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Merck Foundation declared Ghana First Lady as Ambassador of “More than a Mother” to build healthcare capacity, break infertility stigma, and support girl education

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, officially launched their programs in Ghana in partnership with H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana and Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, during the Merck Foundation Ghana Alumni Summit 2026.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign emphasized, “I am delighted to meet our long-term partner and my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, First Lady of the Republic of Ghana and to honor her outstanding contribution as the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. We also formally launched the Merck Foundation programs in the country and underscored our commitment towards building healthcare and media capacity, patient care landscape transformation, breaking infertility stigma and supporting girl education, together in the country.

I am proud to share that we have to date provided 257 scholarships for local Ghanaian healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, with the aim to establish a strong platform of skilled and specialized healthcare providers across Ghana’s healthcare sector nationwide.”

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp added, “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patient care landscape through our scholarships program.” 

H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, First Lady of the Republic of Ghana expressed, “It is a pleasure to welcome and meet the Chairman and CEO of Merck Foundation in our country. Together, we officially launched our joint programs and celebrated important milestones reflecting the great success of our partnership in building healthcare capacity, transforming patient care, breaking infertility stigma and supporting girl education. 

Our partnership has enabled us to provide 257 scholarships for our healthcare providers nationwide, reaching not only the capital city but communities across the country. This is a huge achievement for us.

Moreover, through Educating Linda Program, we are also providing annual scholarships for our 40 high-performing yet underprivileged Ghanaian schoolgirls, to help them complete their education. Educating and empowering young girls is one of the most powerful investments we can make towards building stronger families, thriving communities, and a brighter future for our nation.”

Merck Foundation has overall provided more than 2,600 scholarships for healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved specialties from over 52 countries.

During the Summit, Merck Foundation alumni shared inspiring testimonies on how these scholarships have transformed their professional journeys and improved patient care in their communities.

Moreover, Merck Foundation Awards Ceremony was also held where the Winners of the Merck Foundation Awards 2024 and 2025 were acknowledged by Merck Foundation Chairman, Merck Foundation CEO together with Ghana First Lady.

“It was a pleasure meeting and celebrating our winners, the health and social champions, who are the voice of the voiceless”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Out of the total 257 scholarships provided for Ghanaian healthcare providers;

  • 89 scholarships have been provided for one-year postgraduate diplomas and two-year master’s degrees in Diabetes, Endocrinology, Preventive Cardiovascular and Obesity & Weight Management, under the Merck Foundation Nationwide Diabetes and Hypertension Blue Points Program.
  • 69 scholarships have been provided for Fertility Specialty and Embryology training in India, one year PG Diploma and two-year MSc in Sexual and Reproductive care, Urology, Women’s Health and Family Medicine. This will play a vital role in breaking infertility stigma.
  • 12 scholarships have been provided for healthcare providers for Oncology and Cancer Management.
  • 87 scholarships have been provided for 1 year PG Diploma and 2 Years Master Degree in other various critical and underserved specialties like Acute Medicine, Respiratory Care, Critical care, General Surgery, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Emergency & Resuscitation Medicine, Gastroenterology, Infectious diseases, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Neuroimaging for Research, Pain Management, Rheumatology, Neonatal Medicine, Paediatrics and Child Health, Care of the Older Person and more.

The summit was also attended by the beneficiaries of Educating Linda.

“The young girls shared powerful testimonies about how these scholarships have positively transformed their lives. Listening to their journeys and learning about the impact these scholarships have had on their education, confidence, and future aspirations was truly inspiring and deeply moving” added Dr. Kelej.  

In partnership with the First Lady of Ghana, Merck Foundation has also launched seven children’s storybooks: “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future”, “Sugar Free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure” to raise awareness about critical social and health issues among young children. 

During the occasion, several copies of the storybooks were also signed by the The First Lady of Ghana, Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, making the initiative even more special for the participants and young children present. Thousands of copies will be distributed across schools in Ghana. These storybooks have also been adapted into animation films to further enhance their impact.

Merck Foundation, together with the First Lady of Ghana, also organizes annual Online Health Media Training for the Ghanaian journalists and also launches annual awards for media, musicians, filmmakers, and fashion designers to encourage creative talents to raise awareness about important social issues. To date, more than 125 Ghanaian talents have been recognized through the Awards.

During the Summit, Merck Foundation CEO and Ghana First Lady also announced the Call for Application for their 2026 Awards.

Details of the Awards:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

2. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026:  All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

6. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

7. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

8. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

Apply here: https://apo-opa.co/4uMkeiX

Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to:

submit@merck-foundation.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

More Images: https://apo-opa.co/42WAOAv

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

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About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4fd3CMl), X (https://apo-opa.co/4v9jm7J), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4uyih9F), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4v85RVU), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4vg7QaN) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4u2A87F).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

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Qatar Strongly Condemns Targeting of Kuwait with Missiles And Drones

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | May 28, 2026

The State of Qatar strongly condemns the targeting of the sisterly State of Kuwait with missiles and drones, considering it a blatant violation of its sovereignty and a flagrant breach of international law.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses the need to spare the region the consequences of these unjustified attacks and to work towards de-escalation in order to restore regional and international security and stability.

