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South Africa to host final G20 Science Advisers Roundtable of its Presidency

Source: APO


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On 21 September 2025, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) in collaboration with its entity, the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI), will host the G20 Chief Science Advisers’ Roundtable (CSAR) in Pretoria, bringing together science advisers and their equivalents from the G20 member and guest countries, along with international organisations.

This follows the CSAR’s technical meeting in Pretoria in April 2025, which resulted in a draft zero Outcome Statement that served as the basis for negotiations at three virtual intersession consultation meetings held in July, August, and early September 2025.

The CSAR is a meeting of the G20 science advisers and their equivalents to discuss shared scientific priorities and seek collective solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges. These include climate change, growing inequality, and the slow progress in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Building on the foundation laid by India during its 2023 G20 Presidency, CSAR 2025 is designed to foster inclusive global science advice. It supports high-level policy dialogue among chief science advisers from across the G20, enabling them to shape a shared global science, technology and innovation agenda and align STI policies with sustainable and equitable development.

This Roundtable, which will be held alongside the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG) on 21-22 September and the G20 Research and Innovation Ministerial Meeting on 23 September 2025, will primarily discuss and endorse the Outcome Statement.

This year’s CSAR provides an excellent chance for South Africa to highlight its perspectives in shaping inclusive global STI advisory systems, as well as to contribute to the development of science advise capacity across the developing world.

It will be hosted under the theme “Equity-based science, technology and innovation for inclusive human development and global sustainability”.

The priorities for this roundtable are the development and promotion of a global STI agenda to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enable a just, equitable and inclusive energy transition as well as working towards a global knowledge system that is equitable and open to all.

Furthermore, the priorities also include leveraging G20 STI initiatives to strengthen STI capacity-building initiatives in developing countries, particularly in Africa.

The Roundtable will have two sessions as follows:

Date: Sunday, 21 September 2025

  • Session 1 (09:00 –13:00, Maslow Time Square Hotel, Pretoria)
    • This will be a formal, closed session for Chief Science Advisers and their equivalents (government representatives) from the G20 and guest countries. The meeting will discuss and endorse the Outcome Statement.
  • Session 2 (15:00 –17:00, CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria)
    • This will be an open knowledge sharing session focused on the importance of science, technology and innovation (STI) advisory mechanisms and capacity-building platforms for the G20, Africa, and the developing world.

Additional participants in the open session include representatives from science advice institutions such as the International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA), selected STI policy institutions, universities, and research councils.

The CSAR 2025 is positioning the country as a hub for high-level global discussions on science, technology and innovation (STI).

For more information, follow the updates by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation or visit www.dsti.gov.za.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.

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Macpherson welcomes blacklisting of 40 contractors

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has welcomed the move by the department’s entity, the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), to blacklist 40 contractors from doing business with the department and its entities.

The blacklisting spans from June 2024 to date. Macpherson said this sends a clear signal that the department is serious about acting against non-performance and it means that these contractors are now prohibited from bidding for tenders or being awarded work by the department. 

The Minister said this aligns with his vision of ensuring that the department is a professional and highly functional delivery unit, capable of providing high-quality economic infrastructure that will grow the economy and create jobs.

“The move to blacklist these non-performing contractors is exactly what we promised South Africans when I took office – that those who underperform or engage in corruption will be held accountable and removed from the system.

“The CIDB’s action to blacklist these contractors means we have put our words into action and send a clear message: the days of impunity are over… This is why we are turning over a new leaf by restoring accountability, cleaning up the industry, and ensuring public money delivers quality infrastructure that communities can rely on,” the Minister said.

The department is also refining its own processes to ensure that the blacklisting of non-performing companies happens more swiftly, and to recover money from contractors in order to safeguard public funds.

“Over the last year, we have worked to strengthen the department by filling key vacancies, introducing new accountability mechanisms, and tightening our procurement processes. These 40 blacklistings are proof that our reforms are working, but we are not done yet. 

“We are expediting our work to clean up the department and its entities to ensure that we can play a key role in building a better country for all South Africans,” Macpherson said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government commits to fighting GBVF

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities says the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) remains one of the most urgent human rights and social justice challenges facing South Africa.

“Too many victims and survivors continue to encounter barriers when seeking justice, ranging from stigma and secondary victimisation to slow judicial processes and a lack of adequate support services.

