Category: MIL-OSI

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Consultative Sessions on National Human Rights Action Plan Continue in Doha

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | June 08, 2026

The Consultative Sessions on the National Human Rights Action Plan (2026-2030) have continued in Doha.

The sessions are organized by the National Committee for the Preparation of the National Human Rights Action Plan, chaired by HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad.

Monday’s consultative session was hosted by HE Secretary-General of the National Planning Council Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa.

The session went on several topics relevant to the council’s purview, along with suggestions and orientations supporting the preparation of the plan to enhance its alignment with national policies and legislation.

Upon wrapping up the session, the importance of this action plan as a national framework that fosters the protection of human rights was emphasized. 

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Inspirer les leaders de demain : Sénatrice Dr. Rasha Kelej lance sa première plateforme virtuelle de mentorat et de leadership

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Sénatrice Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck (https://Merck-Foundation.com), a lancé « Au-delà du pouvoir : leadership, influence et impact mondiaux », sa première plateforme virtuelle de mentorat et de leadership via Substack. Cette ressource accessible vise à inspirer, guider et soutenir les futurs leaders, en particulier les femmes et les jeunes leaders. La plateforme est accessible à tous, garantissant ainsi aux aspirants leaders de tous horizons l’accès à un mentorat précieux, à des perspectives de leadership et à des conseils pratiques.

Par le biais de sa plateforme de mentorat et de leadership, le Dr. Rasha Kelej partagera ses 32 années d’expérience et de connaissances afin d’accompagner et de guider les personnes ambitieuses dans la réalisation de leur potentiel, l’atteinte de leurs objectifs professionnels et personnels, et l’émergence des leaders de demain.

Lien vers la plateforme de mentorat et de leadership du Dr. Rasha Kelej : https://apo-opa.co/4uXt5yr

Pour maximiser la portée et l’impact de sa publication, les articles seront disponibles sur ses réseaux sociaux et son site web. Des liens seront également disponibles sur le site web et les réseaux sociaux de la Fondation Merck, qui regroupent plus de 9 millions d’abonnés sur différentes plateformes.

À propos de sa nouvelle initiative, la Sénatrice Rasha Kelej (Ret) a déclaré : « Au-delà du partage d’idées sur le leadership, l’influence et l’impact social, je conçois cette plateforme comme un parcours de mentorat. Tout au long de ma carrière, j’ai eu la chance de collaborer avec des leaders exceptionnels en Afrique et ailleurs, et je suis convaincue que le partage des connaissances et de l’expérience leur confère une réelle valeur. À travers ces articles, j’espère soutenir et inspirer les futurs leaders, notamment les femmes et les jeunes, afin qu’ils croient en leur potentiel, développent leurs compétences et exercent un leadership intègre, empreint de compassion et de courage. C’est ma contribution au développement durable et au renforcement des capacités : investir dans le capital humain, partager les enseignements tirés de l’expérience et contribuer à former une nouvelle génération de leaders qui façonneront un avenir meilleur pour leurs communautés et leurs pays. »

Dr. Rasha Kelej figure régulièrement parmi les 100 Femmes Africaines Les Plus Influentes (de 2019 à aujourd’hui). Elle a récemment été nommée parmi les Africains Les Plus Influents de 2025 et parmi les 100 Voix Les Plus Marquantes de 2026.

Elle a été Sénatrice égyptienne de 2020 à 2025.

L’Université Mondiale Krishna lui a décerné un doctorat honoris causa en lettres pour son engagement en faveur de l’autonomisation des femmes, de l’éducation des filles et de la transformation des soins aux patients en Afrique et dans d’autres pays en voie de développement.

Au cours des 14 dernières années, le Dr. Rasha Kelej a collaboré étroitement avec plus de 33 Premières Dames Africaines et Asiatiques, Ambassadrices de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère », pilotant leur programme commun dans leurs pays respectifs. Elle a également travaillé avec des partenaires clés, notamment des Ministères de la Santé, de l’Information, de l’Éducation et de l’Égalité des Genres, des universités, des décideurs politiques, des sociétés internationales de fertilité, des médias et des acteurs du monde artistique dans plus de 52 pays.

