Category: MIL-OSI

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Petrol prices increase in December

Source: Government of South Africa

Motorists will have to fork out more for fuel this festive season as the price of all grades of petrol have gone up this December.

This as the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced the adjustment of the fuel prices based on current local and international factors with effect from Wednesday, 03 December 2025.

Based on current local and international factors, the fuel prices for December 2025  have been adjusted as follows:
•    Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): 29 cents a litre increase.
•    Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP): 29 cents a litre increase.
•    Diesel (0.05% sulphur): 65.48  cents a litre increase.
•    Diesel (0.005% sulphur): 82.48 cents a litre  increase.
•    Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 74.48 cents a litre increase.
•    SMNRP (Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin) for Illuminating Paraffin: 99 cents a litre increase.
•    Maximum LPGas Retail Price: 24 cents a litre increase and 9 cents per kilogram increase in the Western Cape.

The increase means that a litre of Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP) now costs R21.41 in Gauteng while a litre of Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP) in the coast now costs R 20.58

In a statement on Tuesday, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, said the average brent crude oil price decreased from 64.14 US Dollars (USD) to 63.54 USD during the period under review. 

“The main contributing factors are oversupply concerns due to increased production by OPEC+ and non-OPEC [Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries] producers amid slower global demand,” it said.

It added that the average international product prices of petrol were affected by lower inventories ahead of the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere due to planned and unplanned refinery outages which resulted in higher refinery margins. 

“These factors led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 28.97 cents a litre, 64.09 cents a litre and 72.04 cents a litre, respectively.”

In addition, the Rand appreciated on average, against the US Dollar (from R 17.29 to R17.23 per USD) during the period under review when compared to the previous one.

In line with the application of the Regulatory Accounting System (RAS), the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources approved a net increase of 3.6 cents a litre in the annual margin adjustments on petrol and a net increase of 5.48 cents a litre on diesel and illuminating paraffin wholesale prices, with effect from the 3rd of December 2025.

The Minister also approved the annual adjustment to the pricing elements of the maximum retail price of LPGas with effect from the 03 December 2025.

“The operating expenses and the working capital were adjusted by the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) for 2024 of 4.4% whilst the depreciation, primary transport cost and the gross margin were adjusted by the average Producer Price Index (PPI) for 2024 which was 3.1%.”

In November, the department announced decreases in the price of petrol, diesel, illuminating paraffin and LP Gas.
READ | Petrol and diesel to decrease from Wednesday

–SAnews.gov.za

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Recreational fishing dates for West Coast Rock Lobster season announced

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has announced the designated recreational fishing dates for the 2025/26 West Coast Rock Lobster season.

“These dates have been finalised following a thorough and science-based assessment to ensure that recreational opportunities are balanced with the long-term sustainability of our marine resources,” the Minister said on Wednesday.

The dates were announced as follows:

  • 20, 21, 27 and 28 December 2025.
  • 3, 4, 24, 25 and 31 January 2026.
  • 1 February 2026.
  • 21 and 22 March 2026.

The dates were determined taking into account the West Coast Rock Lobster breeding season; alignment with weekends, public holidays and the festive season, and the timing of the low tide periods to maximise safe and responsible harvesting opportunities.

Fishers are requested to fish responsibly and adhere to the regulations for recreational fishing. 

These include, but are not limited to, that fishing is prohibited on the days that are not included in the above list. 

Furthermore, fishers must hold a valid recreational permit, and follow the bag and size limits. 

These measures collectively support stock recovery trajectories and contribute to ensuring that utilisation remains within sustainable thresholds. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa positions Mozambique as SA’s top African economic partner

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his official dinner remarks in Maputo to underscore Mozambique’s growing significance as South Africa’s leading economic partner on the continent, saying the two nations are one people bound by history and now firmly focused on shared prosperity.

Speaking on the eve of the fourth South Africa-Mozambique Bi-National Commission (BNC), President Ramaphosa said the bilateral relationship – forged in the struggle against colonialism and apartheid – had evolved into one of South Africa’s most strategic economic partnerships.

“Today, Mozambique is South Africa’s largest trading partner on the African continent and the fourth in the world. We are committed to growing this partnership in a mutually beneficial manner,” the President said. 

His remarks set the tone for a two-day working visit centred on deepening cooperation in energy, infrastructure, transport, tourism, agriculture and mining — areas he said hold huge potential for expanded investment. 

