Category: MIL-OSI

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Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets Several Officials

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, September 22, 2025

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, met separately with HE Foreign Minister of Colombia, Rosa Yolanda Mapy; HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Chadians Abroad of the Republic of Chad Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul; HE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe Prof. dr. Amon Murwira; HE Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs of the US, Michael Kozak; HE EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process Christophe Bigot; and HE Member of the House of Lords in the United Kingdom, Lord Tariq Ahmad, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The discussions focused on cooperation relations, ways to support and enhance them, and issues of mutual interest.

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Smarter Mobility Africa to Announce its 2026 Host City Partner at CoMotion GLOBAL in Riyadh, 7-9 December 2025

Source: APO

Smarter Mobility Africa (https://apo-opa.co/3VvGbD6), the continent’s flagship platform for transport and mobility transformation, has announced a strategic partnership with CoMotion GLOBAL, a leading international summit for sustainable, connected, and autonomous mobility.

As part of this collaboration, Smarter Mobility Africa will officially announce its 2026 Host City at CoMotion GLOBAL in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (7–9 December 2025). This milestone will be accompanied by an exclusive Africa Mobility Leaders Lunch, spotlighting the innovation and ambition of African cities and mobility leaders on the world stage.

“This isn’t just about the future of mobility in Africa – it’s about Africa’s role in shaping the future of global mobility,” Ben Pullen, Group Director for Mobility at VUKA Group, the organisers of Smarter Mobility Africa

 “Partnering with CoMotion GLOBAL gives us a global platform to elevate African voices, share innovation, and invite the world to engage with one of the fastest-growing mobility markets.”

John Rossant, CEO of CoMotion GLOBAL shared

“African cities represent one of the most dynamic, fast-moving mobility landscapes in the world today. We’re incredibly excited to partner with Smarter Mobility Africa to bring the continent’s top mobility leaders to Riyadh and foster the international partnerships needed to scale solutions.”

With over 3,000 leaders from 75+ countries expected in Riyadh – including representatives from OEMs, cities, infrastructure firms, and tech providers – this partnership places African cities at the centre of the global mobility conversation.

Why This Matters

Africa is undergoing a profound mobility transformation – from electrification and digitalisation to public transport reform and infrastructure innovation.

Smarter Mobility Africa brings together the boldest public and private leaders from across the continent to rethink how people and goods move.

This new collaboration ensures that Africa’s stories, innovations, and opportunities are seen and supported globally.

It also builds on the momentum from South Africa’s G20 Presidency and recent U20 engagements hosted by the City of Tshwane and City of Johannesburg, reinforcing the role of cities in driving urban innovation and sustainable development. H.E. Dr. Nasiphi Moya, the Mayor of Tshwane, will be present in Riyadh for CoMotion GLOBAL, along with other African city mayors.

At CoMotion GLOBAL, Smarter Mobility Africa will:

  • Announce its 2026 Host City Partner – the next African city to champion the continent’s transport transformation.
     
  • Host the Africa Mobility Leaders Lunch – gathering ministers, mayors, and CEOs to deepen collaboration.
     
  • Facilitate global partnerships – connecting African stakeholders with international OEMs, tech firms, financiers, and multilateral institutions.

Smarter Mobility Africa 2025

Before the highlight anticipated CoMotion GLOBAL in Riyadh in December, the 2025 edition of Smarter Mobility Africa will be taking place on 30 September – 2 October in Sandton, South Africa.

Smarter Mobility Africa 2025 will feature a high-level Opening Ceremony, a three-track conference programme, international exhibitions, interactive workshops, Mobility Investment Project pitches, site visits, and the Women in Mobility programme – all hosted in Johannesburg’s dynamic Sandton district.

