Zimbabwe–Zambia Energy Projects Summit (ZimZam) 2025: Driving Investment Partnerships for Southern Africa’s Power Development

Source: APO – Report:

ZimZam 2025 (26–28 November) will gather governments, investors, and developers to accelerate Southern Africa’s energy future. With Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) as Country Host, the summit will spotlight investment opportunities, renewable projects, and strategies to bring Southern Africa’s energy commitments to financial close. 

Southern Africa’s most influential energy and investment leaders will gather at the Zimbabwe–Zambia Energy Projects Summit (ZimZam) on 26–28 November 2025, in Livingstone, Zambia. As the region turns pledges into megawatts, the event will unite governments, investors, and developers to fast-track bankable projects in the energy and mining sectors. 

ZimZam 2025, held at the stunning Radisson Blu Mosi-Oa-Tunya, Livingstone Resort in Zambia, will also spotlight regional interconnections, energy markets, innovative financing solutions and the balance of solar, wind, and hydro in a changing climate.  

The event comes at a pivotal moment for Southern Africa. Landmark initiatives, such as the Chisamba 100MW Solar Farm, Great Zimbabwe Hydro Project, and the Zambia–Tanzania Interconnector (ZTIP), are redefining regional cooperation while exposing challenges in transmission, bankability and offtaker risk. 

The summit will hear from guest of honour His Excellency the Honourable Makozo Chikote, Minister of Energy for Zambia, who will outline Zambia’s commitment to regional cooperation and energy investment.  

And more than 40 developers have already confirmed their participation, including Emesco, NOA Group, Axian Energy, Engie Energy Access, Voltalia, Anzana Electric Group, Globeleq, Release by Scatec, Solarcentury, JCM Power, Pele Energy Group, and HDF Energy. 

Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC), based in Kitwe, Zambia, fresh off the milestone issuance of a $150 million green bond for 230 MW of solar projects, will be Country Host, underscoring Zambia’s leadership in energy innovation. 

Owen Silavwe, managing director of the Copperbelt Energy Corporation, says: “CEC’s support for the summit is a natural extension of our mission to deliver reliable energy and high-quality services while fostering strategic partnerships and advancing sustainable development across Africa. Our values, of honesty, teamwork, and a “can-do” attitude, shape how we collaborate with stakeholders and approach regional integration.” 

With a focus on scaling renewables, securing financing, and building stable energy markets for industry, ZimZam 2025 will be the key platform for turning regional energy commitments into reality. 

For more details: https://apo-opa.co/4nMQBKz

– on behalf of EnergyNet Ltd..

For media enquiries, please contact:
Poliana Sperandio
Poliana@EnergyNet.co.uk 

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Canon Miraisha Programme Partners with Debra’s Palace Initiative, Empowering Nigerian Youth through Skills Development and Mentorship

Source: APO – Report:

  • Canon Miraisha Programme and Debra’s Palace Initiative join forces for the second edition of the Creative Summer School in Nigeria.
  • The initiative has empowered over 7,000 creatives across 11 African countries, with a goal to train 10,000 by 2030. 

Canon Central & North Africa (CCNA) (https://en.Canon-CNA.com), a leading provider of printing and imaging solutions, in partnership with Debra’s Palace Initiative, successfully held the second edition of the Creative Summer School from 8 to 20 September 2025 in Lagos.

As part of the Canon Miraisha Programme, the Creative Summer School equips young men aged 18 to 25 with hands-on technical training, mentorship, and essential life skills to help them thrive in the growing creative economy.

The initiative reflects Canon’s longstanding Miraisha mission of empowering African youth with creative skills and career opportunities, while aligning with Debra’s Palace Initiative’s vision of raising the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

Participants gained exposure to a wide range of creative and professional skills, including photography, cinematography, sound editing, Financial Literacy, Business of Creativity and etiquette training, as well as daily mentorship. Sessions on graphic design and content creation were also held. Additionally, Canon Miraisha delivered a three-day basic photography course combining classroom learning with outdoor photo shoots and project-based assignments. Two outstanding students each received a Canon Selphy CP1000 printer.

