully apprehended two individuals, while eleven others fled the scene. A follow-up foot patrol, supported by drone operations, was conducted to secure the surrounding area. During this operation, additional bags of abalone and diving equipment were recovered.

In total, 1 000 units of abalone were confiscated. This included 993 units of shucked (out-of-shell) abalone weighing 142.95 kg, and 7 units in-shell weighing 1.35 kg, bringing the combined weight to 144.3 kg.

The two suspects have been arrested and charged under the Marine Living Resources Act (Act No. 18 of 1998), Regulation 36(1)(a), for possession of abalone without a permit. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Jeep Track at Lion’s Head to temporarily close

Source: Government of South Africa

Jeep Track at Lion’s Head to temporarily close

South African National Parks (SANParks) has informed the public that the Jeep Track at Lion’s Head will be temporarily closed to facilitate essential maintenance. 

The closure will take effect from 20 April 2026 and is expected to remain in place until 20 June 2026, subject to project completion timelines and weather conditions.

Lion’s Head is the peak to the right of Table Mountain when facing it head-on and offers a short but popular hike with 360-degree views of the Atlantic seaboard, the City, and Table Mountain.

“During this period, the Jeep Track will not be accessible to the public. However, hikers will still be able to access the Lion’s Head Summit via alternative routes, which are the Kramat trail located on Signal Hill Road, the Upper Rhine Road Trail and the trail from Kloof Road,” SANParks said.

The Lion’s Head parking area is still available to those who want to use the trail from Kramat to Lions Head. 

This maintenance project is aimed at improving trail safety and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The public is urged to adhere to all posted signage and safety instructions during the closure period.

Regular updates and reminders will be communicated through official channels. – SAnews.gov.za

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Uganda: Manufacturers, traders ask gov’t to stay tax increases

Source: APO

The Kampala City Traders Association has warned that proposed tax amendments for the 2026/27 financial year could increase the cost of doing business, constrain cash flow and push more enterprises into informality if not revised.

Presenting their memorandum to the Finance Committee chaired by Deputy Chairperson Moses Aleper on Tuesday, 8 April 2026, KACITA Chairperson, Isa Sekito said although traders appreciate government’s efforts to boost revenue, the timing of the proposals is challenging for businesses still recovering from economic shocks.

“The business community appreciates government’s continued efforts to enhance domestic revenue mobilisation. However, the proposed amendments come at a time when businesses particularly micro, small and medium enterprises are still recovering from multiple economic shocks,” he said.

KACITA, which represents over three million traders from different sectors noted that while the tax proposals are “well-intended,” they could “inadvertently increase the cost of doing business, constrain cash flow, and reduce the competitiveness of local enterprises”.

Sekito highlighted concerns with the proposed Income Tax (Amendment) Bill 2026, particularly new withholding taxes and the introduction of a 0.5 per cent Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) on businesses declaring losses for seven consecutive years.

“The 0.5 percent Alternative Minimum Tax penalises businesses that are genuinely making losses due to economic challenges,” he said adding that, ‘this discourages investment and business recovery’.

He added that a proposed 10 per cent withholding tax on telecom agents would hit low-margin operators. “The 10 percent withholding tax on commissions directly reduces earnings of agents and distributors, many of whom operate on thin margins,” Sekito said.

On the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill 2026, KACITA argued that the proposed increase in the VAT registration threshold from Shs150 million to Shs250 million is insufficient. “The 18 per cent rate increases the final price of goods and services, reduces affordability and domestic consumption, and makes Ugandan businesses less competitive compared to regional peers,” he added.

He warned that high VAT discourages compliance, with many businesses opting to remain informal. KACITA proposed raising the threshold further to at least Shs1 billion and reducing VAT from 18 per cent to 16 percent to align with regional markets.

Turning to the Stamp Duty (Amendment) Bill 2026, Sekito cautioned against doubling stamp duty on land transactions from 1.5 percent to three per cent. “Doubling stamp duty on land transfers significantly raises the cost of acquiring business premises and discourages investment,” he said.

He also opposed new stamp duties on vehicle registration and transfers, noting these would raise transport and logistics costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers.

KACITA expressed strong reservations about the Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill 2026, warning that increased taxes on fuel, sugar, cooking oil, and cement would drive inflation. “Higher fuel prices will raise transportation and distribution costs and affect supply chains across all sectors. Businesses will pass these costs to consumers,” Sekito said. 

