Category: MIL-OSI

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Call to leverage science for a sustainable future

Source: Government of South Africa

Science, technology, and innovation hold the key to shaping inclusive, just, and sustainable societies – and global leaders must recognise their transformative power, says Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande.

Nzimande was speaking during his keynote address at the 9th Biennial Conference, held under the theme “Science, Technology, and Innovation for a Sustainable Future.”

He urged policymakers, scientists, researchers, and innovators to ensure that advancements in these fields serve the public good, promote social justice, and respond to the needs of both people and the planet.

“As policy makers, scientists, researchers, and innovators, we carry a huge responsibility to ensure that science, technology and innovation serve the public good, advance social justice and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.

“It is, therefore, my sincere hope that you will see this conference as an opportunity to strengthen our resolve to harness science, technology and innovation not only to build knowledge systems that are inclusive, ethical, but also responsive to the needs of our planet and its people,” Nzimande told the attendees.

The session was held in collaboration with the Global Sustainable Technology and Innovation Community (G-STIC), an initiative led by the Belgian Research and Technology Organisation (VITO).

Hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the gathering coincides with the entity’s 80th anniversary, celebrating its positive impact through innovation.

In addition, he stated that the African continent cannot afford to be left behind in the ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) revolution occurring globally.

“A sovereign research agenda will ensure that Africa does not fall into the trap, as was the case with previous technological revolutions, of being reduced to mere importers and consumers of other people’s AI solutions.” 

He believes that the development of a sovereign research agenda for Africa is critical. 

“As the African continent, we do not want a repeat of the tragedy we experienced during the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the lives of millions on our continent were dependent on the vaccines from other parts of the world.”

As the threat to multilateralism increases due to the aggressive tactics of certain countries and the ongoing genocide in Gaza, he emphasised that the lessons learned from these challenges indicate that no country can address these issues in isolation.

“Also, more than ever before, we must be intentional about mobilising all the available scientific knowledge in the world, to develop sustainable responses to the challenges of our time.” 

Nzimande also took the time to congratulate the leadership and staff of the CSIR on their milestone of 80 years. 

“Formed in 1945, the apartheid government used the CSIR as part of its oppressive machinery to, among others, produce weapons to commit all manner of atrocities against our people in South Africa and parts of the African continent.

“With the advent of democracy, the democratic government repositioned CSIR to play a more progressive role in society and for it to use its research and scientific capabilities for the development of our country and continent,” he explained. 

In alignment with the government’s strategic priorities, the CSIR has played a crucial role in advancing key sectors such as health, defence, energy, mining, manufacturing, digital innovation, and supporting small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs).

“I am proud to state that the CSIR plays a profoundly progressive role in our country’s development agenda and continues to be one of the most well-run public institutions in our country.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Government condemns attacks on police officers

Source: Government of South Africa

Government has condemned all forms of physical or verbal attacks directed at police officers or any law enforcement officers. 

“Such actions are not only criminal and punishable by law, but they also endanger the very individuals sworn to protect communities and uphold public safety,” said Deputy Government spokesperson William Baloyi.

This follows a recent video showing police officers being attacked in Kimberley in the Northern Cape but similarly pertains to a number of previous incidents. 

The swift arrest of the two suspects involved, including one who assaulted a female police officer, is a clear warning that government will not tolerate any act of aggression or obstruction against law enforcement officials.

“An attack on a police officer is an attack on the rule of law itself. It undermines the stability and safety of our society and erodes the principles of respect and accountability on which our democracy stands. 

“Respect for law enforcement is not optional; it is a civic duty and a cornerstone of public order. We urge all citizens to act responsibly and respectfully when engaging with law enforcement officers, especially as we approach the festive season. 

“Police officers are working tirelessly to ensure that everyone can enjoy a safe and peaceful holiday period. Their safety and security are paramount, they must be able to carry out their duties without fear of attack or intimidation,” Baloyi said.

He added that police officers serve on the front lines every day, often under difficult and dangerous conditions, to protect communities, prevent crime and respond to emergencies. 

