Category: MIL-OSI

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Botswana Deepens Angola Partnership as Minister Bogolo Kenewendo Joins Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026

Source: APO


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Bogolo Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals and Energy of Botswana, has joined the upcoming Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 Conference and Exhibition, taking place September 9-10 in Luanda with a pre-conference day scheduled for September 8. Her participation comes as the two countries expand bilateral cooperation across refining, fuel security and mineral development, reflecting a broader regional push toward integrated African energy and mining value chains.

As a landlocked and import-reliant economy, Botswana has increasingly prioritized long-term fuel security through regional infrastructure partnerships. Angola’s refining ambitions – anchored by the Lobito refinery project – have emerged as a strategic opportunity as the country seeks to diversify supply routes and reduce exposure to external fuel market volatility. In April 2026, Minister Kenewendo visited the construction site of the refinery alongside her Angolan counterpart Diamantino Azevedo. The parties discussed a possible strategic partnership in oil refining and investment in the facility.

Currently under development in Benguela, the Lobito Refinery will be Angola’s third facility once operations commence in 2027. With a capacity of 200,000 barrels per day, it will also be the country’s largest, providing a much-needed boost to domestic refining. While construction is commencing, Angola is currently seeking $4.8 billion in investment to fill the financing gap for the facility, highlighting a strategic opportunity for regional neighboring seeking alternative fuel supplies.

Beyond refining, Botswana and Angola have taken steps to strengthen cooperation within the mineral industry. As Africa’s biggest diamond producers, the countries face similar challenges, including the rise of lab-grown alternatives. Both countries are also vying for a stake in De Beers and have recently joined the World Federation of Diamond Bourses as National Affiliate members, signaling a new phase in southern Africa’s push to integrate more deeply into the global diamond trading ecosystem. These moves following a meeting held between the ministers in November 2025. Minister Azevedo travelled to Botswana to engage in discussions on mineral cooperation.

Against this backdrop, AOG 2026 will serve as a critical platform to advance dialogue and cooperation between Angola and Botswana. The conference has increasingly evolved beyond a traditional oil and gas event, positioning itself as a broader platform for discussions around regional infrastructure, refining, mining, energy security and industrial development.

Minister Kenewendo’s participation underscores the growing convergence between the energy and mining sectors across Southern Africa, particularly as countries pursue integrated strategies focused on industrialization, supply chain security and intra-African trade. As Angola and Botswana deepen cooperation across refining and minerals, the event provides an opportunity to translate bilateral discussions into commercially viable regional initiatives that strengthen long-term energy and industrial resilience across Southern Africa.

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

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A SunTrust Atlantic Energies apresenta a sua estratégia de expansão no Delta do Níger na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 como Patrocinadora Ouro

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A SunTrust Atlantic Energies, sediada na Nigéria, participará na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 como Patrocinadora Ouro, reforçando o perfil crescente da empresa como uma das operadoras upstream locais mais ativas do Delta do Níger. Agendado para 12 a 16 de outubro na Cidade do Cabo, o evento deverá proporcionar à SunTrust Atlantic uma plataforma para apresentar a sua campanha de perfuração, estratégia de infraestruturas e ambições de crescimento regional em toda a África Ocidental e no Golfo da Guiné.

Tendo-se consolidado como o principal evento de investimento energético de África, a AEW 2026 reunirá operadores, financiadores, decisores políticos e empresas de serviços para promover o desenvolvimento de projetos e o acesso à energia em todo o continente. A participação da SunTrust Atlantic surge num momento em que as empresas independentes nigerianas aproveitam cada vez mais os incentivos fiscais introduzidos ao abrigo da Lei da Indústria Petrolífera para expandir serviços, acelerar a produção e reforçar a propriedade da infraestrutura local em bacias terrestres maduras.

A SunTrust Atlantic acelerou a atividade a montante através de uma campanha de perfuração plurianual centrada no campo de Umusadege na OML 56, na zona continental do Estado do Delta. Em fevereiro do ano passado, a empresa e o seu parceiro de joint-venture, a Midwestern Oil & Gas, iniciaram as operações de perfuração no poço de desenvolvimento Umu-C2, visando reservatórios mais profundos e inexplorados para compensar o declínio natural da produção nas zonas maduras do campo.