Twenty-five young men participated in the daily sessions at MADhouse by Tikera Africa, with a further 50 to 100 participants attending the opening and closing ceremony. Programme mentors and facilitators, including Femi Odugbemi, Bayo Omoboriowo, Daniel Etim Effiong, Osarume Akenzua, Tayo Adetunji, Precious Eniayekan, Uncle Sele and David Adetola, shared their invaluable industry expertise and insights, enriching the learning experience.

Somesh Adukia, Managing Director, Canon Central and North Africa, said: “Through the Miraisha Programme, Canon is deeply committed to investing in Africa’s youth by equipping them with the skills, confidence, and support needed to succeed in today’s creative industries. Our ongoing collaboration with Debra’s Palace Initiative reflects our belief that creativity is not only a pathway to employment but also a driver of positive social change. Together, we’re building opportunities that will inspire the next generation of African storytellers and leaders.”

Speaking on the impact of the collaboration, Damilola Chinedu, Founder, Debra’s Palace Initiative, said: “We believe every boy deserves the opportunity to develop his talent and grow into a man of vision, impact, and integrity. The Creative Summer School provides a safe and inspiring space where participants develop the skills and confidence to pursue their dreams. Partnering with Canon Miraisha allows us to prepare boys not just for careers, but for meaningful lives of leadership.”

Building Sustainable Impact

The Miraisha Programme is Canon’s award-winning corporate responsibility initiative dedicated to nurturing the next generation of African creative professionals through hands-on training in photography, filmmaking, and other digital arts. With a strong emphasis on mentorship, sustainability, and community impact, it is rooted in Canon’s philosophy of Kyosei – living and working together for the common good. Miraisha has empowered thousands of participants across Africa, often in collaboration with organisations like the Kings & Queens Art Academy in Nigeria, with Maono Africa in Kenya to empower youth in Dandora and the Lens on Life Project in Cameroon.  

Empowering Africa’s Next Generation

Debra’s Palace Initiative is a non-profit organisation committed to empowering young boys to lead productive and fulfilling lives. Addressing the often-overlooked challenges faced by boys in society, the organisation has successfully engaged more than 3,500 participants through initiatives such as the Boy Child Conversation Conference (BCC), BCC Mentorship School Tours, JAMB Scholarship Programmes, and the Creative Summer School with Canon. By providing mentorship and skills development in safe spaces, it aims to shape boys into confident young men who can make positive contributions to their communities, aligning perfectly with Miraisha’s objectives.

With the launch of the second Creative Summer School, Canon Central & North Africa and Debra’s Palace Initiative reaffirm their shared commitment to nurturing Africa’s youth, building not just careers but futures for a new generation of African creatives, storytellers, and changemakers.

– on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (https://en.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/42N1vaV) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: https://en.Canon-CNA.com

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Scattered showers expected over parts of SA  

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Partly cloudy conditions are expected over the central and eastern parts of the country over the course of Heritage Day and Thursday, 25 September, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said.

In a post on social media platform X, the weather service said isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers can be expected “but widespread over KwaZulu-Natal.”

It further added that a Yellow Level 1 Warning for damaging winds can be expected in KwaZulu-Natal.
“A strong ridging high pressure resulting in strong winds with average wind speeds of 15-25KT, expected to gust up to 40KT between Durban and Kosi Bay today,”’ it said of Wednesday’s warning.

The warning’s impact may lead to localised damage to settlements (formal and informal), the risk of localised runaway fires, and some transport routes and travel services may be affected by wind and falling trees.

The SAWS has also issued a Yellow Level 2 Warning for disruptive rain on Wednesday and Thursday.

“As a result of an upper air system and surface high pressure system, widespread showers and rain are expected over most parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday, with possible heavy downpours resulting in a high likelihood of minor impacts over the midlands as well as the south-western parts of the province today and over the extreme north-eastern parts tomorrow morning,” it explained.

The weather service said the impact of the warning includes localised flooding of susceptible formal/informal settlements, low lying roads and bridges is possible.

“Difficult driving conditions can be expected on dirt roads and minor motor vehicle accidents due to poor visibility and slippery roads,” it said.  –SAnews.gov.za

Conferencia de Projetos Energéticos Zimbábue-Zâmbia (ZimZam) 2025: Impulsionando Parcerias de Investimento para o Desenvolvimento de Energia sul-Africano

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

ZimZam 2025 (26 a 28 de novembro) reunirá governos, investidores e desenvolvedores para acelerar o futuro energético sul Africano. Com Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) como Country Host, a cúpula destacará oportunidades de investimento, projetos renováveis ​​e estratégias para concretizar os compromissos energéticos do regiao sul da África. 

