Category: MIL-OSI

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KwaZulu-Natal economy shows signs of recovery

Source: Government of South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal economy shows signs of recovery

KwaZulu-Natal is steadily defying the economic odds following two shocks of the July 2021 unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic, with the provincial government reporting measurable gains in growth, investment and job creation.

Delivering the State of the Province Address (SOPA), Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said the province has emerged from “profound disruption” that tested the resilience of its economy, institutions and communities.

The unrest and pandemic resulted in a loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, business closures and a sharp erosion of investor confidence.

“Yet, out of this period of hardship, we made a deliberate choice as a government: not merely to rebuild what was lost, but to reimagine and reconstruct our provincial economy on a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable foundation,” Ntuli said on Friday.

Guided by this resolve, the provincial government subsequently embarked on a coordinated recovery and reconstruction programme, focused on restoring stability, strengthening governance and rebuilding trust with social partners. 

Strategic economic infrastructure was prioritised for protection, intergovernmental coordination was improved, and partnerships with the private sector, labour, and traditional leadership were reinforced.

“These interventions were essential in signalling that KwaZulu-Natal remains open for business and committed to policy certainty, institutional integrity, and long-term growth,” Ntuli said.

The efforts, he added, are beginning to yield positive results.

The Premier highlighted that KwaZulu-Natal’s economy under the Government of Provincial Unity, is showing encouraging signs of steady recovery, as it grew by 1.8% in 2025, a moderate but notable improvement from the subdued post-pandemic period and slightly above the national average growth expectation.

“The growth forecast for 2026 points to a further expansion to 2.1%. This projected increase reflects continued economic stabilisation, underpinned by improvements in energy supply and gradual recovery in key infrastructure systems, particularly in rail and port operations. These improvements are critical to restoring investor confidence and unlocking the full productive capacity of our province,” the Premier said.

Investment

Ntuli highlighted that in late 2025, the province surpassed R100 billion in investment pledges from domestic and international investors, a significant milestone following years of low growth and structural constraints.

The pledged projects are expected to generate more than 100 000 jobs and significantly strengthen economic activity across multiple sectors.

Tourism, one of the key economic pillars, recorded a strong performance in 2025, with the festive season alone having contributed an estimated R13 billion to the provincial Gross Domestic Product (GDP), driven by high domestic and international visitor numbers.

Between mid-2025 quarters, KwaZulu-Natal recorded a net gain of approximately 54 000 new jobs, a development that supported household income, boosted consumer spending, and reinforced broader economic growth.

Despite these gains, the provincial government acknowledges that structural constraints remain.

The Premier said historical electricity disruptions, freight inefficiencies and persistent rail and port bottlenecks, continue to limit higher growth potential, while slow national economic expansion exerts additional pressure on the provincial performance.

“Investor confidence is steadily recovering, reflected in renewed engagements with domestic and international investors, increased project pipelines, and growing interest in key sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, energy, agriculture, and tourism.”

R168 billion required to create additional jobs

Ntuli also highlighted the scale of the employment challenge facing the province. He said the province requires about 461 000 additional jobs to reduce unemployment from 30.8% to the targeted 20%. Achieving this would require approximately R168 billion in investment.

He said it is estimated that R168 billion is required to create the additional 461 000 jobs, emphasising the need for coordinated public-private investment and district-focused industrial development strategies.

Economists estimate that GDP growth of 5% or higher is required to significantly reduce unemployment, given the province’s relatively low employment elasticity, where a 1% increase in GDP translates into a 0.5% or lower rise in employment.

With growth projected to peak at 2.1%, the Premier said current expansion rates would likely absorb new labour market entrants but fall short of clearing the existing backlog of 461 000 people needed to drop the unemployment rate to 20%.

Growth path

To accelerate progress, Ntuli said the province is pursuing an infrastructure-led and industry-driven growth path under the KwaZulu-Natal Inclusive Growth Strategy. 

