Category: MIL-OSI

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KZN welcomes new-energy vehicle convoy ahead of Auto Week

Source: Government of South Africa

KZN welcomes new-energy vehicle convoy ahead of Auto Week

KwaZulu-Natal is positioning itself to attract investment and create jobs in the emerging new-energy vehicle sector, as South Africa’s automotive industry transitions towards cleaner transport technologies.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli welcomed a convoy of new-energy vehicles (NEVs) at the Moses Mabhida Stadium precinct in Durban on Sunday, ahead of South African Auto Week and the KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference.

The events are taking place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban from 13 to 16 October 2026.

The convoy, which travelled to Durban from various provinces, forms part of the Escaping the Noise 3.0 NEV Road Trip initiative, which also brought together participants from Gqeberha, KuGompo and Cape Town.

Ntuli said the shift towards cleaner and more energy-efficient vehicles is becoming increasingly important as households and businesses continue to face pressure from high fuel and transport costs.

“Electric vehicles offer an alternative mobility option, while contributing towards efforts to reduce harmful tailpipe emissions and promoting a cleaner environment,” Ntuli said.

The Premier highlighted the potential economic opportunities associated with the emerging new-energy vehicle sector, including investment, industrial development, skills creation and employment opportunities.

He said the province remains committed to positioning itself to benefit from changes in the automotive industry and the broader transition towards cleaner transport technologies.

“The automotive sector remains an important contributor to economic activity, manufacturing and employment, and the growth of new-energy technologies presents further opportunities for innovation and investment,” Ntuli said.

The arrival of the convoy ahead of South African Auto Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the future of mobility and the need for South Africa to prepare for technological changes affecting vehicle manufacturing, transport, and energy consumption.

Ntuli emphasised that the transition towards new-energy vehicles must also support economic development and ensure that opportunities created by emerging industries benefit South Africans.

Building a climate-resilient economy

Meanwhile, the eThekwini Municipality said the NEV initiative aligned with its vision of building a climate-resilient, low-carbon economy, while strengthening local industries.

The Deputy Head of the municipality’s Economic Development Directorate, Takalani Rathiyaya, said developing local suppliers and manufacturers within the automotive value chain will contribute significantly to expanding the city’s manufacturing sector.

“Highlighting these new energy initiatives creates an important platform to review and elevate our automotive performance, reinforcing our commitment to building a stable, competitive and sustainable future,” Rathiyaya said.

He added that South African Auto Week and the Investment Conference will shine a global spotlight on eThekwini’s robust automotive manufacturing capabilities and attract investment.

“The municipality boasts a world-class automotive hub, and we are fully geared to attract high-value investments, localise sustainable supply chains, and generate vital green jobs for our communities.

“The eThekwini Municipality is open for business and ready to drive the next chapter of automotive innovation. We invite delegates, investors and automotive pioneers to explore the massive potential our region offers during this historic week,” Rathiyaya said.

The events bring together government, industry stakeholders and investors to explore opportunities in the automotive sector, including the development of sustainable supply chains and new-energy mobility technologies. – SAnews.gov.za

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BMA ushers in system to curb cross-border vehicle theft

Source: Government of South Africa

BMA ushers in system to curb cross-border vehicle theft

The Border Management Authority (BMA) is set to launch a system designed to clamp down on cross-border vehicle theft. 

The Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Michael Masiapato, will on Sunday unveil their latest digital transformation initiative, the Vehicle Targeting System (VTS), at the Lebombo Port of Entry in Komatipoort. 

The VTS is a joint initiative of the BMA and the International Vehicle Identification Desk, established under a Memorandum of Understanding and executed under the BMA’s mandate, in terms of the Border Management Authority Act 2 of 2020.

“In light of vehicle theft and cross-border vehicle smuggling, the objective of the VTS is to replace indiscriminate manual inspection of vehicles with intelligence-led selection to enable officers to intervene where data points to, rather than at random. 