Os líderes mais influentes em energia e investimento da regiao Sul Africana se reunirão na Conferencia de Projetos Energéticos Zimbábue-Zâmbia (Zimbabwe Zambia Energy Projects Summit), de 26 a 28 de novembro de 2025, em Livingstone, Zâmbia. À medida que a região transforma promessas em megawatts, o evento unirá governos, investidores e desenvolvedores para acelerar projetos financiáveis ​​nos setores de energia e mineração. 

O ZimZam 2025, realizado no deslumbrante Radisson Blu Mosi-Oa-Tunya, Livingstone Resort, na Zâmbia, também destacará interconexões regionais, mercados de energia, soluções inovadoras de financiamento e o equilíbrio entre energia solar, eólica e hidrelétrica em um clima em mudança. 

O evento acontece em um momento crucial para a regiao. Iniciativas históricas, como o Parque Solar de Chisamba de 100 MW, o Projeto Hidrelétrico do Grande Zimbábue e o Interconector Zâmbia-Tanzânia (ZTIP), estão redefinindo a cooperação regional, ao mesmo tempo em que expõem desafios em transmissão, bancabilidade e risco de compra. 

A cúpula contará com a presença do convidado de honra, Sua Excelência, o Honorável Makozo Chikote, Ministro da Energia da Zâmbia, que apresentará o compromisso da Zâmbia com a cooperação regional e o investimento em energia. 

Mais de 40 desenvolvedores de projectos já confirmaram sua participação, incluindo Emesco, NOA Group, Axian Energy, Engie Energy Access, Voltalia, Anzana Electric Group, Globeleq, Release by Scatec, Solarcentury, JCM Power, Pele Energy Group e HDF Energy. 

A Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC), sediada em Kitwe, Zâmbia, recém-saída da emissão histórica de um título verde de US$ 150 milhões para 230 MW de projetos solares, será a anfitriã do evento, destacando a liderança da Zâmbia em inovação energética. 

Owen Silavwe, diretor-geral da Copperbelt Energy Corporation, afirma: “O apoio da CEC à cúpula é uma extensão natural da nossa missão de fornecer energia confiável e serviços de alta qualidade, ao mesmo tempo em que promovemos parcerias estratégicas e promovemos o desenvolvimento sustentável em toda a África. Nossos valores, de honestidade, trabalho em equipe e uma atitude positiva, moldam a forma como colaboramos com as partes interessadas e abordamos a integração regional.” 

Com foco na expansão das energias renováveis, na obtenção de financiamento e na construção de mercados de energia estáveis ​​para a indústria, o ZimZam 2025 será a plataforma fundamental para transformar os compromissos energéticos regionais em realidade. 

 Para mais detalhes: https://apo-opa.co/4nMQBKz

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para EnergyNet Ltd..

Para informacoes de impressa and participacao, entre em contato com:
Poliana Sperandio 
Poliana@EnergyNet.co.uk

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Qatar Participates in GCC-France Joint Ministerial Meeting

Source: Government of Qatar

New York| September 24, 2025

The State of Qatar participated in the joint ministerial meeting between Their Highnesses and Excellencies the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the French Republic, held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The delegation of the State of Qatar to the meeting was headed by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi. 

Qatar Participates in High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Responsibility to Protect

Source: Government of Qatar

New York|September 24 , 2025

The State of Qatar participated in the High-Level Ministerial Meeting on the Responsibility to Protect (R2P), held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The State of Qatar was represented at the meeting by HE Director of the International Organizations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sheikha Hanouf bint Abdulrahman Al-Thani.

CEO de la Fondation Merck rencontre la Première Dame de São Tomé et Príncipe et 13 Premières Dames d’Afrique et d’Asie au Sommet de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Fondation Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, a récemment organisé la 7ème Édition du Sommet MFFLI 2025 de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck. Elle a été inaugurée par le Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman du Conseil d’Administration de la Fondation Merck, et la Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck et Présidente de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck, et S.E. Mme MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, La Première Dame de São Tomé et Príncipe et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » aux côtés des Premières Dames d’Angola, Cap-Vert, République Centrafricaine, Gabon, Gambie, Ghana, Kenya, Libéria, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigéria, Sénégal, et Zimbabwe.

Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej a exprimé : « J’ai été ravie de rencontrer ma chère sœur S.E. Mme MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, La Première Dame de São Tomé et Príncipe & Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » lors de la 7ème Édition du Sommet de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck 2025. Nous avons discuté de nos programmes conjoints pour renforcer les capacités des soins de santé, soutenir l’éducation des filles et aborder un large éventail des problèmes sanitaires et sociaux.

Je suis heureuse de partager que nous avons fourni plusieurs bourses aux médecins locaux dans les domaines des soins en Oncologie et Diabète. En outre, nous, grâce à notre programme Éduquer Linda, nous parrainons l’éducation de 40 écolières les plus brillantes mais défavorisées, jusqu’à leur diplôme.

S.E. Mme Maria de Fatima Vila Nova, La Première Dame de São Tomé et Príncipe & Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » a déclaré : « C’est un grand honneur de faire partie de la 7ème Édition de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck et de rencontrer ma chère sœur Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej. Notre partenariat a marqué un chapitre transformatif pour São Tomé et Príncipe, en tant que travailler sur de nombreux programmes significatifs au profit de notre peuple, cela se produit pour la première fois.

Je suis particulièrement fière d’avoir lancé le programme « Éduquer Linda » dans notre pays, à travers lequel nous soutenons 40 écolières brillantes mais défavorisées pour poursuivre leurs études. Il ne s’agit pas seulement de l’éducation ; Il s’agit de transformer l’avenir d’une génération entière. Nos efforts sont tout aussi importants pour renforcer notre capacité de santé en offrant des bourses spécialisées dans les domaines critiques des soins en Oncologie et Diabète ».

Regardez le discours de la Première Dame de São Tomé et Príncipe et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » lors du Sommet de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck 2025 ici : https://apo-opa.co/47VAiqa

Regardez la vidéo de la CEO de la Fondation Merck, Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej, recevant S.E. Mme MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, Première Dame de São Tomé et Príncipe et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » : https://apo-opa.co/4mv3h7E

Le deuxième jour du Sommet, une réunion du comité de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – MFFLI a eu lieu entre les Premières Dames d’Afrique et le Chairman et la CEO de la Fondation Merck. Au cours de cette réunion, les Premières Dames d’Afrique et d’Asie ont partagé le rapport d’impact des programmes de la Fondation Merck dans leurs pays respectifs et ont discuté de la stratégie future.

Regardez la vidéo de la réunion du comité MFFLI : https://apo-opa.co/4pzUVOX

« La Fondation Merck a accordé au total 2 280 bourses à des médecins de 52 pays dans 44 spécialités critiques et mal desservies. Notre vision est que chacun puisse mener une vie saine et heureuse », a déclaré la Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

La Fondation Merck, en collaboration avec le Bureau de la Première Dame de São Tomé et Príncipe, a également organisé 2 éditions de sa Formation des Médias sur la Santé En Ligne afin de souligner le rôle essentiel des médias dans la résolution des problèmes sociaux et de santé critiques.

La Fondation Merck a également lancé un Appel à Candidatures pour ses 8 prix importants, en partenariat avec la Première Dame de São Tomé et Príncipe, destinés aux médias, aux musiciens, aux créateurs de mode, aux cinéastes, aux étudiants et aux nouveaux talents potentiels dans ces domaines.

De plus, en partenariat avec la Première Dame de São Tomé et Príncipe, la Fondation Merck a également lancé sept livres d’histoires pour enfants : « Plus Qu’une Mère », « Éduquer Linda », « Le Secours de Jackline », « Pas Qui Vous êtes », « Une Balade vers le Futur », « Jude Sans Sucre » et « La Tension de Mark ». Les livres de contes lancés en langue portugaise, abordent diverses questions sociales et sanitaires, telles que la lutte contre la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, le soutien à l’éducation des filles, la lutte contre la violence sexiste, la sensibilisation sur le diabète et l’hypertension. Les livres de contes ont été lancés en langue portugaise.