Programme Highlights Include

  • Fleet Electrification – Scaling EVs, buses, and charging infrastructure across cities and fleets
  • Public Transport – Strengthening formal and informal networks with better contracts and smarter funding
  • Mobility Investment Projects – Live pitching of bankable solutions for cities, operators, and financiers
  • Data & Payments – Digitising public transport through real-time insights and cashless payment systems
  • Minibus & Bus Reform – Digitalising and integrating to unlock new mobility business models
  • Women in Mobility Programme – Empowering diverse leadership across Africa’s mobility sector

30 SEPT: Workshops | 1–2 OCT: SMA Summit (Main Event)
Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa https://apo-opa.co/3VvGbD6

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Additional Information:
Website: https://apo-opa.co/3VvGbD6

For video interview with John Rossant Ben Pullen click here:
https://apo-opa.co/3W3kbzr

For media assets, artworks, logos and more information click here:
https://apo-opa.co/47SpCsl 

For all media and press inquiries, contact:
Marketing Manager
Timothy Adrigwe
Timothy.Adrigwe@wearevuka.com
+27 (76) 496-0199

Follow and connect with SMA:
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4mr8U73
X: https://apo-opa.co/46pqDWc
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/46DLd5D
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3KzEa6k

About Smarter Mobility Africa:
Smarter Mobility Africa brings together Africa’s boldest public and private leaders to rethink how people and goods move. With a mission to accelerate sustainable, inclusive, and scalable mobility solutions across the continent, SMA convenes city authorities, transport operators, startups, investors, and OEMs at its flagship summit in Johannesburg, alongside curated leadership events and year-round content. https://apo-opa.co/3VvGbD6

About CoMotion GLOBAL:
Held in Riyadh, CoMotion GLOBAL is the world’s premier gathering for the future of mobility. With over 3,000 attendees, 200+ speakers, and delegations from 75+ countries, it brings together global mayors, transport ministers, technologists, and investors to explore the next wave of integrated, sustainable, and autonomous mobility. https://CoMotionGLOBAL.com

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Zikalala to address skills development outreach 

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Addressing critical skills shortages in the built sector will be at the crux of a skills development outreach programme.

Thursday’s session in Ndwedwe, outside Durban, is expected to be addressed by Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala.

To be held under the theme: “Investing in Youth: Skills, jobs and business opportunities for tomorrow,” the outreach will focus on entrepreneurship opportunities and development, provide career guidance to learners while sharing skills development opportunities to out of school youth.

Deputy Minister Zikalala will outline investment opportunities and initiatives that the department has undertaken to create much needed business opportunities for the youth.

Several industry leaders who will also share information about the property and built industry, will join the Deputy Minister. –SAnews.gov.za

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KZN orders audit of private scholar transport

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has ordered an urgent audit of private scholar transport across the Umgungundlovu District following another accident in Pietermaritzburg that left four learners injured.

The crash occurred in Northdale, Pietermaritzburg on Monday, 22 September 2025, when a speeding minibus taxi driver lost control of his vehicle and slammed into guardrails. The driver has been reported to have fled the scene of a crash.

This is the third incident in Pietermaritzburg in less than two weeks.

In a statement, Duma condemned the incidents, describing as “virtual impunity” enjoyed by some scholar transport operators who routinely flout traffic rules.

“Clearly, some scholar transport drivers and operators in Pietermaritzburg are enjoying virtual impunity for the violation of traffic rules. As the Department of Transport, we are left with no option but to take drastic action to deal with this anarchy,” Duma said.

Duma has instructed the department to collaborate with all municipalities under Umgungundlovu District to conduct a comprehensive audit of private scholar transport.

He said the process will also involve the Department of Education, school governing bodies, the South African National Taxi Council, and other key stakeholders to ensure learner transport remains safe and uninterrupted.

The MEC also raised concerns about the issuing of fraudulent roadworthiness certificates to minibus taxis that are clearly unfit for the road.

“In this regard, we will work with the Vehicle Testing Association (VTA). As announced last week, we have agreed to work together to isolate elements that are operating vehicles without roadworthy certificates and to ensure that those issuing fraudulent certificates are arrested,” Duma said.

Other areas of collaboration with the VTA involve the introduction of reforms such as:
•    Strengthen legislation governing the taxi and scholar transport industry, with clear provisions on driver vetting, vehicle standards, and operational oversight.
•    Enforcing stricter compliance and accountability measures across the province, supported by transparent reporting and independent audits.
•    Require biannual Certificates of Roadworthiness for all heavy passenger vehicles, replacing the current annual requirement.
•    Ensure that all minibuses are inspected within the KZN province at accredited municipal or private testing facilities, and in alignment with their designated route permits. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The world ‘must act now’ to prevent further Gaza suffering – President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the global community to act urgently to stop the genocide perpetrated by Israel in Gaza, and for humanitarian assistance for the people of the Middle Eastern country.

