Posts

Posted on

L’ancienne Secrétaire Générale de la FIFA Fatma Samoura rejoint le conseil consultatif d’African Collaborations Group (ACG) pour accompagner le développement de pôles intégrés de sport et de divertissement à travers l’Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

African Collaborations Group (ACG) (www.ACGafrica.com), plateforme stratégique d’origination et de collaboration dédiée à l’industrialisation du sport en Afrique par la création d’écosystèmes de pôles intégrés bancables de sport et de divertissement, annonce aujourd’hui la nomination de Fatma Samoura au sein de son conseil consultatif.

Reconnue comme l’une des figures les plus distinguées de l’administration sportive de sa génération, Mme Samoura apporte plus de trois décennies d’expérience en leadership international couvrant le sport, le développement, les affaires humanitaires et la gouvernance mondiale.

Mme Samoura a exercé les fonctions de Secrétaire Générale de la FIFA de 2016 à 2023, devenant la première femme et la première personne non européenne à occuper ce poste dans l’histoire de la FIFA. Durant son mandat, elle a supervisé l’administration mondiale de la FIFA à travers ses principales fonctions opérationnelles et institutionnelles, notamment l’organisation de deux Coupes du Monde de la FIFA et de deux Coupes du Monde féminines de la FIFA. Elle a également joué un rôle de premier plan dans le renforcement de la gouvernance de la FIFA, des services aux associations membres et des programmes de développement international.

Avant de rejoindre la FIFA, Mme Samoura a passé plus de 21 ans aux Nations Unies, où elle a occupé des postes de direction dans les opérations humanitaires et de développement, notamment au sein du Programme alimentaire mondial (PAM), du Programme des Nations Unies pour le développement (PNUD) et du Bureau de la coordination des affaires humanitaires (OCHA). Sa carrière onusienne l’a menée à travers l’Afrique, l’Amérique centrale et l’Amérique du Sud ainsi que l’Asie, lui donnant une expérience approfondie du travail avec les gouvernements, les institutions internationales et les partenaires de développement.

Elle est membre du Sénat de la Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) depuis février 2022.

Sa nomination renforce le conseil consultatif d’ACG grâce à une expertise exceptionnelle en gouvernance sportive mondiale, leadership institutionnel, développement international, relations avec les fédérations et organisation d’événements sportifs majeurs — autant de capacités directement pertinentes pour l’origination et la structuration de projets de pôles de sport et de divertissement à grande échelle à travers le continent africain.

« Fatma Samoura est l’une des figures les plus distinguées de l’administration sportive de sa génération. Son expérience unique à l’intersection des instances dirigeantes mondiales, des fédérations nationales, des gouvernements et des institutions internationales est précisément le niveau d’expertise dont ACG a besoin alors que nous développons une nouvelle génération d’écosystèmes de pôles intégrés bancables de sport et de divertissement à travers le continent africain. Sa présence au sein de notre conseil consultatif constitue un véritable atout stratégique », a déclaré Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Fondateur et Président Exécutif d’ACG.

Le conseil consultatif d’ACG apporte des orientations stratégiques alors qu’ACG développe et structure des projets de pôles de sport et de divertissement à grande échelle à travers le continent, en alignant les gouvernements, les institutions de financement du développement (IFD), les investisseurs, les organismes sportifs et les partenaires infrastructurels pour soutenir le développement d’écosystèmes de pôles à usage mixte, financièrement viables.

L’économie du sport en Afrique devrait atteindre 20 milliards de dollars d’ici 2035, mais le continent continue de manquer des écosystèmes de pôles intégrés nécessaires pour soutenir un développement à grande échelle. ACG répond à cet enjeu en développant des projets de pôles de sport et de divertissement bancables, dépassant les modèles de développement d’enceintes isolées au profit d’écosystèmes de pôles à usage mixte, générateurs de revenus et financièrement viables.

Par son modèle collaboratif, ACG rassemble gouvernements, autorités PPP et régulateurs, institutions de financement du développement, investisseurs privés, promoteurs, concepteurs et ingénieurs, conseils juridiques et transactionnels, opérateurs, fédérations et ligues sportives, promoteurs d’événements, partenaires médias et diffusion, institutions académiques et communautés d’accueil, créant des parcours structurés du concept à la faisabilité, la bancabilité et la livraison.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Collaborations Group (ACG).