Dr. Rasha Kelej a lancé et continue de diriger plusieurs programmes à fort impact, dont le « Programme de Bourses de la Fondation Merck », grâce auquel plus de 2 600 bourses ont été octroyées à des professionnels de santé de 52 pays, dans 44 spécialités médicales essentielles et sous-desservies.

Elle a également créé le mouvement « Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère » en 2015, l’une des campagnes les plus influentes et les plus reconnues, qui vise à autonomiser les femmes infertiles et sans enfant en leur donnant accès à l’information, à l’éducation, aux soins de santé et en favorisant un changement de mentalité.

Cette campagne contribue au développement de soins de reproduction et de fertilité de qualité et équitables, à la lutte contre la stigmatisation de l’infertilité, à la sensibilisation sur la prévention de l’infertilité et sur l’infertilité masculine, et au soutien de l’éducation des filles.

Dr. Rasha Kelej est une fervente défenseure de l’éducation des filles et est convaincue que l’éducation des filles est l’un des moyens les plus efficaces de transformer les communautés. Dans le cadre du programme « Éduquer Linda » de la Fondation Merck, des bourses annuelles sont attribuées à des écolières brillantes issues de milieux défavorisés. À ce jour, plus de 1 500 bourses ont été attribuées à des écolières africaines originaires de 21 pays. Ces bourses couvrent les frais de scolarité et autres dépenses essentielles liées à leurs études, comme les livres et les uniformes, leur permettant ainsi de poursuivre leur scolarité et de réaliser pleinement leur potentiel.

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

Pour en savoir plus sur le parcours de Rasha Kelej, suivez-la sur les réseaux sociaux :  
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4fyZJ4z
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4fsqDep
X: https://apo-opa.co/4e7ZZFh
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4ebYfen

Suivez la Fondation Merck sur les réseaux sociaux :
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4efTPTP
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3Q92O0L
X: https://apo-opa.co/4e51iF2
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4urpN5f

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Deputy Minister in The Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli to address the Mpumalanga Provincial Youth Parliament

Source: President of South Africa –

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli, will on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, deliver the keynote address at the Mpumalanga Provincial Youth Parliament.

The Provincial Youth Parliament is a platform for young people to engage on issues affecting their communities and to participate meaningfully in democratic processes. 
The engagement is part of Youth Month activities aimed at empowering young people, strengthening civic participation, and encouraging active citizenship.

Details of the Youth Parliament are as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 9 June 2026
Time: 10:00 – 13:00
Venue: Embalenhle Sasol Club and Recreation Centre, Embalenhle, Mpumalanga.

Media enquiries: Mandisa Mbele, MandisaM@presidency.gov.za/0825802213

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Eskom Restructuring Task Team makes progress towards the establishment of an independent Transmission System Operator

Source: President of South Africa –

During the 2026 State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a dedicated task team to oversee the restructuring of Eskom to establish a fully independent, state-owned Transmission System Operator (TSO) that will own and control transmission assets and be responsible for operating the electricity market. This is a crucial step towards enabling competition, and reflects government’s determination to reform South Africa’s electricity sector to achieve long-term energy security and lower electricity costs for all South Africans.

The Eskom Restructuring Task Team (ERTT) has since been established, and includes representatives of the Presidency, National Treasury, the Department of Electricity and Energy, Eskom, and the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA). The task team is chaired by the Director-General of National Treasury, and has made significant progress in preparing for the establishment of the TSO. While the task team was expected to present a high-level report by the end of May 2026, the President has extended this deadline to the end of June 2026, in order to ensure that the proposed approach can be fully detailed and considered through the relevant governance structures.

The President said: “I am encouraged by the speed and diligence with which the task team has taken forward this important task. The establishment of a fully independent transmission company is a critical reform which will support the introduction of a competitive electricity market and ensure a reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity supply to power the economy.” 

BACKGROUND NOTE

More than 90 countries have reformed their electricity sectors to establish competitive wholesale electricity markets. Most have unbundled transmission and system operation from the incumbent generator as a crucial part of the reform to ensure that the transmission system operator has no real or perceived conflict of interest and is free from influence or control by any market participant, guaranteeing that all participants are treated impartially in the way that it operates and makes decisions.

The Electricity Regulation Act (ERA) provides for the establishment of the TSO by no later than 31 December 2029. In the interim, the functions of the TSO are carried out by the NTCSA, a subsidiary of Eskom that was established in July 2024.  

