Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

.

The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries has told the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality not to commit funds on Red Location Museum without a detailed empirical information that will inform a workable business plan.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Makhi Feni, lamented the extent of decay in community infrastructure within the municipality. He said that it was shocking and unacceptable.

“There seems to be no care on government funded projects. The common thing about these projects is that they are within the communities and should serve to stimulate and drive economic activity in the townships,” said Mr Feni.

He added: “Vandalism took over everything but people and officials allowed for it to set in. That is why we are at this quagmire; this is government money.”

In the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, the committee visited the Red Location Museum, Dan Qeqe Stadium, KwaNobuhle Sports complex, Kyuga Sports Facility, and St Johns Swimming Pool.

Mr Feni said the committee was to spend money to visit the sites and be given the kinds of reports it received. “We are entirely disappointed with the collapse and the ruin we found on projects that are meant to be viable. It is evidently clear that the decay is a characteristic of Metro assets.”

Mr Feni said if the decay is allowed to manifest and expand as it has, what claim to legitimacy does the Metro have. “It is so sad that millions keep being allocated to refurbishing and reviving projects that should self sustain like the Red Location Museum.”

He said the committee will make firm recommendations with clear timeframes that it will strictly monitor every six months. “The Bay Metro must perhaps prepare to frequent committee meetings, the state of affairs in the Bay is unacceptable.”

The committee will visit Bay schools and TVET colleges on Friday.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

.

The Select Committee on Appropriations has successfully concluded its two-day oversight visit to the Ngaka Modiri Molema District and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts in the North West Province.

The oversight visit focused on four projects that are funded through the Health Facility Revitalisation Grant (HFRG). The projects are: Mmabatho Nursing College, Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital, Marcus Zenzile Clinic, and the Potchefstroom Hospital Casualty Ward upgrade.

The HFRG is a direct conditional grant transferred by the national Department of Health to provincial departments of health to support infrastructure development, refurbishment, and upgrading of health facilities.

During its visits to the projects, the committee observed a number of concerning trends that cut across all four of the projects, including cost overruns, inconsistent reporting, under-expenditure of the grant, inadequate interdepartmental planning and coordination, as well as delays.

The Marcus Zenzile Clinic project has been delayed by three years, the Potchefstroom Hospital project by one year, while the Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital project is expected to delay for at least seven months.

The delays were are attributed to several factors, including interference by construction mafias, community protests, poor performance by contractors that often result in penalties, terminations, reappointments, and disruptions by community business forums.

As a way forward, the committee has directed the North West Department of Health to submit a comprehensive report on the progress of the four projects, including the geotechnical report for the Marcus Zenzile Clinic, which is being constructed on dolomitic land.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

.

Morocco and Belgium reaffirmed, on Thursday in Brussels, their shared willingness to deepen a strategic and structuring partnership based on trust, mutual respect and converging views on major regional and international challenges.

This reiteration was expressed on the occasion of a meeting held in Brussels between Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Mr. Nasser Bourita and the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation, Maxime Prévot.

Both senior officials lauded the excellent political dialogue between Rabat and Brussels, marked with intensified exchanges along with the implementation of a bilateral Roadmap issued by the High Joint Commission held in April 2024, which lays the groundwork for future cooperation.

On the economic front, both parties underlined the need to elevate the relationship to a higher level, through the joint development technological value chains, the promotion of sustainable investment in strategic sectors such as green hydrogen, energy transition, infrastructure, and innovation.

The two ministers also highlighted the complementarity between Moroccan and Belgian visions in cooperation, regional security and human development, confirming their commitment to work together at the service of stability, and shared prosperity between the two continents.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

Source: APO

.

Africa Tech Festival (ATF) (https://AfricaTechFestival.com), the continent’s leading platform for digital innovation, will kick off next month in Cape Town with a strong focus on cybersecurity and cloud resilience – two critical areas for governments and enterprises navigating Africa’s expanding digital economy.

This year’s programme will also explore responsible innovation, inclusive investment, connectivity for development, and policy harmonisation. These themes reflect ATF’s role as a cohesive platform that supports Africa’s digital transformation ecosystem and guides tech experts, analysts, and policymakers in shaping informed insights and decisions.

Africa is experiencing a surge in cybercrime, driven by the rapid expansion of digital technology and the widespread reliance on mobile internet. Recent reports indicate that 90% of African countries require significant improvements in law enforcement capabilities to effectively respond to cyber threats. Although cybercrime is on the rise, most African countries still lack the core IT infrastructure needed to respond effectively. Only 30% have an incident reporting system, 29% maintain a digital evidence repository, and just 19% operate a cyberthreat intelligence database (https://apo-opa.co/4oEJm82).

An underdeveloped cybersecurity ecosystem, a significant skills gap, and increasing risks to critical infrastructure compound this challenge. Common threats include phishing, online scams, business email compromise (BEC), and ransomware.

