Category: MIL-OSI

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16 Dias de Ativismo contra a violência de género: Cinco medidas ousadas para acabar com a violência digital de género – e desbloquear a promessa digital de África (Por Jemimah Njuki e Ndey Oley Cole)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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Por Jemimah Njuki, Diretora do Departamento de Mulheres, Género e Sociedade Civil do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org), e Ndey Oley Cole, gestora sénior do programa.

A campanha 16 Dias de Ativismo contra a Violência de Género é uma campanha internacional liderada pelas Nações Unidas para combater a violência contra mulheres e meninas. De 25 de novembro a 10 de dezembro, a campanha 16 Dias deste ano tem como objetivo acabar com a violência digital contra mulheres e meninas. A diretora do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento para Mulheres, Género e Sociedade Civil, Jemimah Njuki, e a oficial sénior de programas, Ndey Oley Cole, partilham cinco medidas ousadas para acabar com a violência digital baseada no género e desbloquear a promessa digital da África.

Todos os dias, inúmeras mulheres e raparigas africanas enfrentam assédio, ameaças e abusos online – atos que silenciam as suas vozes e limitam a sua participação na economia digital. Na África subsaariana, 34% dos jovens entre 18 e 24 anos sofrem bullying online e, de acordo com a ONU Mulheres, 28% das mulheres na África Subsaariana já sofreram violência online. Estes números sublinham que a violência digital baseada no género não é um problema abstrato – é uma barreira generalizada à igualdade, à oportunidade e ao empoderamento.

Com África a acelerar a sua transformação digital, devemos garantir que a segurança e a inclusão caminham juntas. Acabar com a violência digital baseada no género é fundamental para alcançar o crescimento inclusivo, a dignidade humana e a promessa do futuro digital de África. Aqui estão cinco medidas ousadas que podemos tomar para tornar os espaços online mais seguros e empoderadores para mulheres e raparigas.

1 Promulgar leis cibernéticas abrangentes e sensíveis ao género

Muitos países africanos ainda carecem de leis que definam claramente e criminalizem as formas digitais de violência de género. Nos casos em que existe legislação, a aplicação muitas vezes é insuficiente – e as sobreviventes frequentemente enfrentam proteção limitada. Os governos africanos devem desenvolver e aplicar leis que reconheçam a violência digital de género como crime, garantam proteções centradas nas sobreviventes e promovam a cooperação transfronteiriça para combater o abuso digital transnacional. Os parceiros de desenvolvimento, incluindo o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, estão prontos para apoiar reformas jurídicas através de assistência técnica e diá. político.

2 Incorporar a segurança online nas estratégias digitais e de desenvolvimento nacional

Apesar dos investimentos em infraestrutura de banda larga e competências digitais, muitas estratégias de tecnologia da informação e comunicação ignoram a segurança online – especialmente para as mulheres. A Política Nacional de Cibersegurança do Ruanda mostra como a segurança online pode ser integrada nas agendas de desenvolvimento nacional. Os governos devem exigir “segurança desde a conceção”, financiar a educação pública sobre direitos digitais e incluir a segurança digital nos currículos escolares. Alinhar os investimentos em tecnologia com políticas seguras e inclusivas garante que a economia digital beneficie todos.

3 Responsabilizar as plataformas tecnológicas

As plataformas tecnológicas lucram com os utilizadores africanos, mas muitas vezes oferecem moderação de conteúdo pouco adaptado do ponto de vista cultural, mecanismos de reclamação limitados e proteções inadequadas para as mulheres. A Lei de Alteração do Conselho de Cinema e Publicações da África do Sul oferece referências para transparência, responsabilidade e remoção oportuna de conteúdo. África precisa de uma estrutura regional para definir padrões mínimos de segurança, aplicar a regulamentação de conteúdo e criar sistemas de reparação de reclamações em tempo real. As plataformas devem priorizar a segurança do utilizador à medida que se expandem pelo continente.

4 Investir em inovações lideradas por sobreviventes e soluções digitais sensíveis ao género

As mulheres africanas não são apenas vítimas – elas são inovadoras que criam soluções tecnológicas. Organizações como a Pollicy, no Uganda, e o Centro de Tecnologia da Informação e Desenvolvimento, na Nigéria, desenvolvem ferramentas de segurança digital, treinam comunidades e defendem os direitos online. O financiamento direcionado pode ampliar esses esforços. Por exemplo, o Fundo Fiduciário de Cooperação Económica Coreia-África, do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, em parceria com a ONU Mulheres, está a apoiar um projeto na Costa do Marfim que empodera mulheres e meninas desfavorecidas através da educação e da tecnologia digital, melhorando o acesso a empregos decentes e oportunidades empreendedoras. Investir em iniciativas lideradas por sobreviventes não apenas protege as mulheres, mas também fortalece o ecossistema para a inovação e a mudança social.

5 Construir um sistema pan-africano de dados sobre violência digital baseada no género

Não podemos resolver o que não podemos medir. Atualmente, não existem dados padronizados em todo o continente sobre violência digital baseada no género e há poucos dados nacionais desagregados. A iniciativa Women Count da ONU Mulheres mostra como dados rigorosos e sensíveis ao género podem impulsionar mudanças políticas. África precisa de uma estratégia continental apoiada na recolha ética de dados, indicadores desagregados por género e acesso aberto à sociedade civil. O Portal de Dados de Género (https://apo-opa.co/4aluszz) do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, o Relatório Analítico do Índice de Género de África (https://apo-opa.co/496KBqp) e o reforço da capacitação dos institutos nacionais de estatística já estão a fazer progressos. A expansão destes esforços garante que os decisores políticos e as comunidades possam responder eficazmente ao âmbito e às tendências da violência digital baseada no género.

