Portugal: Ministério das Relações Exteriores

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O *reforço das relações bilaterais entre a República de Angola e a República Portuguesa* esteve no centro de um *encontro de trabalho* realizado nesta segunda-feira, 12 de Outubro, em Luanda, entre Suas Excelências Embaixador *Domingos Custódio Vieira Lopes*, Secretário de Estado para a Cooperação Internacional e Comunidades Angolanas, e Embaixadora *Ana Isabel Xavier*, Secretária de Estado dos Negócios Estrangeiros e da Cooperação de Portugal.

O encontro realizou-se na *sede da diplomacia angolana*, em Luanda, no quadro da *visita de trabalho* de Sua Excelência *Ana Isabel Xavier* a Angola, durante a qual deverá acompanhar projectos nos domínios da *Saúde, Educação e Justiça*, nas províncias de *Luanda e Benguela*, bem como manter contactos com as autoridades angolanas.

O diá. incidiu sobre o *aprofundamento da cooperação político-diplomática, económica e comercial entre Angola e Portugal*, com particular atenção ao *incremento das trocas comerciais*, às *questões migratórias e consulares* e à concertação sobre *matérias regionais e internacionais*.

Ao tomar a palavra, o *Secretário de Estado Domingos Custódio Vieira Lopes* defendeu uma cooperação cada vez mais pragmática, assente em resultados concretos para os dois países, e referiu que *Angola atribui importância estratégica à parceria com Portugal*, alicerçada na história comum, no respeito mútuo e na confiança.

No *domínio económico*, evocou a necessidade de maior envolvimento do sector empresarial angolano em Portugal.

O *Secretário de Estado para a Cooperação Internacional e Comunidades Angolanas* apelou igualmente a uma maior atenção dos investidores portugueses às potencialidades da economia angolana, tendo em conta os esforços do país para a diversificação económica.

Os dois diplomatas analisaram também o *Programa Estratégico de Cooperação Angola-Portugal 2023-2027*, cuja vigência termina no próximo ano, e as prioridades para o ciclo seguinte.

Nesta conformidade, concordaram com o início dos trabalhos de *avaliação e balanço do actual programa*, com vista à preparação e posterior negociação do novo instrumento de cooperação.

A retoma das *Consultas Políticas* entre os dois países, em 2027, mereceu igualmente atenção, tendo a *Secretária de Estado Ana Isabel Xavier* defendido a sua realização como mecanismo de concertação e preparação das negociações do próximo *Programa Estratégico de Cooperação*.

No domínio da *Educação*, os dois Secretários de Estado debruçaram-se sobre os projectos desenvolvidos pelo *Instituto Camões em Angola*.

Sua Excelência *Ana Isabel Xavier* referiu a presença da Presidente da instituição, Embaixadora *Florbela Paraíba*, na delegação portuguesa, que deverá acompanhar os projectos em curso neste sector.

A cooperação multilateral e as questões de *paz e segurança* ocuparam igualmente lugar de destaque nas conversações.

Na ocasião, a *Secretária de Estado portuguesa* agradeceu o apoio de Angola à candidatura de Portugal a *membro não permanente do Conselho de Segurança das Nações Unidas para o biénio 2027-2028*, que culminou na eleição do país à primeira volta, com o melhor resultado da sua história.

Sua Excelência *Ana Isabel Xavier* referiu que a *prevenção*, através do *reforço da diplomacia preventiva e da antecipação de crises*, representa um dos eixos prioritários da actuação portuguesa no *Conselho de Segurança*.

Neste sentido, manifestou o interesse de Portugal em contar com a experiência e a colaboração de Angola, tendo em conta o papel do país nos esforços de *promoção da paz e da estabilidade no continente africano*.

A responsável portuguesa referiu que o seu país reconhece e acompanha os esforços diplomáticos de Angola em prol da paz e da estabilidade regional e acrescentou que Portugal se revê em vários dos aspectos abordados por Sua Excelência *João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço*, Presidente da República de Angola, no seu discurso perante a *81ª Sessão da Assembleia Geral das Nações Unidas*, realizada em *Nova Iorque*.

