Category: MIL-OSI

Posted on

President Ramaphosa to deliver inaugural Nokuthula Simelane Memorial Lecture

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa to deliver inaugural Nokuthula Simelane Memorial Lecture

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 3 September, 2026, deliver the inaugural Nokuthula Simelane Memorial Lecture at the University of Mpumalanga. 

Simelane was an anti-apartheid struggle hero who was abducted, tortured and murdered by apartheid Special Branch police in the 1980s.

“The Nokuthula Simelane Memorial Lecture is being established as a national platform to promote dialogue on democracy, social justice, ethical leadership, gender equality, human rights and nation-building, while preserving and advancing the legacy of Nokuthula Simelane and other heroes and heroines of South Africa’s liberation struggle.

“The Memorial Lecture seeks to create a national conversation on justice, accountability, truth, reconciliation and the unfinished business of South Africa’s democratic transition,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The inaugural lecture will be hosted by the Nokuthula Simelane Foundation.

“Nokuthula Simelane dedicated her life to the struggle for freedom and democracy and paid the ultimate price in service of the people of South Africa.

“In 2024, she was posthumously awarded the Order of Luthuli in Gold for her incredible bravery. President Cyril Ramaphosa described her disappearance as a wound that will never heal for her family,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

0

Posted on

Register your customary marriage at Home Affairs before deadline

Source: Government of South Africa

Register your customary marriage at Home Affairs before deadline

The Department of Home Affairs has urged members of the public that have not yet registered their customary marriages to do so before the special registration period closes on 31 August 2026.

The registration enables couples to regularise their marital status.

“This includes marriages concluded before the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act came into effect in November 2000, as well as those concluded thereafter but not registered within the required timeframe.

“The department urges qualifying couples to register without delay to avoid unnecessary queues as the deadline approaches,” the department said.

Further information on how to register can be obtained at local Home Affairs offices around the country.

“Traditional leaders, community leaders and civil society organisations are also encouraged to help raise awareness and ensure that affected couples are informed of the approaching deadline,” the department stated. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

0

Posted on

African countries commit to train and retain 3 million more health workers by 2035

Source: APO

Ministers of health from Africa today endorsed the Africa Health Workforce Agenda 2026–2035, committing to plan, educate, employ and retain 3 million additional health workers by 2035 in a landmark effort to strengthen health systems and ensure more people across the continent have access to quality health services when and where they need them.

Adopted by Ministers of Health during the Seventy-sixth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, the Agenda marks a decisive shift from simply training more health workers to strengthening health labour markets through better planning, education, employment and retention. It calls for coordinated investments to ensure countries have the competent, motivated and well-supported workforce needed to meet Africa’s growing health needs.

The commitment comes at a pivotal moment for Africa’s health workforce. The Region’s health workforce has grown substantially over the past decade, reaching an estimated 5.72 million health workers in 2024. Yet Africa still has only about 46% of the workforce it needs, leaving millions of people without adequate access to essential health services. Without decisive action, the Region could face a shortage of more than 6 million health workers by 2035.

At the same time, the Region faces a striking labour market paradox. While health facilities struggle with workforce shortages, an estimated one million trained health professionals are unemployed, with new graduates particularly affected. More than half of newly qualified nurses, doctors and midwives in several countries are unable to secure employment soon after graduation, highlighting the urgent need to better align health workforce education with job creation, sustainable financing and long-term workforce planning.

“Today, Africa has made a collective commitment to transform one of the foundations of its health systems, its people. By adopting the Africa Health Workforce Agenda 2026–2035, our Member States have recognized that educating health workers is only the beginning. We must also create the opportunities, the support and the conditions that enable them to serve, grow and thrive where they are needed most. This Agenda turns evidence into action and political commitment into lasting investment in Africa’s health workforce and ultimately, in the health and well-being of our people,”said Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa

The Health Workforce Agenda provides countries with a practical roadmap to strengthen health labour markets by improving workforce planning, expanding quality education, creating employment opportunities and retaining skilled health workers where they are needed most. It also calls for coordinated action across health, education, finance, labour and public service sectors to ensure investments translate into better access to quality health services.

The Health Workforce Agenda also makes a strong economic case for investing in the health workforce. The latest evidence shows that closing Africa’s health workforce gap would require an additional investment of about US$ 4 to US$ 6 per person per year, while generating substantial economic and social returns. Every dollar invested in the health workforce can generate up to 10 dollars in economic returns and around thirty times its value in broader social benefits through healthier populations, increased productivity and stronger economies. These findings reinforce that investing in health workers is not simply a health priority, it is a smart investment in Africa’s future.

