Water Summit concludes with commitment to sustainable water management

Source: Government of South Africa

The Umzinyathi District Water Summit wrapped up on Friday, with local leaders, stakeholders, and communities uniting to forge a cohesive plan for the district’s water future.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa delivered the closing remarks, highlighting the summit’s outcomes and the crucial role of traditional leadership in achieving water sustainability.

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all stakeholders, including government departments, municipalities, civil society, and the private sector, for your active participation and commitment to securing our district’s water future,” he said. 

Hlabisa emphasised the importance of the Amakhosi, acknowledging their deep-rooted connection to the land and resources. 

“Your wisdom and leadership remind us that water is not only a resource but a heritage,” he added. 

The two-day summit, which took place at Battlefield Country Lodge in Dundee, KwaZulu-Natal, addressed urgent water service delivery challenges across all 61 wards of the uMzinyathi District.

The summit’s theme: “Securing Umzinyathi District’s Water Future through Good Governance, Sustainable and Resilient Water Infrastructure,” guided various discussions and resolutions that are set to shape the region’s water policies. 

The gathering affirmed good governance as the cornerstone of effective service delivery. 
“We have committed to conducting skills audits, implementing capacity-building programs, and developing succession plans to ensure continuity and institutional memory.”

The summit also focused on ensuring equitable access to water. 
Delegates resolved to finalise the District Water Master Plan and prioritise refurbishing aged infrastructure. 

Hlabisa noted that short-term interventions, such as rainwater harvesting and borehole development, will complement long-term strategies.
These efforts aim to guarantee reliable water access for every household in Umzinyathi.

Water conservation and demand management were key discussion points, with participants expressing concerns over illegal connections and water losses. 
“We will enforce the bylaws, establish ward-based water committees, and implement awareness campaigns,” he said, stressing a proactive approach to curbing wastage.

In addition, financial sustainability emerged as another critical area of focus and detailed a plan to strengthen revenue collection and prioritise debt recovery. 

“Community engagement will reinforce the culture of paying for services,” he said, highlighting the necessity for infrastructure refurbishment to maintain revenue streams.

The summit also touched on the importance of road conditions in facilitating effective service delivery.
Hlabisa assured that collaboration with local municipalities to repair potholes would be prioritised, particularly in areas close to traditional leadership. 

“This is not only a gesture of respect but also a practical step to ensure safe access for traditional leadership and the communities they serve,” he said. 

As the summit concluded, Hlabisa called for urgent action. 

“These resolutions are not mere words; they are commitments that demand urgency, collaboration, and accountability. 

“The success of this summit will be measured not by the quality of our discussions, but by the speed and integrity of our implementation.” – SAnews.gov.za

Speeding a major contributor to Makhado crash

Source: Government of South Africa

Speeding has been found to be a major contributing factor in the deadly Limpopo bus crash that claimed the lives of 43 people, the Department of Transport said on Friday.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) investigation into the crash in Makhado found that the driver of the bus drove at a speed too high for the conditions down the mountain pass.

“During the mechanical investigation, it was also established that the bus and trailer only had five out of the 10 brakes in operational condition and that one brake on the bus had no braking ability. It was established that out of five brakes on the bus, one brake on was not in an operational condition.

“None of the four brakes on the trailer had been in any operational condition and the suspension had also been poorly repaired,” said the department as the preliminary report was given to the Minister of Transport.

This means that the bus and trailer only had half of its braking capacity, as the other half had not been operational for a long time. 

“Therefore, the bus and trailer were not in a roadworthy condition by virtue of the defective braking system and the poorly repaired suspension of the trailer. This means that the driver of the bus and trailer was aware of this braking deficiency and had adapted his driving style to accommodate this defect.”

The bus was found to have had 91 occupants, even though the bus only had capacity for 62 occupants.

Additionally, there were 11 children between the ages of three to five years old and if Regulation 231 of the National Road Traffic Regulation 2000 is applied, then two children between the ages of three to six years old shall be counted as one person.

