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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Egyptian Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Cairo, August 28, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met Thursday withآ HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Badr Abdelatty.

During the meeting, they discussed the cooperative relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, and the latest developments in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly the updates on the joint mediation to end the brutal war on the Strip, in addition to a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed, during the meeting, the State of Qatar’s aspiration to elevate relations with the Arab Republic of Egypt to broader horizons of cooperation and partnership between the two countries.

Both sides renewed their affirmation of the continued joint efforts within the framework of mediation to end the war on Gaza, ensure the protection of civilians, secure the release of prisoners and detainees, and facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid to address the catastrophic situation in the Strip. 

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University of Zululand names its Engineering Department after Minister Nzimande

Source: Government of South Africa

The University of Zululand this week marked a major milestone with the unveiling of new state-of-the-art facilities at its Richards Bay campus and the naming of the Engineering Department in honour of the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande.

The new additions include a dedicated engineering building, 442 new beds, the refurbished Madiba House, and the Richards Bay Lodge.

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) said one of the highlights of the ceremony was recognising Minister Nzimande for his contribution to education and development.

Humbled by the tribute, Nzimande reflected on his journey.

“As a boy from Dambuza, I never imagined that I would have my name inscribed on a university building.”

The Minister also unveiled two other buildings, one named after Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first democratic President, and another named after Vuyani Cyril Gamede, a pioneering black engineer and former Chairperson of the University Council.

Delivering the keynote address, Nzimande said government’s investment in infrastructure was about more than access: it was about creating a world-class learning environment.

“We also hope that these investments will inspire our students and academics to not simply see themselves as consumers of the knowledge that is produced by others, but to also see themselves as knowledge producers in their own right. This, of course, resonates with your purpose and statement as a university, that of positioning yourself as ‘A Node for African Thought’.”

He stressed the importance of establishing an engineering department in the uMhlathuze District, noting the area’s industrial role as home to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest aluminium smelter, a major coal export terminal, and significant operations in minerals, chemicals, and agro-processing.

“Through the Richards Bay port, this district is making a significant contribution in minerals and metals, chemicals, and agro-processing, all of which are key drivers of local economic development, job creation, skills development, technology transfer, and international trade,” he said.

Nzimande added that meeting these economic needs required technological skills and innovation. “Therefore, your decision to build this engineering department in this particular district is profoundly visionary.”

He also called on students to protect the new facilities. “You must never forget that these new buildings are for you and future generations, and you have a shared responsibility to make sure that they are well looked after. This is to make sure that, in a few years from now, the children of this area who are still in primary and high school can also come here to pursue their academic dreams.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Law catches up with COVID-19 TERS fraudster

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 28, 2025

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed the sentence meted out to COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) fraudster, Ntsebeng Marygold Moji and her company, Aqua Land and Swimming Services.

The 38-year-old was found guilty of fraud and money laundering, and received a fine of at least R178 000 for theft or four years’ imprisonment for theft and a five-year prison sentence, wholly suspended for five years, for money laundering.

The company was fined R200 000 for theft and a further R200 000 for money laundering, both wholly suspended for five years.

“This sentencing follows the SIU’s investigation, which uncovered that in 2020, Moji’s company lodged fraudulent TERS applications with the UIF on behalf of 16 individuals who were not employees. The UIF subsequently paid R178 128,36 into Aqua Land’s business account. In line with the SIU Act, evidence pointing to criminal conduct must be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority [NPA] for action.

“The evidence, which was referred to the NPA and formed the basis for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s arrest in February 2025, proved that these individuals were ghost employees. 

“Upon interviewing one of these individuals, the SIU confirmed that the person had never been employed by Aqua Land and had never received any payments from the company,” the SIU said in a statement.

The evidence collected also showed no evidence that any TERS monies were utilised to pay salaries.

“The sentencing of Moji and her company is part of implementing the outcomes of the SIU investigation and ensuring consequence management. 

“President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the SIU to investigate allegations made in respect of the affairs of the Unemployment UIF in terms of Proclamation R.8 of 2021.

