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Afreximbank Deepens Engagement with Jamaica to Drive Trade, Investment and Industrialisation

Source: APO

In a move to highlight the strategic importance of the Jamaican market within the Caribbean and the country’s growing role in regional trade and investment, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank or the Bank) (www.Afreximbank.com) undertook an inaugural roadshow in Kingston, Jamaica, on 2 June 2026.

Organised under the theme, “Empowering Jamaica’s Growth: Catalysing Trade, Investment and Industrialisation through Tailored Afreximbank Solutions,” the roadshow built on the momentum generated by Jamaica’s signing of Afreximbank’s Partnership Agreement in July 2025 and the subsequent approval by the Bank’s Board of Directors of a US$5 billion financing facility for the Caribbean, including Jamaica.

The roadshow attracted strong participation from Jamaica’s business community. It provided an opportunity to raise awareness of Afreximbank’s mandate, mission and vision among key stakeholders in Jamaica, including government representatives, private sector leaders and financial institutions. It also served as a platform to introduce the Bank’s suite of financing, trade facilitation and investment solutions to the Jamaican market for the first time.

In addition, the engagement enabled the Afreximbank delegation to gain valuable insights into Jamaica’s trade and development priorities, investment opportunities, financing needs and business environment. These interactions have further strengthened the Bank’s understanding of the Jamaican market and will help inform the development of tailored solutions to support the country’s economic growth and trade ambitions.

The keynote address was delivered by Hon. Fayval Williams, Minister of Finance and the Public Service. In her remarks, Minister Williams stated: “We understand that, for more than three decades, Afreximbank has been delivering financing solutions that support trade and drive economic growth across Africa. Its reach now extends beyond the continent’s shores, with the Bank establishing a growing presence in the Caribbean. It is clear that the partnership between Afreximbank and Jamaica continues to strengthen. I therefore encourage all Jamaican institutions represented here today to deepen their engagement with Afreximbank so that, together, we can unlock greater opportunities for two-way trade and investment between Jamaica and Africa.”

Also, speaking at the event, Mr. Eric Monchu Intong, Afreximbank’s Group Managing Director, Client Relations and Regional Office Operations, highlighted the Bank’s experience in supporting tourism and hospitality development across Africa and the Caribbean. He said: “At Afreximbank, we believe that industrialisation is the foundation of sustainable trade and economic transformation. To trade successfully with Global Africa, we must first produce. Through investments in industrial parks, special economic zones and local manufacturing, Jamaica has an opportunity to reduce import dependence, increase value-added exports, create jobs and strengthen its economic resilience. This approach has delivered results across 18 African countries, where Afreximbank has supported the development of industrial parks and special economic zones through initiatives such as its US$450 million global credit facility with ARISE IIP, alongside critical trade finance support to businesses across the continent. We believe these lessons and solutions can be adapted to support Jamaica’s industrial growth ambitions and unlock new opportunities for trade, investment and economic development.”

Afreximbank remains committed to supporting increased intra-Caribbean and Africa-Caribbean trade by improving access to trade finance, investment capital and advisory support. The roadshow underscored the Bank’s commitment to advancing the Global Africa agenda and strengthening economic and commercial ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2025, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$48.5 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$8.4 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), GCR (A), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-), and. Moody’s (Baa2). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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Afreximbank renforce son partenariat avec la Jamaïque en vue de stimuler le commerce, l’investissement et l’industrialisation

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Dans le but de souligner l’importance stratégique du marché jamaïcain dans les Caraïbes et le rôle croissant du pays dans le commerce et l’investissement régionaux, la Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank ou la Banque) (www.Afreximbank.com) a organisé une première tournée de présentation à Kingston, en Jamaïque, le 2 juin.

Placée sous le thème « Stimuler la croissance de la Jamaïque : Renforcer le commerce, l’investissement et l’industrialisation grâce aux solutions appropriées de la banque », cette tournée de présentation s’est appuyée sur la dynamique créée par la signature, en juillet 2025, de l’accord de partenariat entre la Jamaïque et Afreximbank, ainsi que sur l’approbation ultérieure, par son Conseil d’Administration, d’une facilité de financement de 5 milliards de dollars US  destinée aux Caraïbes, y compris la Jamaïque.

