Category: MIL-OSI

Posted on

Coca-Cola system invests USD1.65 million in support of water security

Source: APO – Report:

Watersheds critical to water security in Nairobi and surrounding communities are set for restoration thanks to an investment in Kenya of USD1.65 million by the Coca-Cola system (www.CCBAGroup.com).

The project in the Upper-Tana and Mid-Galana basins encompasses agroforestry systems designed to benefit the supply of key water reservoirs for Nairobi and rainwater harvesting in groundwater recharge areas for Mzima Springs.

In collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and local community-based organisations, this initiative aims to replenish water supplies as well as plant thousands of indigenous trees along riparian zones to enhance water quality.

Furthermore, the aim is to contribute to the transformation of degraded farmlands and rangelands through sustainable land management practices, with hundreds of farm ponds installed, and fruit orchards planted to improve food security and offer potential alternative livelihoods for local communities.

The project forms part of the Coca-Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative that was announced last year by the Africa Operating Unit of the Coca-Cola organisation and its authorised bottlers, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company (ECCBC) and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC). It includes a nearly USD25 million investment to help address critical water-related challenges in local communities in 20 African countries by 2030. The work will be led by the Global Water Challenge (GWC) and implemented by a consortium of partners, including The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

“As we face increasing water insecurity worldwide, with demand surpassing supply in many regions including Africa, Coca-Cola is actively working to help accelerate efforts to address water stress, protect local water resources, and build community climate resilience,” said Alfred Olajide, Vice President-Franchise Operations, East and Central Africa at Coca-Cola Central, East and West Africa Limited.

Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya (CCBK) General Manager James Bowmaker said: “CCBK, as part of CCBA, has a responsibility to assist those who face water scarcity and to help protect local water resources where we operate, especially in places with the biggest challenges. The Coca-Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative aims to help protect and enhance the health of important watersheds and to help improve access to water and sanitation services in local communities.”

Ruth Masha, Kenya Country Director at TNC added: “We are proud to be one of the implementing partners for this project, aimed at protecting and restoring our watersheds through nature-based solutions and improving water security for millions across the African continent. We are collaborating with local communities and our grassroots partners – the Upper Tana-Nairobi Water Fund Trust, Green Generation Initiative and Jumuiya Water Fund – as we work towards a sustainable future for people and nature in Africa.”

“Recognising that partnerships are critical to support this work, Coca-Cola and its authorised bottlers are collaborating with governments, businesses, and civil society organisations to design and implement strategic interventions,” concluded Olajide.

– on behalf of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.

Contact:
Paul Victor Oloo
Senior Manager, Communications
Coca-Cola East and Central Africa Franchise
Tel: +254 740 137 268
Email: poloo@coca-cola.com

Eric Githua
Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Director
Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya
Tel: +254 206 998 000
Email: Egithua@ccbagroup.com

Follow Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA):
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4prLYav

Follow The Coca-Cola Company:
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3JZQOeP
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3VdUyM0
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/46yNn7A

Follow The Nature Conservancy (TNC):
X: @ nature_africa (https://apo-opa.co/3JSN0Mt)

About Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA):
CCBA is the eighth largest Coca-Cola authorised bottler in the world by revenue, and the largest on the continent. It accounts for over 40% of all Coca-Cola ready-to-drink beverages sold in Africa by volume. With over 17,000 employees in Africa, CCBA group services more than 800,000 customers with a host of international and local brands. CCBA group operates in 14 countries: South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi and the islands of Comoros and Mayotte.

Learn more at www.CCBAGroup.com

About The Coca-Cola Company:
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company’s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Fuze Tea, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.Coca-ColaCompany.com.

About The Nature Conservancy (TNC):
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters, and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably, and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 76 countries and territories—37 by direct conservation impact and 39 through partners—we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.Nature.org.