“This implies that at the time, the vehicle was overloaded by 23 persons. It has been established that the trailer attached to this bus was loaded with baggage and personal belongings.”

While 43 people lost their lives in the crash, 34 others sustained serious injuries and a further six occupants sustained slight injuries.

On the issue of road conditions at the time of the crash, the investigation found that the road surface along the N1 before and after the crash scene was noted as being in good condition and therefore not considered a cause and/or contributory factor to this road crash.

The preliminary report on the crash has recommended that law enforcement operations be considered to examine and evaluate the roadworthiness of vehicles that enter South African roads, as the bus is a foreign registered vehicle.

“Such inspection could have detected the unroadworthy condition of the bus and the trailer, and this crash might not have occurred. [It was further recommended that the] RTMC’s National Traffic Police, together with their provincial counterparts, concentrate their attention on heavy vehicles that do not adhere to warning signs and do not reduce speed when driving downhill, as it is evident that the bus and trailer drove at a speed too fast for the road environment and failed to negotiate the hairpin bend,” said the department.

The department said that the RTMC investigation is still ongoing, and it will take 21 weeks to complete the final technical reconstruction report.

“The investigation will also look at what happened at the weigh bridges where the issue of overloading was supposed to have been detected.”

Action

Meanwhile, the Minister of Transport, Barbara has directed the RTMC to investigate the bus company’s responsibility in ensuring the roadworthiness of the bus and to further consider a culpable homicide complaint against the bus company in terms of the duties of the operator.

She has also requested the maintenance schedule and service records of this specific bus and to work with the Anti-Corruption Unit to establish which road testing center issued a roadworthy certificate for the bus, and establish if there are any DNC Coach Depots in SA to look at their fleet roadworthy status.

The corporation has also been instructed to liaise with provincial law enforcement authorities to ensure a compulsory roadworthy inspection, specifically focusing on the DNC Coach Fleet coming through South Africa’s borders.

READ | President Ramaphosa extends condolences following Makhado crash

SAnews.gov.za
 

South Africa pushes export diversification at trade expo

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa has intensified efforts to expand its export footprint across Africa and beyond, following a successful Export Symposium and Expo.

The expo was hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) in Midrand from 14 – 16 October 2025.

Bringing together over 130 local exporters from key value-added and high-growth sectors, the event served as a strategic platform to showcase proudly South African products and drive conversations on trade diversification in an increasingly volatile global market.

According to the dtic’s Chief Director of Export Promotion, Zanele Sanni, the symposium reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to reducing reliance on a narrow group of trading partners.

“The Export Symposium provided a dynamic platform to discuss how South Africa can leverage trade for inclusive growth and resilience. It underscored the urgency of diversifying our markets and strengthening intra-African trade,” Sanni said.

The three-day programme featured four robust panel discussions covering topics such as export finance, inclusive growth, and the role of trade agreements in unlocking new markets.

A key highlight was the focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which Sanni described as “a catalyst for South Africa’s export growth into the continent”, particularly amid global trade disruptions and rising tariffs.

Buyers from Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt and Malawi engaged in business-to-business sessions with South African firms across sectors such as automotive components, ICT, agro-processing, mining machinery and branding services.

“When the bulk of buyers come from across Africa, it confirms our ambition to channel export growth towards the continent, especially for value-added manufactured products,” Sanni said.

Delegates called on government to expedite the finalisation of rules of origin for sensitive sectors — a step seen as critical to building regional value chains and boosting employment within African economies.

Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, who opened the event, said the Export Symposium will continue to evolve and expand to other African countries, enabling them to showcase their own manufacturing capabilities.

“Each African country has the potential to produce value-added goods, source from one another, and strengthen intra-African trade, moving beyond the current 15 to 16% levels,” Godlimpi said.