Um apelo à ação

É possível acabar com a violência digital baseada no género, mas apenas se os governos, as plataformas tecnológicas, os financiadores e os cidadãos agirem de forma decisiva. Os governos devem adotar e aplicar leis, integrar a segurança online nas estratégias nacionais e investir em iniciativas lideradas por sobreviventes. As plataformas tecnológicas devem dar prioridade à proteção dos utilizadores e à responsabilização. Os doadores e os parceiros de desenvolvimento devem financiar inovações sensíveis às questões de género. E todos nós devemos reconhecer que uma África digital mais segura não é apenas um imperativo moral – é também um imperativo económico e social.

A promessa digital de África depende da capacidade de mulheres e raparigas participarem com segurança, liberdade e confiança. Ao tomarmos medidas ousadas e coordenadas agora, podemos garantir que a próxima geração de inovadores e líderes africanos prospere num espaço digital que os proteja, capacite e valorize.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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Mashatile hails Mafolo’s role in shaping democratic South Africa

Source: Government of South Africa

Mashatile hails Mafolo’s role in shaping democratic South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has paid tribute to late ANC stalwart and intellectual Magashe Titus Mafolo, describing him as a principled leader whose life’s work helped shape South Africa’s democratic governance, intellectual thought and African identity.

The Deputy President was delivering the eulogy at the funeral service of Magashe Titus Mafolo, held in Irene, Pretoria, on Friday.

Mashatile thanked the Mafolo family for allowing government and society to honour a “son of the soil”, whose contributions transcended politics and touched communities across the country.

“Pheli (Atteridgeville) and South Africa have lost a gem, a son born in January 1956 in Sekhukhune and raised in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, Mafolo was deeply committed to the anti-apartheid struggle from a young age.

“Trained as a journalist, he was active in the United Democratic Front, a part of his activism being having to endure imprisonment, torture, and banning orders by the apartheid government, and not once did he waver in his commitment to freedom, justice, and equality,” the Deputy President said.

With the advent of democracy in 1994, Mafolo played a central role in reshaping South Africa’s governance landscape.

He was elected to the National Assembly in the country’s first democratic elections, where he chaired the Portfolio Committee on Housing. During this period, he contributed to policy efforts aimed at addressing the housing backlog, undoing apartheid spatial planning and integrating housing into the Reconstruction and Development Programme.

In 1998, Mafolo joined the Presidency as Chief Political Advisor to then President Thabo Mbeki, a role he held for a decade.

Mashatile described this period as pivotal, with Mafolo emerging as one of the key architects of the Presidency as the nerve centre of government.

Affectionately known as “Bro Ti”, Mafolo wielded significant influence behind the scenes, setting high standards of excellence and helping to ensure that democratic objectives were translated into action.

After leaving the Presidency, he continued to serve the nation in the Ministry of Human Settlements, where he worked as political advisor to former minister Lindiwe Sisulu and served on the Ministerial Advisory Panel, remaining committed to improving the living conditions of South Africans.

Beyond public service, Mashatile highlighted Mafolo’s passion for African identity, culture, and intellectual renewal.

“One of the striking qualities of Titus Mafolo was his passion for building an Afrocentric future where Africans would not be mere spectators but active architects of their destiny. He was an enthusiastic advocate for reclaiming identity, culture, and language—whether through renaming efforts like Pretoria to Tshwane or founding intellectual spaces such as The Native Club,” the Deputy President said.

Mafolo was also an accomplished writer and historian. His work includes Pheli – The Narrative History sought to reclaim African agency by telling the story of Atteridgeville through the voices of its people. This commitment to self-authored African narratives continued in his African Odyssey Trilogy, which traced the continent’s history while urging Africans, particularly the youth, to take ownership of knowledge production.

Linking Mafolo’s legacy to contemporary government priorities, Mashatile said South Africa’s efforts to promote Afrocentric values and regional cooperation reflect the thinking of struggle veterans like Mafolo.

He highlighted South Africa’s hosting of the first G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil as a milestone in advancing African perspectives in global governance.

“Our G20 Presidency embraced an Afrocentric Leadership Model that highlighted inclusivity, participation, and consultation. Through this model, we valued inclusivity, harmony, and inter-connectedness, while focusing on creating a lively and energetic representation of the shared aspirations of a unified Africa.

“This was a crucial moment for South Africa, symbolising not only our national objectives but also the aspirations of the African continent, as outlined in Agenda 2063, the African Union’s strategic framework, and action plan to transform Africa into an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent,” Mashatile said.

He also reflected on South Africa’s ongoing peace efforts on the continent, including role as Special Envoy on South Sudan, reaffirming the country’s commitment to “silencing the guns” in Africa — a cause Mafolo strongly believed in.

In closing, Mashatile urged South Africans to draw lessons from Mafolo’s life, citing his steadfastness, humility, and dedication to mentorship.

“He carried immense influence without fanfare. He will be remembered for his calm dignity and warmth, and also as a mentor who nurtured a generation of activists, communicators, and intellectuals, all while uplifting his Atteridgeville community.