About Global Water Challenge:
Global Water Challenge (GWC) is a sector leader in mobilizing clean water access, advancing water security and community empowerment in high need regions around the world. Since 2005, GWC has positively impacted more than 3 million people across Africa, the Americas and Asia with improved WASH delivery while providing critical tools, data and best practices to reach millions more. With our 100+ multi-sector partners, we engage for action – catalyzing financial resources and driving innovative programming for sustainable, local solutions. For more information, please visit www.GlobalWaterChallenge.org.

Media files

.

Posted on

CEO da Fundação Merck mantém encontro com Primeira-Dama do Gabão e 13 Primeiras-Damas Africanas e Ásiáticas na Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A Fundação Merck  (www.Merck-Foundation.com), braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha, realizou a 7ª Edição da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI 2025 recentemente. A Cimeira foi aberta pelo Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Presidente do Conselho de Curadores da Fundação Merck, e Senadora, Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck & Presidente da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck e por S. Exª. Senhora ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, Primeira-Dama da República do Gabão e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe”, bem como pelas  Primeiras-Damas de Angola, Cabo Verde, Gabão, da Gâmbia, Gana, Quénia, Libéria, Maldivas, Moçambique, Nigéria, São Tomé & Príncipe, Senegal e Zimbabwe.

A Senadora, Dra. Rasha Kelej exprimiu: “Foi um grande prazer manter encontro com a minha querida irmã S. Exª. Senhora ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, Primeira-Dama da República do Gabão e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe” durante a Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI 2025. Juntos, começamos a oferecer bolsas de estudo para jovens médicos nas áreas de Oncologia e Diabetes. Este é apenas o começo dos nossos esforços para transformar o cenário da saúde pública no país, e continuaremos a ampliar o número de bolsas de estudo.”

A Senhora ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, Primeira-Dama da República do Gabão e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe” disse: “A nossa parceria com a Fundação Merck, embora iniciada apenas no ano passado, em 2024, já começou a gerar resultados significativos. Juntos, embarcamos em iniciativas destinadas a aprimorar a capacidade de atendimento à saúde e enfrentar desafios sociais e de saúde críticos no Gabão. Começamos a inscrever os nossos médicos locais no programa de bolsas de estudo. Além disso, também estamos a implementar o impactante programa Educar Linda, atarvés do qual oferecemos anualmente bolsas de estudo a 20 meninas de alto desempenho que são carentes, garantindo que elas possam continuar os seus estudos até a formatura. Este programa é particularmente importante para mim, pois cada uma dessas meninas agora terá a oportunidade de seguir a carreira de sua escolha e dos seus sonhos.”

Assista ao Discurso da Primeira-Dama do Gabão e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe durante a Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck 2025 aqui: https://apo-opa.co/42s0jcS

No segundo dia da Cimeira, foi realizada a reunião do Comité da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI entre as Primeiras-Damas Africanas e a CEO da Fundação Merck, onde as Primeiras-Damas Africanas e Asiáticas compartilharam os relatórios de impacto dos programas da Fundação Merck nos seus respectivos países, bem como discutiram a futura estratégia.

““A Fundação Merck sempre acreditou na importância do desenvolvimento de capacidade em saúde e vem trabalhando para isso desde 2012. Até o momento, já concedemos 2.280 bolsas de estudo a médicos de 52 países em 44 especialidades médicas carentes. Em breve, inscreveremos mais médicos do Gabão em diversas especialidades médicas, em parceria com a Primeira-Dama e o Ministério da Saúde do Gabão“, acrescentou a Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej.

A Merck Foundation, juntamente com o Gabinete da Primeira-Dama do Gabão, realizou recentemente o seu primeiro programa de treinamento em mídia da saúde com o objectivo de desenvolver a capacidade de representantes da mídia local para aumentar a conscientização sobre questões sociais e de saúde críticas, como o fim da violência do género e da mutilação genital feminina, apoio à educação de meninas e o empoderamento das mulheres e abordando desafios de saúde como a diabetes e a hipertensão.

