Category: MIL-OSI

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Liberia : le Fonds africain de développement investit plus de 7 millions de dollars pour l’achèvement du projet de construction de la centrale hydroélectrique au fil de l’eau et des infrastructures connexes

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Conseil d’administration du Fonds africain de développement, guichet de prêts à taux concessionnel du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (https://www.AfDB.org) a accordé, le 24 novembre 2025 à Abidjan, un prêt additionnel de 7,41 millions de dollars américains au Libéria pour l’achèvement de la mise en œuvre du Projet énergies renouvelables pour l’électrification au Libéria.

Le financement additionnel sera spécifiquement utilisé pour combler le dépassement de coûts de la construction de la centrale hydroélectrique et des infrastructures connexes et ainsi que les dépassements de coûts de gestion du projet liés aux retards de mise en œuvre. En outre, il soutiendra les activités sous-financées, y compris la mise en œuvre du Plan d’action en matière de genre. Ces utilisations ciblées garantiront la réalisation des produits prévus du projet, en particulier l’achèvement de la construction de la centrale hydroélectrique, son intégration au réseau et la pleine mise en œuvre des mesures de sauvegardes.

Le Projet énergies renouvelables pour l’électrification au Libéria est une initiative conjointe de l’État du Libéria et la Banque africaine de développement. Approuvé le 31 octobre 2019, ce projet a fait l’objet d’accords de financement signés le 29 janvier 2020 et est entré en vigueur en mars 2021.

Le projet vise à construire une centrale hydroélectrique au fil de l’eau (production d’électricité utilisant le courant d’une rivière) d’une capacité de 9,34 mégawatts (56,5 gigawattheures/an) dans la zone des chutes de Gbedin dans le comté de Nimba ; à construire une ligne d’évacuation 33 kilovolts de 8 kilomètres de long et deux postes de transformation ; et à relier la centrale à la ligne de transport transfrontalière. Il inclut également la construction d’une route d’accès permanente de 15 kilomètres et d’une route temporaire de 8 kilomètres pour desservir le site de la centrale hydroélectrique, l’installation de 50 kilomètres de lignes de distribution 33/0,4 kilovolts et le raccordement de 6 650 ménages au réseau électrique dans les comtés de Nimba et de Bong.

Une fois achevé, le projet devrait accroître la production énergétique nationale de 56,5 gigawattheures par an, soit environ 6,9 % de la fourniture totale du Libéria. Il permettra également à près de 60 000 personnes supplémentaires d’avoir accès à l’électricité. Par ailleurs, environ 6 500 personnes seront directement raccordées au réseau électrique national.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias :
Alexis Adélé,
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
media@afdb.org

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (BAD) est la première institution multilatérale de financement dédiée au développement de l’Afrique. Elle comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). La BAD est présente sur le terrain dans 44 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, et contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 Etats membres régionaux.

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Libéria: Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento investe mais de 7 milhões de dólares para concluir projeto de energia hidroelétrica

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Conselho de Administração do Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento, reunido hoje em Abidjan, aprovou um empréstimo adicional de 7,41 milhões de dólares para concluir a implementação do projeto de Energia Renovável para Eletrificação na Libéria. O Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (http://apo-opa.co/4ik4rlX) é a janela de empréstimos concessionais do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (http://www.AfDB.org).

O financiamento adicional será utilizado para cobrir os custos excedentes da construção da central hidroelétrica e infraestruturas relacionadas, bem como os custos excedentes de gestão do projeto relacionados com atrasos na implementação. O mecanismo financeiro também apoiará atividades subfinanciadas, incluindo a implementação do Plano de Ação para a Igualdade de Género. Estas utilizações específicas garantirão a concretização dos resultados previstos do projeto, que são a conclusão da central hidroelétrica, a sua integração na rede e a plena implementação das salvaguardas.

A Energia Renovável para Eletrificação da Libéria é uma iniciativa conjunta do governo liberiano e do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento. O projeto foi aprovado a 31 de outubro de 2019, os acordos de financiamento foram assinados a 29 de janeiro de 2020 e a implementação do projeto começou em março de 2021.

