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Furniture design capabilities to come to the fore 

Source: Government of South Africa

Furniture design capabilities to come to the fore 

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (dtic) Furniture Master Plan’s objectives of strengthening local manufacturing capability and expanding opportunities for small enterprises and emerging entrepreneurs will come to the fore at the annual Furniture Design Competition Awards.

To be addressed by Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams, the annual competition is this year being held under the theme: “Alien Invasive Species Wood.”

The dtic said the theme reflects a deliberate alignment with the objectives of the Furniture Master Plan. 

“By challenging designers to transform invasive timber into high-value, market-ready products, the competition advances key priorities of the Plan, namely strengthening local manufacturing capability, deepening skills development and expanding opportunities for small enterprises and emerging entrepreneurs. 

In doing so, this competition promotes innovation and sustainability within the sector and contributes to the development of more resilient and competitive value chains. Participants are therefore actively contributing to an industry-wide effort to unlock inclusive growth and create sustainable employment across design, manufacturing, and retail,” the department said in a statement on Thursday.

The Deputy Minister said the competition showcases the creativity of students and professionals.

“The Furniture Design Competition showcases the creativity of our students and professionals, introduces new products to the market, and elevates South African furniture on the global stage. The theme of this year’s competition, using invasive wood species, is a powerful example of how design can provide innovative solutions to national challenges while promoting sustainability.”

She added that at a strategic level, the furniture sector offers a compelling illustration of how design, innovation, and industrialisation intersect. 

“Design is more than aesthetics, it is a driver of competitiveness, differentiation, and value creation,” she said.

The ceremony which will be held on Friday, 27 March, will honour winners in two categories: Student and Established Manufacturers. 

The Student category is open to design students registered at South African educational institutions, while the Established Manufacturers category is open to manufacturing businesses with in-house design capabilities.   

The furniture industry plays a pivotal role in advancing economic growth, industrialisation and creating jobs. 

As a significant contributor to the country’s manufacturing sector, which accounts for 0.95% of manufacturing Gross Domestic Product and 1.6% of manufacturing employment, the dtic supports and promotes the industry’s role in boosting trade, small businesses, and positioning South Africa as a globally competitive market for both furniture manufacturing and design.

The ceremony will be held at the Homemakers Fair in Kyalami Grand Prix and International Expo Centre in Midrand. It will be held in partnership with industry stakeholders including the South African Furniture Initiative (SAFI), the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), and Proudly South African. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Canon Technology Powers Nollywood Music Drama Evi Ahead of African Premiere event and Nigeria-Wide Cinema Release

Source: APO

  • Imaging excellence boosts African storytelling with local narratives driving Nollywood’s global appeal
  • African premiere event in Lagos, Nigeria set for 22 March ahead of Nigeria-wide cinema release on 27 March 2026

Canon Central and North Africa (https://Canon-CNA.com/) is fuelling the creative energy of African cinema, as its cinema cameras and lenses take centre stage in the production of the much-anticipated Nollywood music drama, EVI. An exclusive African premiere event of the film will take place on 22 March 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, bringing together select filmmakers, industry leaders, and media ahead of the film’s Nigeria-wide cinema release on 27 March 2026.

As African films gain worldwide recognition, filmmakers are increasingly turning to advanced imaging technology to deliver cinematic visuals that resonate with audiences across the globe.

The production was filmed using the Canon C400 cinema camera and professional lenses, delivering vivid colour and striking image clarity. The technology is designed to highlight the richness and natural beauty of African skin tones while meeting the demanding standards of global cinematic production. EVI demonstrates how professional cinema camera systems are enabling African directors and storytellers to produce films that rival international productions.

Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director for Canon Central and North Africa, said, “Canon’s cinema camera technology is helping filmmakers tell the powerful, authentic stories that make African cinema unique. Evi is a shining example of how the right tools allow creatives to capture the emotion, vibrancy, and rich visuals at the heart of African storytelling.”

Directed by Uyoyou Adia, produced by Judith Audu with Barnabas Emordi as the Cinematographer, Evi is a vibrant music drama that blends music, performance, and narrative to explore themes of identity, ambition, second chances and resilience. The film boasts a strong cast – including Osas Okonyon, Uzor Arukwe, Omowunmi Dada, Ibrahim Suleiman, Femi Branch, Ariyiike Dimples Owolagba, VJ Adams, and celebrated singer Waje – bringing the story to life with dynamic, heartfelt performances. Canon’s cinema cameras and lenses were instrumental in capturing the film’s energy and emotion, ensuring it met the high production values expected of world-class cinema.