Contact avec les médias :
marie@apo-opa.com

À propos d’African Collaborations Group (ACG) : 
African Collaborations Group (ACG) (www.ACGafrica.com) est la plateforme stratégique d’origination et de collaboration dédiée à l’industrialisation du sport en Afrique par la création d’écosystèmes de pôles intégrés bancables de sport et de divertissement. En rassemblant les gouvernements, les partenaires du secteur privé, les institutions de financement du développement, les acteurs du sport et du divertissement, et les institutions académiques, ACG crée des parcours structurés qui transforment les concepts en projets de pôles investissables et livrables à travers le continent.

Media files

Posted on

Minister Solly Malatsi Confirmed as Speaker at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as South Africa Accelerates Digital Infrastructure

Source: APO


.

Solly Malatsi, South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, has been confirmed to participate in African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, bringing government leadership on digital infrastructure, AI, telecommunications and data centers to a forum increasingly focused on the convergence of energy and technology.

Minister Malatsi’s participation comes as South Africa undergoes a major digital infrastructure expansion. Hyperscale data centers, AI-ready computing facilities, advanced telecommunications networks and new spectrum allocations are creating significant investment opportunities across the country’s rapidly growing digital economy.

Central to this transformation is the emergence of high-density AI factories, with more than 58 commercial data centers operating across South Africa and major investments from Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Equinix strengthening the country’s position as Africa’s leading data center market.

Microsoft is expanding its South African cloud and AI infrastructure through a R5.4 billion investment by 2027. Meanwhile, AWS is continuing to implement a R30.4 billion multi-year infrastructure commitment, reinforcing the scale of capital flowing into computing capacity, connectivity and supporting energy infrastructure.

The growth of AI infrastructure is also driving new approaches to power supply, with operators increasingly exploring renewable generation and electricity wheeling to secure reliable high-load capacity. This includes Teraco’s 120 MW solar facility in the Free State and AWS’s 10 MW solar project supporting its Cape Town operations.

South Africa is simultaneously strengthening its telecommunications backbone, with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa’s July 2026 National Radio Frequency Plan allocating the entire 6 GHz band for IMT use, creating additional capacity for advanced 5G services while operators including MTN and Cell C expand AI-enabled infrastructure and nationwide connectivity.

These developments position digital infrastructure as an important component of South Africa’s broader investment landscape, with the country targeting expanded broadband access, stronger public digital services and greater technological sovereignty while preparing its telecommunications and computing ecosystems for the next generation of AI applications.

“South Africa has the opportunity to build a digital economy that powers industrial growth, creates opportunities for young people and strengthens the continent’s technological capabilities,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Investment in infrastructure and reliable energy will be essential to realizing this potential, and the Minister’s participation at AEW 2026 will serve as a premier catalyst for discussions.”

At AEW 2026 – set for October 12–16 in Cape Town – Minister Malatsi will participate in high-level discussions and networking sessions, engaging investors and industry leaders on South Africa’s digital transformation, AI infrastructure, telecommunications development and the energy systems required to support the country’s next phase of technology-led economic growth.

To find out more and register for AEW 2026, visit (https://apo-opa.co/4cqVoOA).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Posted on

Former Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Secretary General Fatma Samoura Joins African Collaborations Group (ACG) Advisory Board to Advance Sport and Entertainment Districts Across Africa

Source: APO

African Collaborations Group (ACG) (www.ACGafrica.com), the leading strategic project origination and collaboration platform focused on the industrialisation of sport in Africa through the origination of bankable sport and entertainment district ecosystems, today announced the appointment of Fatma Samoura to its Advisory Board.

Recognised as one of the most distinguished sport administrators of her generation, Ms Samoura brings more than three decades of international leadership experience spanning sport, development, humanitarian affairs and global governance.

Ms Samoura served as Secretary General of FIFA from 2016 to 2023, becoming the first woman and the first non-European to hold the position in FIFA’s history. During her tenure, she oversaw FIFA’s global administration across its major operational and institutional functions, including the delivery of two FIFA World Cups and two FIFA Women’s World Cups. She also played a leading role in strengthening FIFA’s governance, member association services and international development programmes.

Before joining FIFA, Ms Samoura spent more than 21 years with the United Nations, holding senior leadership positions in humanitarian and development operations, including with the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Her UN career took her across Africa, Central and South America and Asia, giving her extensive experience working with governments, international institutions and development partners.

She has served as a Senate Member of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) since February 2022.

Her appointment strengthens the ACG Advisory Board with exceptional expertise in global sport governance, institutional leadership, international development, federation relations and the delivery of major sporting events — capabilities directly relevant to originating and structuring large-scale sport and entertainment district projects across the African continent.