Cette tournée de présentation a suscité une forte participation de la part du monde jamaïcain des affaires. Elle a permis de mieux faire connaître le mandat, la mission et la vision d’Afreximbank auprès des principales parties prenantes en Jamaïque, notamment des représentants du gouvernement, des dirigeants du secteur privé et des institutions financières. Elle a également permis de présenter pour la première fois au marché jamaïcain la gamme de solutions de financement, de facilitation des échanges commerciaux et d’investissement proposés par la Banque.

En outre, cet évènement a permis à la délégation d’Afreximbank d’avoir des informations précieuses sur les priorités de la Jamaïque en matière de commerce et de développement, les opportunités d’investissement, les besoins de financement et l’environnement des affaires. Les échanges ont permis à la Banque de mieux connaître le marché jamaïcain et contribueront à l’élaboration de solutions appropriées destinées à soutenir la croissance économique et les ambitions commerciales du pays.

L’allocution d’ouverture a été prononcée par l’honorable Fayval Williams, Ministre des Finances et de la Fonction publique. Dans son allocution, la Ministre Williams a déclaré : « Nous savons que, depuis plus de trois décennies, Afreximbank propose des solutions de financement qui soutiennent le commerce et stimulent la croissance économique à travers l’Afrique. Son rayonnement s’étend désormais au-delà des frontières du continent, renforçant ainsi sa présence dans les Caraïbes. Il est clair que le partenariat entre Afreximbank et la Jamaïque continue de se renforcer. J’encourage donc toutes les institutions jamaïcaines représentées ici aujourd’hui à approfondir leur engagement auprès d’Afreximbank afin qu’ensemble, nous puissions ouvrir de nouvelles perspectives pour le commerce et les investissements bilatéraux entre la Jamaïque et l’Afrique ».

Lors de cet événement, M. Eric Monchu Intong, Directeur Général du Groupe Afreximbank, en charge des Relations Clients et des Opérations des Bureaux Régionaux, a également souligné l’expertise de la banque en matière de soutien au développement du tourisme et de l’hôtellerie en Afrique et dans les Caraïbes. Il a déclaré : « À Afreximbank, nous sommes convaincus que l’industrialisation est le fondement d’un commerce durable et d’une transformation économique réussie. Pour commercer avec l’Afrique, il est indispensable de produire. Grâce à des investissements dans des parcs industriels, des zones économiques spéciales et la production locale, la Jamaïque a l’opportunité de réduire sa dépendance aux importations, d’accroître ses exportations à valeur ajoutée, de créer des emplois et de renforcer sa résilience économique. Cette approche a déjà porté ses fruits dans 18 pays africains où Afreximbank a soutenu le développement de parcs industriels et de zones économiques spéciales grâce à des initiatives telles que sa facilité globale de crédit mondiale de 450 millions de dollars US avec ARISE IIP, tout en apportant un soutien essentiel en matière de financement du commerce aux entreprises à travers tout le continent. Nous sommes convaincus que ces enseignements et ces solutions peuvent être adaptés pour soutenir les ambitions de croissance industrielle de la Jamaïque et ouvrir de nouvelles perspectives en matière de commerce, d’investissement et de développement économique ».

Afreximbank reste déterminée à soutenir le développement des échanges commerciaux intra-caribéens et entre l’Afrique et les Caraïbes en améliorant l’accès au financement du commerce, aux capitaux d’investissement et aux services de conseil. Cette tournée de présentation a mis en évidence l’engagement de la Banque à accélérer le programme Global Africa et à renforcer les liens économiques et commerciaux entre l’Afrique et les Caraïbes.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact Presse :
Vincent Musumba
Responsable de la communication et de la gestion événementielle (Relations presse)
​Courriel : press@afreximbank.com