The President was addressing the High-Level Meeting on the Two-State Solution at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday.

“This is a matter of great significance, not only for the people of Palestine, not only for the people of Israel, but for all people who cherish the ideals of freedom and self-determination.

“The international community must act now and in unison. It must act not only in the interests of international peace and security, but also to protect people whose very existence is now under threat.

“We welcome the demonstrable groundswell of support for the establishment of the much-awaited State of Palestine,” President Ramaphosa said.

Furthermore, the President called for collaboration for a “just, peaceful and lasting solution” to the conflict.

“The viability of a two-State solution depends on full and universal respect for international law.

“It requires the immediate and full implementation of resolutions of the United Nations, as well as the Provisional Measures and Advisory Opinions of the International Court of Justice.

“All States, including the State of Israel, must comply with our collective obligations under international law,” he asserted.

To restore the prospect of a two-State solution, South Africa calls for:

  • Global recognition of Palestine and its sovereignty and territorial integrity;
  • An immediate ceasefire; an end to the genocide and the release of hostages by Hamas and political prisoners by Israel;
  • Full respect for international law, including UN resolutions and opinions and decisions of the International Court of Justice;
  • Removal of obstacles to the two-State solution, including a halt to illegal settlements and removal of the separation wall, and
  • Restoration of humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza.

Urgent action

President Ramaphosa expressed “grave concern” at reports that Gaza has reached acute starvation, with residents facing famine.

“South Africa joins calls for unhindered and expanded humanitarian access, encompassing all air, land and sea borders, to allow for vital aid and basic services to reach those living in Gaza.

“This is a conflict that has raged for almost as long as the United Nations has existed.

“It will be a blight on our collective conscience if self-determination, sovereignty and human rights continue to be denied to the Palestinian people,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa urges global cooperation for a just ocean transition

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa has urged world leaders to put cooperation at the centre of building a sustainable ocean economy, warning that the future of trade, energy security and livelihoods depends on how nations manage the seas today.

Speaking at the High-Level Ocean of the Future meeting at the United Nations in New York on Monday, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said South Africa is ready to work with G20 partners to drive an ocean economy that is “environmentally sustainable, socially just, inclusive, and a true driver of resilience”.

With South Africa holding the G20 Presidency in 2025, under the theme: ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’, George stressed that a just transition cannot be separated from the sustainable use of ocean resources.

“Ecological gains must be pursued alongside reducing inequality and exclusion. Fisheries, aquaculture and tourism must evolve equitably, supporting small-scale fishers and coastal communities, creating jobs in eco-tourism and aquaculture, and protecting marine biodiversity,” he said.

The Minister highlighted Marine Spatial Planning as a key tool to balance competing uses of the ocean, while protecting ecosystems. South Africa’s priorities include tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, expanding marine protected areas, and promoting sustainable aquaculture.

George also underlined the ocean’s central role in global trade and energy security, noting South Africa’s efforts to unlock opportunities in marine transport, aquaculture, tourism and offshore resources, “while embedding sustainability through stronger governance”.

As Chair of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment, South Africa is advancing cooperation in the Western Indian Ocean to safeguard shipping routes against piracy, IUU fishing, illegal dumping and cyber threats.

The Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment is a regional framework for maritime security cooperation signed in 2017 by 17 signatory States in the North-Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. It expands upon the original Djibouti Code of Conduct, broadening its scope from just piracy and armed robbery to include other illicit activities like human trafficking, IUU fishing and maritime terrorism.

On the domestic front, George said South Africa is also focusing on other activities such as greening of ports, improving efficiency, and promoting low-carbon shipping. 

“Together with the Africa Blue Economy Strategy, these efforts show that secure and sustainable maritime transport is the backbone of trade security and a shared responsibility of governments and business.

“South Africa’s Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan provides a national framework that integrates resilience, sustainability and equity. It mainstreams adaptation across planning, ensures access to marine resources for vulnerable groups, and aligns closely with UN Global Compact Principles 7 to 9 and the G20 agenda,” George said.