“Cooperation with officers’ lawful instructions is essential. While citizens may sometimes disagree with an officer’s actions, such disagreement can never justify violence, abuse, or interference. Concerns or complaints about conduct should always be channelled through proper reporting mechanisms after the fact.

“As the festive season approaches, a time when law enforcement presence intensifies to safeguard communities, government calls on all South Africans to show respect, patience, and cooperation,” he said. 

Baloyi urged members of public to ensure that the holiday season is marked by safety, responsibility and mutual respect between citizens and those who protect them. – SAnews.gov.za

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Qatar Affirms Keenness to Strengthen International Partnerships through International Cooperation and Multilateral Action

Source: Government of Qatar

New York| October 09, 2025

The State of Qatar affirmed its commitment to strengthening its international partnerships within the framework of international cooperation and multilateral action, and to support the efforts of developing countries in implementing and achieving the 2030 Agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals. This is achieved by directing partnerships with UN agencies to provide development and humanitarian assistance to countries facing development challenges and disasters beyond their capabilities, in addition to partnerships with the UN to implement the outcomes of the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries (2022-2031).

This came in the State of Qatar’s statement delivered by Second Secretary of Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the UN Talal Abdulaziz Al Naama before the General Debate of the Second Committee during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, at the UN headquarters in New York.

The Second Secretary of Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the UN explained that developing countries face many challenges that hinder the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, noting that the world is witnessing wars and armed conflicts that have caused humanitarian disasters, displacement, and the destruction of infrastructure and livelihoods, in addition to the multiple risks to the lives of the most vulnerable groups. He added that the world is also witnessing the devastating effects of climate change and the resulting shocks and disasters that threaten the lives of millions of people. There are also economic challenges represented by the debt burden, scarcity of development financing, difficulty in borrowing, and the digital divide.

Al Naama added that the State of Qatar welcomed the adoption of General Assembly resolution 79/323, entitled the Sevillaآ Commitment, last August. This resolution affirmed the need to continue reforming international financing structures and improving their effectiveness and flexibility to address current and future challenges and crises, and to strengthen national efforts to achieve economic and social development by creating a favorable international economic environment and effective means of implementation that encourage comprehensive and sustainable economic growth, and to recognize the right to development so that no one is left behind.

He stressed that Qatar is making rapid strides in implementing Qatar National Vision 2030, noting the launch of its third phase at the beginning of 2024, which aims to build a diversified and sustainable knowledge-based economy, utilizing digital technology, science and innovation applications, strengthening infrastructure, increasing productivity and stimulating the business environment, with a focus on human development, caring for the family as the basic building block of society, expanding healthcare and social protection services, protecting the environment and building capacity to confront the effects of climate change.

Al Naama added that Qatar will host the Second World Summit for Social Development in November, providing an opportunity for high-level dialogue on accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Qatar will also co-host with the Republic of Brazil the first meeting of the leaders of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty as a key event on the sidelines of the summit.

He affirmed the State of Qatar’s support for the UN Secretary-General’s initiative to reform the international organization, and renewed support for the UN Resident Coordinator System for the 2025-2026 period with a total of $1 million, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operational activities at the country level and assist countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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Qatar Affirms Commitment to International Disarmament Mechanisms to Promote Regional and Global Peace and Security

Source: Government of Qatar

New York| October 09, 2025

The State of Qatar has affirmed its commitment to international mechanisms and measures aimed at disarmament, particularly regarding nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, in a bid to promote peace and security at both regional and international levels.

This came in the State of Qatar’s statement delivered by Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani during the general debate of the UN General Assembly’s First Committee at its 80th session, held at UN headquarters in New York.

The Second Secretary of Qatar’s Permanent Mission emphasized that the proliferation of conventional weapons and weapons of mass destruction including nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons continues to pose a threat to nations and peoples, violating fundamental human rights. He noted that this threat has grown in recent times due to the persistence of armed conflicts in various parts of the world, amid a lack of consensus and effective arrangements to resolve or limit them, including efforts related to conflict prevention and peace-building.