The Ministry reiterates the State of Qatar’s full solidarity with the State of Kuwait and its support for all measures taken by Kuwait to preserve its sovereignty and security.

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Speech by Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, at the First International Security Forum in Moscow, Russia

Source: President of South Africa –

Tuesday, 26 May 2026: 14h00 – 15h30

1. Power of cooperation for the health of nations 

Health response cooperation and coordination has become an integral pillar of international security in the post- COVID-19 pandemic era. As a country, South Africa had interesting insights on health cooperation and coordination during her tenure as the African Union COVID-19 champion.   These insights include mechanisms to promote fair access to vaccines and strategies focused on strengthening pandemic preparedness. With the recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease, we are focused on improving cross-border disease-surveillance systems.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, we witnessed improved global heath cooperation that resulted in the development and availability of life saving vaccines. The pace with which Covid-19 vaccines were developed indicated that with cooperation, it is possible to resolve endemic diseases. Therefore, with cooperation, it should be possible to eradicate epidemics such malaria, TB, cholera, HIV/ Aids, Ebola other regional epidemics. 

In the current global order, global health cooperation is always witnessed on diseases that affect the global north, leaving Africa and to some extent Asia to their own devices. For example, the Central – East Africa region is experiencing another outbreak of Ebola but the global North have opted to not only watch but we are witnessing the diversion of flights with passengers from the region, without any response to the call for support by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) of the African Union. 

Even when vaccines became available during the COVID-19 pandemic, the global North opted to hoard the vaccines for their own nations in total violation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) principles. When the global South applied for patents waivers at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to develop their own Covid-19 vaccines, even  our supposed allies in the global North opposed our patent waiver applications.

Therefore, Forums like the International Security Forum cannot just talk about the power of cooperation for the health of nations without also focusing on building resilience and regional response capacity of the global South. South Africa has just pledged US$5 million to the CDC to deal with the current Ebola outbreak – how much is the International Security Forum mobilising to help Africa address Ebola? 

South Africa is driving several initiatives such as a partnership to establish Africa’s first end-to-end, multi-vaccine production plant that will produce oral cholera vaccines, and later expanding to include vaccines for polio, pneumonia, and meningitis. Once fully operational, Biovac will have a production capacity of up to 40 million doses annually, significantly bolstering Africa’s healthcare resilience and supply chain security. The plant is scheduled for completion by 2028.

There is an urgency for all regions and countries to have capacity for robust early warning mechanisms to enable timely information sharing so that the international community can mount coordinated responses to health emergencies. A health emergency in one region can quickly morph into a global health emergency due to the benefits of globalisation.

Furthermore, Integrated digital health technologies (including AI-enabled diagnostics and data platforms) are enabling faster detection and more effective containment of outbreaks, although geopolitical competition and unequal access to these tools continue to undermine collective efforts, particularly between developed and developing regions.

Health must be insulated from global geo-political contestations through ensuring that health cooperation, access to WHO programmes and pandemic related products must not be conditioned on unrelated political concessions or resource deals.

2. Disinformation and manipulation as tools of the west’s hybrid war against the global majority for maintaining hegemony

Disinformation and information manipulation have become core instruments of hybrid warfare, used to shape narratives, influence political outcomes and secure strategic advantage without crossing the threshold of open armed conflict. Conflicts in different regions demonstrate how state and non-state actors combine coordinated media campaigns, cyber operations and targeted online messaging to steer public opinion and to contest control of information environments. Multiple competing operations often run in parallel, seeking to influence perceptions, governance models and economic partnerships. This demonstrates that the global disinformation landscape is multi-directional and highly contested, with the global majority frequently serving both as the target and the terrain of these campaigns.

South Africa has faced sustained disinformation campaigns during its elections, on foreign and domestic policy decisions. The so called “white genocide” narrative campaign radicalises farm murders to claim a systematic extermination of white people, amplified by international far-right networks at state and non-state levels.  Disinformation must be understood as a shared global threat; reducing it to a geographical label risks oversimplifying the challenge and obscuring the wider international dynamics at play. South Africa’s strategic interest lies in protecting its information sovereignty while maintaining balanced international relationships, ensuring that external narratives and influence do not compromise national decision making or social cohesion.

We have observed the contribution of digital media and artificial intelligence (AI) as theatres and tools of disinformation and misinformation. We are currently reviewing our information and related policies to compel digital platforms to:

– Disclose the AI generated content carried on their platforms (AI content branding), and 
– Prohibit the publication of Fake and Misleading News about South Africa

Furthermore, we are working to provision for the government Fact-Check capability to proactively debunk deepfakes, fake and misinformation and provide correct facts against the fake news. We are also developing a “Quick Guide” to assist government communicators in effectively countering misinformation, disinformation and malinformation.