The plan promotes precautionary and technology-driven adaptation, elevates coastal resilience from a domestic priority to a global issue, and underscores the need for scaled-up climate finance, technology transfer and coordinated policy. 

“Predictable finance is essential so that municipalities and communities can access the resources they need to strengthen early warning, invest in resilient infrastructure, and protect ecosystems.

“The UN Global Compact has a critical role. By embedding its Ten Principles into business practice, and aligning innovation with public purpose, the compact helps ensure that finance, technology and markets serve people and planet, not profit alone,” George said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Neway Valve Strengthens West Africa Presence with MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 Sponsorship

Source: APO


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Chinese industrial manufacturer Neway Valve has joined the upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition as a Bronze Sponsor. Taking place in Dakar from December 9-10, the event unites regional energy ministers, global investors and project developers to explore opportunities across the oil, gas, power and renewable energy sectors. 

Neway Valve supplies equipment to major international oil companies such as TotalEnergies and Shell, offering subsea, control, safety and wellhead valves. Its presence at this year’s event reflects the increasing role of international service providers in unlocking new oil, gas and power opportunities across West Africa. 

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasandPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com. 

The company’s sponsorship comes as the region marks a series of significant milestones in energy development. In Senegal, energy major bp announced the first LNG cargo from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (https://apo-opa.co/4nGfrLV) (GTA) project in April 2025, signaling the country’s entry into the global LNG market. GTA phase one is set to produce 2.3 million tons per annum (mtpa), with an additional phase targeting over 5 mtpa. 

Meanwhile, Senegal is continuing with the development of the offshore Yakaar-Teranga gas project (https://apo-opa.co/3In11l5), which aims to expand gas-to-power generation and LNG exports in the country. What’s more, the Sangomar oil field, which came online in 2024, has already exceeded expectations, producing 16.9 million barrels in its first year compared to an initial forecast of 11.7 million. 

In Guinea-Conakry, large-scale energy diversification is underway, creating opportunities for international technology providers. The country is finalizing a 22-block licensing round (https://apo-opa.co/4gBXgEM) that includes both on- and offshore assets, while the $300 million LNG terminal (https://apo-opa.co/48Aw2MO) at the Port of Kasmar is expected to support both imports and exports. 

As hydrocarbons continue to underpin long-term growth in Mauritania, Neway Valve is primed to enter new markets in the MSGBC region as the country advances the BirAllah gas development – one of Africa’s largest untapped resources with 80 trillion cubic feet of reserves. Planned production of up to 10 mtpa of LNG by 2030 positions Mauritania as a future global gas hub. Additionally, the country’s adoption of Africa’s first dedicated hydrocarbon code further reinforces its attractiveness to international operators. 

“Neway Valve’s participation as a Bronze Sponsor reflects the rising role of international technology providers in advancing hydrocarbon developments across the MSGBC region. Their expertise supports the safe and efficient delivery of critical projects,” states Sandra Jeque, Project Director, Energy Capital & Power. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Stable and Transparent Regulatory Frameworks: Key to Unlocking Africa’s Energy Investment Potential

Source: APO


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With Africa requiring up to $240 billion annually to meet its energy and climate goals, attracting investment is more crucial than ever. A consistent theme emerging across the continent is the need for stable and transparent regulatory frameworks to foster investor confidence and drive sustainable development. Such frameworks provide the clarity and consistency investors need, directly influencing the flow of capital into the energy sector.

In markets like Nigeria, the introduction of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021 has been a significant step toward creating a more transparent and investor-friendly environment. The PIA aimed to overhaul the country’s oil and gas sector by unbundling the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and establishing clearer governance structures. Fiscal incentives were introduced to attract both domestic and foreign investment, and a host community fund was established to ensure that local populations benefit from energy projects. While the full potential of the PIA remains to be realized, Nigeria has attracted over $17 billion in FDI into its oil and gas sector since its enactment, signaling a positive response from the investment community.

In Angola, recent amendments to its General Electricity Law in July 2025 mark a pivotal step toward liberalizing the country’s electricity sector. These reforms aim to promote private sector involvement, enhance operational efficiency and support Angola’s energy transition. By breaking the monopoly of the state-owned electricity transmission company and introducing competitive market mechanisms, Angola seeks to create a more attractive environment for investors. Similarly, Angola’s oil and gas sector has seen targeted regulatory reforms designed to unlock its full potential. The introduction of the Incremental Production Initiative through Presidential Decree 8/24 in November 2024 has led to over $60 billion in investments committed for disbursement over the next five years. These reforms include fiscal incentives and a renewed focus on transparency, aiming to position Angola as a regional petroleum hub.