Following the exclusive premiere event on 22 March, Evi will premier in cinemas across Nigeria on 27 March 2026, marking an exciting moment for Nollywood audiences and highlighting the growing global momentum of African storytelling.

As Nollywood continues to expand its global footprint, productions like Evi demonstrate how creative storytelling combined with advanced imaging technology is helping elevate production standards and strengthen the growing impact of Nigerian storytelling on the global stage.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/4rGllhQ) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: https://Canon-CNA.com

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Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF): Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruling affirms compliance with regulations and backs stability of international competitions

Source: APO


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Following the announcement by the CAF Appeal Board, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) (https://FRMF.ma) welcomes the decision, which reaffirms the primacy of competition regulations and reinforces the conditions necessary for the proper conduct of international tournaments.

From the outset, following the incidents that led to the interruption of the match, the FRMF maintained a clear and consistent position: the strict application of the governing regulations. The Federation’s approach was solely guided by this principle.

Following its appeal, CAF has now confirmed that the applicable regulations were not properly enforced.

Throughout the process, the FRMF acted in full compliance with all relevant legal and procedural frameworks, with a constant focus on upholding its rights and preserving the integrity of the competition.

This decision provides clarity on the applicable framework and strengthens the consistency and credibility of international competitions, particularly within African football.

The FRMF remains committed to the consistent and fair application of competition regulations across all continental and international bodies. It now turns its focus to the upcoming sporting calendar, including the FIFA World Cup and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for this summer.

The FRMF also commends all participating nations in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which once again highlighted the strength and dynamism of African football.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football.

FRMF

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President Ramaphosa mourns passing of Diplomat and Former Presidential Advisor Nicholas “Fink” Haysom

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of Mr Nicholas “Fink” Haysom, human rights lawyer, former Chief Legal Advisor to President Nelson Mandela and United Nations representative in diverse roles.

President Ramaphosa extends his condolences to Mr Haysom’s family and friends, his former colleagues in The Presidency and government more broadly, as well as his associates on the continent and colleagues in the United Nations. Mr Haysom has passed away at the age of 73.

Mr Haysom served as chief legal and constitutional advisor to President Mandela from 1994 to 1999.

He chaired a committee that negotiated constitutional principles in the Burundi Peace Process under President Mandela.

He was a mediator and advisor in the Sudan Peace Process and served the United Nations in different roles, including as Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Afghanistan, Somalia, and South Sudan. He also headed the UN Mission in Iraq.

President Ramaphosa said: “Today we mourn a distinguished diplomat and a pioneer of our democratic administration whose commitment to justice and peace made our country, our continent and the world a better place.

“I remember him for applying his legal acumen, mentorship, wisdom and integrity to the development of our Constitution – attributes that underscored his role in peace-making on our continent and in other world regions.

“As we commemorate Human Rights Month, we pay tribute for Fink for his dedication to human rights and the dignity of all people in all the parts of the world where his guidance was deeply respected and sought-after.

“We reflect on the rich breadth of his life of law, scholarship and creativity, which established him as a writer and, in 1987, as South African Playwright of the Year.

“We are obligated to honour his contribution to our nation and the international community by upholding the fundamental rights and maintaining the peace he advocated so passionately and eloquently.”

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Participates in Consultative Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Group of Arab and Islamic Countries on Iranian Aggression

Source: Government of Qatar

Riyadh, March 19, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani participated in the Consultative Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Group of Arab and Islamic Countries on Iranian Aggression, which was held in Riyadh.

The meeting was also attended by foreign ministers and representatives of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the sisterly Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the sisterly United Arab Emirates, the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the sisterly Republic of Turkiye, the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic, the sisterly State of Kuwait, the sisterly Republic of Lebanon, and the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt.

The meeting, convened by Saudi Arabia to discuss Iranian escalation and enhance regional coordination to protect the region’s stability, strongly condemned the Iranian missile and drone attacks, deeming them a violation of sovereignty and international law. It held Iran fully responsible for the losses, calling for an immediate and unconditional cessation of aggression and adherence to Security Council resolutions.

The meeting also stressed the danger of supporting militias and destabilizing security, and that Iran must work seriously to reconsider its wrong calculations, and that its continued violation of the principles of good neighborliness and the sovereignty of states will have dire consequences for it first and foremost, and for the security of the region, and will cost it dearly, casting a shadow on its relations with the countries and peoples of the region, who will not stand idly by in the face of threats to their capabilities.