A Fundação Merck, em parceria, com a Primeira Dama do Gabão, também anunciou a abertura de candidaturas para os seus 8 importantes prémios de jornalismo, canção, moda, cinema, para estudantes e novos talentos com potencial nessas áreas.

Além disso, em parceria com a Primeira Dama do Gabão, a Fundação Merck também lançou sete livros de histórias infantis, “Mais do Que uma Mãe”, “Educar Linda”, “Resgate da Jaqueline”, “Não É Quem És”, “Viagem ao Futuro”, “Jude Sem Açúcar”, e “Pressão de Mark”. Os livros de histórias lançados em língua francesa abordam diversas questões sociais e de saúde, como o combate ao estigma da infertilidade, apoio à educação de meninas, combate à violência de género e conscientização sobre a diabetes e a hipertensão.

A 7ª Edição da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas foi stransmitida em directo nos canais das redes sociais da Fundação Merck e da Senadora, Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck:

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3Vch0VW), X (https://apo-opa.co/4ns6hCS) , Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/46yAXMQ), e YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3K13KRs).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4noYqWv), X (https://apo-opa.co/3IhetH2), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4nkP2mM), e YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3K1w7Pr).

Link para a transmissão em directo no YouTube da Sessão de Abertura do Painel de Alto Nível das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação  : https://apo-opa.co/4piMirL

Fundação Merck está a transformar o cenário de atendimento ao paciente e fazer história junto com os seus parceiros em África, Ásia e além, através de:

Mais de 2.280 bolsas de estudo fornecidas pela Fundação Merck para médicos de 52 países em mais de 44 especialidades médicas críticas e carentes.  

A Fundação Merck também está a criar uma mudança cultural e quebrar o silêncio sobre uma ampla gama de questões sociais e de saúde em África e em comunidades carentes através de:

Mais de 3.700 profissionais da mídia de mais de 35 países treinados para aumentar a conscientização sobre diferentes questões sociais e de saúde

8 prémios diferentes lançados anualmente para a melhor cobertura da mídia, designers de moda, filmes e músicas

Cerca de 30 músicas abordando questões sociais e de saúde, por cantores locais de toda a África

8 livros de histórias infantis em três línguas: inglês, francês e português

7 filmes de animação de conscientização em cinco línguas: inglês, francês, português, espanhol e Swahili para conscientizar sobre a prevenção e a detecção precoce da diabetes e da hipertensão e apoiar a educação de meninas.

Programa televisivo pan-africano “Nossa África da Fundação Merck” aborda questões sociais e de saúde em África através da comunidade “Moda e ARTE com Propósito”

Mais de 950 bolsas de estudo oferecidas a estudantes africanas de alto desempenho, mas carentes, para empoderá-las a concluir os seus estudos

15 canais de mídia social com mais de 8 milhões de seguidores

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

Participe da conversa nas nossas plataformas de mídia social abaixo e deixe sua voz ser ouvida!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3Vch0VW
X: https://apo-opa.co/4ns6hCS
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3K13KRs
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/46yAXMQ
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4nk1Xp0
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/3VevzZ3
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com

Sobre Fundação Merck:
A Fundação Merck, criada em 2017, é o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha e visa melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar das pessoas e impulsionar suas vidas por meio da ciência e da tecnologia. Nossos esforços concentram-se principalmente em melhorar o acesso a soluções de saúde de qualidade e equitativas em comunidades carentes, fortalecer a capacidade em saúde e pesquisa científica, empoderar meninas na educação e empoderar pessoas em STEM (Ciência, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matemática), com foco especial em mulheres e jovens. Todos os comunicados de imprensa da Fundação Merck são distribuídos por e-mail ao mesmo tempo em que são disponibilizados no site da Fundação Merck.  Visite www.Merck-Foundation.com para ler mais. Siga as redes sociais da Fundação Merck: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3Vch0VW), X (https://apo-opa.co/4ns6hCS), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/46yAXMQ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3K13KRs), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4nk1Xp0) e Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3VevzZ3).