In line with the commitment made by the President, the Eskom Restructuring Task Team was established at the beginning of March 2026, comprising senior representatives from the Presidency, National Treasury, Department of Energy and Electricity, Eskom and the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA). It is tasked with:

* Developing a detailed proposal and implementation plan for establishing an independent, state-owned TSO separate from Eskom that will assume ownership and control of transmission assets, operate the electricity market, enable transmission investment at scale, and provide non-discriminatory access to the grid.
* Giving consideration to the optimal institutional model for the TSO, drawing on international best practice and ensuring full alignment with the ERA.
* Addressing the measures required to ensure adequate independence of the NTCSA during the period before the TSO is established, and considering the appropriate location of responsibility for the allocation of grid capacity to ensure independent and non-discriminatory treatment of grid users, both during the transitional period and once the TSO is established.

The ERTT is tasked with overseeing the restructuring of Eskom in a manner that fulfils the following core principles, among others, as set out in its Terms of Reference:
* Maintain energy security;
* Ensure full independence of the TSO from all market participants;
* Ensure that ownership of the transmission network and any other assets associated with the statutory functions assigned to the TSO in terms of the ERA is separated from Eskom;
* Ensure that Eskom is not worse off than its current financial position following the restructuring, and that the TSO is financially sustainable;
* Ensure that the TSO is able to raise the funding required for investment in infrastructure in line with the Transmission Development Plan;
* Avoid any qualified audit opinion for Eskom, the NTCSA or the TSO and ensure that that lender requirements are addressed to avoid any default;
* Minimise any impact on South Africa’s fiscal position;
* Prevent any undue financial burden on electricity users; and
* Promote the objectives of electricity market reform, including the successful introduction of independent transmission projects (ITPs).

The work of the ERTT will be undertaken in two phases. The first phase, which is now expected to be completed at the end of June 2026, will focus on the development of a high-level proposal for establishing the TSO. The second phase, which will be completed within a further three months, includes developing a detailed implementation plan with timeframes for completing the restructuring in the manner proposed. 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya  Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa on media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Inspirando os líderes do amanhã: Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej lança sua primeira plataforma virtual de mentoria e liderança

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck (https://Merck-Foundation.com), lançou “Beyond Power; Leadership, Global Influence and Impact”, sua primeira plataforma virtual de mentoria e liderança através do Substack, criando um recurso acessível projectado para inspirar, orientar e apoiar futuros líderes, particularmente mulheres e jovens líderes em ascensão. A plataforma é acessível a todos, garantindo que líderes em ascensão de diversas origens possam ter acesso a mentoria valiosa, insights de liderança e orientação prática.

Por meio da Plataforma de Mentoria e Liderança, a Dra. Rasha Kelej partilhará os seus 32 anos de conhecimento e experiência para apoiar e orientar indivíduos ambiciosos a desbloquearem o seu potencial oculto, alcançarem os seus objectivos profissionais e pessoais e se tornarem os líderes do amanhã.

Link para a Plataforma de Mentoria e Liderança da Dra. Rasha Kelej: https://apo-opa.co/4uXt5yr

Para maximizar o alcance e o impacto, os artigos estarão disponíveis nos seus canais de mídia social e site. Os links também estarão disponíveis no site e nos canais de mídia social da Fundação Merck, que, juntos, alcançam mais de 9 milhões de seguidores em diversas plataformas.

Falando sobre a sua nova iniciativa, a Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej (aposentada) partilhou: “Além de partilhar ideias sobre liderança, influência e impacto social, vejo esta plataforma como uma jornada de mentoria. Ao longo da minha carreira, tive a sorte de trabalhar ao lado de líderes notáveis ​​em África e noutros continentes, e acredito que o conhecimento e a experiência se tornam verdadeiramente valiosos quando partilhados. Por meio destes artigos, espero apoiar e inspirar futuros líderes, especialmente mulheres e jovens, a acreditarem no seu potencial, desenvolveremas suas habilidades e liderarem com integridade, compaixão e coragem. Esta é a minha contribuição para o desenvolvimento sustentável e o fortalecimento de capacidades: investir nas pessoas, partilhar as lições aprendidas e ajudar a criar uma nova geração de líderes que moldarão um futuro melhor para as suas comunidades e países.”