“Access to justice for victims and survivors of GBVF is not only a constitutional right but also a moral imperative.

“It demands that victims and survivors are empowered to report abuse in safe and supportive environments, that their cases are investigated thoroughly, and that perpetrators are held accountable without fear or favour,” the department said in a statement.

Government, civil society, and all social partners have a shared responsibility to ensure that justice is victim-friendly, survivor-centred, accessible and responsive. This includes expanding specialised GBVF courts and victim-friendly police services; strengthening free legal aid and psychosocial support for victims, and training all service providers within the criminal justice system dealing with GBVF matters, including the police, prosecutors, magistrates, intermediaries, court preparation officers, court clerks, and health care providers to handle cases with sensitivity, urgency, agility and professionalism. This also extends to ensuring that protection services and shelters are available, particularly for women, children and individuals with disabilities.

The department says promoting awareness and messaging campaigns linked to rebuilding social cohesion and challenging misconceptions about the justice system is key to ensuring that all communities are aware of their rights and the available avenues for justice. 

“No victim and survivor should suffer in silence or be revictimised by the very systems meant to protect them. Breaking the cycle of GBVF requires a justice system that is accessible, fair, and firmly committed to ending impunity. 

“As a nation, we reaffirm our dedication to improving access to justice for all victims and survivors of GBVF. 

“Together, we must build a society where victims and survivors are protected, perpetrators are held accountable, and the rights of women and girls are fully defended and upheld,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA, US strength trade relations

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has held talks with United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer, in Washington DC, as part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive to strengthen economic ties with South Africa’s key trade partner.

The meeting, which followed three days of technical discussions between senior officials from both sides, focused on priority issues in the bilateral trade relationship. 

Tau and Greer agreed on a roadmap to guide future engagements towards concluding ongoing processes.

“I will be briefing President Cyril Ramaphosa on the outcomes of the discussions and will then engage various stakeholders,” Tau said after the meeting.

The Minister remains in the US this week to support President Ramaphosa in trade-related engagements with American stakeholders, including members of Congress. President Ramaphosa will lead the South African delegation to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York from 23 – 29 September.

READ | President Ramaphosa to lead SA delegation to UNGA80

The United States is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, with total trade reaching US$15.1 billion in 2024. South Africa exported goods worth US$8.2 billion to the US last year, while imports from the US stood at US$6.9 billion. More than 600 US companies operate in South Africa, while over 22 South African firms are based in the US. — SAnews.gov.za

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Le Bénin mis à l’honneur à la New York Fashion Week : Un jour « Bénin » riche en promesses

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le samedi 13 septembre 2025 restera une date importante pour la mode béninoise. Car le Bénin, représenté par l’Agence de Développement des Arts et de la Culture (ADAC), a été mis en lumière lors de la New York Fashion Week (NYFW) en bénéficiant d’une journée entièrement dédiée à son potentiel créatif. 

L’évènement qui a réuni des professionnels du secteur, des passionnés de mode américains et internationaux ; a servi de tribune stratégique pour l’ADAC représentée par son  Directeur Général, William CODJO afin de présenter le potentiel béninois dans la mode: le savoir faire local, le textile “Made in Benin”, les talents émergents et de souligner la mission du gouvernement de structurer et de promouvoir cette filière à l’échelle internationale. 

Un des temps forts a été le défilé de mode de deux créateurs de la diaspora béninoise, Paulin BÉDOU et Jamal CHLEUH de la marque Rosyne Club, qui ont captivé le public américain et international. 

Paulin BÉDOU, bijoutier d’origine béninoise basé au Maroc, a particulièrement attiré l’attention. Son travail se distingue par des bijoux qui sont de véritables sculptures portables, alliant poésie, symbolisme et finesse artisanale. Il fusionne avec brio la tradition et l’esthétique contemporaine. Cette démarche singulière a été reconnue par de prestigieuses maisons, avec notamment l’entrée de ses créations au Royal Mansour à Marrakech. 

De son côté, Rosyne Club, marque née à Cotonou et ayant grandi entre Paris et Montpellier, a présenté une collection inspirée du monde entier. La marque  puise son inspiration dans les motifs et les textures de son pays pour incarner une mode africaine moderne. Elle se positionne comme une marque de ceux qui veulent s’habiller avec conscience, en embrassant à la fois la culture urbaine, le savoir-faire made in Benin et l’énergie des grandes villes d’Europe. 