He stressed that avoiding the negative consequences of armed conflicts requires the international community to intensify efforts to strengthen disarmament strategies at all levels including for small arms and light weapons.
In this regard, he underscored that the effective implementation of agreements on monitoring and tracing these weapons, and combating their illicit trade and trafficking, contributes to curbing their spread and mitigating the intensity of conflicts.

He expressed the State of Qatar’s condemnation of the Israeli occupation forces’ targeting of civilian facilities in the Gaza Strip including hospitals, schools, and refugee camps stressing that such attacks have led to an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe and the loss of tens of thousands of civilian lives. He warned that these actions pose a serious threat to international peace and security, particularly in the Middle East.

The State of Qatar has called for an immediate ceasefire and for the unhindered delivery of humanitarian and relief aid and essential supplies to all those in need throughout Gaza, he said.

He also reiterated the State of Qatar’s welcome of the United Nations Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction. He expressed support for the Kingdom of Morocco’s presidency of the conference’s sixth session due to conclude at the end of November and voiced hope for full regional cooperation to ensure the success of the conference and its goals of strengthening regional and global peace and security.

The Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations emphasized that the State of Qatar attaches great importance to the implementation of treaties and agreements on nuclear non-proliferation, the prohibition of nuclear weapons, and the prevention of their use, testing, or threat of use. He further noted that Qatar is updating its national laws and procedures on disarmament and non-proliferation in line with its international commitments.

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Azule Energy reconnue comme leader E&P de l’année lors de African Energy Week 2025 grâce à son audacieuse campagne d’exploration

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La société énergétique internationale Azule Energy a été reconnue comme le « leader de l’année en exploration et production » lors de la cérémonie des African Energy Awards et du dîner de gala de cette année. Organisée dans le cadre de la conférence African Energy Week : Invest in African Energy, cette distinction vient récompenser la société alors qu’elle mène une série de projets d’exploration ambitieux en Angola.

Cette année a marqué un tournant pour Azule Energy en Angola, qui continue de consolider sa position de puissance énergétique régionale. En août 2025, la société a réalisé sa première production de pétrole à la plate-forme FPSO Agogo dans le bloc 15/06, l’un des projets offshore les plus avancés techniquement du pays, suivie du lancement de la première cargaison en septembre. La plate-forme FPSO rejoint l’installation opérationnelle de Ngoma pour exploiter les ressources des champs Agogo et Ndungu, avec une production maximale prévue de 175 000 barils par jour (bpj).

Le FPSO Agogo représente la deuxième phase du projet Agogo Integrated West Hub Development, qui souligne l’engagement de l’Angola en faveur d’opérations offshore durables et hautement efficaces. Azule Energy se prépare actuellement à la troisième phase, qui comprendra la déconnexion de l’installation Ngoma afin d’optimiser les dépenses d’exploitation et de rationaliser davantage la production. Avec une production totale dépassant déjà 210 000 bpj, la société est en bonne voie pour atteindre son objectif global de 370 000 bpj grâce à un mélange équilibré d’initiatives d’exploration, de développement et de récupération améliorée.

Au-delà d’Agogo, Azule Energy continue de développer un solide portefeuille en amont qui renforce la compétitivité à long terme de l’Angola en tant que producteur de pétrole. En septembre 2025, la société a signé un accord historique avec l’Agence nationale du pétrole, du gaz et des biocarburants (ANPG) pour le bloc 31, situé dans les eaux ultra-profondes du bassin inférieur du Congo. L’accord regroupe quatre champs en production – Plutão, Saturno, Vênus et Marte – dans un cadre de développement unique, prolongeant la licence jusqu’en 2032. Cette mesure devrait améliorer les taux de récupération et générer de nouvelles synergies de production dans tout le bassin.

L’exploration reste au cœur de la stratégie de croissance d’Azule Energy. La société prévoit de forer de nouveaux puits dans le bloc 15/06 en 2026, en tirant parti du décret angolais de 2024 sur la production supplémentaire, qui encourage le réinvestissement dans les champs matures. Parallèlement, Azule Energy va forer un puits d’exploration pionnier dans le bloc 47, marquant ainsi la première activité de forage dans ce bloc.