A parte principal do projeto é a construção de uma central hidroelétrica a fio de água (produção de eletricidade utilizando a corrente do rio) com capacidade de 9,34 megawatts (56,5 gigawatts-hora/ano) na área de Gbedin Falls, no condado de Nimba. A central será ligada a uma linha de evacuação de 8 km e 33 quilovolts e a duas subestações transformadoras, bem como a uma linha de transmissão transfronteiriça. Serão construídas uma estrada de acesso permanente com 15 km e uma estrada temporária com 8 km até ao local da central hidroelétrica, para garantir o acesso ao local da central. O projeto prevê também a instalação de 50 km de linhas de distribuição de 33/0,4 quilovolts e a ligação de 6650 famílias à rede elétrica nos condados de Nimba e Bong.

Após a conclusão, o projeto deverá aumentar o mix energético nacional da Libéria em 56,5 gigawatts-hora por ano, representando cerca de 6,9% do abastecimento total da Libéria, e também expandirá o acesso à eletricidade para cerca de 60 mil pessoas que não estão ligadas. Além disso, 6.500 pessoas serão diretamente ligadas à rede nacional.

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

Contacto para os media:
Alexis Adélé,
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas, 
media@afdb.org

Sobre o Grupo do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org/pt

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National Basketball Association (NBA) Africa Announces 10 Finalists for Second Triple-Double Accelerator Demo Day

Source: APO – Report:

  • 10 Finalists From Five African Countries Will Pitch Their Products to International Industry Leaders on Dec. 5 in Kigali
  • Carnegie Mellon University Africa Joins as Official Partner of the Program

NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) today announced the 10 startup companies from five African countries that have been selected as finalists as part of the second edition of NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator (https://apo-opa.co/48kJsem), which the league launched last year to support the continent’s technology ecosystem and the next generation of African entrepreneurs.  The 10 finalists will pitch their products to a panel of international industry leaders at a Demo Day at Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) in Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday, Dec. 5.

NBA Africa also announced that CMU-Africa has joined as an Official Partner of the program, which is open to early-stage African startup companies that develop solutions in the sport and creative industries.  CMU-Africa is the only U.S. research university offering its master’s degrees with a full-time faculty, staff and operations in Africa. 

ServiceNow – an AI platform for business transformation whose Now Assist and AI agents help organizations deliver faster and smarter experiences at scale – also serves as an Official Partner of NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator, while ALX Ventures – a leading technology incubator that provides the continent’s tech leaders with access to the skills and tools to launch and scale their startups – is once again operating the program.

The 10 startups, which were selected from more than 700 applications, will pitch their products to a panel of international industry leaders who will choose five winners to receive financial support and the opportunity to join CMU-Africa’s 12-month Business Incubation Program as part of its Innovation Hub, which helps African tech startups transform proof-of-concept prototypes and preliminary market assessments into scalable, market-ready products and services.

Below are the 10 startups that will compete for the five prize-winning spots:

  • Athlon Technology (Egypt) (https://AthlonTechnology.com/) aims to leverage accessible mobile technology and AI to provide video analysis for amateur and budget-constrained sports teams while addressing a market gap with a user-friendly, hardware-light solution.  
  • Atsur (Nigeria) (https://apo-opa.co/4pxsTCH) leverages blockchain technology to promote investment in African art and support artists and art communities.
  • CoLab (South Africa) (https://apo-opa.co/3XiPvek) is a platform that brings together creatives, entrepreneurs and industry professionals, providing a space to connect, manage projects and bring ideas to life.
  • Contestify (Nigeria) (www.Contestify.io) is an all-in-one platform that streamlines contest management, offering real-time judging, transparent scoring and instant payouts. 
  • Fitclan (Egypt) (https://Fitclan.co/) is a digital fitness hub that leverages a flexible subscription model for individuals and corporate clients. 
  • Novate (Morocco) (www.Novate.ltd/en) offers a unique, immersive virtual reality (VR) football viewing experience with features such as seat selection, camera switching, social voice chat and live stats. 
  • ProPath Sports (Kenya) (www.ProPathSports.com) revolutionizes athlete discovery in Kenya with data-driven talent identification; its iSTEAM program covers all aspects of talent development.
  • Reborn (Morocco) (https://RebornSportsTech.com/) offers comprehensive performance indicators that give athletes deep insights into their physical condition and on-field performance, essential for identifying strengths, areas for improvement, and optimizing overall performance. 
  • Safia Health (Kenya) (https://SafiaHealth.com/) offers personalized training regiments that integrate fitness, recovery and mental wellbeing tracking into a unified platform, offering value to athletes and coaches. 
  • SongDis (Nigeria) (www.SongDis.com) provides comprehensive digital distribution and services tailored for African independent artists and labels. 