A Fundação Merck dedica-se a melhorar os resultados sociais e de saúde de comunidades carentes. Embora colabore com diversos parceiros, incluindo governos, para alcançar os seus objectivos humanitários, a fundação permanece estritamente neutra em questões políticas. Não se envolve nem apoia quaisquer actividades, eleições ou regimes políticos, concentrando-se exclusivamente na sua missão de elevar a humanidade e promover o bem-estar, mantendo uma postura estritamente apolítica em todos os seus esforços

Media files

Baixar .tipo

Posted on

Opening remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the meeting between the National Executive and the North West Provincial Executive Council, Rustenburg

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director, Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa,
Premier of the North West, Mr Lazarus Mokgosi,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Members of the Executive Council (MECs),
Executive Mayors and members of councils,
Officials,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning,
 
As the National Executive, we are pleased to be in the North West.
 
This is our seventh formal engagement with a provincial executive.
 
We have previously met with the Executive Councils of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and, most recently, the Northern Cape.
 
We hope to have met with the leadership of the remaining two provinces, Free State and Western Cape, by the end of this financial year.
 
The Constitution mandates cooperative governance.
 
As the Government of National Unity, we see this as an important part of building a capable, ethical and developmental state.
 
One of the driving forces behind the District Development Model that we established in 2019 was to ultimately do away with three persistent challenges.
 
The first of these is the challenge of working in silos, which has contributed to a disjointed approach by national, provincial and local spheres of Government.
 
The second challenge is what I have termed on a previous occasion as ‘parachuted development’.
 
Here, I am referring to the approach of initiating, scoping and budgeting for projects and programmes without proper project preparation and consultation with relevant stakeholders and, most importantly, the affected communities.

The third challenge has been how projects are funded in the wake of the fiscal challenges our country is going through. The DDM was initiated to enhance co-operation amongst all stakeholders. In addressing the challenge of funding projects we need to identify innovative ways of funding many projects. This we can do through more effective co-operation amongst all stakeholders.
 
These challenges have contributed to projects not being initiated nor implemented, when they are implemented being dogged by huge cost over-runs, projects being discontinued, and communities losing interest in development that does not materialise.
 
These challenges have contributed to a trust deficit between Government and communities.
 
These two challenges have been holding back our progress as a country.
 
Today’s engagement is designed to narrow and ultimately close these gaps.
 
This engagement is meant to help us work together more efficiently, to resolve challenges together and to plan smarter.
 
We hope that this engagement will come up with innovative ideas and lead to tangible action to address problems and challenges.
 
Chairperson,
 
While the provincial executive and municipalities should be commended for growing public infrastructure in this Province, challenges remain.
 
Communities are bearing the brunt of instability at local government level.
 
Municipalities have repeatedly been placed under administration, the Ditsobotla Local Municipality being the most recent of these.
 
The National Executive, working with the Provincial Government, is determined to arrest the current situation and turn the municipality around so that it once again delivers consistent services and enjoys the respect of communities.
 
We were all elected to serve the people and not our own interests.
 
Failure to deliver services is an infringement of the basic rights of citizens.
 
Let me address the issue of running water as an example.
 
No one should go more than a day without running water while there is a deafening silence from the municipal offices about when water will be restored.
 
We must remind ourselves of the National Treasury’s 2024 provincial socio-economic review which points to an increase in the percentage of people living in poverty.
 
It also points to a drop in the number of households with access to basic services like water.
 
We need to recognise that fiscal constraints are holding back a number of projects and programmes, particularly at a municipal level.
 
But nothing can excuse poor governance, maladministration, financial mismanagement, wastage and corruption.
 
If a municipality is put under administration, we need to know what the elected representatives and municipal officials are doing to earn their salaries.
 
The impact of tariffs and other developments on the country’s economy mean that we must intensify our efforts to deliver on the Government of National Unity’s three strategic priorities.
 
These priorities are to drive inclusive growth and job creation; to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living; and to build a capable, ethical and developmental state.
 
