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Ex SABC board members ordered to pay back the money

Source: Government of South Africa

Ex SABC board members ordered to pay back the money

Former SABC board members, Mbulaheni Obert Maguvhe, Ndivhoniswani Aaron Tshidzumba, and Maleshane Audrey Raphela have been ordered to pay back some R11.5 million related to an unlawful ‘success fee’ paid to former SABC Chief Operating Officer (COO) Hlaudi Motsoeneng in 2016.

The order was handed down in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which had been pursuing the matter, welcomed the order.

“The order, granted by the Honourable Judge Crutchfield, compels [the three] to pay the amount, together with interest from the date of service of summons, jointly and severally.

“The former SABC board members are also liable for the SIU’s legal costs. Previously, Mr Motsoeneng was the only one liable for paying the R11.5 million. This ruling now holds board members accountable for also repaying the money that resulted from their unlawful decision, which was at the public broadcaster’s expense,” the SIU said.

The corruption busting unit described the order as a “crucial enforcement action stemming from the broader litigation concerning” the ‘success fee’.

“The then SABC Board paid the fee in August 2016 for his role in securing the MultiChoice deal, a decision subsequently declared unlawful and invalid by the High Court.

“The SIU is committed to following all legal avenues to recover every cent lost by the SABC and ultimately, the South African public. We will now proceed to carry out this latest court order to ensure the recovery of these funds.

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

 

NeoB

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Call to protect oneself online

Source: Government of South Africa

Call to protect oneself online

With Cybersecurity Awareness Month being observed in October, Digify Africa Head of Client Services Omphile Kgwathe-Nkiwane has outlined practical guidelines that can keep South Africans safe online.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a global initiative that raises awareness about online safety and empowers individuals and businesses to protect themselves from cybercrime. 

To promote online safety, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) hosted a webinar on Thursday to mark the month under the 2025 theme: “Secure Our World”.

The webinar was aimed at empowering the public with practical tools that will enable them to use online platforms responsibly and to protect themselves against any possible dangers that may arise while using the platforms.

As part of an initiative to educate parents and guardians about cyber safety, Digify Africa has created a WhatsApp Learning Bot called Kitso.

“It offers tools and techniques to help you and your loved ones stay safe online. The WhatsApp learning chat bot is an educator. We give these chat bots personalities; it’s like you are talking to someone.

“The content is aimed at educators, parents and guardians. In the past, the boogeyman was on the streets but now he is on the internet,” she said.

Kitso can be added to one’s contacts on WhatsApp by typing in the number 076 593 7181 and saving the contact as Kitso. 

“With so much information online, some people find it difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is not and that is why we created the WhatsApp learning bots. We wanted to make the content easy for anyone to read the content and use it in a practical way,” Kgwathe-Nkiwane said.

The public can keep safe online by following these guidelines:
•    Use strong and unique passwords: Make sure to use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Don’t use your name and your children’s name. Make it difficult for people to hack your accounts.
•    Two-factor authentication: Use a two-factor authentication security method that requires two distinct forms of verification to access an account or system.
•    Recognise phishing attempts: Make sure that you do not click on suspicious links and ensure that the email that you have received is authentic. Look out for requests that are out of character. Look out for sms’s informing you that you have a parcel to pick up when you did not place an order. Do not follow instructions from individuals requesting an OTP for banking or asking for a pin code to a bank account or from people claiming that your bank account has been compromised and they can help. Look out for individuals who call you and rush you to make a decision about your bank account.
•    Safety on social media: Make sure that you don’t arrange meetings to meet a person that you have met online.
•    Use secure connections: Very often malls and airports offer free access to the internet that does not need a password. While there is nothing wrong with the internet connection, if there is no password, you could be exposed to hackers who can hack into your bank account. Do not use open Wi-Fi to access sensitive information on your phone or laptop.
•    Use critical thinking, if it is too good to be true, it probably is. If it does not feel right, it’s probably not right.

–SAnews.gov.za
 

nosihle

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High hopes ahead of Germany outing for local entrepreneurs

Source: Government of South Africa

High hopes ahead of Germany outing for local entrepreneurs

Optimism reigns supreme amongst South African businesspeople who are heading to Germany to participate in the Anuga Food and Beverage Trade Fair.