“The SIU investigated TERS payments to persons who were not entitled to receive such payments; submitted false, irregular, invalid or defective applications to the UIF, including the causes of such maladministration,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Uganda’s Energy Future to Take Center Stage with Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals (UCEM) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Set to Speak at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: APO – Report:

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Humphrey Asiimwe, CEO, Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals (UCEM) will speak at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, which returns to Cape Town from September 29 to October 3. With extensive experience in energy policy, local content development and regional cooperation, Asiimwe is set to provide key insights into Uganda’s expanding oil, gas and mineral sectors and the private sector’s role in driving sustainable industrial growth.

His participate comes as Uganda’s energy and minerals sectors continue to gain momentum. In the oil and gas industry, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline has surpassed 58% overall progress, with engineering works nearly complete and over 2,400 personnel – 90% of them Ugandan – employed on the project. The 1,443-km heated pipeline – set to be the longest of its kind globally – will transport crude oil from Uganda’s Lake Albert basin to Tanzania’s Port of Tanga, positioning Uganda as a regional oil producer.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Uganda’s mining industry is also undergoing a significant transformation. The country recently signed its first-ever Mineral Production Sharing Agreement for the redevelopment of the Kilembe copper-cobalt mine and launched a state-owned mining company to manage equity interests and promote domestic value addition. Uganda is seeking strategic partnerships and private investment to unlock large deposits of gold, copper, cobalt and rare earth elements, critical for clean energy technologies.

Under Asiimwe’s leadership, UCEM has helped secure over $2.1 billion in local oil and gas contracts for Ugandan companies and facilitated the training of over 7,000 nationals in petroleum-related fields. He continues to champion policy harmonization across East Africa to unlock financing opportunities, enable small- and medium-sized enterprise participation and enhance regional cooperation.

“Humphrey Asiimwe has played a central role in driving local participation, aligning regional policies and shaping sustainable energy growth through strategic partnerships and private sector leadership. His efforts have created real opportunities for Ugandan businesses and workers alike and he continues to be a key voice for local empowerment and long-term industrialization in East Africa,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy chamber.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Genesis Energy Strengthens African Energy Drive as Bronze Partner at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: APO – Report:

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Genesis Energy Group will participate as a Bronze Partner at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. The company is set to showcase its expanding clean energy portfolio and strategic partnerships that are accelerating renewable deployment and energy access across Africa.

In June 2025, Genesis signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Desert Technologies Industries Factory to develop and deploy solar and battery storage solutions across the continent, with a pipeline exceeding 4.5 GW. The company has also partnered with Global Citizen on the Scaling Up Renewables in Africa campaign – designed to mobilize resources, drive policy reform and expand access to clean power – while signing an MoU with USAID to mobilize $10 billion for renewable projects.

Genesis’ ongoing initiatives include supplying 334 MW to the Port Harcourt Refinery in Nigeria, advancing a 1 GW solar rollout in the West African Economic and Monetary Union, and developing the Lagos Green Hydrogen Park. These build on the company’s 2024 partnership with BPA Komani to scale battery storage solutions across Africa.

Under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Akinwole II Omoboriowo – who will speak at AEW 2025 – Genesis Energy Group continues to strengthen its role as a key player in Africa’s clean energy transition through project development, financing and high-impact partnerships.

“Genesis Energy’s growing portfolio of renewable projects underscores its role in driving Africa’s clean energy transition. By mobilizing capital and deploying innovative solutions, Genesis is advancing energy access, sustainability and long-term growth,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.

Participation at AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies reinforces Genesis Energy Group’s commitment to shaping Africa’s energy future. By engaging with investors, governments and industry leaders in Cape Town, the company aims to catalyze new partnerships and unlock opportunities that will accelerate clean energy development across the continent.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

African Energy Week (AFW):
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

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President Ramaphosa receives NACAC Report as term of Council draws to a close

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the close-out report of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC). 

The National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council was set up in September 2022 to guide the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and, among other things, to advise on strengthening the state’s anti-corruption architecture. 
The Council has therefore remained a vital element in the fight against corruption. 