O poço Umu-C2 foi concebido como um poço de desenvolvimento ligeiramente desviado, visando todas as areias petrolíferas primárias dentro da culminação central de Umusadege. Planeado para atingir uma profundidade total de 10 859 pés, o poço faz parte de uma estratégia de reabilitação mais ampla lançada em 2024 para sustentar a eficiência da produção e melhorar a recuperação a longo prazo do reservatório em todo o ativo onshore estruturalmente complexo.

A SunTrust Atlantic mantém atualmente uma média de produção de referência de aproximadamente 10 000 barris de petróleo por dia (bpd) do campo de Umusadege através de 20 colunas de produção em 17 poços ativos. Desde o início da produção comercial, o campo produziu mais de 54,1 milhões de barris de petróleo bruto. O ativo contém 13 reservatórios de hidrocarbonetos de múltiplos horizontes conhecidos, que requerem programas intensivos de interpretação sísmica e perfuração direcional.

A par do OML 56, a SunTrust Atlantic está a avançar com o desenvolvimento do campo de Egbolom ao abrigo da licença de prospeção petrolífera 202, obtida durante a ronda de licitações de campos marginais da Nigéria de 2020. A empresa detém uma participação de 35,82% no ativo, que foi separado do antigo bloco OML 23. Estima-se que o campo contenha 220 milhões de barris de petróleo inicialmente no local e aproximadamente 85 milhões de barris de reservas 2P recuperáveis.

A posição da empresa em termos de infraestruturas de oleodutos continua a ser um importante fator de diferenciação entre as empresas independentes do Delta do Níger. A SunTrust é coproprietária do oleoduto Umugini, com 51,4 km, uma linha de transporte de crude de 12 polegadas com uma capacidade nominal de 100 000 bpd. O oleoduto liga o campo de Umusadege à rede de linhas principais da Shell Nigéria em Eriemu, permitindo o transporte de crude através dos terminais de exportação de Forcados e Brass ao abrigo de acordos de terminal duplo.

«A participação da SunTrust Atlantic Energies na African Energy Week 2026 reflete a força e a ambição crescentes das operadoras nigerianas locais que impulsionam a expansão do setor upstream do continente. O seu investimento contínuo no crescimento da produção, na propriedade de infraestruturas e na reabilitação demonstra exatamente o tipo de desenvolvimento energético liderado por africanos que a AEW foi criada para defender», afirma NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da African Energy Chamber.

Olhando para o futuro, a SunTrust Atlantic está a posicionar-se para capitalizar o quadro fiscal revisto da Nigéria ao abrigo da Lei da Indústria Petrolífera, que oferece incentivos fiscais e de royalties para operadores de campos marginais. A empresa planeia fazer a transição de Egbolom de uma licença de processamento para uma licença de exploração petrolífera de longo prazo, utilizando simultaneamente o fluxo de caixa da produção de Umusadege e a infraestrutura de escoamento existente para apoiar futuras iniciativas de perfuração, expansão de estações de fluxo e otimização de ativos regionais.

Orama irá presidir à sessão sobre financiamento energético na cimeira de financiamento energético da AEW.

Acme – empresa criada pela Afrexim – Orama é o presidente da Acme.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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SunTrust Atlantic Energies présente sa stratégie d’expansion dans le delta du Niger à African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 en tant que sponsor Or

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Basée au Nigeria, SunTrust Atlantic Energies participera à l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 en tant que sponsor Gold, renforçant ainsi la visibilité croissante de l’entreprise en tant que l’un des opérateurs en amont locaux les plus actifs du delta du Niger. Prévu du 12 au 16 octobre au Cap, cet événement offrira à SunTrust Atlantic une tribune pour présenter sa campagne de forage, sa stratégie en matière d’infrastructures et ses ambitions de croissance régionale en Afrique de l’Ouest et dans le golfe de Guinée.

Devenu le principal événement africain dédié à l’investissement énergétique, l’AEW 2026 réunira des opérateurs, des financiers, des décideurs politiques et des entreprises de services afin de faire progresser le développement de projets et l’accès à l’énergie sur tout le continent. La participation de SunTrust Atlantic intervient alors que les indépendants nigérians tirent de plus en plus parti des incitations fiscales introduites par la loi sur l’industrie pétrolière pour étendre leurs services, accélérer la production et renforcer la propriété locale des infrastructures dans les bassins terrestres matures.