“As part of its digital transformation journey, the BMA is moving away from mundane, inefficient and repetitive random checks to intelligence-led and technology-driven targeted interceptions to enhance national security and combat cross-border vehicle smuggling,” the BMA said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

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Durban hosts SA Auto Week

Source: Government of South Africa

Durban hosts SA Auto Week

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) will join Naamsa (the Automotive Business Council) and the KwaZulu-Natal government to commemorate Auto Week at the International Convention Centre in Durban from 13 -16 October 2026. 

This is the 5th annual session, bringing together industry, government, investors and other critical players for a dialogue on policy, sector trends, electric vehicles (NEVs), manufacturing, and economic growth. 

This year’s Auto Week is being held under the theme: “Transforming Tomorrow Today. Resetting Policy. Advancing the Energy Transition. Driving Investment & Inclusive Growth.”

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau will participate in various segments of the three-day programme, one of them being a round table discussion on barriers to supplier participation and agreeing on collaborative interventions to accelerate transformation.

SA Auto Week 2026 brings together leaders from logistics, trade and investment, and industrial development for “Investment and Industrial Competitiveness | Infrastructure, Energy and Logistics as Investment Enablers.”

Naamsa is South Africa’s Automotive Business Council, representing manufacturers, importers, and distributors across the automotive value chain. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Seychelles: Finance Minister Pierre Laporte Participates in The 2026 World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand

Source: APO


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Minister for Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment, Mr. Pierre Laporte, is participating in the 2026 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, taking place in Bangkok, Thailand, from 12 to 18 October 2026.

The Annual Meetings bring together global leaders, finance ministers, policymakers and development partners to discuss key issues affecting the global economy, with a focus on jobs, investment, economic growth and practical solutions for development.

Minister Laporte’s participation provides an opportunity to engage in important discussions on investment, financing and sustainable economic development, while exchanging perspectives on how countries can strengthen their economies and create opportunities for their people.

For Seychelles, these discussions are important in supporting economic resilience, attracting investment and advancing sustainable, long-term development.

In his first engagement Minister Laporte was a panelist in an Annual Meeting flagship event under the theme “Small AI. Real Jobs: Transforming Technological Possibilities into Development Reality”. The event saw the participation of other high-profile personalities including the President of Singapore, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, President of World Bank, Managing Director of the IMF, and recognized global private sector leaders.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Minister for Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment, Seychelles.

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North Kivu: United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) provides 16 motorcycles to improve the mobility of local authorities in Beni

Source: APO

Sixteen decentralized territorial entities in the Beni Territory received mobility support from MONUSCO on Monday, October 12. The support consisted of 16 motorcycles provided under a security governance project implemented by the Civil Affairs Section. The project aims to improve the mobility of local authorities in order to promote grassroots governance and ensure that the concerns of local communities are better addressed.

The beneficiaries include the municipalities of Bulongo, Lume and Kasindi-Lubirigha, the Ruwenzori sector, as well as several neighborhood chiefs in the city of Beni.

For local authorities, this donation addresses a long-standing need in areas where travel remains difficult, particularly because of the lack of road infrastructure or its deteriorated condition.

“Today, local administrative leaders are receiving means of transportation. This donation will significantly ease their work. From now on, lack of accessibility can no longer be cited as an obstacle. We welcome this donation from MONUSCO and assure you that this improvement will also help enhance the quality of our work on the ground. With these resources, they will be better able to carry out their duties,” said Arnold Isse Muhambo, the mayor of Lume.

Authorities in Kasindi-Lubirigha expressed similar satisfaction.

“Today, thanks to this donation, local administrative officials will be able to respond more quickly to the concerns of the community. Imagine the distances our officials sometimes had to travel on motorcycle taxis to respond to alerts from the population. It was a real hardship,” said Mayor Gilbert Bwambale Mughanirya.

Support for security governance

According to MONUSCO, this initiative falls within the scope of its mandate to support local authorities in strengthening security and protecting civilians.

“This handover of equipment is part of the support provided to local authorities to improve their mobility and promote better security governance within their respective areas (…). The main objective is to continue supporting local authorities in order to ensure better protection for civilians,” said Adam Salami Obatoki, Coordinator of MONUSCO’s Civil Affairs Section.

