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Bold Sports and SnagInspector partner to power fan experience at Super Eagles vs Rwanda World Cup qualifier in Uyo

Source: APO – Report:

Bold Sports (https://BoldSportsng.com/), Nigeria’s homegrown digital-first sports media brand, today announced a landmark partnership with SnagInspector, the building solutions and real estate safety platform from SpaceCube Africa.

The collaboration will enhance on-ground and digital fan engagement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Fans across Nigeria will enjoy co-branded activations, on-ground coverage, and digital content designed to bring them closer to the action while promoting safer homes and communities nationwide.

“We are thrilled to welcome SnagInspector as our partner for this defining moment in Nigerian football. At Bold Sports, our mission is to create fan-first storytelling that unites communities. Working with a brand that champions safety and quality in our living spaces adds a powerful new layer to that mission.” Tosin Oluwalowo, CEO, Bold Sports said.

“At SpaceCube Africa, we believe the same values of safety, trust, and quality that guide our work in construction should also shape the communities where Nigerians come together to celebrate football, Testimony Asegunmute, MD, SpaceCube Africa said. “This partnership with Bold Sports allows us to connect with fans in a meaningful way, uniting passion for the game with our mission to build safer homes and cities.”

Through this partnership, Bold Sports and SnagInspector will:

  • Deliver immersive stadium experiences, exclusive giveaways, and co-branded digital content for Nigerian football fans.
  • Promote awareness about safe spaces, quality construction, and informed homeownership.

Since its launch, Bold Sports (https://BoldSportsng.com/) has pioneered digital-first, fan-centered sports coverage, from the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, reaching millions of Nigerian sports enthusiasts across platforms. Guided by its motto – Boldly Nigerian. Passionately Sporty. – Bold Sports is building the future of Nigerian sports storytelling.

SnagInspector, the digital arm of SpaceCube Africa, is a trusted authority in property diagnostics, quality construction, and real estate safety advocacy. With a vibrant online presence and over ₦15 billion in property-related losses prevented for Nigerian families, SnagInspector sets new standards for transparency, accountability, and consumer empowerment.

– on behalf of Bold Sports.

Media Contacts:
For Bold Sports
Email: admin@boldsportsng.com
Call or WhatsApp: +2347047933646
https://BoldSportsng.com/

For SpaceCube Africa / SnagInspector
Bolutife 
Email: hello@spacecubeafrica.com
Call or Whatsapp: +234 704 324 1117
www.SpaceCubeAfrica.com

Social Media:
Bold Sports
Instagram: @ boldsportng (https://apo-opa.co/4g41x3F)
Facebook: Bold Sports (https://apo-opa.co/3VezWn3)
X: @ boldsportsng (https://apo-opa.co/4fYxhao)
TikTok: @ boldsports_ng (https://apo-opa.co/4fZl8Sx)

SpaceCube Africa / SnagInspector: 
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4n7IE22
TikTok: https://apo-opa.co/45Joiqi
X: https://apo-opa.co/3UQqRR4

About SpaceCube Africa:
SpaceCube Africa is a leading construction and real estate solutions company, dedicated to sustainable design, quality assurance, and client-centric delivery across Nigeria. With a portfolio of more than 50 projects across diverse sectors, the company is pioneering technology-driven practices that raise industry standards. Learn more at www.SpaceCubeAfrica.com.

About Bold Sports:
Bold Sports is Nigeria’s leading digital sports media platform, providing high-quality, data-driven coverage of Nigerian athletes at home and abroad. Through video, storytelling, and real-time engagement, Bold Sports connects a passionate community of fans with the moments that matter — from grassroots to global competitions.

With a bold, multimedia-first approach, we celebrate Nigeria’s sporting excellence and foster national pride across generations and geographies.

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KZN signs agreement with Christian Council to tackle social ills

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 1, 2025

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has signed a landmark co-operation agreement with the KwaZulu-Natal Christian Council (KZN CC), signalling a decisive shift towards structured collaboration between government and the faith sector to confront some of the province’s most urgent social challenges.

Signed in Pietermaritzburg on Friday, the agreement establishes a strategic partnership aimed at addressing crime, poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, and moral decline through coordinated, province-wide interventions.

