Category: MIL-OSI

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Eskom welcomes launch of the IRP 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom has welcomed the launch of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025, which seeks to balance energy security, affordability, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic considerations in South Africa’s transition from high-carbon to low-carbon energy sources.

In a statement on Monday, the power utility said the IRP provides a clear investment framework for the supply of electricity needed to accelerate economic growth and inclusion in a context where overall unemployment stands at 30% and youth unemployment exceeds 50%.

“The IRP 2025 is not merely a policy update it is a clear investment roadmap, informed by the input of over 4000 interested parties at the public consultation stage. It signals to investors, regulators, and our citizens that South Africa has a focussed pathway to reach NetZero inclusively and provides the opportunity for Eskom to play its role fairly and compete in a reformed electricity supply industry.

“The IRP 2025 requires significant investment to be attracted quickly, that will only come from rules-based regulatory reform anchored in law to enable investors to deploy capital in South Africa with confidence and certainty,” Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane said.

This as the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa announced the plan at a media briefing on Sunday. At the briefing, the Minister said that government plans to invest R2.2 trillion, which is about 30% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), in a comprehensive energy transformation strategy.

READ | Ramokgopa unveils massive R2.2 trillion electricity plan to revive economy

Morokane said the power utility will conduct a thorough review of the IRP 2025 and subsequently publish a comprehensive response along with an updated strategic plan.

“We have been preparing to accelerate the delivery of Eskom’s contribution to the IRP 2025 through the implementation of our turnaround strategy. With load shedding largely behind us the country again has a continuous 24/7 electricity supply – commonly referred to as baseload capacity, that forms the backbone for renewable energy growth.

“Renewables are variable in nature and need reliable, continuous baseload to maintain grid stability and supply.  Our return to profitably for the first time in eight years reflects long-term structural operational improvements and combined with our skilled workforce will lead to increasing investor confidence to deliver the IRP 2025 with partners,” Marokane explained.

He added that Eskom remains firmly committed to executing the Generation Recovery Plan, enhancing governance structures, and mitigating financial and operational risks. These efforts are aligned with Eskom’s broader objective of ensuring long-term sustainability, securing energy supply, and contributing meaningfully to South Africa’s economy and the wider region. –SAnews.gov.za 

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Operation Shanela nabs 739 in Limpopo

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Over 700 suspects have been arrested for various crimes across the province of Limpopo, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

“Between Monday, 12 October and Sunday, 19 October 2025, law enforcement teams across all five districts conducted simultaneous high-density operations that led to the arrest of 739 suspects and the recovery of seven firearms,” the SAPS said in a statement on Monday.

Eight individuals were arrested for murder, while six others were arrested for attempted murder.  Seventy-three others were arrested for assault grievous bodily harm (GBH) while 47 others were nabbed for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs among others.

The crime fighting efforts were made through Operation Shanela and follow on the recent launch of the Safer Festive Season Operations in the province.

The operations, aimed at enhancing public safety ahead of the festive season, involved roadblocks, stop-and-searches, vehicle checkpoints, compliance inspections at liquor outlets, tracing of wanted suspects, and monitoring of illegal activities such as drug dealing, illicit mining and the contravention of the Immigration Act.

During the police operations, 7031 vehicles were stopped and searched, and 1097 liquor premises were inspected among others. In addition, police confiscated 21 dangerous weapons, 43 rounds of ammunition and 185.75 grams of crystal meth as well as 5,62 kg of dagga.

Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, applauded the positive outcomes and reaffirmed that Operation Shanela remains a key driver in ensuring a safe and secure festive period. – SAnews.gov.za

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Kaizen Conference to boost productivity and growth in Africa

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa is set to host the 2025 Africa Kaizen Annual Conference (AKAC) — a major continental gathering aimed at driving industrial competitiveness and value chain development.

The conference will be held under the theme: ‘African Industrialisation through Fostering Competitive Firms and Value Chains on the Continent’, and will take place from 27 – 28 October in Boksburg, Gauteng. It will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, academics and productivity experts to explore strategies for strengthening Africa’s manufacturing and production sectors.