The fair will take place in Cologne, Germany, from 4 – 8 October 2025. 

As part of the county’s export market diversification initiatives, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has set up a national pavilion at the fair, in which 30 South African agro-processing companies will showcase their products. 

As they prepare to depart for Germany, the businesspeople are looking forward to participating in the trade show, having committed to taking full advantage of the opportunity to showcase their products with the aim of grabbing the attention of international importers. 

They relish the prospects of returning home with bags full of trade leads that will develop into concrete deals.

“We are looking forward to the trade show in Germany. We are excited by the opportunity to interact with potential new customers, linking with current customers and networking amongst other companies from around the world.

“We are hoping to expose various companies to our vitality-centred products,” said the Sales Executive of Macavation, Peter Symons.

Macavation innovates with macadamias and produces a range of high quality products, including extra virgin macadamia oil, crude cosmetic macadamia oil, macadamia protein powder, macadamia protein crispies and various styles of macadamia kernel. 

The KwaZulu-Natal company, which employs 34 full-time employees, sells its products to local food manufacturers, as well as exporting them mainly to Europe and Canada.

The Chief Executive Officer of Limpopo-based Setšong Tea Crafters, Retang Phaahla, said she is excited about the opportunity to showcase proudly Limpopo and Proudly South African products in Germany.

“We have been eyeing Germany as a potential market for quite some time.  There is a big tea market in Europe, and Germany is one of the countries that already import Rooibos tea from South Africa.

“For us to be able to tap into that market and showcase the products that we have developed is really exciting. We hope that this will help us create more jobs and build the revenue of the business,” Phaahla said.

Setšong Tea Crafters are based at Ga-Matlala Ramoshebo village near Marble Hall, where they provide permanent employment to 30 people, and seasonal employment to 15 people. They produce tea from indigenous plants that have been consumed as herbal tea by the people of Limpopo for hundreds of years.

READ | No storm in a teacup as local company seeks new market in Germany

The Co-Founder and Managing Director of Niice Foods, Taryn Muller, says her main objective for travelling to Germany is to secure new retail, import, and distribution partners in key European Union countries and the United Arab Emirates.

“This will be the second consecutive Anuga fair that we will be participating in. It is an opportunity for us to expand our global market presence and establish long-term, strategic territory. 

“It also provides a platform for us to elevate brand recognition and showcase our new value-added macadamia offerings. Our premium macadamia cooking oil is our flagship product. It is positioned perfectly as a more affordable, functional, and versatile cooking oil with an extremely favourable health profile,” Muller said. 

Niice Foods, which is based in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, where it employs 12 people, manufactures value-added macadamia nut, ready to eat products, macadamia cooking oil, macadamia nut spreads and macadamia seasoning.

The General Manager of the South African Fruit and Vegetable Canners Export Council (SAFVCEC), Jill Atwood-Palm, says as one of the largest trade shows globally, Anuga provides her with a perfect opportunity to showcase the South African canned fruit and vegetable industry to the world.

“Anuga also serves as a platform for gathering market information, benchmarking competitor activity, assessing supply-demand conditions and identifying emerging consumer trends,” said Atwood-Palm. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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My Afrika Magazine Joins Forces with APO Group to Amplify African Voices Globally

Source: APO

My Afrika Magazine (https://MyAfrikaMag.com), a leading digital platform dedicated to telling authentic African stories, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with APO Group, the leading, multi-award winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. This collaboration marks an important milestone in advancing a shared mission to amplify African narratives and deliver high-quality, reliable content across the continent and beyond.  

For years, My Afrika Magazine has provided a platform to celebrate African culture, innovation, and people-driven stories. APO Group, with its extensive distribution network and editorial credibility, has been at the forefront of shaping African media narratives. Recognizing this shared vision, the two organizations have formalized their collaboration through APO Group’s Content Partnership Program, joining a network of more than 300+ media partners across Africa and globally.  