La 7ème édition de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck a été diffusée en direct sur les réseaux sociaux de Merck Foundation et Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck :

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4mrtlAs), X (https://apo-opa.co/4mserKw), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3KdoRjK), et YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4mvwsrs).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4mx6T9t), X (https://apo-opa.co/4nIbAhq), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3VxaWr8), et YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/46Or1iy).

Lien vers la retransmission en direct sur Facebook de la Session Inaugurale du Panel de Haut Niveau de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck : https://apo-opa.co/4mpEj9X

La Fondation Merck transforme le paysage des soins aux patients et écrit l’histoire avec ses partenaires en Afrique, en Asie et au-delà, à travers :

• Plus de 2280 Bourses offertes par la Fondation Merck pour les médecins de 52 pays dans 44 spécialités médicales critiques et mal desservies.  

La Fondation Merck crée également un changement de culture et brise le silence sur un large éventail de problèmes sociaux et sanitaires en Afrique et dans les communautés mal desservies grâce à :

Plus de 3700 Journalistes de plus de 35 pays formés pour mieux sensibiliser sur les différents problèmes sociaux et sanitaires.

8 Prix Différents lancés chaque année pour la meilleure couverture médiatique, les créateurs de mode, les films et les chansons.

• Environ 30 chansons pour aborder les problèmes sanitaires et sociaux par des chanteurs locaux à travers l’Afrique.

8 livres de contes pour enfants en trois langues – anglais, français et portugais.

7 Films d’Animation de Sensibilisation en cinq langues : Anglais, Français, Portugais, Espagnol et Swahili pour sensibiliser sur la prévention et le dépistage précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension et soutenir l’éducation des filles.

Programme Télévisé Panafricain « Notre Afrique par la Fondation Merck » abordant les problèmes sociaux et sanitaires en Afrique à travers la communauté « Mode et L’Art avec un But ».

Plus de 950 bourses accordées à des écolières africaines brillantes mais défavorisées pour leur permettre de terminer leurs études.

  • 15 chaînes de réseaux sociaux avec plus de 8 millions de d’abonnés.

Distribué par APO Group pour Merck Foundation.

Contact :
Mehak Handa
Responsable du programme de sensibilisation communautaire
Téléphone : +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
E-mail : mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Rejoignez la conversation sur nos plateformes de réseaux sociaux ci-dessous et faites entendre votre voix :
Facebook : https://apo-opa.co/4mrtlAs
X : https://apo-opa.co/4mserKw
YouTube : https://apo-opa.co/4mvwsrs
Instagram : https://apo-opa.co/3KdoRjK
Threads : https://apo-opa.co/3KyvZqR
Flickr : https://apo-opa.co/46NE83o
Site Web : www.Merck-Foundation.com
Télécharger l’Application de la Fondation Merck : https://apo-opa.co/3KAo1gU

À propos de la Fondation Merck : 
La Fondation Merck, créée en 2017, est la branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, vise à améliorer la santé et le bien-être des populations et à faire progresser leur vie grâce à la science et à la technologie. Nos efforts sont principalement axés sur l’amélioration de l’accès à des solutions de soins de santé de qualité et équitables dans les communautés mal desservies, à renforcer les capacités de recherche sur les soins de santé et la recherche scientifique, l’autonomisation des filles à travers l’éducation et l’autonomisation des personnes en STEM (Science, Technologie, Ingénierie et Mathématiques) avec un accent particulier sur les femmes et les jeunes. Tous les communiqués de presse de la Fondation Merck sont distribués par e-mail en même temps qu’ils deviennent disponibles sur le site Web de la Fondation Merck. Veuillez visiter www.Merck-Foundation.com pour en savoir plus. Pour en savoir plus, contactez nos réseaux sociaux de la Fondation Merck : Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4mrtlAs), X (https://apo-opa.co/4mserKw), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3KdoRjK), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4mvwsrs), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3KyvZqR) et Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/46NE83o).