These priorities must find expression in plans for action at both provincial and local government.
 
We need to unlock the blockages in establishing a Special Economic Zone in Moses Kotane Municipality, reintroduce the use of railway routes, and expand the airports in Mahikeng and Pilanesberg.
 
We need an urgent relook at the current delivery model to enable more efficient regulatory approval and investment activation.
 
With regard to infrastructure development, we will need to find ways to support high impact projects in the four corridors and elsewhere in the Province.
 
We need to seize on the great opportunities that exist to develop agriculture, tourism and manufacturing in this Province.
 
These are among the issues that we will deliberate on today.
 
Premier Mokgosi, working together with your Executive Council and the municipal leadership here, I am confident that we can drive development in the Platinum Province.
 
In this effort, no person, no community and no industry should be left behind.
 
Once again thank you all for your attendance. I look forward to our discussions.
 
I thank you.

Posted on

Health Ombudsman Conference highlights healthcare as a human right

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, September 12, 2025

The Office of the Health Ombudsman has convened its inaugural two-day conference, which started on Thursday, 11 September 2025, at the Emperors Palace Conference Centre in Kempton Park, Gauteng.

The Health Ombudsman Conference 2025 coincides with the observance of World Patient Safety Day, underscoring the Ombudsman’s commitment to ensuring the quality and safety of healthcare services for all users.

Held under the theme: “Health and Healthcare as a Human Right,” the biennial gathering brings together healthcare professionals, policymakers, regulators, academics, and civil society. 

The event promises to deliver a high-quality and impactful event, featuring discussions that will focus on healthcare as a constitutional right. 

Participants will share insights on strengthening oversight to create a health system that is accessible, fair, and accountable.

The session features in-depth open dialogue sessions and presentations that focus on various factors affecting access to safe and quality healthcare services. 

In addition, discussions cover the contribution of the private healthcare industry and funders towards achieving universal access to healthcare in South Africa.

Health Ombudsman, Emeritus Professor Taole Mokoena, said the conference serves as a vital platform to reflect on South Africa’s progress, challenges, and opportunities in ensuring that healthcare is recognised, not as a privilege, but as a fundamental human right. 

“Our goal is to foster collective commitment to a patient-centred health system that upholds dignity, fairness, and justice,” he said. 

The inaugural conference reaffirms the Health Ombudsman’s mandate to safeguard the public’s right to health, promote a safe and ethical healthcare service, and drive continuous improvement in the quality of care across the healthcare system. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Government awaits court decision on export quotas

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, September 12, 2025

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has decided not to set the 2024-2025 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) export quotas for African Elephant, Black Rhinoceros and Leopard hunting trophies, at this stage.

This follows an ongoing legal case brought by Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA), currently before the Gauteng High Court, which challenges aspects of the quota-setting process.

CITES is an international agreement between governments that aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

In the context of CITES, an annual export quota is a limit on the number or quantity of specimens of a particular species that may be exported from the country concerned within a 12-month period

In a statement on Friday, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment explained that the Minister’s decision aims to protect the integrity of the process and ensure legal certainty while the matter is before court.

“The department will therefore await the outcome of the court proceedings before taking further steps. Once a judgment has been delivered, the Minister will consider the court’s ruling and decide on the way forward in line with South Africa’s conservation objectives and its obligations under CITES.

“The department remains committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that future quota decisions are scientifically sound, legally compliant, and support both conservation and sustainable use.” – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Government boosts initiatives to tackle youth unemployment, Mashatile

Source: Government of South Africa

Government is currently implementing several collaborative initiatives to tackle youth unemployment, focusing on improving labour market functioning through skills training, work experience, entrepreneurship support, and wage subsidies.

This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who was responding to oral questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday. 

“The rate of unemployment in our country is indeed a concern to all of us,“ he said.