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, said the event forms part of South Africa’s ongoing partnership with Japan to enhance productivity and quality management across industries. The partnership, established through a Joint Technical Cooperation Agreement in 2011, is being implemented through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

“Kaizen is not just a philosophy; it is a practical approach to improving productivity, competitiveness, and inclusion across the value chain. One of its key objectives is to strengthen supplier competitiveness, while advancing transformation and ensuring the participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in the automotive sector,” said Tau. 

Kaizen is a Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement that involves making continuous small changes to increase efficiency and quality. The term is a portmanteau of the Japanese words “kai” (change) and “zen” (good). The philosophy forms an integral part of lean manufacturing and is based on the idea that every employee has a role to play in making manufacturing processes more efficient. 

The Africa Kaizen Annual Conference (AKAC) is a platform to accelerate Quality and Productivity Improvement (QPI)/Kaizen activities through mutual learning and combining African wisdom to improve industry capabilities and competitiveness.

The Africa Kaizen Annual Conference was first launched in 2017 by the African Union Development Agency and JICA under the Africa Kaizen Initiative (AKI). This year’s gathering is expected to build on the growing momentum of the QPI movement, which now spans more than 10 African countries.

Driving up productivity

Tau said through the QPI Project, South Africa has already seen significant gains. Between 2023 and 2025, the Basic Kaizen training programme improved productivity indicators at 66 companies by an average of 53.5%. 

The Digital Kaizen initiative is also enabling small and medium enterprises to leverage data-driven tools to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.

Partners in the National Quality and Productivity Network — including Productivity SA, the Automotive Industry Development Centres (Gauteng and Eastern Cape), the Automotive Supply Chain Competitiveness Initiative, Plastics SA, the Production Technologies Association of South Africa, and the Automotive Industry Transformation Fund — will take part in the conference.

“The Kaizen approach is helping build the productive capacity and innovation base needed for Africa’s industrialisation. It supports our broader goal of realising the aspirations of Agenda 2063 — a transformed, inclusive and sustainable African economy,” said Tau. 

AKAC will conclude with the Africa Kaizen and South African National Productivity Awards hosted by Productivity SA, celebrating the organisations that exemplify the spirit of continuous improvement and competitiveness. – SAnews.gov.za

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Presidential best wishes for the Matric Class of 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

As the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations get underway today, President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his best wishes to the Matric Class of 2025.

In a statement ahead of the start of the exams on Tuesday, 21 October, the President said the examinations provide  a “moment for this cohort of young people to shine.”

“You’ve got this, Class of 2025. All your years and hours of progressing to this point in your education are assets that you can use to your advantage in these exams. As you apply 12 years of learning and exploration in these exams, you will be opening new doors to your future and to the success of our nation.

“Each of you has grown intellectually and emotionally during your years in school, and your families and communities have followed your journey with pride and support,” said the President on Monday.

The first citizen called on learners to persevere and focus on the papers ahead of them.

“There will be moments of stress and doubt – this happens during high-pressure situations. But we know the odds are in your favour.

“Reaching these exams is an achievement of which you can be proud, and which gives the nation the confidence that the Class of 25 will move our nation forward. Good luck!” he said.

Meanwhile, government extended its best wishes to all matriculants for the examinations.
READ | Government wishes Class of 2025 well in their examinations

Last Wednesday, the quality assurance body, Umalusi, expressed full confidence that the country’s examination system is ready for the conduct, administration and management of the 2025 end of year national examinations. – SAnews.gov.za

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Good luck, matrics!

Source: Government of South Africa

The nation is rallying behind the Class of 2025 as the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Examinations kick off today across the country.

This year, 903 561 candidates have registered to write the NSC examinations, comprising of 766 543 full-time candidates and 137 018 part-time candidates.

According to the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, this is the highest number of learners sitting for the examination since the public examinations began in 1996.

“This year’s exams represent the culmination of 12 years of effort, resilience and collaboration between learners, teachers, parents and communities. Education remains the heartbeat of South Africa’s future,” Gwarube said on Monday in Mpumalanga.