“In remembering Magashe Titus Mafolo, we draw strength and inspiration from a life built on conviction, cultural identity, and intellectual courage. Mafolo’s brilliance lay not just in what he said, but how he said it,” Masahtile said. – SAnews.gov.za

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16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence: Five Bold Moves to end digital gender-based Violence — and unlock Africa’s digital promise (By Jemimah Njuki and Ndey Oley Cole)

Source: APO


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By Jemimah Njuki , Director of the Women, Gender and Civil Society Department at the African Development Bank  (www.AfDB.org) and Ndey Oley Cole, senior program manager.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign is an international campaign led by the United Nations to challenge violence against women and girls. From 25 November – 10 December, this year’s 16 Days campaign targets how to end digital violence against women and girls. African Development Bank Director for Women, Gender and Civil Society Jemimah Njuki and Senior Programme Officer Ndey Oley Cole share five bold moves to end digital gender-based violence and unlock Africa’s digital promise.

Every day, countless African women and girls face harassment, threats, and abuse online — acts that silence their voices and limit their participation in the digital economy. In sub-Saharan Africa, 34 percent of young people aged between 18 and 24 experience online bullying, and according to UN Women 28 percent of women in sub-Saharan Africa had experienced online violence. These figures underscore that digital Gender-Based Violence is not an abstract problem — it is a pervasive barrier to equality, opportunity, and empowerment.

As Africa accelerates its digital transformation, we must ensure that safety and inclusion travel together. Ending digital gender-based violence is central to achieving inclusive growth, human dignity, and the promise of Africa’s digital future. Here are five bold moves we can take to make online spaces safer and more empowering for women and girls.

1 Enact Comprehensive, Gender-Responsive Cyber Laws

Many African countries still lack laws that clearly define and criminalise digital forms of gender-based violence. Where legislation exists enforcement often falls short – and survivors frequently face limited protection. African governments must develop and enforce laws that recognise digital gender-based violence as a crime, ensure survivor-centred protections, and foster cross-border cooperation to tackle transnational digital abuse. Development partners, including the African Development Bank, are ready to support legal reforms through technical assistance and policy dialogue.

2 Embed Online Safety into Digital and National Development Strategies

Despite investments in broadband infrastructure and digital skills, many information and communications technology strategies overlook online safety — especially for women. Rwanda’s National Cyber Security Policy shows how online safety can be integrated into national development agendas. Governments must mandate “safety by design,” fund public education on digital rights, and include digital safety in school curricula. Aligning investments in technology with secure, inclusive policies ensures that the digital economy benefits everyone.

3 Hold Tech Platforms Accountable

Tech platforms profit from African users yet often provide minimal culturally adapted content moderation, limited grievance mechanisms, and inadequate protections for women. The South Africa’s Film and Publication Board Amendment Act offer benchmarks for transparency, accountability, and timely content removal. Africa needs a regional framework to set minimum safety standards, enforce content regulation, and create real-time grievance redress systems. Platforms must prioritize user safety as they expand across the continent.

4 Invest in Survivor-Led Innovation and Gender-Sensitive Digital Solutions

African women are not just victims — they are innovators creating tech-enabled solutions. Organizations such as Pollicy in Uganda and the Center for Information Technology and Development in Nigeria develop digital safety tools, train communities, and advocate for online rights. Targeted funding can amplify these efforts. For example, the African Development Bank’s Korea Africa Economic Cooperation Trust Fund, in partnership with UN Women, is supporting a project in Côte d’Ivoire that empowers disadvantaged women and girls through education and digital technology, improving access to decent employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Investing in survivor-led initiatives not only protects women but strengthens the ecosystem for innovation and social change.

5 Build a Pan-African Data System on Digital Gender-Based Violence

We cannot solve what we cannot measure. Currently, there is no standardised, continent-wide data on digital gender-based violence, and little disaggregated national data. UN Women’s Women Count initiative shows how rigorous, gender-responsive data can drive policy change. Africa needs a continental strategy backed by ethical data collection, gender-disaggregated indicators, and open civil society access. The African Development Bank’s Gender Data Portal (https://apo-opa.co/4aluszz), the Africa Gender Index Analytical Report (https://apo-opa.co/496KBqp), and capacity-building for national statistics offices are already making progress. Expanding these efforts ensures that policymakers and communities can respond effectively to the scope and trends of digital gender-based violence.

A Call to Action

Ending digital gender-based violence is achievable – but only if governments, tech platforms, funders, and citizens act decisively. Governments must adopt and enforce laws, embed online safety in national strategies, and invest in survivor-led initiatives. Tech platforms must prioritize user protection and accountability. Donors and development partners must fund Gender-responsive innovations. And we all must recognize that a safer digital Africa is not just a moral imperative — it is an economic and social one.

Africa’s digital promise depends on women and girls being able to participate safely, freely, and confidently. By taking bold, coordinated action now, we can ensure that the next generation of African innovators and leaders thrives in a digital space that protects, empowers, and uplifts them.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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Eulogy by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile at the funeral service of Magashe Titus Mafolo, 3C Church, Irene

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director, Bhekizwe Nkosi;
The Mafolo and Mapetla Family; 
Honourable Premier of the Gauteng Province, Mr. Lesufi;
Former President, Thabo Mbeki;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
Members of the Government and the Legislature;
Members of the Mayoral Committees present;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Leaders of the ANC present;
Religious and Community Leaders present;
Comrades and Friends,
Fellow Mourners,
Beloved Family and Friends,
 
Good Morning, Dumelang.
We gather here this morning in this solemn moment to honour and celebrate the life of Magashe Titus Mafolo—a steadfast ANC activist, resolute public servant, thoughtful intellectual, mentor, friend, father, and dear brother. His departure leaves an immeasurable void in our hearts and in the movement he served so faithfully.
 