Mashatile explained that government is utilising labour-intensive programmes, such as the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), Public Employment Programmes, and the Community Work Programme (CWP), to provide temporary employment and income support, especially to unemployed youth in sectors like infrastructure, environment, and social services.

To this end, Cabinet approved Phase V of the EPWP in February 2024, aiming to create five million work opportunities between April 2024 and March 2029, with an estimated five-year budget of R178 billion.

“This programme intends to address youth unemployment by providing young people access to jobs in mass projects such as road maintenance, inclusive of pothole repairs, public infrastructure development, public space beautification, waste management, and social services.“

Meanwhile, through the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), chaired by Mashatile, government collaborates with social partners, including business, labour, and civil society, to develop and implement a collective response to youth unemployment.

Speaking as Chairperson of the HRDC at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg last month, the Deputy President cited Statistics South Africa figures, which revealed that more than 3.5 million young people aged between 15 and 24 are disconnected from both the labour market and the education system.

Research from the South African Labour Development Research Unit at the University of Cape Town also highlighted the heterogeneous nature of the unemployed youth. 

According to data, more than half of unemployed youth not in employment, education and training have been searching for work for over a year, underscoring the systemic barriers they face in securing a foothold in the labour market. 

In addition, through the National Skills Development Plan and the National Skills Fund, Deputy President Mashatile said government works with social partners, the private sector, and educational institutions to equip youth and marginalised groups with market-relevant skills to boost job creation initiatives.

Last month, South Africa launched the official Jet Skills Desk, National Jet Skills Advisory Forum, and Multi-Donor Initiative.  

These joint initiatives are designed to provide leadership and coordination for a demand-driven skills development agenda, empowering disadvantaged and marginalised groups to access employment and entrepreneurship in the green economy.

In addition, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with the Department of Defence, has conceptualised the South African National Defence Force-led National Youth Service Programme. 

The programme aims to empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities to become emerging industrialists in agriculture, energy security, aerospace, maritime, the digital economy, and defence sectors.

“As government, we are committed to moving from fragmented efforts to an integrated national programme that encompasses skills development, economic opportunity, workplace experience, entrepreneurship support, soft skills, and civic education to foster resilience and adaptability,” Mashatile added. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Zululand schools benefit from new education resources

Source: Government of South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has handed over critical education resources to schools in the Zululand District, reinforcing the province’s commitment to improving learning outcomes and strengthening education infrastructure.

Ntuli, accompanied by Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka, visited uPhongolo Local Municipality on Thursday, 11 September 2025, where he officially opened new facilities and delivered resources aimed at addressing long-standing challenges in schools.

At Siqalukubona Secondary School, the Premier unveiled a new science laboratory worth R810 000, designed to improve the teaching of mathematics and science.

The facility will provide learners with practical skills and prepare them for tertiary studies and future careers in science, technology, and innovation.

Ntuli also handed over two mobile classrooms and a vehicle worth R1 million to Siphosethu Special School, a move set to ease overcrowding, improve accessibility, and support mobility needs for learners with special educational requirements.

These initiatives follow the launch of two state-of-the-art schools in Newcastle last month, underscoring the provincial government’s ongoing investment in education despite financial pressures.

In his address, Ntuli reaffirmed that the government’s focus remains on delivering quality and inclusive education that inspires new hope and ensures that no learner is left behind.

“Every investment we make in education is an investment in the future of KwaZulu-Natal. These facilities are about more than bricks and mortar — they are about restoring dignity, creating opportunity, and building a province where every child, regardless of background, has a fair chance to succeed,” Ntuli said.

Operation Sukuma Sakhe engagements

Meanwhile, as part of Operation Sukuma Sakhe under the District Development Model (DDM), the Premier has engaged with communities in the Ugu District Municipality.

The programme on Wednesday started with a community dialogue at KwaDweshula village, where residents shared pressing issues affecting them.

The dialogue provided an opportunity for citizens to raise concerns directly with provincial leadership, and to contribute to solutions for local challenges.