“Cybersecurity is no longer an individual concern for organisations; it’s a shared responsibility across all sectors,” said Kadi Diallo, Portfolio Manager for Africa Tech Festival. “ATF is where Africa’s digital leaders come together to tackle these challenges head-on and shape a secure, inclusive future.”

Among the standout sessions at Africa Tech Festival 2025 is the keynote fireside chat titled “State of Cybersecurity in Africa: Threats, Gaps & Opportunities”, scheduled for Tuesday, 11 November. This discussion will delve into the continent’s most pressing cyber threats, evaluate regional preparedness, and explore how governments and enterprises can work together to strengthen response capabilities and regulatory frameworks.

Also featured is the panel session “The Quantum Threat Is Now: Rethinking Encryption Before It’s Too Late”, which will examine the emerging risks posed by quantum computing to current encryption standards. As the industry begins to grapple with the implications of post-quantum security, this session will offer timely insights into how organisations can prepare for a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

On Wednesday, 12 November, the festival will host “Empowering Women in Cybersecurity: Breaking Barriers and Building Leadership”. With women representing less than a quarter of the global cybersecurity workforce, and even fewer in Africa, this session will spotlight emerging female leaders across technical, operational, and policy roles. It will also examine how mentorship, sponsorship, and structural reforms can build greater inclusion and leadership opportunities in cyber and cloud careers.

Africa Tech Festival is recognised as a unique platform where cybersecurity experts, including Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), can learn from diverse case studies across industries and regions. Feedback from past attendees highlights ATF’s value in fostering cross-regional dialogue, enabling professionals to share experiences and strategies for tackling cyber threats in different contexts.

Africa Tech Festival 2025 will feature a complete programme of panels, fireside chats, and policy discussions aimed at addressing almost every aspect of Africa’s digital journey, from infrastructure and investment to regulation and workforce development.

To explore the complete cybersecurity programme, visit the Africa Tech Festival 2025 Agenda (https://apo-opa.co/3WmaWdV).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

About Africa Tech Festival:
Now in its 28th edition, Africa Tech Festival 2025 will take place from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), bringing together more than 15,000 technology leaders, policymakers, investors, startups, and visionaries. The Festival encompasses four anchor events:

• AfricaCom – The continent’s largest telecoms and connectivity event
• AfricaTech – The hub for technology, innovation, and enterprise growth
• AfricaIgnite – Driving growth and impact in Africa’s startup ecosystem
• The AI Summit Cape Town – Where commercial AI comes to life

With over 500 speakers, 300 exhibitors, and extensive networking opportunities, Africa Tech Festival remains the continent’s most influential gathering for those shaping Africa’s connected future.

Source: APO

.

The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure has urged government departments, including the Department of Higher Education and the Department of Social Development, to honour their bulk services payment commitments to the Salvokop Government Precinct to prevent jeopardising the progress and potential benefits of the project.

The call follows the committee’s second day of oversight visits in Gauteng, which included an inspection of the Salvokop precinct site.

Committee Chairperson Mr Rikus Badenhorst said the precinct tells a bigger story about what can be achieved when government invests with purpose, creating jobs, supporting SMMEs and transforming underused public land into a modern, functional space that works for people.

“It is in this context that the departments must honour the commitments they made for phase one of the project, which includes the installation of bulk and internal infrastructure services that are nearing completion,” said Mr Badenhorst.

The committee considers the non-payment by certain departments a direct risk to the potential benefits the project will yield, not only for the departments themselves, but also for the City of Tshwane and the broader economy.

The committee also expressed concern about residents who remain unwilling to be relocated to enable the completion of the initial phase of the project. While acknowledging that some concerns may be genuine, the committee emphasised the need for constructive engagement to reach workable solutions.

Although the matter is currently before the courts, the committee remains confident that a middle ground can be achieved through collaboration. It has called on relevant departments including Human Settlements and Water and Sanitation to assist in providing sustainable relocation solutions for affected residents.

Despite these challenges, the committee reaffirmed its support for the project, describing it as a ground-breaking initiative that links infrastructure investment to inner-city regeneration, integrated human settlements, and improved mobility.

“The model should be applauded and replicated across the country,” said Mr Badenhorst. “The precinct’s property management plan will ensure sustainability and the socio-economic spinoffs from job creation to spatial integration are too valuable to be lost.”

During the oversight visit, the committee also toured the Gibela Rail Consortium’s Dunnottar factory, commending the strides made in localising the production of passenger trains in South Africa.

Mr Badenhorst praised the factory’s achievement of sourcing 85% of its components locally, well above the target of 65% localisation, describing this as a major milestone for industrialisation, skills development and job creation. “Manufacturing remains a critical pillar in driving economic development. The Gibela project demonstrates how local production can stimulate economic spinoffs and build much-needed technical skills within our communities,” he said.

Efficient and reliable passenger rail transport, the committee noted, is crucial for economic productivity, job access and environmental sustainability. The committee committed to continue engaging with the Department of Transport and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to ensure improved access to rail services across the country.