The President arrived in Mozambique on Tuesday afternoon at the invitation of President Daniel Chapo, ahead of a full programme that includes bilateral talks, the official opening of the BNC, and a series of high-impact economic engagements.

President Ramaphosa said South African businesses continued to see Mozambique as a priority destination, with investments spanning numerous sectors. 

President Ramaphosa and President Chapo are expected to jointly launch the flagship Integrated Hydrocarbons Infrastructure Facility in Temane on Wednesday, a major partnership between Mozambique and Sasol expected to bolster regional energy security and industrial development. 

“We are also looking forward to attending the Business Forum in Vilankulo, in which many South African companies, State-owned enterprises and development finance institutions will participate,” President Ramaphosa said.

The BNC, first established in 2015, serves as the central mechanism guiding cooperation between the two neighbours. More than 70 agreements and memoranda of understanding have been signed over the years, covering areas such as agriculture, defence, border management, health, labour, customs administration and investment facilitation.

The fourth session will assess progress on commitments made during the previous BNC in 2022 and identify new opportunities for trade and investment. In 2024, Mozambique recorded R119.4 billion in goods and merchandise trade with South Africa, an increase from R114 billion the previous year. South African exports to Mozambique totalled R19.4 billion.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that the future of both countries remains intertwined.

“Ours is a special relationship… South Africans and Mozambicans are bound together by a common heritage, geographic proximity and familial ties. We are one people. Once more, my dear brother, I extend our gratitude for your gracious hospitality. We feel truly welcome,” he said to President Chapo. 

The President is accompanied by a high-level ministerial delegation, reflecting the breadth of cooperation under review. The delegation includes Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga; Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni;  Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille; Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy; Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Tolashe, and Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, among others. 

The BNC opening and joint press conference will take place at the State House in Maputo on Wednesday morning, followed by the Sasol project launch in Temane and an address to the South Africa-Mozambique Business Forum in Vilankulo later this evening. – SAnews.gov.za 

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West Africa’s Grid Transformation to Take Center Stage at MSGBC 2025

Source: APO


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African upstream oil and gas operators are accelerating efforts to integrate renewable and lower-carbon energy sources into production activities. Recent milestones across Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa and the Republic of Congo demonstrate how the continent’s largest operators are embedding energy diversification into project design, with hybrid and gas-to-power systems set for greater scale from 2025 to 2027.

Although most renewable capacity in Africa is still deployed at utility scale through grid-connected wind, solar and storage projects, upstream developers are increasingly adopting hybrid energy strategies to support production and lower Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Together, these developments signal a transition toward upstream systems that are both commercially competitive and environmentally aligned.

Integrated and Gas-Supported Upstream Developments

Uganda’s Tilenga development represents one of the continent’s most advanced examples of integrated energy planning within a major upstream project. Operated by energy major TotalEnergies and China’s state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation, Tilenga is designed for very low Scope 1 and 2 emissions and is targeting first oil by late 2026. The project uses all associated gas to generate power for processing infrastructure, with surplus electricity supplied to both the national grid and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline. Combined with the reinjection of all produced water, Tilenga reflects a new generation of high-efficiency upstream assets underpinned by robust energy management systems.

In Nigeria, integrated gas-to-power solutions continue to strengthen the link between upstream output and domestic power markets. The ANOH Gas Development – led by energy companies Seplat Energy and Renaissance Africa Energy – started commercial operations in July 2025, supplying nearly 600 million cubic feet per day for power generation and supporting Nigeria’s broader transition. The Iseni gas field, operated by TotalEnergies alongside British major Shell and global energy company the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, has already begun delivering gas directly to the Dangote Fertilizer and Petrochemical Plant, enabling dedicated on-site power supply and improving operational stability.

Emerging Hybrid Models and Regional Outlook

Broader regional trends suggest that hybrid systems integrating oil, gas and renewables are beginning to take shape in multiple markets. These developments are supported by regional gas-to-power milestones, including Mozambique’s 450 MW Temane project – scheduled for operation in 2026 – designed to reinforce grid stability and complement renewable growth as gas strengthens its position as a transition fuel.

In South Africa, gas explorer Kinetiko Energy’s Amersfoort coalbed methane development began phased power supply in 2024 and is progressing toward long-term capacity targets of up to 500 MW for the national grid. At the same time, TotalEnergies has launched construction of two major renewable facilities – a 140 MW wind farm and a 120 MW solar plant in the Northern Cape – under a 20-year corporate power purchase agreement with chemicals company Sasol’s Secunda complex and gas cylinders supplier Air Liquide’s oxygen production operations. Both projects have been under construction since late 2024 and are slated for full operation by 2026.