Thursday, 28 May 2026: 09h30 – 12h30

1. Challenges and threats to international security in the context of the emergency of the multipolar world 

We meet at a moment when the international security environment is shaped by overlapping crises such as persistent armed conflicts, geo-economic pressures, technological disruptions and accelerating impacts of climate change. At the same time, power is diffusing. The world is moving from a largely unipolar system to a more complex, multipolar order in which several centres of power (including the United States, China, Russia, India, the European Union and key regional groupings) exert significant influence on global affairs. South Africa’s view is that multipolarity in itself is not a threat. Properly managed, it can create space for a more equitable and representative international system in which the Global South has a stronger voice. The danger lies in how this transition is unfolding, with heightened strategic rivalry, fragmented responses to crises, and a weakening consensus on multilateral rules and norms.

We see this in the deterioration of trust between major powers, the paralysis in some multilateral forums and the growing temptation to use unilateral measures, including sanctions and extraterritorial policies that often have unintended consequences for developing countries. Ongoing conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East, have deepened polarisation between blocs and exposed fault lines in the global governance system. For South Africa, whose foreign policy is grounded in non-alignment, constitutional values and the primacy of international law, these developments underscore the need to defend the United Nations Charter, sovereign equality and the peaceful settlement of disputes. As outlined in our National Security Strategy, national and international security cannot be separated from human security, economic justice and the credibility of multilateral institutions. 

In this emerging multipolar world, South Africa’s strategic interest is to help rebuild consensus on fair, rules-based multilateralism; to work with all partners, North and South, on issues such as the climate, cyber threats, illicit financial flows and pandemics; and to ensure that competition between major powers does not come at the expense of the African continent. Our message is clear: Multipolarity must not mean multi-conflict or multi-standards. It must mean shared responsibility, consistent respect for international law, and a greater voice and agency for the Global South in shaping the future of global security governance.

Thursday, 28 May 2026: 12h30 – 14h00

1. BRICS coordination on international issues

South Africa regards BRICS as a critical forum where we focus on matters of common interest and mutual benefits, and where we prepare our shared approaches to a rapidly changing global landscape.  We meet at a time when geopolitics has once again taken centre stage and is affecting and impacting on the development of all, which makes purposeful coordination of our international positions more important than ever.

South Africa supports the view that we must reinforce the way we do things through both BRICS and the multilateral system of the United Nations.  Coordination of international positions among BRICS is not about creating an alternative to existing institutions; it is about deepening our internal alignment so that our engagement with those institutions is more effective and more reflective of the realities and aspirations of the Global South. At the same time, we recognise and respect that each BRICS member retains its own national interests, constitutional mandates and legal obligations. Our goal, therefore, is alignment where possible, and mutual understanding and transparency where full agreement is not yet attainable.

Our coordination should be rooted in a shared understanding of the challenges we face. As we have said in the past, challenges of instability, terrorism, cyber attacks or economic coercion that undermines development and human security are not unique to any one country.  This shared exposure underpins our effort to craft coordinated positions that are guided by international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and a strong preference for the peaceful settlement of disputes and dialogue over confrontation.

In practice, this means that when we discuss global crises, we should consistently highlight their spill over effect on African peace and development, food and energy security and argue for solutions that strengthen, rather than side-line regional organisations such as the African Union.  South Africa’s approach to coordination of international positions within BRICS is guided by three principles.  First, that coordinated positions must strengthen multilateralism and the UN centred rules-based order not erode it.  Second, that they must translate into concrete contributions to global peace, resilience and sustainable development, particularly for the most vulnerable.  Thirdly, that they must broaden the space for the Global South, especially Africa, to shape decisions that have historically been taken without us.

2. Middle East Crisis

The situation in the Middle East remains tense due to the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict and a fragile ceasefire between the United States (US) and Iran. In Palestine, the Gaza strip continues to experience violence, exacerbated by a severe humanitarian crisis and mass displacements. While large-scale civilian attacks have stopped, implementing Phase II of the ceasefire faces political challenges, which hinders the broader diplomatic road map for stability. 

As the war between Israel and the US on one side and Iran on the other enters its fourth month, the objectives of the US/ Israel to eliminate Iran’s leadership and instigate regime change remain unfulfilled. This is largely due to Iran’s fierce resistance, which the US and Israel underestimated when they initiated the war. Despite the assassination of high-ranking Iranian officials, Iran’s military capability remains largely intact, and its hard-line position has been strengthened.

The war remains uncertain under the fragile ceasefire and relentless threats of renewed attacks from both sides. Pakistan-led diplomatic efforts to end the war are ongoing but intermittent, with both sides reluctant to make major concessions due to deep mistrust. The warring parties continue to exchange proposals, often changing their goalposts frequently.

