Category: MIL-OSI

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Hlabisa reaffirms commitment to fix Ditsobotla Local Municipality

Source: Government of South Africa

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, has reaffirmed his department’s commitment to restoring stability, effective governance, and reliable service delivery in the Ditsobotla Local Municipality in the North West.

“We will ensure that the financial recovery plan is implemented effectively to benefit residents and rebuild public trust. Our stance is clear: ‘Every Municipality Must Work’. The people of Ditsobotla deserve reliable services, ethical leadership, and a municipality that is financially sound and responsive to their needs,” the Minister said.

This as he visited the municipality on Tuesday and chaired the first engagement as part of the Cabinet-led intervention to stabilise the municipality.

This follows Cabinet’s approval to invoke Section 139(7) of the Constitution, placing the municipality under national intervention due to ongoing governance failures, financial mismanagement, and the collapse of service delivery.

READ | Cabinet approves placement of Ditsobotla Municipality under administration

“Since its dissolution in September 2022 and reconstitution in December 2022, Ditsobotla has continued to face political instability, administrative dysfunction, and financial decline,” the department noted.

The municipality has adopted unfunded budgets for five consecutive years, accumulated over R1.6 billion in unpaid creditors, defaulted on salary and Eskom payments, and failed to implement court-ordered recovery measures. 

Its low revenue collection undermines its operational capability, with services stalling, including unreliable water and electricity supply, non-compliance in waste management, and halted infrastructure projects.

Previous intervention by the North West Provincial Executive Council under Section 139(5) of the Constitution failed to restore stability or full functionality. 

Meanwhile, varied CoGTA court actions, including those prompted by civil and business organisations, have highlighted the urgent need for decisive action.

Addressing councillors, officials, and community members, Hlabisa emphasised the intervention is “not merely about taking power away, but about restoring credibility, functionality, and trust in this municipality.”

Support

National and provincial governments have already initiated several support mechanisms. 

These include ongoing technical and oversight aid from CoGTA, the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent, the province, and sector departments such as the Department of Electricity and Energy. 

A multidisciplinary Provincial Executive Representative (PER) team is being deployed to provide technical, financial, and governance expertise to both staff and councillors. 

Meanwhile, a skills audit and employee verification process is underway.

Going forward, the National Executive will take on the functions and powers of the provincial executive to implement the mandated financial recovery plan. 

National Cabinet Representative (NCR) Kopung Ralikontsane and a multidisciplinary team of governance and service delivery experts have been appointed to the municipality.

This group, led by the NCR, will implement the financial recovery plan with the National Treasury and deploy technical and governance support via the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency (MISA) and other national partners. 

They plan to establish a Joint Operations Task Team with the South African Police Service, State Security Agency, Department of Justice, and the National Prosecuting Authority to investigate corruption, maladministration, and irregular appointments.

The team will also focus on institutional reforms, addressing political instability, irregular staff appointments, governance failures, and the enforcement of strict financial controls, with the NCR overseeing all municipal accounts and procurement processes.

Hlabisa stressed that these interventions are not simply quick fixes, but form part of a long-term transformation strategy aimed at restoring public trust. – SAnews.gov.za

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National dialogue outcomes to be determined by citizens: President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the outcomes of the National Dialogue will not be dictated by government but shaped by the people of South Africa themselves.

“The outcomes of the National Dialogue will be determined by the citizens of this country,” the President told Members of Parliament on Tuesday. 

He was responding to a question from George Michalakis of the Democratic Alliance, who asked whether the National Dialogue was intended to support government priorities, such as economic growth, poverty reduction, job creation, lowering the cost of living, and building a capable state.

The President said the National Dialogue should be understood as a structured process that brings together citizens, political actors, civil society, and other stakeholders to deliberate on the future of the country. 

“The National Dialogue is aimed at giving ordinary South Africans a voice to articulate precisely the South Africa they want and how they can participate in crafting the solutions of our country,” he said.

The President highlighted that the first National Convention, held in August at UNISA in Tshwane, brought together more than 1 000 delegates from over 200 organisations spanning around 30 sectors of society. 

These included business, labour, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, women, youth, students, academics, military veterans, persons with disabilities, unemployed persons, as well as organisations in media, sport, culture, democracy and human rights.

The convention endorsed the need for a National Dialogue and identified nine broad themes, including building an inclusive economy, tackling crime and corruption, strengthening education and health, fixing the state, advancing gender equality, ending gender-based violence, addressing intergenerational trauma, promoting environmental justice, and advancing land and mineral rights.