En 2025, la société a également fait la une des journaux avec une importante découverte de gaz dans le puits Gajajeira-01 du bloc 1/14, dont les réserves sont estimées à un trillion de pieds cubes de gaz et 100 millions de barils de condensat. Cette découverte renforce l’ambition de l’Angola de devenir un producteur régional de gaz de premier plan. Au cœur de cette vision se trouve le New Gas Consortium, dirigé par Azule Energy, qui mène le premier projet de développement de gaz non associé en Angola à travers le projet Quiluma & Maboqueiro. En bonne voie pour une première production en 2025, le projet fournira du gaz traité à l’usine Angola LNG, permettant la production d’électricité domestique et l’exportation.

« Azule Energy représente l’avenir de l’exploration et de la production en Afrique. Son approche multiforme, qui consiste à réinvestir dans des champs matures tout en poursuivant l’exploration de nouvelles frontières, reflète une stratégie de développement audacieuse en Afrique. En faisant progresser la production en eaux profondes et les infrastructures de gaz naturel, la société transforme le paysage amont de l’Angola », a déclaré NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

Media files

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Azule Energy Recognized as Exploration & Production (E&P) Leader of the Year at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Amid Bold Exploration Drive

Source: APO – Report:

International energy company Azule Energy was recognized as the Exploration & Production Leader of the Year at this year’s African Energy Awards and Gala Dinner. Hosted during the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies conference, the accolade comes as the company advances a series of ambitious exploration projects in Angola.

This year has marked a defining moment for Azule Energy in Angola as it continues to consolidate its position as a regional energy powerhouse. In August 2025, the company achieved first oil at the Agogo FPSO in Block 15/06 – one of the country’s most technically advanced offshore projects – followed by the launch of the first cargo in September. The FPSO joins the operational Ngoma facility to harness resources from the Agogo and Ndungu fields, with peak production expected to reach 175,000 barrels per day (bpd).

The Agogo FPSO represents the second phase of the Agogo Integrated West Hub Development, a project that underscores Angola’s commitment to sustainable, high-efficiency offshore operations. Azule Energy is now preparing for the third phase, which will include the disconnection of the Ngoma facility to optimize operating expenditure and further streamline production. With total production already surpassing 210,000 bpd, the company is on track to achieve its broader goal of 370,000 bpd through a balanced mix of exploration, development and enhanced recovery initiatives.

Beyond Agogo, Azule Energy continues to advance a robust upstream portfolio that reinforces Angola’s long-term competitiveness as a petroleum producer. In September 2025, the company signed a landmark agreement with the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG) for Block 31, located in the ultra-deepwaters of the Lower Congo Basin. The agreement consolidates four producing fields – Plutão, Saturno, Vênus and Marte – under a single development framework, extending the license to 2032. The move is expected to improve recovery rates and generate new production synergies across the basin.

Exploration remains central to Azule Energy’s growth strategy. The company plans to drill new wells in Block 15/06 in 2026, leveraging Angola’s 2024 Incremental Production Decree, which incentivizes reinvestment in mature fields. Simultaneously, Azule Energy will spud a frontier exploration well in Block 47, marking the first drilling activity in the block.

In 2025, the company also made headlines with a major gas discovery at the Gajajeira-01 well in Block 1/14, estimated to hold up to one trillion cubic feet of gas and 100 million barrels of condensate. The find strengthens Angola’s ambition to become a leading regional gas producer. Central to this vision is the New Gas Consortium, led by Azule Energy, which is spearheading Angola’s first non-associated gas development through the Quiluma & Maboqueiro project. On track for first production in 2025, the project will supply processed gas to the Angola LNG facility, enabling domestic power generation and export.

“Azule Energy represents the future of African exploration and production. Its multi-faceted approach – reinvesting in mature fields while pursuing frontier exploration – reflects a bold development strategy in Africa. By advancing deepwater production and natural gas infrastructure, the company is transforming Angola’s upstream landscape,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Media files

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Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa to the Global Gateway Forum, Brussels, Belgium

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellency, President Ursula von der Leyen,
Fellow Heads of State and Government from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Europe,
Honourable Ministers,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Thank you for inviting South Africa to this Global Gateway Forum. 
 