The dtic said the outcomes of the symposium would feed into ongoing efforts to position South Africa as a leading exporter of competitive, high-quality goods within the African market and globally. – SAnews.gov.za

Gauteng MEC calls for honesty ahead of start of NSC exams

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has called on the 2025 matriculants to uphold integrity and honesty as they prepare for the upcoming National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

Speaking during the 2025 Grade 12 NSC candidate pledge signing ceremony at Hoërskool Vorentoe on Friday, Chiloane reminded learners that their journey and the pledge were bound by destiny.

“In 2013, two significant events occurred. First, the Council of Education Ministers established this pledge requirement. Secondly, you, the Class of 2025, entered Grade 1, beginning a journey that brings you here today. Somehow, it is as if destiny aligned your educational path with this commitment to integrity,” he said.
The MEC commended the Class of 2025 for their resilience in adapting to new learning methods and emerging stronger despite challenges.

“Class of 2025, you carry a special distinction. As the 18th cohort to write the NSC examinations, you have navigated unprecedented challenges. You adapted to online learning, returned to modified classrooms, and still managed to master not just traditional subjects but new offerings like Technical Mathematics and Sign Language. Your resilience has already been tested and proven,” Chiloane said. 

The event brought together 390 candidates – 221 from Hoërskool Vorentoe and 169 from Westbury Secondary School, who joined more than 192,000 Grade 12 candidates across Gauteng taking part in similar ceremonies. 

“You are living proof that when neighbouring schools unite, when communities collaborate, we create something powerful. While you gather here, identical ceremonies unfold across all 1,040 examination centres in Gauteng, binding 192,745 candidates in our provincial covenant of integrity,” he said.

Chiloane reminded learners that the NSC exam was not just another test but a key to their future.
“The NSC Examination is not just another test; it is a high-stakes national assessment that unlocks doors to employment and further education. Every mark you earn honestly becomes a key to your future. Every shortcut you resist strengthens your character. Every rule you follow protects not just your qualification, but the credibility of the entire system,” he said.

He also cautioned candidates against distractions and the misuse of social media.

“I urge you to disconnect from social media during this critical period. These platforms, which can be wonderful tools for connection, too often become breeding grounds for anxiety, false information, and cyberbullying during exam time. I am not asking you, I am instructing you: stay off social media during your examinations. Your emotional well-being depends on it,” he said. 

The MEC reiterated the department’s zero tolerance towards cheating and misconduct during exams.
“No cellphones or watches in examination rooms – not in your pocket, not in your bag, nowhere. No disruptive behaviour that disturbs other candidates. No unauthorised materials or devices. No giving or receiving assistance. No writing on behalf of another candidate,” he warned.

The MEC further urged learners to be vigilant and report any wrongdoing. 

“Your pledge today includes a commitment to report wrongdoing. This is not about being a snitch; it is about protecting the value of your qualification. When someone cheats, they do not just cheat the system; they cheat you by devaluing the very certificate you are working honestly to earn,” he said. 
Chiloane expressed appreciation to educators, school governing bodies, parents, and religious leaders for their collective role in guiding and supporting learners.

He also encouraged learners to maintain integrity throughout their examinations.

“Be the cohort remembered not only for the highest pass rate, but for the highest integrity rate. Be the generation that made cheating obsolete. I want a 100% pass rate from you,” Chiloane said.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the MEC reminded the learners of the significance of the pledge they were signing.
“As you prepare to sign this pledge, remember that this signature represents your word, your honour, your commitment to face these examinations with courage and integrity. You are not just promising to write examinations honestly. You are promising to write your life story with integrity. The pen is in your hands. Write wisely,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za

Matrics urged to uphold integrity as they take NSC pledge

Source: Government of South Africa

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has called on the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) candidates to approach their final examinations with honesty, integrity, and a sense of responsibility to themselves and the country.

Speaking at the National Senior Certificate Pledge Signing Ceremony held at Harry Gwala High School in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on Friday, Gwarube said the pledge represented a moment of deep meaning for learners across South Africa. 