The Africa Health Workforce Agenda 2035 builds on the foundation laid by the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter, reaffirming Member States’ commitment to invest in the health workforce as a driver of stronger health systems, healthier populations and sustainable development. By translating that commitment into a clear roadmap for action, it provides countries with practical direction to plan, educate, employ and retain the health workers needed to meet Africa’s present and future health needs.

With the adoption of the Africa Health Workforce Agenda 2035, Member States have established a shared roadmap to build the competent, supported and equitably distributed health workforce needed to meet the Region’s evolving health needs. Its success will ultimately be measured not by the number of policies adopted, but by the number of health workers empowered to serve their communities and by the millions more people who gain access to the quality health services they need.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Media files

.

Posted on

Consolidation de la paix : la Mission multidimensionnelle intégrée des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation en République centrafricaine (MINUSCA) renforce le dialogue direct avec les leaders religieux à Ndele

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

À Ndele, dans la préfecture de la Bamingui-Bangoran, la MINUSCA a organisé les 14, 19 et 20 août 2026 des rencontres avec 43 leaders religieux, dont 32 chrétiens et 11 musulmans. Ces échanges visaient à renforcer la collaboration avec ces acteurs influents de la communauté afin de soutenir les efforts de consolidation de la paix, de promotion de la cohésion sociale, de protection des civils et de renforcement de l’autorité de l’État.

Les leaders religieux saluent cette démarche de dialogue direct initiée par la MINUSCA. Pour ces autorités spirituelles, ces rencontres ont été l’occasion de rappeler le rôle majeur qu’elles ont joué lors des différentes crises qu’a connues la région.

Aujourd’hui, la priorité demeure le maintien d’un climat de paix dans la préfecture, selon Pierre Makossa Bangui, pasteur de l’Église UFEB de Ndele. « Je suis né à Ndele, j’y ai grandi et vieilli. Aujourd’hui, nous sommes sur la bonne voie vers la paix et la cohésion sociale. C’est un acquis qu’il faut entretenir chaque jour. Nous devons cultiver le pardon et l’ouverture envers nos concitoyens afin de continuer à évoluer ensemble », a-t-il indiqué.

Chaque semaine, dans les mosquées comme dans les églises, les messages de coexistence pacifique occupent une place centrale dans les prêches. Ce travail de longue haleine porte progressivement ses fruits, même s’il exige une mobilisation constante.

Pour Abdel Affis Soumaine, imam de la mosquée centrale de Ndele et président de la Plateforme des confessions religieuses, la sensibilisation reste un outil incontournable pour préserver les acquis de la paix. « Ce que nous devons faire, c’est sensibiliser davantage la communauté afin de préserver la paix et le vivre-ensemble. La sensibilisation permet de faire comprendre aux populations que la paix n’a pas de prix. Elle ne s’achète pas », a-t-il dit.

Le climat sécuritaire s’est nettement amélioré à Ndele ces dernières années. Toutefois, les responsables religieux soulignent que la paix demeure un processus continu, malgré les contraintes logistiques et matérielles auxquelles ils font face.

Le vicaire de la paroisse Sainte-Marie, Yacinthe Kalengona, reste prudent quant aux progrès accomplis. « Pour le moment, j’avoue qu’il reste encore beaucoup à faire, car tout n’est pas parfait. Nous devons poursuivre nos efforts dans cette dynamique afin de consolider la cohésion sociale », a-t-il souligné.

Vers un partenariat renforcé avec la MINUSCA

Ces séances d’échanges ont également permis à la MINUSCA de mieux faire connaître son mandat auprès des responsables religieux et de recueillir leurs préoccupations sur les défis auxquels les communautés restent confrontées.

Selon Wilfried Relwendé Sawadogo, chef du bureau de la MINUSCA à Ndele, ces rencontres ouvrent la voie à des actions concrètes. « L’objectif de cette rencontre était d’abord de leur exprimer toute notre gratitude pour le travail accompli en faveur du dialogue. Nous espérons mettre en place des projets concrets pour travailler ensemble au renforcement de l’autorité de l’État, à l’amélioration de la cohésion sociale et à une meilleure protection des populations civiles dans notre zone de responsabilité », a-t-il confié.