SunTrust Atlantic a accéléré ses activités en amont grâce à une campagne de forage pluriannuelle centrée sur le champ d’Umusadege dans l’OML 56, à terre dans l’État du Delta. En février de l’année dernière, la société et son partenaire de coentreprise Midwestern Oil & Gas ont lancé les opérations de forage sur le puits de développement Umu-C2, ciblant des réservoirs inexploités plus profonds afin de compenser le déclin naturel de la production dans les zones matures du champ.

Le puits Umu-C2 a été conçu comme un puits de développement légèrement dévié ciblant tous les sables pétifères primaires au sein de la culmination centrale d’Umusadege. Prévu pour atteindre une profondeur totale de 10 859 pieds, ce puits s’inscrit dans une stratégie de réaménagement plus large lancée en 2024 afin de maintenir l’efficacité de la production et d’améliorer la récupération à long terme du réservoir sur cet actif onshore à la structure complexe.

SunTrust Atlantic maintient actuellement une production de référence moyenne d’environ 10 000 barils de pétrole par jour (bpj) sur le champ d’Umusadege grâce à 20 colonnes de production réparties sur 17 puits actifs. Depuis le début de la production commerciale, le champ a produit plus de 54,1 millions de barils de pétrole brut. L’actif contient 13 réservoirs d’hydrocarbures multi-horizons connus nécessitant des programmes intensifs d’interprétation sismique et de forage directionnel.

Parallèlement à l’OML 56, SunTrust Atlantic poursuit le développement du champ d’Egbolom dans le cadre de la licence de prospection pétrolière 202, obtenue lors du cycle d’appel d’offres 2020 du Nigeria pour les champs marginaux. La société détient une participation de 35,82 % dans cet actif, qui a été dissocié de l’ancien bloc OML 23. Le gisement contiendrait initialement 220 millions de barils de pétrole en place et environ 85 millions de barils de réserves 2P récupérables.

La position de la société en matière d’infrastructures de pipelines reste un facteur de différenciation majeur parmi les indépendants du delta du Niger. SunTrust est copropriétaire de l’oléoduc Umugini, long de 51,4 km, une conduite d’évacuation de brut de 12 pouces d’un débit nominal de 100 000 barils par jour. L’oléoduc relie le champ d’Umusadege au réseau de conduites principales de Shell Nigeria à Eriemu, permettant l’évacuation du brut via les terminaux d’exportation de Forcados et de Brass dans le cadre d’accords de double terminal.

« La participation de SunTrust Atlantic Energies à l’African Energy Week 2026 reflète la force et l’ambition croissantes des opérateurs nigérians locaux qui sont le moteur de l’expansion en amont du continent. Leurs investissements continus dans la croissance de la production, la propriété d’infrastructures et le réaménagement illustrent parfaitement le type de développement énergétique mené par l’Afrique que l’AEW a été créée pour promouvoir », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie.

Pour l’avenir, SunTrust Atlantic se positionne pour tirer parti du cadre fiscal révisé du Nigeria en vertu de la loi sur l’industrie pétrolière, qui offre des incitations fiscales et des redevances aux opérateurs de champs marginaux. La société prévoit de faire passer Egbolom d’une licence de traitement à une licence d’exploitation pétrolière à long terme, tout en utilisant les flux de trésorerie provenant de la production d’Umusadege et des infrastructures d’évacuation existantes pour soutenir les futurs forages, l’extension des stations de pompage et les initiatives d’optimisation des actifs régionaux.

Orama présidera le volet « finance énergétique » du sommet sur la finance énergétique organisé dans le cadre de l’AEW.

Acme – société créée par Afrexim – Orama est le président d’Acme.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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KZN Finance encourages Public-Private Partnership approach for Ugu water project

Source: Government of South Africa

KZN Finance encourages Public-Private Partnership approach for Ugu water project

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Finance Francois Rodgers has urged the Ugu District Municipality to consider adopting a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the proposed Cwabeni Bulk Water Supply Upgrade Project.