“The quality of this year’s applications reflects the incredible talent and creativity among Africa’s young entrepreneurs as well as the important role that the sport and creative industries are playing in the continent’s development,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi.  “These startups represent the bold spirit of innovation rising across the continent – where creativity meets purpose, and ideas have the power to scale beyond borders.”

Last year, four prize-winning companies – Festival Coins (Nigeria), Salubata (Nigeria), HustleSasa (Kenya) and UBR VR (Egypt) – were awarded financial support and mentorship as part of the inaugural edition of the program.

– on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contact:
Chumani Bambani
NBA Africa Communications  
cbambani@nba.com
+27 65 548 1031

Fans can follow:
NBAAfrica on Facebook and YouTube
@ nbaafricaofficial on Instagram
@ NBA_Africa on X
@ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  NBA Africa conducts the league’s business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya.  The league’s efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.

NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015.  The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fifth season in June 2025.

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African Leaders Advance Energy, Gas and Financing Plans Ahead of Paris Summit

Source: APO – Report:

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African policymakers, financiers, and energy executives issued a unified call at the G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum in Johannesburg – organized by the African Energy Chamber – to advance infrastructure-led development, diversified energy systems and accelerated investment flows. The series of announcements comes ahead of the Invest in African Energies (IAE) Summit in Paris – taking place from April 22-23, 2026 – where many of the same stakeholders and more are expected to convert these messages into concrete deals and partnerships.

Across multiple sessions, speakers emphasized that Africa’s energy transition cannot proceed without large-scale financing, received industrial capacity and reliable transport and power networks. The Johannesburg forum served as a staging ground for more detailed investment discussions expected in Paris.

South Africa Accelerates Refinery Revival, Gas Diversification

South Africa’s government reiterated its intention to rebuild refining capacity under the newly established South African National Petroleum Corporation. With the majority of the country’s refineries offline, the South Africa’s Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe views refinery revival as central to energy security, economic revitalization and regional fuel stability.

https://apo-opa.co/43RnP41

In parallel, officials confirmed a fast-tracked gas strategy, including LNG import terminals, pipeline rehabilitation and accelerated licensing. Declining imports from Mozambique have intensified pressure to secure alternative gas sources and develop domestic reserves. These developments will form a crucial part of South Africa’s investment roadshow at the IAE Summit, where government and private players aim to attract capital for LNG, pipelines and downstream restructuring.

What’s more, the country’s Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa reinforced broader calls for investment models that treat African states as equal partners rather than passive recipients. He stressed that Africa’s energy future hinges on building transmission capacity that can unlock cross-border trade and industrial growth. By insisting on value addition for critical minerals, the Minister underscored that the transition must create manufacturing power – not deepen the extractive patterns that have historically limited African development.

Clean Cooking, Refining, LPG Supply Under Renewed Scrutiny

Executives highlighted structural weaknesses in LPG supply chains, from insufficient storage and import capacity to deteriorated rail infrastructure. Calls were made to streamline permitting, reconfigure rail corridors and rehabilitate dormant refineries to prevent recurring supply shocks. Meanwhile, state-owned entities including PetroSA outlined plans to revive processing capacity and stabilize domestic markets. Private operators including Petredec pointed to continued demand growth across East and Southern Africa and called for reforms to improve terminal access, transport efficiency and market transparency.

These issues – long-standing but increasingly urgent – are expected to feature prominently in Paris, where project developers will seek partners for terminal expansions, rail rehabilitation and midstream infrastructure.

Capital Mobilization vs Infrastructure Constraints

Speakers emphasized that Africa will not close its infrastructure gap through concessional loans and aid alone. Pension funds, sovereign investors and African financial institutions were urged to take on a larger role in funding energy, manufacturing and logistics projects. Several panelists called for predictable regulatory environments and project preparation pipelines that allow institutional investors to enter at scale. These themes align directly with the IAE Summit’s goal of accelerating bankable deals and mobilizing both African and international capital.

Forum participants cited unreliable transmission networks, bottlenecked ports, aging rail lines and slow permitting as barriers to investment. Power-intensive sectors – mining, manufacturing, green hydrogen and data centers – were highlighted as immediate casualties of grid instability. With dozens of grid and transmission upgrade projects headed for investment rounds in 2025-2027, Paris is expected to serve as a matchmaking platform between African utilities, EPC companies and financing institutions.