KACITA also opposed proposals in the External Trade (Amendment) Bill 2026 to increase surcharge on used clothing from 15 per cent to 30 per cent. “This represents a 100 per cent increase in surcharge burden, which is highly unsustainable for traders,” Sekito said warning of job losses and reduced compliance.

He noted that the sector currently contributes about Shs280 billion annually and supports thousands of livelihoods. 

In a related development, the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) has called for the amendment of the Tax Appeals Tribunal Act, to review the requirement for taxpayers to pay 30 per cent of assessed tax before filing an appeal.

UMA officials led by Chairperson Richard Sekalala said the provision is stifling business operations and denying taxpayers access to justice.

UMA Member, John Jet Tusabe said the requirement applies across board regardless of the nature of the dispute or the taxpayer’s financial capabilities. 

“The charge is regardless of whether the appeal is an issue of interpretation, or whether the assessment has clear errors that have to be corrected, or regardless of whether the tax payer has capacity today the 30 per cent,” he said.

On broader tax reforms under the committee’s scrutiny, UMA proposed amendments to the Income Tax Amendment Bill, 2026, urging government to either eliminate or reduce the proposed 40 per cent income tax rate to 35 per cent, arguing that it undermines Uganda’s competitiveness and investment climate. “Workers are already over taxed, attraction and retention of talent in Uganda is increasingly becoming difficult partly due to the unfavorable PAYE tax rates,” Tusabe said.

The manufacturers proposed increasing the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) threshold from Shs235,000 to Shs500,000 per month, citing the rising cost of living and warning that excessive taxation could undermine compliance and affect revenue collection.

The manufacturers also objected to new and revised excise duties on selected products, including a three per cent tax per litre or kilogram of locally produced paints and 10 per cent on imported paints, as well as the increase in tax on cement from Shs500 to Shs1,000 per 50KGs.

However, UMA welcomed the proposal to extend the tax holiday for Bujagali Hydro Power Project to seven years, pledging to submit further evidence to the committee to justify the continued tax exemption.

Bungokho Central Representative, Hon. Richard Wanda cited a case where the Uganda Revenue Authority assessed a taxpayer at Shs33 billion, but the tribunal later determined the actual liability at Shs8 billion. He said that requiring such a taxpayer to first pay 30 percent of the initial assessment risks crippling businesses.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Media files

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Small business to come to the fore at LED Summit 

Source: Government of South Africa

Small business to come to the fore at LED Summit 

Unlocking opportunities for small, medium, and micro enterprises (MSMEs) will come to the fore as the two-day National Local Economic Development (LED) Summit gets underway.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the first day of the summit, which is being held at the Birchwood Hotel in Gauteng.

“Deliberations will focus on strengthening the implementation of local economic development, improving intergovernmental coordination through the District Development Model (DDM), and unlocking opportunities for small, medium, and micro enterprises (MSMEs),” The Presidency said ahead of the start of the summit.

The summit serves as a high-level national platform that brings together government, the private sector, academia, development finance institutions and other key stakeholders to advance coordinated and practical solutions for inclusive local economic growth.

The gathering is convened by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), in partnership with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).

“The gathering takes place at a critical juncture as government seeks to reposition local economic development as a central pillar of South Africa’s developmental agenda. This focus aims to accelerate economic growth, support job creation and strengthen the resilience of local economies, particularly in townships and informal sectors such as rural areas,” said The Presidency.

According to the DSBD, CoGTA and SALGA, the summit builds on the Review of the White Paper & Funding Model for Local Government, and the outcomes of the 2017 National LED Summit, with a renewed emphasis on implementation, coordination and measurable impact.

“Key discussions will focus on formalising Local Economic Development as a funded and mandated core function of local government, while assessing the implications of the White Paper on Immigration and the Business Licensing Bill on local economic stability. The summit will also explore strategies to unlock infrastructure constraints through a multi-sectoral approach to service delivery and economic growth, and to address deepening spatial inequalities between metropolitan and non-metropolitan municipalities. 

“Deliberations will further emphasise strengthening the coordination and implementation of the DDM to enhance cooperative governance, examining sustainable financing models for LED, and unlocking strategic partnerships between development finance institutions, public investment, and energy infrastructure to drive inclusive growth,” said the departments and SALGA.

Additionally, the summit will promote innovation, investment facilitation, and digital transformation as key enablers of competitive and resilient local economies, while serving as a platform to deepen intergovernmental coordination and strengthen partnerships with the private sector and development partners.