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À propos d’Afreximbank :
La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) est une institution financière multilatérale panafricaine dédiée au financement et à la promotion du commerce intra et extra-africain. Depuis 30 ans, Afreximbank déploie des structures innovantes pour fournir des solutions de financement qui facilitent la transformation de la structure du commerce africain et accélèrent l’industrialisation et le commerce intrarégional, soutenant ainsi l’expansion économique en Afrique. Fervente défenseur de l’Accord sur la Zone de Libre-Échange Continentale Africaine (ZLECAf), Afreximbank a lancé les le Système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS) qui a été adopté par l’Union africaine (UA) comme la plateforme de paiement et de règlement devant appuyer la mise en œuvre de la ZLECAf. En collaboration avec le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf et l’UA, la Banque a mis en place un Fonds d’ajustement de 10 milliards de dollars US pour aider les pays à participer de manière effective à la ZLECAf. À la fin de décembre 2025, le total des actifs et des garanties de la Banque s’élevait à environ 48,5 milliards de dollars US et les fonds de ses actionnaires s’établissaient à 8,4 milliards de dollars US. Afreximbank est notée AAA par China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), A par GCR, A- par Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) et Baa2 par Moody’s. Moody’s (Baa2). Au fil des ans, Afrexi.mbank est devenue un groupe constitué de la Banque, de sa filiale de financement à impact appelée Fonds de développement des exportations en Afrique (FEDA), et de sa filiale de gestion d’assurance, AfrexInsure, (les trois entités forment « le Groupe »). La Banque a son siège social au Caire, en Égypte. 

Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez visiter www.Afreximbank.com

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President Ramaphosa to address nation on migration strategy

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa to address nation on migration strategy

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation on government’s comprehensive strategy to manage migration, as concerns over illegal immigration continue to dominate public discourse.

Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Friday that Cabinet had received and approved a comprehensive approach to migration in South Africa, developed by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, as well as the National Action Plan (NAP) on Migration in South Africa.

“The President will address the nation on this matter,” Ntshavheni said in Pretoria during a media briefing on the outcomes of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.

Government has introduced several measures to curb illegal immigration, including the establishment of the Border Management Authority (BMA) in 2023 to strengthen border control.

The BMA is responsible for border law enforcement functions at land, air and maritime ports of entry, as well as in border law enforcement areas.

The Department of Home Affairs has also increased the number of deportations of undocumented foreign nationals year on year since 2022, despite capacity constraints.

Furthermore, Cabinet approved the revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection in March 2026.

The approval followed an extensive public consultation process led by the Department of Home Affairs, which covered all nine provinces and drew thousands of submissions from stakeholders and members of the public.

The revised White Paper outlines policy priorities for what government describes as the most significant reform of South Africa’s citizenship, immigration and refugee protection framework in a generation.

It aims to curb fraud and abuse, strengthen national security, improve service delivery through digital transformation, and support economic development.

The Department of Employment and Labour has finalised the National Labour Migration Policy, which introduces maximum quotas for documented foreign nationals and provides for the prosecution of employers who hire undocumented foreign nationals.

In addition, Cabinet has approved for submission to Parliament the Employment Services Amendment Bill, which empowers the Minister of Employment and Labour to set quotas for the employment of foreign nationals in any economic sector or occupational category. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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KZN reaffirms commitment to social cohesion, human dignity

Source: Government of South Africa

KZN reaffirms commitment to social cohesion, human dignity

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has reaffirmed the province’s commitment to constitutional governance, public safety, social cohesion and human dignity.

“Strong societies are built not by choosing between compassion and lawfulness, but by embracing both,” he said.

Ntuli made the remarks while addressing the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature on Thursday, outlining government’s approach to managing the growing challenge of undocumented migration in the province.

Placing the issue within a broader global context, Ntuli noted that migration has historically contributed to human progress, economic development, and cultural exchange, but said undocumented migration has become a significant governance challenge worldwide.

“Migration itself is not the problem. The challenge before governments is how to manage migration in a manner that protects human dignity, safeguards the rule of law, strengthens public confidence, and ensures that development benefits all who live within our communities,” he said.

Ntuli acknowledged growing concerns raised by communities across KwaZulu-Natal about the impact of undocumented migration on public safety, local economies, labour markets, service delivery and social cohesion.

He stressed that government will continue to distinguish between lawful migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and individuals residing in the country without legal status.

“Our responsibility is to confront facts with facts, challenges with solutions and anxieties with leadership. We must reject xenophobia and discrimination in all their forms, but we must equally reject the notion that the rule of law is optional,” he said.