Malgré les progrès enregistrés, les leaders religieux estiment que les efforts de sensibilisation doivent être poursuivis et renforcés. Ils ont réitéré leurs remerciements à la MINUSCA pour son appui constant dans cette quête collective de stabilité et de paix durable.

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

Media files

Posted on

World Health Organization (WHO) supports Mauritius in undertaking a comprehensive Health Labour Market Analysis

Source: APO – Report:

.

Mauritius is set to reshape its health workforce through a comprehensive Health Labour Market Analysis, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO). This initiative marks a decisive step toward strengthening Mauritius’ health system and advancing progress toward universal health coverage.

“The Health Labour Market Analysis comes at the right time for Mauritius. We must address workforce shortages, improve distribution and ensure the number of health workers are adequate for our population’s health needs,” says Dr Poonam Gungadin, Director of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW). “This process will give us the evidence we need to design effective and sustainable workforce policies.”

Mauritius has long demonstrated strong investment in its health workforce, maintaining one of the highest doctor and nurse densities in the African Region, with 31.7 doctors and 35.7 nurses and midwives per 10 000 population. Yet, the health system faces mounting challenges: persistent shortages across several cadres, emerging skills gaps, high workloads, burnout, and uneven distribution of health professionals. Despite employing approximately 13 000 officers across 375 grades, shortages remain acute due to retirement, migration, limited training capacity, and lengthy recruitment procedures.

To meet rising service demands, the MOHW expanded specialized services and increased the number of primary care clinics from 147 to 268 between 2022 and 2024—an 82% increase. While this expansion strengthens access to care, it also intensifies staffing pressures. Both public and private health institutions face difficulties filling vacancies due to a limited pool of qualified candidates, compounded by emigration and complex recruitment and licensing processes.

The HLMA process is taking place from 16 to 27 March 2026 with participation from across government with 40 representatives from the different ministries, regulatory councils, statistical bodies, training institutions, health professional associations and the private sector. This broad engagement ensures that the analysis is grounded in high quality data, shared ownership, and consensus driven policy recommendations that reflect the realities of both public and private service delivery.

“WHO is proud to support Mauritius in this comprehensive HLMA process,” says Dr Gilbert Buckle, Health Policy Advisor at WHO Mauritius. “A resilient health system depends on a well-planned, well-supported health workforce. Mauritius’ Health Labour Market Analysis is a vital investment in understanding workforce realities and shaping the reforms needed to deliver health for all.”

This major national undertaking reaffirms Mauritius’ commitment to developing a resilient, motivated and equitably distributed health workforce capable of delivering high quality, accessible health services to every person in the country.

Mauritius joins more than 20 countries across the African region actively implementing the principles of the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter, which aims to halve inequities in access to health workers by 2030.

“By undertaking the Health Labour Market Analysis, Mauritius is taking a decisive step toward smarter, evidence‑driven workforce investments that strengthen resilience, improve equity and accelerate progress toward health for all,” says Dr Sunny Okoroafor, Health Workforce Management, Performance and Retention Advisor at WHO ‘s Regional Office for Africa and facilitator for the process. 

– on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Posted on

President Museveni Bids Farewell to Outgoing Egyptian Ambassador

Source: APO – Report:

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today met and held discussions with the outgoing Egyptian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Monzer Selim, who paid a farewell call on him at State House, Entebbe. President Museveni wished the outgoing envoy success in his next assignment.

“I wish you good luck,” President Museveni said. Ambassador Selim, who will conclude his four-year tour of duty in Uganda on August 31, 2026, thanked President Museveni for the support extended to him, the Egyptian Embassy and the Government of Egypt during his tenure.

Ambassador Selim said his successor is expected to arrive in Uganda on September 4, adding that although he would be returning to Egypt, his new responsibilities would continue to bring him into contact with Uganda. “I’m going back to headquarters in Egypt, and I’ll be responsible for the Horn of Africa issues. So, I guess Uganda will not be a stranger to me,” he said.

The ambassador highlighted several milestones achieved in strengthening economic and diplomatic relations between Uganda and Egypt during his tenure. He noted that the number of major Egyptian companies with established operations in Uganda had increased from two when he assumed office to five, reflecting growing investor confidence and expanding commercial ties between the two countries.

According to Ambassador Selim, the total value of operations by Egyptian companies in Uganda has also grown significantly, from approximately $120 million at the beginning of his tenure to an anticipated $700 million following planned investments next year. “With our upcoming investment next year, we will reach approximately $700
million. So that’s about six times,” he said.