To the Mafolo family, we thank you for allowing us as a government to honour a life that has contributed to our country, a son to you, and a hero to many. We sympathise with the family, friends and loved ones, and pray that you may find comfort during this period. 

Indeed, Pheli (Atteridgeville) and South Africa have lost a gem, a son born in January 1956 in Sekhukhune and raised in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, Mafolo was deeply committed to the anti-apartheid struggle from a young age. Trained as a journalist, he was active in the United Democratic Front, a part of his activism being having to endure imprisonment, torture, and banning orders by the apartheid government, and not once did he waver in his commitment to freedom, justice, and equality. 
 
In the post-apartheid dispensation, Mafolo played a significant role in the reconfiguration of governance, specifically as it relates to issues of social transformation and redress, tackling major structural inequalities that characterised South Africa’s political landscape.
 
Specifically, in 1994, Mafolo was elected to the National Assembly for the ANC in South Africa’s first democratic elections, where he chaired the Portfolio Committee on Housing and worked alongside the Institute for Democracy in South Africa. Some of the key policy areas that he contributed to include addressing the massive housing backlog, dealing with the architecture of apartheid spatial planning through efforts towards racial inclusion, and laying the foundation for the process to integrate housing into the Reconstruction and Development Programme under the leadership of President Thabo Mbeki. 
 
In 1998, he joined President Thabo Mbeki’s team and served for ten years as the Chief Political Advisor, a position that marked him as one of the key architects of The Presidency as the epicentre of government and an important institution to ensure that the government fulfilled its democratic objectives. Through this role, Bro Ti, as he was affectionately known, set the standard of excellence in governance and did indeed wield influence behind the scenes, setting a foundation for the institution. 
 
After serving in The Presidency, Mafolo continued his service to the nation in the Ministry of Human Settlements, where he served as Political Advisor to Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and as a member of the Ministerial Advisory Panel, tirelessly working to improve housing and living conditions across South Africa, a vocation that unassumingly followed him.
 
Family and Friends,
One of the striking qualities of Titus Mafolo was his passion for building an Afrocentric future where Africans would not be mere spectators but active architects of their destiny. He was an enthusiastic advocate for reclaiming identity, culture, and language—whether through renaming efforts like Pretoria to Tshwane or founding intellectual spaces such as The Native Club.
 
Comrade Titus was more than a political strategist — he was a thinker and a storyteller. His work includes Pheli – The Narrative History. This important Afrocentric work highlights African agency and attempts to provide a true, self-told narrative of Black South African history in contrast to colonial accounts. The book chronicles the rich history and struggle of Atteridgeville and is a key component of Mafolo’s broader plan to recover African stories, which is also reflected in his later African Odyssey trilogy.
 
His monumental work, The African Odyssey Trilogy, stands as a testament to his scholarly passion and deep love for the African continent. In these three volumes, he not only traces the rich history of Africa but also reminds us that to face the challenges of today and tomorrow, we must understand the paths traversed by those who came before us. Through meticulous research and powerful narrative, he sought to ignite pride, knowledge, and determination in every African reader. 

At the launch of the African Odyssey series, Mafolo spoke of the importance of engaging young people in literary and intellectual pursuits, and of the urgent need to cultivate a culture of learning and self-awareness among future generations. His hope was simple yet profound: that African youth not only consume knowledge but create it, carrying forward the torch of understanding and progress. 
 
As the government, through various initiatives in education, arts and culture, we are striving to develop the youth in more holistic ways that develop skills and encourage expression in an era where subjects such as decoloniality have captured the interest of the youth. While advancing skills development through initiatives of the Human Resource Development Council and dealing with youth unemployment and skills through the Yes Programme and the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative, we should not lose sight of the teachings of comrade Titus on placing the African identity at the centre. 
 
Comrades and Compatriots,
The stance of the government and the African National Congress on politics in the continent has been influenced by the thinking and contributions of the likes of Comrade Tito and his comrades in the struggle. As the government, specifically, we continue to strive towards regional collaboration and consolidation of social, economic, and political efforts. 
 
In November 2025, South Africa hosted the first G20 Leaders’ Summit to be held in Africa. We consider this to be one of the ways that, as government, we have continued advancing the African ideals that comrade Titus stood for. 
Our G20 Presidency embraced an Afrocentric Leadership Model that highlighted inclusivity, participation, and consultation. Through this model, we valued inclusivity, harmony, and inter-connectedness, while focusing on creating a lively and energetic representation of the shared aspirations of a unified Africa.
 
This was a crucial moment for South Africa, symbolising not only our national objectives but also the aspirations of the African continent, as outlined in Agenda 2063, the African Union’s strategic framework, and action plan to transform Africa into an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent.
 
The African Union’s membership in the G20 was pivotal in amplifying African perspectives within the global economic and financial landscape. Our goal was to integrate African voices into global governance, striving for a more equitable and sustainable future consistent with the vision of the AU Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.
 
With the shifts in the geo-political landscape, South Africa remains a beacon of hope, and our work in achieving peace and stability on the continent continues. Specifically, one of the tasks allocated to me by President Cyril Ramaphosa is as Special Envoy on South Sudan and leading peace efforts on the continent. 
 
To this end, we remain committed to working towards silencing the guns in Africa, an important precursor to the future Africa that comrade Titus believed in. A peaceful Africa is indeed an Africa with a positive future shaped by African knowledge systems and ideological soundness. 
 