“Fatma Samoura is one of the most distinguished sport administrators of her generation. Her unique experience at the intersection of global governing bodies, national federations, governments and international institutions is precisely the calibre of expertise ACG needs as we originate a new generation of bankable sport and entertainment district ecosystems across the African continent. Her presence on our Advisory Board is a genuine strategic asset,” said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Founder and Executive Chairman of ACG.

The ACG Advisory Board provides strategic guidance as ACG originates and structures large-scale sport and entertainment district projects across the continent, aligning governments, development finance institutions (DFIs), investors, sport bodies and infrastructure partners to support the development of financially sustainable, mixed-use district ecosystems.

Africa’s sport economy is projected to reach $20 billion by 2035, yet the continent continues to lack the integrated district ecosystems required to support large-scale development. ACG addresses this gap by originating bankable sport and entertainment district projects, moving beyond single-venue development models towards mixed-use, revenue-generating and financially sustainable district ecosystems.

Through its collaborative model, ACG convenes governments, PPP authorities and regulators, development finance institutions, private investors, developers, designers and engineers, legal and transaction advisors, operators, sport federations and leagues, event promoters, media and broadcast partners, academic institutions and host communities, creating structured pathways from concept to feasibility, bankability and delivery.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Collaborations Group (ACG).

Media contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

About African Collaborations Group (ACG): 
African Collaborations Group (ACG) (www.ACGafrica.com) is the leading strategic project origination and collaboration platform focused on the industrialisation of sport in Africa through the origination of bankable sport and entertainment district ecosystems. By convening governments, private-sector partners, development finance institutions, sport and entertainment stakeholders, and academic institutions, ACG creates structured pathways that transform concepts into investable and deliverable district projects across the continent.

Media files

.

Posted on

Recognise care work

Source: Government of South Africa

Recognise care work

Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, has called on African governments to move care work from the margins of economic policy and recognise it as essential infrastructure underpinning growth, employment and social development.

Addressing the African Union Commission’s inaugural Africa Care Forum in Addis Ababa on Wednesday, Letsike said Africa’s economies cannot achieve inclusive growth while childcare, healthcare, disability support, domestic work and other forms of paid and unpaid care remain undervalued and disproportionately carried by women.

“Care is not the soft edge of the economy; it is the infrastructure that makes the economy possible,” Letsike said.

The Deputy Minister is representing South Africa at the three-day Forum, which is currently underway under the theme: “Placing Care at the Centre of Africa’s Development Agenda”. The Forum seeks to advance an African care agenda and address the burden of unpaid care work.

Letsike urged governments to incorporate care into national planning, budgets and public investment, arguing that inadequate water, transport, childcare, healthcare and social protection systems effectively shift the cost of care onto women’s unpaid time.

“When water, transport, childcare, healthcare and social protection are absent, women’s time becomes the infrastructure. These burdens fall differently on rural, migrant and displaced women, women in informal settlements, women with disabilities, and queer women.”

She called for care systems that protect the rights and dignity of both those receiving and providing care, including through fair remuneration, safe working conditions, social protection and participation in decisions affecting care work.

Letsike warned against treating care as the sole responsibility of women and families, saying responsibility should be shared among households, men, communities, employers and the state.

“Ubuntu cannot mean that women must absorb every failure of the state and the market. It must mean that our shared humanity produces shared responsibility, expressed through institutions, budgets and decent work.”

Africa, she said, is not starting from scratch in developing a care economy, pointing to extended households, community health workers, early childhood programmes, home-based carers, domestic workers, disability organisations and cooperatives that have sustained communities through childhood, illness, disability, ageing and crisis.

She highlighted initiatives in Cabo Verde, Malawi, Ethiopia and Rwanda as examples that could inform national care systems, while noting that countries should develop approaches suited to their own circumstances.

“South Africa can build on social protection, community health services, early childhood development, home- and community-based care, school nutrition and the social sector of the Expanded Public Works Programme.”

However, she warned against romanticising community-based care where it continues to depend on women’s unpaid labour, low wages and limited protections.

Letsike said the economic contribution of care must be better measured through time-use, service and expenditure data so that it is reflected in policy and budgets, while warning against reducing care solely to its monetary value.

“We must make care economically visible without making dignity depend on a market calculation.”