A Dra. Rasha Kelej tem sido consistentemente reconhecida como uma das 100 Mulheres Africanas Mais Influentes (2019 – Presente). Ela também foi recentemente nomeada uma das Africanas Mais Influentes de 2025 e uma das 100 Vozes Mais Impactantes de 2026.

Ela foi membro do Senado Egípcio (2020-2025).

Ela recebeu o título de Doutora Honoris Causa em Letras (D.Litt) pela Universidade Krishna World pelos seus esforços e dedicação ao empoderamento feminino, à educação de meninas e à transformação do atendimento ao paciente em África e noutros países em desenvolvimento.

Nos últimos 14 anos, a Dra. Rasha Kelej trabalhou em estreita colaboração com mais de 33 Primeiras-Damas Africanas e Asiáticas, Embaixadoras do programa Fundação Merck “Mais do que uma Mãe”, liderando o programa conjunto nos seus respectivos países, bem como com parceiros importantes, incluindo Ministérios da Saúde, Informação, Educação e Género, universidades, decisores políticos, sociedades internacionais de fertilidade, mídia e arte de mais de 52 países.

A Dra. Rasha Kelej criou e continua a liderar diversos programas de grande impacto, incluindo o “Programa de Bolsas de Estudo da Fundação Merck”, por meio do qual mais de 2.600 bolsas foram concedidas a profissionais de saúde de 52 países em 44 especialidades médicas essenciais e carenciadas.

Ela também criou o movimento “Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe” em 2015, uma das campanhas mais impactantes e reconhecidas, que visa empoderar mulheres com infertilidade e sem filhos por meio do acesso à informação, educação, saúde e mudança de mentalidade.

A campanha visa desenvolver capacidade de atendimento de qualidade e equitativo em saúde reprodutiva e fertilidade, combater o estigma da infertilidade, aumentar a conscientização sobre a prevenção da infertilidade e a infertilidade masculina e apoiar a educação de meninas.

A Dra. Rasha Kelej é uma forte defensora da educação de meninas e acredita firmemente que educar meninas é uma das maneiras mais eficazes de transformar comunidades. Por meio do programa Educar Linda da Fundação Merck, bolsas de estudo anuais são concedidas a meninas de alto desempenho, porém carentes. Até o momento, mais de 1.500 bolsas de estudo foram concedidas a meninas africanas de 21 países, cobrindo mensalidades escolares e outras despesas educacionais essenciais, incluindo livros e uniformes, permitindo que elas concluam os seus estudos e alcancem o seu pleno potencial.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Merck Foundation.

Contato:
Mehak Handa
Gerente do Programa de Conscientização Comunitária
Telefone: +91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Para saber mais sobre a trajectória da Dra. Rasha Kelej, visite os seus canais nas redes sociais:
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4fyZJ4z
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4fsqDep
X: https://apo-opa.co/4e7ZZFh
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4ebYfen

Canais de Mídia Social da Fundação Merck:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4efTPTP
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3Q92O0L
X: https://apo-opa.co/4e51iF2
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4urpN5f

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A ExxonMobil e a National Basketball Association (NBA) Africa apresentam um evento interativo de Ciência, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matemática (STEM) e uma clínica da Jr. NBA

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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Hoje, a ExxonMobil e a NBA Africa (www.Africa.NBA.com) realizaram uma Mostra STEM interativa e uma clínica da Jr. NBA para 100 rapazes e raparigas com 16 anos ou menos no Instituto Politécnico Industrial de Luanda (IPIL), como parte da terceira temporada da ExxonMobil Jr. NBA League em Angola.

A terceira época consecutiva arrancou oficialmente em Maio, dando continuidade ao crescimento de um dos programas de desenvolvimento de basquetebol juvenil mais expansivos da NBA no país, abrangendo 40 escolas nas duas províncias de Luanda e Icolo e Bengo; e sete municípios – Camama, Cacuaco, Cazenga, Calumbo, Kilamba, Talatona e Zango. 

O evento reuniu jovens jogadores, parceiros e organizadores para celebrar o impacto contínuo do programa, ao mesmo tempo que realçou o compromisso do programa em combinar o desporto com a educação, utilizando o basquetebol como plataforma para inspirar o interesse pela ciência, tecnologia, engenharia e matemática, a par do desenvolvimento físico. 

