Category: MIL-OSI

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La Charte de la jeunesse appelle à une action conjointe du Commonwealth et de l’Afrique pour l’autonomisation des femmes et des filles par le sport

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


À l’occasion de la Journée internationale des femmes 2026, l’ONG internationale britannique Charte de la jeunesse (www.YouthCharter.org) appelle à un nouveau partenariat entre le Commonwealth et l’Afrique afin d’autonomiser les femmes et les filles par le biais du sport, des arts martiaux et de programmes de leadership communautaire. Elle soutient que la prévention doit être menée au même titre que la répression dans la lutte contre les violences faites aux femmes et aux filles.

Alors que les gouvernements du monde entier renforcent les lois et les dispositifs policiers de lutte contre les violences sexistes, la Charte de la jeunesse estime que les programmes d’autonomisation communautaire, dispensés par le sport et l’éducation, doivent devenir un pilier central de la prévention.

Dans de nombreux pays du Commonwealth et États membres de l’Union africaine, les violences sexistes demeurent un grave problème social qui compromet la sécurité, le bien-être et les perspectives d’avenir des femmes et des filles.

La proposition de la Charte de la jeunesse, annoncée à l’occasion de la Journée internationale des femmes, préconise la mise en place d’un million d’heures de formation gratuite aux sports de combat/à l’autodéfense, au leadership et à la confiance en soi pour les femmes et les filles du Commonwealth et d’Afrique, dispensées par le biais de réseaux sportifs communautaires et de programmes de développement de la jeunesse.

Cette initiative serait mise en œuvre grâce au modèle de campus communautaire de la Charte de la jeunesse, qui intègre le sport, la culture, l’éducation et les compétences numériques afin de favoriser l’autonomisation des jeunes et leur développement social.

Le sport comme outil de prévention

Depuis plus de trente ans, la Charte de la jeunesse promeut le rôle du sport pour le développement et la paix, en tant qu’outil concret pour bâtir des communautés plus sûres, plus saines et plus inclusives.

L’organisation affirme que si le système judiciaire joue un rôle crucial dans la lutte contre les auteurs de violences, le sport offre un cadre unique pour développer la confiance en soi, la résilience et le leadership des jeunes femmes et des filles avant même qu’un préjudice ne survienne.

La pratique sportive, notamment des sports de combat et des disciplines d’autodéfense, peut contribuer au développement :

  • de la confiance en soi et de la conscience de soi
  • de la résilience émotionnelle face à la pression
  • de la compréhension de ses limites personnelles
  • des compétences en leadership et en travail d’équipe.

La Charte de la jeunesse souligne que ces compétences essentielles sont des facteurs de protection indispensables pour aider les jeunes femmes à évoluer dans des environnements sociaux parfois perçus comme dangereux.

Le leadership de Janice Argyle Thompson

Au cœur de cette initiative se trouve Janice Argyle Thompson, cofondatrice et directrice générale de la Charte de la jeunesse et ancienne championne du monde de karaté.

Forte de son expérience et de plusieurs décennies d’engagement dans le développement de la jeunesse, elle défend depuis longtemps les sports de combat comme un puissant vecteur d’émancipation et de confiance en soi pour les femmes et les filles.

À l’approche de la Journée internationale des femmes, elle a déclaré :

« Les sports de combat n’enseignent pas la violence. Ils enseignent la conscience, la discipline et la confiance en soi. Ces qualités permettent aux femmes et aux filles de s’épanouir dans leur communauté et dans leur vie. »

Son travail a contribué à façonner les programmes de la Charte de la jeunesse au Royaume-Uni, en Afrique et dans le Commonwealth, où le sport est de plus en plus reconnu comme un vecteur de changement social et de leadership chez les jeunes.

Une opportunité pour le Commonwealth et l’Afrique

La Charte de la jeunesse estime que cette proposition s’inscrit pleinement dans les objectifs suivants :

  • Objectif de développement durable n° 5 des Nations Unies – Égalité des sexes
  • Priorités de l’Agenda 2063 de l’Union africaine pour le développement de la jeunesse
  • Engagements du Commonwealth en faveur de l’autonomisation des jeunes et de l’inclusion sociale
  • Initiatives mondiales « Sport au service du développement et de la paix ».