Delegates also supported the establishment of a representative Steering Committee to drive the process, which will work with the Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by the Deputy President and under the guidance of an Eminent Persons Group.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that the process would be “citizen-led” while government would act as a facilitator.

“Let us be clear. The Steering Committee will be led by the citizens of our country, giving credence to our intention that this must be a citizen-led process, while government’s role is that of a facilitator,” he said. 

The President added that for the government, the dialogue will be “hands off” except for financial injection, where it is necessary. 

“Let me make it very clear, it will be South Africans who will be talking to each other, meeting at ward level where even our voters, the people who voted for us, are represented. So they will be talking and they will not even be cajoled not to talk. They will opt to go to those meetings and participate. So it is to the detriment of us who are sitting here to say no, we are not going to participate,” the President said. 

The President said the dialogue is expected to culminate in a social compact that defines the roles and responsibilities of all sectors in addressing the country’s challenges and building the South African nation.

While citizens will have the final say, the President said the process is anticipated to make a a significant contribution to economic growth, poverty reduction, job creation, lowering the cost of living and building a capable State. 

“Citizens feel ownership over national decisions when they are directly involved in shaping them, complementing the important role that is played by elected representatives. Involving the people directly enhances the process of developing a shared vision for the future of our country,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Tourism Minister calls for innovation to drive job creation

Source: Government of South Africa

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has called on investors and all involved in the tourism sector to bring forward ideas, models and innovations to build tourism infrastructure that not only attracts visitors, but uplifts communities and creates jobs.

“The ground is fertile for shovel-ready infrastructure projects,” De Lille said.

In her opening remarks at the G20 Tourism Investment Summit, currently underway in the Western Cape, De Lille said tourism is not just about business, but livelihoods.

“This is about reshaping South Africa and positioning Africa as a global tourism powerhouse,” De Lille said.

De Lille said through the Government of National Unity, government has demonstrated that policy shifts unlock growth.

“As of 1 June 2025, the Amended National Treasury Regulation 16 for Public-Private Partnerships came into effect. These changes allow us to embrace models from Design-Build Operate (DBO) partnerships to blended finance and even crowdfunding.

“And while PPPs [Public-Private Partnerships] are one option, the amendments introduced by treasury allow investors to provide us with innovative financing models. With the right mix, we can build infrastructure, create jobs and uplift communities all at once,” the Minister said.

The Minister also highlighted that tourism contributes at least 8.5% to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product.

“In July alone, South Africa welcomed over 880 000 visitors, which is a 26% increase compared to last year. Behind these numbers are livelihoods, families and communities.

“According to UN Tourism, South African startups attracted over $39 million in venture capital between 2019 and 2024. This is more than half of the continent’s total in tourism solutions,” De Lille said.

De Lille said the UN Tourism will announce 100 scholarships aligned with demand-led skills development in the country.

“For tourism to thrive, our young people must have the skills the sector needs. Again, investors guide us on what the demand-led skills of the future are. What will be the skills that we need in the next 5 to 10 years. South Africa’s human capital is one of its strongest assets,” De Lille said.

De Lille said with 56% of the population under the age of 30 and an adult literacy rate of 95%, the country provides a broad and adaptable labour base.

“Supported by advanced universities and national skills development efforts such as those led by the Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority [CATHSSETA], the tourism workforce is prepared for inclusive, service-oriented growth,” the Minister said.

De Lille said government is also unlocking access for more travellers to visit South Africa. 

“Following the launch of the Trusted Tour Operators Scheme in India and China, our Department of Home Affairs will soon, before the end of September, roll out the Electronic Travel Authorisation system. 

“This will digitalise and automate all short-stay visas, enabling secure and seamless travel for tourists across the globe. We are also broadening our offerings through sports tourism,” the Minister said.

South Africa’s tourism sector is a key pillar of economic growth, contributing significantly to GDP, employment and foreign direct investment.

The G20 Tourism Investment Summit is attended by global leaders, policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders to drive investment and develop a robust investment pipeline for South Africa’s tourism industry. – SAnews.gov.za

  

 

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South Sudan: Indian veterinarian peacekeepers help protect cattle and communities in conflict-affected Jonglei

Source: APO – Report:

At the sprawling Tibek Cattle Camp on the outskirts of Bor, the mid-morning air is rancid with the smell of dung and thousands of cattle, jostling against each other. Small calves, some dun-colored and some white, prance and parry, as the women of the camp prod them along with a stick to move them out to pasture.