Cette participation a été facilitée grâce au partenaire Orun, une agence ivoirienne spécialisée dans la mise en valeur des talents africains qui a pris en charge la mobilité des créateurs. 

Cette journée à la NYFW va au-delà du symbolique. Elle ouvre la voie à une visibilité et crée des opportunités de rencontres. Elle envoie également un signal fort que le gouvernement du Bénin entend faire de la mode une industrie capable d’assurer son rayonnement sur la scène mondiale.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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Le Bénin dévoile l’identité visuelle de sa marque-pays : « Bénin, un Monde de Splendeurs »

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La République du Bénin révèle aujourd’hui la nouvelle identité visuelle de sa marque-pays, marquant une étape historique dans la valorisation de son image sur la scène internationale. Pensée comme un pont entre héritage et modernité, cette identité visuelle traduit l’essence même du Bénin : une nation fière de son passé, ouverte sur l’avenir et consciente de la richesse unique de sa culture.

Le nouveau . puise son inspiration dans les symboles les plus emblématiques du pays :

  • Amazones : ancien régiment militaire au sein du royaume du Danxomè, elles incarnent le courage, la résilience et la bravoure.
  • Bio Guera : héros de la résistance nationale, il symbolise l’honneur, le patriotisme et la détermination.
  • Guèlèdé : masque rituel et festif inscrit au patrimoine immatériel de l’UNESCO, il célèbre la féminité, la maternité et l’ingéniosité artistique.
  • Egungun : symbole du riche patrimoine Vodun dont le Bénin est le berceau, il exprime le lien profond entre les vivants et les ancêtres.
  • Tata Somba : habitats traditionnels fortifiés du nord du Bénin, ils incarnent la créativité architecturale, la protection et l’harmonie entre l’homme et son environnement.

Les couleurs adoptées pour cette identité visuelle reprennent celles du drapeau national – vert, jaune et rouge – auxquelles s’ajoutent le jaune ocre, symbole de la richesse de la terre, et le bleu, rappelant la mer et l’horizon. Elles incarnent à la fois :

  • La vitalité des paysages et des atouts touristiques,
  • La diversité culturelle et artistique du pays,
  • La force d’innovation qui guide le Bénin vers l’avenir.

M. Sindé Chékété, Directeur Général de l’Agence Bénin Tourisme, déclare : 

« Avec cette nouvelle identité visuelle, le Bénin réaffirme sa volonté de se positionner comme une nation moderne et inspirante, profondément fière de ses racines et résolument ouverte sur le monde. Elle incarne la richesse d’un pays qui conjugue héritage, créativité et ambition. »

Cette identité visuelle sera désormais au cœur de la communication et du rayonnement international du Bénin. Elle accompagnera les grands événements et les initiatives de promotion de la Destination. 

Le . officiel de la marque-pays Bénin peut être téléchargé dès aujourd’hui sur https://www.benin.bj/.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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President Ramaphosa to lead SA delegation to UNGA80

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this week lead a South African delegation to the High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York from 23 to 29 September 2025.

To be held under the theme: “Better together: 80 Years and more for peace, development and human rights”, this landmark session coincides with the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter.

President Ramaphosa will use this critical platform to advance a progressive agenda for a more just, peaceful and equitable world order.

Advancing a vision for peace and multilateralism

President Ramaphosa will address the General Debate on Tuesday. His address will champion robust multilateralism, the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the unwavering protection of human rights for all. He will carry a clear message from the Global South, amplified by South Africa’s current role as Chair of the G20.

The delegation will engage on urgent international issues, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza, conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the war in Ukraine and other geopolitical tensions.

South Africa will leverage its proven reputation as a trusted mediator to build bridges between opposing sides and advocate for dialogue over discord.

Championing UN reform and sustainable development

A central pillar of South Africa’s agenda is the comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council to make it more representative, democratic and effective. South Africa will assertively advance the three core pillars of the UN Charter: peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights.

Building on its G20 mandate to shape global economic solutions, South Africa will argue forcefully for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy. 