Grâce à des partenariats avec des organisations sportives communautaires, des fédérations d’arts martiaux, des réseaux de jeunes et des établissements d’enseignement, cette initiative pourrait toucher des milliers de jeunes femmes en Afrique, dans les Caraïbes, en Europe et au sein du Commonwealth.

Ce programme, axé sur la prise en compte des traumatismes, centré sur les femmes et piloté par les communautés, garantirait une participation qui favorise la sécurité, la dignité et l’épanouissement personnel.

Campus communautaires comme pôles locaux

La mise en œuvre du programme se ferait par le biais des Campus communautaires de la Charte de la jeunesse, qui servent de pôles locaux pour l’engagement des jeunes.

Ces campus proposent des programmes intégrés combinant :

  • sport et activité physique
  • éducation et développement du leadership
  • expression culturelle et créative
  • formation aux compétences numériques et aux compétences de vie courante.

En intégrant des programmes d’autonomisation au sein des communautés, le modèle vise à garantir une prévention durable, pilotée localement et adaptée au contexte culturel.

Appel à un leadership mondial

Alors que la communauté internationale s’interroge sur les progrès accomplis en matière d’égalité des sexes, la Charte de la jeunesse exhorte les gouvernements, les agences de développement et les institutions sportives à investir dans des stratégies de prévention qui autonomisent les femmes et les filles.

L’organisation affirme que la lutte contre les violences faites aux femmes et aux filles exige une approche sociétale globale, combinant des cadres juridiques solides et des initiatives communautaires qui renforcent la confiance, offrent des opportunités et favorisent la cohésion sociale.

La Journée internationale des femmes 2026 offre ainsi aux dirigeants africains, du Commonwealth et du monde entier l’occasion de collaborer pour développer le rôle du sport comme vecteur d’émancipation.

Comme le souligne la Charte de la jeunesse :

« Si nous voulons réellement mettre fin aux violences faites aux femmes et aux filles, la prévention doit commencer au sein de la communauté – sur le tapis d’entraînement, le terrain de jeu et dans les espaces où s’apprennent la confiance, la dignité et le respect. »

Distribué par APO Group pour Youth Charter.

Contacts presse :
Charte de la jeunesse – Campus communautaire
www.YouthCharter.org
contact@youthcharter.org

Suivez la campagne :
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À propos de la Charte de la jeunesse :
Fondée en 1993, la Charte de la jeunesse est une organisation caritative internationale et une ONG partenaire des Nations Unies qui utilise le sport, la culture et les arts pour soutenir l’autonomisation des jeunes, le développement communautaire et le changement social. Grâce à son modèle de campus communautaire et à son programme de leadership par coaching social, l’organisation travaille avec des gouvernements, des universités, des organisations sportives et des institutions internationales pour faire progresser les objectifs de développement durable des Nations Unies et renforcer les opportunités offertes aux jeunes du monde entier.

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Weather outlook: 8 March 2026

Source: Government of South Africa

Weather outlook: 8 March 2026

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says most of the rain is expected to clear over the central and western parts of the country, with plenty of sunshine forecast. 

However, a different picture unfolds in the northeastern parts, where widespread showers and thundershowers are still likely over northeastern Limpopo, the Weather Service said on Sunday.

SAWS issued an Orange Level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms over the extreme eastern parts of Limpopo, and a Yellow Level 2 warning for Limpopo (excluding the west) and the northeastern Lowveld of Mpumalanga. 

It also issued a warning for damaging waves along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. 

“In these areas, hail, heavy downpours leading to floods, frequent lightning, and strong winds are possible. 

“Scattered showers and thundershowers are likely over northeastern Limpopo, the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

“Isolated showers and thundershowers are possible over the North West, Gauteng, Free State and Eastern Cape,” SAWS said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Matona

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Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination drive reaches Gauteng communal farmers

Source: Government of South Africa

Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination drive reaches Gauteng communal farmers

Government interventions to curb Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) have reached communal farmers in Magagula Heights in the East Rand, Gauteng.

On Saturday, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, spearheaded continuing efforts to roll out the FMD vaccine campaign.

Ramokgopa said the rollout of vaccination in Magagula Heights was significant in the work being done to curb the disease, which is a highly contagious viral illness affecting cloven-hoofed animals.

“This particular site, Magagula Heights, is a site of communal farming. It is the location where we had our first (FMD) outbreak in Gauteng in April 2025. It’s important we are able to return here to assist communal farmers, who are farming in the area… There is important information sharing that we are able to do on site today, which is important in helping us to curb FMD in the province.”