Comrades and Friends,
Indeed, at this juncture, we are obliged to ask what it is that we can learn from the life of Titus Mafolo. Some of the key attributes we can glean from his life include his steadfastness: through the adversity of detention, political shifts, and personal trials, he remained unshakeable in principle and purpose. 
 
He also had humility with gravitas: in that he carried immense influence without fanfare. He will be remembered for his calm dignity and warmth, and also as a mentor who nurtured a generation of activists, communicators, and intellectuals, all while uplifting his Atteridgeville community.
 
In remembering Magashe Titus Mafolo, we draw strength and inspiration from a life built on conviction, cultural identity, and intellectual courage.
 
Mafolo’s brilliance lay not just in what he said, but how he said it. Looking at some of the work that he contributed to, speeches and teachings alike, it is clear that his inclinations were informed by intellectual rigour and cultural conviction. He was a man who believed that expression is foundational to liberation—and that, through careful language and cultural pride, a nation can rediscover its soul.
 
Comrade, brother, father, leader – your life was a testament to principled leadership, humility, and unwavering service. As you depart, we honour your courage in the struggle, your shaping of democratic governance, and your tireless mentorship. You exemplified what it means to lead from the front: not for accolade or position, but for a cause greater than oneself.
 
May your legacy guide us in the years to come. Robala ka kgotso. Rest in peace, titan of conscience and champion of Ubuntu. We carry forward your work in every home built, every voice lifted, and every community awakened to its own power.
 
Your legacy lives on in the movement, in government, in every life you have touched. Aluta Continua!
 
Thank you.
 

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Nigeria Nominates Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan to Head Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Eyeing Upstream Reform and Investment Push

Source: APO


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Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as the new Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), in a move expected to reshape the country’s upstream oil and gas sector and boost investor confidence. As a seasoned professional with extensive experience, Eyesan is poised to implement the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), drive transparent licensing rounds and lead the NUPRC into a new era of regulatory stability and sector growth. Her nomination reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening institutional leadership, accelerating upstream reforms and positioning the country as a commercially attractive destination for global energy investment.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC), representing the voice of the African energy sector, welcomes and formally endorses Eyesan’s appointment. This leadership transition comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, as the country seeks to consolidate reforms, attract capital and unlock long-delayed upstream potential.

“The selection of Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan is an epic choice for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. She is a world-class professional, and we are confident at the AEC that she will deliver world-class results. We urge business leaders, investors and the political class to fully support her in making Nigeria the most competitive destination for upstream investment in Africa,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

Eyesan’s nomination comes as Nigeria faces production decline and intensifying global competition for energy investment. The country has been aggressively pursuing exploration incentives, project development and investment-friendly reforms across onshore and offshore basins. A cornerstone of this strategy is the PIA (2021) and the launch of the 2025 licensing round earlier this month. The round, offering 50 onshore, shallow-water, deepwater and frontier blocks, is expected to attract $10 billion in new upstream capital and add up to 2 billion barrels of reserves over the coming decade. Led by the NUPRC and conducted in strict compliance with the PIA, the licensing round features a fully digital, transparent bid process with lower entry costs, enhanced geophysical datasets, and a streamlined online portal.

The licensing round coincides with an accelerated push toward gas monetization under Nigeria’s Decade of Gas initiative. In December 2025, the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialization Program issued permits to 28 companies to capture 250–300 million standard cubic feet per day of previously-flared gas, unlocking nearly 3 GW of power generation potential and mobilizing $2 billion in investment. These reforms are already translating into tangible activity, with more than $8 billion in anticipated final investment decisions and strong participation from indigenous operators such as Seplat and Oando, alongside rising international interest.

The timing of Eyesan’s appointment is therefore highly significant. Global investors are increasingly selective, and competition for capital is intensifying across frontier and established markets. Regulatory credibility, transparency and predictability are now decisive factors. One of the greatest deterrents to investment in Nigeria has been slow or unpredictable regulatory approval processes, including lengthy permitting timelines, unclear requirements and frequent changes that stall projects and undermine returns.

“If Nigeria wants to compete for scarce foreign investment, the NUPRC must demonstrate that the country’s oil and gas sector is stable, predictable and commercially attractive. By learning from regional leaders such as Angola’s ANPG, the NUPRC can streamline approvals, establish transparent regulatory frameworks with firm timelines, and implement fast, direct communication channels with Nigerian and international investors,” Ayuk added. “We are confident that Eyesan will accomplish this and give the private sector the confidence needed to make Nigeria Oil and Gas the best place to invest in Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Statistics record an increase in arrests for festive season

Source: Government of South Africa

Statistics record an increase in arrests for festive season

The number of people arrested for violating traffic laws since the start of December has increased by 16.2% compared to the same period last year, largely due to intensified law enforcement operations being conducted nationwide.

In addition, 53 pedestrians were arrested for jaywalking on freeways, and 26 motorists were arrested for attempting to bribe traffic officers.

This is according to the preliminary report of the 365 Days Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign for the 2025 festive season, which was released by the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, during a media briefing on Friday in Cape Town.

Government — through the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), South African Police Service (SAPS), traffic police, and provincial partners – has undertaken 639 roadblocks in which 714 371 vehicles were stopped and checked. 

A total of 168 427 traffic fines were issued while 3 695 unroadworthy vehicles were discontinued, and 2 552 public transport vehicles were impounded for violation of operator permits.

“Pedestrians remain our priority concern over this period, and we have noticed fewer transgressions from this category and have seen a 57.9% decrease in pedestrian arrests.

“We have also noticed a decrease in the number of drivers arrested for speeding, lowered by 7.8%, which could be attributed to greater law enforcement visibility,” the Minister said.