The dual naval blockade by the US and Iran of the Strait of Hormuz remains in place, severely disrupting global shipping. Both Iran and the US continue to attack ships in and around the strait. The intensified military deployments by both sides have turned this critical chokepoint into a no-go zone. Furthermore, threatens to expand its leverage in the Strait of Hormuz to include vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure. Iran plans to target and disrupt fibre-optic subsea communication cables in the Strait. Such sabotage could impact global technology companies such as Google, Microsoft, Meta and Amazon, adding a catastrophic digital dimension to the blockade of the strait. Digital disruptions could negatively impact communications, financial transactions, social media, e-commerce and streaming services. The possibility of the war transitioning from threatening global energy to posing a risk to digital infrastructure could lead to a global digital catastrophe. 

Thus, the situation remains volatile and unpredictable due to significant areas of divergence, with neither side willing to make concessions. The Strait of Hormuz will continue to be a contested maritime chokepoint, used as a strategic pressure point, with control of the passage leverage for broader negotiations. The repeated ceasefire violations in this area, coupled with the diplomatic deadlock, suggests that the possibility of returning to a full-scale war cannot be discounted.

South Africa, like other countries in the world will continue to bear the brunt of rising energy prices, inflation, and a high cost of living. Consequently, the Republic will persist in calling for an end to the war and a negotiated settlement to bring stability to the region. Regarding Palestine, South Africa will support initiatives from the international community aimed at creating a credible pathway toward establishing Palestinian Statehood within the 1967 borders, alongside Israel, with East Jerusalem as its capital. 

3. Food and energy security issues 

Food and energy security have become defining issues of our time.  Together, BRICS countries and new partners are responsible for 40-45% of global food production, about one-third of the world’s agricultural land and close to 40% of global water resources, making this grouping a central pillar of global food security and an indispensable actor in the energy transition.  Yet, in 2025 an estimated 673 million people still faced hunger, while climate change, price volatility and conflict continue to erode the resilience of food and energy systems, particularly in the Global South.

Within BRICS, we increasingly recognise that food and energy security cannot be treated in isolation.  Evidence from our own countries shows how energy shortages, water stress and climate shocks directly undermine agricultural output and food access, and how unbalanced growth patterns can amplify these vulnerabilities.  For South Africa and Africa as whole, this nexus is very real; droughts, rising input costs and fuel price spikes translate rapidly into higher food prices, lost livelihoods and deepened inequality.

South Africa’s Musa Plan use data driven research and collaborative resource mobilisation to support efforts to end food poverty and food insecurity.  Just Energy Transition Investment Plan has attracted around 13.5 billion USD in international pledges to scale renewable manufacturing, grid and transmission upgrades and skills development across the transition value chain.

Food and energy security should be treated as a strategic area of BRICS cooperation where we link three strands of work.  First, coordinated trade and investment that supports resilient agricultural value chains and sustainable energy systems, including through South-South technology transfer, sustainable trade frameworks, and responsible investment in critical minerals and agricultural supply chains.  Second, joint innovation; sharing best practice on drought resistant crops, water efficient irrigation, renewable powered agro-processing and storage, including risk management tools that help buffer our populations from price spikes and climate disasters.  Third, common advocacy in global forums for fairer rules on agricultural trade, climate finance and energy transition support, so that our countries are not forced to choose between development, food on the table and climate ambition.

Our objective as South Africa is for BRICS to turn our combined potential into real security for our peoples. This mean working with partners to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to ensure stable and affordable energy for households and industry, and to build systems that can withstand the shocks what we know are coming.

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Seitlholo visits Kai !Garib Municipality over water and sanitation challenges

Source: Government of South Africa

Seitlholo visits Kai !Garib Municipality over water and sanitation challenges

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo will on Friday undertake a working visit to the Kai !Garib Local Municipality in the Northern Cape to engage municipal leadership on critical water and sanitation challenges affecting communities in the area.

The visit follows the latest Blue and Green Drop regulatory assessments, which indicate that water and sanitation services within the municipality have regressed to a critical state.

Among the key issues to be discussed are the municipality’s debt obligations to the Vaal-Orange Catchment Management Agency (VOCMA) and Water User Associations (WUAs) in the Northern Cape.

According to the Department of Water and Sanitation’s 2026/2027 Budget Vote recently tabled in Parliament, municipalities across South Africa owed approximately R23 billion to Water Boards and Water User Associations as of 31 March 2026. In response, the department has committed to intensify support interventions in the worst performing municipalities.

The Ministry has also initiated coordinated engagements with Premiers, MECs responsible for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), and mayors across the country to improve payment compliance and service delivery.

Communities within the Kai !Garib Municipality continue to experience frequent water supply interruptions and challenges relating to drinking water quality. To address these concerns, the Department of Water and Sanitation has commenced a feasibility study for the proposed Kakamas Bulk Water Supply Project.

The project is expected to improve access to fresh water supply in Kakamas town and surrounding areas, including Alheit, Marchand, Augrabies, Lutzburg, Cillie, Riemvasmaak, as well as nearby commercial farming communities.