Em resposta, o *Secretário de Estado Domingos Custódio Vieira Lopes* agradeceu o reconhecimento de Portugal e referiu que os esforços de Angola neste domínio encontram expressão no reconhecimento atribuído pela *União Africana* ao *mais alto mandatário da nação angolana*, como *Campeão da União Africana para a Paz e Reconciliação em África*.

As *relações diplomáticas entre a República de Angola e a República Portuguesa* foram estabelecidas a 10 de Março de 1976, na sequência da proclamação da independência de Angola, a 11 de Novembro de 1975.

Desde então, os dois países têm desenvolvido relações de cooperação nos domínios *político-diplomático, económico, comercial, cultural, educativo e científico*, com base nos laços históricos e na língua portuguesa.

Ao longo dos anos, a cooperação bilateral conheceu diferentes etapas e consolidou-se através de *contactos de alto nível*, *acordos de cooperação* e iniciativas conjuntas, com vista ao reforço das relações de amizade e ao aprofundamento da parceria entre os dois Estados.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Embaixada da República de Angola na República Portuguesa.

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Angola: PR Regressou de Roma

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Presidente da República, João Lourenço, regressou ao país às primeiras horas desta terça-feira, em companhia da Primeira Dama da República, Ana Dias Lourenço.

O Chefe de Estado permaneceu domingo e segunda-feira últimos em Roma, capital da República da Itália, em missão oficial, marcada pela sua participação no Fórum Mundial da Alimentação, que a FAO promoveu. A FAO é a Organização das Nações Unidas para a Alimentação e a Agricultura.

Ao desembarcar no Aeroporto Internacional 4 de Fevereiro, em Luanda, o Presidente da República recebeu cumprimentos de boas-vindas de altas figuras do Estado, encabeçadas pela Vice Presidente da República, Esperança da Costa.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Embaixada da República de Angola na República Portuguesa.

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Cabo Verde e Agência Internacional de Energia Atómica (AIEA) reforçam diálogo estratégico e cooperação técnica

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros e Comunidades, Manuel Amante da Rosa, recebeu, segunda-feira, 12 de Outubro, uma visita de cortesia da delegação da Agência Internacional de Energia Atómica (AIEA), chefiada pelo Chefe de Secção da Divisão para África, Michel Warnau.

O encontro constituiu uma oportunidade para abordar as prioridades de cooperação entre Cabo Verde e a AIEA, com particular enfoque na utilização pacífica da ciência e tecnologia nucleares, no reforço das capacidades nacionais e no desenvolvimento das infraestruturas regulamentares de segurança radiológica, em consonância com as necessidades e prioridades do país.

A visita enquadra-se igualmente nos esforços de consolidação do Programa-Quadro Nacional de Cooperação (CPF) de Cabo Verde com a AIEA para o período 2026–2031, bem como na preparação do próximo ciclo do Programa de Cooperação Técnica para 2028–2029.

A delegação da  Agência Internacional de Energia Atómica integra ainda a responsável pela gestão do programa de cooperação técnica para Cabo Verde, Sulafa Karar e o Chefe da Secção de Infraestruturas Regulamentares e Segurança do Transporte, no domínio da segurança radiológica, Hilaire Mansoux.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Study of 20,000 Nigerians explores the links between drug use, climate change and poverty

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Abdullahi Abdulwahab Yakubu, Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, Ahmadu Bello University

For years, the world has understood climate change as an environmental problem – melting glaciers, rising seas, extreme weather. But what happens in people’s minds when their world becomes unstable? What do they do when the only life they’ve known – farming, herding, providing for their families – becomes impossible?

These questions drove our team of psychiatrists and public health researchers to conduct one of the largest studies of its kind in west Africa. We interviewed 20,000 adults across 40 communities in Kano, Kaduna and Katsina states, a region that sits in the semi-arid Sahel belt. Agriculture is a major source of employment and livelihood in an area that is among the most climate-vulnerable in Nigeria.


Read more: One in two Nigerians live in poverty: why relief programmes have failed


We applied a number of research measures. We used a multidimensional poverty index to measure deprivation, the Kessler psychological distress scale to assess anxiety and depression, and the alcohol, smoking and substance involvement screening test to identify harmful substance use. We also asked participants about their coping strategies: how they deal with stress.