Advancing the care economy 
The Deputy Minister said the continent already has a policy and legal foundation for advancing the care economy, including Article 13 of the Maputo Protocol, which recognises the economic value of women’s work in the home, as well as the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

She called for costed care plans to be incorporated into medium-term budgets, supported by care-budget tagging and expenditure reviews. Public investment should prioritise childcare, health, disability support and long-term care, alongside water, sanitation, energy and transport infrastructure that can reduce unpaid care work.
Letsike also proposed an African Care Financing Compact involving the African Development Bank, regional institutions, governments, workers and civil society to help scale viable care initiatives while protecting affordability, quality and decent work.

In addition, the African Continental Free Trade Area could support the care economy through regional value chains in assistive technologies, early childhood materials, care equipment and time-saving technologies.

The Deputy Minister further called for common African standards that recognise care as a right, public good and essential infrastructure, with Member States translating these principles into national institutions, legislation and budgets.

She also warned against a growing anti-democratic and anti-rights agenda seeking to reverse gains made over generations, saying efforts to advance care must protect women’s autonomy, the rights of persons with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex ( LGBTI )persons, workers’ rights and civil society participation.

The forum will conclude on Friday, 4 September 2026.  – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

0

Posted on

Minister Nzimande to embark on strategic visit to Gqeberha

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister Nzimande to embark on strategic visit to Gqeberha

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, will today embark on a two-day visit to Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.

The Minister’s visit will start with the National Research Foundation Awards tonight, where he will deliver a keynote address.

Held under the theme: “Building an Inclusive, Impactful and Transformed Research Future,” the awards recognise outstanding achievements by individual researchers and teams whose excellence has significantly advanced science for the benefit of society.

“Their internationally competitive work is assessed on, among other criteria, its contribution to the field of study, with a particular focus on quality and impact. 

“One of the objectives of the awards is to foster a sustained culture of advancing South Africa’s scientific knowledge and technological innovation by recognising those who use research to improve humanity,” the department said in a statement.

On Friday, the minister will undertake a strategic engagement and site visit to the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ), accompanied by Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Mayor Babalwa Lobishe and other senior provincial officials.

“The visit follows ongoing engagements between the department, the National Advisory Council on Innovation, and the Coega Development Corporation [CDC] on the potential establishment of a Science and Innovation Park [SIP] within the Coega SEZ.

“The proposed SIP seeks to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems and position CDC as a strategic node within the national innovation landscape,” the statement read. 

The Minister will also be briefed on the SEZ’s “infrastructure, capabilities and investment pipeline” and will engage with the corporation’s leadership on the “strategic potential of the proposed Science and Innovation Park.”

“The visit will also explore opportunities for collaboration aimed at advancing South Africa’s science, technology, innovation and industrialisation agenda.

“The proposed SIP concept is aligned with the DSTI’s priorities of expanding human capacity in Science, Technology and Innovation, scaling high-impact innovation programmes, advancing digital transformation, and supporting emerging sectors such as energy security and green hydrogen,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

6

Posted on

South Africa: Parliaments Must Turn Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) Commitments Into Real Change for Women and Girls

Source: APO


.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, has called on parliaments to strengthen their oversight of governments and ensure that commitments to end discrimination against women translate into tangible improvements in the lives of women and girls.

The Speaker made the call during her participation on September 2, 2026 in an Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) webinar on parliamentary engagement and oversight of the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

Nearly five decades after CEDAW was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979, discrimination, inequality and violence continue to affect millions of women and girls worldwide. The webinar underscored that adopting laws and making international commitments are not enough if they do not result in meaningful change.

Parliaments, through their legislative, oversight and budgetary responsibilities, have a critical role in closing the gap between commitments made under CEDAW and their implementation. The discussions highlighted the need for parliamentarians to scrutinise governments’ progress, identify implementation gaps, examine national CEDAW reports and follow up on recommendations arising from the international reporting process.

The webinar further emphasised that CEDAW reporting should not be treated merely as an international reporting obligation, but as an important accountability mechanism through which parliaments can assess whether commitments are delivering measurable improvements for women and girls.

For South Africa, this responsibility is reinforced by the Constitution’s commitment to equality, human dignity and freedom from discrimination. Parliament therefore has a central role in ensuring that legislation, public policy, government programmes and public spending advance substantive equality and the rights of women and girls.

The webinar also provided parliamentarians from IPU member countries with an opportunity to exchange experiences and strengthen parliamentary approaches to monitoring the implementation of CEDAW.