La Fondation Merck se consacre à l’amélioration des résultats sociaux et sanitaires pour les communautés dans le besoin. Bien qu’elle collabore avec divers partenaires, y compris des gouvernements, pour atteindre ses objectifs humanitaires, la fondation reste strictement neutre sur le plan politique. Elle ne s’engage pas et ne soutient pas d’activités, d’élections ou de régimes politiques, se focalise uniquement sur sa mission d’élever l’humanité et d’améliorer le bien-être tout en maintenant une position strictement apolitique dans toutes ses activités.

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Eskom confirms structural integrity of Koeberg plant

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom has moved to confirm the structural integrity of safety monitoring at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in Cape Town.

“Recent commentary suggesting that Eskom is ‘flying blind’ at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station is inaccurate and misleading. Eskom confirms that all safety-critical systems are fully functional, carefully monitored, and continuously improved in line with strict nuclear safety standards,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.

The power utility said that Koeberg’s containment buildings, the massive concrete domes designed to prevent any release of radiation in the event of an incident, have undergone rigorous structural assessments.

These assessments included concrete core sampling and mechanical testing, conducted by reputable and independent institutions in line with international nuclear safety standards, confirmed that the material properties remain sound and well within safety margins.

It further added that the results of the Integrated Leak Rate Test (ILRT) that was recently concluded on Unit 1 further validated the structural integrity of the containment buildings and the data that is being used.

“The results of various tests and data analyses confirm that both containment structures at Koeberg are fit for continued operation for at least the next 20 years. Monitoring systems such as strain gauges and crack detectors continuously track structural behaviour over time, enabling early detection of any anomalies and supporting proactive, preventative maintenance.”

Additionally, the existing containment monitoring instrumentation was fully refurbished and restored during the 2023 and 2024 maintenance cycles. In 2025, Eskom installed Vibrating Wire Strain Gauges (VWSGs) and optical fibre sensors to enhance the precision, redundancy, and reliability of structural monitoring. The upgrades are part of Eskom’s proactive approach to safety—not a response to any immediate risk.

“A modification to install new monitoring instruments to enhance monitoring of the containment building is planned for the medium to long term, aimed at continuous improvement and aligned with global best practices.”

The utility said it operates Koeberg with a safety-first mindset, under the strict oversight of the National Nuclear Regulator and in full alignment with international nuclear safety conventions. 
“Assertions that safety tests have been skipped or that Eskom is operating ‘blind’ are not only inaccurate—they undermine the rigorous engineering and regulatory processes that govern nuclear operations.”

The Integrated Leak Rate Test is a cornerstone of nuclear safety. It pressurises the containment to accident condition pressure to verify that the containment building is leak tight and capable of containing radioactive release in the unlikely event of an accident.

“The ILRT for Unit 1 was successfully completed during Outage 127 in 2025, and the ILRT for Unit 2 is scheduled for Outage 227, in line with the 10-year testing cycle required by international standards.”

It emphasised that the 10-year interval that it has adopted is in line with the standard practice at most nuclear power plants in France. In the United States, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has endorsed a risk-informed methodology that allows licensees to apply for a permanent, performance-based extension of the ILRT surveillance interval from 10 to 15 years.

“Therefore, the 10-year interval Eskom has adopted aligns with best practices worldwide, and there is currently no performance-based data that requires Eskom to adjust the ILRT interval to every five years.”

The power utility stressed that Koeberg remains one of the most closely monitored and well-maintained nuclear facilities on the continent.

“Eskom will continue to invest in its safety systems, infrastructure, and personnel to ensure that Koeberg remains a reliable, secure, and compliant source of energy for South Africa. Eskom assures the public that the containment buildings of both Unit 1 and Unit 2 at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station are safe and fully capable of performing their intended design function.” –SAnews.gov.za

Ramokgopa to announce load reduction interventions

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, will hold a media briefing on Thursday, 25 September 2025, to announce interventions aimed at ending load reduction.

Load reduction involves the intentional interruption of electricity supply in specific areas where the local network is overloaded, particularly during times of peak demand.

This measure is essential to safeguard critical infrastructure, particularly in areas affected by high energy losses or illegal connections that place excessive strain on the isolated networks.

“With load shedding now largely behind us, having served as a nationally coordinated, rotational power interruption to protect the integrity of the electricity grid, the spotlight shifts to tackling load reduction,” the advisory read.

The briefing will be held in Pretoria. – SAnews.gov.za