“It gives me great pride and joy to join you today, as we gather to witness a moment that carries deep meaning for every learner in our country — the signing of the National Senior Certificate Pledge,” she said.

The Minister said the day was about affirming South Africa’s shared values. 

“Today is about affirming who we are as a people and what kind of citizens we want to become. It is a day that speaks to integrity, honesty and accountability, the very values that form the foundation of our education system and our democracy,” the minister said. 

Addressing the Class of 2025, Gwarube commended learners for their perseverance through 12 years of schooling and urged them to face their examinations with integrity.

“You have overcome difficulties and uncertainties, and now you stand on the threshold of one of the most defining moments of your young lives. As you prepare to write your National Senior Certificate examinations, you will take a pledge today that commits you to approach this milestone with honour and integrity,” she said.

She reminded learners that integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

“Integrity is one of the most important qualities any individual can possess. It means doing what is right even when no one is watching. It means being truthful in your work, being reliable in your promises, and standing firm in your principles,” she said. 

Gwarube emphasised that the pledge was not a mere formality, but a vital step in protecting the credibility of South Africa’s education system.

“The pledge you will take today is a solemn declaration that you will not allow dishonesty, cheating, or any form of misconduct to define your journey. It is a commitment to fairness and truthfulness. When you put your name on that pledge, you are saying that your success will be earned through your own effort, not through shortcuts or deceit,” the Minister said. 

She warned that dishonesty during examinations undermines not only individuals but the entire education system.

“If we allow cheating or dishonesty to undermine these exams, we not only harm ourselves, but we harm the credibility of the entire system. We damage the value of the certificate that thousands of honest learners have worked hard to achieve. We weaken the trust that society places in our education system,” Gwarube said.

She described the pledge as “a collective act of protection — protecting your future, protecting your integrity and the integrity of the system, and protecting the reputation of our country.”

Gwarube said the ceremony was a reminder that education is not only about academic achievement but also about developing character and values. 

“Our vision for the basic education system is not only to produce learners who pass exams, but to produce young people who are principled, ethical, and inspired to build a better South Africa and a better Africa,” she said.

She encouraged learners to embody empathy, respect and responsibility, noting that the future of the nation depends on principled citizens.

“The future of our country will depend not only on how educated we are, but on how principled we are. A nation that values honesty and fairness will always find its way forward, no matter the challenge,” she said. 

The Minister also expressed hope that South Africa’s learners would contribute to a values-driven continent.

“We also take pride in knowing that the kind of learner we nurture here in South Africa will contribute to a thriving and values-based Africa. The future of our continent depends on young leaders who understand that integrity is the true measure of leadership.”

She encouraged learners to write their final examinations with confidence and pride.

“Your hard work will open doors. Your honesty will sustain your success. Your integrity will define your legacy. When you walk into the examination room, walk in with the assurance that your future is in your hands. You are capable, you are ready, and you are the hope of this nation,” she said.

Gwarube also wished learners well for their valedictory ceremonies, urging them to celebrate integrity, effort, and resilience.

“Let your valedictory be a celebration of integrity, effort, and resilience. Let it be a reminder that the lessons you take from school are not only found in books, but in the values that will guide your lives.”

She expressed gratitude to teachers and parents for their continued support of learners across the country.

“To the teachers and parents who have walked this road with our Matric Class of 2025: thank you. Your dedication, sacrifice, and belief in our young people make all the difference,” she said. 

Closing her address, the Minister told the learners that as they take the pledge today, they must remember that they are not just promising to be honest in their exams, but in all that they do in life.

“May you go forward with pride, and may your efforts shine as brightly as your dreams. I wish you all the best for your final examinations. Write them with confidence, honesty, and the belief that you are shaping a better South Africa and a better Africa,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

Call to join efforts to curtail rising food costs

Source: Government of South Africa

The Competition Commission has played a critical role in assisting government to keep a close eye on anti-competitive practices that inflate the price of food.