O programa chegou a mais de 50.000 jovens desde a primeira época através de programas STEM e de basquetebol, com 10 novas escolas a serem introduzidas este ano.

Entre os participantes destacam-se representantes e executivos da ExxonMobil, da NBA Africa, da ADPP e do Ministério da Educação de Angola, sublinhando a forte colaboração entre os vários impulsionadores da iniciativa.

A época de 2026 da ExxonMobil Jr. NBA League continuará com um calendário estruturado de jogos e atividades de desenvolvimento, com os jogos dos playoffs a decorrerem de 6 de junho a 5 de julho, seguidos das finais no próximo mês. O evento da final também incluirá um acampamento prático STEM, reforçando ainda mais a abordagem holística do programa ao envolvimento dos jovens dentro e fora do campo.

Através da sua parceria contínua com a ExxonMobil e as comunidades locais, a Jr. NBA League está a capacitar jovens com competências essenciais para a vida, como o trabalho de equipa, a disciplina e a liderança, criando ao mesmo tempo percursos significativos para a participação no desporto. À medida que a época avança, espera-se que o programa chegue a milhares de jovens em Luanda e não só, com base na sua missão de inspirar, desenvolver e ter um impacto positivo nas comunidades de Angola.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para National Basketball Association (NBA).

Encontre imagens para a sua utilização.  Crédito: NBA Africa

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Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders: Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej Launches her First Virtual Mentorship and Leadership Platform

Source: APO

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation (https://Merck-Foundation.com), has launched “Beyond Power; Leadership, Global Influence and Impact”, her first virtual Mentorship and Leadership Platform through Substack, creating an accessible resource designed to inspire, guide, and support future leaders, particularly women and young future leaders. The platform is accessible to all, ensuring that aspiring leaders from diverse backgrounds can access valuable mentorship, leadership insights, and practical guidance.

Through the Mentorship and Leadership Platform, Dr. Rasha Kelej will share her 32 years of knowledge and experience to support and guide aspiring individuals in unlocking their hidden potential, achieving their professional and personal goals, and becoming the leaders of tomorrow.

Link to Dr. Rasha Kelej’s Mentorship and Leadership Platform: https://apo-opa.co/4uXt5yr

To maximize the reach and impact, the articles will be available on her Social Media Channels and website. Links will be also available on Merck Foundation Website and Social Media Channels, which combined reaches more than 9 million followers across various platforms.

Speaking about her new initiative, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) shared, “Beyond sharing ideas on leadership, influence, and social impact, I see this platform as a mentorship journey. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work alongside remarkable leaders across Africa and beyond, and I believe that knowledge and experience become truly valuable when they are shared. Through these articles, I hope to support and inspire future leaders, especially women and young people, to believe in their potential, develop their skills, and lead with integrity, compassion, and courage. This is my contribution to sustainable development and capacity building: investing in people, sharing lessons learned, and helping to create a new generation of leaders who will shape a better future for their communities and countries.”

Dr. Rasha Kelej has been consistently recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential African Women (2019 – Present). She was also recently named One of the Most Influential Africans 2025 and One of 100 Most Impactful Voices 2026.

She has been the Member of the Egyptian Senate (2020-2025).

She has been awarded the Doctorate of Letters (D.Litt) Honoris Causa by the Krishna World University for her efforts and commitment towards Women Empowerment, Girl Education and Patient care transformation in Africa and other developing nations.

Over the past 14 years, Dr. Rasha Kelej has worked closely with more than 33 African and Asian First Ladies, who are the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”, leading their joint program in their respective countries, as well as with key partners including Ministries of Health, Information, Education & Gender, Academia, Policymakers, International Fertility Societies, Media and Art from over 52 countries.

Dr. Rasha Kelej has introduced and continues to lead several impactful programs including the “Merck Foundation Scholarships Program”, through which more than 2,600 scholarships have been provided for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

She also created the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” movement in 2015, one of the most impactful and widely recognized campaigns, that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education, health and change of mindset.

The campaign is building quality and equitable Reproductive and Fertility Care capacity, breaking infertility stigma, raising awareness about infertility prevention & male infertility, and Supporting Girl Education.