The select committee reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the implementation of key infrastructure and transport projects, ensuring that they deliver tangible socio-economic benefits and contribute to the transformation and development of South Africa’s cities and communities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates Mr. Nasser Bourita called, Thursday in Brussels, on Belgian economic operators to seize the opportunities offered by the Southern provinces of the Kingdom, in line with His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s vision of making the Sahara region a hub for development and cooperation.

The call was made during the joint press conference in which Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Maxime Prévot, announced his country’s new advanced position on the Moroccan Sahara and that Belgium will henceforth act diplomatically and economically in line with this stance.

Mr. Bourita cited the example of several of Morocco’s partner countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the United States, which already view the Southern provinces as a genuine land of opportunities.

Washington has formally encouraged investment in the Moroccan Sahara region, and France recently organized the France-Morocco Economic Forum in Dakhla, he added.

The Minister noted in this regard that Belgium currently ranks 13th among Morocco’s trading partners and 17th among investors, an important position that can be strengthened by involving the private sector more, particularly during the upcoming visit to Morocco by a Belgian government delegation accompanied by economic operators and businessmen.

Through the Southern provinces of the Kingdom, “Belgium can develop its trade relations with West Africa and Central Africa,” insisted Mr. Bourita, emphasizing that the city of Dakhla can be a gateway to the African continent for Belgium.

In this context, the minister mentioned promising prospects for cooperation with Belgium in the renewable energy, infrastructure, industry, and green hydrogen sectors.

Belgium has expressed today its support for autonomy, placing the Sahara region within the framework of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and national unity, stressing that it will act as of now on diplomatic and economic plans in line with this position.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

Source: APO

A panel discussion in connection with United Nations Day 2025 was organized at the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers Hall in Asmara on 22 October under the theme “Self-Reliance: The Eritrean Experience and Its Global Relevance.”

The event was attended by representatives of ministries, national associations, heads and representatives of UN offices, as well as members of the diplomatic community.

The objective of the panel discussion was to enhance understanding of Eritrea’s philosophy of self-reliance in relation to nation-building and development; to strengthen linkages between Eritrea’s approach and the UN’s founding principles of sovereign equality, multilateralism, and partnership; and to identify lessons from Eritrea that may inform development pathways in other countries, highlighting the global relevance of self-reliance.

Ms. Nahla Valji, Coordinator of UN Offices in Eritrea, said that Eritrea’s approach to self-reliance offers a valuable lesson on how cooperation can be made more sustainable, equitable, and rooted in national ownership. From its inception, Eritrea has embraced a philosophy of self-reliance, not as isolation, but as empowerment.

Ms. Nahla further noted that Eritrea’s experience provides an important reference point, illustrating how self-reliance and partnership can coexist to deliver lasting results. “This is indeed a compelling model for renewed multilateralism and effective cooperation,” Ms. Nahla underlined.

At the panel discussion, which was moderated by Mr. Redae Tesfalul, Director of the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, panelists included Mr. Hatem Elatawy, Ambassador of Egypt to Eritrea; Dr. Caroline Mwongera, Country Director of the International Fund for Agricultural Development; and Ms. Joanna Darmanin, Ambassador of the European Union. It was reported that the development programs in Eritrea guided by the principle of self-reliance are registering commendable progress.

The participants called for organizing similar programs, noting that such forums are important in reflecting the true image of Eritrea.

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

Source: APO

.

Members of the four sub-branches of the National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW) London branch conducted their congress on 19 October in London, with about 100 members in attendance.

Mr. Tewolde Yohannes, Head of Public and Community Affairs at the Eritrean Embassy in the UK and Ireland, said that the National Union of Eritrean Women has played a leading role in raising awareness among Eritrean women, ensuring equality and participation in practice, and contributing to the successful implementation of organizational and national development programs.

Noting that the current strategic objective is to enable Eritreans in the diaspora to preserve their identity and enhance their awareness; maintain their unity and strengthen their attachment to their homeland; contribute their part in nation-building and safeguarding national sovereignty; and become successful in education, skills, and socio-economic capacity, Mr. Tewolde called on the union branch to play its due part toward that end.

He also called for a thorough review of activities over the past two years and design of a roadmap for the coming two years.

Ms. Senait Haile, Head of the Union Branch in the United Kingdom, gave a briefing on the activities implemented so far and the future programs of the union branch.

Mr. Ahmed Mohammed, Chairman of the Eritrean Committee, and Mr. Hadgu Okbamicael, Chairman of the PFDJ London branch, delivered messages of solidarity.

Similarly, the German branch of the National Union of Eritrean Women held a meeting to review the implementation of activities during the past six months and to discuss programs for the next six months.

At the meeting, Ms. Leul Tewolde, Chairperson of the Union Branch, gave an extensive briefing on the objective situation in the homeland in terms of global diplomatic developments. She also urged members to conduct sustained promotional activities aimed at strengthening organizational capacity and expansion, as well as enhancing contributions to the implementation of the Afambo Boarding School Project.

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