With lush vegetation leading into the never-ending green, this cattle camp was set up three months earlier at the beginning of the rainy season. Now with newborn calves added to the mix, the numbers keep increasing. And so do the dangers.

“The vets from UNMISS have visited us for the last two weeks and provided medication and deworming for many of our animals. Today they had a big camp, and some people took their sick animals to get medicine,” says 40-year-old Yar Guet Kuol, poking her index finger onto her arm to imitate the vaccinations that some of the animals received.

She points to the six white tents across the mud track where veterinarian peacekeepers from India, serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, have set up an all-day clinic. They support and collaborate with officials of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries on orientation and training.

“When you have so many animals in such close proximity, common ailments can spread quickly,” says Lieutenant Colonel Harmanjeet Singh Goraya, the lead veterinarian. “Today our team has been doing some surgeries, but most of our support for the locals is on identification and prevention of common diseases.”

The Tibek Cattle Camp has over 2,000 animals. With an overwhelming reliance on them as a source of income, a disease outbreak can have devastating consequences, especially for families like Yar Guet Kuol’s.

“My life and that of my children is dependent on these cattle, and what we can get from them,” says Yar, her four young children standing by her side.

“I wake up early in the morning and clean the dung. Then I go and milk the cows that have recently given birth. I give some of the milk to my children and the rest we sell. After the children have eaten, then the men take the cattle out to graze,” says Yar.

In South Sudan, cattle is a source of wealth, pride and well-being, and for these semi-nomadic herders, it is all they have known for centuries.

They travel around the region, setting up their camps in areas with plenty of pasture, and then move out a few months later, when their cattle have depleted it. They sell their cattle in the local markets and use the cash to buy the things they need. They use their cattle to settle disputes among themselves and with others, and to forge new relationships such as marriages, which only commence after a certain number of cattle have been paid to the parents of the bride.

With such a high value, these cattle are also a driver of conflict, as feuding communities carry out deadly raids to steal them and even take them across borders for their own economic benefit.

These communities sometimes also undertake large-scale migration to neighboring states, particularly to avoid deadly outbreaks of East Coast Fever which rapidly devastate herds. This movement also creates tensions and violence with farming communities due to destruction of crops and disputes over access to scarce water and grazing land.

“We know how much they depend on these animals, and that is why animal health is vital for their very survival,” says Lt. Col Harmanjeet.

His team has also trained 60 community animal health workers on identifying, prevention and treatment of diseases. They will now be able to provide services to local communities, even in the absence of UNMISS.

“The efforts of the UNMISS veterinarians are more than just a medical mission for animals. It is a testament to the fact that peace is, not only about guns and patrols,” says India’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Anil Nautiyal who is visiting the site.

“True lasting peace is built on actions that support the community, protect livelihoods, and demonstrate genuine friendship.”

Back in the Tibek Cattle Camp, Yar says it is time for her to make food for her kids.  She says she will make ugali for the family, which is made from corn-flour which they will eat with milk.

“They tell us that ticks are the cause of many health problems for the cattle,” says Yar, shaking her head in disbelief. “I believe them now because they are doctors, and they say that if our animals get ticks, we should boil the leaves of that tree and apply that on the animals.”

She points to a nearby Neem tree which is an integral part of the fauna of South Sudan and which the UNMISS vets swear by on a homemade remedy to fight ticks.

With tens of millions of cattle in the country, providing and receiving proper medical care for all animals is a challenge for the people and for UNMISS.

“Anyone who has a little knowledge, can make these small changes which will lead to healthier animals, and if we can do our little part, then that is a little win,” says Lt. Col. Harmanjeet.

– on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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South Africa: Committee on Social Services Welcomes Progress in Implementing Remedial Action at Dora Nginza Hospital

Source: APO – Report:

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The Select Committee on Social Services welcomes progress achieved by the Eastern Cape Department of Health in implementing the Public Protector’s remedial action.

The remedial action follows the Public Protector’s investigation into the allegation that pregnant women awaiting admission at Gqeberha’s Dora Nginza Regional Hospital for critical caesarean section surgeries were once forced to sleep on the floor and chairs, among other things.