This donation follows the handover of 32 motorcycles last June to neighborhood chiefs in the four municipalities of the city of Beni, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen grassroots governance and improve community security.​

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

Media files

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Port Victoria Secures Top Indian Ocean Honours at World Cruise Awards 2026

Source: APO


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Port Victoria has received further international recognition, having been named the Indian Ocean’s Best Cruise Terminal 2026 at the World Cruise Awards. The award was announced on 12 October 2026 during the World Cruise Awards Gala Ceremony, held at Princess Grand Jamaica as part of World Travel Week.

The Ministry of Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation acknowledges this achievement and recognises the ongoing efforts of the Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA), which manages Port Victoria, to maintain service standards and strengthen Seychelles’ position in the regional and international cruise industry.

Port Victoria competed alongside other regional port facilities, including Port Réunion, Maldives Commercial Port Harbour and Port Louis Harbour. The award recognises efforts to enhance port services and improve the cruise passenger experience, further supporting Seychelles’ standing as a destination in the Indian Ocean cruise market.

This latest accolade follows Port Victoria’s recognition as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Port at the 2026 World Travel Awards, announced during a ceremony held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 September 2026. Together, these awards highlight the continued efforts of SPA and its teams to maintain service standards and respond to the evolving expectations of the cruise industry.

With the 2026–2027 cruise ship season scheduled to commence on 17 November 2026, the Ministry continues to work closely with SPA, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, and other stakeholders to prepare for the arrival of cruise ships and their passengers. These preparations focus on ensuring that the necessary arrangements are in place to support port operations, passenger services and the overall visitor experience.

The Minister for Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation, Ms. Veronique Laporte congratulates SPA and its team on receiving another prestigious international award, acknowledging their continued contribution to the development of Seychelles’ maritime sector and their efforts to enhance Port Victoria’s services and reputation as a leading cruise destination in the Indian Ocean.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation, Seychelles.

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Ministry of Health (MOH) Launches Nationwide Drug Administration Campaign to Combat River Blindness and Other Parasitic Diseases

Source: APO


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The Ministry of Health (MOH) has launched its 2026 Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) across Liberia, targeting onchocerciasis (river blindness), lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as “big foot,” and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (intestinal worms).

The campaign targets onchocerciasis in all 15 counties, lymphatic filariasis in Grand Cape Mount, Grand Kru, Maryland, and Sinoe counties, and intestinal worms in nine counties: Bomi, Bong, Gbarpolu, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Kru, Lofa, Maryland, Nimba, and Sinoe.

Delivering the keynote address at the launch ceremony in Sinje, Grand Cape Mount County Health Officer Dr. Daniel M. Koffa emphasized the importance of community participation and awareness in preventing and controlling neglected tropical diseases.

The campaign was officially launched by Assistant Minister for Preventive Health Services, Dr. Cuallau Jabbeh-Howe, who urged residents in targeted communities to cooperate with health workers, participate in the drug administration exercise, and help raise awareness about the diseases and the importance of treatment.

Representing the World Health Organization (WHO) Liberia Office, Dr. Yatta D. Sackie Wapoe, National Professional Officer for Disease Prevention and Control, reaffirmed WHO’s continued support for Liberia’s efforts to eliminate neglected tropical diseases. She stated that WHO would continue to provide medicines free of charge for the treatment of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis in Liberia.

The campaign targets eligible individuals aged five years and above for the designated treatments. Through the mass drug administration exercise, the Ministry of Health and its partners aim to reduce the burden of these diseases, prevent associated complications, and protect the health and well-being of affected communities.

The Ministry of Health calls on all eligible residents in the targeted counties to welcome health workers, take the prescribed medicines as directed, and support community-level efforts to control and eliminate neglected tropical diseases.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia.

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile to deliver keynote address at the 6th Limpopo Investment Conference and officiate launch of InvestSA One Stop Shop, Limpopo

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Thursday, 15 October 2026, deliver the keynote address at the 6th Limpopo Investment Conference and officiate the launch of the InvestSA One Stop Shop in Limpopo Province. The conference is scheduled to place at The Ranch Hotel, Polokwane in the Capricon District, Limpopo Province.