Through this partnership, My Afrika Magazine will:  

  • Gain daily access to premium, copyright-free press releases across key sectors, including politics, economy, energy, health, technology, and culture.  
  • Enjoy 12 free corporate press releases per year, allowing the magazine to promote its own events, campaigns, and initiatives across APO Group’s trusted Pan-African and international network.  
  • Benefit from increased traffic and engagement through timely, multimedia-rich stories, delivered automatically at zero cost of content integration.  
  • Strengthen its editorial value and credibility by affiliating with APO Group’s well-respected platform while saving valuable newsroom time.  

“This partnership represents a new chapter for My Afrika Magazine,” said Nico Abote, Co-Founder & Managing Executive Editor of My Afrika Magazine. “We are thrilled to align with APO Group, an organization that shares our commitment to amplifying authentic African voices. Together, we will enhance our coverage, expand our reach, and continue shaping a positive narrative of Africa both at home and across the diaspora.”  

By joining APO Group’s partner ecosystem, which includes major news aggregators, mobile platforms, and global media, My Afrika Magazine is further positioning itself as a leading voice for African stories that matter, connecting communities across borders and fostering informed dialogue about Africa’s progress.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of My Afrika Magazine.

Media Contact: 
Nico Abote 
My Afrika Magazine 
Email: nico@myafrikamag.com 
Tel: Call/WhatsApp: +263 78 216 2298 (ZIM) or +1 403 923 7343 (CAN) 

About My Afrika Magazine:
My Afrika Magazine is a dynamic digital publication founded to tell authentic African stories, celebrate success across the continent, and connect the diaspora with home. With a focus on culture, entrepreneurship, innovation, lifestyle, and grassroots storytelling, the magazine provides a platform where African voices are amplified globally. 

About APO Group :
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.    

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy Agency of the Year South Africa in 2024 and again in 2025 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.  

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences. 

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Smarter Mobility Africa 2025: Shaping the Future of Transport through Technology and Collaboration

Source: APO

Smarter Mobility Africa 2025 kicked off with an engaging keynote session, setting the stage for a transformative dialogue on the future of transport in Africa. The vibrant gathering in Johannesburg saw leaders from across the continent come together to discuss the pivotal role of mobility in shaping our cities and economies. The keynote session was both an acknowledgment of the hard work of those in the transport sector and a call to action for continued innovation and collaboration.

One of the key takeaways from the session was the emphasis on the challenging nature of the transport industry. Ben Pullen, Group Director Mobility at VUKA Group, the organiser, highlighted the demanding environment that professionals in transport face, noting the long hours and complex political dynamics that often accompany their work. “Transport is not just about moving people and goods; it’s about connecting communities and driving economic growth,” Pullen stated. This sentiment resonated with many attendees, underscoring the sector’s critical importance to the continent’s development.

Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala, the National Spokesperson for SANTACO, delivered an inspiring message, highlighting the crucial role of the minibus taxi industry in South Africa. As the first woman to hold this position, she emphasized the industry’s commitment to creating a smarter, greener, and safer future for all. “For us, mobility is not just transport. It is access, dignity, and daily service to the nation,” she stated. Phala acknowledged the challenges faced by the industry, such as violence and regulatory issues, yet emphasized SANTACO’s pro-active steps toward innovation and collaboration. By embracing smart technologies and green energy solutions, they aim to modernise operations and enhance commuter safety. Tshepo Kgobe, a partner with Gautrain, praised SANTACO, saying, “They’ve taught us a lot… through collaboration,” underscoring the importance of working together to transform informal transport systems effectively.

The event further highlighted the vital role of partnerships in advancing smart mobility solutions. The collaboration between the Transport Authority of Gauteng and Gautrain was showcased as a model for enhancing regional connectivity. Both organistions led by the impressive Tshepo Kgobe, who exemplifies a commitment to enhancing connectivity and efficiency in regional transport systems. His dual position highlights the importance of integrated strategies in addressing the challenges of urban mobility, and underscores the potential for public and private entities to work together to create more efficient and sustainable transport networks.