“The LED Summit 2026 provides a strategic opportunity to address systemic barriers facing MSMEs and co-operatives, promote innovation and digitalisation, and advance inclusive growth in townships, rural areas, and informal economies,” the departments and SALGA noted.

The summit will conclude on Thursday. – SAnews.gov.za 

Neo

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Eritrea: Sports and educational week in Assab sub-zone

Source: APO


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The sports and educational competitions that had been underway in connection with Schools’ Week in Assab sub-zone concluded at a ceremony conducted on 11 April.

The Schools’ Week, which lasted for a month, was attended by students from pre-school to high school from 14 schools.

The competitions, in which about 4,000 students took part, included debating, general knowledge competitions, as well as various sports competitions.

Mr. Kahese Mogos, head of the education office in the sub-zone, said that the program, beyond nurturing unity and harmony among the students, has made a significant contribution in enabling them to identify and develop their talents, as well as in creating self-confidence and preserving the noble culture of their society.

At the event, awards were handed out to winners of the various competitions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Cabo Verde Shapes Africa’s Health Future at High-Level World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Consultation

Source: APO


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Cabo Verde has been standing out at the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional High-Level Consultation on the development of the Regional Strategic Plan 2026–2030 and Vision 2035, taking place from 13 to 17 April 2026 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Represented by a delegate from the Ministry of Health, the country has actively contributed to shaping this important strategic instrument for health in the African Region, bringing forward the specificities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Cabo Verde’s participation has helped highlight challenges such as insularity, dependence on external supply chains, and limited economies of scale, while also showcasing concrete solutions, including telemedicine, digitalization of health systems, and strengthened primary health care with strong community engagement.

The consultation brings together Member States and partners to define regional priorities across four pillars—Universal Health Coverage, Resilience, Modernization, and Ownership & Sovereignty—within a process that will be jointly agreed by countries and submitted for approval at the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, scheduled for August 2026. This moment is considered decisive for aligning the continent’s long-term vision with strategies that are implementable, fundable, and results-oriented. In this context, Cabo Verde’s active participation reinforces the importance of ensuring that the realities of island countries are reflected in regional policies, contributing to more equitable, resilient, and sustainable health systems across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Cabo Verde.

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Advisor to Prime Minister, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: Regional Solution Key to Ending Crisis, Priority Given to Stabilizing Ceasefire, Achieving Peace

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, April 14, 2026

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari stressed that the solution to the current crisis should be primarily regional, noting that all Gulf littoral states and countries linked to its supply chains are directly concerned, alongside the necessary international dimension.

During the weekly media briefing held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said the current priority is to consolidate a ceasefire and transform it into lasting peace, adding that it is still too early to discuss final settlements amid ongoing efforts to end the war and prevent regional escalation.

Regarding developments in Lebanon, he reaffirmed Qatar’s support for Lebanon’s unity and its condemnation of all violations of its sovereignty, including ongoing Israeli operations and breaches, stressing that sustainable solutions can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomatic means.

He noted Qatar’s support for regional, international, and Lebanese efforts aimed at de-escalation and ending ongoing hostilities, and highlighted continued communication with Lebanese and regional parties, emphasizing Lebanon’s importance beyond its regional context.

On the economic impact of the war, he said the crisis has clearly affected global energy markets, including electricity and fuel prices, due to disruptions linked to maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz, with effects extending to petrochemicals and other sectors.

He noted that some of these impacts may be strategic in nature, affirming the resilience of Qatar’s economy and the wider region in facing challenges over the years, as demonstrated in past experiences.

He said that the Strait of Hormuz has not historically been an area of dispute, describing it as a natural waterway used for decades, and said the current situation is an exceptional condition resulting from escalation, requiring collective efforts to ensure maritime security and prevent its use as a pressure tool.

He reiterated Qatar’s firm stance rejecting threats that violate principles of good neighborliness, stressing that the rhetoric of escalation and imposition serves no party.

He underscored that Qatar is committed to defending its sovereignty against any threats and continues to condemn all forms of aggression, taking all necessary measures to ensure its security and safety.

On the economic front, he confirmed that Qatar has taken all necessary precautionary measures and activated emergency plans, expressing confidence in the resilience of the Qatari economy and its ability to withstand crises.

He added that despite impacts on both the Qatari and global economies, the situation is being continuously assessed.