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

Posted on

Lutte Contre la Corruption : Malgre Certains Defis qui Demeurent, la Cote d’Ivoire a Enregistre des Progres Notables en 2024

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Côte d’Ivoire a enregistré des avancées significatives en matière de prévention et de lutte contre la corruption en 2024. Ces progrès ressortent du projet de Rapport d’évaluation 2024 des activités liées à la prévention et à la lutte contre la corruption et les infractions assimilées, présenté lors de l’atelier de validation ouvert, le lundi 31 août 2026 à Grand-Bassam, par la Haute Autorité pour la Bonne Gouvernance (HABG).

Réunissant pendant trois jours des représentants des institutions publiques, des ministères, du secteur privé et de la société civile, cet atelier vise à valider les résultats enregistrés en 2024 et à lancer le processus d’élaboration du prochain rapport d’évaluation.

Au niveau international, la Côte d’Ivoire a notamment amélioré son score à l’Indice de Perception de la Corruption (IPC) de Transparency International, passant de 40/100 en 2023 à 45/100 en 2024, soit une progression de cinq points, la plus importante enregistrée par le pays ces dernières années. Des avancées ont également été notées au niveau du Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), du CPIA et des Indicateurs Mondiaux de Gouvernance de la Banque mondiale.

Sur le plan de la prévention, le taux de déclaration de patrimoine a atteint 90,99 %, contre 83,03 % en 2023. La modernisation de l’administration s’est traduite par la digitalisation de 256 services publics et le déploiement de la signature électronique dans plusieurs administrations.

En matière de gouvernance financière, 5 510 marchés publics, pour un montant total de 1 403 milliards de FCFA, ont été approuvés en 2024, dans un contexte de renforcement des dispositifs d’audit et de contrôle. Concernant la répression, la HABG a traité 902 plaintes et dénonciations, en complément des milliers de signalements reçus par les autres structures spécialisées du dispositif national.

Ces résultats s’inscrivent dans le cadre des réformes engagées par le gouvernement sous l’impulsion du Président de la République, Alassane Ouattara, notamment avec l’adoption, le 12 juin 2024, de la première Stratégie Nationale de Lutte contre la Corruption 2024-2028, désormais cadre de référence de l’action nationale.

L’exercice d’évaluation répond par ailleurs aux missions confiées à la HABG par l’Ordonnance n°2013-661 du 20 septembre 2013, qui prévoit la transmission annuelle au Président de la République d’un rapport sur les activités de prévention et de lutte contre la corruption.

Malgré ces avancées, plusieurs défis demeurent, notamment la coordination interinstitutionnelle, la protection des lanceurs d’alerte, la poursuite de la digitalisation, la disponibilité de ressources spécialisées et le financement pérenne de la Stratégie Nationale de Lutte contre la Corruption.

Les travaux de Grand-Bassam doivent ainsi permettre de consolider les acquis et d’identifier les actions à renforcer. Ils marqueront également le lancement du processus d’élaboration du Rapport d’évaluation 2025-2026, notamment à travers le renforcement de la collecte des données auprès des différentes parties prenantes.

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

Media files

Posted on

Special Tribunal freezes municipal official pension following fraud investigation

Source: Government of South Africa

Special Tribunal freezes municipal official pension following fraud investigation

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed the freezing of a Greater Kokstad Local Municipality official’s pension fund following his alleged involvement in a R5.2 million fraudulent information technology (IT)  tender. 

The Special Tribunal granted the order after an SIU investigation into the matter found that municipal IT manager Yaw Owusu-Boakye was the owner of an IT company, Obytech Solutions, which was awarded the tender.

“The SIU investigation found that Owusu-Boakye allegedly manipulated the procurement process to secure the appointment of his company through fraudulent misrepresentations in its bid documents.

“The municipality made three payments to Obytech Solutions in respect of the software license renewal contract, including R1,227,875.55 on 5 March 2023; R2,815,652.74 on 26 July 2023; and a further R1,227,875.55 on 24 January 2025. The payments totalled R5,271,403.84,” the SIU said in a statement.

Furthermore, the unit’s investigation found that the municipality had “little or no value for money from the services provided by Obytech Solutions”.

“The investigation identified significant non-delivery under the contract, valued at R3,465,835, with proceeds allegedly used to fund personal expenses and lifestyle. He resigned in June 2025 after the SIU investigation began.

“On 31 March 2026, the SIU launched an application before the Tribunal seeking to review and set aside the…municipality’s decision to appoint Obytech Solutions to provide the three-year software license renewal services. The SIU is also seeking an order directing Obytech Solutions to repay the profits derived from the tender,” the statement read.

The corruption-busting unit was authorised to investigate two tenders of the municipality through Proclamation 244 of 2025.