In a letter addressed to Ugu District Mayor, Sikhumbuzo Mqadi, Rodgers underscored the strategic importance of the project in strengthening water infrastructure and improving service delivery across the district.

The proposed Cwabeni Bulk Water Supply Upgrade Project is aimed at improving bulk water supply capacity in the district. Once implemented, the project is expected to improve reliable access to water for communities, support local economic development, and contribute to sustainable long-term service delivery.

Rodgers described the Ugu District Municipality as a vital partner within the local government sphere in advancing infrastructure development that directly benefits communities.

“Public-Private Partnerships allow us to bring together public oversight and private-sector expertise to fast-track delivery. For the people of Ugu, this means improved access to reliable water, better infrastructure, and services delivered in an efficient and sustainable manner,” Rodgers said.

He added that PPPs play a critical role in building a capable and ethical state by strengthening accountability, improving performance, and ensuring value for money in public infrastructure investments. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Minister welcomes increase in tourist arrivals

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister welcomes increase in tourist arrivals

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has welcomed the increase in international tourism arrivals in the month of April 2026 which is the highest increase the country has seen since the start of the year.

“This is our highest monthly year-on-year increase since the start of the year. This means that despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has led to global flight disruptions and ticket fare price increases South Africa has not only defended its markets but has also grown in some regions, “Minister de Lille said on Wednesday.

According to Statics South Africa’s monthly International Tourism Report, which was released on Wednesday, the month of April recorded 989 329 tourist arrivals marking a 19.5% increase when compared to the same period last year.

Inbound travel from Singapore increased by 70.5% (938 arrivals) in April 2026 while arrivals from Brazil increased by 37.5% (5 953 arrivals).

The total number of arrivals from January 2026 to April 2026 increased by 14.1% year-on-year, to 3 899 358. This is an additional 482 935 increase in international arrivals when compared to Jan-April 2025.

The Minister said that in July Brazilian carrier LATAM airline will launch three weekly direct flights between São Paulo and Cape Town. 

“The airline was initially scheduled to launch these flights in September but has brough the date forward due to increased demand. Meanwhile, on 24 June 2026 Spanish carrier, Air Europa will launch its inaugural direct flight between Madrid and Johannesburg,” said the Minister.

According to the report, overseas tourists constituted 18.4% (181 796) of all tourists. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Marion Island overwintering team returns to SA

Source: Government of South Africa

Marion Island overwintering team returns to SA

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has welcomed the 2025/26 Marion Island overwintering team back to South Africa, after his instruction for their urgent evacuation after delays affecting the departure of the SA Agulhas II relief voyage. 

The team comprises experts from various disciplines, including meteorology, engineering, medicine, and communications. Each member plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of South Africa’s Antarctic research programme. 

“While the temporary closure of the base is unfortunate following the emergency evacuation, my team and I felt it was important to prioritise the safety and well-being of our people. That is why I ordered the evacuation and it was worth it,” Aucamp said on Wednesday.

The delays were caused by the unavailability of crucial fuel products that are blended with normal diesel and used to produce the special polar diesel required to keep the base running in extremely low outside temperatures that would otherwise crystallise normal diesel. 

The vessel was authorised to sail on “Ice Mode”, which is the use of maximum speed to reach Marion Island as quickly as possible. 

Owing to the importance of the research and environmental management programmes being undertaken at the base, Minister Aucamp has confirmed that the department is working hard to get the base back up and running, with a full team and adequate supplies. 

It is hoped that this can be achieved within two to three weeks, depending on a couple of factors, including safe weather conditions that allow helicopter operations at the base.

During the engagement with the team, the Minister thanked the overwintering team and their families for their patience and support during the past couple of weeks, after which he and the Director-General, Nomfundo Tshabalala, handed out certificates to the whole team.

“Now that we have secured the well-being of our people, we will work to restart the systems at the base, undertake repairs, restock the food and fuel supplies, while also initiating various interventions to mitigate against future risks during all voyages to the three South African remote scientific bases,” the Minister said.

To start with, the department has secured an 18-month supply of polar diesel so that the base has a sufficient contingency of fuel. 

“We are also looking into the procurement of a large fuel depot facility where this polar fuel could be stored, not only for our own use, but also for the potential use of other countries that operate polar bases. 