In reflecting on the end of the three-year term of the Council, President Ramaphosa said: “While much of our attention is paid to efforts to detect and act against corruption, the success of our efforts relies on our ability to prevent corruption in the first place.

We need to build transparent, accountable and ethical institutions – both public and private – in which corruption is unable to take root. We need to build a society characterised by responsibility and integrity.”

The NACAC close-out report, which will be released publicly, consists of a set of recommendations which amongst others include the establishment of a permanent, independent, overarching anti-corruption body. Strengthening and coordination of law enforcement agencies, the use of Artificial Intelligence to prevent corruption and the establishment of an anti-corruption data sharing framework.

President Ramaphosa appreciated the report and the recommendations, affirming that they will need to be thoroughly reviewed and, where appropriate, be acted upon without any undue delay. 

The President said, “The report, observations and recommendations clearly demonstrate the extensive work and significant thought that NACAC has applied to these challenges. 
NACAC has given full effect to its mandate and has provided a firm, evidence-based foundation to take forward a comprehensive response to corruption.

The observations and recommendations will, as a matter of priority, receive the attention of the National Executive and the relevant institutions.”

The National Executive will process the recommendations of NACAC for tabling and deliberation in Cabinet. 

The final set of recommendations that will be adopted will then be implemented in accordance with the relevant and established statutory provisions and processes. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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RwandAir renforce ses opérations avec de nouveaux appareils

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

RwandAir (www.RwandAir.com) a réceptionné deux appareils Boeing 737-800 ce mois-ci, dont l’un est déjà en service. Par ailleurs, des avions récemment remis en service reprennent leurs opérations, et une troisième livraison est prévue au quatrième trimestre de cette année. Ces nouveaux appareils permettront de renforcer considérablement les opérations de RwandAir, réduisant ainsi les retards et les annulations.

Au cours des derniers mois, RwandAir a connu plusieurs perturbations techniques imprévues sur une partie de sa flotte, réduisant temporairement le nombre d’appareils disponibles pour les opérations. Cela a conduit à des ajustements de service ayant malheureusement affecté les projets de voyage de nos clients, mais qui sont désormais résolus, les appareils concernés ayant repris leurs opérations.

Mme Yvonne Makolo, Directrice Générale de RwandAir, a déclaré :

« RwandAir est heureuse d’avoir surmonté les difficultés rencontrées dans nos programmes de vols au cours des dernières semaines, et de réintégrer nos appareils dans les opérations. Nous présentons nos plus sincères excuses à l’ensemble de nos clients dont les voyages ont été perturbés durant cette période, et nous les remercions pour leur patience pendant que nous travaillions à rétablir le service. Avec l’arrivée de nouveaux avions, cette flotte renforcée nous permettra d’améliorer la fiabilité, de consolider nos programmes de vols et d’offrir une expérience de voyage encore meilleure à tous nos passagers. »

Les Boeing 737-800 sont configurés avec 12 sièges en Classe Affaires et 162 sièges en Classe Économique, et seront principalement déployés sur les vols court et moyen-courriers. Plus tard cette année, au quatrième trimestre, RwandAir prévoit également la livraison d’un Airbus A330-200 à fuselage large, qui viendra renforcer ses opérations long-courriers entre l’Afrique et ses destinations internationales.

Ces nouvelles acquisitions témoignent de l’engagement de RwandAir à moderniser sa flotte et à élargir son réseau. L’investissement dans des appareils à fuselage étroit et large reflète la stratégie de RwandAir axée sur le développement des voyages intra-africains ainsi que notre ambition de connecter l’Afrique au reste du monde.

Distribué par APO Group pour RwandAir.

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RwandAir Strengthens Operations with Added Aircraft

Source: APO – Report:

RwandAir (www.RwandAir.com) has received two Boeing 737-800 aircraft this month, one of which is already in operation. Additionally, newly serviced aircraft are returning to operations, and a third aircraft is expected in Q4 of this year. These added aircraft will significantly enhance service and operations, thereby reducing delays and cancellations.