It is a privilege to address this forum, which brings together partners to strengthen cooperation, advance shared priorities and find solutions to the pressing global challenges of our time. 
 
This forum is taking place at a time of geopolitical uncertainty and instability, negatively impacting security and economic growth in many parts of the world.
 
These circumstances require comprehensive, coordinated and forward-looking solutions. These challenges call for a renewed commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflict, respect for international law, the strengthening of multilateralism and the progressive reform of international bodies like the United Nations and the WTO.
 
As a country, we welcome the opportunity to participate in this forum.
 
The strategic partnership between South Africa and the European Union has evolved in scope and substance over the years.
 
The South Africa-EU Summit in Cape Town in March this year reaffirmed our shared values and further deepened our cooperation. 
 
Together, we have an opportunity to strengthen resilience by advancing investments in digital and green infrastructure, fostering innovation, securing supply chains and encouraging diversification that supports sustainable and inclusive growth. 
 
We welcome the support this partnership provides to the development of transport networks, a just transition and climate resilience, pandemic preparedness and vaccine production, and digital connectivity. 
 
As we work to strengthen trade and investment ties, we must also address those issues that hold back more robust, more diverse and more impactful trade and investment between African and European countries.
 
We need to work together to overcome the tariff and non-tariff barriers that constrain the breadth and the scale of African exports to the European Union.
 
We must use investment and trade as effective instruments to foster industrialisation on the African continent.
 
The Global Gateway provides an opportunity to support the priorities that countries have identified and are pursuing themselves.
 
South Africa has embarked on a just transition that advances renewable energy while safeguarding energy security and enabling social and economic development.
 
We are using our natural resource endowments – such as solar, wind and our critical minerals – to build industries that will grow our economies.
 
As South Africa, we are undertaking far-reaching economic reforms in energy, water, logistics and telecommunications that are making our country more competitive and improving the investment environment.
 
As a country, we are undertaking a massive infrastructure investment drive to expand the capacity of our economy and meet the developmental needs of our people. 
 
As a continent, Africa is striving for universal access to energy through diversification, equitable financing and technology transfer. 
 
The support from the EU and its member states will play an important part in this journey. 
 
It is important that the substantial investments that are being made through the Global Gateway are structured in a manner that empowers African countries and does not replace one dependency with another.
 
They must enable African countries to pursue development paths that are suited to their circumstances and to the needs of their people.
 
South Africa is hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit next month under the theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability. 
 
With around 100 of the 132 official meetings having been held since we took over the presidency of the G20 from Brazil, South Africa is well on its way in preparations towards hosting a successful G20 Summit for the first time on African soil.
 
We welcome the support of the European Union for our G20 priorities to address the many challenges that developing economy countries are facing.

Many developing economy countries face unsustainable debt burdens. A key issue for the G20 must be to develop solutions to address the debt burden that holds back the growth and development of many developing economy countries, especially in Africa. 

We need further measures to ensure fair and equitable access to finance and debt sustainability so that these countries can meet the needs of their people and realise their potential. 
 
It is simply unacceptable that many developing economy countries pay much more for their debt than what more developed economy countries pay.
 
This unfair treatment perpetuates inequality not only between individuals but amongst countries as well. 
 
It is for this reason that South Africa has set up a G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Wealth Inequality, led by Professor Joseph Stiglitz, to table a report at the G20 Leaders’ Summit on the issue of inequality.
 
We must build consensus on the reform of international financial institutions, particularly multilateral development banks, to better tackle global challenges.
 
We have recognised the need to massively increase support for climate action in the Global South and for reconstruction in the aftermath of extreme weather events. Greater support needs to be given developing economy countries through climate financing.
 
We are also calling for stronger action against predatory mining practices and for fair management of critical minerals. 
 
We are focusing on strengthening the multilateral trading system, while recognising that the World Trade Organisation remains the only multilateral body capable of managing divergences and coordinating positions in global trade.
 