What we found is alarming. A vast majority of the people we surveyed are multidimensionally poor. Nearly half reported high levels of psychological distress. And almost one in five were engaged in substance abuse.

Our findings underscore that substance use disorder in north-west Nigeria can’t be understood in isolation. It’s part of a system – climate stress, poverty, mental distress – and must be addressed as such. The solutions exist: integrated mental health care, livelihood support, community-based interventions.

The research

The numbers tell a troubling story. A multidimensional poverty index measures not only income, but also access to education, healthcare and basic living standards. Over 85% of the people we surveyed were living in profound deprivation. This is significantly higher than the national multidimensional poverty incidence of 62.9% and reflects how extremely precarious this region is economically.

Using the Kessler scale, we asked about symptoms of anxiety and depression over the past month. Of our respondents 45.2% scored in the high range. To put this in perspective, studies in general healthcare settings in Nigeria typically find that 20% to 30% of people experience common mental disorders. Our figure suggests that climate-stressed communities represent a particularly vulnerable group.

Substance use screening revealed that 18.5% of our sample were engaged in high-risk substance use. Cannabis was the most common substance, used by 12.4% of participants, followed by prescription opioids like the painkiller tramadol (9.1%) and alcohol (7.8%). The widespread use of prescription drugs obtained without prescriptions is especially worrying because of the risks of dependence and overdose.

Climate change is increasing poverty in farming areas. Mike Blyth/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY

We also asked people how they coped with stress, using the coping strategies inventory. A staggering 67.5% of respondents relied primarily on unhealthy coping strategies; avoidance, emotional discharge, and behaviours that provide temporary relief but create longer-term problems. Substance use is a prime example of this pattern.

Behind the statistics are human stories of struggle and survival. In our interviews, participants spoke candidly about the pressures they faced and how they tried to manage them.

One farmer in his 40s told us:

When the farm fails, there is no money for food, let alone school fees. The worry does not leave my head. I take the local gin just to sleep at night.

A young man in his 20s described the temptation that surrounded him:

My friends use tramadol. They say it helps them forget that there is no work and no future. I have tried it too when the stress becomes too much. Everyone is doing something to escape.

A woman whose husband had left to find work in the city explained:

The men drink because they cannot provide. The women cry because there is nothing to give the children. This life is hard, and hard lives make people do hard things.

These voices remind us that substance use in these communities isn’t about pleasure or recreation. It’s about survival – a desperate attempt to numb pain that seems to have no other remedy.

What must be done

This isn’t just a health problem. It’s a development problem, an agricultural problem, a climate adaptation problem all rolled into one. The issues are interconnected and need to be tackled together.

There is a common misconception that substance use in poor communities is a moral failing or just a matter of personal choice. Our research suggests otherwise. It is often a direct response to overwhelming stress and hopelessness.

We identified three key responses needed:

  • Mental health and substance use prevention must be integrated into climate adaptation and food security programmes. If programmes are helping farmers to adapt to changing rainfall patterns, they should also be addressing the psychological distress they experience. If food aid is being provided, there should be screening for substance abuse at the same time, to help with early detection and possible intervention. Without this, we risk giving with one hand while the other hand loses the benefit.

  • Social protection schemes and livelihood diversification are essential. When people have other ways to earn income beyond rain-fed agriculture, they’re less vulnerable to climate shocks. This reduces the stress that drives substance use.

  • Civic and government interventions need to train community health workers to identify and refer people with mental health and substance use issues. There are too few psychiatrists in Nigeria to meet the need.

We found strong connections between poverty, psychological distress and substance use. People who are poor are more likely to be distressed. People who are distressed are more likely to use substances. These patterns are clear and statistically robust.

Why this matters

Our study was a snapshot taken at one point in time. Think of it like taking a photograph of a crowd; you can see who’s standing together, but you can’t tell who arrived first or who led whom. In the same way, while we can see that poverty and substance use go hand in hand, we can’t say which causes which, or whether both are caused by something else entirely.


Read more: Fighting climate change in the Sahel is worsening conflicts – new research shows how


Our evidence strongly suggests that climate stress leads to poverty, which leads to distress, which leads to substance use. But to prove that chain of events conclusively, we would need to follow the same people over several years, watching their circumstances change and their behaviour change in response.