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Qatar Sends Ninth Identical Letter to UN, UNSC Regarding Iranian Aggression on its Territory

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, March 19, 2026

The State of Qatar sent its ninth identical letter to HE Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres and HE Permanent Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the month of March, Michael Waltz, regarding the latest developments of the Iranian aggression on its territory. This aggression constitutes a flagrant violation of its national sovereignty, a direct threat to its security and territorial integrity, and an unacceptable escalation that jeopardizes the security and stability of the region.

The letter was sent by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani.

The letter noted that from the beginning of the attack on the State of Qatar on February 28, 2026, until March 16, 2026, its air defense systems have intercepted several hostile aerial targets, pointing out that civilian injuries resulted from these heinous attacks.

It stated that all damages and losses resulting from the attacks will be assessed by the relevant authorities, noting that further updates would be provided as they become available.

The letter emphasized that these attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran continued even after the Security Council adopted Resolution 2817 (2026), co-sponsored by 136 countries, which condemned in the strongest terms Iran’s heinous attacks on the State of Qatar and neighboring countries, and demanded an immediate end to all such attacks.

It also reiterated the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation of this targeting and its full right to respond in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, a right affirmed by Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), in a manner commensurate with the nature of the aggression, in defense of its sovereignty and to safeguard its security and national interests.

The State of Qatar also requested that this letter be circulated as an official document of the Security Council.

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Qatar Declares Iranian Embassy Military, Security Attaches "Persona Non Grata"

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, March 18, 2026

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered an official note to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the State, stating that Qatar considers both the military attache and the security attache at the embassy, in addition to the staff of the two attache offices “persona non grata”, and requests that they leave the country within a maximum period of (24) hours.

This came during a meeting held Wednesday between HE Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim Yousif Fakhro, and HE Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the State Ali Salehabadi.

The ministry explained that this decision comes in response to repeated Iranian targeting and the blatant aggression against the State of Qatar, which violated its sovereignty and security, in a flagrant breach of the principles of international law, United Nations Security Council Resolution No. (2817), and the principles of good neighborliness.

The ministry stressed that the continuation of this hostile approach by the Iranian side will be met with additional measures by the State of Qatar, in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security, and national interests.

The ministry affirmed that the State of Qatar reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security, in accordance with the provisions of international law.

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Amapá’s Strategic Push into Caribbean Energy: Brazil’s Northern Frontier in Spotlight at Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026

Source: APO

The Amapá Economic Development Agency will bring Brazil’s northern frontier into Caribbean energy conversations at Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026, where Wandenberg Pitaluga Filho, the agency’s president, is set to address delegates on strategic investment, logistics and cross‑border energy opportunities.

Amapá’s interest in the energy sector has grown alongside federal exploration initiatives in Brazil’s Equatorial Margin – a deepwater frontier stretching along the northern Atlantic coast that includes the offshore area north of the state. In October 2025, Brazilian state‑owned oil firm Petrobras received an environmental operating license from the country’s environmental regulator IBAMA to drill an exploratory well in Block FZA‑M‑059, located roughly 175 km off the coast of Amapá. The operation, focused on gathering geological data, marks a significant milestone for northern Brazil’s entry into frontier exploration.

This milestone reflects broader efforts by Amapá to tie its economic development strategy to emerging energy opportunities. The state government and the Amapá Economic Development Agency have actively engaged with industry players and engineering firms on logistics and port infrastructure planning, including feasibility studies for offshore support facilities that could serve oil and gas operations. In late 2025, Amapá officials held technical meetings with DTA Engenharia Portuária to evaluate possible offshore port locations between Santana and Calçoene – a project aimed at creating dedicated logistics capacity for offshore energy activity.

For Caribbean energy stakeholders, Amapá’s combination of exploration progress and infrastructure planning shows how subnational actors can turn geographic proximity and federal initiatives into regional linkages. With offshore developments in Suriname and Guyana ramping up to the north, Amapá’s emerging ports, logistics hubs and service‑support capacity could become a key bridge for integrating Brazilian capabilities into the Caribbean energy value chain.

Brazil itself remains a heavyweight in the energy landscape. As Latin America’s largest oil producer with deep technical expertise and a robust oilfield services ecosystem, the country’s industrial and logistics networks could complement Caribbean basin operations, offering scale and synergies for complex offshore campaigns.