Plans include scaling up informal sector development through enhanced cross-border trade and smart infrastructure interventions, such as public Wi-Fi and improved amenities to support township and rural economies.

The revival of the King Shaka International Public Link Solution is also on the agenda to improve connectivity between Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay and Margate, strengthening economic corridors within the province.

In addition, KwaZulu-Natal has engaged the National Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) to secure an industrial stimulus package aimed at upgrading industrial parks and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

“The Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal is mandated to facilitate Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) participation in cross-border trade, leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area,” said the Premier. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

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Small business owners urged to take advantage of government support

Source: Government of South Africa

Small business owners urged to take advantage of government support

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has urged small business operators and innovators in Kwaggafontein township in Mpumalanga to take advantage of the various government programmes designed to assist them.

The dtic hosted a workshop to empower entrepreneurs with information on the different offerings of financial and non-financial support, as they develop and commercialise new innovative solutions into the market. 

The workshop was part of a series taking place across the country, organised by the department, in partnership with key agencies such as the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) and the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). 

The Deputy Director of Innovation and Technology at the dtic, Patrick Mtsweni, delivered a presentation on the Khoebo Innovation Promotion Programme (KIPP), which is aimed at assisting entrepreneurs to commercialise their locally developed innovations. 

The programme is administered by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) – a development finance agency of the dtic.

“The KIPP is designed to promote a competitive economic environment and facilitate economic growth in the South African economy. The support is in the form of subordinated loans and grant funding.

“The product or service being funded or supported should be new (novel innovation) or improved (incremental innovation) and seek to solve localised and/or socio-economic challenges to give the company a sustainable competitive advantage. 

“The key objective is to unearth new technologies, create networking platforms for technology development and commercialisation, as well as focused technology development and innovative thinking,” he said.

Mtsweni said the KIPP supports grassroots innovators who may have invented new solutions to solve local problems. 

Entrepreneurs can get up to R7 million worth of support from the KIPP depending on their needs. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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“Queremos um Fórum mais representativo e mais plural em matéria de Governação Aberta em Cabo Verde” – Eurico Monteiro

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Ministro da Modernização do Estado e da Administração Pública defendeu, esta quinta-feira, 26 de fevereiro, uma maior participação da sociedade civil, tendo em vista a construção de um Fórum mais representativo e mais plural em matéria de Governação Aberta em Cabo Verde.

Eurico Monteiro fez esta afirmação durante a abertura da VII reunião do Fórum Nacional Multissetorial da Open Government Partnership/Parceria para o Governo Aberto (OGP), que reuniu diversos stakeholders na Praia, para reformulação dos elementos constituintes deste órgão e preparação do III Plano de Ação Nacional para a Governação Aberta.

“É isto que dá credibilidade ao Fórum, porquanto permite uma visão mais crítica e alinhada com as necessidades da sociedade”, sublinhou o Ministro, para quem este encontro representa, antes de mais, um momento de reforma institucional, para dar mais peso à Sociedade Civil, à academia e demais representações, não ficando apenas o Estado com o poder decisório sobre questões importantes do país.

“Estamos na caminhada para a construção do terceiro Plano de Ação Nacional para a Governação Aberta, após concluir o segundo Plano, com sucesso, em 2025, e, para tal, queremos construir um Fórum verdadeiramente representativo, por forma a que este importante instrumento reflita, fundamentalmente, a preocupação das pessoas, porque hoje nós não falamos da democracia pela circunstância de haver eleições regulares para mudança do Governo, mas sobretudo, quando as pessoas têm uma participação mais ativa na vida política, social e cultural do país”, explicou Eurico Monteiro.

Essa participação ativa que se quer, particularmente na vida política, entende o Ministro, depende muito da relevância da informação disponibilizada às pessoas. Para isto, sublinhou o governante, a governação aberta é fundamental. “As pessoas precisam do acesso à informação, do que se passa verdadeiramente no país, porque, só a partir desses dados é que podem criticar, apoiar, apresentar sugestões, alternativas e, naturalmente, aumentar o seu grau de exigência em relação à performance do Governo e em relação às políticas públicas implementadas”, disse.