This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who delivered an address at the 7th Social Justice Summit held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Friday.

“Since 2007 the Commission has conducted a number of inquiries to enforce fairness and accountability in food markets. Examples of this include the bread and milling cartel cases, the grocery retail market inquiry and the fresh produce market inquiry.

“[This] work is directly contributing to a fairer food system. Reduced retail food prices make basic and nutritious foodstuffs more affordable for low-income households,” he said.

Turning to food retailers, the President called on those companies to join the government in efforts to curtail rising costs.

“These companies are very good distributors of our food. However, they are making billions of profits and if we are talking about food prices, we want to call on them to look at the prices they charge for food at the till.

“We also want to call on them to look at the high margins that they charge. Because it’s all very well for them to say there needs to be food security, there needs to be affordable food prices, but they are the ones who drive the high food prices.
“They are the ones who must join us in taking action to reduce food prices. We want them to join us when it comes to reducing the cost of living. Food prices are what drives the cost of living higher,” he said.

Furthermore, a whole of society approach is needed to ensure that people do not go to bed hungry. 

“This has to be a collective action by all of us: government, business, civil society, academia and everyone. We need to have a comprehensive approach to looking at how we ensure that there is true food security and affordable food prices for the people of our country,” he said.

WATCH | President addresses the Social Justice Summit 

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Stepping up efforts
The President acknowledged that although there has been much done in “improving the health outcomes of our people, we need to do far more”.

“The Medium-Term Development Plan is clear that food security is central to reducing poverty and improving human development in general. Its first target is to reduce the proportion of South Africans living below the food poverty line from 30.9 % in 2022 to 25% by 2029. 

“Secondly, it is to reduce the number of individuals vulnerable to hunger from 5.4 million to below 2.9 million over the same period.

“To achieve these MTDP [Medium-Term Development Plan] targets over the remaining period of four years of this administration, government has prioritised a coordinated set of strategic interventions,” he said.

Interventions include regular review of the National Minimum Wage to match inflation, reviewing the indigent policies to “ensure that communities have more money in their pockets to buy decent food, diversifying food security programmes, and expanding the social welfare net”.

The President highlighted that the G20 Ministerial Food Security Task Force Declaration affirms the right to food as fundamental.

“Its principles resonate deeply with our values as South Africa which are encapsulated in the spirit of Ubuntu, meaning “I am because you are”. Achieving equality, solidarity and sustainability in food systems requires partnerships.

“It demands that we put evidence to work. It demands that we act collectively – across government, business and civil society – to ensure that freedom from hunger becomes a lived reality for every South African,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

School Nutrition Programme, social grants critical to fighting hunger

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the School Nutrition Programme as one of South Africa’s most impactful pro-poor programmes since the dawn of democracy.

The President delivered a keynote address at the 7th Social Justice Summit held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The school nutrition programme feeds some 9.7 million children from indigent households during the week, with studies showing the positive impact it has on learner attendance, concentration and academic performance. 

“Put into perspective even further, when one is quantifying the longer-term impact, last year, learners from quintile 1 – 3 schools accounted for 67% of all bachelor passes. These learners, who now have the opportunity to go on to achieve their dreams, will have received 12 full years of nutrition support at school through this programme.

“Without a shadow of doubt, the School Nutrition Programme is one of the most transformative, pro-poor and pro-development policies to have emanated from our democratic dispensation. It is more than just a support system; it is a strategic effort to promote a healthier, more educated future,” President Ramaphosa said.

Furthermore, government has gone on to ensure that these learners receive two meals a day at school.

“…[Learners] now get two meals a day – breakfast and lunch – because as children come to school in the morning, they have invariably not had breakfast. 

“This is a real impactful change,” he added.

Additionally, social grants are also playing a critical role in feeding the households that some of these learners come from.