The Minister made these remarks during a media briefing on the state of readiness for the 2025 NSC in Skukuza.

Encouragingly, the number of learners taking Mathematics has risen to over 259000 in 2025, marking a reversal of the recent downward trend.

“This is a positive development, and we must build on this momentum,” Gwarube said.

A total of 162 question papers have been set and moderated by expert panels and quality-assured by Umalusi.

To ensure fairness, papers have been adapted into Braille, large print, and South African Sign Language for learners with disabilities.

“All question papers have been printed and securely distributed. Every truck transporting exam papers is GPS-tracked, every stop authorised, and every stage monitored. Integrity is non-negotiable it is the cornerstone of public trust in our education system,” the Minister said.

To ensure learner readiness, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) implemented a comprehensive support campaign under four pillars: learner support, teacher support, curriculum enrichment and school readiness.

Over 130 000 learners participated in Autumn, Winter and Spring Camps across 75 districts, focusing on gateway subjects like Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences.

Furthermore, teachers in underperforming subjects and districts received training and support from the 2024 results analysis.

Learners benefited from resources such as Mind the Gap booklets, digital study materials, and online and social media tutorials.

The Examination Fitness Initiative equipped learners with study timetables, question strategies and skills to approach different question types.

“Our learners are ready. Our teachers have gone beyond the call of duty. The entire system, from registration to marking, has been governed by strict standards and rigorous audits,” Gwarube said.

All nine Provincial Education Departments have confirmed their readiness.

Comprehensive risk management measures have been implemented, including secured and alarmed printing sites, access control, and GPS-tracked distribution vehicles.

Each province has developed contingency plans to mitigate risks such as load shedding, severe weather and protest action. 

Alternative venues and generator capacity have been arranged to ensure no learner is disadvantaged.

The department is also advancing modernisation through its e-marking pilot in Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy and Accounting to enhance accuracy and efficiency in marking. –SAnews.gov.za

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Inside Converge Africa 2026: How Africa’s digital leaders are designing the future of commerce

Source: APO – Report:

As Africa’s digital economy moves toward seamless, borderless transactions, Converge Africa 2026 is setting the agenda for the leaders shaping that transformation. Returning to the CTICC in Cape Town from 4–6 May 2026, the event represents more than a conference; it is the strategic intersection of commerce, technology and innovation for the continent’s fastest-growing sector.

Organised by VUKA Group, Converge Africa brings together the architects of digital commerce: retailers, fintechs, payment innovators, policymakers and technology providers to collaborate, debate and build new pathways for growth across Africa’s $75 billion digital economy.

“Converge Africa has become the focal point for Africa’s digital commerce ecosystem,” says Terence Southam, Retail Portfolio Director at VUKA Group. “Our mission is to provide a neutral ground where technology meets trust, innovation meets scale and business meets opportunity.”

A programme engineered by industry icons

The 2026 agenda has been shaped by an Advisory Board representing a cross-section of the continent’s most influential leaders, including:

  • Caroline Nelson (H&M): The Shopper of 2030 and Omnichannel Retail
  • Kerissa Varma (Microsoft): Cybersecurity and Consumer Trust
  • Sam Tomlinson (Warchawski): Data, Creativity and Storytelling
  • Richard Eberlein (Homechoice): Predictive AI and Customer Growth
  • Barrie Swart (dLocal): Cross-Border Trade and Fintech Expansion

The 2026 Converge Agenda: Frictionless, Borderless, Intelligent

Spanning 100+ sessions across five core pillars: Payments & Fintech, Retail & eCommerce, Fulfilment & Logistics, Digital Marketing and Cybersecurity & Digital Trust, the 2026 programme is a masterclass in collaboration and execution.

Featured sessions include:

  • The Future of Payments in Africa: Instant, Inclusive, Invisible
  • Cross-Border Showdown: Who Will Power Africa’s $1 Trillion Trade?
  • Data-Driven Digital Marketing: Personalisation at Scale

A catalyst for collaboration

Day One’s interactive workshops set the tone. Delegates will design real-world solutions in sessions such as AI in Fraud Defence, The Future Store Simulation and Omnichannel Customer Journey Mapping, each crafted to deliver outcomes, not just insights.