“The preservation order forms part of the SIU’s efforts to implement investigation outcomes and ensure consequence management, including the recovery of financial losses suffered by state institutions as a result of corruption, fraud and maladministration.

“The SIU also refers evidence pointing to criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

4

Posted on

SACAA probes Springboks-All Blacks flypast after safety concerns

Source: Government of South Africa

SACAA probes Springboks-All Blacks flypast after safety concerns

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) is investigating Airlink’s flypast over the DHL Stadium ahead of last weekend’s international rugby fixture between the Springboks and the All Blacks.

The formation flyover over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium went viral on social media, prompting public concern and renewed scrutiny of the event.

“Following various media discussions relating to the events of the past weekend, the SACAA initiated compliance verifications, engaged the operator, obtained the flight data recording downloads, and requested additional information,” the Regulator said.

The Regulator said it has begun analysing the information and has asked the operator for further details before reaching an informed position.

A full report, including recommendations, will be shared with the operator once the SACAA has completed its assessment.

According to the Regulator, Airlink submitted three applications for flypasts related to the rugby matches. The flypast under review was the second of the three applications.

“The applications were submitted in line with the regulatory provisions governing non-passenger or cargo-carrying flights conducted in terms of Part 91.06.32.

“Following the SACAA approval, the first flypast took place on 22 August 2026 in Johannesburg, and the second one took place on 29 August 2026,” the Regulator said.

Meanwhile, the operator notified the Regulator on Tuesday that it was withdrawing its application for approval for a third flypast planned for this coming weekend.

The SACAA, which describes itself as the safety net of South African skies, assured the public that aviation safety and security compliance remain paramount and non-negotiable.

“South Africa has one of the most sought-after aviation talents in the world, and as a country we remain proud of our 0% record in fatal accidents in the commercial airline operations space for over four decades.

“This is a record we intend to uphold well into the future. It is therefore critical that we interrogate this past weekend’s events with clear minds and data at our disposal to determine whether there were any safety concerns that warrant a review, as we seek to continuously strengthen our safety standards,” the SACAA said.

South Africa is ranked seventh globally and first in Africa for aviation safety standards by the International Civil Aviation Organization, a United Nations specialised agency for civil aviation safety and security.

“This is achieved through a culture of compliance and a South African aviation industry that prioritises aviation safety and security,” the Regulator said. –SAnews.gov.za 

 

nosihle

8

Posted on

Repression of political opposition surges in post-election Zambia

Source: APO


.

Reports indicate alarming systemic violence, including widespread intimidation and the arrest of hundreds of opposition supporters, many of whom have been held beyond legally mandated timeframes without formal charges. 

Some also received disproportionate charges, including the senior opposition alliance leader Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu, who face “concocted charges” of treason, according to Gina Romero, the Special Rapporteur on the right to peaceful assembly and association, who issued a press release on Wednesday.

The offence is punishable by death under Zambian law. 

“Authorities must release all political detainees, respect fundamental freedoms, and restore democratic accountability,” stressed Ms. Romero. 

“A healthy democracy requires that all voices – including opposition members, religious leaders, civil society actors, and journalists – speak freely without fear,” she said.

Tumultuous elections 

Despite peaceful transfers of power since its return to multiparty democracy in 1991, Zambia’s most recent elections caused significant turmoil. 

The incumbent president Hakainde Hichilema and his party won the elections of 13 August, though his main competitor, Mr. Mundubile, claimed that the counting of the votes had been rigged. ​

Ms. Romero pointed to documented instances of voter intimidation, assaults, and abductions during the electoral process. 

Following the results of the election, Government authorities raided a house, resulting in an exchange of gunfire which fatally wounded former Zambian minister Mutotwe Kafwaya. 

11 people were also arrested in this raid, including senior opposition figures. They were accused of planning a coup with the help of foreign militia, which they have denied. 

UN human rights chief Volker Türk expressed concern at the time, calling on authorities “to stop arresting people arbitrarily.”

Long-lasting issues 

“This crisis reflects a broader pattern of shrinking civic space,” underscored Ms Romero.

Zambia has seen arbitrary arrests, disproportionate charges – including sedition and espionage – and restrictions on peaceful assembly for multiple years, she added. 

These violate international human rights standards under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 

The crackdown was further illustrated by the Government’s de facto cancellation of RightsCon – a summit focused on human rights and technology – which was meant to gather over 5,000 attendees in May of this year. 

Special Rapporteurs and other independent rights experts receive no salary from the UN or any other organization and serve entirely in their individual capacity. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.