In recent months, RwandAir has experienced several unexpected technical disruptions across parts of its fleet, which temporarily reduced the number of aircraft available for operations. This led to service adjustments that regrettably affected our customers’ travel plans, but have now been fixed, with the affected aircraft successfully returned to service.

RwandAir CEO Yvonne Makolo said:

“RwandAir is pleased to have resolved the challenges to our schedules over the last weeks, and to welcome our aircraft back into operation. We would like to sincerely apologise to all of our customers whose travel plans were disrupted during this period, and thank them for their patience while we worked on service disruptions. Together with the arrival of new aircraft, the strengthened fleet will enable RwandAir to improve reliability, strengthen our schedules, and deliver an even better travel experience to all our passengers.”

The Boeing 737-800s are configured with 12 Business Class seats and 162 Economy Class seats, will primarily operate on short and medium-haul flights. Later this year in Q4, RwandAir anticipates the delivery of a wide-body Airbus A330-200, further enabling the airline to enhance its long-haul operations between Africa and global destinations.

The new aircraft additions reinforce RwandAir’s commitment to modernising our fleet and expanding our route networks. The investment in both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft reflects RwandAir’s strategic focus on intra-Africa travel and our goal of connecting Africa to the world.

– on behalf of RwandAir.

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Institut Photovoltaïque d’Île-de-France (IPVF) Confirms: LONGi’s BC Modules Hi-MO 9 Outperform TOPCon in Power Gen & Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE)

Source: APO – Report:

Renowned European third-party technical consultancy IPVF recently conducted a comprehensive value assessment of two 50MW ground-mounted PV projects in France and Denmark. The study provides an in-depth comparison of the power generation performance between LONGi’s BC module Hi-MO 9 (2382*1134mm) and mainstream TOPCon products (2382*1134mm).

Data reveals that LONGi’s Hi-MO 9 (http://apo-opa.co/45VFJCE) BC modules demonstrate significant advantages over TOPCon products in per-watt power yield, system costs, and particularly levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), delivering higher lifetime returns for large-scale centralized power plants. Multiple globally authoritative institutions including Enertis Applus+ have previously analyzed the field performance of BC versus TOPCon technologies, with all test results consistently favoring BC products. LONGi’s BC technology is now driving a new wave of technological transformation and large-scale adoption worldwide through its superior return-on-investment value.

Superior Efficiency: Hi-MO 9 Delivers 1.84% Higher Per-Watt Generation Than TOPCon 

IPVF’s analysis shows Hi-MO 9’s exceptional low-light performance resulted in 1,210 and 1,639 hours of first-year generation in the French projects, surpassing TOPCon modules (1,187 and 1,611 hours). Similarly, in the Danish project, Hi-MO 9 outperformed TOPCon by 21 and 20 equivalent generation hours respectively, demonstrating robust power yield advantages. 

Since its launch last year, Hi-MO 9 has gained industry recognition through multiple outdoor demonstration projects. Integrating LONGi’s proprietary HPBC 2.0 technology featuring grid lines-free front side, the module significantly enhances power output and conversion efficiency—particularly maintaining high performance under low-light conditions. Combined with its high-temperature and humidity resistance in complex environments, Hi-MO 9 has become a globally sought-after BC product. 

IPVF’s consolidated data confirms that across all four power plants analyzed, Hi-MO 9 delivers 1.84% higher per-watt generation than TOPCon modules on average. This translates to greater lifetime energy output and higher commercial returns for BC-equipped power plants.

Cost Leadership: Hi-MO 9’s Superior LCOE Secures Competitive Edge

LCOE remains the critical metric for power plant economics, where module selection directly impacts project viability. IPVF’s analysis confirms that Hi-MO 9 not only increases energy yield but also optimizes project cost structures, establishing a solid foundation for maximizing lifetime plant returns. Crucially, Hi-MO 9 achieves an average 3.32% lower LCOE than TOPCon modules across the evaluated projects. 

