Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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The joint parliamentary oversight delegation concluded its engagements with municipalities in Gauteng on Friday, emphasising the need for cooperation, accountability and consequence management in municipal governance.

The delegation, comprising the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and the Standing Committee on the Auditor-General, conducted oversight last week in North West and Gauteng together with the provincial legislatures. This oversight visit formed part of a broader programme engagement with underperforming municipalities across provinces.

Chairperson of the delegation, Dr Zweli Mkhize, stressed that this oversight process was not only about compliance, but about forging a new model of oversight rooted in cooperative governance. “The spirit we are trying to build is one of partnership between the different spheres of government. This engagement has shown that we must strengthen cooperation across councils, legislatures, provincial executives, and national bodies if we are to achieve real change.”

He acknowledged the presence of the MEC for COGTA in Gauteng, Mr Jacob Mamobelo, who was delegated by the Premier to represent the provincial executive. Dr Mkhize also noted that the delegation felt the Speaker and the provincial legislature could have made a stronger effort to participate in the oversight engagement. “We also believe that their absence has not assisted in strengthening the spirit we are trying to build of cooperative governance and intergovernmental relations, which drive this model of oversight visits. It is something that we need to raise,” he said, adding that the sentiment of working together in monitoring the turnaround of municipalities does need a formal commitment from the Speaker and the provincial legislature.

Dr Mkhize said the oversight visits aim to strengthen the government’s capacity and ensure that it can offer the people of South Africa the services they deserve. The success of what we do will not be measured by whether we can talk among ourselves, but by whether there is a difference in service delivery, he noted.

He reminded those present that oversight is ultimately about improving people’s lives. “The success of what we do will not be measured by whether we issue reports. It will be measured by whether there is a difference in how people experience services and in how we address poverty, local economic development, water supply, sanitation and the daily needs of our communities. All these are important issues,” he said, “and the people will ultimately judge whether we have risen to the occasion.”

Said Dr Mkhize: “Accountability is about outcomes. Whether a document is signed or moved one step further, it is not about an individual or a salary increase. It is about changing somebody’s life. When people voted for this new dispensation, for the end of apartheid, they voted for the kind of society where there is a sense of equality. This would be provided by the efficiency with which we deliver services to them.”

He said the delegation found that capacity and resources are not the primary obstacles facing municipalities. “The real challenge is political will and leadership stability. We must build a culture of cooperation, responsibility, accountability, and consequence management. At the end of the day, these are the issues that determine whether municipalities succeed or fail,” said Dr Mkhize. “Our people did not vote for us to preside over excuses. They voted for a society with equity, delivered through efficient services.”

Dr Mkhize reiterated that the delegation expects provincial and local leaders to monitor and report on commitments made during the engagements. This will ultimately culminate in joint reports that will be tabled in Parliament. The delegation aims to cover two more provinces before the end of the year, as it seeks to inform the next auditing cycle. “So it is important that interventions are timely. The measure of our success will not be in the words we write but in the lives we change.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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President John Dramani Mahama is scheduled to hold his first presidential media engagement in his second term on Wednesday, 10 September 2025.

The encounter, according to the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, will provide journalists with a direct opportunity to question the President on his policy interventions, his “Resetting Ghana Agenda,” and a range of urgent national issues.

A statement issued by the Minister said the platform is designed to enable President Mahama to engage the Ghanaian people through the media on critical national issues, his strategic policies, and ongoing development projects.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

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Today, we celebrate African Union Day with pride and renewed commitment to our shared vision of a united, prosperous, and peaceful Africa.

This day commemorates the Sirte Declaration of 9 September 1999, when African leaders agreed to establish the African Union. That historic decision laid the foundation for stronger continental unity, cooperation, and integration.

African Union Day honors our collective journey, the resilience of our people, and the enduring spirit of Pan-Africanism that continues to inspire and bind us together.

As we mark this milestone, we recognize the significant progress made across the continent, from advancing peace and stability and progress in conflict resolution efforts in the continent to Africa’s growing economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area. Our continent is making remarkable strides in renewable energy, digital innovation, and youth empowerment, strengthening Africa’s position as a key player on the global stage.

We reaffirm our dedication to the principles of solidarity, integration, and sustainable development. Together, we strive to overcome challenges across peace and security, economic transformation, and social progress, while seizing the immense opportunities that lie ahead under Agenda 2063.

Let us continue to work hand in hand, governments, private sector, civil society, youth, and partners, to build a continent where every African can thrive in dignity and hope.

Happy African Union Day to all!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO

Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.Africa), the international nonprofit operating the world’s largest fleet of civilian hospital ships, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Michelle White MB ChB, PhD, DCH, FRCA as its new Chief Executive Officer.  

Dr. Michelle White is a long-standing member of the Mercy Ships family, first volunteering in 2005 and later serving five years on board the Africa Mercy® in leadership roles, including Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Director of Medical Capacity Building. She is from the United Kingdom and currently serves as a Trustee of Mercy Ships UK and as a member of the Mercy Ships International Board of Directors.  

Alongside her Mercy Ships service, Dr. White is an award-winning Anesthesiologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, Europe’s leading children’s hospital, where she leads complex surgical services and has introduced operational hospital improvements. Her career also includes spearheading multi-country health system initiatives in Africa, partnering with Ministers of Health, NGOs, and donors to expand surgical safety and training programs.  

Reflecting on her appointment, Dr. White said:  
“I believe this opportunity represents the culmination of my professional calling and spiritual journey. This is a chance to lead an organization I love into its next season of growth and gospel-shaped impact.”  