Dr. Rasha Kelej is a strong advocate for supporting girls’ education and firmly believes that educating girls is one of the most effective ways to transform communities. Through the Merck Foundation Educating Linda program, annual scholarships are provided to high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls. To date, more than 1,500 scholarships have been awarded to African schoolgirls from 21 countries, covering school fees and other essential educational expenses, including books and uniforms, enabling them to complete their education and reach their full potential.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com   

To learn more about the Dr. Rasha Kelej’s journey, visit her Social Media Handles:  
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4fyZJ4z
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4fsqDep
X: https://apo-opa.co/4e7ZZFh
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4ebYfen

Merck Foundation Social Media Handles:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4efTPTP
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3Q92O0L
X: https://apo-opa.co/4e51iF2
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4urpN5f

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ExxonMobil and National Basketball Association (NBA) Africa interactive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Showcase and a Jr. NBA Clinic

Source: APO


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On June 2, ExxonMobil and NBA Africa (www.Africa.NBA.com) held an interactive STEM Showcase and a Jr. NBA clinic for 100 boys and girls ages 16 and under at the Instituto Politécnico Industrial de Luanda (IPIL) as part of the ongoing third season of the ExxonMobil Jr. NBA League in Angola.

The third consecutive season officially tipped off in May, continuing growth of one of the NBA’s most expansive youth basketball development programs in the country, reaching 40 schools across the two provinces of Luanda and Icolo e Bengo; and seven municipalities – Camama, Cacuaco, Cazenga, Calumbo, Kilamba, Talatona and Zango.  

The event brought together young players, partners and stakeholders to celebrate the program’s ongoing impact while highlighting the program’s commitment to combining sport with education, using basketball as a platform to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics alongside physical development. 

The program has reached more than 50,000 youth since the first season through STEM and basketball programming, with 10 new schools being introduced in this year.

Notable attendees included representatives and executives from ExxonMobil, NBA Africa, ADPP and the Angolan Ministry of Education, underscoring the strong multi-stakeholder collaboration driving the initiative forward.

The 2026 ExxonMobil Jr. NBA League season will continue with a structured schedule of games and development activities, with playoff games set to take place from June 6 – July 5, followed by the finals next month.   The finals event will also include a STEM practical camp, further reinforcing the program’s holistic approach to youth engagement both on and off the court.

Through its continued partnership with ExxonMobil and local stakeholders, the Jr. NBA League is empowering young people with essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline and leadership, while creating meaningful pathways for participation in sport.   As the season progresses, the program is expected to reach thousands of youth across Luanda and beyond, building on its mission to inspire, develop and positively impact communities across Angola.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

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Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Welcomes Pandemic Fund’s US$220m Support for Bundibugyo Virus Outbreak Response

Source: APO

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) (www.AfricaCDC.org) has welcomed a US$220.6 million emergency financing package from the Pandemic Fund to support efforts to contain the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak and protect at-risk countries across Central and Eastern Africa.

The financing will facilitate implementation of the joint Africa CDC–World Health Organization (WHO) Continental Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, launched to coordinate efforts to contain the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda and prevent further regional spread.

The Pandemic Fund’s decision follows the declarations by Africa CDC and WHO in May 2026 that the outbreak constituted a major public health emergency requiring urgent, coordinated action. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, has already led to cross-border transmission, underscoring the need for a robust regional response.

“This financing is a major boost to the ongoing efforts of affected countries and partners to bring the outbreak under control while strengthening preparedness across the region,” said Africa CDC Director General Dr Jean Kaseya. “It demonstrates the Pandemic Fund’s deep recognition of the importance of acting early, acting collectively, and investing in national and regional capacities to protect communities from current and future health threats.”

The Pandemic Fund financing complements the US$465 million Africa CDC–WHO Continental Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, which is already being implemented across affected and at-risk countries. The six-month plan focuses on emergency coordination, surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, clinical care, community engagement, logistics, research and support for essential health services.

According to the Pandemic Fund, up to US$175.7 million will be mobilised through the reprogramming of existing projects to support immediate response efforts in affected and high-risk countries, including the DRC, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, Kenya and Ethiopia. A further US$44.9 million will be made available through expedited financing processes to support preparedness and response efforts in Uganda, the Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo.