Para o Ministro, não obstante, ser ainda necessário fazer mais, “já demos passos importantes, em matéria de transparência”. A título de exemplo, citou, o próprio Portal da Transparência, onde se pode ter acesso a dados importantes da execução das políticas públicas, nomeadamente daquilo que está no Orçamento do Estado e nas contas nacionais; das despesas, dos contratos, “de todas as aquisições de uma forma geral, o que inspira confiança nas pessoas”.

“Se quiser saber quanto é que a Câmara Municipal da Praia recebeu durante este ano ou no ano passado, encontra facilmente esses dados porque através do Portal da Transparência pode-se aceder a toda essa informação.  Tudo o que se espera em termos de receitas, as contratações que foram feitas, as despesas efetuadas, tudo isto, hoje, está à disposição dos cidadãos, graças ao Portal da Transparência, implementando por este Governo”, indicou o governante, segundo quem, essas ações são importantes para fazer uma avaliação correta e adequada dos órgãos no poder.

“Mas também a Administração Pública, toda ela, está talhada, não só nesta parte orçamental e financeira, para apresentar esses dados e dar essas informações”, finalizou o Ministro, apontando o Portal Único dos Serviços Digitais do Estado GOV.CV  https://www.gov.cv, lançado recentemente, como mecanismo para aumentar a participação dos cidadãos e, sobretudo, a conectividade entre o cidadão e o Estado.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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South Africa: Public Service Committee Urges Swift Action on 4 323 Ghost Workers, Welcomes Payroll Reform Measures

Source: APO – Report:

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The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration this week noted and welcomed the updates in the 2026 Budget Review on the ghost worker audit underway. The committee has welcomed this, as well as several broader reforms announced by National Treasury this week aimed at strengthening the public service.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Jan de Villiers, said that the committee notes the preliminary results of verification processes, which identified 4 323 high-risk cases of possible payroll system fraud in national and provincial departments. “The committee has consistently called for accountability and investigations into ghost employees, as we consider this a critical step towards restoring public confidence in financial management in the public service,” he said.

“We have also been clear about the need for evidence of results, including the number of ghost employees identified and removed, the monies recovered and the number of prosecutions. While the committee is encouraged by the number of ghost workers identified, we call for consequences where wrongdoing has been confirmed, which must include prosecutions and successful convictions.”

The committee also called on the relevant departments, National Treasury and the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), to heed the urgency of this verification process. “The integrity of the public service is foundational to constitutional governance, and verification and decisive action in this regard cannot be delayed.”

The budget documents show that compensation of employees accounts for nearly one-third of consolidated expenditure. “So, any weaknesses in payroll controls have significant fiscal implications,” said Mr de Villiers. “The committee therefore calls for detailed breakdowns of the 4 323 high-risk cases, including departmental and provincial distribution and the financial exposure associated with each category. “Employees who cannot be verified must be dealt with swiftly and in accordance with due process.”

The committee is encouraged by the allocations aimed at supporting the modernisation of the government payroll system and the national e-government procurement platform. The committee noted that ghost workers identified will be verified using facial matching against the National Population Register and physical verification, including cross-checking results with the DPSA and the Department of Basic Education ghost worker projects. It also noted that the next phase of the verification project will integrate with improvements to payroll systems and the rollout of a single sign-on for public servants, enabling automated oversight and reducing irregularities.

“We believe all this will support efforts to build a professional, capable and ethical state,” said the Chairperson. “These allocations for payroll modernisation and the national e-government procurement platform represent important progress towards a more digitised and transparent public administration.”

The committee further noted that R3.7 billion has been allocated for the Early Retirement Programme. The Budget Review document projected a net savings of R5.5 billion over the medium term through this programme. “While the programme presents an opportunity to manage the wage bill, the committee will request clarity on how departments will mitigate skills gaps that may result and maintain service delivery capacity, particularly in critical technical posts,” said Mr de Villiers.