“The social grant system is a lifeline for millions of South Africans, who rely on grants to feed themselves and their families. The impact of social grants on supporting nutrition cannot be understated.

“There is a vast body of research from government as well as civil society organisations backing up the assertion that grants are associated with better nutrition and lower food insecurity.

“The National Income Dynamics Study/Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey… found that the Social Relief of Distress or SRD grant introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the number of people below the food poverty line by 2 million in 2021,” President Rampho sa said.

Government interventions

President Ramaphosa continued to outline government’s efforts to fight food insecurity since the dawn of democracy.

He pointed to “provincially managed programmes to support food production in the form of backyard food gardens”as one example.

Nutrition at a primary health level is also being prioritised through initiatives including breastfeeding promotion, micronutrient supplementation for pregnant women and a National Obesity Strategy.

“Since 2003, we have also implemented a mandatory food fortification programme for staples like wheat and maize flour to combat micronutrient deficiencies and improve nutrition.

“We have [also] leveraged fiscal and market-based measures to improve food affordability. Since 1991, we have implemented zero-rating of the basic foods basket to support low-income households, and this list continues to be expanded.

“In 2018, we began implementing a health promotion levy on sweetened beverages to support efforts to decrease diabetes, obesity and other related diseases,” President Ramaphosa highlighted.

He called on the summit attendees to “reaffirm the conviction that social justice cannot exist in the presence of hunger”. 

“Let it remind us that the realisation of the right to food is not only a measure of policy success, but a test of our collective conscience,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The summit leverages the country’s G20 leadership to champion the African agenda and global cooperation. 

As a platform for intersectoral collaboration, the summit deliberates constitutional commitments and policy outcomes, including the positioning of food justice as a transformative driver of social cohesion, regional food security and global solidarity. – SAnews.gov.za

G20 launches initiative to boost trade

Source: Government of South Africa

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen economies on the continent, South Africa’s Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency has launched an initiative to unlock and accelerate cross-border infrastructure projects.

Cross border connectivity through roads, bridges, railways, water and transmission lines is vital for fostering trade, enhancing competitiveness and lifting the living standards of people. 

“Recognising that increasing quality infrastructure investment is critical to support faster economic growth, sustainable development and disaster resilience, members reaffirmed the focus on addressing impediments to scaling up private investment in infrastructure,” said the Chairs summary of the fourth G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting on Thursday.

During this meeting, the South Africa’s G20 Presidency launched the Ubuntu Legacy Initiative as it supports the full operationalisation of  the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

The trade agreement intends to boost intra-Africa trade and economic integration by creating a single continental market for goods and services.

The Infrastructure Working Group, under the South African Presidency, has provided practical solutions to developing a credible pipeline of projects underpinned by an enabling environment and well-structured project preparation practices supported by the availability of timely and good-quality market and project level data.

Moreover, the group came up with solutions on the de-risking of sustainable infrastructure investments through blended finance instruments, including guarantees and credit enhancements; and advancing cross border projects for regional development across economic, governance and financial dimensions.
To ensure the effective implementation of the project, the National Treasury has partnered with the African Development Bank.

International financial architecture

The G20 reaffirmed the critical role of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) in driving poverty reduction, economic growth, and development across client countries.

“Members underscored the need for enhancing the representation and voice of developing countries in decision-making in MDBs and other international economic and financial institutions.

“Members committed to addressing debt vulnerabilities in low- and middle-income countries in an effective, comprehensive and systematic manner,” the Chairs summary said.

In addition, the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors reaffirmed support for the Common Framework for Debt Treatments beyond the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI).

They welcomed the DSSI recent progress, which further strengthens its implementation in a predictable, timely, orderly, and coordinated manner.

Launched in 2020, the DSSI temporarily suspended debt payments for eligible low-income countries to help them cope with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Members welcomed the increased information sharing between the G20 and the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR) and expressed support for continuing this collaboration. Members noted the G20 Presidency’s note on supporting debt sustainability and addressing liquidity challenges in vulnerable developing countries.