“South Africa remains committed to its Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research programme, which contributes significantly to climate science, biodiversity conservation, oceanographic research, and global environmental monitoring,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Bafana Bafana send-off dinner ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director,
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
President of the South African Football Association, Dr Danny Jordaan,
Representatives of football organisations present,
Head Coach, Mr Hugo Broos,
Members of the national squad,
Members of the technical team,
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me the greatest pleasure to welcome you all here this evening. 

We gather here to declare boldly and with great pride:

Bafana Bafana has done it. Bafana Bafana is back. 

Stronger. Focused. Fearless. Hungrier. 

The people of South Africa have waited a long time for this moment. 

We have been behind our team in the stadiums, in our homes and in our hearts.

As a team, you have already made history by qualifying for the first time in more than twenty years. 

Now we want to see you lift that trophy. 

Asifuni group stage. Asifuni knockout rounds. Asifuni ukuzwa the words ‘elimination’ or ‘bowing out.’

You are bringing the FIFA World Cup trophy home.

We have seen the immense potential of sport to inspire and unite our country. 

Time and again we have witnessed South Africans from all walks of life rallying behind our sportsmen and women as they compete on the international stage. 

This time will be no different. 

I fully expect to be inundated with calls to declare a public holiday every time you progress to the next round.

It has been a long journey to get to this point, where our team is jetting off to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It has been a difficult road, with lots of challenges. 

What has seen us through is the unwavering commitment of SAFA, government, the football clubs and associations and sponsors to invest in, develop and strengthen South African football over the course of many years.

We owe everyone involved a debt of gratitude for not only developing this sport, but of uniting a nation.

When you arrive in Mexico City, you will be carrying with you the dreams of more than 60 million South Africans.

We are with you, behind you and beside you all the way.

Bafana Bafana are our emissaries of hope and the standard-bearers of the national flag. 

The diversity of our squad and technical team is a reminder to the world that in our constitutional democracy there is room and opportunity for all to realise their potential and fulfil their dreams. 

As ambassadors for South Africa, we are counting on you to put fully into practice what your years of training have prepared you for: sportsmanship, camaraderie, professionalism and teamwork. 

Yet sport is about so much more. 

How the game is played reflects the values of the society itself. Values like integrity, humility, respect, tolerance and inclusivity. 

History has presented Bafana Bafana with this opportunity to rise anew and to take your rightful place at the highest echelons of world football. 

Seize this opportunity. Do even more than your best. Make us even prouder than we are tonight.

We wish you the very best as you head off to the tournament.

I will be there when you lift the trophy on the 19th of July.

And, yes, I will declare it a public holiday.

May you have wind in your sails, steel in your veins and thunder in your boots. 

I thank you.

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Qatar Affirms Commitment to UN Charter, Calls for Ending Ongoing Breaches

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, May 27, 2026

The State of Qatar has underscored that it is thoroughly committed to the United Nations Charter and called for ending the persistent breaches of this Charter.

Qatar pointed out that it will steadfastly continue its efforts, as well as its regional and international partnerships, to reinforce the UN-centric, Charter-based international order.

This was declared in the State of Qatar’s statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani before the High-level Open Debate: Upholding the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN-Centred International System, convened at the UN headquarters in New York.

The UN Charter, whose pillars had been established by the end of WWII, has never been merely a legal document on a single day, but rather a moral treaty based on an enduring pledge to keep the scourge of wars at bay, Her Excellency underlined.

She noted that the Charter-based international order is currently facing unprecedented challenges demonstrated in the egregious attacks on the sovereignty of nations and their territorial integrity.

These assaults erode the UN’s credibility and create a sorely needed credible political will that confirms commitment to this Charter and strengthens plurality through the United Nations, she continued.

Her Excellency further clarified that the current global challenges require a collective international response that aligns with the purposes of the Charter and the founding objectives of the United Nations.

In this regard, Sheikha Alya stressed the importance of the thorough implementation of the Charter principles, indicating that it is essential to avoid selectivity when it comes to interpreting the Charter’s provisions.

In addition, Her Excellency highlighted the principle of equality in sovereignty among nations, emphasizing that the use of force or the threat of using it must be prohibited, especially amid the current conditions that mark flagrant violations of international law and international humanitarian law.