The country’s industrial sector offers further insight into how large-scale renewable integration can be replicated across upstream operations. Global mining company Anglo American’s collaboration with renewable energy company EDF Renewables to develop up to 5 GW of wind and solar capacity by 2030 showcases the viability of dedicated renewable power procurement for heavy industry, a model increasingly relevant for oil and gas operators seeking to reduce emissions and lock in long-term energy security. Combined with emerging green hydrogen opportunities in Namibia and Mauritania, these initiatives highlight how African upstream players are positioning themselves within a diversified, multi-energy future.

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

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More than 90 motorists arrested as festive season begins

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Law enforcement officers have arrested more than 90 motorists and issued 5 626 traffic fines on the first day of the national festive season road safety campaign.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said the arrests, made on 1 December, were linked to offences including driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, and reckless or negligent driving, among others.

“Of particular concern is that more than a third of the individuals had outstanding warrants of arrests against their traffic fines that they had ignored to pay. Motorists are advised to ascertain if they have outstanding traffic fines before embarking on their holiday trips in the coming weeks,” the RTMC said on Tuesday.

The festive period is likely to pose great challenges for law enforcement because of the increase in the number of vehicles and heavy rainfalls and infrastructure damaging storms. 

Moreover, the number of registered vehicles in the country has increased from about 13 613 451 in September to 13 646 029 in October.

“The increase in vehicle populations will most likely increase the burden on officers and cause more congestions on the roads during peak travel periods. Travellers planning long distance trips are advised to carefully consider their time of travel and avoid night time as more crashes occur after sunset.

“Motorists are further advised to take into consideration that heavy rains experienced by the country recently have compromised the quality of some of the roads. Therefore, travel must take place when visibility is clear to avoid possible potholes that can cause serious damage to vehicles and dent the joyous festive season spirit,” the RTMC said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Parliament concerned about threats to MPs

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Parliament has noted with great concern the incidents of intimidation and threats directed at Members of Parliament (MPs) in the execution of their work.

“While the latest outcry has emerged during the processes of the Ad Hoc Committee, similar threats have also been made against Members of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) and others during oversight activities,” Parliament said on Tuesday.

Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee was established to investigate allegations made by the South African Police Service (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

In its statement, Parliament said it is aware of, and supports, the steps taken by MPs who have reported these matters to their local police stations. 

“We trust that the South African Police Service will investigate and address these cases expeditiously. Parliament relies on the security services for the assessment of threats and criminal investigations,” the statement said.

Where necessary, the Secretary to Parliament will engage the National Commissioner for updates and to ensure that these matters receive appropriate attention.

“Once again, Parliament calls on members of the public to remain the first defenders of their public representatives by supporting and safeguarding the democratic processes of our country. Parliament continues to take the safety of its members seriously.” –SAnews.gov.za

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Ithala Bank depositors to receive funds before Christmas

Source: Government of South Africa

In a significant development in Ithala SOC Limited, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has confirmed that depositors will regain access to their funds before Christmas.

Ntuli, joined by Finance MEC Francois Rodgers and Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Reverend Musa Zondi, made the announcement during a media briefing on Monday.

The release of the funds follows months of intensive intergovernmental engagements involving the Presidency, National Treasury, and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government.

Turning the corner at Ithala Bank

The Premier said the recovery plan marks major progress in resolving long-standing operational and structural challenges at Ithala SOC Limited, which he described as a pillar of developmental finance and an anchor of inclusive economic participation for historically marginalised communities.

Ntuli confirmed that all legal and administrative agreements required to unlock the repayment process have now been finalised.

“This marks a turning point for Ithala and a commitment to ensuring that such disruptions do not occur again,” Ntuli said.

He apologised for the distress experienced by families and businesses during the period of uncertainty, noting that many faced delayed rent and school fees, halted business operations, and immense financial strain.

“With the agreements now concluded, we move decisively into the operational phase,” he said, adding that the final approvals have been secured for depositors to start accessing their funds before Christmas.

He said detailed public instructions will now be issued on when and where funds can be collected, which branches and service points will operate, required documents for verification, and support for vulnerable or elderly depositors.