During the visit, the Deputy Minister will also engage the municipality on measures to address contamination of watercourses due to poor wastewater systems. The ongoing malfunctioning of sewage infrastructure has resulted in continuous sewage overflows from manholes, pump stations, stormwater systems, and oxidation ponds in areas such as Kakamas, Keimoes, Kenhardt and Vredesvallei. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Authorities intercept drugs worth R998.2 million at Beitbridge Port of Entry

Source: Government of South Africa

Authorities intercept drugs worth R998.2 million at Beitbridge Port of Entry

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, has commended border guards and law enforcement agencies following the successful interception of a massive drug consignment with an estimated street value of approximately R998.2 million at the Beitbridge Port of Entry. 

During a stop and search operation on Wednesday, the border guards intercepted a truck travelling from Malawi into South Africa. The truck was subjected to a non-intrusive inspection through the cargo scanner, during which suspicious substances were detected.

This prompted officials to conduct an extensive physical search of the truck, which lasted approximately eight hours. During the operation, officials discovered a substance identified as methaqualone (ABBA), commonly used in the manufacturing of Mandrax.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) K-9 Unit, together with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, was immediately activated to assist with processing the crime scene and further investigations.

The authorities confirmed that the truck was loaded with approximately 713 000 grams of the substance. The estimated street value of the consignment is R998 200 000.

Three suspects were arrested during the operation and are currently detained at the Musina Police Station. They are expected to appear in court soon on charges relating to drug trafficking and contravention of South African laws.

Investigations are currently underway to determine the intended destination of the substance and whether the syndicate forms part of a broader transnational criminal network operating within the region or globally.

Commissioner Masiapato said the interception demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led border security operations and the importance of integrated collaboration among law enforcement agencies.

“This interception sends a strong message that South Africa’s borders are not a safe passage for organised criminal activities. The BMA remains committed to strengthening border security, combating transnational crime, and protecting the country from illicit activities that threaten our communities and economy,” Commissioner Masiapato said.

The BMA continues to enhance its operational capabilities through the use of advanced technology, intelligence coordination and strategic partnerships to secure South Africa’s borders.

The Authority further commends all officials and stakeholders involved in the successful operation for their vigilance, professionalism and commitment to safeguarding the country. – SAnews.gov.za

                                               

Edwin

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Social Grant beneficiaries urged to switch to Black Cards before deadline

Source: Government of South Africa

Social Grant beneficiaries urged to switch to Black Cards before deadline

Postbank has reminded all social grant beneficiaries currently using South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Gold Cards to urgently replace them with the new Postbank Black Cards before the 31 August 2026 deadline. 

In a statement on Wednesday, Postbank said there was only two grant payment months left before SASSA Gold Cards stop working, and beneficiaries are encouraged not to wait until the last minute as delays and long queues may occur closer to the deadline date. 

Failure to replace the SASSA Gold Cards before the deadline may result in beneficiaries being unable to access their social grant payments using the old cards. 

Postbank has warned that the deadline to replace SASSA Gold Cards will not be extended. 

“The window period for replacing SASSA Gold Cards is closing fast and we are concerned that many beneficiaries may think that they still have sufficient time, or the period will be extended. 

“Anyone without a Black Card after the deadline will need to first obtain a new card before they can access payments,” Postbank Chief Commercial Officer, Thami Cele, said. 

Cele said that Postbank is making a special appeal to social grant beneficiaries to get their new cards while there is still time. 

The replacement process is free of charge and can be completed at designated Postbank service points in participating retail outlets nationwide. 

The agency reminded beneficiaries that:

  • The replacement of SASSA Gold Cards with Postbank Black Cards is free of charge. 
  • Existing Gold Cards will no longer function after the deadline. 
  • Beneficiaries must carry a valid ID or temporary ID when collecting the new card. 
  • Black Cards can be collected from any Postbank site inside selected retailers that include Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick n Pay, Boxer and Spar stores. Dial *120*355# to locate a nearby card collection site. 
  • Cards can be collected from any province, even if that is not the province in which a person’s SASSA grant got approved. 
  • Postbank Black Cards work immediately upon issue, and there is no need to go to a SASSA office once you have received your new card. Any funds balance currently in a customer’s Gold Card will automatically be reflected. 
  • Beneficiaries are urged to remain vigilant against scams and ensure that the Black Card they are being offered is written Postbank in the front. If it’s not written Postbank, then it is a scam. 
  • No forms are required and if you are asked to complete, or sign any form, the card is not a Postbank Black Card. Don’t accept it, and call Postbank’s toll-free number for help. 

Beneficiaries may contact Postbank on 0800 5354 55 for more information. 

Postbank said it remains committed to ensuring that beneficiaries continue receiving their grants safely, securely, and without interruption. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Hon. Senator Heineken Lokpobiri to Speak at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as Nigeria Posts Record $18.2B Investment Surge

Source: APO


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Hon. Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Federal Republic of Nigeria, has been confirmed as a featured speaker at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, where he is expected to outline Nigeria’s accelerating upstream transformation and its expanding role as one of Africa’s leading oil and gas investment destinations.

Nigeria’s energy sector has recorded one of its strongest investment cycles in a decade, driven by regulatory reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), improved fiscal incentives and renewed confidence from international oil companies (IOCs) and indigenous operators.