Grounded in practical and measurable actions, the partnership is built upon four key pillars, including:
•    Food security – Promoting community-based agriculture through the establishment of gardens on church and residential land, with government support in the form of fencing, seeds, tools, and technical assistance.
•    Crimefighting and survivor support – Providing survivors of crime with psychosocial and legal support via trained counsellors and advisors, while launching peacebuilding initiatives across all 11 district municipalities.
•    Shelter and rehabilitation for the homeless – Identifying underutilised government buildings and church facilities to offer shelter, alongside structured rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
•    Moral regeneration and community mobilisation – Driving values-based community engagement and social renewal through faith-led initiatives, in collaboration with relevant provincial departments.

Ntuli emphasised the significance of the strategic value of the agreement, noting that with a membership base exceeding 3.4 million across KwaZulu-Natal, the KZN CC is well-positioned to mobilise grassroots support and foster meaningful, community-driven transformation.

“This partnership is a bold step towards restoring the moral compass of our society. The church has always been a beacon of hope and healing. Through this agreement, we are empowering it to lead in rebuilding communities and fostering peace and dignity across KwaZulu-Natal.

“This agreement reflects the KwaZulu-Natal government’s unwavering commitment to working with all sectors of society to create safe, resilient, and morally grounded communities. It is not only a partnership of principle but a call to action — where leadership, faith, and civic responsibility converge to reshape the future of the province,” Ntuli said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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United Nations (UN) chief calls for justice and ‘real change’ for people of African descent

Source: APO – Report:

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In a message released ahead of the Day, Mr. Guterres honoured the “extraordinary” contributions of people of African descent across every sphere of human endeavour. The Secretary-General also recognised the “long shadows” of slavery and colonialism, which include systemic racism, unequal economies and societies, and the digital divide (between those who are able to benefit from digital technology, and those who don’t have access).

Mr. Guterres hailed the Global Digital Compact – adopted in 2024 as part of the Pact for the Future, which promotes a multilateral system that reflects today’s realities and delivers for everyone, everywhere – as a step forward, citing commitments to tackle discrimination and hate speech in digital technologies. “White supremacy and dehumanising narratives,” wrote the UN chief, “are amplified by social media, and, too often, racial bias is encoded in algorithms.”

“Eighty years after the United Nations Charter reaffirmed the equal rights and inherent dignity of every human being, and sixty years since the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination,” he concluded, “it is long past time to right historic wrongs.”

A decade of action

This year’s International Day is the first to take place during the second International Decade for People of African Descent, which runs from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2034. The decade, which embraces the theme “People of African Descent: Recognition, Justice, and Development,” aims to highlight the importance of acknowledging the rights and contributions of people of African descent. Mr. Guterres has called for the next ten years to drive “real change,” including working towards a United Nations Declaration on the full respect of people of African descent’s human rights.

The first Decade saw more than 30 countries change their laws and policies to tackle racial discrimination and address specific issues faced by people of African descent – in some cases for the first time. The Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, was created, and new International Days were launched to celebrate the contributions of the diaspora, including those of women and girls.

Building on the progress made between 2015 and 2024, the second Decade seeks to amplify global efforts toward justice and development for individuals of African descent and create a more equitable future, in which the aspirations and rights of people of African descent are fully recognised, honoured, and celebrated.

– on behalf of UN News.

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Egypt: Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Reviews Targets for the Agriculture and Irrigation Sector in the Financial Year (FY) 2025/2026 Plan

Source: APO


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  • Agriculture and Irrigation are key pillars for enhancing food and water security and supporting sustainable economic development efforts.
  • 144.8 billion EGP in total targeted investments for the agriculture and irrigation sectors in the FY 2025/2026 plan.
  • Continue expanding agricultural land reclamation programs, improving crop yield per feddan, and increasing water use efficiency.

The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation reviewed the targets for the agriculture and irrigation sector in its report on the FY 2025/2026 plan. The fourth section of the plan details sectoral targets, starting with commodity sectors like agriculture, irrigation, manufacturing, mining, and electricity, followed by productive services sectors, including transport, information and communication technology, tourism, and the Suez Canal activity.

The 2025/2026 plan document uses a unified analytical approach for all sectoral targets. It first reviews the economic importance of the sector, then the specific development vision, ensuring it aligns with the Sustainable Development Strategy: Egypt Vision 2030, the targets of the Government Action Program (2024/2025 – 2026/2027), and the national strategy proposed by the relevant ministry.