The session also welcomed insights from Dominic Wilhelm, Executive Director of The Global Trust Project. Wilhelm emphasized the critical role of trust in building a sustainable future, noting, “When stakeholders trust each other, they are more willing to share resources, insights, and risks. This trust is what enables us to work together towards a common goal of creating smarter, more connected cities.” His words underscored the event’s theme of fostering partnerships and the belief that trust is essential for uniting diverse stakeholders.

Visa’s innovative ticketing solutions were another focal point, demonstrating how technology can simplify and enhance the user experience in public transport. By streamlining payment systems, these solutions promise to make transport more accessible and efficient for all users. This technological advancement is a testament to the power of innovation in addressing everyday challenges in urban mobility.

Attendees were particularly inspired by the Johannesburg Road Agency’s initiatives to integrate IoT technologies into urban infrastructure. This move towards smarter, data-driven systems is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of city planning and management. Tshepo Kgobe, remarked, “The integration of IoT is not just an upgrade; it’s a necessity for the future of our cities. It allows us to make informed decisions that can lead to more sustainable and livable urban environments.”

The keynote session concluded with a call to action, encouraging stakeholders to prioritise investment in digital infrastructure and to embrace data analytics for improved decision-making. The strategic insights offered during the session provide a roadmap for industry stakeholders, highlighting the need for continued innovation and collaboration to achieve a sustainable and efficient transport future for Africa.

Smarter Mobility Africa is hosted 01-02 October 2025
Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
https://apo-opa.co/4mLurr8

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Editorial Questions:
Timothy Adrigwe
Timothy.Adrigwe@wearevuka.com
t: +27 21 700 3500
f: +27 21 700 3501
e: info@wearevuka.com
w: https://WeAreVUKA.com

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group connects people and organisations to information and each other, across Africa’s energy, mining, infrastructure, mobility, green economy and technology sectors through innovative events, content, and strategic networking. By integrating industry introductions, curated events, and digital engagement, the group empowers businesses to navigate complex markets, forge valuable connections, and drive sustainable success.

Venture partners to The Global Trust Project, Founders of WomenIN empowerment platform and leaders of NPO, Go Green Africa. The VUKA Group’s diverse portfolio acts to contribute to its purpose of ‘Connecting Africa to the World’s Best, to Influence Sustainable Progress’

Discover more at https://WeAreVUKA.com

About SMA:
After 6 editions Smarter Mobility Africa has established itself as a meeting place for inspired and purpose driven transport professionals.

A Movement With A Purpose:
African cities face significant challenges today and in the coming decades due to rapid population growth and large-scale industrialisation. Many people lack access to safe, reliable, and affordable mobility, impacting how we move people and goods.

This situation has clear negative consequences for economic development, public health, job opportunities, and the environment. We refer to this as the ‘Old Urban Era.’ The human, environmental, and economic impacts of this era are profound, fuelling our passion to help cities across Africa transition to the ‘New Urban Era’ through smarter mobility solutions.

We are dedicated to uniting every element of the mobility industry to tackle these challenges head-on, creating an environment where social, environmental, and economic opportunities are exponentially amplified.

Learn more at: https://apo-opa.co/4mLurr8

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Gabon Draws Energy Giants as Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Spotlights African Market Potential

Source: APO

Gabon is signaling renewed interest from major international energy companies as it looks to expand oil and gas development across the country’s largely untapped reserves, according to remarks from Minister of Oil & Gas Sosthène Nguema Nguema at the OPEC-Africa Roundtable during African Energy Week 2025.

“We have international partners who have expressed interest in coming to Gabon,” Nguema said, noting that 72% of the nation’s resources remain unexploited and that gas will be a key component in driving industrialization. He added that the country expects to formalize a major agreement in the coming month.

Discussions highlighted Africa’s growing significance in the global energy landscape. OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais noted that the continent is both a rising consumer and a critical supplier. “Africa is not just on the supply side – it’s a rapidly growing consumer. The continent’s crude consumption is expected to reach 4.5 million barrels per day by 2050,” he said, stressing that inclusive energy strategies must account for both development and climate considerations.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, underscored the scale of required investment. “We need approximately $540 billion annually in upstream oil and gas alone,” he said, adding that Africans must develop local solutions for sustainable growth. He highlighted gas as a clean fuel key to expanding LPG availability and industrial development.

Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons for the Republic of Congo, underscored the role of investment in Congo’s production expansion. “In five years, we will double production from around 260,000 to 500,000 barrels per day,” he said, while highlighting continued collaboration with OPEC to maintain market stability. “More production coming from OPEC members is good news… if OPEC members are bringing more investment, it’s the best way to stabilize markets.”

The session also explored Africa’s energy security and the potential for local solutions. Al Ghais noted OPEC-backed studies on LPG, clean hydrogen and the cost of renewables, emphasizing the need for country-specific approaches. “It is really unjust to deny developing regions the right to develop and use their energy resources. We need a country-by-country approach to energy security, affordability and tackling climate change,” he said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 African Farmout Forum Showcases 25 Investment Opportunities

Source: APO


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The African Farmout Forum returned to African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, with energy companies presenting 25 farm-in opportunities. Sponsored by SOMA Oil & Gas, the session was held in partnership with Moyes & Co., Envoi and FarmoutAngel, with participating firms outlining plans for seismic acquisition, drilling and development partnerships.

“Our goal is to immerse ourselves in every opportunity we present, providing clear actionable information so partners can make confident investment decisions,” stated Mike Lakin, Managing Director Envoi Ltd.

SOMA Oil & Gas (Somalia)

SOMA Oil & Gas is seeking partners for Blocks 129 and 192 under production sharing agreements (PSAs) ratified in 2024. The blocks cover part of a 10,000 km² acreage and hold multi-billion-barrel potential.

Meren Energy (Equatorial Guinea)

Meren Energy is pursuing a farm-out of its 80% operated interests in Blocks EG-18 and EG-31. The assets hold gas-prone prospects near existing infrastructure, with drilling targeted for 2026-2027.

Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas (South Africa)

Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas is preparing a farm-out of its 75% interest in Block 1 in the Orange Basin. The block spans nearly 20,000 km² and is located near recent discoveries with historical oil and gas shows.

Akata Energy (Nigeria)

Akata Energy is seeking development partners for marginal fields on OML 95 in the shallow-water Niger Delta. The company aims to scale production to 40,000-50,000 barrels per day through shared infrastructure.

Tower Resources (South Africa)

Tower Resources is pursuing a farm-out of its Algoa-Gamtoos license, operated jointly with Rift Petroleum. Seismic reprocessing has increased prospective recoverable resources to nearly 2 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures (Benin)

Benin is seeking an operator for offshore Block 2, hosting the Gbenonkpo prospect. Partners can acquire up to 100% working interest and contribute technical expertise.

Cameroon National Hydrocarbons Corporation (Cameroon)

Cameroon is offering nine oil and gas blocks for investment through a licensing round launched in August 2025. Bidders must demonstrate strong technical and financial capacity, with results expected in April 2026.

Apus Energy (Guinea-Bissau)

Apus Energy is seeking partners for the Sinapa and Esperança licenses, acquired from Petronor in 2023. The farm-in coincides with the Atum-1X well, the first deepwater well drilled offshore Guinea-Bissau since 2007.

SONAP (Guinea-Conakry)

SONAP is promoting farm-in opportunities across 22 offshore and onshore blocks. The company has invested in 2D and 3D seismic data and is inviting technical partners to expand offshore 3D coverage.

Chariot (Morocco)

Chariot is seeking partners for its Lixus, Rissana and Loukos licenses. The company holds 75% working interest in all three projects and is evaluating development plans based on confirmed gas volumes.

Ghana Petroleum Commission (Ghana)

The Ghana Petroleum Commission is offering open acreage and farm-in opportunities, both offshore and onshore. Key opportunities include South Deepwater Tano, Offshore Cape Three Points South and Voltaian Basin blocks.

Dajo Energy (Nigeria)

Dajo Energy is offering a farm-out for its offshore OPL 322, with partners able to acquire up to 40% interest. The deepwater asset includes the Bobo field and the undrilled Aga Thrust, with significant oil and gas volumes.

Oregen Energy Corp. (Namibia)

Oregen Energy Corp. is planning a 2026 farm-out of Block 2712A in the Namibian Orange Basin. The 5,484 km² license is near major discoveries, targeting exploration drilling in 2027.