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari underlined the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to navigation without conditions, reiterating that the strait is an international passage that cannot be subject to the control of any single party, and that resuming traffic through it is a priority for both regional and global economies.

Regarding the mediation led by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that there are intensive contacts with Pakistan, affirming Qatar’s full support for the role being played by Islamabad in this regard.

He noted that Qatar continues to coordinate with mediators, encourages any statements or positions that facilitate negotiations, and seeks to ensure that the region’s interests are represented at the negotiating table.

He said Qatar’s goal is not limited to a ceasefire followed by other crises, but rather to reach a comprehensive solution that addresses the concerns of all parties in the region, including Iran, particularly with regard to security and sovereignty.

Al Ansari highlighted the high level of coordination among all Gulf states, with continued contacts at the highest levels to discuss shared challenges and convey them to mediators.

He explained that the call held on Monday between HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, and HE Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed Qatar’s objection and condemnation of Iranian attacks on Qatar and Gulf states, as well as its support for ongoing negotiations.

Al Ansari reiterated Qatar’s rejection of all attempts to undermine its reputation regarding its handling of threats, adding that any attack on any neighboring country is rejected and requires a fundamental solution.

He stated that Iran has crossed red lines since the beginning of the war up to the last night before the ceasefire.

The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the current situation is a ceasefire, not the end of the war, but rather a stage within a negotiating process, and Qatar is in a state of anticipation and following up with all parties regarding the ceasefire situation.

He added that the current stage does not require more mediators, but rather support for existing efforts within the framework of the mediation led by Pakistan, while adhering to the defined roadmap of these negotiations.

He explained that the mediators have a specific course for these negotiations, and they also have clear phased objectives in their handling of these negotiations, and once we cross the threshold of reaching an agreement, there will be a clear regional role.

Al Ansari stressed that the region cannot be ignored in reaching any agreement, noting that doing so had led to negative results in the past.

He said the region must not only be part of the solution, but a fundamental element in it, affirming that Qatar is coordinating with regional partners to formulate a unified regional position toward ending this war.

He clarified that Qatar is not currently playing a direct mediation role, but is closely coordinating with partners, especially Pakistan and the United States, to ensure that its issues and priorities are present at the negotiating table.

In a related context, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that no harassment or attacks on Qatari ships in the Strait of Hormuz have been recorded in recent days.

He expressed hope that the ceasefire will continue and that an agreement will be reached to end the crisis, stressing the importance of working toward sustainable solutions that preserve the rights and interests of all parties.

He reaffirmed continued coordination with various partners and support for all efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive political solution to end this crisis. 

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Critical Minerals Africa Group to Speak at Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris

Source: APO

Olimpia Pilch, Chief Strategy Officer of the Critical Minerals Africa Group (www.CMAGAfrica.com), will attend and contribute to discussions at the upcoming Invest in African Energy Forum, taking place in Paris on April 22–23, 2026.

Bringing extensive expertise in strategic development and international critical minerals markets, Pilch will join industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to highlight the essential role of critical minerals in underpinning Africa’s evolving energy landscape. Her participation will focus on strengthening mineral-to-energy value chains, advancing sustainable resource development, and fostering cross-border partnerships that enable long-term energy security.

“Africa represents one of the most exciting frontiers for both critical minerals development and energy investment,” said Pilch. “This forum provides a vital platform to align stakeholders, unlock capital, and accelerate responsible resource and energy development that strengthens local value chains while supporting global energy transition goals.”

The forum is expected to attract key decision-makers from across the energy value chain, offering high-level dialogue on investment trends, regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies driving growth in Africa’s energy sector.

Pilch’s attendance underscores a continued commitment to elevating the critical minerals perspective within global energy discussions and contributing to a more integrated approach energy investment.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG).

For media enquiries please email:
info@cmagafrica.com

www.CMAGAfrica.com

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Indaba places effective disaster management under the spotlight

Source: Government of South Africa

Indaba places effective disaster management under the spotlight

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa emphasised on Tuesday that adopting prevention-oriented, proactive strategies is essential for disaster management.

“By prioritising risk assessment, mitigation efforts, and community preparedness, we can significantly reduce the potential impact of disasters before they strike,” the Minister said.

Addressing the National Disaster Management Strategic Indaba at Emperors Palace in Boksburg, Johannesburg, Hlabisa said the growing intensity and frequency of disasters in recent years underscore the urgent need to move beyond traditional reactive disaster management strategies.