The Premier also visited community gardens, which play an important role in boosting food security, alleviating hunger, and improving household nutrition in the area, while empowering communities through sustainable agricultural practices.

In Umzumbe Local Municipality, Ntuli met with community safety structures to discuss crime prevention strategies and ways to strengthen partnerships between communities and law enforcement.

The day concluded with the main Operation Sukuma Sakhe event at Shibase Sports Field.

The event brought together government leaders, including community representatives, and stakeholders to strengthen cooperation on service delivery, safety, and local development.

Ntuli reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to working directly with communities to resolve challenges and improve livelihoods.

“Operation Sukuma Sakhe continues to serve as a vital platform for inclusive governance, ensuring that the people of KwaZulu-Natal are active participants in shaping the future of their province,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Phaahla hails Lenacapavir as HIV prevention breakthrough in SA

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, has hailed long-acting injectables such as Lenacapavir as a game-changer poised to revolutionise HIV prevention, especially for adolescent girls, young women, and key populations.

South Africa has secured approximately R520 million from the Global Fund to combat AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, which will be used to procure the twice-yearly anti-HIV injection.

Phaahla stated that modelling studies and expert guidance show that investing in combination HIV prevention strategies is the most cost-effective and efficient approach to reducing new infections and connecting individuals to comprehensive care.

“We believe that HIV combination prevention interventions will ensure that we protect gains and successes made thus far in the HIV response. 

“Furthermore, prevention technologies such as long acting injectables, including Lenacapavir, expand options for individuals at risk.” 

He thanked the Global Fund and other partners for selecting South Africa as one of the early adopter countries for Lenacapavir implementation as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option.

Lenacapavir tablets and injections can be used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to help reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are HIV-negative.

The Deputy Minister was speaking at the 12th South African National AIDS Conference 2025.

The conference brought together leaders, researchers, implementing partners, academics and advocates from South Africa, the continent and other countries to address the evolving landscape of combating HIV and its management.

Phaahla said the conference took place during a period when the country is dealing with the realities of the United States’ funding withdrawals. 

“I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge your resilience and unwavering commitment to ensuring minimal service-delivery interruptions in relation to recipients of care.

“This became more than a conference, but a platform for renewing our collective commitments to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.” 

He emphasised the importance of technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, in strengthening the HIV response by accelerating prevention and treatment services, improving surveillance, and enhancing programme management.

Phaahla is of the view that these technologies should be implemented with strong governance and privacy protections. 

“I need to be clear that utilisation of these technologies is never intended to replace the human element in healthcare, but to enhance our response.” 

Phaahla said TB and HIV co-infection remains the leading cause of death for people living with HIV. 

In February this year, the department launched the ‘Close the Gap’ campaign to find 1.1 million clients who disengaged from treatment. 

“I, therefore, call on all sectors involved in the campaign to ramp up our efforts to ensure clients are reengaged, start and stay on treatment.”

Government, he said, has also expanded TB preventive therapy, rolled out new rapid molecular diagnostics, and strengthened integrated service delivery to ensure no one is lost between TB and HIV programmes. 

“We, therefore, need to intensify our End TB campaign launched in March 2025 by ensuring that the five million tests are done for the TB missing clients.” 

He called delegates to unite in purpose and empower every person with tools, dignity, and opportunity. 

“Let us redefine health, not as a set of vertical programmes, but as a shared journey toward wellness, inclusion, and justice. 

“The future is not distant. We are building it now, for mothers, fathers, children, and generations to come. 

“Together, we will end AIDS, eliminate its co-travellers, and write a new chapter of health equity in South Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Capture the bigger picture with the widest Canon Cine-Servo lens yet

Source: APO

Canon Europe (www.Canon-Europe.com) today announces the expansion of its cinema lens range with the launch of its widest-ever Cine-Servo lens.. With its ultra-wide 11mm focal length and expansive 100-degree angle of view, the Canon CN5x11 IAS T R1/P1 is a flexible choice for confined studio setups and dynamic live events, where framing both the subject and setting is essential. Available in either RF or PL mount, the new lens features the latest e-Xs V Digital Drive Unit for superior control and functionality. 