The committee was also encouraged by the additional funds allocated over the medium term to support the work of key institutions such as the Public Service Commission (PSC). It has consistently called for adequate resourcing of the PSC to strengthen the Commission’s oversight and investigative capacity. “This is important for the PSC to fulfil its mandate and to build a capable, professional and ethical public service.”

The committee will closely monitor the implementation of these announcements. “We will prepare requests for further written information and meetings with the DPSA and National Treasury to ensure sustained oversight and measurable progress in the processes underway,” said Mr de Villiers.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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United Nations (UN) inquiry finds South Sudan’s political and military leaders are driving the country towards a full-scale war and mass atrocity crimes

Source: APO – Report:

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South Sudan’s political and military leaders are systematically dismantling the 2018 Revitalized Peace agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, undermining governance and security safeguards and exposing civilians to grave risks of renewed armed conflict, mass atrocity crimes, and serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warned today, presenting its latest investigative report to the Human Rights Council.

The Commission calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities, restoration and full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement, and compliance with South Sudan’s obligations under international law.

“Last March, the President declared South Sudan would not return to war. To the contrary, we have seen an alarming regression. Government forces have since carried out widespread and systematic attacks against civilians, including unlawful killings, indiscriminate, disproportionate aerial bombardment of civilian homes and medical facilities in violation of the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution under international humanitarian law. The Commission also documented incidents of conflict-related sexual violence and the abduction and forcible recruitment of boys; conduct prohibited under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, its Optional Protocol and customary law. Taken together, these acts may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity under international law,” said Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission.

The new report draws on independent investigations conducted in South Sudan, focused on events and cases in 2025, while noting distressing new developments. The Commissioners presented the report today at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, which established the Commission ten years ago, in March 2016.

“The Commission found that armed forces under ruling party command are now most responsible for attacks against civilians, including patterns of targeting linked to ethnicity and perceived political affiliation,” added Sooka. “As attacks on Nuer civilians by government forces continue escalating, particularly in Jonglei, we see that the ethnic dimensions to renewed violence are inseparable from the politicized detentions and prosecutions of opposition leaders, which are also ethnically charged.”

In March 2025, the ruling SPLM-IG party detained opposition members across the country, including eight opposition leaders, among them the First Vice President, charging them with serious crimes in September 2025. These detentions and prosecutions raise serious concerns of arbitrary detention in violation of Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, denial of fair trial guarantees under Article 14, and unlawful executive interference with judicial independence. The ruling party says it plans to conduct the first national election in December 2026.

“Credible electoral processes are unrealistic in a context where civic space is repressed, conflict rages, more than three million people are internally displaced, and key opposition leaders are arbitrarily detained during a politicized trial,” added Sooka.

The report identifies airstrikes on levels unprecedented since pre-independence wars. Conducted by South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), with documented support by Ugandan forces, most bombings hit areas the ruling party declared “hostile”. Civilian homes, hospitals and opposition sites are targeted in attacks. Many of the improvised bombs inflicted severe burns on mostly civilian victims, often fatal.

“Reflecting profound abdication of core duties and obligations, the systematic bombings and forced recruitments targeting civilians have been conducted by the very armed forces which are responsible for citizens’ protection,” said Commissioner Barney Afako. “These are gross violations of the State’s international human rights law obligations and implicate leaders in serious crimes.”

The Commission documented forced recruitment in Juba led by SSPDF, in which boys and young men were abducted and transported north to fight. The airstrikes and forced recruitments were widely known, and well planned, with high-level authorization. Political-military leaders responsible for related crimes enjoy impunity.