In 2025 alone, Nigeria approved 28 new Field Development Plans valued at $18.2 billion, unlocking an estimated 1.4 billion barrels of crude oil reserves, according to government disclosures. These approvals mark a decisive shift toward accelerating project execution timelines and reversing years of stalled upstream development.

Lokpobiri has consistently credited this momentum to reforms under the PIA, alongside faster licensing processes and investment-friendly fiscal adjustments. Speaking in Abuja earlier this year, he noted that Nigeria secured four of seven major Final Investment Decisions in Africa between 2024 and 2025, positioning the country as a leading upstream investment hub on the continent.

A central pillar of this resurgence is Shell’s Bonga deepwater complex, where the company has taken a $5 billion final investment decision on the Bonga North project, a subsea tie-back expected to add over 300 million barrels of recoverable resources and significantly boost long-term output from the FPSO hub. The development is widely viewed as a benchmark for Nigeria’s renewed deepwater competitiveness.

Meanwhile, ExxonMobil’s planned investment in the Usan deepwater oil field is expected to inject up to $1.5 billion between 2025 and 2027, supporting production revitalization through new drilling and infrastructure upgrades.

Alongside IOC-led expansion, Nigeria’s indigenous producers are increasingly central to near-term output growth, with Heirs Energies targeting up to 100,000 barrels per day as it ramps up development across its onshore Niger Delta portfolio, including OML 17. This momentum is complemented by Seplat Energy’s optimization of its expanded onshore portfolio following the ExxonMobil acquisition, reinforcing the growing role of local operators in stabilising production and driving Nigeria’s short-term output gains.

Lokpobiri is also expected to highlight Nigeria’s broader energy transition framework at AEW 2026, which seeks to balance oil production growth with gas monetization, domestic refining expansion and increased local content participation. His policy messaging has consistently emphasized that Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is structured to accommodate both IOCs and a growing base of indigenous operators.

“Nigeria is once again proving what is possible when policy meets execution,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Under leaders like Heineken Lokpobiri, we are seeing renewed seriousness about production, investment and getting projects across the line – from deepwater developments to indigenous-led growth. This is exactly the kind of momentum Africa needs: not promises, but barrels, projects, and bankable deals.”

As AEW 2026 prepares to convene policymakers, investors, and operators from across Africa and beyond, Lokpobiri’s address is expected to serve as one of the defining policy moments of the conference – spotlighting Nigeria’s resurgence at the center of Africa’s upstream growth story and its ambition to convert recent investment momentum into sustained production gains.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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L’honorable sénateur Heineken Lokpobiri prendra la parole lors de l’African Energy Week 2026 alors que le Nigeria enregistre une hausse record des investissements de 18,2 milliards de dollars

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


L’honorable sénateur Heineken Lokpobiri, ministre d’État chargé des ressources pétrolières (pétrole) de la République fédérale du Nigeria, a été confirmé comme orateur vedette de l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, où il devrait présenter la transformation accélérée du secteur amont au Nigeria et le rôle croissant de ce dernier en tant que l’une des principales destinations d’investissement dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier en Afrique.

Le secteur énergétique nigérian a connu l’un de ses cycles d’investissement les plus soutenus de la dernière décennie, porté par les réformes réglementaires prévues par la loi sur l’industrie pétrolière (PIA), l’amélioration des incitations fiscales et le regain de confiance des compagnies pétrolières internationales (CPI) et des opérateurs locaux.

Rien qu’en 2025, le Nigeria a approuvé 28 nouveaux plans de développement de champs d’une valeur de 18,2 milliards de dollars, débloquant ainsi environ 1,4 milliard de barils de réserves de pétrole brut, selon les informations communiquées par le gouvernement. Ces autorisations marquent un tournant décisif vers l’accélération des délais d’exécution des projets et le renversement de plusieurs années de stagnation dans le développement en amont.

M. Lokpobiri a toujours attribué cette dynamique aux réformes menées dans le cadre de la PIA, ainsi qu’à l’accélération des processus d’octroi de licences et aux ajustements fiscaux favorables aux investissements. S’exprimant à Abuja plus tôt cette année, il a souligné que le Nigeria avait obtenu quatre des sept principales décisions d’investissement définitives en Afrique entre 2024 et 2025, positionnant ainsi le pays comme un pôle d’investissement en amont de premier plan sur le continent.

Le complexe en eaux profondes de Bonga, exploité par Shell, constitue un pilier central de cette renaissance. La société a en effet pris une décision d’investissement finale de 5 milliards de dollars pour le projet Bonga North, un raccordement sous-marin qui devrait ajouter plus de 300 millions de barils de ressources récupérables et stimuler considérablement la production à long terme du hub FPSO. Ce développement est largement considéré comme une référence pour la compétitivité renouvelée du Nigeria en eaux profondes.