Positioning for Paris: A Continental Investment Agenda

Taken together, the announcements in Johannesburg delivered a clear prelude to the IAE Summit in Paris where hydrocarbons gas and refining will be positioned as central to energy security and industrial growth across the African continent. Meanwhile, it was also noted that clean cooking and LPG markets will require infrastructure expansion and regulatory reform while domestic capital must complement international investment to unlock large-scale projects. Another major focus area that will also be explored is how grid, transport and permitting constraints must be resolved to attract long-term financing.

As African delegations prepare for Paris, the momentum generated at the G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum signals a shift toward deal-focused engagement, with governments and operators seeking partnerships that advance infrastructure, stabilize energy systems and accelerate economic growth across the continent.

IAE 2026 is an exclusive forum designed to connect African energy markets with global investors, serving as a key platform for deal-making in the lead up to African Energy Week. Scheduled for April 22-23, 2026, in Paris, the event will provide delegates with two days of in-depth engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or register as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Liberia: African Development Fund invests over $7 million to complete run-of-river hydropower plant and related infrastructure project

Source: APO – Report:

The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund, meeting today in Abidjan, has approved an additional loan of $7.41 million to complete implementation of the Renewable Energy for Electrification project in Liberia. The African Development Fund is the concessional lending window of the African Development Bank Group (https://www.AfDB.org).

The additional financing will be used to cover a cost overrun for construction of the hydropower plant and related infrastructure, as well as project management cost overruns related to implementation delays. The facility will also support under-financed activities, including implementation of the Gender Action Plan. These targeted uses will ensure achievement of the project’s planned outputs, which are completion of the hydropower plant, its integration into the grid and the full implementation of safeguards.

Liberia Renewable Energy for Electrification is a joint initiative of the Liberian government and the African Development Bank. The project was approved on 31 October 2019, financing agreements were signed on 29 January 2020, and project implementation began in March 2021.

The key part of the project is construction of a run-of-river hydropower plant (electricity generation using the river current) with capacity of 9.34 megawatts (56.5 gigawatt-hours/year) in the Gbedin Falls area of Nimba County. The plant will be connected to an 8-km 33-kilovolt evacuation line and two transformer substations, and also to a cross-border transmission line. A 15-km permanent access road and an 8-km temporary road to the hydropower site will be built to ensure access to the power plant site. The project also calls for installation of 50 km of 33/0.4-kilovolt distribution lines and the connection of 6,650 households to the power grid in Nimba and Bong County.

Upon completion, the project is expected to increase Liberia’s national energy mix by 56.5 gigawatt-hours per year, representing about 6.9 percent of Liberia’s total supply, and it will also expand electricity access to around 60,000 people who did not previously have connection. In addition, a 6,500 people will be directly connected to the national grid.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Alexis Adélé,
Communication and External Relations Department 
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group is the leading multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa’s development. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). The AfDB is present on the ground in 44 African countries, with a field office in Japan, and contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states.

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Nzimande advocates for Africa-centric research agenda

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has used his platform at the Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) to advocate for a research framework designed around African priorities rather than external influences. 

He recognised that African countries have to build robust science infrastructure and regional networks.

“To enable this fundamental shift, we believe Africa desperately needs what I call a sovereign research agenda for Africa. By this, I mean a research agenda that is designed, funded, and directed based on African priorities and concerns.

“Not based on the generosity of external donors – regardless of their benign intentions,” Nzimande said on Tuesday. 

To enable the development of a sovereign research agenda, the Minister believes that African countries must build robust and accessible science infrastructure to support young and women researchers, improve maths and science education in public schools, and increase investments in research and development. 

He is of the view that the leaders should focus on reversing the loss of critical skills by creating better working conditions for scientists and researchers.

Nzimande’s plan further calls for developing Africa’s capacity to process its own mineral wealth, curbing illicit financial outflows that drain resources needed for essential services. 

He is also calling for stronger links between science, technology, and industry to drive commercialisation and support tech-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

In addition, the strategy emphasises the importance of adopting emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and expanding pandemic preparedness, including achieving the goal of producing 60% of Africa’s vaccines locally by 2040.

The SFSA 2025 attracted a diverse gathering of over 6 000 participants, among them were scientists, policymakers, youth innovators, entrepreneurs, and representatives from civil society, all converging to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of science and technology in Africa.

The SFSA 2025, the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) are currently hosting a five-day high-level session on strengthening science diplomacy and science advice across Africa and the Global South.

The Minister expressed the significance of this forum, which marked a decade of insightful dialogue and coincided with South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency. 