The highest speed was recorded in Gauteng when a female driver was caught driving 193 kilometres an hour in a 120-kilometre zone. 

An Eastern Cape man was arrested after recording a breath alcohol content of 2.38 milligrams per 1 000 millilitres. 

“This is ten times above the country’s legal breath alcohol limit of 0.24 milligrams of alcohol per 1000 millilitres breath. The RTMC has ensured targeted deployment of the National Traffic Police in high-risk provinces and corridors, informed by historical data and real-time monitoring. 

“This approach allows government to direct resources where they are most needed, while maintaining uniform standards of enforcement across the country. These coordinated efforts have helped to save lives but remain insufficient against behavioural risks that continue to escalate,” Creecy said.

With the peak travel period around Christmas and New Year, the Minister said government will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to lawlessness on the roads. 

“Enforcement will be firm, visible and consistent, because every life matters. We will in the coming days maintain 24-hour high visibility patrols on highway and secondary routes. 

“We will undertake alcohol operations every day of the festive season with high intensity over the weekend and we will patrol areas of pedestrian density to improve compliance with road regulations,” the Minister said.

The following remain critical concerns:

  • Alcohol-related crashes.
  • Excessive speed and reckless driving.
  • Driver fatigue from long journeys.

“The persistence of these risky behaviours underlines a simple truth: every road death is preventable. 

“As the Minister of Transport, and on behalf of the Department of Transport, I call on all South Africans to commit to responsible behaviour — not just during this festive season, but every day. 

“Let us ensure that the remainder of this festive season is remembered not for tragedy, but for lives saved and families reunited safely. Together, let us make this festive period safer, and ensure that every South African arrives alive,” Creecy said.

The Minister called for all to heed the following safety tips:

  • Never drink and drive.
  • Obey speed limits, traffic laws and stop for pedestrians.
  • Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy.
  • Rest sufficiently before long trips.
  • Wear seatbelts and ensure children are properly restrained.
  • If you are a passenger, challenge unsafe driving. If you are hosting gatherings and traditional feasts (imigidi) prevent drunk driving by arranging alternative drivers or use public transport. – SAnews.gov.za

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Be vigilant as heavy rainfall expected over festive season

Source: Government of South Africa

Be vigilant as heavy rainfall expected over festive season

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has called for heightened vigilance as above-normal rainfall and thunderstorms are expected during the festive season.

According to current weather forecasts, above-normal rainfall is expected across the central and eastern parts of South Africa, accompanied by warm to cool conditions across the country.

The Highveld is likely to experience frequent afternoon thunderstorms on most days, while eastern provinces face a 30 to 60% chance of afternoon thunderstorms as Christmas and the New Year approach.

While welcoming the anticipated rainfall in many areas, Hlabisa warned that the conditions significantly increase the risk of flooding, lightning, strong winds and poor visibility on roads.

The Minister urged communities, holidaymakers, and travellers to remain alert and take necessary safety precautions.

He advised the public to closely monitor official weather updates, heed warnings issued by authorities, and avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges, and low-lying areas.

“Secure homes, informal structures, and loose items that may be affected by strong rainfall and winds. Stay indoors where possible or exercise extra caution when travelling, particularly during thunderstorms. Keep children and other vulnerable loved ones away from swollen rivers, streams and open water, and promptly report weather-related emergencies to local disaster management centres,” Hlabisa said.

As families travel and gather to celebrate the festive season, the Minister emphasised that safety must remain a priority.

“We urge everyone to act responsibly, remain vigilant and cooperate with local authorities to prevent avoidable loss of life and damage,” he said.

Hlabisa added that the department, working alongside provincial and municipal disaster management centres, remains on high alert and ready to respond to any weather-related incidents.

“Members of the public are encouraged to stay informed, remain vigilant and celebrate the festive season safely.”

Seasonal climate outlook

The South African Weather Service (SAWS), through its Disaster Risk Reduction function, has released its latest seasonal climate outlook for the 2025/26 summer season, covering the period from December 2025 to April 2026.

The forecast indicates a transition toward a weak La Niña state, which is expected to influence rainfall and temperature patterns across the country.

La Niña refers to a climate pattern where the waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become cooler than normal. This cooling changes global wind and weather patterns.

“It typically brings above-normal summer rainfall to the north-eastern parts of South Africa such as Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, parts of the North West and Free State.

“Climate model predictions suggest an increased likelihood of above-normal rainfall over the central and eastern parts of South Africa, particularly in the north-eastern summer rainfall regions,” SAWS Senior Forecaster Jacqueline Modika said on Thursday, during a media briefing in Pretoria.

These wetter-than-usual conditions are consistent with the typical impacts associated with La Niña episodes and are expected to persist into mid-to-late summer. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Preliminary data records a reduction in road fatalities

Source: Government of South Africa

Preliminary data records a reduction in road fatalities

The Department of Transport’s mid-term festive season preliminary road safety report shows a decline in road fatalities compared to the same period last year, with 113 lives saved. 

“The number of fatal crashes last year this time was 545, compared to the 431 we have seen this year. The fatal crashes took 638 lives last year this time compared to 505 persons this year,” Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, said on Friday.

Addressing a media briefing in Cape Town on the preliminary report of the 365 Days Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign for the 2025 festive season, Creecy said preliminary reports indicate a 20.9% reduction in fatal crashes and 20.8% reduction in fatalities in the middle of December (December 1 -16) following intensified law enforcement, road safety education, and public messaging.