We remain committed to working closely with the European Union to ensure that our shared ambitions translate into tangible outcomes. 
 
Together, we can foster inclusive growth, build resilience and create a sustainable and secure future for all our people.
 
I thank you.

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Minister Angie Motshekga appointed as Acting President

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, October 9, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, to serve as Acting President of the Republic of South Africa during the concurrent absence from the country of both the President and the Deputy President.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Presidency said this appointment is made in accordance with Section 90(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which provides for the delegation of Presidential authority when both the President and the Deputy President are unable to fulfil the duties of the office.

President Ramaphosa undertook an official visit to Ireland on Wednesday and will thereafter attend the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium on Thursday. 

“During this period, Minister Motshekga will accordingly serve as Acting President of the Republic of South Africa,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa arrives in Brussels for Global Gateway Forum

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has on Wednesday evening arrived in Brussels in the Kingdom of Belgium following a successful Official Visit to Ireland.

At the invitation of the President of the European Commission, H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President Ramaphosa will lead South Africa’s participation in the Global Gateway Forum (GGF), taking place from 9-10 October 2025.

Today, President Ramaphosa will address the Opening Plenary Session on the theme: “Advancing Global Connectivity in the Face of Geopolitical and Geoeconomic Challenges.”

Later, on the margins of the Forum, the President will hold bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government attending the GGF and engage with leading CEOs of industry.

“South Africa’s participation in the Global Gateway Forum aims to attract trade and investment, strengthen relations, and leverage mutual opportunities in the lead-up to the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

“The European Union’s external investment strategy, known as Global Gateway, seeks to boost smart, clean, and secure links in the digital, energy, and transport sectors, while strengthening health, education, and research systems across the world,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

President von der Leyen will lead the GGF, which brings together Heads of State and Government, along with senior representatives from governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society. The Forum will explore innovative strategies for scaling up European investments in partner countries.

Building on the success of the inaugural Forum in 2023, this year’s event will focus on advancing global connectivity amid geopolitical and geo-economic challenges. 

Heads of State and Government from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe, as well as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, will attend. A high-level South African business delegation will also participate in the Forum.

The visit to Brussels follows recent engagements between President Ramaphosa and President von der Leyen, including their meeting on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, and the successful 8th South Africa–EU Summit held in March 2025. 

On the margins of the GGF, the two Leaders will hold a bilateral meeting and subsequently address a joint media briefing on the EU–South Africa Investment Announcement.

The Presidency said this engagement takes place within the framework of the Strategic Partnership between South Africa and the European Union. 

The EU remains South Africa’s largest trade and investment partner and a key development cooperation partner. South Africa’s exports to the EU increased by 82%, from approximately R203.2 billion in 2016 to R370.7 billion in 2024, while imports from the EU rose by 38%, from R308.8 billion in 2016 to R427 billion in 2024 over the same period.

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande; the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi; and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Special Official Funeral to honour Ambassador Mthethwa

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, October 9, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2.

The funeral service will take place at KwaMbonambi in KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday, 12 October 2025.

Ambassador Mthethwa, who served as South Africa’s Head of Mission in Paris, France, passed away in the French capital on 30 September 2025, at the age of 58.

He was appointed as Ambassador to France in December 2023, following 15 years in Cabinet where he served in the portfolios of Sport, Arts and Culture; Arts and Culture; Police; and Safety and Security. His tenure in the National Executive was preceded by a lifetime of political involvement and leadership.

“On behalf of Government and the nation, President Ramaphosa reiterates his deepest condolences to Ambassador Mthethwa’s wife, Ms Philisiwe Buthelezi, and the extended Mthethwa and Buthelezi families.

“The President assures the families of the nation’s appreciation for the diverse roles in which Ambassador Mthethwa served the country,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

The Special Official Funeral Category 2 declared by President Ramaphosa will entail ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service.

The President has also directed that the National Flag be flown half-mast from today until the evening of the funeral on Sunday, 12 October. 

Mthethwa’s body is currently enroute from France to South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za