Every session at Converge Africa 2026 is built to inspire execution. The event moves beyond discussion to practical collaboration that drives measurable business growth and meaningful meeting introductions across the ecosystem.

Why partners are paying attention

For sponsors and exhibitors, Converge Africa is more than brand exposure; it is strategic positioning in front of Africa’s most qualified buyers and innovators. From keynote visibility and curated buyer meeting introductions to custom workshop presentations, the event delivers quantifiable ROI and long-term market presence.

Brands that align with Converge Africa align with the movement defining the next decade of digital commerce on the continent.

The future converges in Cape Town

As digital economies mature, Africa’s unique blend of youthful consumers, mobile-first innovation and cross-border ambition positions it as the world’s next great commerce frontier. Converge Africa 2026 stands as the catalyst for that transformation, where vision meets venture and technology meets trust.

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

For media enquiries contact:
Steven Dennett
steven.dennett@wearevuka.com

Enquiries and more information:
To attend, speak or exhibit, complete this form (http://apo-opa.co/47guF3D)
Download the 2026 Agenda (http://apo-opa.co/4njb2xP)
Visit the Converge Africa website (http://apo-opa.co/4nhw93N)

About Converge Africa:
Converge Africa is the continent’s leading platform for digital commerce leaders to connect, learn and grow. Held annually at the CTICC in Cape Town, the event convenes retailers and eCommerce brands, payments and fintech innovators, cybersecurity specialists, logistics and last-mile providers, and digital marketers to shape the future of Africa’s online economy.

Curated by VUKA Group, Converge Africa delivers board-level keynotes, practical breakouts and hands-on workshops that prioritise actionable insight, measurable outcomes and high-value meeting introductions. With a programme guided by an Advisory Board of industry pioneers, the event showcases real-world use cases, live product demos and partnerships that accelerate market expansion across the continent. Converge Africa is where strategy meets scale, technology meets trust and leaders create durable growth for Africa’s digital economy.

Frictionless digital commerce. Transacting seamlessly, without borders.

Media files

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Qatar Hosts 25th GCTF Coordinating Committee Meeting

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, October 20, 2025

The 25th meeting of the Coordinating Committee of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) began on Monday in Doha. The meeting is being hosted by the State of Qatar from October 20 to 22, with the co-chairmanship of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the European Union (EU).

Doha is also set to host a number of meetings and events on the sidelines of the Coordinating Committee meeting.

The State of Qatar delegation was headed by HE Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Faisal bin Abdullah Al Hanzab.

In a speech during the meeting, His Excellency highlighted the State of Qatar’s counterterrorism efforts and stressed the importance of eliminating this phenomenon and its sources of funding.

The State of Qatar is unwaveringly committed to strengthening the effectiveness of the GCTF Coordination Committee and ensuring its long-term sustainability, His Excellency added.

HE Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs announced at the conclusion of his speech that the State of Qatar will be providing a financial funding to support the efforts of the GCTF Administrative Unit.

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Qatar Holds High-Level Event in Cairo to Highlight Joint Qatari-Egyptian Efforts in Support of Palestinian People in Gaza

Source: Government of Qatar

Cairo, October 20, 2025

The State of Qatar held on Monday a high-level event in Cairo, highlighting joint Qatari-Egyptian efforts to support the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, as part of the ongoing humanitarian partnership between the two fraternal countries.

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad represented the State of Qatar at the event, while HE Minister of Social Solidarity Dr. Maya Morsy represented the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The event was widely attended by a number of charitable and development organizations and institutions, including Qatar Charity, the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), as well as representatives of international organizations and humanitarian partners.

The two sides discussed mechanisms for enhancing field coordination and expanding the scope of humanitarian and relief aid within the Gaza Strip, including food, medicine, shelter, and civilian protection, in light of the worsening humanitarian challenges.