Through its participation at CEW 2026, the Amapá Economic Development Agency will present these opportunities to international investors and regional policymakers, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening cross‑border trade, expanding port infrastructure, and fostering collaboration between Brazilian companies and operators active in the Guyana–Suriname basin.

With offshore exploration ramping up along Brazil’s northern coast and growing investment in Guyana and Suriname, regional collaboration is increasingly central to the Caribbean energy landscape. Amapá’s participation at CEW positions the state as a practical partner in connecting production, services and investment across borders, integrating Brazil’s northern frontier into the emerging Caribbean energy corridor and demonstrating its role in building the infrastructure and partnerships that will shape the region’s next wave of development.

Join us in shaping the future of Caribbean energy. To participate in this landmark event, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

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

Media files

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Home Affairs reform sees recognition of Muslim marriage officers 

Source: Government of South Africa

Home Affairs reform sees recognition of Muslim marriage officers 

The Department of Home Affairs has delivered another important reform to advance equality and fairness for the Muslim faith community by ensuring that Muslim marriage officers are recognised on the same basis as other religious marriage officers under the Marriage Act 25 of 1961.

Following the introduction in 2024 of marriage certificates that recognised Muslim marriages for the very first time, a new directive issued by the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, now means that Muslim religious leaders – certified as Marriage Officers – will no longer be required to reapply for certification every five years. 

This brings their recognition in line with other faith communities, which are also certified for an unlimited period, without the need for administratively burdensome renewals.

“For many years, Muslim marriage officers were subject to a renewal requirement that did not apply to other religious groups. The five-year limitation was originally introduced as a temporary measure, while new marriage legislation was being developed,” the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement.

In the statement on Thursday, the Ministry added that the Marriage Bill is still to be promulgated.

The Minister’s decision follows engagement with relevant stakeholders, who raised the issue with him.

“This decision ensures that all marriage officers, including Muslim marriage officers, are treated on equal terms. Coming in the wake of our implementation of marriage certificates recognising Muslim marriages for the first time in 2024, this reform reaffirms the commitment of Home Affairs under the Government of National Unity to deliver dignity for all members of our diverse South African society, including the Muslim faith community,” Schreiber said.

The Department of Home Affairs will communicate further administrative guidance to stakeholders regarding the implementation of the decision. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Mahlobo calls for science-driven action to tackle water crisis

Source: Government of South Africa

Mahlobo calls for science-driven action to tackle water crisis

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has underscored the critical role of academic institutions in shaping solutions to South Africa’s water challenges.

Delivering the keynote address at a recent Water Imbizo hosted by the University of South Africa (UNISA), Mahlobo described the country’s water challenges as structural and systemic in nature, saying that coordinated and science-based interventions are essential to addressing the crisis.

While South Africa remains water-scarce, Mahlobo noted that current shortages are largely driven by ageing and deteriorating infrastructure, weak governance, declining municipal capacity, pollution, and persistently high levels of non-revenue water, which stands at approximately 47%.

“This is not just a resource challenge. It is a governance, infrastructure and capability challenge that demands coordinated action across the entire system,” the Deputy Minister said.

Mahlobo emphasised that water security is both a constitutional obligation and a developmental and economic imperative, underpinning public health, food security, industrial growth and human dignity.

He warned that without decisive intervention, increasing demand, climate variability and inefficiencies will place growing strain on already vulnerable water systems.

The imbizo was positioned as a key national platform, bringing together government, academia and sector stakeholders to advance practical, evidence-based responses to the country’s water crisis.

Highlighting the importance of academia, Mahlobo said the country’s response must be firmly grounded in scientific evidence, innovation and technical expertise.

“Universities and research institutions must be at the centre of our national response. We need solutions that are informed by data, guided by science and capable of being implemented at scale.”

He called for a decisive shift from research to implementation, arguing that while South Africa has sufficient knowledge and innovation, it faces challenges in translating these into tangible outcomes.

“We must close the gap between knowledge and delivery. Scientific capability must find expression in municipal systems, infrastructure operations and the daily management of water services.” 

The Deputy Minister also reiterated that government cannot achieve water security alone, calling for a whole-of-society response that brings together government, academia, industry and communities in a coordinated national effort.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to stabilising the sector through infrastructure investment, improved municipal performance, strengthened oversight and coordinated interventions under the National Water Crisis Committee chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Mahlobo urged all South Africans to recognise water security as a shared national responsibility, and to actively support efforts to protect and sustain the country’s limited water resources. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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