Conversely, in South Africa, the absence of clear and consistent regulatory processes has led to legal challenges that deter investment. In August 2025, the Western Cape High Court rescinded environmental permits granted to Shell and TotalEnergies for offshore oil exploration, citing inadequate environmental impact assessments and insufficient public consultation. This decision underscores the necessity for transparent and inclusive regulatory processes in gaining public trust and avoiding costly legal disputes.

These examples highlight a critical reality: without stable and transparent regulatory frameworks, even the most promising energy markets can falter. Investors seek environments where rules are clear, consistently applied, and where their investments are protected from arbitrary changes and legal uncertainties.

This year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference, scheduled from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town, presents a pivotal opportunity to address these challenges. AEW 2025 will convene key regulatory and policy leaders from across the continent to discuss strategies for enhancing investment climates through improved regulatory frameworks. The event aims to foster dialogue between governments, investors and civil society to promote transparency, accountability and sustainability in energy governance. By highlighting successful case studies and addressing challenges head-on, AEW 2025 seeks to chart a path toward a more resilient and investor-friendly African energy sector.

“The future of Africa’s energy sector depends on the establishment of stable and transparent regulatory frameworks. While reforms like Angola’s recent legislative changes offer a foundation, their success hinges on consistent implementation and institutional support. Simultaneously, lessons from other markets emphasize the need for inclusive and transparent processes to build public trust and attract investment. Events like AEW 2025 are instrumental in bringing together stakeholders to collaborate on creating enabling environments that foster sustainable energy development across the continent,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About AEW: Invest in African Energies:
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

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Cassava Technologies and Accenture Accelerate Sovereign Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cloud Adoption across Africa

Source: APO

Cassava Technologies (Cassava) (www.CassavaTechnologies.com), a global technology leader of African heritage, has agreed a strategic collaboration with Accenture (NYSE: ACN) to scale Cassava’s sovereign AI capability across Africa.  

Accenture will leverage its AI Refinery™ (https://AIRefinery.Accenture.com) platform and other technologies to design and deliver sovereign AI solutions utilising Cassava’s GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS), housed in Cassava’s secure data centre facilities, accelerated with NVIDIA AI infrastructure. The solutions will enable Cassava’s existing and potential customers to process AI workloads and data within national borders in alignment with local requirements and regulations.  

Cassava will begin in South Africa and later expand into Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria. This phased rollout is in line with Cassava’s expansions planned at its other data centre facilities across Africa. Cassava will leverage the company’s pan-African high-speed, ultra-low-latency, fibre broadband network, which interconnects the company’s energy-efficient data centres to power AI computing workloads. 

“AI is opening up exciting new opportunities for sparking innovation, advancing competitiveness and driving growth across Africa,” said Mauro Macchi, CEO of Accenture for Europe, Middle East and Africa. “With our deep, global experience in sovereign cloud and AI, Accenture will help Cassava deliver secure, scalable sovereign AI solutions and reimagine its operations. Together, we will enable organizations across the African continent to adopt AI with confidence and unlock new ways to create value.” 

“With our GPUaaS, Cassava will drive the continent’s AI revolution by allowing businesses to access compute power based on their individual needs. This is our commitment to ensuring Africa has the infrastructure and access it needs to compete in the AI era – AI isn’t just a technology story; it’s a nation-building story with inclusion at its centre,” said Ahmed El Beheiry, CEO of Cassava AI. “Collaborating with Accenture allows us to leverage their global expertise in building a sovereign AI cloud capability designed for the African market. This partnership will strengthen data governance, drive practical AI adoption across key industries, and ensure that we provide African solutions for African challenges.” 

Through this collaboration, the two companies will integrate the context, languages, and cultural nuances of the region into these AI solutions, ensuring that the solutions/services are relevant and impactful for African enterprises across key sectors such as financial services, mining, telecommunications, agriculture, and healthcare. This localised approach will not only strengthen compliance and trust but also ensure that the technology reflects the realities of the markets it serves, enabling businesses to innovate in ways that are meaningful and sustainable. 