The Public Protector referred the report to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to be debated by the House. The remedial action, which stipulates timelines for the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Health and the Head of the Department, is aligned to sections of the South African Constitution.

The report included remedial action relating to the inadequate space in the maternity ward; staff shortages, which has a negative impact on the level of healthcare provided to patients; the absence of a district hospital in the Nelson Mandela Health District; and a lack of medical equipment, such as blood pressure, haemoglobin and cardiotocography machine, dinamap monitors in the postnatal normal vertex ward and infant warmers, among other things.

The committee embarked on an oversight visit yesterday to Dora Nginza Regional Hospital to assess the response and progress of the Eastern Cape health department’s implementation of these remedial actions.

The committee was briefed by the provincial health department, led by the MEC for Health, Ms Ntandokazi Capa, who assured the committee that progress is being achieved in all the areas identified in the Public Protector’s report. However, she also noted that the cost of medico-legal claims remain one of the fundamental challenges facing the department.

Welcoming the briefing, the committee told the department during engagement that although there is reported progress, it was inadequate, as it missed the stipulated timelines. Stakeholders present in the meeting also expressed their concerns about the implementation of remedial action and made other proposals, including that the department should be placed under administration.

The committee expressed its appreciation for the progress achieved thus far but called for even greater efforts to improve healthcare services. Furthermore, the committee Chairperson, Ms Desery Fienies, thanked the stakeholders for participating in the oversight programme. The committee also visited Empilweni Hospital, Livingstone Tertiary Hospital and the Port Elizabeth Provincial Hospital.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Canon expands its cinema camera range with the EOS C50 – a compact, flexible new addition for creative professionals

Source: APO – Report:

Canon Europe (www.Canon-Europe.com) today announces the new EOS C50, a highly versatile, full-frame, RF-mount hybrid Cinema EOS camera for professional videographers and agile production crews.

As the smallest camera in the Cinema EOS range to date, the EOS C50 fits seamlessly into a wide variety of filming set-ups – from fast-paced shoots to large scale productions. Its compact design, however, conceals a wealth of professional capabilities.

At the heart of the EOS C50’s unique design is a new 7K full-frame CMOS sensor which, together with an advanced DIGIC DV 7 processor, delivers outstanding image quality for both video and stills – including internal RAW video recording at up to 7K 60P, high frame rate recording at up to 4K 120P / 2K 180P, and detailed 32MP high-resolution photos.

The EOS C50 is the first Cinema EOS camera to offer open gate recording, which uses the entire area of the sensor for maximum resolution and flexibility. Capturing the full width and height of the sensor using the new Full Frame 3:2 sensor mode [i] provides a larger image that utilises the full image circle of full-frame lenses. Open gate recording offers filmmakers greater flexibility in post-production, enabling horizontal and vertical movie formats to be freely edited from the same footage, with ample room for reframing shots. When paired with anamorphic lenses, the result is a taller image with a wide immersive cinematic look.

For videographers facing fast turnarounds, a full-angle image and a cropped vertical or square version – ideal for social media and advertising – can be captured at the same time using the EOS C50’s Simultaneous Crop Recording function. The cropped area can be shifted horizontally for optimum framing and recorded in a different format to meet delivery requirements.

Combining high-resolution with hybrid capability for video and stills

As a true hybrid camera, the EOS C50 combines advanced 7K video and 32MP stills capabilities. The display is optimised based on whether the camera is in Video or Photo mode – featuring the familiar Cinema EOS interface for video and classic Canon EOS R menu system for stills.

Videographers and photographers alike can take advantage of Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, offering high-speed, high-accuracy subject detection and tracking. Precision extends to selecting which eye to prioritise in people, dogs, cats and birds – with additional controls for tuning autofocus speed and tracking response to suit the subject.

A unique and versatile design that adapts to dynamic shoots

Built for agility, the EOS C50’s lightweight, modular design enables intuitive operation, whether shooting handheld or on a gimbal. With its linear, low-profile body and multiple accessory mounting points, it integrates seamlessly into modern rigging setups. The camera can be mounted either horizontally or vertically, with the display and menu settings automatically adjusting to support vertical orientation.

The EOS C50’s detachable handle unit improves control and comfort. It features two full-size 3-pin XLR audio terminals and control dials for professional-quality audio recording, plus a REC button and zoom rocker for convenient, camcorder-style control during fast-paced shoots.