“Air and ground attacks on civilians by government forces, mostly targeting civilians in opposition-affiliated areas – predominantly Nuer communities – are part and parcel of the ruling party’s systematic dismantling of the peace agreement. When leaders treat negotiated peace commitments as expendable, they create conditions in which violence flourishes. South Sudan is at a dangerous crossroads,” added Afako.

Evidence gathered by the Commission indicates these violations are authorized, condoned, or tolerated by senior political and military officials. This engages individual criminal responsibility, including under the doctrine of command responsibility.

The 2018 Revitalized Agreement offers a comprehensive framework for peace, justice and development. The Commission has consistently emphasized the Revitalized Agreement as central to fulfilling South Sudan’s international human rights law obligations. Yet the new report documents its systematic dismantling throughout 2025, following years of deliberate obstructions.

“In our close examination of the detention and prosecution of opposition leaders, we identified serious and extensive violations of due process,” said Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández. “A fundamental issue is their detention without charge or lawyers for over five months. Another is the prejudicial statements by senior officials, and unexplained dismissals of chief justices and indeed justice ministers in the process – which indicates executive interference and may in part explain why judges never addressed the unlawful detentions. The unlawful deprivation of liberty warrants their immediate release; this should be done promptly, in accordance with applicable law.”

The report also reiterates findings in the Commission’s paper of September 2025, detailing grand corruption diverting revenues to elites, rendering government institutions unable to address basic needs and fulfill human rights. Since its publication, corruption mechanisms have further entrenched, with the corrupt and politically-connected Crawford Capital Ltd. intensifying its infiltration of government.

“Systemic impunity, economic predation, and deliberate subversion of peace agreements: over the ten years, our Commission has repeatedly identified these as central drivers of recurrent armed conflict and ongoing human rights violations,” said Sooka. “South Sudan’s neighbouring countries must urgently step up their engagement and press the ruling party to restore the Revitalized Agreement, starting with ending military offensives, recommitting to the cessation of hostilities and releasing opposition leaders from unlawful detention. Without urgent course correction, South Sudan risks state failure, further undermining regional security, and trampling the rights and dignity of South Sudanese.”

The Commission’s key recommendations in the report are:

  • To the Government: immediately cease bombings, forced recruitments, and all violations of international law; withdraw politicized charges against SPLM/A-IO leaders; cease actions dismantling power-sharing arrangements and undermining judicial independence; ensure any electoral process complies with safeguards consistent with the Revitalized Agreement and international law.
  • To all armed forces and non-State armed groups: cease attacks on civilians; guarantee humanitarian access; enforce accountability for rights violations.
  • To the African Union and United Nations organizations and Member States: demand compliance with the Revitalized Agreement and establish a credible mechanism to restore the transition; immediately operationalize the Hybrid Court for South Sudan; fully fund humanitarian and civilian protection; and condition political support on respect for human rights obligations.

– on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

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Qatar Calls for Accountability over Human Rights Violations in Occupied Palestinian Territories

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, February 26, 2026

The State of Qatar has called for an end to the protection and support provided to Israel, urging the international community to take all necessary measures to ensure accountability for crimes and human rights violations against the Palestinian people.

The statement was delivered by HE Dr Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, during an interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s remarks on the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. The session was held as part of the 61st regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

HE Al Muftah said the world was witnessing daily scenes of grave crimes and violations committed by Israeli forces against Palestinians in the occupied territories and the Gaza Strip.

She cited killings, starvation, mass forced displacement, the suffering of women and children, and the targeting of civilian facilities, schools, hospitals and journalists, as well as the destruction and confiscation of property, arbitrary arrests and torture. She also referred to policies of apartheid and ethnic cleansing, saying the situation had reached an unprecedented level of severity and had rendered Gaza uninhabitable, in violation of international law.

The State of Qatar urged the international community to move beyond “double standards” and assume its legal and moral responsibilities to protect the Palestinian people, end the Israeli occupation and advance the peace process. It reiterated support for the Palestinians’ right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, fully sovereign state on the June 4, 1967 borders.

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Concern at witness behaviour at Ad Hoc Committee

Source: Government of South Africa

Concern at witness behaviour at Ad Hoc Committee

Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza has noted with concern the “unfortunate developments” at the Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

During the proceedings on Thursday, one of the witnesses, Paul O’Sullivan, walked out while giving evidence before the committee.

“Parliamentary committees are constitutionally mandated to conduct oversight, gather evidence, and interrogate matters of public importance in a manner that upholds the dignity, authority and integrity of Parliament. Witnesses appearing before committees are expected to cooperate fully with proceedings and to respect the authority of Parliament,” Parliament said in a statement.

The Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, 2004, expressly prohibits any person from improperly interfering with or impeding the exercise by Parliament or its committees of their authority or functions. 

The Act further prohibits creating or taking part in any disturbance while a committee is meeting.

The Speaker said she is concerned about the implications of this conduct for Parliament’s ability to discharge its constitutional obligation to exercise oversight and to thoroughly interrogate the serious allegations that are before the Ad Hoc Committee.

The Speaker has requested an urgent report from the Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, Molapi Lekganyane, detailing the events of proceedings, including the circumstances surrounding the witness’s departure. 

“Upon receipt and consideration of this report, the Speaker will determine what action, if any, may be necessary in terms of the Powers and Privileges Act and the Rules of the National Assembly to safeguard the integrity of Parliament and to ensure that its constitutional mandate is not undermined.

“Parliament remains committed to ensuring that its processes are conducted in accordance with the Constitution, the law, and its established Rules, and that oversight is exercised firmly, fairly and without fear or favour,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Transnational crimes under the spotlight at regional police meeting

Source: Government of South Africa

Transnational crimes under the spotlight at regional police meeting

Law enforcement agencies within the Southern Africa region have committed to strengthening collaboration in the fight against cross-border and transnational organised crime. 

This is according to National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, who was speaking on Thursday at a two-day consultative meeting attended by heads of police in Botswana on transnational organised crime. 

This high-level meeting has brought together police chiefs and specialised detectives and intelligence operatives from Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Its aim was to ensure all law enforcement agencies within the region strengthen and heighten working relations through joint operations and investigations, explore new strategies and promote joint efforts to prevent and combat transnational organised crime.

The meeting saw all six countries commit resources and capacity that will focus on dealing decisively with organised crime syndicates involved in stock theft, illegal mining, cybercrime, smuggling of stolen vehicles, the proliferation of firearms, drug trafficking as well as human trafficking and smuggling.

“By coming together under one roof and sharing expertise, we are now better prepared, more capable, and one step ahead in confronting increasingly sophisticated criminal networks,” Masemola said.

He told the delegates attending the meeting that South Africa remains firmly committed to strengthening regional stability and security.

“Gatherings such as these are not ceremonial engagements they are strategic platforms. They facilitate direct collaboration, intelligence sharing and the development of proactive responses to emerging criminal trends,” he said.

He said the meetings were an important tool in dismantling the work of organised crime syndicates.

“By coming together under one roof and sharing expertise, we are now better prepared, more capable, and one step ahead in confronting increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.

“In South Africa, we are doing all we can to dislodge the work of organised crime syndicates, we continue to intensify efforts against the syndicates operating within the nine identified focus areas through weekly operations,” the General said.

Masemola said in terms of addressing the proliferation of firearms, in South Africa authorities conduct stop-and-search operations, roadblocks, tracing initiatives and targeted intelligence-driven interventions.

“On average, we seize no fewer than 120 firearms per week. Just this past week, we confiscated 173 firearms, the previous week, 147 and the week before that, 142 unlicensed firearms,” he said.

Masemola said they have destroyed 13 859 firearms as part of the annual destruction process. 

“Over the past seven years, the SAPS has permanently removed more than 305 000 firearms from circulation. These weapons were either seized during operations or voluntarily surrendered,” he said.

On drug trafficking, Masemola told the delegates that at OR Tambo International Airport, a primary gateway into Africa, they have arrested more than 20 drug mules in recent operations.

“Many originate from São Paulo, Brazil, and smuggle drugs by swallowing them. Through intelligence-led policing, we intercept these individuals and follow due legal and medical processes to recover the drugs.

“Most of our arrests through our weekly operations are those that were found in possession of drugs. Just this past four months, we arrested more than 33 000 suspects who were found in possession of drugs,” Masemola said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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La Président-Directeur Général (PDG) de Mercy Ships rencontre le Président de la République du Sénégal pour renforcer un partenariat à long terme

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Dr Michelle White, Directrice Générale (CEO) de Mercy Ships (https://MercyShips.org), a rencontré cette semaine Son Excellence Monsieur Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Président de la République du Sénégal, au Palais Présidentiel à Dakar, afin d’échanger sur l’avenir de la collaboration entre Mercy Ships et le Gouvernement du Sénégal.

Lors de sa visite à Dakar, Dr White a également rencontré le Ministre de la Santé et de l’Action Sociale, Dr Ibrahima Sy, ainsi que la Cheffe de Cabinet du Ministre des Affaires Étrangères, l’Ambassadrice Fatou Gaye Ngom, réaffirmant ainsi l’engagement de Mercy Ships à s’aligner étroitement sur les priorités nationales de santé et à renforcer la coopération diplomatique et régionale.

Cette rencontre s’inscrit dans le cadre d’un partenariat de près de dix ans, formalisé par un protocole d’accord actuellement en vigueur jusqu’en 2027. Les discussions ont porté sur le renforcement et l’approfondissement de la coopération afin de soutenir les priorités nationales en matière de santé et le développement à long terme des systèmes chirurgicaux.

Une part importante des échanges a été consacrée au souhait commun de voir un navire-hôpital de Mercy Ships revenir au Sénégal dès que possible, avec l’intention d’assurer des engagements réguliers à l’avenir, parallèlement à des initiatives durables et de long terme de renforcement des capacités médicales (Medical Capacity Building – MCB).

Les deux parties ont également exploré les possibilités d’élargir la collaboration dans des domaines tels que le renforcement des capacités médicales, le développement des infrastructures de santé, l’innovation dans la prestation des soins et l’engagement régional en Afrique de l’Ouest. La position stratégique du Sénégal offre un potentiel de collaboration régionale continue visant à améliorer l’accès aux soins chirurgicaux spécialisés et à la formation.

Les échanges se sont déroulés dans le contexte des engagements actuels de Mercy Ships en matière de services sur le terrain, incluant le retour prévu de l’Africa Mercy® à Madagascar en avril 2026 et l’achèvement de la mission du Global Mercy™ en Sierra Leone avant son arrivée programmée au Ghana en août 2026.

Au cœur de l’engagement à long terme de Mercy Ships au Sénégal se trouve l’Africa Service Center (ASC), qui soutient les opérations sur l’ensemble du continent et renforce la coordination avec les autorités nationales et les partenaires du secteur de la santé.

« L’Africa Service Center incarne notre engagement à être présents, responsables et profondément ancrés sur le continent », a déclaré la Dr Michelle White. « Sous la direction de Gilchrist Koutob, Directeur Général de l’ASC, il renforce le leadership africain au sein de notre organisation et soutient nos équipages africains. Grâce à la générosité et à l’hospitalité chaleureuse de Son Excellence le Président de la République du Sénégal, l’Africa Service Center bénéficie d’un positionnement stratégique qui nous permet de travailler plus étroitement avec les gouvernements et les partenaires afin de construire des systèmes chirurgicaux durables, dirigés et pérennisés localement. »

Les prochaines étapes seront déterminées dans le cadre d’un dialogue continu entre les deux parties.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mercy Ships.

À propos de Mercy Ships :
Mercy Ships exploite des navires-hôpitaux qui offrent des interventions chirurgicales gratuites et d’autres services de santé aux populations ayant un accès limité à des soins médicaux sûrs. Organisation internationale d’inspiration chrétienne, Mercy Ships se consacre exclusivement, depuis trois décennies, à des partenariats avec des nations africaines. En collaboration avec des partenaires locaux, Mercy Ships assure également la formation de professionnels de santé et soutient le développement d’infrastructures médicales nationales afin de laisser un impact durable.

Chaque année, plus de 2 500 professionnels bénévoles originaires de plus de 60 pays servent à bord des deux plus grands navires-hôpitaux non gouvernementaux au monde, l’Africa Mercy® et le Global Mercy™. Chirurgiens, dentistes, infirmiers, formateurs en santé, cuisiniers et ingénieurs mettent leur temps et leurs compétences au service de l’amélioration de l’accès à des soins chirurgicaux et anesthésiques sûrs.

Fondée en 1978, Mercy Ships dispose de bureaux dans 16 pays ainsi que d’un Africa Service Center à Dakar, au Sénégal. Pour plus d’informations, rendez-vous sur https://MercyShips.org et suivez @MercyShips sur les réseaux sociaux.

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Tansational crimes under the spotlight at regional police meeting

Source: Government of South Africa

Tansational crimes under the spotlight at regional police meeting

Law enforcement agencies within the Southern Africa region have committed to strengthening collaboration in the fight against cross-border and transnational organised crime. 

This is according to National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, who was speaking on Thursday at a two-day consultative meeting attended by heads of police in Botswana on transnational organised crime. 

This high-level meeting has brought together police chiefs and specialised detectives and intelligence operatives from Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Its aim was to ensure all law enforcement agencies within the region strengthen and heighten working relations through joint operations and investigations, explore new strategies and promote joint efforts to prevent and combat transnational organised crime.

The meeting saw all six countries commit resources and capacity that will focus on dealing decisively with organised crime syndicates involved in stock theft, illegal mining, cybercrime, smuggling of stolen vehicles, the proliferation of firearms, drug trafficking as well as human trafficking and smuggling.

“By coming together under one roof and sharing expertise, we are now better prepared, more capable, and one step ahead in confronting increasingly sophisticated criminal networks,” Masemola said.

He told the delegates attending the meeting that South Africa remains firmly committed to strengthening regional stability and security.

“Gatherings such as these are not ceremonial engagements they are strategic platforms. They facilitate direct collaboration, intelligence sharing and the development of proactive responses to emerging criminal trends,” he said.

He said the meetings were an important tool in dismantling the work of organised crime syndicates.

“By coming together under one roof and sharing expertise, we are now better prepared, more capable, and one step ahead in confronting increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.

“In South Africa, we are doing all we can to dislodge the work of organised crime syndicates, we continue to intensify efforts against the syndicates operating within the nine identified focus areas through weekly operations,” the General said.

Masemola said in terms of addressing the proliferation of firearms, in South Africa authorities conduct stop-and-search operations, roadblocks, tracing initiatives and targeted intelligence-driven interventions.

“On average, we seize no fewer than 120 firearms per week. Just this past week, we confiscated 173 firearms, the previous week, 147 and the week before that, 142 unlicensed firearms,” he said.

Masemola said they have destroyed 13 859 firearms as part of the annual destruction process. 

“Over the past seven years, the SAPS has permanently removed more than 305 000 firearms from circulation. These weapons were either seized during operations or voluntarily surrendered,” he said.

On drug trafficking, Masemola told the delegates that at OR Tambo International Airport, a primary gateway into Africa, they have arrested more than 20 drug mules in recent operations.

“Many originate from São Paulo, Brazil, and smuggle drugs by swallowing them. Through intelligence-led policing, we intercept these individuals and follow due legal and medical processes to recover the drugs.

“Most of our arrests through our weekly operations are those that were found in possession of drugs. Just this past four months, we arrested more than 33 000 suspects who were found in possession of drugs,” Masemola said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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