Hosted by the Limpopo Provincial Government, with the Limpopo Economic Development Agency as the lead agency, the conference will be held under the theme, “From Pledges to Progress: Accelerating Implementation and Unlocking Investment in Limpopo.”

The theme underscores the importance of translating investment commitments into bankable, investment-ready and operational projects that contribute to economic growth, industrialisation, job creation and inclusive development. 

In this regard, the conference brings together government, investors, development finance institutions and other critical stakeholders, to strengthen project preparation, facilitate financing and approvals, improve coordination across government and accelerate the implementation of investment projects.

Since its inception in 2021, it has provided a platform to promote the province, as an investment destination and mobilises capital across strategic economic sectors. Cumulative investment pledges recorded between 2021 and 2025 has accordingly, amounted to R452.38 billion, of which R71.058 billion in investment has been realised, contributing to the creation of 23,968 jobs.

The 2026 conference will place particular emphasis on converting investment pledges into tangible economic outcomes, strengthening investor confidence and addressing constraints that delay project implementation. Priority sectors include mining beneficiation, agro-processing, manufacturing, localisation and industrial development, alongside emerging opportunities in renewable energy, automotive industries, legally compliant cannabis-related activities and digital technology. 

At national level, government led by President Cyril Ramaphosa continue to drive investment initiatives with aim of mobilising R3 trillion in investment by 2030, building on the record of close to R890 billion in commitments secured at the 6th South Africa Investment Conference held in March this year.   

Following the keynote address, Deputy President Mashatile will officiate the launch of the InvestSA One Stop Shop Limpopo, an important initiative aimed at improving the ease of doing business and strengthening investment facilitation in the province.

The facility is designed to provide investors with a centralised platform to access government support services, navigate regulatory and administrative processes, facilitate coordination among relevant institutions, to address investment-related bottlenecks. 

Its establishment reinforces government commitment, to creating an enabling environment for domestic and international investment, accelerating project implementation and supporting sustainable economic growth.

Members of the media are invited to cover the 6th Limpopo Investment Conference and the subsequent launch of the InvestSA One Stop Shop as follows:
Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026
Time: 08h00
Venue: Makhulu Hall, The Ranch Hotel, Polokwane, Limpopo Province

Media Programme:
07h30: Media arrives at the Ranch Hotel, Polokwane
08h00: Opening of Limpopo Investment Conference
11h15: Welcome address by Premier Phophi Ramathuba
11h40: Keynote Address by Deputy President Mashatile
12h20: Guided walk-about at the Exhibitions 
13h40: Official Launch of the InvestSA One Stop Shop – Limpopo Tourism Agency

For more information and media accreditation please contact, Sam Bopape (The Presidency) on 082 318 5251 or Hitekani Magwedze (Limpopo Dept of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism) on 071 864 8664

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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République centrafricaine – Sangha-Mbaere : autorités, agriculteurs et éleveurs unissent leurs efforts pour prévenir les conflits liés à la transhumance

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Dans la préfecture de la Sangha-Mbaere, où les tensions liées à la transhumance demeurent une source récurrente de conflits entre agriculteurs et éleveurs, 48 participants, dont quatre femmes, ont pris part les 12 et 13 octobre 2026 à Nola à un atelier d’échanges consacré à la gestion de la transhumance. Organisée avec l’appui de la MINUSCA sous la présidence du préfet de la Sangha-Mbaere, cette rencontre a réuni les autorités locales, les agriculteurs, les éleveurs, les services techniques de l’État ainsi que les forces de défense et de sécurité afin d’identifier des solutions concertées pour prévenir les tensions récurrentes entre agriculteurs et éleveurs.​

Les participants ont procédé à une analyse des défis rencontrés durant la campagne de transhumance 2025-2026 et ont réfléchi aux dispositions à prendre pour préparer efficacement la saison 2026-2027.

Si la transhumance constitue une activité de subsistance des ménages et contribue au dynamisme de l’économie locale, elle demeure également une source potentielle de conflits. Les différends surviennent notamment lorsque les troupeaux endommagent les cultures ou lorsque l’accès aux couloirs de passage, aux pâturages et aux points d’eau fait l’objet de contestations.