According to the Minister, this historical approach, which focuses primarily on responding to disasters after they occur, “has proven insufficient in the face of escalating natural and man-made threats.”

Held under the theme: “Strengthening Disaster Management Functions across the country”, the Indaba brought together representatives from government, practitioners, academia, civil society and the private sector to strengthen a prevention-focused approach to disaster management.

Hlabisa described the gathering as a critical opportunity to reshape South Africa’s disaster management system into one that is proactive, integrated, and effective.

“Our task today is very clear. We need to move decisively from fragmented, reactive responses toward a coherent, prevention-focused, and risk-informed disaster management system.

“Our country faces significant and intensifying disaster risks, including floods, droughts, wildfires, severe storms, and tornadoes. These risks are driven by climate change, rapid urbanisation, environmental degradation, and socio-economic inequality,” the Minister said.

Hlabisa cited recent disasters as evidence of the country’s vulnerability.

These include the April 2022 floods in KwaZulu-Natal, which displaced more than 40 000 people and claimed over 500 lives, exposing weaknesses in infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness. In June 2025, severe flooding in the Eastern Cape resulted in over 200 fatalities, further highlighting the need for improved systems.

More recently, floods in Limpopo and Mpumalanga in early 2026 led to loss of life, displacement of families, and extensive damage to critical infrastructure.
“Communities were caught off guard, highlighting the urgent necessity for improved early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms,” the Minister said.

Beyond flooding, persistent threats from severe droughts, wildfires, and storms continue to disrupt agricultural production, local economies and livelihoods across provinces. Vulnerable groups, including women, children, older persons, people with disabilities and marginalised communities, continue to bear the greatest burden, largely due to pre-existing inequalities and limited access to resources and services.

Hlabisa noted that while South Africa has a solid legislative framework, including the Disaster Management Act of 2002 and the National Disaster Management Framework, “legislation alone cannot guarantee success.”

“The effectiveness of these frameworks hinges on strong leadership, effective coordination, diligent enforcement, and comprehensive implementation,” he said.

Proactive strategies 
The Minister emphasised that a fundamental transition to prevention-oriented strategies must become the cornerstone of disaster management.

By prioritising risk assessment, mitigation efforts, and community preparedness, the country can significantly reduce the potential impact of disasters before they strike.

“The familiar phrase ‘prevention is better than cure,’ transcends mere cliché; it represents a vital strategic imperative. Investing in preventive measures not only saves lives but also preserves livelihoods and strengthens community resilience in the long term.”

Risk-informed planning, prevention and mitigation, improved preparedness and early warning systems,and sustainable recovery strategies were among the key priorities highlighted.

The Minister said municipalities play a vital role as the first line of defence against disasters and are essential for tackling the root causes of these disasters, which are often complex and multifaceted. However, they face significant challenges, including poor spatial planning, inadequate infrastructure maintenance, and the expansion of settlements in high-risk areas.

He called for fully functional and well-resourced Disaster Management Centres in all municipalities, supported by funded and regularly updated disaster management plans.

“Empowering communities is essential for effective disaster risk reduction. Local residents must be engaged as active partners in the planning and implementation of these strategies. True success in disaster management is achievable only when the community is involved, motivated, and prepared to act alongside municipalities,” Hlabisa said.

He also underscored the importance of effective early warning systems that are technologically advanced and methodologies that can accurately detect and predict potential threats.

“The system should be able to disseminate timely alerts and information through multiple channels, such as mobile notifications, community meetings, and local radio, so that everyone receives the necessary information well in advance.”

Incorporating advanced technology
Hlabisa also underscored the importance of resilient infrastructure, including roads, bridges and housing, saying they must be meticulously designed, constructed, and maintained to endure the impacts of natural hazards.

“This means not only selecting appropriate materials and innovative engineering practices but also incorporating advanced technology to predict and respond to potential threats.

“Equally significant is the need for ongoing maintenance of such infrastructure. Without regular assessments and maintenance, even the most robust structures can deteriorate, leaving them vulnerable during critical moments when their performance is needed most,” he said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Turkish Minister of National Defense

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, April 14, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Tuesday with HE Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkiye Yasar Guler, who is currently visiting the country.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the latest developments in the region, particularly those related to the ceasefire between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the necessity of solidifying it to strengthen security and stability.