This matters for aid providers because humanitarian and development programmes that ignore substance abuse are failing to address a key driver of poverty. When people use drugs or alcohol to cope, they become less able to work productively, less able to care for their families, and less able to recover from the next climate shock. Their health deteriorates, they face stigma, and they become trapped in a downward spiral.

– Study of 20,000 Nigerians explores the links between drug use, climate change and poverty
– https://theconversation.com/study-of-20-000-nigerians-explores-the-links-between-drug-use-climate-change-and-poverty-290534

Kudu in Addo Elephant National Park tests positive for FMD

Source: Government of South Africa

Kudu in Addo Elephant National Park tests positive for FMD

A kudu in Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) has tested positive for Foot-and-Mouth Disease following a second round of diagnostic testing on samples collected from the animal. 

This is according to South African National Parks (SANParks), which is working in coordination with the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture.

“The finding must be understood in the context of the broader FMD situation in the Eastern Cape. The positive result in kudu confirms the presence of the virus in the sampled animals, but does not, on its own, establish the source of infection, the direction of transmission, or a link between AENP and any other outbreak in the province,” SANParks said in a statement on Monday.

The Department of Agriculture was notified after SANParks’ wildlife health surveillance detected increased lameness among kudus.

“Although the initial tests were negative, a follow-up investigation and further testing confirmed FMD in kudu within the Park. At present, no other wildlife species in the Park are showing clinical signs consistent with FMD.”

“These matters are being investigated by the relevant veterinary authorities. FMD affects susceptible cloven-hoofed animals and is not considered a human health risk. No cloven-hoofed animals may enter or leave the Park unless authorised by the relevant veterinary authority following the required risk assessment,” SANParks said.

SANParks is working closely with the Department of Agriculture and other relevant stakeholders to assess the extent of the occurrence, monitor animal health and implement appropriate disease-management measures.

Any future movement of susceptible animals will be subject to a veterinary risk assessment, statutory requirements and formal approval.

Biosecurity controls have been strengthened. These include disinfecting vehicles before they leave designated game-viewing areas, along with measures to limit the potential movement of infectious material beyond affected or controlled areas.

SANParks said it is maintaining communication with neighbouring landowners, livestock producers and other stakeholders to align precautionary measures where necessary.

“Further controls will be introduced if advised by the veterinary authorities or required under applicable animal-disease legislation.”

“There is no human health risk associated with FMD. Tourism operations remain open and will continue to be managed in accordance with veterinary requirements and the Park’s disease-management measures. Visitors can assist by following all access, movement and biosecurity instructions issued by the Park,” SANParks said.

The national parks body assured the public that it maintains active wildlife disease surveillance and response systems and will continue to monitor affected kudu.

“Monitoring will also cover other susceptible wildlife and relevant risk pathways, in cooperation with veterinary authorities. Further public updates will be issued when verified, material information becomes available. This measured approach is intended to support effective disease control while keeping visitors, neighbouring communities and stakeholders appropriately informed,” SANParks said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Government invests R8.9 billion to restore key iron ore export corridor

Source: Government of South Africa

Government invests R8.9 billion to restore key iron ore export corridor

Government is investing R8.9 billion to restore the 861 km Iron Ore Export Line, strengthening a critical freight corridor that links Sishen in the Northern Cape to the Port of Saldanha in the Western Cape.

“The Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager’s (TRIM) long-term Ore Line Restoration Programme, which runs until 2030, is valued at approximately R8.9 billion and is aimed at restoring reliability, improving capacity and supporting economic growth through a safe, efficient and reliable rail network,” Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy said during a site visit to the Iron Ore Line on Monday, held as part of the annual maintenance shutdown.

Creecy said the export corridor is vital to mineral exports, economic activity and thousands of jobs across the logistics value chain.

“This corridor is therefore far more than a railway line. It is an economic artery that supports exports, industrial growth and employment across our economy.

“When this corridor performs well, mines can move their commodities efficiently, exporters can reach international markets, ports can operate more effectively and businesses across the logistics value chain can grow. It also strengthens South Africa’s position as a reliable trading partner,” Creecy said.