The two sides emphasized the depth of Qatari-Egyptian cooperation and the complementarity between their humanitarian efforts, stemming from the shared Arab and humanitarian duty toward the Palestinian people and embodying the commitment of the two countries’ leaderships to continue supporting Gaza and contributing to alleviating the suffering of its people.

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Libya: Mine action implementing partners discuss cooperation to address explosive contamination and enhance the safe management of ammunition

Source: APO – Report:

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On 15 October, the third Mine Action Implementing Partners meeting took place at the Ministry of Defense in Tripoli, bringing together 34 participants, including three national and four international mine action NGOs, as well as representatives from the European Union, Italy, Spain, Türkiye, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Co-chaired by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)’s Mine Action Programme   and the Libyan Mine Action Centre (LibMAC), the meeting aimed to strengthen coordination among national and international partners working to address explosive contamination and improve the safe management of ammunition across Libya.

The session opened with remarks by Ms. Ulrika Richardson, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator in Libya, and Brigadier General Mohamed Al-Daeri, representing the Ministry of Defense.

Ms. Richardson underlined the urgent need for stronger collective action to address explosive contamination and strengthen comprehensive victim assistance throughout Libya, underscoring the devasting impact of incidents such as the 31 August explosion in Misrata.

“Each unexploded ordnance or poorly managed ammunition site represents a potential tragedy waiting to happen,” she said. “Our shared responsibility is to prevent these tragedies by working together to build capacity, improve coordination and put safety at the heart of Libya’s recovery and stability.”

Brigadier General Al-Daeri welcomed all participants and reaffirmed the Ministry of Defense’s commitment to supporting and hosting future coordination meetings. He expressed deep appreciation for the continued cooperation between the UN, LibMAC and their national and their partners to enhance safety, security and well-being of communities affected by explosive remnants of war.

The meeting reviewed progress in explosive ordnance clearance and risk-education activities, both of which have significantly contributed to improving the safety and mobility of civilians, including children, across affected areas across Libya.

Brigadier General Khalil Al-Shibli, Director of LibMAC, presented updates on the Centre’s recent activities and emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration and support from both national and international partners to advance mine action operations nationwide. He commended all initiatives contributing to the safe and secure management of ammunition sites, particularly in populated areas. He also shared progress on the development of the Libyan Mine Action Strategy, noting ongoing consultations with the Ministries of Health and Education to ensure the strategy’s inclusiveness and community-focused approach.

Ms. Fatma Zourrig, Chief of the Mine Action Programme, presented key achievements for the third quarter of 2025 and outlined strategic priorities for the coming period. She reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting Libyan ownership of the mine action sector and enhancing national capacities. She also expressed appreciation to Member States for their continued support and generous contributions to the UN and LibMAC partners, both through multilateral and bilateral cooperation.

Seven NGOs presented updates on their operations from July to September 2025, reporting progress in clearance activities and risk education despite ongoing challenges, including reduced funding, limited access to the eastern region, and the gradual resumption of previously suspended activities.

Participants agreed on the need to improve coordination, enhance visibility and to activate the Victim Assistance pillar to ensure a more comprehensive response to community needs. Discussions also focused on improving coordination with line ministries, particularly those of Health and Education, and on expanding risk-education and clearance activities in emergency and post-incident contexts.

– on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

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Ghana: Specialised Courts to prosecute persons indicted in Auditor General’s Annual Report, galamsey and environment related crimes

Source: APO – Report:

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Specialised Financial Courts will soon be established to deal with infractions in the Auditor General’s Annual Report, the illegal mining (galamsey) menace and other environment-related crimes.

President John Dramani Mahama made the announcement at the end of a meeting with the Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Attorney General and Minister for Justice Dr Dominic Ayine and the Auditor General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu.

The meeting recommended that the specialised courts would hold circuit adjudications across the country. In addition, the Auditor General will in line with Article 187(7)(b) of the Constitution continue to “disallow” illegal expenditures and “surcharge” the persons responsible for them.

Present at the meeting were Supreme Court Judge Justice Gabriel Pwamang, Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, Legal Counsel to the President Marietta Brew, Presidential Advisor Joyce Bawah Mogtari, and the Minister of State for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

– on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.