The State of Qatar recognizes that it is critical for the UN to remain the pivotal framework of the existing international order, the Representative underlined, adding that the State of Qatar stresses the need to accelerate the UN system overhaul to have a more inclusive and effective international order that fits the challenges of the twenty-first century, while strengthening the United Nations financially, in human resources, and institutionally to fulfill its mandate.

Her Excellency focused on the importance of investing in the conflict-prevention system and addressing the root causes of these conflicts through backing mediation and preventive diplomatic dialogue mechanisms in alignment with the Charter’s objectives, as well as the relevant UN resolutions.

The Qatari Representative recalled that the State of Qatar touts its prominent role in the areas of mediation and preventive diplomacy as core pillars in its foreign policy. 

She pointed out that Qatar has distinguished itself as a strategic partner of the UN and a trusted international mediator, whose efforts encompassed the facilitation of ceasefire agreements, prisoner exchanges, conflict resolution, and peace accords across various continents.

In this context, Her Excellency reiterated that the State of Qatar is grateful for the ongoing Pakistan-led mediation between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran and backs these efforts.

She confirmed that the State of Qatar fully supports these mediation efforts for de-escalation, which ultimately help boost peace and stability in the region. 

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Bafana Bafana have “the nation behind them”

Source: Government of South Africa

Bafana Bafana have “the nation behind them”

President Cyril Ramaphosa says Bafana Bafana will carry the hopes and dreams of the nation with them as they head to the FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Mexico, the United States of America, and Canada from next month.

The President said this on Wednesday night during a send-off dinner for the men’s national football squad and the announcement of the final 26-man team by Bafana Bafana Head Coach, Hugo Broos.

President Ramaphosa assured the team that as they travel to the tournament, they will be wrapped in the support of South Africans nationwide.

“You will carry with you the hopes, the dreams, and the prayers of more than 62 million South Africans. Our people will be with you every step of the way,” said the President.

He said Bafana Bafana were back with belief and purpose. 

“They’re back with courage, and they’re back where they belong among the giants of world football.

“For many years, the people of South Africa have longed for this moment. Through triumphs and disappointments, and through difficult qualifying campaigns and rebuilding seasons, South Africans never stopped believing in this team. 

“We supported you as a team in our homes, in our communities, in our stadiums, and in our hearts. And today, that faith has been rekindled and rewarded,” President Ramaphosa said.

The senior men’s national football team last qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 2002 with the last participation coming via host nation status in 2010.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that qualification alone should not be the end, encouraging the squad to aim for ultimate glory.

“By qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in more than two decades, you have already written your names into the proud sporting history of our country.

“But fellow South Africans are not satisfied with just qualifying alone. No. We do not want group stages. We do not want early exits. We do not want to hear the words, eliminated or bowing out. We want to see you compete with courage, determination and believe until the very end.

“We want to see you bring that trophy back home,” he urged.

The President acknowledged the rigorous journey the team had travelled to reach this point, having faced strong opposition from the Nigerian, Zimbabwean, Lesotho, Rwandan and Benin national teams for a qualifying berth.

“The road to the World Cup has required resilience, sacrifice, discipline and long-term commitment by everyone.

“It has demanded investment in football development and grassroots structures, in coaching, in clubs, our wonderful clubs that not only win here at home, like Orlando Pirates…and we congratulate them. We also congratulate [Mamelodi] Sundowns who have conquered football on the nation, and they stand, and they sit at the top of the continent,” he said.

He told the team they were not just footballers, but “ambassadors of our democracy, of our resilience and of our national spirit”. 

“The diversity of this squad and the technical team reflects the true character of South Africa. A constitutional democracy founded on dignity, equality, non-racialism and opportunity for all. You represent the very best of who we are as a people,” he said.

Furthermore, their participation is a “rare opportunity” not only for themselves, but for the entire nation.

“History has now presented this generation of Bafana Bafana with a very rare, precious opportunity to rise again and to reclaim South Africa’s place among the elite nations of world football.

“We ask you to do one thing: Seize the moment. This is your moment, but we want you to know that this is also South Africa’s moment. Play with freedom, play with pride of a very proud nation. Play for one another but play for South Africa and its people,” President Ramaphosa concluded.