Par ailleurs, l’investissement prévu par ExxonMobil dans le champ pétrolier en eaux profondes d’Usan devrait injecter jusqu’à 1,5 milliard de dollars entre 2025 et 2027, soutenant la revitalisation de la production grâce à de nouveaux forages et à la modernisation des infrastructures.

Parallèlement à l’expansion menée par les sociétés pétrolières internationales (IOC), les producteurs locaux nigérians jouent un rôle de plus en plus central dans la croissance de la production à court terme, Heirs Energies visant jusqu’à 100 000 barils par jour alors qu’elle accélère le développement de son portefeuille onshore dans le delta du Niger, y compris l’OML 17. Cette dynamique est complétée par l’optimisation par Seplat Energy de son portefeuille terrestre élargi à la suite de l’acquisition d’ExxonMobil, renforçant ainsi le rôle croissant des opérateurs locaux dans la stabilisation de la production et la stimulation des gains de production à court terme du Nigeria.

M. Lokpobiri devrait également mettre en avant le cadre plus large de la transition énergétique du Nigeria lors de l’AEW 2026, qui vise à équilibrer la croissance de la production pétrolière avec la monétisation du gaz, l’expansion du raffinage national et une participation accrue du potentiel local. Son message politique a toujours souligné que le secteur pétrolier et gazier du Nigeria est structuré pour accueillir à la fois les compagnies pétrolières internationales (IOC) et une base croissante d’opérateurs locaux.

« Le Nigeria prouve une fois de plus ce qu’il est possible de réaliser lorsque la politique va de pair avec l’exécution », a déclaré NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie. « Sous la houlette de dirigeants tels que Heineken Lokpobiri, nous constatons un regain de sérieux en matière de production, d’investissement et de réalisation des projets – des développements en eaux profondes à la croissance menée par les acteurs locaux. C’est exactement le type de dynamique dont l’Afrique a besoin : pas de promesses, mais des barils, des projets et des accords bancables. »

Alors que l’AEW 2026 s’apprête à réunir des décideurs politiques, des investisseurs et des opérateurs de toute l’Afrique et d’ailleurs, le discours de Lokpobiri devrait constituer l’un des moments politiques marquants de la conférence – mettant en lumière le retour du Nigeria au cœur de la croissance du secteur amont africain et son ambition de convertir la dynamique d’investissement récente en gains de production durables.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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O Exmo. Senador Heineken Lokpobiri será orador na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, numa altura em que a Nigéria regista um aumento recorde de 18,2 mil milhões de dólares em investimentos

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Exmo. Senador Heineken Lokpobiri, Ministro de Estado dos Recursos Petrolíferos (Petróleo) da República Federal da Nigéria, foi confirmado como orador de destaque na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, onde se espera que delineie a transformação acelerada do setor upstream da Nigéria e o seu papel crescente como um dos principais destinos de investimento em petróleo e gás de África.

O setor energético da Nigéria registou um dos seus ciclos de investimento mais fortes da última década, impulsionado por reformas regulatórias ao abrigo da Lei da Indústria Petrolífera (PIA), melhores incentivos fiscais e uma confiança renovada por parte das empresas petrolíferas internacionais (IOCs) e dos operadores locais.

Só em 2025, a Nigéria aprovou 28 novos Planos de Desenvolvimento de Campos no valor de 18,2 mil milhões de dólares, desbloqueando reservas estimadas em 1,4 mil milhões de barris de petróleo bruto, de acordo com informações divulgadas pelo governo. Estas aprovações marcam uma mudança decisiva no sentido de acelerar os prazos de execução dos projetos e reverter anos de estagnação no desenvolvimento do setor upstream.

Lokpobiri tem atribuído consistentemente este impulso às reformas ao abrigo da PIA, a par de processos de licenciamento mais rápidos e ajustamentos fiscais favoráveis ao investimento. Falando em Abuja no início deste ano, ele observou que a Nigéria garantiu quatro das sete principais Decisões Finais de Investimento em África entre 2024 e 2025, posicionando o país como um centro de investimento líder no setor a montante no continente.

Um pilar central deste ressurgimento é o complexo de águas profundas Bonga da Shell, onde a empresa tomou uma decisão de investimento final de 5 mil milhões de dólares no projeto Bonga North, uma ligação submarina que deverá adicionar mais de 300 milhões de barris de recursos recuperáveis e impulsionar significativamente a produção a longo prazo do centro FPSO. O desenvolvimento é amplamente visto como uma referência para a renovada competitividade da Nigéria em águas profundas.

Entretanto, o investimento planeado pela ExxonMobil no campo petrolífero em águas profundas de Usan deverá injetar até 1,5 mil milhões de dólares entre 2025 e 2027, apoiando a revitalização da produção através de novas perfurações e melhorias nas infraestruturas.

A par da expansão liderada pelas IOC, os produtores locais da Nigéria assumem um papel cada vez mais central no crescimento da produção a curto prazo, com a Heirs Energies a visar até 100 000 barris por dia à medida que acelera o desenvolvimento do seu portfólio onshore no Delta do Níger, incluindo a OML 17. Este impulso é complementado pela otimização da Seplat Energy do seu portfólio terrestre expandido na sequência da aquisição pela ExxonMobil, reforçando o papel crescente dos operadores locais na estabilização da produção e na promoção dos ganhos de produção a curto prazo da Nigéria.