In addition to native support of the diverse range of RF lenses, EF/PL lenses can be attached to the EOS C50 via the optional Canon PL-RF Mount Adapter, which can be securely fastened to the camera body, as well as a selection of Canon EF-EOS R mount adapters.

Effortless connection options for diverse workflows

An extensive selection of connectivity options ensures that the EOS C50 meets the demands of modern professional productions. In addition to XLR inputs, the camera features a MIC terminal, Timecode terminal, HDMI OUT (Type-A) and USB (Type-C). Dual card slots for CFexpress and SD cards provide a wealth of simultaneous recording options, including different file formats, resolutions and proxy setups.

The EOS C50 includes UVC/UAC support for high-resolution livestreaming at up to 60P/50P via a single USB cable, plus XC Protocol for remote operation of the camera using compatible smartphone applications or hardware accessories such as Canon’s RC-IP1000 Remote Controller. Video clips and still images can be transmitted to clients in real time over Wi-Fi or USB [ii] with Canon’s professional Content Transfer Professional (CTP) app [iii].

Canon’s collaboration with Adobe has been extended to the EOS C50 by making the camera compatible with Frame.io’s Camera to Cloud connectivity. Along with the EOS C400 and the EOS C80, this compatibility allows proxy files to be sent directly from the camera to the Frame.io platform, enabling a seamless and reliable path from production to post.

With its robust connectivity, flexible design and powerful full-frame capabilities, the EOS C50 sets a new standard for compact cinema cameras. Building on the success of the EOS R5 C, it delivers uncompromising image quality for both video and still photography.

Canon is also delighted to announce a range of significant free-of-charge firmware updates for existing Cinema EOS cameras coming later this year. This includes the addition of 3:2 Open Gate RAW Recording at 6000×4000 resolution to the EOS C400, View Assist during Playback on the EOS C80, among other improvements to core features such as focus peaking on both cameras, as well as the EOS R5 C and EOS C70.

Key features of the EOS C50:

  • High-resolution hybrid capability: 7K 60p internal RAW video recording, 32MP still photos
  • Advanced 7K full-frame CMOS sensor with open gate video recording
  • 7K oversampling for higher resolution 4K movies
  • Dual Base ISO support (ISO 800/6400 [iv]), with up to 15+ stops of dynamic range
  • Flexible range of professional recording formats, including 12-bit Cinema RAW Light, Canon Log 2, Canon Log 3 and XF-AVC S / XF-HEVC S
  • Versatile, compact design with detachable handle unit and extensive rigging capability
  • Native RF mount, compatible with mount adapter attachment for EF/PL lenses
  • Two XLR audio inputs, Timecode terminal, HDMI OUT (Type-A), USB (Type-C), Multi-function shoe
  • Dual slots for CFexpress and SD cards, enabling simultaneous recording of different formats to each card

For more information about the new EOS C50, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/45Y4vU8

 

[i] Only supported for Cinema RAW Light / XF HEVC S recording

[ii] Refer to the Content Transfer Professional user guide for details on USB cables for wired connections

[iii] Only MP4, JPEG, WAV, and XML (NewsML-G2) files can be transferred

[iv] For Canon Log 2/Canon Log 3/RAW recording

– 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 (http://apo-opa.co/4gkrtIH) – ‘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

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Government welcomes Walmart’s investment

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Government has welcomed plans by Walmart to open its first branded stores in South Africa later this year.

“Government welcomes Walmart’s investment in South Africa as an expression of confidence in the country. The investment underscores a strong belief in the country’s economic trajectory and confirmation that South Africa remains a reliable investment destination,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said.

This announcement comes in the footsteps of Walmart’s first growth summit that was held in South Africa and resulted in the company recruiting small and medium-sized suppliers from South Africa and the rest of the African continent. 

“Walmart’s commitment to sourcing locally produced products will contribute to the growth of the economy and job creation, which are apex priorities of the government’s medium term development plan (MTDP),” GCIS said.

Walmart International President and CEO Kath McLay expressed that the company was thrilled to begin the journey of introducing the iconic Walmart brand to South African associates, customers and communities.

“By listening and working together, we aim to build lasting relationships and deliver a delightful shopping experience that reflects the needs and aspirations of South Africans,” McLay said.

Walmart’s South African stores will offer a wide range of merchandise, including fresh groceries, household essentials, apparel and technology. 

Walmart will also offer a variety of locally sourced products. 

“By partnering with South African suppliers and entrepreneurs, Walmart will bring its signature Every Day Low Prices and global standards to the market, while celebrating the country’s rich culture.