At approximately 3kg, the CN5x11 IAS T R1/P1 is the most lightweight lens in Canon’s Cine-Servo lineup – ideal for gimbals, cranes, robotics and wire cams. Camera operators shooting shoulder-mounted will also appreciate its reduced weight. 

“With the CN5x11 IAS T R1/P1‘s diverse capability and balanced build, this super-wide 8K Cine-Servo lens offers exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness and image quality, with mobility for broadcast professionals,” says Canon Europe’s Product Marketing Specialist Mark Fensome. “Thanks to the built-in 1.5x Extender, this lens is highly versatile – either extending the range when used on a Super 35mm camera or enabling compatibility with Full Frame cameras. It delivers a shallow depth of field that lends a more cinematic look to live production and newsgathering, as well as high-end documentaries and dramas.” 

Thanks to its removable servo unit, the CN5x11 IAS T R1/P1 can be easily configured for live sports and events or cinema. It is the second Cine-Servo lens to be equipped with Canon’s next-generation e-Xs V Digital Drive Unit, which offers more precise and ergonomic servo control, a more responsive iris and USB-C connectivity. 

The CN5x11 IAS T R1/P1 is available in RF or PL mount, further enhancing its versatility. In PL mount, the lens supports Cooke /i Technology™ and ZEISS eXtended Data™ for real-time output of metadata, while the RF mount variant brings additional capabilities – including Dual Pixel CMOS AF support for fast and smooth autofocus, plus advanced lens correction data. 

Key features of the CN5x11 IAS T R1/P1: 

  • Widest Canon Cine-Servo lens, with an 11-55 mm focal length and 100-degree angle of view  
  • Super 35mm lens with Full Frame support (via built-in 1.5x extender) 
  • Approx. 3kg in weight, providing comfortable on-the-shoulder shooting and extensive rigging flexibility 
  • Premium 8K HDR optical quality with 11-blade iris 
  • Removable, latest generation e-Xs V digital drive unit, featuring a high resolution 16-bit absolute value encoder with advanced servo control, focus breathing correction and improved ergonomics 
  • RF or PL mount communication with real-time metadata output, supporting virtual production systems and VFX workflows; RF mount also supports lens distortion correction and Canon’s advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF system 
  • Versatile design for diverse broadcast and cinematic production 

For more information about the CN5x11 IAS T R1/P1, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/46Am9xm

Distributed by APO Group 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) (www.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/4mbdeXO)– ‘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: www.Canon-CNA.com 

Media files

.

Posted on

Government urges calm amid water challenges in JHB

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, September 12, 2025

Government has called for calm amidst protests over persistent water supply challenges in Westbury and Coronationville, Johannesburg. 

In a statement on Thursday, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) acknowledged the seriousness of the communities’ concerns and said work is underway to implement a long-term, sustainable solutions to ensure reliable water supply to the affected communities.

The City of Johannesburg, through Joburg Water, has announced medium-to-long term measures aimed at sustainably addressing the water challenges. 

These include measures to mitigate against the strain caused by low water levels in some of the reservoirs supplying the affected areas, and work by Joburg Water to complete and commission the new Brixton reservoir and tower by the end of October 2025. 

Joburg Water is also working on stabilising the system by managing demand with the aim to improve reservoir levels.

Government has directed the City of Johannesburg to implement immediate interim measures to address the current water supply challenges.

“Communities are urged to allow these measures to be carried out without disrupting the workers, as any interference will delay their implementation,” the GCIS said.

While government respects the right of communities to raise their grievances through protests as enshrined in Section 17 of the Constitution, the department emphasised that residents have the responsibility to exercise this right peacefully and without damage to property. 

“The destruction of infrastructure and acts of violence only delay the very solutions that communities are demanding,” the GCIS said. – SAnews.gov.za