“Members noted the G20 Technical Presidency note on the recent voluntary use of climate resilient debt clauses (CRDCs). Members called for enhanced debt transparency from all stakeholders, including private creditors. Members supported a G20 Ministerial Declaration on Debt Sustainability,” the statement said.

They urged the international community to support vulnerable countries whose debt is sustainable but are facing liquidity challenges and encouraged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to further continue their work on feasible options to support these countries, which should be country-specific and voluntary.

“Members generally supported continued IMF collaboration with Regional Financing Arrangements (RFA). Members have advanced the domestic approvals for their consent to the quota increase under the 16th General Review of Quotas (GRQ) and look forward to finalising this process with no further delay.”

They acknowledged the importance of realignment in quota shares to better reflect members’ relative positions in the world economy while protecting the quota shares of the poorest members. 

“Members acknowledged, however, that building consensus among members on quota and governance reforms will require progress in stages. Members supported the call for the IMF Executive Board to develop a set of principles guiding future discussions on IMF quotas and governance by the 2026 Spring meetings in line with the Diriyah Declaration.

“Members acknowledged the growing influence of non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) on capital flows and noted the International Financial Architecture Working Group Co-chairs’ note on understanding NBFI behaviour and investment in emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs),” said the summary. 

READ | G20 supports efforts to address high debt servicing costs
SAnews.gov.za
 

Emirates celebrates 25 years of operations to Uganda

Source: APO

  • Since the inaugural flight, Emirates has carried 2.8 million passengers on the Dubai-Entebbe route and driven inbound tourism through partnerships with the Uganda Tourism Board
  • To mark the anniversary, Emirates operated a special one-off flight and static tour of the refurbished Boeing 777 aircraft, showcasing the future to the Pearl of Africa

Emirates (www.Emirates.com), the world’s largest international airline, celebrates 25 years of operations to Uganda. Since the inaugural flight in 2000, Emirates has transported 2.8 million passengers on 15,900 flights, connecting passengers from Uganda, with its vast global network, via Dubai.

Over the years, Emirates has steadily and strategically scaled its operations to Entebbe, evolving with customer demand. At launch, the service was operated three times a week, and linked with Nairobi, and later with Addis Ababa, before becoming a direct service in 2007. In 2015, Emirates first operated the Boeing 777-200LR, replacing the Airbus A330-200 and upgrading seat capacity by 12%. Now, Emirates operates a three-class Boeing 777-300ER and remains the only international airline offering a First Class cabin in and out of the city.

For the last two years, Emirates and the Uganda Tourism Board have collaborated to stimulate inbound tourism, promoting the country’s stunning natural landscapes, free-roaming wildlife experiences, thrilling adventure sports and rich culture, in key destinations on the airline’s network. Since January 2025, Emirates has noted a 16% uptick in passengers on the Dubai-Entebbe route, with key traffic from the US, China, India, the UK, Thailand and the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Beyond commercial operations, Emirates has also invested in Ugandan communities. In September 2024, Emirates’ ‘Dubai 7s for Good’ CSR programme raised a record 587,485,310 Ugandan Shillings (UGX) dedicated to building community infrastructure and sports amenities at North Road Primary School in Uganda, a community school recognised for its excellence in rugby, football, and netball. Since the start of the programme, Emirates has improved infrastructure and supplies at the school, by building a rugby pitch complete with permanent 2-000 capacity shaded bleachers, installing solar-powered 16 water stations to supply fresh and clean water, and donating sport equipment to the students.

Commenting on the anniversary, Mohamed Taher, Emirates’ Country Manager for Uganda said, “Uganda is not only a key market on our network, but also one of our most loved destinations in Africa. Over the last 25 years, we have built strong and prosperous ties with customers, partners and stakeholders, by investing in our operations to provide a best-in-class service. As Uganda’s tourism and aviation sectors continue to flourish, we are proud to play a pivotal role in connecting international travellers to the country and helping passengers from Uganda explore more of the world in comfort.”