H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, highlighted the dual economic importance of the agriculture and irrigation sector. It serves as a foundational pillar of national food security and a mainstay for enhancing the productive capacities of national industry and its related activities of transport, trade, and logistics services. 

Agriculture is also the primary source of income and employment, given its vast geographical spread and its employment of over 50% of the total population in rural areas, who are primarily dependent on agricultural activities and related animal, poultry, and fish production, as well as transport, storage, and marketing services.

Total Investments for the Agriculture and Irrigation Sectors

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat added that agriculture plays a pivotal role in developing the country’s foreign exchange resources through the export of agricultural products. It also contributes effectively to strengthening its inter-sectoral linkages with other economic sectors, making it a key driver for their growth. The agriculture and irrigation sector is one of the most significant sectors for enhancing the components of sustainable development across its three dimensions: economic, social, and environmental. Minister Al-Mashat noted that the plan allocates total investments of about 144.8 billion EGP to agriculture and irrigation activities in 2025/2026, including 17.5 billion EGP in public investments and 127.4 billion EGP in private investments.

Agricultural Production Targets

The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation’s report indicated the development plan’s targets for 2025/2026. Regarding agricultural output, the plan aims for the sector’s production to reach approximately 3.7 trillion EGP in 2025/2026, up from an estimated 3.3 trillion EGP in 2024/2025, and to grow to 5.7 trillion EGP by the end of the medium-term plan in 2028/2029.

As for agricultural product, the goal is to increase the agricultural product—after excluding the value of intermediate production inputs—to about 2.6 trillion EGP in 2025/2026, reaching 4 trillion EGP in 2028/2029, a growth rate of 53.8%, compared to the expected product of about 2.3 trillion EGP in 2024/2025.

Key Targets in the Agriculture and Irrigation Sectors

The report explained that the priorities for agricultural investment and development in the plan include: continuing the expansion of agricultural reclamation programs in the Toshka, North and Central Sinai, and New Delta lands. Expanding programs to improve crop yield per feddan by 10% to 15%, by increasing the efficiency of land and water use through the cultivation of high-yield, early-maturing, and low-water-consuming crops, developing and modernizing field irrigation systems to benefit 18% of the total area, improving agricultural drainage methods and expanding the application of modern agricultural practices, such as drip and pivot irrigation, expanding greenhouse projects and protected agriculture systems, reducing agricultural waste and developing the agricultural extension system, expanding the application of the contract farming system (1.8 million feddans) to include other agricultural products in addition to wheat, sugarcane, sugar beets, tomatoes, potatoes, and citrus fruits, such as yellow corn, cotton, and oilseed crops (sunflower and soybeans), continuing to activate programs for the production of selected seeds to meet agricultural needs and reduce reliance on imports, which are subject to price fluctuations, quality variations, and potential incompatibility with the Egyptian agricultural environment. Diversifying the origins of agricultural imports—especially wheat and corn—and expanding the storage capacity of wheat silos to reach about 5.5 million tons in the plan year, expanding the cropped area to exceed 21 million feddans in 2025/2026, including wheat (52%), corn (55%), and fava beans (39%), completing the establishment of 18 agricultural complexes in North and South Sinai governorates, as well as developing the agricultural land tenure system (Farmer’s Card) to reach 80% of beneficiaries.

Livestock Development

The plan’s priorities for agricultural investment and development also include continuing to develop livestock, with a targeted increase of one million heads during 2025/2026. It also focuses on developing poultry and fish farming projects to achieve self-sufficiency in white meat and fish, while increasing red meat self-sufficiency to 60%. This will be achieved by continuing to activate projects for revitalizing the veal industry and milk collection centers, fish farms at البركة in Kafr El Sheikh and East Al-Tafri’a in Port Said, and projects to enhance fish resources in Qarun, Manzala, and Burullus lakes. The plan also aims to expand the export of surplus agricultural products, such as vegetables and fruits, to exceed $5 billion in value during the plan year.