The vaccination campaign is part of government’s robust, multi-pronged strategy to protect the national livestock herd and ensure food security. 

Steenhuisen said the advice, suggestions and feedback emanating from Gauteng province has been very helpful in the development of the national response to FMD.

“We aim to vaccinate 80% of the national herd by December and reduce the outbreaks by 70%. This new strategy will put South Africa onto the path of becoming a ‘FMD-free with vaccination country’, which will mean that we can start to open up international markets for South African red meat products, which have been closed… 

“We can only do this mass vaccination process in partnership with the provinces, the private sector, private veterinarians and animal health technicians. We’re all helping to ensure we vaccinate as many animals as quickly as possible, so we can reach the targets we have set ourselves.”

The Minister said Biogénesis Bagó, a FMD vaccine from Argentina, was used in the Magagula Heights vaccination drive. 

“We’re using the Biogénesis Bagó vaccine today… and it’s a powerful vaccine that has had good results around KwaZulu-Natal and other areas. It’s part of the batch of one million vaccines that arrived last week. We have another one and a half one million [vaccines] coming in from a company called Dollvet. It’s… being prepared for distribution to the provinces.”

Vaccine funding and distribution

Steenhuisen used the opportunity to set the record straight about vaccine payments, warning against misinformation circulating in the sector.

“The State has budgeted for the payment of vaccines and those payments are processed according to the PFMA [Public Finance Management Act] and I can assure the country and suppliers that we have the money, and we will pay for the vaccines and ensure we have a steady flow of vaccines,” Steenhuisen said.

He clarified that it would not be in the interest of the country to not pay for vaccines, as that would cut off their supply.

“In doing so, we have to follow the prescripts of the PFMA and the guidance from the Auditor-General to ensure that this takes place.” 

Steenhuisen assured farmers that their cattle are safe and that they will remain theirs, despite them being vaccinated.

“I can confirm that we have taken delivery of the Dollvet vaccine. It will be delivered this week into the field.”

The Department of Agriculture said: “This successful importation of Dollvet FMD vaccines from Turkey, facilitated by Dunevax Biotech as the authorised agent, highlights government’s decisive partnership with the private sector to secure a reliable pipeline of high-potency vaccines in South Africa’s fight against FMD.”

The vaccines will be distributed as follows: Eastern Cape will receive 152 000 vaccines, Free State 195 000, Gauteng 213 000, KwaZulu-Natal 560 000, Mpumalanga 95 000, North West 50 000, Northern Cape 35 000, Limpopo 25 000 and the Western Cape 100 000. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Youth Charter Calls for Commonwealth and African Action to Empower Women and Girls Through Sport

Source: APO – Report:

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On International Women’s Day 2026, the UK-based international NGO Youth Charter (www.YouthCharter.org) is calling for a new Commonwealth and African partnership to empower women and girls through sport, martial arts and community leadership programmes, arguing that prevention must sit alongside enforcement in tackling violence against women and girls.

While governments around the world are strengthening laws and policing responses to gender-based violence, the Youth Charter believes that community-based empowerment programmes delivered through sport and education must become a central pillar of prevention.

Across many Commonwealth nations and African Union member states, gender-based violence remains a serious social challenge affecting the safety, wellbeing and life opportunities of women and girls.

The Youth Charter’s proposal – announced to mark International Women’s Day – calls for the delivery of one million hours of free self-defence, leadership and confidence training for women and girls across the Commonwealth and Africa, delivered through community sport networks and youth development programmes.

The initiative would be implemented through the Youth Charter’s Community Campus model, which integrates sport, culture, education and digital skills to support youth empowerment and social development.

Sport as a Tool for Prevention

For more than three decades, the Youth Charter has promoted the role of sport for development and peace as a practical tool for building safer, healthier and more inclusive communities.

The organisation argues that while justice systems play a critical role in addressing perpetrators, sport provides a unique platform to build confidence, resilience and leadership among young women and girls before harm occurs.

Participation in sport – particularly martial arts and self-defence disciplines – can help develop:

  • confidence and personal awareness
  • emotional resilience under pressure
  • understanding of personal boundaries
  • leadership and teamwork skills.  

These life skills, the Youth Charter notes, are essential protective factors in helping young women navigate social environments that can sometimes feel unsafe.

Leadership of Janice Argyle Thompson

At the centre of this initiative is Janice Argyle Thompson, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Youth Charter and a former World Karate Champion.