Ntuli reiterated that South Africa’s Constitution demands both the protection of human rights and the enforcement of lawful governance.

“Human dignity and lawful governance are not opposing choices. They are mutually reinforcing obligations. A state that exercises compassion must also exercise responsibility,” he said.

The Premier also announced that the province will convene its second Provincial Round Table on Undocumented Foreign Nationals in June, as part of efforts to strengthen migration governance and address challenges linked to undocumented migration.

The round table follows a series of multi-stakeholder engagements involving government departments, law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders, organised business, labour formations, civil society organisations, faith-based institutions, academics and community representatives.

He said the June gathering is expected to adopt a comprehensive Programme of Action and formalise an integrated provincial response to migration-related challenges.

Describing the upcoming engagement as a defining moment for the province, Ntuli called for broad societal participation, emphasising that migration management requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

“The reality before us is that no single institution can address this challenge alone. Government cannot succeed in isolation, law enforcement agencies cannot succeed without community support, [and] municipalities cannot succeed without cooperation from national departments,” Ntuli said.

He urged all sectors of society to play an active role in developing practical and sustainable solutions.
“Let us reject the politics of division, fear and scapegoating. Let us equally reject complacency and inaction. Instead, let us come together as responsible citizens and institutions committed to building a province that is secure, lawful, inclusive, and prosperous,” the Premier said.

Ntuli said the success of the province’s migration management efforts would depend on the strength of partnerships forged across society.

“The forthcoming round table represents more than a policy discussion. It is an opportunity to forge a new provincial compact on migration governance, public safety, social cohesion, and shared responsibility.

“Together, we can demonstrate that KwaZulu-Natal has both the courage to confront difficult challenges and the wisdom to solve them through dialogue, partnership and decisive action. That is the path we have chosen, the responsibility we carry, and the commitment we make to the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.

The Premier also highlighted the province’s ongoing Engangeni Ngesango Iyafohla Programme of Action — loosely translated as “He who does not come through proper channels is forcing his way in”, which was launched to strengthen migration governance, support law enforcement operations, combat criminal syndicates, enhance intergovernmental coordination, and restore public confidence in the state’s ability to uphold the law. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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World Health Organization (WHO) supports reactive yellow fever vaccination campaign and Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) preparedness in Liberia

Source: APO


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Following a confirmed yellow fever case in Porkpa District, Grand Cape Mount County, the Grand Cape Mount County Health Team, with support from World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health, conducted a reactive yellow fever vaccination campaign in Grand Cape Mount and Gbarpolu counties.

Implemented from 19–23 May 2026, the campaign targeted 133 941 people aged 9 months to 60 years in four districts in the two counties. Of these, 123 033 people were targeted in Grand Cape Mount County and 10 908 in Gbarpolu County. In both counties, a total of 132 601 people were reached with the vaccine, providing 99% protection for the targeted at-risk population.

During the campaign, WHO Representative Dr Olushayo Olu, together with the County Health Office and Ministry of Health officials, visited six health facilities in Tewor and Porkpa districts to supervise the vaccination efforts and observe the health system context in the area. During the visits, he met with vaccination teams, frontline health workers, community leaders and community members.

Across the areas visited, vaccination teams were actively delivering services, health facilities remained fully operational, and communities demonstrated strong acceptance of vaccination. These observations reflected the progress of a campaign supported by motivated teams and active community participation.

At the Bo Waterside border crossing, Dr Olu observed measures aimed at strengthening Liberia’s preparedness for potential Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) cases. Functional screening and referral systems were in place, while health workers demonstrated awareness of screening procedures, reflecting ongoing efforts to support early detection and response at one of the country’s key points of entry.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – Liberia.

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Uganda: Museveni pushes for wealth creation through development programmes

Source: APO

Ugandans have been urged to take advantage of financial development programmes to push themselves forward into the money economy by investing heavily in key sectors like commercial agriculture, Information, communication and technology (ICT), services and manufacturing.

According to President Yoweri Museveni, government has already invested Shs1.6 trillion in the Uganda Development Bank, which has supported Ugandan farmers and manufacturers in developing major projects that have turned around the economies of their communities.

“Once people have woken up from sleep and they want low cost capital, if Shs100 million per parish per annum or any of the other funds is not enough, we can increase the money by adjusting from other areas,” Museveni said.

