Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting Member States in building resilience against climate shocks, protecting vulnerable populations, and reducing the risks associated with extreme weather events that are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change.

As part of its humanitarian Monitoring and Evaluation mission to Guinea Bissau, the ECOWAS delegation on 5th September, 2025, concluded its 5 day assessment mission with the evaluation of the  progress in the implementation of ECOWAS humanitarian support initiatives, which aimed not only at ensuring accountability in the delivery of humanitarian assistance but also at identifying opportunities to strengthen resilience and climate adaptation measures across Guinea-Bissau and the broader ECOWAS region.

Under the theme “Build Back Better and Leave No One Behind,” a total of 18,000 beneficiaries—comprising 70% women and 30% men—were identified and supported with food and non-food items. This intervention underscores ECOWAS’ focus on gender-responsive humanitarian action and its commitment to ensuring that vulnerable populations are not excluded from recovery and resilience-building efforts.

The mission concluded with the formal handover of essential disaster management equipment purchased with ECOWAS support, initially mobilized in response to the devastating 2022 floods. This intervention also included provisions for capacity-building initiatives, aimed at reinforcing the technical expertise of Guinea-Bissau’s disaster management agency staff.

In line with this, ECOWAS organized a practical workshop to introduce a newly developed Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) tool designed for Member States. This digital platform enables countries to record and share humanitarian data in real time, facilitating evidence-based decision-making, strengthening data management and analysis, and enhancing regional monitoring of humanitarian interventions.

To bolster disaster preparedness, laptops and a dedicated server were delivered to Guinea-Bissau’s disaster management agency. These tools will support early warning systems and enable faster, more coordinated responses during emergencies—ensuring clarity on what actions to take, when and where to implement them, and who should be engaged. Importantly, the system will also create a centralized database of lessons learned, serving as a resource for other ECOWAS Member States.

During the visit, the delegation met with H.E. Aladje Botche Candé, Minister of Interior and Public Order of Guinea-Bissau, to reiterate ECOWAS’ commitment to supporting Member States and to brief him on the progress made so far. The Minister expressed his country’s readiness to deepen cooperation with ECOWAS, commending the organization for its consistent support in improving living standards, resolving conflicts, promoting peace, and advancing regional trade and integration.

The delegation also visited the Office of the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Guinea-Bissau, where they were warmly received by H.E. Ambassador Ngozi Ukaeje, Discussions centered on strengthening collaboration and mobilizing further support to ensure the effective execution of ECOWAS’ mandate in Guinea-Bissau in overseeing ECOWAS activities and supporting stabilization efforts, including the work of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB).

Through these efforts, ECOWAS continues to demonstrate its solidarity with Member States and its commitment to building a more resilient and integrated West African region capable of withstanding climate and humanitarian challenges.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

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The Minister of Tourism of Tourism, Patricia de Lille on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, today joined the community of Overstrand in a clean-up initiative that highlights the importance of collective responsibility in building cleaner and healthier living spaces.

The Department congratulates Overstrand Municipality on receiving first place in the Western Cape Municipal Waste Management Recognition Programme last month, awarded by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. This accolade recognises Overstrand as the top-performing municipality in the province for its innovative waste management systems, recycling efforts, and compliance with environmental regulations.

Despite challenges such as low recycling rates and illegal dumping in certain areas, Overstrand has continued to prioritise community education, with particular emphasis on engaging young people. These efforts are essential in fostering long-term behavioural change and ensuring that future generations grow up with a sense of environmental responsibility.

Clean cities, towns, and villages are not merely about aesthetics, but are also about public health, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. Cleaner environments attract visitors and investors, reduce pollution, safeguard natural resources, and ensure that communities live in safe and healthy surroundings.

Tourism is directly linked to the state of our cities and towns. The Department of Tourism has, therefore, implemented initiatives such as the Green Tourism Incentive Programme, which supports private sector tourism enterprises in adopting sustainable practices. Cleaner, more sustainable communities are not only more attractive to tourists but also help preserve biodiversity and natural attractions that form the backbone of South Africa’s eco-tourism offering.

The Clean Cities and Towns Campaign is part of the government’s District Development Model (DDM), which promotes collaboration, coordination, and community involvement in improving service delivery. Through activities such as clean-up drives, waste management initiatives, and infrastructure repairs, the campaign demonstrates government’s commitment to working with citizens to build sustainable communities.

The Department of Tourism reaffirms its dedication to the goals of the 7th Administration under the Government of National Unity, which include strengthening service delivery, promoting inclusive growth, and ensuring a healthier environment for all. Citizens are called upon to take pride in their neighbourhoods, hold one another accountable, and work with government to enhance the cleanliness and beauty of South Africa. Together, we can create a sustainable future that all South Africans deserve.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO

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The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the terrorist attacks that targeted security posts in southern regions of the Republic of Mali, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of law enforcement personnel.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) reaffirmed the UAE’s strong condemnation of these criminal acts and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability.

The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of Mali over these cowardly attacks, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: APO

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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in the Northern Cape Region welcomes Cabinet’s pronouncement of Ms. Karabelo Mojanaga as the Regional Executive Manager (REM) of SASSA in the Northern Cape.