Drawing on her own experiences and decades of work in youth development, she has long advocated for martial arts as a powerful pathway to empowerment and confidence for women and girls.

Speaking ahead of International Women’s Day, she said:

“Martial arts are not about teaching violence – they are about teaching awareness, discipline and self-belief. These qualities empower women and girls to feel confident in their communities and in their own lives.” 

Her work has helped shape Youth Charter programmes across the United Kingdom, Africa and the Commonwealth, where sport is increasingly recognised as a vehicle for social change and youth leadership.

A Commonwealth and African Opportunity

The Youth Charter believes the proposal aligns closely with:

  • UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Gender Equality
  • African Union Agenda 2063 youth development priorities
  • Commonwealth commitments to youth empowerment and social inclusion
  • global Sport for Development and Peace initiatives.

Through partnerships with community sport organisations, martial arts federations, youth networks and educational institutions, the initiative could reach thousands of young women across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe and the wider Commonwealth.

The programme would be trauma-informed, female-centred and community-led, ensuring that participation promotes safety, dignity and personal development.

Community Campuses as Local Hubs

Delivery of the programme would take place through Youth Charter Community Campuses, which act as local hubs for youth engagement.

These campuses provide integrated programmes combining:

  • sport and physical activity
  • education and leadership development
  • cultural and creative expression
  • digital and life skills training.  

By embedding empowerment programmes within communities, the model seeks to ensure that prevention is sustainable, locally led and culturally relevant.

A Call for Global Leadership

As the international community reflects on progress made in advancing gender equality, the Youth Charter is urging governments, development agencies and sporting institutions to invest in prevention strategies that empower women and girls.

The organisation argues that tackling violence against women and girls requires a whole-society approach, combining strong legal frameworks with community-based initiatives that build confidence, opportunity and social cohesion.

International Women’s Day 2026 therefore presents an opportunity for African, Commonwealth and global leaders to work together to expand the role of sport as a platform for empowerment.

As the Youth Charter emphasises:

“If we are serious about ending violence against women and girls, prevention must begin in the community – on the training mat, the playing field and in the spaces where confidence, dignity and respect are learned.”  

– on behalf of Youth Charter.

About the Youth Charter:
Founded in 1993, the Youth Charter is an international charity and United Nations-aligned NGO that uses sport, culture and the arts to support youth empowerment, community development and social change.

Through its Community Campus model and Social Coach Leadership Programme, the organisation works with governments, universities, sports organisations and international institutions to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals and strengthen opportunities for young people around the world.

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Hunger crisis is set to get worse in west and central Africa – why and what to do about it

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Oliver Kiptoo Kirui, Research Fellow, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Countries in west and central Africa are facing a food crisis with multiple causes. Estimates in late December 2025 suggested that 41.8 million people were already in crisis or worse in October-December 2025. The number was expected to rise to 52.8 million in June-August 2026. Researchers Kirui Oliver Kiptoo and Chibuzo Nwagbosu explain how serious the situation is.

How severe is food insecurity in the region, and where are the hotspots?

Food insecurity has three aspects:

  • chronic hunger

  • constraints to food access

  • acute crises.

West Africa, the Sahel and Cameroon are in crisis, according to the World Food Programme. It is increasingly concentrated in conflict-affected corridors where markets fragment, farms are abandoned, and humanitarian access is constrained. Key areas include the Central Sahel/Liptako-Gourma region and the Lake Chad Basin.

The problem is strongly shaped by the global humanitarian financing squeeze. The World Food Programme has warned that funding shortfalls are forcing ration reductions in countries like Mali.

Between October and December 2025, it was estimated that 41.78 million people faced food insecurity. For the June-August 2026 lean season, it is projected 52.78 million are at risk. The Food and Agriculture Organisation’s January 2026 regional update aligns with this projection.

The World Food Programme, covering a broader “west and central Africa” framing, has warned that June-August 2026 could see 55 million people endure “crisis hunger or worse”.

What is driving the crisis?

The crisis is best understood as layered risk:

  • conflict and governance shocks create vulnerability

  • climate events and price spikes trigger acute deterioration

  • weak safety nets make recovery fragile.

Conflict, insecurity and governance fragmentation:

Conflict and insecurity are repeatedly identified in analysis as determinants. They shut down markets, restrict movement, displace households, and limit humanitarian reach.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis clearly describes persistent crisis-level food insecurity. This is linked to conflict dynamics and associated economic stressors.