While alluding to the NRM 10-point programme, he cited point five that focuses on building an independent, integrated and self-sustaining national economy, which he said prompted the introduction of revolving funds at sub-county level.

“I studied the whole country and recommended intensive agriculture for people with small pieces of land and extensive agriculture for people with big pieces of land. In 1996, we reduced it to the 4-acre model but the logical question was how the cashless people could start,” the President noted.

Museveni made the remarks while delivering the State of the Nation Address at Kololo ceremonial grounds on Thursday, 04 June 2026, that marked the official start of business for the 12th Parliament.

He told Legislators that wealth creation initiatives in the agriculture sector through dairy, coffee and tea farming among others, have been made possible with the prevailing peace, law and order, as well as improvement in road infrastructure to facilitate easy movement of goods and services.

The President cited on-going works to revamp the meter-gauge railway and build the standard gauge, adding that liaison with Kenya and Tanzania will also facilitate development of oil pipelines for crude and refined petroleum products.

“This will move heavy cargo away from the roads to the railway and the petroleum products from the road to the pipeline. That leaves the roads for only passengers and light cargo,” Museveni said.

He noted the need to grow external markets to enable Ugandans extend their wealth creation avenues across national borders, hinting on countries with big populations like China and India, which depend heavily on foreign markets.

“The Pan-African agenda aimed at economic integration of Africa in a continental market for the prosperity of Africans, whereas political integration within East Africa would deal with the strategic security of the continent. For wealth creators of Uganda, most of these factors are in place, that is why we are saying ‘no more sleep’,” Museveni added.

Museveni urged legislators to educate the constituents on available low-interest financing opportunities like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, and support households who have arable land to access such capital.

“There is no more corruption. There is no more politeness towards non−performers. All non-performers must leave leadership. Leadership is not for ego but for the people and the country. In agriculture, it is possible to have pan−Ugandan rural transformation,” Museveni emphasised.

President Museveni also revealed that government will present 38 Bills, policy frameworks, reports and statutory instruments for consideration by the House in the 2026/2027 financial year. 

He said these are intended to strengthen governance and facilitate service delivery and development. 

The Bills to be presented by the different ministers include;

  1. The Bill for Building Substances, 2025
  2. The Small Arms and Light Weapons Control Bill, 2023
  3. Amendment of the Universities and other Tertiary Institutions Act, Cap 262
  4. Amendment of the Education (Pre-Primary, Primary and Post-Primary) Act, 2008
  5. The Curriculum, Assessment, and Admissions Bill
  6. The Food and Agriculture Regulatory Authority Bill, 2026
  7. The Animal Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2026
  8. Amendment of the Local Government Act, Cap 138
  9. Uganda Tourism (Amendment) Bill, 2025
  10. Amendment of Pharmacy and Drugs Act
  11. Amendment of Nurses and Midwives Act
  12. Amendment of Allied Health Professionals Act
  13. National Legal Examinations Centre Bill, 2026
  14. Information and Communication and Bill, 2023
  15. Workers’ Compensation (Amendment) Bill, 2024
  16. The Uganda Railways Bill, 2026
  17. The Real Estate Bill, 2025
  18. Intelligence Services Policy Framework
  19. Annual Macroeconomic and Fiscal Performance Report for FY2025/26
  20. Annual Budget Performance Report FY2025/26
  21. Annual Report on the Petroleum Fund for FY 2025/26
  22. National Budget Framework Paper for FY2027/28 – FY2031/32
  23. Semi-Annual Budget Performance Report FY2026/27
  24. Half-Year Macroeconomic and Fiscal Performance Report for FY2026/27
  25. Ministerial Policy Statements for FY 2027/28 for Vote 008 (MoFPED), Vote 130 (Treasury Operations) and other Statutory Votes under MoFPED
  26. Draft Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for FY 2027/28
  27. Appropriation Bill, 2027
  28. Report on Multi-Year Commitments
  29. Treasury Memorandum (Measures taken to implement the Recommendations of Parliament in respect to Auditor General’s Report for FY 2025/26)
  30. Statement of Tax Expenditures of Government for FY 2025/26
  31. A Plan for Divestment of Government Assets
  32. Report on Public Debt, Loans, Grants and Guarantees FY2025/26 (including, Statement of associated Risks)
  33. Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2027
  34. Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2027
  35. Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2027
  36. Stamp Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2027
  37. Tax Procedures Code (Amendment) Bill, 2027
  38. Budget Speech for FY 2027/28

 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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SAPS suspends nine police officers

Source: Government of South Africa

SAPS suspends nine police officers

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the suspension of nine police officers, who served as members of the Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) in relation to the Medicare24 tender process.