Intensive maintenance during shutdown

The annual maintenance shutdown, underway from 6 to 16 October, gives TRIM a dedicated window to carry out intensive work that would be difficult to complete while normal rail operations continue.

During the shutdown, teams are replacing rail and sleepers, screening ballast, replacing and maintaining turnouts, accelerating track maintenance, rehabilitating formations and installing culverts. Electrical and signalling maintenance is also underway.

“These may sound like highly technical activities, but ultimately they have a simple purpose: to build a safer, more reliable and more efficient railway.

“Safety is not separate from delivery. It is the foundation of delivery. The success of this shutdown will be measured not only by the maintenance completed, but by ensuring that every person returns home safely and that the corridor is restored to service without compromise,” the Minister said.

Funding rail and rolling stock renewal

To support the programme, government has allocated R3.4 billion through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) over the current and next financial years.

This year, TRIM will invest approximately R2.2 billion in restorative maintenance on the Ore Corridor, including R1.5 billion funded through the BFI allocation.

Transnet’s efforts to improve operations on the line also include R1.47 billion for ore line rolling stock maintenance: R752.3 million for wagons and R721.9 million for locomotives.

Similar amounts will be allocated to rolling stock maintenance in the next financial year.

“These investments will support critical maintenance and overhaul programmes, including the 15GO and 43DGO locomotive overhaul programmes, while addressing long-standing maintenance backlogs and improving fleet availability, reliability and operational stability.

“Rail interventions are being complemented by strategic investments in the Port of Saldanha, ensuring an integrated corridor approach to restoring South Africa’s iron ore export capacity,” Creecy said.

Port upgrades support export capacity

At the Port of Saldanha, the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is commissioning the Bulk Power Upgrade Project, representing a total capital investment of approximately R750 million.

The project will increase the port’s power supply, enabling Transnet Port Terminals to operate its third tippler and support higher export volumes through the port.

Jobs and opportunities for local businesses

“The benefits of a programme of this scale should not only be measured in kilometres of rail replaced or sleepers installed. We must also ask what this investment means for the communities through which this railway passes.

“For this October intervention, approximately 1,300 fixed-term contract opportunities have been created, with more than 600 indirect opportunities expected through associated economic activity,” the Minister said.

The programme also creates opportunities for small, medium and micro enterprises in civil works, track-related services, logistics, transportation, plant and equipment support, material supply, accommodation and other support services.

Larger contractors can extend these benefits through subcontracting and procurement from local enterprises.

Infrastructure investment underpins rail reform

“It is important that we view today’s work within the broader context of South Africa’s rail reform programme. Government has made a clear policy choice to restore rail as the backbone of our freight logistics system.

“A central component of this reform is opening the freight rail network to private train operating companies while retaining rail infrastructure in state ownership,” Creecy said.

She said establishing the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager had created a dedicated entity to manage and maintain the national rail network and provide access to it. The Network Statement sets out the framework through which train operating companies can gain access.

“However, open access cannot succeed through policy and regulation alone. We need infrastructure that can turn reform from policy into practical implementation. 

“Train operating companies must have confidence that when they invest in locomotives, wagons, people and operations, the infrastructure on which those investments depend is progressively becoming safer, more reliable and more predictable.

“That is why maintenance interventions such as the one we are witnessing today are fundamental to rail reform. We cannot invite greater volumes onto the railway without investing in the infrastructure that must carry those volumes,” Creecy said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

 

 

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Western Cape rolls out free transport safety checks

Source: Government of South Africa

Western Cape rolls out free transport safety checks

Scholar and public transport operators in the Western Cape are urged to take up the provincial government’s free vehicle safety checks to be conducted this week.

The initiative is part of the provincial government’s October Mobility Month road safety campaign aimed at promoting road safety by encouraging drivers and operators to proactively check their vehicles, identify potential defects and address safety concerns.

Free vehicle inspections will be conducted between 8am to 3pm at Gene Louw Traffic College and participating vehicle testing centres across the province, in partnership with municipalities and vehicle testing centres.

Western Cape Mobility Department Chief Director for Traffic Management, Maxine Bezuidenhout, said the initiative promotes a culture of preventative vehicle maintenance.