Notably, this advantage was calculated with Hi-MO 9 priced 1¢/W higher than TOPCon. As HPBC technology rapidly evolves, the LCOE benefits of Hi-MO 9 will further expand, substantially boosting end-customer returns. With accelerating global deployment, LONGi’s high-efficiency BC solutions will elevate ROI for worldwide customers and propel the PV industry toward new value growth horizons. 

From pioneering monocrystalline technology to industrializing BC solutions, LONGi consistently applies “first principles” to reduce LCOE through technological innovation. The recent inauguration of LONGi’s “Global BC Ecosystem Collaborative Innovation Center” in Jiaxing, China will accelerate BC industrialization. Moving forward, LONGi will collaborate with global partners through dual drivers—collaborative innovation and ecosystem development—delivering advanced, reliable, and economically superior BC solutions, empowering the BC era with collective wisdom.

This press release is distributed by ESI Africa, a publication of VUKA Group.
Watch the video overview here: http://apo-opa.co/3JzNxCJ

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

About IPVF:
Institut Photovoltaïque d’Île-de-France (IPVF), headquartered in Paris, is Europe’s leading research institute for next-generation solar technologies. It combines world-class R&D capabilities with industrial strategy, accelerating the development and commercialization of high-performance PV solutions. Operating an 8,000m² research platform in Paris-Saclay Innovation Valley, IPVF employs over 150 researchers, engineers, and technicians with industry-academic partners including EDF and Total Energies.

About LONGi:
Founded in 2000, LONGi (Stock code: 601012. SH) is committed to being the world’s leading solar technology company, focusing on customer-driven value creation for full scenario energy transformation.

Under its mission of ‘making the best of solar energy to build a green world’, LONGi has dedicated itself to technology innovation and established several business sectors, covering mono silicon wafers (http://apo-opa.co/46biiXl), cells and modules (http://apo-opa.co/4697ZmC), commercial & industrial (http://apo-opa.co/46c02gs) distributed solar solutions, green energy solutions, building integrated photovoltaic and hydrogen equipment. As an international company, LONGi’s business covers more than 160 countries and regions. Actively practicing its “Solar for Solar” concept, LONGi is accelerating the global transition to sustainable energy and promoting energy equity, enabling more people around the world to access affordable clean energy.

More details here: www.LONGi.com/

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Tributes pour in for political journalist Tshidi Madia

Source: Government of South Africa

Tributes pour in for political journalist Tshidi Madia

The Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has paid tribute to political journalist Tshidi Madia, recognising her contribution to journalism and public discourse.

Madia, who worked with Primedia (EWN and Radio 702), passed away on Wednesday after a short illness. She was Eyewitness News Associate Political Editor and spent more than 10 years in the media. She was celebrated for her political coverage and projects such as ‘Politricking with Tshidi Madia’.

“It is our collective view that young women in the media or the profession of journalism should emulate the brilliance, courage and integrity, which were standards Ms Tshidi Madia crowned her life with.

“We bid a sad farewell to a woman of extraordinary resilience, who rose above her circumstances until her pinnacle of success. On behalf of the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, I convey my deepest condolences to her family and friends,” said Chikunga.

The Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike, also expressed condolences to Madia’s family and colleagues.

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said Madia would be remembered for her professionalism, courage and commitment to telling South Africa’s story.

“During the unfounded allegations made against South Africa about white genocide, she rose above sensationalism to provide clarity and truth to a global audience, ensuring that the world understood the reality of our nation beyond distortion and misinformation,” the GCIS said.

Madia was also recognised as a mentor to young journalists and for building constructive relationships between government and the media.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi described her as “one of South Africa’s most respected political journalists”, who was celebrated for her integrity and commitment to holding power to account.

“Tshidi was not only a journalist of exceptional calibre, but also a voice of reason and fairness. Her fearless pursuit of accountability enriched the country’s democratic discourse. 

“Her passing is a devastating loss to the media fraternity, our democracy, and to all South Africans who relied on her sharp analysis and unwavering commitment to the truth,” said Lesufi. – SAnews.gov.za

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