“The affected members have been placed on suspension pending the finalisation of disciplinary and related investigations. SAPS remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency and ethical conduct in all its operations.

“As the matter is subject to ongoing processes, SAPS will not comment further at this stage,” the police said. 

READ | Suspended police commissioner appears in court. – SAnews.gov.za

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Call for sponsorships as SA hosts SADC Summit

Source: Government of South Africa

Call for sponsorships as SA hosts SADC Summit

The South African government has issued a call for sponsorships and strategic partnerships ahead of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit 2026, inviting businesses, development partners, and civil society organisations to support one of the region’s most significant diplomatic and economic gatherings.

South Africa is set to host the summit in August 2026 as part of its SADC Chairship, with preparations beginning well in advance to ensure a successful event that promotes regional cooperation and development.

President Cyril Ramaphosa was elected interim Chairperson of SADC during a virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government held on 7 November 2025. The decision followed the Republic of Madagascar’s move to relinquish its role as SADC Chair due to recent political developments that affected its capacity to fulfil the responsibilities of the position.

According to the sponsorship appeal issued by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), government is seeking collaboration from international donors, development finance institutions, private sector companies, State-owned entities, and civil society organisations. 

Potential partners are encouraged to contribute through financial support, goods and services or strategic partnerships that will help deliver not only the summit itself but also related ministerial meetings, stakeholder engagements, side events and associated initiatives.

Officials said the summit will provide a high-profile platform for advancing regional priorities, including sustainable development, innovation, infrastructure growth, trade, and investment across Southern Africa. 

The event is expected to bring together government leaders, policymakers, business representatives, and development stakeholders from across the region.

The GCIS emphasised that all sponsorship arrangements will be conducted through formal agreements that clearly define deliverables, branding opportunities, governance structures and implementation timelines. 

It also stressed that sponsorships must comply with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), National Treasury regulations, and other government protocols to ensure transparency and accountability.

“No remuneration will be offered for sponsorship contributions,” government said, adding that sponsors will receive recognition in accordance with the value and nature of their support, subject to approval processes and official sponsorship guidelines.

The sponsorship campaign highlights the summit’s potential to strengthen regional integration and create long-term partnerships that extend beyond the event itself. 

Organisers describe the gathering as an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to a successful and globally respected SADC Summit, while supporting South Africa’s efforts to promote shared prosperity across the region.

Areas identified for sponsorship support include conference and summit venues, transport and mobility, hospitality and accommodation, media and broadcasting services, information and communications technology (ICT) connectivity, branding and printing, security and protocol services, sustainability and green initiatives, delegate welcome packs and gifts, and cultural and tourism showcases.

Applications for sponsorships are open and are set to close on 18 August 2026. 

Interested organisations can submit sponsorship applications and expressions of interest via email to SADCsponsorship@gcis.gov.za and Gcobisa@gcis.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

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KZN reaffirms commitment to social cohesion and human dignity

Source: Government of South Africa

KZN reaffirms commitment to social cohesion and human dignity

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has reaffirmed the province’s commitment to constitutional governance, public safety, social cohesion and human dignity.

“Strong societies are built not by choosing between compassion and lawfulness, but by embracing both,” he said.

Ntuli made the remarks while addressing the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature on Thursday, outlining government’s approach to managing the growing challenge of undocumented migration in the province.

Placing the issue within a broader global context, Ntuli noted that migration has historically contributed to human progress, economic development, and cultural exchange, but said undocumented migration has become a significant governance challenge worldwide.

“Migration itself is not the problem. The challenge before governments is how to manage migration in a manner that protects human dignity, safeguards the rule of law, strengthens public confidence, and ensures that development benefits all who live within our communities,” he said.