“October Mobility Month is an opportunity to highlight the importance of the shared responsibility we all have in keeping our roads safe. Our free vehicle safety checks give scholar and public transport operators an opportunity to identify potential defects and address safety concerns before they put passengers at risk.

“These free inspections are an important preventative measure that contribute to safer and more reliable transport services. We encourage all operators to make use of this free service and make vehicle safety a priority,” Bezuidenhout said.

She urged scholar transport and public transport operators to take advantage of the service and ensure their vehicles are in a safe condition for learner and commuter transportation.

Bezuidenhout noted that the inspections are not full roadworthy tests, but practical safety assessments conducted by qualified vehicle examiners.

After the inspections, operators will receive printed reports identifying defects and safety concerns that require attention.

The inspections will cover key vehicle safety components, including tyres, braking system, lights, suspension, CV joints, exhaust system, windscreen wipers, and other critical safety elements.

The department said preventative vehicle maintenance remains one of the most effective ways to reduce breakdowns and prevent avoidable incidents by ensuring defects are identified and addressed early.

Free vehicle safety checks

The inspections will take place from 8am to 3pm daily from 13 to 15 October 2026 at the following centres:

•    Brackenfell: Gene Louw Traffic Training College, Brackenfell Boulevard.
•    Malmesbury: Swartland Municipality, St Thomas Street.
•    Moorreesburg: Swartland Municipality, River Street.
•    Bredasdorp: Cape Agulhas Municipality, 1 Dirkie Uys Street.
•    Clanwilliam: Cederberg Municipality, 2A Voortrekker Street.
•    Citrusdal: Cederberg Municipality, Citrusdal Traffic Department.
•    Riversdale: Hessequa Municipality Testing Centre, Mulder Street.
•    Beaufort West: Beaufort West Municipality, Lock Way, Newton.
•    Kuils River: City of Cape Town, Fabriek Street.
•    Bellville: City of Cape Town, 2 Reed Street.
•    Airport Industria: AVTS Airport, Boston Circle.
•    Bellville: AVTS Bellville, corner of Duminy and Voortrekker roads.
•    Cape Town CBD: AVTS CBD, 86 Sir Lowry Road.
•    Lansdowne: AVTS Kenilworth, 422 Imam Haron Road.
•    Strand: AVTS Strand, 3 Calvyn Street.
•    Table View: AVTS Table View, 139 Blaauwberg Road.
•    Goodwood: AVTS Wingfield, Olympic Park, Voortrekker Road.
•    Lansdowne: Lansdown Vehicle Testing Station, Unit 21, corner of Blomvlei Road and Jan Smuts. – SAnews.gov.za

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CoGTA calls for greater investment in disaster prevention

Source: Government of South Africa

CoGTA calls for greater investment in disaster prevention

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has called for increased investment in disaster prevention and preparedness to protect communities from the growing impact of climate change and other hazards.

The call was made during the two-day national commemoration of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR), which commenced in Mpumalanga on Tuesday.

The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), in collaboration with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and strategic stakeholders, is hosting the event, which brings together approximately 500 participants from government, municipalities, traditional leadership, academia, civil society, humanitarian organisations and the private sector.

Speaking on the first day of the commemoration, CoGTA Director-General Mbulelo Tshangana said resilience must be built before disasters occur.

“Resilience begins when households and communities understand risks, participate in planning processes and take action to reduce vulnerabilities.”

Tshangana stressed the importance of integrating disaster risk reduction into development planning, service delivery and infrastructure investment, while strengthening early warning systems, municipal capacity, and community participation.

He also called for closer alignment between climate action and disaster risk reduction, with greater emphasis on prevention and preparedness investment, rather than responding only after disasters had occurred.

“Let us move from knowing risk to managing risk, from warning to early action, and from response to prevention. Together, we can build communities that are safer, stronger and more resilient,” he said.

Head of the NDMC, Dr Elias Sithole, called for stronger efforts to build South Africa’s resilience to disasters, climate change, and growing vulnerabilities.

“Resilience is the ability of communities, institutions and systems to anticipate risks, reduce vulnerabilities and recover in ways that support sustainable development,” Sithole said.

He noted that climate change, urbanisation and ageing infrastructure continue to increase disaster risks, placing local government at the forefront of disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and recovery.