Governance shocks can amplify market disruption. Observations noted the role of border closures and disrupted financial flows linked to Ecowas sanctions on Niger. Political events can transmit into food access constraints.

Climate shocks and environmental stress:

Cadre Harmonisé (a regional framework used for the analysis and identification of areas at risk and populations affected by food and nutrition insecurity) flagged floods as determinants as early as the 2023 cycle. It noted heavy rains damaging crops in parts of Ghana, Niger and Chad. In a region where livelihoods remain heavily dependent on rainfed agriculture and pastoral systems, even “good production years” can coexist with acute food insecurity when insecurity blocks access to fields and markets.

Economic shocks, food price inflation and market disruptions:

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (2025) highlights how elevated inflation undermines purchasing power and access to healthy diets. It emphasises that food price inflation is not just a macroeconomic variable but shapes nutrition and food security outcomes.

Displacement and disrupted livelihoods:

Displacement is both a symptom and a driver. It reduces household production and income, increases dependency, and strains host-community services and markets. The current displacement burden is massive across the region’s key hotspots. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees operational data shows that the DRC has about 6.47 million internally displaced persons, Nigeria has 3.54 million, Cameroon 1.0 million and Niger 0.59 million.

What is the impact of a reduction in food aid?

In late 2024 and early 2025, several major humanitarian donors – including the United States and a number of European governments – announced reductions or delays in aid disbursements amid domestic fiscal pressures and competing global crises. The effects were immediate in the Sahel. By early 2025, only about 50% of the funding required for humanitarian operations in the region had been mobilised.

Funding shortages are no longer just a logistical problem for aid agencies. They are now directly contributing to rising hunger and malnutrition. When funding falls, fewer people are reached, food rations are reduced, and nutrition programs are interrupted, especially during predictable seasonal peaks when needs are highest peaks.

The World Food Programme’s evidence from the central Sahel is unusually explicit. It reports that in Mali, where rations have been reduced due to funding shortages, the population facing crisis-level hunger has surged by 64% since 2023. In areas where full rations were maintained, the population facing crisis-level or worse hunger declined by 34%.

This suggests aid makes a big difference.

Funding constraints also reduce the region’s ability to prevent malnutrition deaths. The World Food Programme warned in January 2026 that the region could see 13 million children suffering malnutrition and described how assistance and nutrition programming would have to be scaled down without urgent funding.

Unicef’s Burkina Faso situation reporting is similar. It notes that food is being delivered “despite funding constraints”, even as insecurity and displacement rise.

At the system level, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reporting illustrates that Sahel humanitarian operations have repeatedly run with major gaps. It notes that only about half of the required funding has been mobilised for targeted assistance. A Sahel regional needs overview for 2025 warned early in the year that only 8% of required funding had been received. This very low funding at the beginning of the year makes it more likely that food and nutrition supplies will run out before the lean season begins.

What should be done?

The evidence points to an approach that combines short-term emergency response, medium-term recovery measures, and long-term structural reform.

Short-term actions:

Governments and regional bodies should treat the lean season as a predictable hazard. They must allow markets to work and aid to reach people who need it.

Cadre Harmonisé repeatedly shows that crisis outcomes concentrate where markets are disrupted and movement is unsafe.

The World Food Programme has warned that without urgent funding, millions may lose assistance. Donors can make sure nutrition-specific support is delivered in addition to general food aid and cash transfers – not replaced by them. Wasting levels are already high in several hotspot countries.

NGOs should scale up cash transfers where markets still function, and shift to in-kind where conflict isolates areas.

Medium-term actions:

Governments should expand social protection that can increase quickly when prices spike or floods hit. This is key especially where most households have to buy (not grow) their food.

Regional bodies should ease trade across borders and issue early warnings. This can reduce policy uncertainty that unsettles prices.

Humanitarian and development actors should focus on livelihood recovery where people have been displaced. For example, land restoration investments can deliver large returns and reduce repeat emergency caseloads.

Long-term actions:

The long-term objective is to address three constraints that keep arising: insecurity; weak services; and limited resilience in climate-sensitive food.

First, national governments and regional security mechanisms must pursue durable stabilisation strategies. Agricultural recovery and market integration can’t happen where there is conflict.