F.A. Oil (Sierra Leone)

F.A. Oil is seeking partners for a farm-in across six offshore blocks secured in Sierra Leone’s fifth licensing round. Six of 11 wells have already indicated oil or gas discoveries, with 3D seismic surveys underway.

PetroQuest (Somalia)

PEtroQuest is seeking a farm-in partner for three offshore PSAs covering deepwater frontier blocks. The blocks are estimated to hold up to 56 billion barrels, including the 8-billion-barrel Leopard prospect.

PetroQuest & Adamantine (Seychelles)

PetroQuest and Adamantine are seeking an investor to support offshore seismic work in Seychelles. The partnership aims to advance exploration across their assets in the region.

Lekoil (Nigeria)

Lekoil is seeking exploration partners for a farm-in on its deepwater PL 325 block. Positive evaluations indicate up to 5.7 billion barrels oil-in-place, with an estimated 2 billion barrels recoverable.

Grupo Simples Oil (Angola)

Grupo Simples is seeking partners to farm-in on Block KON 6 in Angola’s Kwanza Basin. The 1,042 km² block presents an opportunity to accelerate exploration and production.

First E&P (Nigeria)

First E&P is seeking farm-in partners for deepwater PPL 2003-DO and PPL 2006 blocks. The assets offer high-potential exploration under investor-friendly terms.

Walcot Group (Angola)

Walcot Group is seeking investment partners for its onshore CON 3 and CON 7 blocks in the Lower Congo Basin. Investors can fund either 2D surveys or a wildcat well using existing gravity data.

CG International Petroleum (Chad)

CG International Petroleum is inviting partners to invest in the DOC and DOD blocks in the Doba Basin. The acreage holds eleven discoveries with 90 million barrels of 2C contingent resources.

Somalia Petroleum Authority (Somalia)

The Somalia Petroleum Authority, represented by Envoi Ltd., is promoting investment in Somalia’s oil and gas sector. The authority oversees offshore and onshore exploration agreements and supports capacity building under the Petroleum Law Framework.

BiogasUnite (pan-Africa)

BiogasUnite is seeking seed funding to scale its Cash for Cooking initiative across Africa. The project links users, technicians and entrepreneurs to expand clean cooking, generate income and reduce emissions.

PetroQuest Energy (Australia)

PetroQuest Energy is seeking farm-in partners for its onshore exploration project in Western Australia’s Officer Basin.

Prime Pakistan (Pakistan)

Prime Pakistan is offering a farm-in opportunity for a Lower Cretaceous gas development targeting 100 billion cubic feet of resources across five wells. Drilling is planned to begin in Q1/Q2 2026, with the license valid for a five-year term.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Western Cape’s Proclaimed Fishing Harbours project makes progress

Source: Government of South Africa

Western Cape’s Proclaimed Fishing Harbours project makes progress

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has welcomed the progress that has been outlined in the September 2025 report on the revitalisation of the Western Cape’s 12 Proclaimed Fishing Harbours.

The report highlights steady improvements in infrastructure, safety, and operational efficiency, all aimed at supporting coastal economies and sustainable fisheries.

READ | DFFE on a fiscal discipline mission

“Our Proclaimed Fishing Harbours are central to coastal livelihoods and the fishing industry. The work being done to enhance their safety and functionality reflects our commitment to both people and the environment,” the Minister said.

Key updates include the following:
•    Harbour operations: In the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, 33 vessels were managed through slipping, side slipping, and launching activities. More than 300 vessels are currently moored across the 12 harbours. The second quarter operational report (July–September 2025) is due on 3 October.
•    Salvage of sunken vessels: In Hout Bay, the Edelweiss and African Unity are scheduled for removal by their owners at the next low tide in October 2025. The department is working closely with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to ensure compliance with the Wrecks and Salvage Act.
•    Security measures: Purchase orders for electronic security installations were issued for Kalk Bay on 29 September, with Lamberts Bay, Hermanus, Gansbaai, and Gordon’s Bay to follow in early October. Installations are expected to begin this month. Re-advertisements for Hout Bay, Laaiplek, and St Helena Bay are underway, while requests for quotations are being processed for Still Bay, Arniston, and Struisbaai. Security at Saldanha Harbour and Paarden Eiland Workshop already includes 24/7 monitoring and rapid armed response. –SAnews.gov.za
 

nosihle

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National Committee for Preparation of National Human Rights Action Plan Holds Second Meeting