The appointment was confirmed by the Minister in the Presidency, Ms. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, during a media briefing on Friday, 5 September 2025, on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 3 September 2025.

In her new role, Ms. Mojanaga will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of SASSA in the Northern Cape, ensuring the effective and dignified delivery of social security services across the province.

As REM, her responsibilities will include:

• Setting and driving the strategic direction of the Northern Cape Region in alignment with SASSA’s national priorities;
• Overseeing the implementation and management of the Social Assistance Programme;
• Managing financial planning, budgeting, supply chain management, and risk controls;
• Leading regional staff and fostering a high-performance culture;
• Ensuring compliance with legislation, policies, and audit requirements;
• Strengthening customer care, managing complaints and enquiries, and expanding outreach initiatives;
• Representing SASSA in key stakeholder engagements across the province; and
• Supporting and contributing to sustainable livelihoods to reduce poverty in the province.

Her appointment underscores SASSA’s commitment to capable and responsive leadership that places beneficiaries at the heart of service delivery.

Ms. Mojanaga brings with her a strong track record of public service leadership, having previously served in executive roles such as Senior Manager: Management Accounting at the Northern Cape Department of Health and Chief Financial Officer at the Provincial Treasury.

She graduated from the University of South Africa with a B.Compt Degree, and later obtained a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of the Free State. She has also completed a certificate course on Africa’s Political Economy through the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute, and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of the Free State.

Reacting to her appointment, Ms. Mojanaga stated: “I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with leading SASSA in the Northern Cape Province. This role is both a responsibility and a privilege — to ensure that our beneficiaries receive services that are accessible, efficient, and delivered with dignity, speed, and care. I look forward to working hand in hand with our dedicated staff, communities, and stakeholders to strengthen service delivery, restore trust, and ultimately change lives for the better.”

Prior to her appointment, Ms. Mojanaga acted in the REM role from 1 November 2024, after serving as General Manager: Finance and Corporate Services at SASSA Northern Cape since 15 March 2021.

During her tenure as Acting REM, the Northern Cape was crowned the top-performing SASSA region in the country, achieving 13 out of 14 Annual Performance Plan (APP) targets — a 93% overall performance score, the highest nationwide.

In the first quarter (April to June 2025) of the current 2025/2026 financial year, the Northern Cape once again emerged as the top performer nationally, achieving all 11 APP targets — translating into a remarkable 100% performance.

SASSA in the Northern Cape extends its full support to Ms. Mojanaga as she assumes this vital leadership role and continues to build a strong, client-focused social security system in the province.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO

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International Literacy Day is celebrated every year on 8 September to highlight the importance of high literacy rates in society.

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) is committed to creating an environment that supports readers and encourages a culture of reading across all ages. From story time to digital skills, public libraries across the Western Cape are opening doors to opportunity and lifelong learning.

The department supports literacy in the province through numerous programmes and interventions, including:

• 375 public library service points, supported by the Western Cape Library Service across the province
• 229 rural libraries providing free internet through more than 1 500 workstations as well as free Wi-Fi access at 180 of these libraries
• The department procured 160 307 hard copy books during the last financial year
• Access to 36 968 copies of e-books, audio books and online magazines
• Circulation of 275 194 e-books and 80 990 audiobooks in the past year
• 37 mini-libraries for the blind and visually impaired across the province
• Thousands more benefit annually from library storytimes, school class visits, book clubs, reading quizzes, writing competitions, and study support initiatives
• Various programmes to promote reading are being driven by our YeBoneers who are placed in the libraries stream

Libraries and literacy are crucial in our society. Reading is foundational for school success, employability and active citizenship. Libraries reduce barriers by offering free access to books, e-books, safe study spaces, skilled staff, and connectivity. Digital literacy is also essential: in an AI-enabled world, libraries equip residents to find, evaluate and create information responsibly.

Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, calls on all people across the province to join their local library and to keep reading:

“On International Literacy Day, we celebrate the everyday heroes—our librarians, volunteers, parents and young people—who keep the flame of reading alive. In a rapidly digitalising world, the Western Cape’s public libraries are more than buildings with books: they are springboards into learning, opportunity and hope. This year alone, our library literacy programmes directly supported more than 600 residents, and our network of 375 service points continues to bring stories, skills and connection within reach of every community. Reading opens doors—at school, at work and in life. I invite every resident to visit their local library, borrow a book or download an e-book, join a reading circle, and sign up for my ALMAL Book Club. Let’s build a province of readers.”

DCAS continues to roll out many programmes and activities across our libraries to ensure that we can build a culture of reading in our province.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations to the President of the Republic of North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, on the occasion of her country’s independence day.

In this message, HM the King conveys His sincere congratulations to Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, along with His best wishes for further progress and prosperity for the Macedonian people.

The Sovereign also took the opportunity to stress the Kingdom’s determination to strengthen its distinguished ties of friendship with the Republic of North Macedonia and to promote bilateral cooperation across various fields of common interest, for the mutual benefit of the two friendly peoples.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.