“With sites already in development, these new stores are set to open before the end of the year, with official opening dates to be announced in October. The company will share further details about store locations, hiring and community initiatives in the coming months,” McLay said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Postbank not yet ready for full banking licence, says President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says Postbank is not yet in a position to be granted a licence to operate as a fully-fledged State-owned bank.

Responding to questions in the National Assembly on Tuesday, the President stressed that while financial inclusion remains a national priority, Postbank still has work to do before it can qualify for a commercial banking licence.

ANC Member of Parliament, Mdumiseni Ntuli, asked what measures government is taking to support the Postbank in obtaining its commercial banking licence and whether government has established the need to capitalise the institution. 

“According to the Minister, Postbank has not yet fully met the conditions for a banking licence, particularly around its card key management processes and compliance with prudential standards.

“Its immediate challenge is to strengthen its governance, ensure compliance with prudential standards and stabilise its finances,” President Ramaphosa said.

Government remains committed to supporting the Postbank to obtain its licence, as it is meant to play a critical role in extending affordable banking services to underserved communities, small businesses, and youth- and women-owned enterprises.

“When more South Africans, especially those in rural and underserved communities, are able to access affordable banking and credit, we unlock entrepreneurship, support job creation and stimulate growth in local economies.

“Financial inclusion also empowers youth- and women-owned enterprises, narrows inequality and builds resilience in households and communities,” he said.

The President explained that South Africa has a well-developed and competitive financial services sector and its commercial banks, development finance institutions, co-operative banks and new digital entrants, all provide a range of financial products and services to small businesses and individuals. 

“The Postbank Amendment Act was enacted to strengthen the diversity of our financial sector and ensure a dedicated focus on underserved communities.

“The Act was meant to establish Postbank as a developmental State-owned commercial bank, offering accessible financial services to all South Africans,” he said. 

The President further explained that while capitalisation will be considered, it will only take place after Postbank has been granted authorisation to establish a bank. Once authorisation is secured, the institution will have 12 months to raise the necessary funding to be registered as a bank.

He said that this will be determined by its business case, for which the Postbank board is responsible, and submitting that business case to government via the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies.

“These steps are essential to ensure that Postbank obtains its banking licence and is able to fulfil the vital mandate that it bears to promote financial inclusion for all,” President Ramaphosa said.

In answering further supplementary questions on the matter, President Ramaphosa indicated that government will not rule out the possibility of bringing together African Bank and Postbank as part of establishing a state bank. 

He told Parliament that all available assets may need to be leveraged to extend banking services to South Africa’s unbanked population.

“There is a general agreement that we need a state bank. The key question is how we move forward to put a bank together, and how we put all key elements together – whether it resides in Postbank or whether African Bank could be part of it.

“We must remind ourselves that African Bank has other shareholders who aren’t state entities. All those entities need to be synchronised to create a state bank,” the President told MPs. – SAnews.gov.za

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Acting Police Minister engages WC communities on gang violence

Source: Government of South Africa

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia on Tuesday held an engagement with community stakeholders in Mitchells Plain and Mfuleni in an effort to curb violence linked to gang activity in the Western Cape.

The Minister’s visit forms part of a broader Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster effort aim to implement practical, community-driven interventions against gang violence and foster safety.

Among the stakeholders attended the engagements included representatives from civic groups, religious leaders and Community Policing Forums (CPFs). 

Cachalia said gang violence in the province are as a result of organised transnational crime, stressing the need for a coordinated response. 

Cachalia said he requested a briefing from National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola on what the South African Police Service (SAPS) is doing to curb the violence, including the effectiveness of anti-gang units that has been established.

“I am aware of course that some time ago anti-gang units were put in place. There’s been some question about their effectiveness, and I intend to look into that,” he said.

Gang violence in areas like Mitchells Plain and Mfuleni has been going on for some time, with communities experiencing high levels of extortion, shootings and drug-related crimes. 

The Cape Flats, including some suburbs, sees frequent clashes between rival gangs such as the Americans and Mongrels, leading to crossfire that endangers innocent residents.

Mitchells Plain residents told Cachalia that they need increased police presence to protect them from gangsters’ violence.

Cachalia pledged to do everything in his power to improve policing and reducing crime in the country. 

Cachalia said the provincial commissioner and the head of crime intelligence presented him with a strategy to fight crime in the affected areas.