“This year is particularly special as this forum celebrates 10 years of insightful dialogue and also coincides with the conclusion of our country’s G20 Presidency,” he said. 

This year’s theme is: “Placing Science, Technology and Innovation at the centre of Government, Education, Industry and Society.” 

Nzimande emphasised the need for a sustained increase in public awareness of the importance of science in everyday life.

Among the exciting features was the South African Tech Challenge 2025, which aimed to identify high-potential small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) whose technologies tackle societal challenges.

However, Nzimande’s address did not shy away from discussing the challenges faced by society in this pivotal moment of history.

He painted a picture of paradox, saying, “This era has seen the emergence of some of the most breathtaking technological advances in human history… At the same time, we have also witnessed alarming levels of social inequality.” 

He urged the audience to consider how to bridge these divides, asking, “how do we make sure our science and technology innovations facilitate pathways for social inclusion and social justice?”

The Minister called on those in attendance to envision a future where science and technology would serve not just as tools of advancement, but as instruments of inclusion and equity. 

“This is the moment for us to act,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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W Cape issues alert as drunk driving arrests rise

Source: Government of South Africa

Western Cape transport officials have issued a serious warning to motorists after 24 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol were made in just one week.

From 17 to 23 November 2025, the Provincial Traffic Services carried out 168 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checks, and speed control operations across the province. 

During these efforts, over 30 000 vehicles were stopped and inspected, resulting in more than 9 000 fines being issued for various violations related to driver and vehicle fitness.

Officers also recorded 200 speeding offences during this period.

The officials reported that of the 46 arrests recorded, 24 were for driving under the influence of alcohol, three for reckless and negligent driving, six for goods overloading and another six for possession of fraudulent documentation. 

In addition, three arrests involved undocumented persons, while one person was arrested for wilfully damaging or tampering with a vehicle or throwing an object at a vehicle. 

One person was arrested for bribery, another for obstructing or hindering an authorised officer, and one for threatening or suggesting the use of violence against a traffic officer.

Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku expressed deep concern at the spike in drunk driving incidents.

“Every driver who gets behind the wheel after drinking is a danger not only to themselves, but to every person on the road. As we approach the festive season, we are intensifying enforcement to ensure that law-abiding road users can travel safely. Driving under the influence will not be tolerated, and we will continue to take decisive action against offenders,” said Sileku.

Chief Director of Traffic Management Maxine Bezuidenhout urged the public to take responsibility. 

“The high number of drunk driving arrests is deeply concerning. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgement and slow reaction times. Our officers will continue to take firm action against anyone who chooses to endanger others by driving under the influence. We urge motorists to act responsibly, respect the law, and help us prevent unnecessary incidents and loss of life on our roads,” said Bezuidenhout.

To prevent drinking and driving, motorists are encouraged to plan ahead by using e-hailing services or metered taxis, appointing a sober designated driver, arranging to stay over where they are socialising, or asking a friend or family member for a lift. 

They are also urged to refuse to travel in a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Sileku added. – SAnews.gov.za

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Women in film and media call for new narrative at 16 Days of Activism launch

Source: Government of South Africa

Leading voices in South Africa’s film, media and creative industries have called for a fundamental shift in how women are portrayed, insisting that storytelling, content creation and media platforms must move beyond victimhood and actively reclaim women’s power.

The women were speaking on Tuesday at the national launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children 2025 campaign at Gallagher Convention Centre. 

The panel, which was led by Dr Criselda Kananda, spotlighted the experiences and agency of women in the film, entertainment, television and media sectors, and how these industries can challenge harmful narratives and reshape social attitudes. 

Veteran foreign editor Sophie Mokoena criticised the persistent marginalisation of women leaders in newsrooms and international coverage.

“It’s very rare you will see stories about women’s leadership and their successes. Women around the world are competent and capable to lead, but they become victims of negative stories… The media will have to do better in covering the role played by women in building a better world,” Mokoena said. 

Mokoena reflected on the global footprint of South Africa’s former UN Women Executive Director, Pumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, noting that her impact on policy, advocacy and women’s empowerment remains underreported.

“Women have done a lot, and they are still doing a lot quietly. They don’t have coverage. Women are not just victims of gender-based violence. They are living, leading and fighting this scourge. The media’s role should be to tell those success stories,” Mokeona said. 

Music icon and cultural activist Sibongile Mngoma warned that harmful media content continues to shape harmful social attitudes.