Water Resources Development

Complementing agricultural development efforts, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation’s plan aims to develop water resources and increase their use efficiency by: expanding projects for canal rehabilitation and lining over a length of 600 km, expanding the transition to modern field irrigation systems, constructing and upgrading pumping stations, building dams, artificial lakes, and reservoirs to hold floodwater, completing the construction of the New Deirout Barrage to improve irrigation for 1.6 million feddans in five governorates in Upper Egypt, constructing, replacing, and renovating about 616 barrages and other structures (inlets, bridges, weirs, etc.), constructing 85 dams, artificial lakes, and underground reservoirs to contain floodwater, continuing efforts to rehabilitate drains, including Jabal al-Akhdar, Belbeis, Qalyubia, and Bahr al-Baqar, and their associated structures, to accommodate the discharge of treated sewage stations, completing the development of the Toshka spillway, constructing the feeder canal for the Thomas and Afiya area, 57 km long, in the Toshka project in Aswan, addressing siltation in Lake Nasser, improving water quality in the Kitchener Drain, protecting the coast of Alexandria and reinforcing submerged breakwaters (Phase 1), constructing and replacing covered agricultural drainage networks in an area of 60,000 feddans in both Lower and Upper Egypt, as well as constructing and replacing about 35 industrial structures on drains (bridges, culverts, etc.).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

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Kenya Engineer Magazine September–October 2025 Issue Goes into Circulation

Source: APO – Report:

Kenya Engineer Magazine (www.KenyaEngineer.co.ke), the definitive publication for engineers, industrial professionals, and technology leaders, is excited to announce that the September–October 2025 issue (Vol. 53, Issue 5) is now in circulation.

This issue focuses on Infrastructure — a sector at the heart of Kenya’s economic transformation. From mega transport projects and energy developments to smart city solutions, we unpack the technologies, policies, and strategies shaping the region’s future.

Inside the September–October 2025 Issue:

  • Feature Focus – Infrastructure: In-depth coverage of transformative infrastructure projects redefining Kenya’s economic landscape.
  • Expert Insights & Thought Leadership: Contributions from leading engineers, policymakers, and innovators across multiple sectors.
  • Technology & Innovation: Discover cutting-edge engineering solutions and tools revolutionizing infrastructure delivery.
  • Industry Updates & Opportunities: Stay informed about tenders, policies, and emerging business prospects.
  • Exclusive Interviews: Hear directly from industry leaders driving change in Kenya’s engineering ecosystem.

Whether you’re an engineer, policymaker, contractor, manufacturer, student, or technology enthusiast, this issue delivers insights that keep you informed, inspired, and connected to the heartbeat of Kenya’s engineering and industrial transformation.

Availability:

  • Print Edition: Get the premium-quality, full-color print edition delivered to your doorstep.
  • Digital Edition: Instantly access the full issue anywhere, anytime via downloadable PDF.

Order Now:

  • Buy Print Edition: https://apo-opa.co/4p5HyWE
  • Buy Digital Edition:  https://apo-opa.co/46ekxJo
  • Subscribe to Print Edition (6 Issues Per Year): https://apo-opa.co/4n6Joof

– on behalf of The Kenya Engineer.

For press inquiries, partnerships, or advertising opportunities, contact:
Email: admin@kenyaengineer.co.ke

About Kenya Engineer Magazine:
For over five decades, Kenya Engineer Magazine has been the leading source of information, insights, and inspiration for engineers and industrial professionals across Kenya and East Africa. Published bi-monthly, the magazine covers engineering innovations, project developments, policies, and opportunities shaping the region’s future.

Website: www.KenyaEngineer.co.ke

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Call to advance financial inclusion for women

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has emphasised the importance of collaborative ecosystems in driving successful and resilient women-owned businesses across Africa.

Addressing the Group Twenty (G20) Empowerment of Women Working Group (EWWG) Women to Africa event, held in Johannesburg on Friday, Chikunga said governments, including private sector, development institutions, and women entrepreneurs, should work together to advance financial inclusion for women. 

“No economy can claim resilience if more than half its people — women, young and old — remain locked out of markets, of finance, of safety, and of dignity,” the Minister said.

Under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the EWWG prioritises the care economy, financial inclusion for women and ending gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

“These priorities sit firmly within Africa’s broader G20 Presidency agenda — reforming global governance institutions, financing sustainable development and climate action, driving inclusive growth and job creation, harnessing digital transformation, and building peace and resilient societies. None of these can succeed if women are left behind.

“At the continental level, Agenda 2063 reminds us that Africa’s future will be people-driven, especially by women and young people. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) — the largest integration project in the world — must open its value chains to women, who already make up 70% of cross-border traders. If AfCFTA does not work for women, it will not work for Africa,” the Minister said.