“They must still implement that plan. They must still resource that plan, that plan is needed. So we need a stabilisation plan.

“We need to go on the offensive against the drug lords, stabilise our communities, make sure that we are in charge, not the criminals,” he said.

Cachalia said that they might have to put in place special measures to get rid of gangsterism.

A number of people have died in gang-related violence. 

The acting Minister and his delegation are expected to meet with the Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, on Thursday. – SAnews.gov.za

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De l’Afrique à Moscou: la capitale russe s’impose comme nouveau pôle mondial de la mode

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Les créateurs africains renforcent leur présence sur les podiums internationaux, témoignant de la scène mode dynamique et en pleine expansion du continent. Cette année, le calendrier mondial des Fashion Weeks a débuté à Moscou, avec la participation enthousiaste des pays africains. La Moscow Fashion Week (https://MoscowFashion.ru/), qui s’est tenue début septembre, a dépassé les attentes en attirant l’attention mondiale et en présentant les talents venus du monde entier.

Des créateurs de 13 pays se sont donné rendez-vous à Moscou pour l’événement. Parmi eux figurait David Tlale, le couturier sud-africain de renom. Habitué des podiums russes, David Tlale a déjà présenté ses collections à Moscou par le passé. Cette saison, il entend raconter au monde une histoire authentique de l’Afrique à travers ses créations.

« Chaque collection raconte des histoires africaines dans des tons sophistiqués mais puissants, reliant les traditions ancestrales à l’innovation de la mode contemporaine », déclare David Tlale.

Créateur déjà établi, David Tlale a présenté ses œuvres lors des Fashion Weeks de New York, Paris, Shanghai et Dubaï. Cette année, il a choisi Moscou pour dévoiler sa nouvelle collection.

« La collection célèbre la femme moderne active – confiante, élégante et d’une polyvalence sans effort. Conçue pour des transitions fluides, elle passe du bureau au thé de l’après-midi, puis au cocktail du soir avec grâce. Elle incarne la sophistication raffinée en toute circonstance », explique David Tlale.

Les marques russes gagnent également du terrain en Afrique. Des créateurs comme Solangel ont participé à la Soweto Fashion Week en Afrique du Sud en 2024, tandis que Darya Kipriyanova a présenté sa collection lors de la Hub of Africa Fashion Week en 2025. Les liens solides entre l’Afrique et la Russie s’étendent à tous les secteurs, y compris la culture et la mode, reflétant un échange croissant d’idées et d’inspiration.

Parallèlement à la Moscow Fashion Week, le BRICS+ Fashion Summit (https://FashionSummit.org/) s’est récemment tenu dans la capitale russe. L’événement a réuni des délégations des membres à part entière des BRICS – Afrique du Sud, Égypte et Éthiopie –, ainsi que des représentants d’autres pays. Parmi les participants africains figuraient Mmantlha Sankoloba, directrice générale de l’Association des exportateurs et fabricants du Botswana ; Nana Tamakloe, directeur générale de l’Accra Fashion Week (Ghana) ; Kalistu Ramos Mukoroli, directeur de la MTC Windhoek Fashion Week (Namibie) ; et Brian James Kihindas, directeur du Kenya Fashion Council et de la Nairobi Fashion Week (Kenya). Le Sommet a offert aux dirigeants de l’industrie africaine une tribune unique pour échanger leur expertise avec leurs homologues européens, américains et russes.

« Mes attentes se concentrent sur l’approfondissement de la collaboration mondiale, notamment entre les écosystèmes de mode africains et les marchés émergents », souligne Brian James Kihindas. « Je suis particulièrement désireux d’explorer des partenariats stratégiques qui peuvent conduire à des systèmes de mode plus inclusifs et équitables, où les créatifs et artisans africains ne sont pas seulement célébrés mais activement intégrés dans les chaînes de valeur mondiales. »

La mode africaine captive toujours le public moscovite. Authentique, audacieuse et vibrante, elle raconte les histoires riches et les traditions de ses nations à travers les couleurs, les textures et les émotions. Pour l’Afrique, la Moscow Fashion Week représente bien plus qu’un événement – c’est une porte d’entrée vers la reconnaissance internationale, favorisant les échanges culturels et ouvrant les portes des marchés mondiaux de la mode.

Distribué par APO Group pour Moscow Fashion Week.

Contact:
Amanda Smith
info@globaltalents.digital

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