“To ensure accessibility, communication will be in isiZulu and English, and information will be distributed through branches, community radio, traditional leadership structures, government platforms, and social media.”

The Premier also warned the depositors to beware of scammers. “No official is authorised to request any fee to release funds. This process will be fully transparent, lawful, and people-centred,” he said.

He added that a long-term repositioning strategy for Ithala is being finalised to strengthen governance, stabilise capital structures, and reinforce its developmental mandate.

The Premier extended special appreciation to MECs Zondi and Rodgers, and the Executive Council for their support in concluding the matter.

Rodgers welcomed the release of funds to the depositors, noting that financial, administrative, and legal barriers have been overcome, with agreements successfully concluded with the relevant stakeholders.

Strengthening governance across the province

Providing an update on governance improvements, the Premier confirmed that KwaZulu-Natal recorded 474 pending misconduct cases as of 1 November 2025. Of these, 119 have been finalised, reducing the active caseload to 355.

Suspension cases have also declined from 52 to 46.

Ntuli said interventions underway include Operation MBO (a case-reduction and tracking programme), improved collaboration with organised labour, and mass training for presiding and investigating officers, with specialised focus on the Department of Health.

“These measures are part of the administration’s commitment to clean, ethical, and accountable governance,” Ntuli said.

Youth empowerment fund investigation

The Premier also outlined progress on the investigation into alleged irregularities in previous Youth Fund allocation cycles.

The probe covered applications from the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years.

Ntuli confirmed that the investigation report has been completed and reviewed.

“It [report] identified systemic gaps in processes and made recommendations for stronger internal controls.

Key outcomes include:
• Nineteen applications were validated and will receive funding before December 2025 ends.
• Thirty-eight applications were incomplete; applicants will have 30 days to rectify issues.
• Two applications were cancelled after it emerged the applicants were not KZN residents.
• The remaining 36 applications are undergoing final processing.

The Premier committed to meeting all affected beneficiaries and applicants to provide feedback and outline corrective steps.

“We want to assure the youth of KwaZulu-Natal that we will do everything to ensure the process is transparent and just,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Delegação da Bridgewater State University visita Cabo Verde para fortalecer cooperação académica e impulsionar a agenda digital

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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Uma delegação da Bridgewater State University, dos Estados Unidos da América, esteve esta segunda-feira, 1 de dezembro, em Cabo Verde para, entre outros aspetos, fazer uma apresentação estratégica sobre a Agenda Digital do país, seguida de uma visita guiada às principais infraestruturas tecnológicas nacionais.

Esta iniciativa reforça o compromisso nacional em estreitar parcerias internacionais e promover a colaboração entre o meio académico e o Governo em matéria de competências digitais, investigação, empreendedorismo e programas de intercâmbio.

A sessão dos trabalhos, presidida pelo Secretário de Estado da Economia Digital, Pedro Lopes, iniciou-se com as boas-vindas do PCA do TechPark, Carlos Monteiro, seguindo-se a intervenção do Presidente da BSU, Frederick Clark Jr., que fez o discurso de abertura e apresentou a delegação da Bridgewater State University.

Um dos pontos alto da agenda foi a apresentação conduzida pela Direção-Geral das Telecomunicações e Económica Digital (DGTED), que partilhou a visão, os pilares estratégicos e os programas emblemáticos da Agenda Digital. Foram evidenciados o papel de Cabo Verde como plataforma digital regional, a evolução das competências digitais, os avanços no empreendedorismo tecnológico e a consolidação de serviços públicos digitais inclusivos.

Durante a sessão de trabalho, foram discutidas diversas oportunidades de colaboração, desde intercâmbios de estudantes e docentes, investigação conjunta, projetos finais e estágios, até mecanismos de apoio a startups e laboratórios conjuntos.

A delegação realizou ainda uma visita guiada ao TechPark, passando pelo Centro de Incubação, Centro de Negócios, Centro de Formação e Centro de Conferências, onde teve contacto direto com startups cabo-verdianas e iniciativas que simbolizam o dinamismo crescente do ecossistema digital.