With more than 17 years of leadership experience across healthcare, missions, and academia, Dr. White brings a unique blend of clinical excellence, nonprofit governance, and faith-driven servant leadership. She has authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications and continues to champion operational excellence.

“Dr. Michelle White lives out the values and vision that have defined Mercy Ships for nearly 50 years,” said Board Chair Gary Brown. “As a valued MSI Board member, we have seen her medical expertise, leadership skills, and deep commitment to Jesus. Her long-standing service as a volunteer with our community make her the ideal leader Mercy Ships needs for the years ahead.”  

Dr. White is expected to assume her role as CEO early next year, following her transition from Great Ormond Street Hospital. She succeeds Interim CEO and Board Chair Gary Brown, who has led the organization through this transition period. The firm of CarterBaldwin Executive Search supported Mercy Ships in the selection process.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.

If you are a journalist and have seen a story you are interested in about Mercy Ships and would like to request more information, b’roll, or photos email international.media@mercyships.org 

ABOUT MERCY SHIPS:  
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.  

Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit www.MercyShips.org and follow @MercyShips on social media.

Source: APO

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Dembe-Sembel and Semaetat high schools in the Central Region presented awards to 253 outstanding students who scored high marks in the national school-leaving and eighth-grade examinations.

Dembe-Sembel High School awarded 60 students who scored a GPA of 3 to 4 in the national school-leaving examination and 74 students who scored over 90 points in the eighth-grade national examination.

Mr. Negasi Woldu, director of the school, congratulated the awardees and their parents, urging the students to work harder for even greater success in their college education.

Mr. Yohannes Solomon, head of secondary school follow-up at the Central Region Education Office, said the achievements were the result of the collective efforts of students, parents, and the school community. He also urged the awardees to continue striving for excellence in higher education.

Similarly, at a ceremony held at the Abraha Bahta School of the Impaired, Semaetat Secondary School awarded 119 outstanding students who scored a GPA of 3 to 4.

Mr. Berhane Woldu, director of the school, reported that out of the students who took the examination from the school, 286 qualified for degree and diploma programs.

Dr. Halima Mohammed, director of evaluation and national examinations, noted that the encouraging results attest to the strong collaboration between students, parents, and teachers. She also congratulated the awardees and their families.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

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Kwaku Nsiah-Asare, CEO of Ghana-based gold mining company Typhoon Greenfield Development Limited (Typhoon) will participate at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders – as a speaker. 

Nsiah-Asare will feature on a panel titled Ghana’s Gold Renaissance: Refining and Innovation, Enhancing the Nation’s Golden Potential, where he is expected to spotlight Typhoon’s contribution to maintaining Ghana’s position as Africa’s top gold producer and the world’s sixth-largest. 

AMW serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

At AMW, Nsiah-Asare is expected to provide an update on the company’s ongoing exploration and production activities. The company seeks to activate two additional concessions (https://apo-opa.co/4pdDmUD) to expand its and Ghana’s production portfolio. In the first half of 2025, Typhoon launched exploration programs in collaboration with the University of Mines and Technology of Ghana, enhancing local skills development and contributing to the nation’s long-term gold reserve expansion. 

AMW also represents the ideal platform for Nsiah-Asare to showcase Typhoon’s leadership role in driving Ghana’s six-pillar strategy aimed at modernizing the mining sector, enhancing mineral traceability, combating illegal mining and ensuring environmental sustainability. In June 2025, the company presented Ghana’s first fully traceable and responsibly produced small-scale gold bars, positioning itself as a trailblazer in responsible and tech-enabled mining practices in West Africa. 

The company also represents Ghana’s first small-scale mining firm compliant with the London Bullion Market Association standards. Typhoon reclaimed over 180 acres of land previously degraded by illegal mining and planted 15,000 coconut trees, supporting Ghana’s sustainability goals. As Ghana prepares to launch an Anti-Smuggling Taskforce and a gold tokenization facility to curb illicit trade and ensure transparency, Typhoon’s operations are expected to play a key role in shaping a more sustainable and accountable mining industry. 

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

Source: APO

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International Literacy Day, 8 September, was observed at the national level under the theme “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era.”

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Education, this year’s theme highlights how digitalization is transforming learning and emphasizes the need for new literacy skills to safely and effectively access, understand, and create digital content.

The statement also pointed out the challenges and opportunities presented by digital technology and stressed the importance of bridging the digital divide to promote inclusive learning for all.

Furthermore, the statement underlined the significance of introducing and expanding the use of mass media and information technology in all educational services across the country.

It also called for a thorough review of the illiteracy eradication program, fulfillment of existing commitments, and enhanced readiness and contribution of all concerned parties.

Noting that encouraging progress has been made in eradicating illiteracy in the country, the Ministry of Education called for reinforced participation by all to achieve total eradication.

International Literacy Day is being observed for the 24th time at the national level and for the 55th time globally.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

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The Anseba Region administration, in collaboration with the Research and Documentation Center, provided a 10-day training on documentation and archives to 64 employees of various institutions, including 45 women.

The training covered document organization and inspection, preservation, evaluation, as well as digital document management, among other topics.

Highlighting that the objective of the training was to enhance the proper care and handling of documents, Col. Kibrom Nirayo, head of administration and finance in the region, called on the trainees to apply the knowledge they gained in their workplaces.

The participants noted that the training would make a significant contribution to improving their daily activities related to documentation.

In the same vein, Ms. Azieb Tewolde, Director General of the Research and Documentation Center, conducted a meeting with department and branch heads in the region, focusing on document and archive management.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.