Ntuli acknowledged growing concerns raised by communities across KwaZulu-Natal about the impact of undocumented migration on public safety, local economies, labour markets, service delivery and social cohesion.

He stressed that government will continue to distinguish between lawful migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and individuals residing in the country without legal status.

“Our responsibility is to confront facts with facts, challenges with solutions and anxieties with leadership. We must reject xenophobia and discrimination in all their forms, but we must equally reject the notion that the rule of law is optional,” he said.

Ntuli reiterated that South Africa’s Constitution demands both the protection of human rights and the enforcement of lawful governance.

“Human dignity and lawful governance are not opposing choices. They are mutually reinforcing obligations. A state that exercises compassion must also exercise responsibility,” he said.

Provincial round table on undocumented foreign nationals

The Premier also announced that the province will convene its second Provincial Round Table on Undocumented Foreign Nationals in June, as part of efforts to strengthen migration governance and address challenges linked to undocumented migration.

The round table follows a series of multi-stakeholder engagements involving government departments, law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders, organised business, labour formations, civil society organisations, faith-based institutions, academics and community representatives.

He said the June gathering is expected to adopt a comprehensive Programme of Action and formalise an integrated provincial response to migration-related challenges.

Describing the upcoming engagement as a defining moment for the province, Ntuli called for broad societal participation, emphasising that migration management requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

“The reality before us is that no single institution can address this challenge alone. Government cannot succeed in isolation, law enforcement agencies cannot succeed without community support, [and] municipalities cannot succeed without cooperation from national departments,” Ntuli said.

He urged all sectors of society to play an active role in developing practical and sustainable solutions.

“Let us reject the politics of division, fear and scapegoating. Let us equally reject complacency and inaction. Instead, let us come together as responsible citizens and institutions committed to building a province that is secure, lawful, inclusive, and prosperous.”

He said the success of the province’s migration management efforts would depend on the strength of partnerships forged across society.

“The forthcoming round table represents more than a policy discussion. It is an opportunity to forge a new provincial compact on migration governance, public safety, social cohesion, and shared responsibility.

“Together, we can demonstrate that KwaZulu-Natal has both the courage to confront difficult challenges and the wisdom to solve them through dialogue, partnership and decisive action. That is the path we have chosen, the responsibility we carry, and the commitment we make to the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.

The Premier also highlighted the province’s ongoing Engangeni Ngesango Iyafohla Programme of Action — loosely translated as “He who does not come through proper channels is forcing his way in”, which was launched to strengthen migration governance, support law enforcement operations, combat criminal syndicates, enhance intergovernmental coordination, and restore public confidence in the state’s ability to uphold the law. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK

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Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant resume operations

Source: Government of South Africa

Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant resume operations

The City of Tshwane has announced that the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant has resumed operations following the successful repair of a critical raw water pump that had caused disruptions to water production earlier this week.

The plant suffered a mechanical breakdown at its raw water abstraction works section on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, preventing the facility from abstracting and treating raw water. 

The incident affected water supply to several communities in Region 7.

According to the city, technicians completed repairs on the pump on Thursday night, after which extensive testing and monitoring were undertaken. 

The repaired pump has since been operating continuously and remains stable without any interruptions.

Water production at the plant has reached nine megalitres per day and is expected to increase progressively as sump levels recover. This will enable operators to gradually restore full treatment and distribution capacity across the network.

The city reported that the Bronkhorstspruit and Zithobeni reservoirs are already showing signs of recovery following the restoration of production. 

However, reservoirs serving Ekandustria remain at low levels and are expected to improve as output from the treatment plant increases throughout the day.

Despite the progress, some residents may continue to experience low water pressure or intermittent supply while the system recovers, particularly in areas supplied by lower storage reservoirs.

The city said operational teams are continuing to monitor the network closely and will increase production in a controlled manner to ensure system stability.

The municipality has appealed to residents to use water sparingly during the recovery period to assist in restoring reservoir levels. Consumers have also been advised to flush the first flow of water before using it for household purposes.

The city said it will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.

Residents have been encouraged to report water supply interruptions, burst pipes, leaking water meters and blocked street sewers by calling 012 358 9999 or 080 1111 556. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Janine

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