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | October 02 2025

The National Committee for the Preparation of the National Human Rights Action Plan (2026-2030) held its second meeting, chaired by Acting Director of the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Vice Chairperson of the Committee Sarah Abdullah Al Saadi.
During the meeting, the Committee reviewed the latest developments in its work related to preparing the national plan. It also discussed the completed phases and upcoming implementation steps, in implementation of the decision of the esteemed Cabinet.
The Committee stressed the importance of continuing coordination and joint efforts to implement the plan, as it is a pivotal national strategy for consolidating the State of Qatar’s commitments in the field of human rights, in line with the priorities of Qatar National Vision 2030.

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Vivashan Muthan Appointed as Head of Export Sales and Operations at RS South Africa

Source: APO – Report:

With a career spanning engineering, business development, and sales leadership across Sub-Saharan Africa, Vivashan Muthan brings a wealth of expertise to his new role as Head of Export Sales and Operations at RS South Africa (https://Africa.RSDelivers.com). Known for building systems that drive growth and resilience in real-world markets, Muthan is set to lead the company’s export strategy into a new era of scale and impact.

Muthan’s professional journey has seen him hold senior roles at leading multinationals such as Fluke Corporation, SICK Sensor Intelligence, Siemens and Timken , where he managed multi-country sales teams, distribution channels, and large-scale business operations. His diverse experience spans technology management, channel optimisation, and digital integration, with a strong track record of delivering measurable growth across industries including rail, automotive, off-highway, and industrial automation.

Complementing his field expertise, Muthan holds a BSc (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, an MSc in Industrial Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand and is currently pursuing a PhD in Industrial Engineering focused on intelligent industrial ecosystems. He has also completed executive education through Harvard Business School, specialising in strategy execution, and is a registered Professional Engineer (Pr Eng). In addition, he is an ontological coach certified by The SOAR Institute. This credential strengthens his ability to lead with empathy, develop people, and foster high-performing teams.

At RS South Africa, Muthan takes full commercial ownership of the export business across Sub-Saharan Africa, overseeing revenue, profit, distributor development, and customer experience. His approach is rooted in building insight-led, scalable systems that align operational excellence with customer relevance. He has cultivated strong networks with corporates, distributors, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction companies  and industrial stakeholders across the region, which will enable RS to strengthen partnerships and deliver value-driven solutions.

Muthan’s vision for RS South Africa’s export operations is to transform them into a growth platform that not only delivers Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) solutions but also drives innovation, efficiency, and long-term partnerships. His ability to integrate academic rigour with practical execution ensures that RS remains a trusted partner in enabling industrial growth and resilience across African markets.

With his blend of technical expertise, leadership experience, and strategic foresight, Muthan is poised to position RS South Africa as the partner of choice for businesses navigating the continent’s evolving industrial landscape.

For more information about RS Africa export solutions, visit our website (https://Africa.RSDelivers.com) and follow us on LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/42WiibJ) for updates.

– on behalf of RS South Africa.

PR Contact Person – RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
RS South Africa
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366

Media Contact Person – NGAGE:
Thobile Ndlovu
PR Account Executive
thobile@ngage.co.za
+27 11 867 7763

Social Media:
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4ntixTP
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/42WiibJ
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3VILLCb
​Vivashan Muthan LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/46PBokW

Further information is available via these links:
RS South Africa: https://apo-opa.co/4o6myOd
RS Africa Exports: https://Africa.RSDelivers.com
DesignSpark: https://apo-opa.co/3INv5pZ
RS Group plc: www.RSGroup.com

About RS:
RS is a global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably.

We operate in 36 markets, stock over 800,000 industrial and specialist products and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations.

We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it’s our people that make the difference.

Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people planet and profit.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2024 reported revenue of £2,942 million.

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