The Free State has been identified as the best performing province, managing to bring down major crashes from 40 last year this time to 19 this year, while road deaths were brought down from 61 to 20.

This translates to a 67.2% decrease in fatalities.

“While Gauteng was able to bring down crashes by 12%, it remains the highest contributor to the death toll. In Gauteng, 105 people were killed in 95 crashes, with 88 fatalities in KwaZulu-Natal from 85 crashes,” the Minister said.

The Western Cape recorded 66 deaths in 55 crashes in the first half of December.

The Eastern Cape recorded 52 fatalities in 45 crashes, Mpumalanga has 69 fatalities in 50 crashes, North West has 34 deaths in 28 crashes, Limpopo has 40 road deaths in 34 crashes and Northern Cape 31 road deaths in 20 crashes.

Despite strong enforcement, two provinces recorded increases in fatalities year-on-year. They are Mpumalanga and Northen Cape, illustrating that behavioural risk remains “stubbornly high”.

“The average fatalities per day is 32. which is the lowest in five years. The top four types of crashes that contributed to the high number of fatalities are accident with pedestrian, hit and run, single vehicle overturned as well as head-on collisions.

“However, pedestrians continue to represent a disproportionately large share of the road toll, underscoring the ongoing vulnerability of non-motorised road users. The contribution of pedestrians to fatalities is 44%, passengers contributed 28%, drivers contributed 26%, and cyclists contributed two percent (2%).

“These preliminary figures remind us that danger remains ever present, and the peak travel days of Christmas and New Year are still ahead. Heavy traffic volumes are expected on the roads this weekend leading to Christmas and New Year’s Day. 

“Traffic volumes and congestion will be experienced again in the first weekend of January as many holiday makers will be making their way back to the cities for the re-opening of schools and return to work,” the Minister said.

Creecy said the mid-season shows that enforcement is having an impact on incident rates, but fatal crashes are still occurring at unacceptable levels.

“Alcohol misuse, speeding, fatigue, and unsafe pedestrian behaviour remain the dominant risk factors. Heavy rainfalls and thunderstorms in the period under review also had a devastating impact on our campaign.

“These patterns emphasise that law enforcement and infrastructure improvements alone are not enough. They must be paired with sustained behavioural change — the core message of our 365 Days of Road Safety commitment,” the Minister said. 

In the coming days, government will maintain a 24-hour high visibility patrols on highway and secondary routes. – SAnews.gov.za

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Be vigilance as heavy rainfall expected over festive season

Source: Government of South Africa

Be vigilance as heavy rainfall expected over festive season

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has called for heightened vigilance as above-normal rainfall and thunderstorms are expected during the festive season.

According to current weather forecasts, above-normal rainfall is expected across the central and eastern parts of South Africa, accompanied by warm to cool conditions across the country.

The Highveld is likely to experience frequent afternoon thunderstorms on most days, while eastern provinces face a 30 to 60% chance of afternoon thunderstorms as Christmas and the New Year approach.

While welcoming the anticipated rainfall in many areas, Hlabisa warned that the conditions significantly increase the risk of flooding, lightning, strong winds and poor visibility on roads.

The Minister urged communities, holidaymakers, and travellers to remain alert and take necessary safety precautions.

He advised the public to closely monitor official weather updates, heed warnings issued by authorities, and avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges, and low-lying areas.

“Secure homes, informal structures, and loose items that may be affected by strong rainfall and winds. Stay indoors where possible or exercise extra caution when travelling, particularly during thunderstorms. Keep children and other vulnerable loved ones away from swollen rivers, streams and open water, and promptly report weather-related emergencies to local disaster management centres,” Hlabisa said.

As families travel and gather to celebrate the festive season, the Minister emphasised that safety must remain a priority.

“We urge everyone to act responsibly, remain vigilant and cooperate with local authorities to prevent avoidable loss of life and damage,” he said.

Hlabisa added that the department, working alongside provincial and municipal disaster management centres, remains on high alert and ready to respond to any weather-related incidents.

“Members of the public are encouraged to stay informed, remain vigilant and celebrate the festive season safely.”

Seasonal climate outlook

The South African Weather Service (SAWS), through its Disaster Risk Reduction function, has released its latest seasonal climate outlook for the 2025/26 summer season, covering the period from December 2025 to April 2026.

The forecast indicates a transition toward a weak La Niña state, which is expected to influence rainfall and temperature patterns across the country.

La Niña refers to a climate pattern where the waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become cooler than normal. This cooling changes global wind and weather patterns.

“It typically brings above-normal summer rainfall to the north-eastern parts of South Africa such as Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, parts of the North West and Free State.

“Climate model predictions suggest an increased likelihood of above-normal rainfall over the central and eastern parts of South Africa, particularly in the north-eastern summer rainfall regions,” SAWS Senior Forecaster Jacqueline Modika said on Thursday, during a media briefing in Pretoria.

These wetter-than-usual conditions are consistent with the typical impacts associated with La Niña episodes and are expected to persist into mid-to-late summer. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Revolutionary rap: Nigerian star Falz has kept protest music alive

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Paul Onanuga, Lecturer, Federal University, Oye Ekiti

Nigerian rapper, actor and social media star Falz released his sixth studio album, The Feast, in 2025.

Few Nigerian popular musicians have shown as much versatility and staying power as the man behind the #ElloBae and #WehDoneSir social media trends. For over a decade now, Falz has been marrying musical skills and social activism with digital savvy and comedy.

His rise to global prominence was solidified with his 2018 song This is Nigeria. But it began in 2014 with Marry Me off his debut album Wazup Guy.