Cassava will invest in the infrastructure and platform build-out to ensure readiness for commercialisation, with a focus on scalability, security, and compliance, thereby reinforcing its broader commitment to responsible AI adoption, innovation and productivity growth in Africa. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Cassava Technologies.

About Accenture:
Accenture is a leading global professional services company that helps the world’s leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth and enhance citizen services—creating tangible value at speed and scale. We are a talent- and innovation-led company with approximately 791,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Technology is at the core of change today, and we are one of the world’s leaders in helping drive that change, with strong ecosystem relationships. We combine our strength in technology and leadership in cloud, data and AI with unmatched industry experience, functional expertise and global delivery capability. Our broad range of services, solutions and assets across Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X and Song, together with our culture of shared success and commitment to creating 360° value, enable us to help our clients reinvent and build trusted, lasting relationships. We measure our success by the 360° value we create for our clients, each other, our shareholders, partners and communities. Visit us at www.Accenture.com. 

About Cassava Technologies:
Cassava Technologies is a global technology leader of African heritage providing a vertically integrated ecosystem of digital services and infrastructure enabling digital transformation. Headquartered in the UK, Cassava has a presence across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the United States of America. Through its business units, namely, Cassava AI, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Liquid C2, Africa Data Centres, and Sasai Fintech, the company provides its customers’ products and services in 94 countries. These solutions drive the company’s ambition of establishing itself as a leading global technology company of African heritage. www.CassavaTechnologies.com

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KZN cracks down on drunk driving as arrests climb

Source: Government of South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has reaffirmed its commitment to improving road safety and ensuring that the province’s transport networks do not become a playground for reckless drivers and criminals.

This follows a surge in drinking and driving arrests, with more than 293 motorists apprehended since 15 August, including 93 over the past weekend alone.

Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, commended the dedication and efficiency of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and acknowledged the strong support received from law enforcement partners.

“We value the enduring partnership with Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who deployed the South African Police Service. Traffic officers from eThekwini Metro, Umsunduzi, Kokstad and Ladysmith augmented our operations.

“We remain encouraged by contributions from private security companies such as KZN VIP Protection, Blue Security, Marshal Security, and many others; too many to mention,” Duma said.

Over the weekend alone, 33 drunk motorists were arrested in Kokstad, 24 in Durban (Umhlanga), 20 in Pietermaritzburg, and 16 in Ladysmith.

Duma also acknowledged the encouragement received from civil society, including ratepayers’ associations, non-governmental organisations, and members of the public, who have expressed support on social media for the province’s tough stance on drinking and driving.

“Importantly, we wish to single out Jacques Poupard of the Umhlanga Ratepayers & Residents Association (URRA), Julian Pillay, the National Director of the Vehicle Testing Association, and many others.

“Our Zero Tolerance, No Nonsense, and Alufakwa Campaign will continue to target suburbs, city centres, townships, and many other areas. We do want to make sure that criminal groups and individuals do not use our road networks to cause public disturbance or to commit crimes anywhere in the province,” Duma said.

Fifth learner from Pietermaritzburg scholar transport crash dies

Meanwhile, the death toll from the recent scholar transport accident in Imbali, Pietermaritzburg, has risen to five after a Grade 9 learner succumbed to her injuries.

Fifteen-year-old Nomalanga Ndawonde, a learner at Zibukezulu High School, passed away at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital after suffering severe brain injuries.

She was among the learners who survived when a Toyota Siyaya minibus taxi experienced brake failure while descending T22 Road in Unit 18, Imbali Township. The vehicle veered off the road, struck a tree, and crashed into Senzokuhle Pre-School.

Duma expressed heartfelt condolences to the Ndawonde family, noting that the department has dispatched a support team to assist the family during this difficult period.

“We were nursing hope that she was going to survive and rejoin her Grade 9 classmates. Sadly, she has left us,” Duma said.

He added that an integrated response team, including Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane, Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka, Umgungundlovu District Mayor Mzi Zuma, Umsunduzi Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla, and local councillors, has been mobilised to assist affected families and schools.

Four other learners who died in the crash have been laid to rest. – SAnews.gov.za