Second, invest in human capital and basic services that directly reduce nutrition mortality. These include primary healthcare, safe water, and child feeding programmes. Unicef’s Burkina Faso reporting shows large caseloads of severe acute malnutrition treatment even when there isn’t talk of a “famine”.

Finally, build climate resilience. This can be done through water control, soil fertility and rangeland management, and diversified income strategies. Financing should reward prevention, not only response.

– Hunger crisis is set to get worse in west and central Africa – why and what to do about it
– https://theconversation.com/hunger-crisis-is-set-to-get-worse-in-west-and-central-africa-why-and-what-to-do-about-it-276798

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Delta Air Lines and Junior Achievement (JA) Africa Empower Next Generation of Female Leaders Across Africa

Source: APO

Delta Air Lines, in partnership with Junior Achievement (JA) Africa (https://JA-Africa.org), has successfully graduated 61 high-potential African girls from the 2026 LEAD Camp, formally inducting them into the 10 Million African Girls (10MAG) community, a long-term leadership and opportunity platform advancing young women across Africa.

Held in Accra from March 2–8 in recognition of this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) theme “Give to Gain,” the 2026 camp convened 61 participants from Eswatini, Ghana, Nigeria, Mauritius, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia. The initiative reflects Delta and JA Africa’s longstanding commitment to expanding access to leadership development, economic participation, and cross-border exposure for emerging female leaders.

The LEAD Camp exemplifies Delta Air Lines’ investment in community partnerships that drive educational access and workforce readiness across its international markets. By collaborating with JA Africa, Delta contributes to building a scalable pipeline of confident, skilled young women prepared to lead in their communities and industries.

“Sustainable progress begins with access — access to knowledge, networks, and opportunity. Our partnership with JA Africa transcends traditional training; it establishes a structured pathway that allows young African women to engage meaningfully in the global economy. Inducting this year’s cohort into 10MAG reflects our long-term commitment to expanding opportunity across the continent.” indicated Ed Bastian, Chief Executive Officer of Delta Air Lines.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in immersive, skills-based learning designed to strengthen executive presence, decision-making, entrepreneurial thinking, and future-ready competencies. The curriculum integrated leadership development, emotional intelligence, financial capability, advocacy, and career pathway exploration through direct engagement with corporate leaders, policy professionals, and industry practitioners.

This approach aligns with global development priorities. According to UNICEF’s Skills4Girls framework, investing in life skills, digital literacy, STEM exposure, and leadership development is critical for preparing adolescent girls to participate fully in evolving labor markets. Research consistently shows that equipping girls with both technical and soft skills improves their transition into higher education, entrepreneurship, and the workforce while optimizing long-term economic resilience.

A highlight of the programme was the “Give to Gain” Social Impact Challenge, where participants worked in cross-country teams to design practical solutions addressing tangible community issues. Finalist teams presented their projects during the graduation ceremony, demonstrating problem-solving, collaboration, and measurable impact thinking, while also highlighting creativity, innovation, and a commitment to driving meaningful change in their communities.

Reflecting on the graduation and induction, Simi Nwogugu, President & CEO of JA Africa, said: “Graduation is just the beginning. LEAD Camp equips young women with leadership capability and strategic exposure, while 10MAG ensures ongoing mentorship, scholarships, and entrepreneurial pathways. By combining these elements, we are cultivating a generation of women prepared to lead in boardrooms, build thriving enterprises, and shape policy across Africa.”

The graduation ceremony marked not an endpoint but a transition. Each participant was inducted into the 10 Million African Girls (10MAG) community, a structured platform that provides ongoing mentorship, scholarships, entrepreneurial incubation, and professional networking. This ensures sustained engagement and positions participants within a broader ecosystem of opportunity and accountability.

Since its inception, the LEAD camp platform has evolved into a pan-African convening point for emerging female leaders. The 2026 edition further reinforced the strategic alignment between Delta Air Lines and JA Africa in delivering structured, measurable leadership development across borders.

As the 61 graduates return to their respective countries, they do so equipped not only with training but with networks, accountability, and a defined pathway to continued growth through 10MAG.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Junior Achievement (JA) Africa.