As a young artist known for his video skits, he created an online challenge ahead of releasing the song Ello Bae (Hello Babe). In it he tries to romance a woman who appreciates him and his ambition, but is looking for a man with money. It remains a common hashtag when TikTokers post about love and money.

In 2017 he released Wehdone Sir (Well Done, Sir), a witty takedown of people with fake glamour lifestyles. #WehDoneSir is still used on social media to satirise pretentious individuals.

Falz would become known for his unique blend of hip-hop and Afropop, but what really made him stand out was his skill at infusing humour into his socially conscious, often revolutionary, songs.

It’s often argued that Falz is a natural heir to Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. He was the Nigerian music legend and activist who helped create the Afrobeat movement (a precursor to today’s Afrobeats).

Like Fela, Falz packs his music with playfulness and satire while also stirring public consciousness with activist lyrics. Both call for action against the oppressive political class. In 2020, when young Nigerians took to the streets to demand an end to police corruption, Fela and Falz were both part of the inventory of #EndSARS protest songs.

As a scholar of Nigerian hip-hop, I have published papers on Fela and Falz and how they have shaped protest music that responds to social challenges in Nigeria.

So, who is Falz, and how has he spread his message – and come to be the political voice of his generation, as Fela was to his?

Who is Falz?

Falz (real name Folarin Falana) was born in 1990 in Mushin, Lagos. He is the son of a respected human rights lawyer and activist father, Femi Falana, and lawyer mother, Funmi Falana. In fact, his father was Fela’s lawyer, defending him against charges brought by the state.

Falz also qualified as a lawyer, but chose instead to pursue his interests in music and acting. These multiple skills feed into his productions on diverse levels. Beyond his songs, he is also very active on Instagram and Tik-Tok, where he establishes trends, especially around his songs and films.

His character in Ello Bae, for instance, struggles with English, using big formal words in unexpected ways, finding comedy in his faux Yoruba inflections. It would be a trademark of the #ElloBaeChallenge and would enjoy renewed public attention when Falz was cast in the TV series Jenifa’s Diary playing a similar character.

In 2016, Falz won best new international act at the BET Awards in the US. Numerous other awards would follow. His albums have received commercial and critical success. His roles in movies have further solidified his status as a multitalented entertainer.

Activism

Falz does not shy away from living the talk. He took part in the 2020 #EndSARS protests and his work repeatedly tries to steer the government towards addressing socio-economic challenges.

Soon after the protests, he released Moral Instruction. On the album, the track Johnny depicts the everyday experiences of Nigerians. This is Nigeria, a localised version of US rapper Childish Gambino’s This is America, depicts Nigeria as a country struggling with corruption, lawlessness and social injustice. A stark contrast to its potential. The video reflects a breakdown in law and order, corrupt officials, and the struggles of young people facing limited opportunities and resorting to crime.

Falz has used his platform as a celebrity and his background as a lawyer to call for social justice and for young people to make a difference.

Fela and Falz

There have been a number of pretend heirs to Fela’s throne of musical consciousness. Many of these have either not lived up to the hype or have fizzled out.

However, many popular Nigerian artists leverage Fela’s ethos through sampling his beats and lyrics. This is evident in Falz’s musicography too.

My study on the lyrical and thematic connections between Fela and Falz songs compares a number of tracks. Fela’s No Agreement and Falz’s Talk, for example, both draw attention to social inequality and systemic challenges in Nigeria.

Fela’s song was produced in the context of a military regime while Falz’s was within a democratic dispensation. But both speak of a crisis of leadership in Nigeria, as is the case in many postcolonial societies. What particularly links Fela and Falz is that both are unrelenting in their revolutionary struggles and determination to ensure an equitable Nigerian society.

Religious leaders are not spared criticism. Echoing Fela’s Coffin for Head of State (1980), Falz’s Amen (2019) points to the deceptive practices and complicity of religious leaders in poor political leadership and endemic poverty. Both critique the double standards that have become normal in the country.

Falz’s Follow Follow (2019) addresses current realities in Nigerian society – a lack of personal conviction and independent thought and the mindless following of social media trends. Integrating lyrics from Fela’s Zombie (1976), the song is about asserting one’s identity. It also rehashes Fela’s Follow Follow, mocking those who allow themselves to be led blindly by others.

To make sure his advocacy resonates, Falz co-opts his listeners through a call-and-response strategy. A phrase is sung and the next phrase answers it. This way, along with catchy lyrics, the audience become active participants.

This also echoes the traditional Yoruba chant-and-refrain rendition used by musicians, poets and bards to engage their audience. Its possible nod to the indigenous is also at the heart of his faux Yoruba accent, a style that downplays his prestigious upbringing and connects him to ordinary people, much like Pidgin did for Fela.

But echoes of Fela don’t in any way take away from the creative force of Falz’s work. Rather they reinforce his critique of how the postcolonial Nigerian state has failed to live up to its promise.

Into the future

While Fela was unrepentantly anticolonial, Falz is sublimely hybridised. His mixture of talents and views creates a pulsating pan-African consciousness that’s able to exist in a global contemporary world view.

His lyrics and videography are aimed at the masses – especially young people – who have the most to gain from positive social change. In this way Falz can be said to represent a generational conscience. He uses his empowering songs to motivate his fans to take their destinies in their own hands.

– Revolutionary rap: Nigerian star Falz has kept protest music alive
– https://theconversation.com/revolutionary-rap-nigerian-star-falz-has-kept-protest-music-alive-266529