Selon Mboui Abdou, chef de secteur de l’Agence centrafricaine de développement de l’agriculture à Nola, la destruction des champs par les animaux reste l’une des principales causes de tensions. Ces incidents peuvent entraîner des représailles telles que des entraves à la circulation, l’abattage de bétail ou des affrontements entre communautés. Il a plaidé pour « un renforcement des actions de sensibilisation à l’endroit des agriculteurs et des éleveurs, notamment en ce qui concerne le respect des couloirs de transhumance et l’implantation des cultures à distance de ces axes ».

À travers son soutien à cet atelier, la MINUSCA entend favoriser le dialogue entre les différentes parties prenantes et renforcer les mécanismes locaux de prévention des conflits. Son accompagnement vise notamment à promouvoir la concertation et à soutenir l’élaboration de réponses adaptées aux réalités du terrain.

Les échanges ont également mis en lumière la nécessité de rendre pleinement opérationnels les comités locaux de médiation. Bienvenu Bruno Kodoumalé, chef du service préfectoral de l’élevage, a indiqué que « deux comités de médiation avaient déjà été créés avec l’appui de la MINUSCA sur les cinq prévus. Toutefois, ces structures n’ont pas encore bénéficié de formations leur permettant d’intervenir efficacement dans le règlement des différends entre agriculteurs et éleveurs».

Le préfet de la Sangha-Mbaere, Louis Marie Kpoka, a, pour sa part, insisté sur « l’importance d’une gestion concertée de la transhumance, prenant en compte les couloirs de passage, les zones de pâturage, les points d’eau et les besoins des communautés locales ». Il a appelé les participants à formuler des recommandations pratiques et réalistes en vue d’améliorer la coexistence pacifique entre les différents usagers des ressources naturelles.

Pour la MINUSCA, le renforcement du rôle des acteurs locaux demeure un levier essentiel pour prévenir et gérer les tensions liées à la transhumance. Une coexistence harmonieuse entre agriculteurs et éleveurs repose sur la capacité des communautés et des autorités à collaborer, à détecter rapidement les risques et à résoudre les différends avant qu’ils ne dégénèrent.
Parmi les principales recommandations issues de l’atelier figurent une implication accrue du Comité local de paix et de réconciliation dans les initiatives de médiation, le renforcement des capacités des comités de médiation existants ainsi que leur dotation en moyens de communication et de mobilité afin de faciliter une intervention rapide en cas de crise.

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

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The Government of Lesotho Continues to Honour Its Mandate to Construct and Rehabilitate Roads to Enhance Inter-District Connectivity and Ease its Citizens Lives

Source: APO


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China Geo-Engineering Corporation Lesotho had been announced as the contractor for the rehabilitation of the Maseru Border Post to Maqhaka section of the A1 road, in a project expected to cost over M700 million.

Speaking at the announcement, the Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara said the project was part of the mandate given to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport by Prime Minister Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane to ensure that communities across the country have access to roads.

She mentioned that the rehabilitation of the road is going to facilitate the movement of goods particularly between the districts of Maseru and Leribe where several firms produce goods that need to be transported to South Africa.

Justice Majara indicated that the government’s broader objective is to ensure that the A1 road is fully rehabilitated up to Mokhotlong District.

She stated that improving the road network is going to contribute to more efficient transportation and support economic activities that depend on reliable road infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Public Works and Transport Mr. Matjato Moteane said the government has reached the implementation stage of its plans to improve the country’s infrastructure and service delivery.

He stressed that the need for cooperation among government ministries to ensure that projects intended to improve the livelihoods of Basotho are implemented effectively.

Mr. Moteane noted that coordinated efforts among the relevant ministries are important in ensuring that development initiatives achieve their intended objectives.

On the other hand, Member of Parliament for Khubetsoana Constituency, Mr. Lekhotsa Mafethe called for transparency in recruitment processes associated with the project.

The rehabilitation project of the 22 kilometers road is expected to cost over M700 million and is aimed at improving the road infrastructure along the A1 route which serves as an important link for the movement of people and goods.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of Lesotho.