The financing will support priority actions identified under the Africa CDC–WHO response plan, including strengthening disease surveillance, laboratory systems, health workforce capacity and cross-border coordination. Countries and regional institutions will determine implementation priorities based on identified needs and gaps.

Africa CDC said the financing reflects growing global confidence in a coordinated, country-led response anchored in the principle of one plan, one budget and one team. It urges Member States, partners and donors to maintain momentum behind the continental response and preparedness effort, while continuing to support evidence-based measures that facilitate safe travel and trade, strengthen border health systems and enhance regional cooperation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Media Contact:
Directorate of Communication & Public Information
Communications@africacdc.org

About the Pandemic Fund:
Established in 2022, the Pandemic Fund is the world’s first multilateral financing mechanism dedicated to strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness and response in low- and middle-income countries. Hosted by the World Bank, the Fund supports investments in disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, health workforce development, and emergency response, enabling countries to build stronger, more resilient health systems while reducing the risk and impact of future outbreaks.

About Africa CDC:
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is the public health agency of the African Union. As an autonomous institution, Africa CDC supports AU Member States to strengthen health systems, improve disease surveillance, and enhance emergency preparedness and response. For more information, visit: http://www.AfricaCDC.org and follow Africa CDC on LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/3PLvkpm), X (https://apo-opa.co/4vzoK4g), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4dWEuZp), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/43oGNhH).

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Gautrain marks 16 years of service: Over 216 million passenger trips and counting

Source: Government of South Africa

Gautrain marks 16 years of service: Over 216 million passenger trips and counting

Gautrain today marks 16 years since its official launch on 8 June 2010, reaffirming its position as one of South Africa’s most successful and transformative public infrastructure investments.

Since inception, the rapid rail network has recorded more than 216 million passenger trips, firmly establishing itself as a critical part of Gauteng’s transport system and a symbol of modern, efficient mobility in the province.

Launched just days ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Gautrain has grown from a landmark mega-project into a permanent feature of daily life, connecting people to work, education, business, leisure and economic opportunity.

The Gautrain operates an 80-kilometre rail network across 10 stations, supported by an integrated bus and midi-bus feeder system that extends access to thousands of passengers daily. 

“The system continues to play a key role in easing congestion and improving mobility in one of Africa’s largest economic hubs,” the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) said on Monday.

Over the past 16 years, Gautrain has expanded beyond rail transport through innovation and strategic partnerships. These include its pioneering collaboration with the minibus taxi industry through the Gautrain Midi-bus Service, as well as the establishment of smart Driver’s Licence Testing Centres at selected stations.

In line with its commitment to inclusive mobility, Gautrain introduced the KlevaMova affordability product just over a year ago.

“The initiative provides qualifying passengers with a 50% discount on train fares, targeting individuals from households earning R350 000 or less annually, as well as scholars, pensioners, and SASSA [South African Social Security Agency] disability grant recipients. 

“KlevaMova now accounts for approximately 11% of total Gautrain passenger trips, reflecting strong demand for accessible and affordable public transport,” the GMA said.

Gautrain Management Agency Board Chairperson, Professor Mfanelo Ntsobi, said the system represents a long-term national investment in infrastructure that continues to deliver value.

“Gautrain stands as a lasting legacy of what South Africa can achieve when it invests boldly in infrastructure that serves people for generations. It is more than a transport system — it is a catalyst for economic activity and sustainable mobility, connecting people to opportunities every day.”

Ntsobi said as Gautrain enters its next chapter, the Gautrain Management Agency is overseeing a “seamless transition” to a new concessionaire, ensuring uninterrupted service and preserving the high standards of safety, reliability and operational excellence that passengers have come to expect. 

READ | Gautrain to continue operating under PPP model

“Gautrain will continue to operate as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), a model that has underpinned its success over the past 16 years and established it as one of South Africa’s leading infrastructure projects and a recognised example of effective public-private collaboration,” said Ntsobi.

The Gautrain is now 100% owned by the Gauteng Provincial Government. The province fully paid off the initial construction debt and took complete ownership of the multibillion-rand asset after the original PPP with the private consortium Bombela Concession Company ended. 

Sixteen years on, Gautrain continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of mobility in Gauteng. 

“As the province grows, the system remains focused on delivering safe, reliable, and efficient transport that connects people to opportunity and supports long-term economic development,” the GMA said. – SAnews.gov.za

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