Espera-se também que Lokpobiri destaque o quadro mais amplo de transição energética da Nigéria na AEW 2026, que procura equilibrar o crescimento da produção de petróleo com a monetização do gás, a expansão da refinação doméstica e o aumento da participação do conteúdo local. As suas mensagens políticas têm enfatizado consistentemente que o setor de petróleo e gás da Nigéria está estruturado para acomodar tanto as IOCs como uma base crescente de operadores locais.

«A Nigéria está mais uma vez a provar o que é possível quando a política se alia à execução», afirmou NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia. «Sob a liderança de figuras como Heineken Lokpobiri, estamos a assistir a uma renovada seriedade em relação à produção, ao investimento e à concretização de projetos – desde desenvolvimentos em águas profundas até ao crescimento liderado por operadores locais. Este é exatamente o tipo de impulso de que África precisa: não promessas, mas barris, projetos e acordos financeiramente viáveis.»

À medida que a AEW 2026 se prepara para reunir decisores políticos, investidores e operadores de toda a África e além, espera-se que o discurso de Lokpobiri constitua um dos momentos políticos marcantes da conferência – destacando o ressurgimento da Nigéria no centro da história de crescimento do setor a montante em África e a sua ambição de converter o recente impulso de investimento em ganhos de produção sustentados.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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SunTrust Atlantic Energies Brings Niger Delta Expansion Strategy to African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as Gold Sponsor

Source: APO


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Nigeria-based SunTrust Atlantic Energies will participate at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Gold Sponsor, reinforcing the company’s growing profile as one of the Niger Delta’s most active indigenous upstream operators. Scheduled for October 12–16 in Cape Town, the event is set to provide SunTrust Atlantic with a platform to showcase its drilling campaign, infrastructure strategy and regional growth ambitions across West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.

Having emerged as Africa’s premier energy investment event, AEW 2026 will convene operators, financiers, policymakers and service companies to advance project development and energy access across the continent. SunTrust Atlantic’s participation comes as Nigerian independents increasingly leverage the fiscal incentives introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act to expand services, accelerate production and strengthen local infrastructure ownership in mature onshore basins.

SunTrust Atlantic has accelerated upstream activity through a multi-year drilling campaign centered on the Umusadege field in OML 56, onshore Delta State. In February last year, the company and joint-venture partner Midwestern Oil & Gas commenced drilling operations on the Umu-C2 development well, targeting deeper untapped reservoirs to offset natural production decline across mature zones of the field.

The Umu-C2 well was designed as a slightly deviated development well targeting all primary oil-bearing sands within the Umusadege Central culmination. Planned to reach a total depth of 10,859 feet, the well forms part of a broader redevelopment strategy launched in 2024 to sustain production efficiency and improve long-term reservoir recovery across the structurally complex onshore asset.

SunTrust Atlantic currently maintains a baseline production average of approximately 10,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) from the Umusadege field through 20 production strings across 17 active wells. Since commercial production commenced, the field has produced more than 54.1 million barrels of crude oil. The asset contains 13 known multi-horizon hydrocarbon reservoirs requiring intensive seismic interpretation and directional drilling programs.

Alongside OML 56, SunTrust Atlantic is advancing development of the Egbolom field under the petroleum prospecting license 202, securing during Nigeria’s 2020 marginal field bid round. The company holds a 35.82% participating interest in the asset, which was carved out of the former OML 23 block. The field is estimated to contain 220 million barrels of stock take oil initially in place and approximately 85 million barrels of recoverable 2P reserves.

The company’s infrastructure pipeline position remains a major differentiator among Niger Delta independents. SunTrust co-owns the 51.4-km Umugini Pipeline, a 12-inch crude excavation line with a nameplate capacity of 100,000 bpd. The pipeline links the Umusadege field to Shell Nigeria’s trunkline network at Eriemu, allowing crude evacuation through both the Forcados and Brass export terminals under dual-terminal agreements.

“SunTrust Atlantic Energies’ participation at African Energy Week 2026 reflects the growing strength and ambition of indigenous Nigerian operators driving the continent’s upstream expansion. Their continued investment in production growth, infrastructure ownership and redevelopment demonstrates exactly the type of African-led energy development that AEW was created to champion,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

Looking ahead, SunTrust Atlantic is positioning itself to capitalize on Nigeria’s revised fiscal framework under the Petroleum Industry Act, which offers royalty and tax incentives for marginal field operators. The company plans to transition Egbolom from a processing license into a long-term petroleum mining license while utilizing cash flow from Umusadege production and existing evacuation infrastructure to support future drilling, flow station expansion and regional asset optimization initiatives.

Orama going to chair the energy finance track on the energy finance summit at AEW.

Acme – company created by Afrexim– Orama is the chairman of Acme. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.