At the domestic level, South Africa has made progress, women now make up 43% of Cabinet, 43.5% of Parliament, and 45% of the judiciary. 

The new Public Procurement Act makes the 40% set-aside for women-owned businesses binding, not optional. 

“Yet challenges remain, 35.7% women’s unemployment, with young women above 44%; women represent less than 13% of patent holders; and the cost of GBVF drains our economy of billions each year.

“These realities remind us that progress without transformation is organised inequality. And they demand that Africa’s G20 Presidency must not end with words, but with a legacy of systems that work for women,” Chikunga said.

The Minister therefore called for bold shifts, not just commitments, but concrete actions.

“We must finance the missing middle by unlocking affordable capital for women-owned businesses that are too big for microfinance and too small for traditional banks.

“We must place women at the frontier of Africa’s new industries — from renewable energy and agritech to digital and advanced manufacturing — as leaders, owners, and innovators.

“We must institutionalise accountability beyond events. Conferences do not change the world — systems do. That means setting measurable targets, enforcing fair payment norms for women-owned businesses, tracking progress publicly, and embedding zero tolerance for gender-based violence in every workplace,” the Minister said.

She said these shifts are reinforced by the legacy projects of Africa’s G20 Presidency.

South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency from 1 December 2024, and it will run until 30 November 2025, under the theme: Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.

It comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and United States) and two regional bodies, namely the European Union (EU) and African Union (AU).

The G20 members represent around 85% of the global Gross Domestic Product, over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population. – SAnews.gov.za

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Eskom marks over 105 days without loadshedding

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom’s power system remains stable, with the power utility reached 105 consecutive days without loadshedding to South Africa.

In a statement on Friday, Eskom said this milestone, driven by consistently low level of unplanned outages, underscores the sustained improvements in the performance of the generation fleet.

“This milestone builds on the momentum of Financial Year (FY) 2025, which recorded 352 loadshedding-free days, and reflects a significant improvement from the 36 days achieved in FY2024. As the winter season concludes, the national grid remains stable and reliable, reinforcing Eskom’s commitment to ending loadshedding,” Eskom said.

Eskom’s sustained technical improvements have ensured a reliable power system, meeting more than 97% of electricity demand this winter and financial year to date. 

South Africa has experienced no loadshedding since 15 May 2025, with only 26 hours recorded between 1 April and 28 August 2025.

“The resilience of our generation fleet continues to improve, with unplanned losses due to breakdowns now at 8 948MW, well below the 10 000MW threshold, highlighting the structural progress in plant performance as a result of the ongoing implementation of the Generation Recovery Plan,” Eskom said.

Between 15 and 28 August 2025, planned maintenance increased, averaging 6 968MW. 

During this period, the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) fluctuated between 64% and 75%, with the month-to-date average rising to 66.15%. 

“This upward trend reflects growing stability and improved reliability across the generation fleet. These figures exclude Kusile Unit 6, which has been contributing 720MW to the national grid since 23 March 2025. Although not yet in commercial operation, the unit is expected to reach that milestone by September 2025.

“To further strengthen grid stability, Eskom is planning to return a total of 4 830MW of generation capacity to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 01 September 2025, and throughout the coming week,” Eskom said.

Between 1 April and 28 August 2025, the Unplanned Capability Loss Factor (UCLF), which reflects the percentage of generation capacity lost due to unplanned outages, further decreased to 27.3%. 

This represents a week-on-week improvement of approximately 0.55%, although it remains about 1.6% higher than the 25.67% recorded during the same period last year.

The open-cycle gas turbine (OCGT) load factor further decreased to 0.16% this week from 0.78% the previous week (21–28 August 2025), with OCGTs utilised strategically to address occasional system constraints during morning and evening peak periods.

From 1 April to 28 August 2025, diesel spend remains well under the allocated budget. 

“The Winter Outlook, published on 5 May 2025, covering the period ending 31 August 2025, remains valid. It indicates that loadshedding will not be necessary if unplanned outages stay below 13 000MW. If outages rise to 15 000MW, loadshedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days out of 153 days and restricted to Stage 2.

“With just two days remaining in Eskom’s Winter Outlook period, the power system remains well-positioned to maintain stability and reliably meet demand,” the utility said.

The available generation capacity currently stands at 29 132MW, while Friday’s electricity demand was expected to reach 25 797MW. 