To mark the milestone, Emirates operated a special one-off flight to Entebbe, with the fully refreshed four-class Boeing 777, followed by a static tour to showcase the latest and greatest the airline has to offer. Key stakeholders from Uganda’s aviation and tourism sectors were in attendance, including General Edward Katumba Wamala, Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transportation, and the Director General of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Fred Bamwesigye along with Rashid Alardha, Emirates’ Vice President Commercial Operations, Sub-Saharan Africa and Mohamed Taher.

During the static tour, guests experienced the refurbished Boeing 777, including the next-generation cabins, latest sophisticated design and the highly acclaimed Premium Economy Cabin, unveiled in Uganda for the first time. Set-up as if in flight, Emirates showcased the experience in each cabin: from lie flat seats in First and Business Class, the fine dining in Premium Economy to the full array of amenities available in Economy, such as children’s toys for all ages.

The aircraft is the result of Emirates industry-leading USD $5 billion dollar retrofit programme, which will see 219 A380s and Boeing 777s undergo nose-to-tail upgrades to enhance the onboard experience for passengers. The monumental project is handled entirely in-house by Emirates Engineering and, to date, 72 aircraft have been completed – 36 A380s and 37 Boeing 777s. As the programme continues to scale up in 2026 and beyond, all Emirates destinations will be served by the refreshed aircraft, including Uganda.

For more information or to book tickets, visit www.Emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

Media files

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Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia launches Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) portal to drive digital growth and empower small businesses

Source: APO

Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia (https://Liquid.Tech/), a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, has announced the launch of its new SME Portal (https://apo-opa.co/4778oVX). This first-of-its-kind bundled solution is designed to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Zambia with the digital tools they need to compete, grow, and thrive in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

The portal combines connectivity, collaboration tools, and secure cloud storage into a single, user-friendly platform. From high-speed internet packages to advanced team collaboration and data protection tools, SMEs are empowered to choose the services that best fit their operations, all managed through a user-friendly interface. By focusing on ease of access, adaptability, and simplicity, the SME Portal directly addresses the digital challenges faced by Zambian SMEs, many of which operate without dedicated IT teams or large technology budgets.

“Our goal is to ensure that every Zambian business, no matter its size, can participate fully in the digital economy. The SME Portal puts control back into the hands of entrepreneurs. For many SMEs, time and resources are limited, and managing technology can feel overwhelming. With this platform, everything they need is available in one place, easy to set up, and tailored to the business. This is not just about providing technology; it’s about creating an accessible, adaptable digital ecosystem that grows with our SMEs,” said Mwendamo Mazaba, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Liquid Intelligent Technologies in Zambia.

This launch is part of Liquid Zambia’s broader commitment to advancing the country’s digital transformation. It builds on initiatives such as the recent launch of the public Wi-Fi in Livingstone, the expansion of the GPON network, the introduction of Azure Stack for cost-effective cloud solutions, and the opening of a Cyber Security Fusion Centre in 2023. It also follows a recent partnership announcement with Zambia’s CNC360 Consulting to co-create digital solutions targeting SMEs and cooperatives.  These efforts reaffirm Liquid’s role as a trusted partner for Zambian businesses seeking to innovate and grow in a competitive marketplace.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

About Liquid Intelligent Technologies:
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a business of Cassava Technologies (Cassava), a technology company of African heritage with operations in 40-plus markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where the Cassava group companies operate. Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure with a 110,000 km-long fibre broadband network and satellite connectivity that provides high-speed access to the Internet anywhere in Africa. Liquid is also leveraging its digital network to provide Cloud and Cyber Security solutions through strategic partnerships with leading global players. Liquid is a comprehensive technology solutions group that provides customised digital solutions to public and private sector enterprises and SMEs across the continent. For more information, visit https://Liquid.Tech/.

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