“Municipalities remain at the forefront of building resilient communities. Strengthening local capacity, early warning systems and investment in prevention remains critical to protecting lives, livelihoods and development gains,” he said.

The 2026 commemoration is being held under the theme: “Resilience starts at home: Building Resilient Communities Through Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Action”.

The theme highlights the importance of empowering households and communities to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, particularly as climate variability, environmental degradation and socio-economic vulnerabilities intensify existing risks.

Observed annually on 13 October, International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction promotes public awareness of disaster risks and encourages action to strengthen preparedness and build resilient communities.

The commemoration comes amid growing risks associated with floods, droughts, veld fires, severe storms and extreme temperatures, which continue to threaten lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and economic activity.

The national programme includes a technical practitioners’ session on Tuesday, followed by the political commemoration on Wednesday, which will be led by CoGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa.

The event also seeks to strengthen collaboration between government, communities, academia, civil society and the private sector in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 – 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Disaster Management Act of 2002 and the National Disaster Management Framework.

The theme also aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 11, which promotes inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements, as well as the New Urban Agenda’s commitment to adequate, safe, and affordable housing.

Organisers expect the commemoration to strengthen public understanding of disaster and climate risks, promote inclusive participation in disaster risk reduction initiatives and reinforce the role of household preparedness, early warning systems and community action in protecting lives and livelihoods. – SAnews.gov.za

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Service Delivery IMC to visit eDumbe

Source: Government of South Africa

Service Delivery IMC to visit eDumbe

The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Service Delivery, led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, will conduct an outreach visit to eDumbe in KwaZulu-Natal this Friday, 16 October.

The integrated programme is aimed at addressing persistent challenges faced by the community in that area.

Challenges faced include issues relating to water provision, human settlements, environmental and waste management, community facilities, public safety, land rights and local economic development.

“Since the challenges cut across multiple government mandates and require coordinated intervention across national, provincial, district and local government, the IMC outreach visit, therefore, seeks to bring the relevant institutions together around priority challenges and accelerate implementation.

“Deputy President Mashatile has, to this effect, delegated a number of Ministers and Deputy Ministers to lead various aspects of the outreach visit, turning it from a once-off engagement into a coordinated implementation process focused on measurable outcomes, clear institutional responsibilities and sustained follow-through by the relevant departments,” a joint statement of the Presidency and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) stated.

The programme will include visits to various projects by Ministers, the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, the District Development Model Champion of the area, Deputy Ministers and other stakeholder leaders and will provide an opportunity to “assess implementation on the ground, identify outstanding constraints and facilitate practical solutions with the responsible institutions”.

“Projects to be visited include eDumbe Dam; a Clean Cities Campaign project; Services SETA-funded Dan Nkosi Skills Development Centre; Kanyekanye High School; Mpunzi Water Project; eDumbe Community Health Centre, and the Ophuzane Housing Project,” the statement said. 

The visit will culminate in a community engagement programme to ensure that government’s work remains responsive to the lived experiences and priorities of communities in eDumbe.

“A handover by the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development of a number of Title Deeds and various portions of land to labour tenants and other beneficiaries from the community of eDumbe and Abaqulusi Local Municipalities will take place at the community engagement,” the statement read.

The community engagement will start at 12 pm at the Bilanyoni Sportsfield. – SAnews.gov.za

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Five accused drug dealers appear in court

Source: Government of South Africa

Five accused drug dealers appear in court

The five suspects arrested following the discovery of a multimillion rand clandestine drug manufacturing laboratory in Hekpoort, near Krugersdorp, have appeared in the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court on charges of manufacturing and dealing in illicit drugs. 

“Their appearance [on Monday] is subsequent to their arrest last week after a multimillion rand clandestine drug manufacturing laboratory was uncovered at a farm near Krugersdorp, Gauteng.

“The clandestine laboratory, worth an estimated R100 million, was uncovered through a multidisciplinary operation led by the South African Narcotics Bureau of the Hawks, working in collaboration with SAPS Head Office Crime Intelligence, the Special Task Force and the West Rand K-9 unit,” the police said on Monday.

Police discovered quantities of Mandrax and ecstasy tablets at the suspected drug manufacturing laboratory.

The five will return to the same court on 21 October 2026 for formal bail application. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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