The current capacity is sufficient to meet both Friday’s demand and anticipated requirements over the weekend.

Eskom is scheduled to announce its Summer Outlook in September 2025. –SAnews.gov.za

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NYDA clarifies partnership with Scorpion Kings

Source: Government of South Africa

NYDA clarifies partnership with Scorpion Kings

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has sought to clarify that its partnership with music duo Scorpion Kings for a concert was a non-financial collaboration aimed at creating opportunities for young people in the creative sector.

This comes after the agency noted concerns raised by the public regarding its involvement in the event.

“The NYDA has entered a partnership with Scorpion Kings to expand opportunities for young people. The NYDA did not pay or provide financial support for the Scorpion Kings event,” NYDA said in a statement on Friday.

The partnership provides the National Youth Service (NYS) participants with exposure and practical experience in event management and related functions, while supporting the broader growth of South Africa’s arts and culture industry.

“By engaging young people in event functions such as ushering, stage support, and front-of house operations, the NYS is helping to build technical and professional skills that extend across the arts, culture, and entertainment industries. 

“This positions the NYS as a key enabler of entry-level opportunities, giving participants the foundation to pursue careers in events, stage management, production, hospitality, and beyond.

“The Scorpion Kings concert partnership illustrates how public-private collaboration can create spaces for youth to be active participants in major cultural events, not just as audiences but as contributors,” the agency said.

Currently, more than 4 000 NYS participants are applying their craft to uplift communities, whether through local performances or cultural initiatives that foster social cohesion.

Additionally, through the Young Creatives Programme (TYCP) and the partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), over 330 young artists are supported to grow their talents while preserving and promoting South Africa’s cultural heritage.

According to the NYDA, the creative arts and entertainment sector is one of the fastest-growing contributors to South Africa’s economy, however, it remains underdeveloped in terms of accessible pathways for youth. 

“The NYS is working to bridge this gap. This partnership is more than a single event. It represents a broader vision of youth empowerment, using the service as a platform for skills development, employability, and sector transformation. 

“By integrating youth into the creative industries, the NYS contributes to diversification, professionalisation, and unlocking the sector’s potential for job creation. Equally, it positions the NYS as a structured, scalable model for industries seeking to nurture and grow young talent, as well as advancing inclusive economic growth,” NYDA said.

The agency said it plans to scale and replicate this model to impact youth across both rural areas and their urban counterparts, ensuring equitable access to opportunities within the creative economy nationwide. –SAnews.gov.za

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United Arab Emirates (UAE) Expresses Solidarity with Egypt and Conveys Condolences Over Victims of Train Accident

Source: APO


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The UAE expressed its solidarity with the Arab Republic of Egypt following a train derailment in Matrouh Governorate, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of a number of people.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) conveyed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of Egypt over this tragedy, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Government welcomes ruling on foreign nationals in Bellville sites

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, August 31, 2025

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has welcomed the Western Cape High Court ruling granting the City of Cape Town, in partnership with the Departments of Home Affairs and Public Works and Infrastructure, authority to serve eviction notices at the Wingfield and Paint City sites in Bellville.

This follows the COVID-19 lockdown, when groups of people were relocated to the two sites after their removal from Greenmarket Square and the Central Methodist Church in Cape Town’s city centre. 

While many accepted support and reintegration, approximately 160 people remained at Wingfield and 200 at Paint City, rejecting assistance and demanding relocation abroad – requests that government said were not legally feasible.

“This ruling demonstrates the importance of collaboration between national and local government. Together with the City and the Department of Home Affairs, we have taken a decisive step towards restoring these sites and ensuring that state-owned assets are protected and used for the benefit of the public.

“We are relentlessly pursuing our agenda to reclaim state assets and repurpose them for public good. The rule of law will be enforced. No person has the legal right to unlawfully occupy state land or to claim public buildings and land as their own. It is our responsibility to return these properties to their intended purpose so they can contribute to the upliftment of our communities,” the Minister said on Friday.

The Minister also stressed that the evictions will help relieve the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure of the millions of rands in costs paid each month to maintain tents and facilities at these sites, freeing up funds for essential infrastructure and service delivery. 

The ruling allows the sheriff of the court, working with government partners, to serve notices on those currently occupying the sites.

“This process will allow us to reclaim these sites to ensure they become productive spaces that can be used to support community development,” Macpherson. – SAnews.gov.za