O Secretário de Estado da Economia Digital, Pedro Lopes, encerrou o encontro destacando os próximos passos e sublinhando que Cabo Verde está comprometido em construir parcerias de futuro que reforcem a capacitação, a inovação e a competitividade digital.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Ministra da Justiça preside abertura da II Avaliação Nacional de Riscos (ANR)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O evento ocorreu, segunda-feira, 01 de dezembro, na Cidade da Praia, e, no ato a Ministra Joana Rosa destacou a importância da ANR como um desígnio nacional, meio para fortalecimento da atuação das instituições em matéria de prevenção e combate aos crimes financeiros e apelou também a um maior envolvimento das instituições envolvidas no processo. Joana Rosa ainda abordou todo o empenho do Governo no combate ao fenómeno.

“Durante toda a semana vai decorrer uma formação, patrocinada pelo Grupo InterGovernamental de Ação contra o Branqueamento de Capitais na África Ocidental (GIABA), com o objetivo de identificar os riscos nacionais, em matéria financeira e cibernética.

Todas as instituições envolvidas serão avaliadas e isso trará informações relevantes sobre os desafios existentes e necessidade de reforço da sua atuação no domínio de crimes financeiros, através da adoção de medidas de políticas alinhadas com as boas práticas internacionais. Por isso é importante que as instituições estejam capacitadas.

A transparência tem impacto direto no desenvolvimento do próprio país, pois afeta diretamente a sua credibilidade na gestão dos financiamentos externos”, realçou a Ministra.

De salientar que nos termos da recomendação 1 do GAFI, os países devem identificar, avaliar e compreender os riscos de lavagem de capitais e financiamento do terrorismo para o país, e devem agir, inclusive designando uma autoridade ou mecanismo para coordenar esforços na avaliação de riscos e na aplicação de recursos para garantir que os riscos sejam mitigados de forma eficaz.

A ANR é alicerce para uma governança económica resiliente, protegendo Cabo Verde de vulnerabilidades sistêmicas e garantindo seu lugar como parceiro confiável na comunidade internacional.

A janela para esta ação é estreita e o momento de priorizar essa agenda é agora, certo de que uma das ações prioritárias da Estratégia Nacional de Cabo Verde em matéria de Prevenção e Combate à Lavagem de Capitais, ao Financiamento do Terrorismo e da Proliferação de Armas de Destruição em Massa (ENCAVE) e do Plano Operacional é a realização da ARN, o que constitui um dos passos fundamentais para suprir as deficiências relacionadas com as Atividades e Profissões Não-Financeiras Designadas (APNFDs), constantes no Relatório de Avaliação Mútua, entre outras deficiências.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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First edition of the west African festival of arts and culture (ECOFEST) Dakar 2025: inaugural conference and Youth–Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)–Union Économique et Monétaire Ouest-Africaine (UEMOA) dialogue

Source: APO – Report:

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As part of the first edition of the West African Arts and Culture Festival (ECOFEST), holding in Dakar from 30 November to 6 December 2025, two major highlights marked activities on 1 December 2025 at the Grand Théâtre National Doudou Ndiaye Coumba Rose: the inaugural conference and an interactive dialogue between West African youth and the Commissions of ECOWAS and UEMOA.

The inaugural conference, which officially launched the festival’s programme of panel discussions, debates and intellectual exchanges under ECOFEST 2025, was delivered by Professor Mamadou Fall, a distinguished Senegalese academic and specialist in African socio-political dynamics. His presentation focused on the role of culture in contemporary geopolitical transformations, as well as its potential as a tool for dialogue, mediation and peacebuilding in West Africa.

The youth dialogue session featured exchanges between West African youth, Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, and Mr. Mamadù Serifo Jaquite, UEMOA Commissioner in charge of the Department of Human Development. The discussion was held under the theme: “Pathways to the Future with Youth for Development, Peace and Integration.”

The meeting provided a platform for both Commissioners to present ongoing programmes and opportunities available to West African youth. They engaged directly with young leaders, emerging artists, cultural entrepreneurs, students and members of youth organisations on key contemporary issues, including development challenges, peace and regional integration, as well as youth employability.

Discussions also focused on strengthening civic participation and enhancing the contribution of young people to the construction of a stable, inclusive and integrated West African regional space.

As part of this first edition of ECOFEST, several flagship activities are featured across Dakar, including film screenings, an exhibition and sales fair of handcrafted art, fashion and culinary arts, as well as exhibitions at the Creativity Fair showcasing heritage-based skills and digital innovation led by start-ups.

The programme further includes artistic competitions in painting, photography and sculpture, traditional and modern music performances by young talents, as well as roundtable discussions on cultural and creative industries and the regional market, regional citizenship and a culture of peace, and on regional diversity and cultural heritage.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).