The Bafana Bafana squad that will take on the world’s best at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are:

  • Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Captain), Ricardo Goss and Sipho Chaine.
  • Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Samukelo Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Kamogelo Sebelebele and Bradley Cross.
  • Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Sphephelo Sithole and Thalente Mbatha.
  • Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa, Themba Zwane, Lyle Foster and Thapelo Maseko.

Bafana Bafana will face Mexico in the tournament opener on 11 June 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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La demande de libertés civiques reste forte à travers l’Afrique alors que l’offre diminue

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Les Africains expriment largement leur soutien à leur droit d’adhérer à n’importe quelle organisation politique, à la liberté des médias ainsi qu’à leur rôle de contre-pouvoir, selon le dernier Profil Panafricain (https://apo-opa.co/3Q6nNRZ) d’Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org). 

Pourtant, l’exercice de ces libertés est très inégal et, dans de nombreux contextes, s’érode, de plus en plus restreint par les gouvernements mêmes qui se sont formellement engagés à les protéger. Le nouveau rapport, basé sur 50.961 entretiens menés dans 38 pays africains en 2024/2025, montre que si de nombreux citoyens affirment pouvoir librement adhérer à une organisation politique et voter sans pression, seuls 13 de ces pays comptent une majorité de citoyens qui se sentent « entièrement » libres d’exprimer leurs opinions.

La liberté d’expression perçue a décliné au cours de la dernière décennie, et seule une faible majorité d’Africains considèrent que leurs médias sont libres.

Résultats clés

  • En moyenne à travers 38 pays, plus de six Africains sur 10 (64%) réclament le droit d’adhérer à l’organisation politique de leur choix (Figure 1).
    • Une large majorité des répondants soutiennent la liberté de la presse : 65% approuvent le droit des médias de publier sans aucune forme de contrôle gouvernemental, et 72% estiment que la presse doit enquêter et dénoncer la corruption et les erreurs du gouvernement.
  • Environ deux tiers (65%) des citoyens déclarent se sentir « assez » ou « entièrement » libres d’exprimer leurs opinions (Figure 2).
    • Dans 25 des 38 pays sondés, moins de la moitié des citoyens se sentent                                      « entièrement » libres d’exprimer leurs opinions. Le sentiment de jouir d’une                   totale liberté d’expression est particulièrement rare en Eswatini (18%), au Togo (15%), aux Comores (8%) et au Congo-Brazzaville (7%).
    • A travers les 28 pays sondés de manière constante depuis 2014, les évaluations de cette liberté ont diminué de 7 points de pourcentage (Figure 3).
  • Une grande majorité des répondants se disent « assez » ou « entièrement » libres d’adhérer à l’organisation politique de leur choix (77%) et de voter pour le candidat de leur choix sans se sentir sous pression (86%) (Figure 4).
    • La situation est diamétralement opposée aux Comores et au Congo-Brazzaville, où les citoyens font état de niveaux parmi les plus bas en matière de liberté d’association et de vote.
  • Une petite majorité (53%) de répondants considèrent que la presse dans leur pays est   « assez » ou « entièrement » libre de couvrir l’actualité sans ingérence du gouvernement (Figure 5).
    • La liberté de la presse telle qu’elle est perçue a décliné dans 20 des 30 pays régulièrement sondés entre 2019 et 2025.

L’enquête Afrobarometer

Afrobarometer est un réseau panafricain et non-partisan de recherche par sondage qui produit des données fiables sur les expériences et appréciations des Africains, relatives à la démocratie, à la gouvernance et à la qualité de vie. Dix rounds d’enquêtes ont été réalisés dans un maximum de 45 pays depuis 1999. Les enquêtes du Round 10 (2024/2025) couvrent 38 pays.

Les partenaires nationaux d’Afrobarometer réalisent des entretiens en face à face dans la langue de choix du répondant avec des échantillons représentatifs au niveau national qui produisent des résultats nationaux avec des marges d’erreur de +/-2 à +/-3 points de pourcentage à un taux de confiance de 95%.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afrobarometer.

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez contacter :
Hassana Diallo
Chargé des communications d’Afrobarometer pour l’Afrique francophone
Téléphone : +221 77 713 72 53
Email : hdiallo@afrobarometer.org
Visitez-nous sur www.Afrobarometer.org.

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