The outgoing ambassador also commended President Museveni’s leadership and approach to sensitive regional issues, including developments in Somalia and Sudan, as well as the management of water resources under the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI). He said Egypt had closely followed Uganda’s leadership, particularly its efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation among member states of the Nile Basin Initiative.

“Your wisdom and the wisdom of Uganda has guided the family of the NBI through troublesome times, and we are counting on the continued leadership of Uganda when it comes to consultative efforts that would be able to bring everybody on board,” H.E Selim said. He further noted that Egypt and Uganda were exploring additional areas of
cooperation, including establishing a joint business council, attracting more Egyptian investment and collaborating on infrastructure projects.

– on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Media files

.

Posted on

President El-Sisi Receives China’s President Xi Jinping During his Official Visit to Egypt

Source: APO – Report:

Within the framework of the outstanding bilateral relations between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the People’s Republic of China, Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay an official visit to Egypt in the coming days.

During the visit, President El-Sisi will meet with President Xi Jinping to deliberate on avenues for further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries across diverse domains of mutual interest, as well as exchange views on a multitude of regional and international issues.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Media files

.

Posted on

Phone Call Between Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Iranian Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, August 25, 2026

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and HE Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Abbas Araghchi held a telephone call. They discussed the latest regional developments, particularly the ongoing talks between the Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic Republic of Iran on establishing a temporary joint shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, and on a joint project to clear mines from the Strait.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed during the call the State of Qatar’s full support for diplomatic efforts and all efforts trying to find a solution that guarantees the freedom of maritime navigation and paves the way for reaching a comprehensive agreement that achieves sustainable peace in the region.

Posted on

Advisor to Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Qatar Continued Its Efforts to Encourage Return to Negotiations between US, Iran

Source: Government of Qatar

Advisor to Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Qatar Continued Its Efforts to Encourage Return to Negotiations between US, Iran

Doha, August 25, 2026

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari affirmed that the State of Qatar has continued its efforts and regional contacts with various parties over the past period to encourage a return to the path of negotiations between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
During the weekly press briefing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Al Ansari said that the State of Qatar had warned since the beginning of the crisis of the wide repercussions of any escalation, not only on the region, but also on the global economy, reiterating Qatar’s continued efforts to support diplomatic solutions and reduce tension.
Regarding the American statements concerning economic sanctions on Iran, Al Ansari said that the State of Qatar and the countries of the region have warned from day one about the economic repercussions of war and escalation. He indicated that the priority for the State of Qatar is to restore normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, ensure global energy and food security, and maintain the safety of supply chains, which are goals that can only be achieved through a comprehensive diplomatic solution.
He clarified that the sanctions being discussed do not directly affect the State of Qatar, noting that Doha adheres to the framework of international sanctions and interacts positively with the measures adopted in this context, while emphasizing that the sovereign decisions of countries remain linked to regional developments and to efforts made to find consensual solutions.
He added that the sanctions in question were imposed by a specific party and are not UN sanctions, emphasizing that Qatar’s stance stems from supporting negotiations and diplomatic solutions, not siding with one party at the expense of another. He also stressed the importance of all parties engaging in dialogue to end the crisis.
In response to statements by some Iranian officials regarding targeting countries in the region, Al Ansari affirmed Qatar’s categorical rejection of such statements, considering that attempts to drag countries in the region into existing conflicts will only lead to further escalation.
He said that the State of Qatar, with all its institutions and armed forces, is fully prepared to defend its security and sovereignty against any aggression, regardless of its source or justifications, reiterating Doha’s rejection of any threat to the security and stability of the countries of the region.
Regarding joint Gulf coordination, Al Ansari highlighted that communications and meetings between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have been ongoing since the beginning of the crisis, noting the visit made by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani to Riyadh last week and his meeting with HH Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al-Saud.
He affirmed the high level of coordination among the Gulf states to address any potential threats and monitor escalating developments. He noted that all GCC countries support reaching a peaceful resolution to the crisis. He explained that Qatar’s direct communication with Iran falls within the framework of mediation efforts and pushing for a resumption of negotiations.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Al Ansari stressed the need to restore freedom of navigation and maritime passage in accordance with international laws. He emphasized that the crisis requires a political and diplomatic solution that guarantees regional stability and preserves the common interests of all parties.
In response to a question about the Financial Times report on the reduction of budgets of government agencies and the reduction of funding for Qatari foreign aid, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari said that the figures mentioned in the Financial Times report on the reduction of budgets of a number of government agencies and the reduction of funding for Qatari foreign aid were inaccurate, stressing that much of it was taken out of context.
Al Ansari added that media outlets are required to refer to official sources to verify the announced figures and information, stressing that the economic indicators and growth figures that will be announced during the coming period will reflect the strength of the Qatari economy and its ability to deal with current developments.
He clarified that talk of reducing budgets by up to 30 percent is related to the precautionary measures taken by the state at the beginning of the regional crisis, as is the case for any country facing exceptional circumstances or an escalation in the region. He noted that this percentage relates to operational expenses only, and does not include salaries or capital projects.
He added that the priority for the Qatari decision-maker was to ensure that the lives of citizens and residents were not affected, whether in terms of the availability of products, supply chains, salaries and other aspects of living. He stressed that the State of Qatar continues to enjoy a normal economic life despite the regional challenges.
He pointed out that the second priority was to ensure the continuation of national development projects and that they would not be stopped for any reason, indicating that these projects are proceeding according to the plans drawn up for them, and that all the measures taken come within the framework of precautionary measures imposed by regional circumstances.
He stressed that these economic measures are not structural or permanent, but rather circumstantial measures related to the current escalation in the region, and do not represent a change in the structure of the Qatari economy or its strategic directions.
Regarding the Israeli stance on moving to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the State of Qatar has repeatedly stressed the need to exert pressure on Israel to accept the proposed plan and proceed with its implementation, noting that the developments on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank do not reflect positive cooperation with the ongoing efforts.
He added that the mediators, particularly the State of Qatar and the United States of America, are continuing to work to ensure the implementation of the agreed commitments on the ground, and to push toward completing the stages of the plan and achieving progress in the path of de-escalation.
Regarding the peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Al Ansari welcomed the progress made by the parties involved in the mediation efforts, as reflected in the statement issued after the meetings hosted by Switzerland on the implementation of the roadmap and the completion of negotiations on the remaining protocols.
He reiterated the State of Qatar’s commitment to continuing to support efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and sustainable peace in the DRC, appreciating the positive interaction of the parties involved in the negotiation process, and emphasizing Doha’s support for all international and regional initiatives and efforts supporting the peace process. 

Posted on

Government to accelerate investment in tourism infrastructure

Source: Government of South Africa

Government to accelerate investment in tourism infrastructure

Through a formalised strategic partnership between the Departments of Tourism and Public Works and Infrastructure, government will unlock investment in tourism infrastructure and drive economic growth.

“If we want tourism to make an even greater contribution to economic growth and job creation, we must build the infrastructure that makes investment and new tourism experiences possible,” Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille said on Tuesday.

De Lille and Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson have formalised a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement to strengthen the preparation of priority tourism infrastructure projects and unlock greater private-sector investment in South Africa’s tourism economy.

Under the three-year agreement, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will support the Department of Tourism with specialist resources, including investment expertise and transaction advisory services. These resources will help strengthen the project pipeline and improve projects’ readiness for investment.

“This partnership will also facilitate the transfer of skills, knowledge and technical competencies to strengthen the Department of Tourism’s long-term capacity to prepare and facilitate tourism infrastructure investment. We must turn tourism potential into bankable projects, investment and ultimately jobs,” de Lille said.

The agreement comes just days after President Cyril Ramaphosa launched Phase Three of the Government-Business Partnership, with tourism identified as one of the key sectors capable of accelerating inclusive economic growth and employment.

The Department of Tourism will retain overall accountability for and ownership of its Investment Facilitation Service, while Infrastructure South Africa will provide the specialist technical and transaction support required under the agreement.

Infrastructure South Africa is a programme within the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure that provides infrastructure planning, management and delivery services.

“Through this partnership, we can help move priority tourism infrastructure projects from plans on paper to shovels in the ground, while crowding in private-sector investment and creating new economic opportunities across the country. This is another practical step towards our goal of turning South Africa into a construction site and using infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation,” Macpherson said.

The partnership is also timely, as the Department of Tourism prepares to host the second Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit in Gauteng from 30 September to 1 October 2026.

The summit builds on the inaugural event held in 2025, which created a dedicated platform to connect tourism infrastructure projects with potential investors and financiers.

The second instalment will continue to build a pipeline of credible, bankable tourism projects from both the public and private sectors. –SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle

6