About JA Africa:
Junior Achievement (JA) Africa is one of the largest and most impactful youth-serving NGOs working on the economic empowerment of young Africans. We deliver hands-on learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness, financial capability, STEM, and digital skills to over 1.6 million young people annually across 23 countries. We empower young people to tackle real-world problems, launch their businesses, and confidently step into the future of work. JA Africa is an ecosystem leader in youth entrepreneurship education across the continent, bringing together governments, corporations, educators, and communities to transform how young Africans are prepared for future success. By creating scalable, inclusive learning experiences and nurturing a generation of changemakers, we are helping to reshape Africa’s economic narrative. www.JA-Africa.org

About Delta Air Lines:
Delta Air Lines is a global airline committed to connecting people, communities, and opportunities across continents. In addition to its role as a leading international carrier, Delta invests strategically in education, workforce readiness, and empowerment initiatives that nurture the next generation of leaders. In collaboration with organizations like Junior Achievement Africa Delta provides young people with access to mentorship, skills development, and transformative experiences that cultivates personal growth, professional confidence, and economic opportunity. Committed to creating lasting social impact, Delta continues to champion programmes that equips future leaders with the tools, networks, and vision to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

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Police seize drugs worth R2.8m at OR Tambo International

Source: Government of South Africa

Police seize drugs worth R2.8m at OR Tambo International

Police at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) have seized drugs with an estimated street value of R2.8 million.

“During routine day-to-day operations, police made the first discovery of crystal meth worth R2.2 million at a cargo warehouse on Wednesday. The meth was destined for the Philippines from South Africa,” the police said in a statement. 

The second drug bust was made at another cargo warehouse, where eight large boxes containing dagga worth R672 000 was discovered on Thursday. 

“The dagga was shipped from Morocco and was destined for South Africa. The drugs have been seized and investigations are underway to track down the traffickers of these drugs,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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South Africa heads to UN women’s summit to advance justice and equality

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa heads to UN women’s summit to advance justice and equality

The Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, is leading South Africa’s delegation to the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, which runs from 9 – 20 March 2026.

The global gathering arrives at a pivotal moment in the fight for gender equality, as nations reflect on progress made in promoting the rights of women and girls, while confronting persistent structural barriers that hinder access to justice, economic opportunities, safety and equal participation in society.

“South Africa’s involvement will reaffirm the country’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable legal systems, abolishing discriminatory laws, policies and practices, and dismantling structural barriers that prevent women and girls from fully realising their constitutional rights,” the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities said in a statement.

The South African delegation will highlight the country’s alignment with international frameworks, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality and Goal 16 on access to justice and strong institutions.

The 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women will bring together global leaders, policymakers and advocates working to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment.

This year’s priority theme, ‘Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls’, emphasises the urgent need for inclusive and equitable legal systems that eliminate discriminatory laws and dismantle structural barriers.

The review theme revisits commitments to women’s full and effective participation and decision-making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence against women, reaffirming their central role in achieving sustainable gender equality.

Participation in the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women provides an important platform to share lived experiences, innovative practices and policy recommendations, contributing to the global dialogue on advancing justice, equality and empowerment for women and girls in all their diversity. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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South Africans urged to play active role in ending violence against women and children

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africans urged to play active role in ending violence against women and children

As South Africa joins the global community in observing International Women’s Day today, government has called on citizens to take an active role in dismantling the attitudes and behaviours that enable violence against women and children.

The call comes as the country marks the day under the theme: ‘Give to Gain’, while also commemorating the historic 1956 Women’s March – a defining moment that took place 70 years ago.

On that day, more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest the oppressive pass laws that restricted the freedom of movement of black South Africans.

Led by courageous activists including Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, the women marched in peaceful defiance against the apartheid regime.

In a powerful act of protest, they stood in silence for 30 minutes before singing the now iconic struggle song ,“Wathint’ abafazi, Wathint’ imbokodo” (You Strike a Woman, You Strike a Rock).

Their actions sent a powerful message that women would not accept injustice and firmly established the critical role women played in the struggle for freedom, equality and human dignity.

A legacy that demands action

The 1956 march marked a defining moment in South Africa’s history. It challenged both racial oppression and restrictive social norms, demonstrating that women’s contributions extend far beyond the household to every sphere of society.

The bravery and determination of these women laid a strong foundation for the advancement of women’s rights and gender equality for future generations.

Yet decades later, women continue to face a serious and persistent threat.

“Today, women face a different but equally serious challenge in the form of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF),” said Acting Government Spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa.

According to the 2022 National Gender-Based Violence Study conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council, more than 35% of South African women aged 18 and older have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, with most cases involving an intimate partner.