“A sound mind thinks right because of what it consumes. If you are feeding society glamorised violence, drug abuse and alcohol abuse using celebrities as brand ambassadors, then that is what society becomes. We must empower women to speak and give them the resources to do the work,” Mngoma said. 

Screenwriter and filmmaker Lerato Mokoka highlighted the power of intentional storytelling and interrogation of bias in writers’ rooms.

“When we unpack scripts, we interrogate why we are saying what we’re saying and who we are representing. You begin to care for the character and realise they represent someone out there, a survivor. We aim to tell stories in a way that is impactful, not harmful,” she said. 

Youth advocate and communications strategist Dumi Le Roux said meaningful change requires centering young people in content creation.

“The tactic that works is having young people co-curate initiatives. Once youth are involved at the core of the table, authenticity finds expression… We create mobilisers and ambassadors who run with the narrative themselves,” Le Roux said. 

SABC Head of Content and producer Lala Tuku emphasised that women must own their stories at every level of production.

“Women’s stories – their complexities and nuance – can only be told by women. It’s not just about seeing a woman on-screen. The head writer, director and creatives behind the scenes must be women too. We must give power and nurture the female voice,” Tuku said. 

Legendary musician and broadcaster Dr Yvonne Chaka Chaka said radio remains a vital tool to reshape attitudes and uplift women’s voices.

“We live in a country where it is sad and hurting to be a woman. At Women Radio, we promote women’s issues 365 days a year. We empower women to speak, to be opinionated, and to respect themselves and each other,” she said. 

Veteran actress and advocate Nakedi Ribane said representation must move beyond stereotypes and poverty-driven narratives.

“Until the lion tells its story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter. We must tell our stories the way we want to. Productions must reflect who we really are families with professionals, children who grow differently from what is usually portrayed. Poverty should not be romanticised,” she said. 

As the country enters 16 Days of Activism, the panel’s message was clear, transforming society begins with transforming stories and ensuring women, in all their diversity, hold the pen. – SAnews.gov.za

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Official Consular Source: Canada Confirms Completion of All Procedures for Qatari Citizens to Obtain Its ETA Starting Today

Source: Government of Qatar

Official Consular Source: Canada Confirms Completion of All Procedures for Qatari Citizens to Obtain Its ETA Starting Today

Doha, November 25, 2025

An official source at the Department of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Canadian authorities have confirmed the completion of all procedures related to Qatari citizens obtaining the Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) within a few minutes, starting today.

The source clarified that Qatari citizens wishing to obtain this visa can apply through the following link:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html
The source pointed out that this step reflects the strength of the relations between the State of Qatar and Canada and the continuous development witnessed in various fields.
It also contributes to supporting bilateral cooperation, facilitating the movement of citizens, and enhancing tourism, cultural, and educational exchange between the two countries, thereby reinforcing the existing partnership and opening broader horizons for cooperation. 

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Study on GCC Wage Protection System Launched

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, November 25, 2025

The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar in Geneva, in cooperation with the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairsآ in the GCC States and the International Labor Organization (ILO), organized a high-level event held at the headquarters of the ILO in Geneva, on the sidelines of the 355th session of its Governing Body, during which a study was launched highlighting the progress made by the GCC countries in building effective wage protection systems (WPS).
The event witnessed a high-level attendance, with the first part featuring keynote addresses by HE Minister of Labor Dr. Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri, HE ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo, and HE Mr. Mohammed Hassan Al Obaidli, HE Director-General of the Executive Office of the Council of Ministers of Labor of the GCC Mohammed Hassan Al Obaidli.
In her keynote remarks at the panel discussion, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva Dr. Hind Abdul Rahman Al Muftah emphasized the effective interdependence and integration of wage protection mechanisms in the State of Qatar.
Her Excellency indicated that enhancing the protection of workers’ rights and establishing fair labor practices are a priority for the State of Qatar. She noted that the Ministry of Labor has adopted an integrated system that includes the WPS, grievance mechanisms, and the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund to ensure effective protection at all stages.
Her Excellency stressed that the integration of these three mechanisms provides a comprehensive framework for protection, promotes decent work, ensures compliance with laws, and reflects the State of Qatar’s commitment to a fair and transparent labor market that protects workers’ rights and promotes social justice.
The joint study reviews the important steps taken by the GCC countries to ensure that wages are paid on time and correctly, through the establishment and development of WPS that comply with international labor standards.
The ILO considers these systems a pioneering innovation at the regional level aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in wage payment practices.