Government extends condolences following passing of Malawian national

Source: Government of South Africa

Government extends condolences following passing of Malawian national

The Government of South Africa, through the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration, has noted with deep sadness the passing of a Malawian national during the ongoing repatriation operation. 

In a statement on Tuesday, Government conveyed its condolences to the families and the Government and people of Malawi. 

“On behalf of Government and the people of South Africa, we convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, loved ones, fellow travellers and the Government and people of the Republic of Malawi during this difficult time,” Government said. 

Preliminary reports indicate that the deceased was among the passengers aboard a Malawi bound bus that had been loaded and departed the repatriation processing centre.  

Approximately 10 kilometers from the centre, the passenger tragically passed on, prompting the driver to turn the bus around and return to the processing centre. Upon the return of the bus to the centre, the South African Police Service (SAPS) was immediately called to the scene to conduct the requisite police procedures, including forensic examination, in line with standard protocols governing sudden and unexplained deaths. 

“Government wishes to reassure the family of the deceased, the Malawian authorities and the public that all necessary processes were undertaken with the utmost professionalism, dignity and respect for the deceased. Following the completion of the police and forensic work, the bus was formally released by SAPS and departed the scene at midnight, enabling the remaining passengers to continue their journey home,” Government said. 

Government said that the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident will be communicated to the Malawian authorities through the appropriate diplomatic channels. 

Government said it stands ready to provide any support required to assist the family of the deceased. 

“Once again, we extend our sincere sympathies to the family of the deceased and to the Government and people of Malawi,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Women Ministry appoints Mariéme Jamme as AI special envoy

Source: Government of South Africa

Women Ministry appoints Mariéme Jamme as AI special envoy

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, has appointed technology leader and digital transformation advocate, Lady Mariéme Jamme as the department’s Special Envoy for Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The appointment was announced during a recent AMC Davos 2026 gathering in Tianjin, China, by the Office of the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga.

According to the department, the appointment reflects South Africa’s commitment to ensuring that women, youth and persons with disabilities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy and to help shape the future of ethical, inclusive and human-centred artificial intelligence.

The department said the appointment aligns with its mandate to advance the socio-economic empowerment, inclusion and rights of women, youth and persons with disabilities, while supporting the country’s vision of a digitally inclusive society, where technological innovation drives opportunity, equality, economic participation and sustainable development.

It said the announcement comes as governments, business leaders and multilateral organisations intensify global engagement on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and the future of work.

“The appointment comes at a pivotal moment as governments, business leaders, investors and multilateral organisations accelerate global dialogue on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and the future of work,” the department said in a statement on Saturday.

In her honorary, strategic and non-executive role, Jamme will serve as South Africa’s global representative and adviser on technology diplomacy, responsible AI governance and digital inclusion.

Her responsibilities will include supporting South Africa’s engagement with governments, multilateral institutions, academia, investors and industry leaders, with a focus on technology diplomacy, workforce readiness, innovation ecosystems and strategic partnerships that advance the country’s development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The department said the appointment reflects South Africa’s commitment to ensuring that Africa’s expertise, priorities, and lived experiences are represented in shaping international AI policy, governance, and innovation.

“Her appointment reflects South Africa’s conviction that artificial intelligence must serve humanity and that its future cannot be shaped by only a handful of countries or institutions. It must also reflect the voices and aspirations of Africa, women, young people, persons with disabilities and communities that have historically been excluded from technological progress.”

Shaping the future of technology

Chikunga said the appointment demonstrates government’s commitment to ensuring that women, youth and persons with disabilities are at the forefront of the digital economy and are empowered to shape the future of technology.

“The appointment of Lady Mariéme Jamme as Special Envoy for Technology and Artificial Intelligence reflects our commitment to advancing ethical, inclusive and human-centred artificial intelligence while strengthening South Africa’s leadership in global technology diplomacy.

“Her extensive experience in digital transformation, innovation and skills development, together with her deep commitment to empowering communities across Africa and beyond, will help us build strategic partnerships that advance our national priorities, create opportunities for all, and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age,” the Minister said.

Jamme said artificial intelligence is redefining power, productivity and possibility across the world. However, she warned that technology without ethics, inclusion and human dignity, risks widening inequality rather than reducing it.

She expressed her appreciation to the South African Government and Minister Chikunga for the confidence placed in her.

“This appointment is an opportunity to strengthen Africa’s contribution to global AI governance and to ensure that innovation expands opportunity, protects human dignity and creates lasting prosperity for women, young people and underserved communities. Together, we can help build an AI future that leaves no one behind,” Jamme said.

About Lady Mariéme Jamme

Lady Mariéme Jamme is an internationally recognised technology leader, AI strategist and advocate for inclusive digital transformation. Over more than two decades, she has advised governments, multilateral organisations, investors and private-sector leaders on technology policy, digital transformation and innovation across Africa and globally.

She is the Founder and CEO of iamtheCODE, an African-led global movement operating in nearly 90 countries that equips women and girls with coding, artificial intelligence, digital literacy and future-of-work skills, particularly in underserved and crisis-affected communities. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Epping Refugee Reception Office in the Western Cape closed

Source: Government of South Africa

Epping Refugee Reception Office in the Western Cape closed

The Department of Home Affairs says the temporary voluntary repatriation support operation at the Epping Refugee Reception Office in the Western Cape has been concluded and that the office resumed its normal operations on Monday.

This after the department successfully transferred foreign nationals, who requested voluntary repatriation from the Epping Refugee Reception Office in the Western Cape to the Musina Repatriation Centre in Limpopo over the weekend.

“Approximately 1 800 Zimbabwean nationals, including women and children, arrived at the Epping Refugee Reception Office on 21 June 2026. They were later joined by Malawian nationals who also requested voluntary repatriation,” the Department of Home Affairs said in a statement.

In total, 3 252 individuals were processed, comprising 3 155 Zimbabwean nationals and 97 Malawian nationals.

Following coordinated efforts by the Department of Home Affairs, the City of Cape Town, civil society and faith-based organisations to facilitate the transfer of those requesting voluntary repatriation, the temporary operation at the Epping Refugee Reception Office concluded. All humanitarian assistance at the site was concluded at 06h00 on Sunday, 5 July 2026.

“Foreign nationals seeking voluntary repatriation should no longer report to the Epping Refugee Reception Office. Requests for voluntary repatriation should now be directed to the relevant consulate for assistance,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Operation Shanela nabs over 23 000 suspects nationwide

Source: Government of South Africa

Operation Shanela nabs over 23 000 suspects nationwide

Over 23 000 suspects were arrested for various offences nationwide, as the South African Police Service (SAPS) continued to carry out Operation Shanela.

In operations conducted between 29 June and 5 July, 23 011 suspects were nabbed.

Detectives further arrested 2 391 wanted suspects, linked to serious offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape, illegal possession of firearms, carjacking, possession of drugs, house and business robberies.

Among the arrests effected across the provinces include the arrest of 127 individuals for murder, 179 for rape and 143 suspects for attempted murder.

“As part of the intensified crackdown on illegal immigration and related criminal activities, the SAPS arrested 6 807 illegal migrants across multiple provinces for contravening the Immigration Act,” said the SAPS in a statement on Monday.

The police, working closely with other law enforcement agencies, remain on high alert to safeguard communities and property during ongoing anti-illegal immigration protests across the country. 

“While recognising the constitutional right of citizens to protest, participants are urged to conduct themselves within the ambit of the law. Citizens are also reminded to refrain from circulating unverified information on social media platforms.”

The SAPS further cautioned the public not to take the law into their own hands. 

“Any incidents of violence, incitement, intimidation, or damage to property must be reported immediately to law enforcement agencies or the nearest police station.”

In addition, police operations yielded significant results in specific crime categories:
•    282 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs, including 79 in the Eastern Cape.
•    654 suspects were arrested for illegal dealing in liquor, with 241 in KwaZulu-Natal.
•    724 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

“The SAPS remains committed to intensifying its operations, ensuring law and order, and protecting the people of South Africa,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Four killed in nine-vehicle crash

Source: Government of South Africa

Four killed in nine-vehicle crash

Four people were killed in a nine-vehicle collision on the  R555 near Middelburg, the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison said.

“It is alleged that an articulated truck travelling from Middelburg towards Emalahleni on the R555 seemingly lost control and collided with one of the vehicles. Several other vehicles then collided with each other and further crashed into steel that had fallen from the truck,” the provincial department said of Monday afternoon’s crash.

Five other people sustained serious injuries while three others suffered slight injuries.
The injured are receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals in Middelburg and Emalahleni.

“The crash involved nine vehicles, including an articulated truck, four light delivery vehicles (LDVs), one SUV and other motor vehicles.The investigation into the cause of the crash is underway,” the provincial department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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CORRECTION: Buenassa Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Spotlight Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Mineral Beneficiation Strategy at African Mining Week

Source: APO


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Eddy Kioni, CEO of Buenassa – the first Congolese and privately led integrated metals trading platform who is developing a copper–cobalt refinery in the DRC – has confirmed his participation as a speaker at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, taking place from October 14–16 in Cape Town.

Kioni will participate in the panel discussion Realigning National and International Goals to Advance Global Investment in Africa’s Value Chain, where industry leaders will examine strategies for mobilizing investment to strengthen Africa’s mining sector and accelerate value addition.

His participation comes as Buenassa advances its multi-phase copper and cobalt hydrometallurgical refinery in Lualaba Province, supporting the DRC’s strategy to maximize value from its critical minerals through domestic processing and the export of value-added products. Phase I of the facility is designed to produce 30,000 tons of LME-grade copper cathode and 5,000 tons of cobalt contained (cobalt metal with optionality for sulphate) per annum, with capacity rising to up to 120,000 tons of copper and 20,000 tons of cobalt contained (cobalt metal with optionality for sulphate) in subsequent phases. The project is currently advancing through pre-feasibility, with construction and operations to follow the completion of definitive studies and financial close.” Commercial Operations Date (COD) is currently scheduled for Q2 2031.

Beyond refining, Buenassa is pursuing an ambitious growth strategy across the mining value chain. In February 2026, the company submitted a $1.5 billion acquisition proposal for copper and cobalt producer Chemaf, a transaction that would significantly expand Buenassa’s upstream mining portfolio while strengthening integration across exploration, production, processing and international metals trading.

Serving as Africa’s Most Influential Mining Conference, AMW 2026 brings together governments, mining companies and investors, offering Kioni an opportunity to showcase Buenassa’s integrated investment model, share updates on the company’s flagship refinery development and engage with prospective partners.

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

JustMarkets Launches Browser-Based Web Terminal for MT5 Trading

Source: APO

Global multi-asset broker JustMarkets (https://JustMarkets.com/) has launched its Web Terminal, a browser-based trading platform that enables clients to access their MT5 accounts directly through a web browser without downloading or installing additional software. The terminal is available to clients across all countries where the broker operates.

The Web Terminal was introduced following a preparation period that included technical optimization and user testing aimed at improving platform performance and usability before its public release.

Designed for MT5 accounts, the browser-based platform provides traders with access to a full trading environment from any compatible device. Users can access the terminal by selecting their trading account, clicking the “Trade” button, and choosing the “JustMarkets Terminal” option.

The Web Terminal includes a range of built-in trading features, including advanced charting tools with technical indicators, flexible trade volume settings, detailed information for tradable instruments, real-time market sentiment data, trading schedule and margin updates, and tools for managing multiple positions and pending orders through a single interface.

Commenting on the launch, a JustMarkets representative said: “At JustMarkets, we never stop evolving. With the Web Terminal, we wanted to remove every barrier between traders and the markets. Now every client can trade directly from their browser, with all the professional tools they need at their fingertips.”

The launch follows the introduction of the JustMarkets mobile trading application and marks another step in the company’s efforts to expand its trading ecosystem with browser-based solutions and additional trading tools.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of JustMarkets.

Contact:
Saschin Brown
saschin.brown@justmarkets.com

About JustMarkets:
​JustMarkets is a global multi-asset broker serving more than 3 million traders across over 160 countries. With 14 years of industry experience, the company is licensed by CySEC, FSCA, FSC, FSA, and the FSC of the British Virgin Islands.

Risk Warning:
Trading financial instruments involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Market conditions can change rapidly, and losses may exceed deposits. Investors should ensure they understand the risks involved before trading.

Media files

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Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2027 in Paris Strengthens Its Role as Africa’s Premier Capital Allocation and Deal-Making Platform

Source: APO


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The Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2027 Forum will return to Paris for its fifth edition, strengthening its focus on investment, capital mobilization and deal-making across the full energy value chain. Confirmed for 11–13 May, IAE 2027 will bring together governments, national oil companies, operators and institutional capital to originate, structure and finance energy projects across Africa.

Building on the momentum of the 2026 edition, which attracted over 300 companies from more than 50 countries and facilitated three major upstream deal signings across frontier African markets, IAE 2027 further expands its investment offering against a backdrop of rising upstream discoveries, infrastructure needs and power demand alongside fragmented capital flows. The forum is designed to bridge that gap by convening ministries, development finance institutions, export credit agencies, sovereign wealth funds, infrastructure investors, private equity and commercial lenders in curated deal environments focused on execution.

The 2027 edition will be anchored by a dedicated G2B Investment Origination Day, where governments and national oil companies present structured opportunities including licensing rounds, upstream farm-ins and national energy pipelines. The Transaction Suite will serve as a curated deal room where sovereigns and operators present assets directly to qualified investors, while Investor Circles will bring together development finance institutions, sovereign wealth funds and commercial banks to focus on capital structuring, blended finance and risk mitigation tools required to unlock investment at scale.

A flagship Ministerial Capital Roundtable will convene African energy ministers and regional organizations to address fiscal frameworks, regulatory stability and investment conditions required to mobilize capital at scale. Alongside this, a CapEx Pipeline Forum, supported by development finance institutions and export credit agencies, will focus on financing LNG developments, pipelines, power systems and cross-border energy corridors.

“Now returning for its fifth edition, IAE 2027 reflects the forum’s continued evolution as a leading investment platform. Building on the strong foundation established over the past four editions, this year’s program expands the opportunities for governments, operators and investors to engage in structured environments where projects advance, partnerships are formed and financing decisions move forward. Our objective remains the same: to turn opportunity into financed and deliverable energy assets,” said Nadine Levin, Portfolio Director at Energy Capital & Power.

The program will maintain a strong upstream foundation through an Exploration & Discovery Investment Forum focused on de-risking frontier development using advanced technologies including AI-enabled subsurface imaging and data-driven exploration, alongside the growing role of national oil companies and domestic operators in upstream investment, gas monetization and domestic energy expansion.

Beyond upstream, the Grid Convergence Forum will address gas-to-power integration, hybrid industrial energy systems and regional electricity markets. On the final day, the Commodities & Capital Allocation Forum will convene global trading houses, insurers and financial institutions to examine how commodity flows, risk pricing and insurance mechanisms shape capital deployment into African energy projects, alongside sessions on export credit agency support and mega-project finance for FLNG, offshore developments and cross-border pipelines.

By integrating sovereign deal origination, structured investor engagement and capital allocation frameworks into a single platform, IAE 2027 further strengthens its role as a three-day investment environment where projects are advanced, partnerships are structured and capital commitments are actively pursued. It positions Paris as a central hub for African energy investment at a time when the sector’s defining challenge is converting opportunity into bankable projects and financed execution.

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

Madagascar to Boost Urban Resilience and Jobs in Antananarivo and Toamasina

Source: APO


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The World Bank Group has approved US$225 million in financing for the Integrated Urban Development and Resilience Project for Jobs (PRODUIRE2) to strengthen climate resilience, improve infrastructure, and create more and better jobs in Greater Antananarivo and Greater Toamasina.

Madagascar’s rapidly growing cities face mounting challenges. In early 2026, cyclones Fytia and Gezani caused damages estimated at the equivalent to 3.4 percent of the country’s GDP. In Greater Antananarivo, extreme urban poverty has more than doubled over the past decade, despite the capital generating close to 44 percent of GDP. Recurrent flooding, inadequate infrastructure, and insecure land tenure deter private investment, limit economic opportunities, and keep the city’s most vulnerable residents locked in poverty.

Building on the World Bank-supported urban resilience program in Antananarivo, PRODUIRE2 will deepen investments in flood protection, drainage, solid waste management, neighborhood upgrading, and land administration in Greater Antananarivo. In Greater Toamasina, where cyclone Gezani damaged 70 percent of the housing stock, the project will focus on rebuilding resilient housing and rehabilitating critical public infrastructure such as schools and health facilities. By 2032, the project aims to bring climate-resilient infrastructure to 1.5 million people, reconstruct 20,000 homes to resilient standards, issue land documentation for 50,000 parcels, and generate approximately 17,000 jobs — laying the groundwork for sustained private investment, jobs, and economic growth.

“When cities work better, people live better. With the support of this new World Bank Group-financed project, families will benefit from safer neighborhoods, better infrastructure, improved access to land services, and greater economic opportunities. This investment will help create jobs, support local businesses, and give more people the chance to build a brighter future for their families,” said Dr Herinjatovo Ramiarison, Minister of Economy and Finance of Madagascar.

The project will also address insecure land tenure – nearly half of the land in Antanarivo lacks formal titles, a key barrier to urban development and investment. PRODUIRE2 will support land regularization and digital land services to help residents obtain legally recognized documentation and streamline transactions. At least 40 percent of new land documents issued will include women as sole or joint rights holders.

“Cyclone Gezani damaged nearly 70 percent of homes in Toamasina and disrupted the lives of thousands of families. Through PRODUIRE2, families will be supported to rebuild stronger homes, while critical public infrastructure and services will be restored and strengthened. The University of Barikadimy, which suffered extensive damage, will be fully rebuilt to higher standards so it can continue serving students for generations to come. In Greater Antananarivo, investments in flood protection, drainage infrastructure, including the Canal C3 ter and Canal C3 bis, solid waste management, and land administration will help reduce flooding and give families greater peace of mind during the rainy season. At its heart, this project is about helping people live more safely, creating better economic opportunities, and enabling families to focus on what matters most: their children’s future, their work, and their well-being.”, said Atou Seck, World Bank Group Country Manager for Madagascar.

PRODUIRE2 reflects a long-term partnership between the Government of Madagascar and the World Bank Group It will support Antananarivo and Toamasina to become more resilient, inclusive, and dynamic engines of growth.

PRODUIRE2 is supported by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and by the Quality Infrastructure Investment (QII) Partnership financed by the Government of Japan, which provide technical and analytical assistance to strengthen Madagascar’s framework for disaster risk management, urban resilience, and infrastructure quality.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

Seychelles and Zambia explore enhanced cooperation in education, tourism and trade

Source: APO


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The High Commissioner-designate of the Republic of Zambia to the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Mr. Alfred Musemuna, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr. Barry Faure on Monday 6 July 2026 at Maison Quéau de Quinssy ahead of his accreditation ceremony.

Minister Faure began by thanking the Zambian government for the excellent cooperation the two countries share in the field of education, whereby Zambian teachers are contributing to the education of pupils in the public system. He expressed the government’s interest in expanding cooperation in this domain.

He also noted that Seychelles and Zambia had signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) that were currently inactive, including one in the field of tourism. He expressed a desire to revitalise cooperation in this sector, which would facilitate exchanges and promote the sharing of ideas, expertise and best practices within the tourism industry.

High Commissioner-designate Musemuna welcomed Minister Faure’s proposal, noting that enhanced cooperation through joint marketing initiatives and improved air connectivity would yield significant benefits for both countries.

Minister Faure also pointed out that cooperation in the fields of agriculture and trade could be looked into by both countries, whereby Seychelles could greatly benefit from Zambia’s vast, fertile agricultural lands and bovine industry which produces quality meat to ensure food security. Environment and Climate change were also on the agenda, where the two diplomats discussed their respective countries’ efforts in finding more sustainable energy sources other than fossil fuels.

Minister Faure appealed to the Zambian government to assist in advocating for the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), noting that Zambia itself, as a landlocked country, suffered from its own kind of vulnerabilities. The Minister noted that although Seychelles had a high GDP per capita, it easily suffered from external shocks and that economic recovery from these shocks was slow.

Also on the agenda, was the two countries’ involvement in regional organisations such as the SADC, COMESA and the African Union, the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in Zambia, and consular and diaspora engagement in each other’s respective countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.