The study provides important baseline data to guide interventions aimed at addressing GBVF, as envisaged in the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

“Government has recognised GBVF as a national crisis that requires a collective and coordinated response from all sectors of society. Ending this scourge demands the active participation of communities, civil society, government, faith-based organisations, business, labour and citizens,” Mnukwa said.

Everyone has a role to play

This year’s theme, ‘Give to Gain’, calls on all South Africans to actively confront the attitudes and behaviours that allow violence against women and children to persist.

This includes reporting abuse, supporting victims and refusing to remain silent in the face of injustice.

Government emphasised that ensuring the safety and dignity of women and children is a shared responsibility.

“As we commemorate International Women’s Day and honour the legacy of the women of 1956, government calls on all South Africans to work together to build a society that is free from GBVF, and where the rights, safety and empowerment of women are fully realised,” Mnukwa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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President Ramaphosa to strengthen Brazil ties on State Visit

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a state visit to the Federative Republic of Brazil from 9–10 March 2026 at the invitation of His Excellency President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. 

The visit will provide an opportunity for the two Heads of State to engage on a broad range of bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

South Africa and Brazil share historic and fraternal ties, built on friendship, shared Africa heritage, solidarity, South Cooperation and multilateralism. 

The relationship is anchored in the Declaration of Strategic Partnership that was signed in 2010 and implemented through the South Africa–Brazil Joint Commission. 

The state visit will focus on the following priorities: 
* Enhancing diplomatic and political relations
* Enhancing economic and commercial relations between the two countries.
* Strengthening cooperation in agribusiness, aerospace, creative industries, defence, energy, mining, science and technology, sport and tourism.    
* Engaging on shared geopolitical priorities as members of the Global South, including cooperation in BRICS, IBSA, the G77+China, the G20, and the United Nations.

Brazil, as the largest economy in Latin America, remains a key partner for South Africa’s engagement with the Latin America and Caribbean region. 

During the visit, both sides will explore additional avenues to broaden economic ties and unlock new opportunities for mutually beneficial trade and economic relations.

President Ramaphosa will also address a South Africa–Brazil Business Forum, aimed at promoting increased commercial collaboration. He will be accompanied by a business delegation representing the agribusiness, aerospace, chemicals, defence, energy, engineering, mining, maritime and pharmaceuticals sectors.

The President will on the margins of the state visit engage with pioneering  Brazilian business leaders to accelerate investments and opportunities South Africa offers. 

Bilateral trade between South Africa and Brazil reached R32.5 billion in 2025, with South African exports amounting to R5.2 billion and imports from Brazil totalling approximately R27.3 billion.
South Africa’s top exports to Brazil are chemicals, mineral products, machinery, iron and steel, and vehicles. Brazilian exports to South Africa include mineral products, live animals, machinery, vegetables, and iron and steel products. 

The SACU–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) has supported a steady growth of South African exports to Brazil and has opened opportunities for preferential market access for 1,500 product lines. 

The visit will provide a platform to exchange notes on how best to maximize the opportunities presented by the PTA and explore mechanisms to enhance and diversify trade between the two countries. 

Brazilian investment in South Africa spans manufacturing, services, engineering, agriculture, and aviation, while major South African companies are active in the Brazilian market in retail, pharmaceutical, extractive industry, paper, financial services and technology, and chemicals.
 
Tourism is an expanding area of cooperation. Brazil ranked as South Africa’s ninth-largest source of international arrivals in 2025, supported by the resumption and expansion of direct flights between São Paulo and South Africa since 2023.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Ronald Lamola; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans,  Ms. Angie Motshekga; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Bonginkosi Nzimande; Minister of Tourism, Ms. Patricia De Lille; Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr. Parks Tau; Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie; and senior government officials. 

BRAZIL STATE VISIT MEDIA PROGRAMME
Date: Monday,09 March 2026

WELCOME CEREMONY  IN HONOUR OF HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA
Time: 15h00 SAST 
Venue: Palácio do Planalto, Brasilia

JOINT MEDIA BRIEFING BY PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA AND PRESIDENT LUIZ INÁCIO LULA DA SILVA 
Time: 17h00 SAST 
Venue: Palácio do Planalto, Brasilia 

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO ADDRESS SOUTH AFRICA – BRAZIL BUSINESS FORUM
Time: 19:00
Venue: Palácio Itamaraty, Brasilia 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President, media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria