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Team working around the clock to mitigate risk at Senteeko Dam

Source: Government of South Africa

Team working around the clock to mitigate risk at Senteeko Dam

A multi-disciplinary team of government officials is working around the clock at the Senteeko Dam, near Barberton, to reduce the potential impact should the structure fail.

This follows heavy rains that led to the dam’s safety being compromised.

The dam, registered as My Own Dam and located within the Mbombela Local Municipality, has been placed under close monitoring after recent rainfall caused erosion beneath the spillway, raising the risk of collapse.

In line with government’s commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods, a coordinated response is being led by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), working alongside the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA), the Provincial Disaster Management team, the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), the Ehlanzeni District Municipality, and local authorities.

A follow-up inspection led by DWS Head of Specialist Unit: Dam Safety, Wally Ramokopa, supported by engineers and the Appointed Professional Person (APP), confirmed that the spillway remains at high risk due to ongoing erosion underneath the structure. 

Emergency interventions are currently underway to relieve pressure on the dam while technical assessments and monitoring continue.

Risk-mitigation measures are being implemented by the dam owner, the Shamile Communal Property Association (CPA), together with its APP, under the supervision of the Department of Water and Sanitation.

As part of interventions to further reduce the disaster risk and potential impact, the emergency spillway that was excavated to redirect water out of the dam has been widened to increase the outflow and further reduce the volume of water in the dam.

“Working together with the Irrigation Board and the owners of the dam, we have restricted the flow of water on the existing spillway by opening another spillway, referred to as the emergency spillway channel.

“We have now widened that spillway to ensure that water is restricted on the existing spillway and is redirected to come out on the side. This is a temporary measure that has been put in place. We are still trying to lower the capacity of the dam to reduce the risk even if the dam fails,” Ramokopa said.

He said the department has also conducted a flood-path analysis to determine areas that may be affected in the event of dam failure. The assessment identified only farming communities along the flood path, with no densely populated areas at risk for at least 30 kilometres downstream, up to the R40 provincial road.

The analysis further confirmed that there would be no impact on neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and Eswatini.

Citrus farms affected

Meanwhile, irrigation activities for Senteeko citrus farms have been affected after pumps were submerged due to elevated water levels.

Irrigation is expected to resume once water levels subside and damaged pumps are repaired.

Disaster preparedness and evacuation readiness for downstream farmers remain ongoing. CoGHSTA, working with the Ehlanzeni District Municipality and the City of Mbombela Local Municipality, continues to engage directly with nearby farming communities to communicate flooding implications and safety measures.

While highly concentrated communities such as New Consort or Low’s Creek would not experience any impact, as they are located approximately 25  kilometres away from the dam impact point, government emphasised that all affected stakeholders are being engaged to save lives should the dam fail.

Further, consolidation of reports caused by the devastation of the recent rains and flooding are nearing completion.

The multi-disciplinary team continues to closely monitor developments at the dam and is taking all necessary precautions to protect communities.

Government has urged communities in affected areas to heed and comply to evacuation warnings as the risk of failure remains at the Senteeko Dam, despite mitigation interventions put in place.

Members of the public have also been advised to avoid low-water bridges, unnecessary travel, and activities near rivers as a precaution. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

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Qatar Participates in Eighth Meeting of Global Alliance for Implementation of Two State Solution

Source: Government of Qatar

Dublin | January 29, 2026

The State of Qatar participated in the eighth meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of theآ Two State Solution, held in Dublin, Ireland.
In the meeting, the State of Qatar was represented by HE Director of Arab Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nayef  bin Abdullah Al Emadi.
During the meeting, international efforts to support the implementation of the two-state solution were discussed, in addition to Ireland’s experience in the peace process and ways to translate the commitments in the New York Declaration into tangible actions.

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Serious risks posed by unregulated vaccine use

Source: Government of South Africa

Serious risks posed by unregulated vaccine use

The national Foot and Mouth Disease Response Plan – the first comprehensive roadmap to decisively address FMD in South Africa in 30 years – has been developed by a Ministerial Task Team comprising experts from both the public and private sectors, including scientists, veterinarians, and academics.

The roll out of the plan outlines clear immediate, medium- and long-term interventions to combat the disease.

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen said in a statement on Wednesday, the State had already acquired, monitored and administered two million vaccines from the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) to date.

The issuing of permits for private companies to import vaccines, as local agents, has already commenced.

“Import permits for the Dollvet vaccine was issued to Dunevax and an additional import permit to import the Biogénesis Bagó vaccine is imminent,” said the Minister.

The department rejected calls for what it described as a “vaccine free-for-all”, warning that such an approach was reckless and contrary to established international and local disease-control protocols.

The Minister highlighted the recent illegal importation of vaccines into KwaZulu-Natal by certain farmers as an example of the serious risks posed by unregulated vaccine use.

The scientific pathway to restoring South Africa’s FMD-free status with vaccination is clear and guided by international standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), he said.

“In order to regain the ‘FMD-free status with vaccination’ from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), South Africa must prove there has been no virus transmission for at least 12 months. This requires a strictly controlled vaccination rollout; official surveillance; strict movement controls and systematic vaccination coverage that is able to be documented and verified,” the Minister said.

Without centralised monitoring and State-led control over the process, Steenhuisen warned that the country risks failing to achieve FMD-free status, causing long-term damage to agricultural exports, and negating the entire strategy of vaccination.

The Minister stressed that the private sector and industry bodies have been included throughout the process, from the initial FMD lekgotla, to participation in the Ministerial Task Team, and now through the FMD Industry Coordination Council. The department has also committed to working with private veterinarians and animal health technicians as the vaccination rollout progresses. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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Makgetsi Construction assists Greater Tzaneen after heavy rains

Source: Government of South Africa

Makgetsi Construction assists Greater Tzaneen after heavy rains

In response to recent heavy rains that caused widespread road damage and debris buildup, Makgetsi Construction Enterprise has stepped in to assist the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality with urgent road rehabilitation and clean-up operations in affected areas.

The black female-owned local construction company deployed teams and equipment to support the municipality by removing storm debris and patching damaged road surfaces to restore access, improve safety for residents and motorists, and ensure the continuity of essential services.

Speaking on the initiative, Sekibela Mahalefa, founder of Makgetsi Construction Enterprise, said the decision was driven by a strong commitment to community development and responsible business leadership.

“We were deeply concerned by the impact the heavy rains had on our community. As a local business, we could not stand by while roads became unsafe and access was disrupted. Supporting the municipality in times of need is part of our responsibility to the people of Tzaneen,” Mahalefa said. 

The company confirmed that multiple teams were deployed to address the most affected streets, with priority given to high-traffic and high-risk areas.

“This was not just about road repair; it was about restoring dignity, safety, and mobility for residents. We believe that when business and local government work together, recovery happens faster and more effectively,” Mahalefa added.

Makgetsi Construction Enterprise said the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen partnerships with the Greater Tzaneen Municipality in preparation for future emergency responses and ongoing infrastructure support.

“This initiative reflects our values of giving back and being part of long-term solutions. We remain committed to supporting efforts that build resilience and strengthen local infrastructure,” Mahalefa said. 

Residents have welcomed the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful in addressing the challenges posed by the recent storms.

“Makgetsi is highly commendable for this strong commitment to social and corporate responsibility. This ethical business practices, and care for the Tzaneen community, demonstrates that success goes beyond profit. This sets a positive example for others and shows a genuine desire to make a lasting difference in society,” expressed a community member on one of the local digital platforms.

Makgetsi Construction Enterprise is a South African-based construction company providing infrastructure development, road maintenance, and civil construction services. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM

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SIU to probe uMzinyathi District Municipality procurement and contracting

Source: Government of South Africa

SIU to probe uMzinyathi District Municipality procurement and contracting

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is set to launch a probe into the affairs of the uMzinyathi District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal to investigate allegations of serious maladministration and improper or unlawful conduct.

“The probe covers allegations of serious maladministration; misconduct by officials or employees; illegal appropriation or spending of public funds or assets; irregular acts involving state property; intentional or negligent loss of public funds or damage to public property; relevant offences under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (Act No. 12 of 2004); and any unlawful or improper conduct resulting in harm to the public interests,” the SIU said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation authorising the corruption busting unit to investigate the municipality.

“Proclamation 305 of 2026 empowers the SIU to probe matters relating to procurement and contracting by the municipality, including the supply, installation and maintenance of ground dual static tanks and fuel, as well as the lease and subsequent purchase of a generator for the Vants Drift Water Treatment Plant in Nquthu.

“The investigation will determine whether these contracts and related payments were conducted in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost-effective.

“The SIU will also probe any potential violations of applicable legislation, National Treasury guidelines, and the municipality’s own policies and procedures,” the unit added.

The Proclamation covers the time between 1 November 2020 and 23 January 2026 and empowers the unit to “investigate any conduct before or after this period that is relevant or connected to the matters under investigation, including contracts where services were paid for but not delivered”.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.

“The SIU is also authorised to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation and to recover financial losses suffered by the State, including funds paid for services not rendered,” the SIU stated. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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Committee Has Serious Concerns About Prolonged Leadership and Governance Instability at Universal Service and Access Agency

Source: APO


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The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies has expressed serious concern about the prolonged instability in leadership and governance at the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA). The committee believes that this persistent instability continues to undermine institutional performance, accountability and the effective delivery of its mandate to advance universal connectivity.

USAASA’s important mandate to drive universal access to information and communication technologies – particularly for poor, rural and marginalised communities – requires clear strategic direction, stable leadership and decisive governance to ensure alignment with national priorities, including universal broadband access and digital inclusion. Without institutional stability and a coherent long-term strategy, the organisation risks failing to fulfill its responsibility to bridge the digital divide and to ensure that public investments translate into tangible socio-economic benefits.

The committee, led by its Chairperson, Ms Khusela Sangoni-Diko, undertook an oversight visit to USAASA to engage on governance and institutional stability, financial management and audit outcomes, Universal Services and Access Fund (USAF) operations and programme delivery, operational realities, as well as ongoing challenges related to poor project planning and implementation. Of particular concern are slippery project timelines, which often result in unspent allocations intended to connect underserved communities.

During the visit, the committee noted with alarm that USAASA has operated with different interim boards since 2018. This prolonged reliance on temporary governance structures, compounded by the excessive use of acting appointments at executive level, including the chief executive officer (CEO), has created uncertainty and weakened strategic direction. While the committee noted that the Board will, at its next meeting, consider a project implementation plan for the appointment of a permanent CEO, it emphasised that decisive action is long overdue. The committee welcomes the Board’s undertaking to make the recruitment plan public, as transparency is critical to restoring confidence in the institution.

The committee also engaged with staff and gained insight into the operational challenges they face. Workers raised serious concerns about the lack of basic tools of trade, indicating that items such as laptops and cellphones were last issued approximately 10 years ago. Despite these challenges, the committee commends staff for their dedication and commitment to delivering on the institution’s mandate under extremely difficult conditions.

Staff members made a strong appeal for the urgent appointment of a permanent Board to stabilise governance and improve institutional effectiveness. The committee agrees that stable, permanent leadership is essential to addressing the systemic challenges facing USAASA and USAF and to ensuring meaningful progress towards universal access and connectivity.

The committee will continue to exercise rigorous oversight and expects clear, time-bound interventions to address the concerns raised. The committee remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that public resources are managed responsibly and that institutions under its oversight are stable, capable and fit for purpose.

ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, MS KHUSELA DIKO

For media enquiries or to request an interview with the Chairperson, please contact Media Officer:
Justice Molafo (Mr)
Cell: 081 424 7481
Email: jmolafo@parliament.gov.za

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Committees to Be Briefed on Animal Welfare and Protection of Captive Animals

Source: APO


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The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and the Portfolio Committee on Fisheries, Forestry and Environment will today receive a briefing from the Wilderness Foundation Africa on various aspects of animal welfare and the protection of captive animals in the country.

The meeting, which will take place at The Lion’s Foundation in the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, in Limpopo Province will discuss the implementation and enforcement of animal welfare standards within wildlife conservation and rehabilitation facilities, with specific reference to ethical treatment, veterinary care, housing, and management.

The committees will also hear about institutional readiness for the implementation of the proposed Animal Welfare Bill, including interdepartmental coordination between environmental and agricultural authorities.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES

For media enquiries or interviews with the committee Chairperson, please contact:
Name: Sakhile Mokoena
Cell: 081 705 2130
E-mail: smokoena@parliament.gov.za

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Support to families of martyrs in Southern Region

Source: APO


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The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare in the Southern Region reported that in 2025, over 68 million Nakfa was extended to families of martyrs. The report was presented at an activity assessment meeting conducted on 27 January in Mendefera.

Additionally, monetary and material support worth over 1.2 million Nakfa was distributed to families of martyrs through community initiatives, while over 4.2 million Nakfa contributed by Diaspora nationals was also distributed to families of martyrs.

Mr. Haile Gebremicael, head of the branch office, noted that the assessment meeting will make a significant contribution to strengthening the achievements already registered and addressing the challenges encountered. He also said that enhancing community-based rehabilitation and development programs is among the main activities planned for 2026.

The participants conducted extensive discussions on the report presented and adopted various recommendations.

Mr. Qaleab Tesfaselasie, Director General of Social Services in the region, urged proper identification of disadvantaged and disabled citizens who need support. He also emphasized the significance of strengthening labor relations in enhancing productivity.

Noting the significance of activities at the sub-zonal level in the implementation of programs, Mr. Mihreteab Fesehaye, Director General of Social Services at the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, called for conducting activities at the village level.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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From Farm-ins to First Oil: How Collaboration is Driving Namibia’s Upstream Development

Source: APO


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As Namibia targets first oil production by 2029, collaboration has emerged as one of the defining forces shaping the country’s upstream trajectory. With deepwater exploration characterized by high capital intensity, complex geology and long development timelines, partnerships are no longer optional – they are essential. As the country advances towards first oil, platforms such as the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) emerge as central drivers, facilitating the deals and partnerships that power the country’s upstream development.

A Block Landscape Defined by Partnerships

Namibia’s offshore block ownership structure underscores the centrality of collaboration. Most acreage is held through partnerships combining supermajors, independents and national partners, each contributing complementary strengths. International oil companies bring technical expertise, deepwater experience and balance sheet strength, while independents often drive early-stage exploration momentum and innovative geological thinking. For Namibia, this opens the doors for greater investment, mitigated risk and accelerated project timelines, supporting the country’s transition from a frontier market into an African oil producer.  

Namibia’s Venus project is a clear example for how partnerships are supporting oil projects move from discovery to development. Led by operator TotalEnergies, the project is preparing to reach a final investment decision in 2026, with first oil on the cards for 2029 or 2030. The project – situated in PEL 56 – is held by TotalEnergies alongside Qatar Energy, Namcor and Impact. In December 2025, Galp acquired a 10% stake in PEL 56 under a broader deal which also grants TotalEnergies operatorship of PEL 83 – home to the Mopane discovery. Through the deal, the partners have launched an exploration and appraisal campaign which includes three wells over a two-year period – the first of which is planned for 2026. Through this diversified ownership structure, the companies have been able to pool capital, share risk and accelerate drilling across two of Namibia’s most prolific discoveries: Venus and Mopane.  

Recent M&A Activity Fuels Collaboration

Recent Merger & Acquisition (M&A) activity in Namibia reflects a broader trend by upstream companies seeking to leverage partnerships to drive exploration. In September 2025, Oregen Energy increased its ownership in WestOil Limited to 48.5%, granting the company a 33.95% indirect working interest in the Orange Basin’s Block 2712A. The company is advancing an exploration program in 2026, featuring a 3D seismic acquisition campaign and a farm-out process designed to bring in an international partner.

During the same month, Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas secured key license extensions across its Namibian licenses – PEL 97, 98, 99 and 100 – and farmed out its 85% interest in PEL 98 to Lamda Energy. September also saw the acquisition of BISP Exploration Inc. by Stamper Oil & Gas Corp, granting Stamper controlling interests of five Namibian oil and gas blocks across the Orange, Walvis and Lüderitz basins. Energy major Chevron acquired an 80% stake in PEL 82 – situated in the Walvis Basin – while Sintana Energy acquired Challenger Energy Group. The deal grants Sintana access to eight licenses in Namibia.

These moves signal operators’ readiness to invest, collaborate and drive upstream projects forward in Namibia. By pursuing strategic farm-ins and expanding portfolios, exploration and production companies are not only driving the country toward first oil production but validating the market’s position as one of the world’s leading frontier oil and gas provinces. 

NIEC: A Platform Where Collaboration Takes Shape

As international players consolidate their Namibian portfolios, NIEC 2026 emerges as a strategic platform for companies to connect with partners and advance strategic M&A deals. Returning to Windhoek for its 8th edition from 14–16 April 2026, NIEC brings together international operators, independents, financiers and Namibian stakeholders under a broader goal of establishing strategies for The Road to First Oil and Beyond.

More than a conference, NIEC functions as an ecosystem for collaboration – facilitating farm-ins, project partnerships and financing discussions that translate ambition into execution. As Namibia’s exploration story continues to unfold, it is these collaborative frameworks, forged both in boardrooms and on conference floors, that will ultimately determine how quickly and sustainably the country reaches first oil.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Examining Angola’s Pragmatic Path to Energy Security and Low-Carbon Growth

Source: APO


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As global energy debates continue to pit hydrocarbons against decarbonization, Angola is charting a pragmatic middle path. The country is accelerating hydrocarbon development to meet domestic and regional petroleum demand while deploying innovative technologies and cleaner fuels to reduce emissions. By pairing oil-led growth with low-carbon solutions such as non-associated gas, Angola is demonstrating that energy security and climate responsibility work hand-in-hand – offering a blueprint for emerging producers across Africa navigating the energy transition on their own terms.

Driving Oil Production Through Innovation

Accounting for 90% of export earnings and 60% of government revenue, oil forms the backbone of Angola’s economy – and a centerpiece of its national energy strategy. The country has outlined clear production goals: sustain output above one million barrels per day (bpd) in the short- to medium-term, backed by a multi-year licensing strategy as well as a Permanent Offer Regime. As a result, operators are expanding their investments, with a $70 billion investment pipeline over the next five years set to support production growth in the long-term.

While crude output scales, operators are increasingly integrating decarbonization into project design, ensuring that growth in output is matched by lower emissions intensity and more efficient offshore operations. Recent projects reflect this approach. Azule Energy’s Agogo Integrated West Hub project – situated in Block 15/06 – exemplifies the company’s Low Carbon, Fast Track development model. Initially spearheaded by Eni, the model maximizes value while minimizing time-to-market, subsurface risks and carbon emissions. The Agogo FPSO’s full-electric topside and marine systems, combined cycle power generation system and Carbon Capture and Storage unit showcases this approach, representing the first FPSO in Angola where operational carbon emissions are fully offset.

TotalEnergies is deploying a similar design at its Kaminho project (https://apo-opa.co/45DjGBt) – set to come online in 2028. The project comprises the conversion of a Very Large Crude Carrier into an FPSO unit, which is designed to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and eliminate routine flaring. Like Agogo (https://apo-opa.co/4qR5ZYj), the FPSO is all-electric, with associated gas expected to be reinjected into the reservoirs. By integrating electrification, energy efficiency and advanced process control, Angola is demonstrating that large-scale oil developments can align with global emissions expectations without compromising output.

Non-Associated Gas as a Low-Carbon Growth Engine

Alongside oil, Angola is accelerating the development of non-associated gas as a strategic low-carbon fuel. The launch of the New Gas Consortium project – featuring the Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields – in 2025 marked a turning point, unlocking domestic gas supply to support power generation, industrial development and LNG expansion. Angola’s non-associated gas ambitions were further bolstered with Azule Energy’s gas discovery at the Gajajeira-01 well in Block 1/14 in 2025.

However, the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) State of African Energy 2026 Outlook (https://apo-opa.co/45yYBbp) highlights key challenges in Angola’s quest for non-associated gas, specifically regarding the lack of requisite infrastructure to support gas evacuation from offshore fields. Advancing the country’s gas development – and subsequently, its energy addition strategy – will require a shift from upstream-focused investment to downstream development, highlighting a unique investment opportunity for international players.

“Angola proves that ‘drill baby drill’ is not about reckless extraction; it is about responsible development. It is about using world-class technology, lowering emissions per barrel, monetizing gas to power economies and ensuring energy security for millions of people who still lack access. Angola understands that you cannot transition from energy poverty without first producing energy, and that hydrocarbons, developed responsibly, remain central to Africa’s growth story,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

AOG 2026: Investing in the Future of Angola

The Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Conference & Exhibition brings the country’s energy strategy into sharp focus. By connecting government, policymakers, investors, operators and service providers under one roof, the event positions Angola’s development needs at the forefront of global energy dialogue. The next edition returns to Luanda from September 9-10, 2026 – with a Pre-Conference Day on September 8 – under the theme Investing in the Future of Angola, reflecting a national agenda rooted in realism: accelerate oil and gas development to meet domestic and regional energy needs, while deploying technology and cleaner fuels to lower emissions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.