The delegation will spotlight the disproportionate impact of current global challenges on developing nations and push for enhanced international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Key engagements

On the margins of the General Debate, President Ramaphosa and the delegation will participate in several pivotal meetings, including:

  • The inaugural Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy.
  • The G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting.
  • A high-level meeting on the two-State solution in Israel/Palestine.
  • Trade and investment discussions with leading US captains of the Industry and other key US decision makers.

The President will be accompanied and supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chukunga; the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George; the Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa; the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele. – SAnews.gov.za

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Over 100 suspects arrested during crime prevention outreach in Mthatha

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, September 21, 2025

The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster’s Crime Prevention Outreach in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, has resulted in the arrest of more than 100 suspects.

The programme, led by JCPS Ministers, included community engagements, school visits, raids on liquor outlets, stop-and-search operations, roadblocks, and parolee compliance inspections.

On Friday, various government departments, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Correctional Services, the Department of Home Affairs, and municipal traffic services, carried out joint operations. These efforts led to:

  • 56 wanted suspects arrested for serious crimes, including rape, murder, attempted murder, and armed robbery.

  • 45 suspects arrested for other offences.

  • 642 vehicles searched.

  • 687 individuals searched.

  • 75 undocumented foreign nationals arrested.

  • Traffic fines amounting to R35 700 issued.

  • Eight dangerous weapons seized.

  • One firearm recovered.

  • 23 suspects arrested for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and two for selling liquor without a licence.

The operations formed part of Operation Shanela II, under which Eastern Cape police have, since 1 April 2025, confiscated 756 illegal firearms and more than 8 000 rounds of ammunition. Of these, 181 firearms and 1 804 rounds of ammunition were seized within the OR Tambo District Municipality.

Deputy National Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, said Operation Shanela II continues to make progress in tackling crime.

“These ongoing operations, which focus on high-visibility policing, stop-and-searches and the tracing of wanted suspects, have resulted in thousands of arrests and the recovery of firearms, drugs, and stolen property across the country,” said General Mosikili. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA, China to host Trade and Investment Promotion Conference

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi will on Tuesday address the South Africa-China Trade and Investment Promotion Conference to be held at the Galagher Convention Center in Midrand, Johannesburg.

“The conference aims to foster strategic partnerships, enhance bilateral trade and explore investment opportunities between South Africa and China.

“It will also bring together senior business leaders and government representatives from China, and prominent South African companies across key sectors,” said the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in a statement.

The Chinese delegation will include 400 leading enterprises, which will also exhibit their products at the venue, from 23-25 September 2025. – SAnews.gov.za 

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UN chief sounds alarm over worsening crisis in Sudan’s El Fasher

Source: APO – Report:

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El Fasher has been under a tightening siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for more than 500 days, with attacks against civilians intensifying in recent weeks. The majority of residents in the nearby Abu Shouk displacement camp have reportedly fled following relentless shelling and raids.

“The fighting must stop now,” Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement issued by his spokesperson.

He reiterated his call for “an immediate cessation of hostilities in El Fasher, as well as for the respect and protection of civilians and for the facilitation of safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access.”

The UN chief also stressed that safe passage must be assured for civilians wishing to leave voluntarily.

Mosque attack

The Secretary-General’s warning followed an attack on a mosque in El Fasher on Friday that reportedly killed dozens of civilians during morning prayers.

UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan Denise Brown said she was “gravely alarmed” by the strike, stressing that international humanitarian law demands the protection of religious sites and those worshipping in them.

“It is also a war crime to intentionally direct attacks against buildings dedicated to religion. This attack, reportedly carried out by the RSF, must be investigated and the perpetrators held accountable,” she said in a separate statement.

Humanitarian emergency

Conditions in El Fasher and its surrounding camps have worsened dramatically since famine was identified in the area last year.

The risk of ethnically motivated violence is also rising as fighters advance deeper into the city.

Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which has raged since April 2023 and claimed thousands of lives and forced millions more from their homes.

Call for global action

Mr. Guterres urged both sides to swiftly engage in dialogue to halt hostilities and return to negotiations for a sustainable political solution.

tHe also called for “concerted international action in support of the people of Sudan” as world leaders gather in New York next week for the UN General Assembly.

The Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, “stands ready to support genuine efforts to end the conflict and establish the inclusive political process that the people of Sudan demand,” the statement said.

– on behalf of UN News.