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SANDF clarifies position on Oryx helicopters

Source: Government of South Africa

SANDF clarifies position on Oryx helicopters

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has moved to clarify the status of its Oryx helicopters in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

This as media reported that the Oryx helicopters are likely to remain permanently stranded in the DRC, as there is no money to replace two of the five engines of the helicopter.

“The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) wishes to clarify that none if its Oryx helicopters are abandoned in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as alleged by some media sources,” it said.

In a statement on Thursday, the SANDF said such allegations are misleading and do not reflect the actual condition or status of SANDF aircraft. 

“Out of the three helicopters reported, only one sustained damage during the United Nations peacekeeping military operations last year, and it will undergo repairs. The other helicopters are operational and remain under the strict control of the SANDF.

“The SANDF reaffirms that all its Oryx helicopters are being maintained in accordance with technical and safety requirements,” the statement read. 

In June of this year, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, welcomed the return of 249 South African troops who had been deployed to the eastern DRC as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).

The first group of the SANDF heroes and heroines arrived at the Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria from Tanzania, following South Africa’s phased withdrawal from the regional peacekeeping mission.

Earlier this year, 14 troop members lost their lives and others sustained injuries during clashes with the M23 rebel group, as fighting in the Goma region escalated. 

The rebel group fought intensely against the Congolese armed forces, resulting in the deaths of soldiers from 23 to 27 January 2025 during M23’s advance on Sake and Goma. 

The South African soldiers were part of the SAMIDRC, which aims to help restore peace, security, and stability in Africa’s second-largest country. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile

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School principal charged with sexual assualt granted R3 000 bail

Source: Government of South Africa

School principal charged with sexual assualt granted R3 000 bail

A 51-year-old school principal, Cornelius Sebothoma, who stands accused of sexually assaulting a learner appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday where he was granted R3 000 bail. 

The case has been postponed to 20 October 2025 for further proceedings.

The incident allegedly occurred at approximately 11:00 on Saturday at a local school in the Lebowakgomo policing area.

According to reports, a 17-year-old female learner went to the principal’s office to retrieve her cellphone that had been confiscated by her teacher during class time.

It is alleged that the victim made several attempts to collect her cellphone from the principal’s office but was unsuccessful as the principal was not available. 

On Saturday, when she returned to collect her cellphone, the principal allegedly instructed her to come alone to his office. The victim informed her friend to wait outside before returning to the office, where the suspect allegedly touched her inappropriately and sexually assaulted her.

The victim reported the incident to her family, and the matter was subsequently reported to the Lebowakgomo Police Station on Wednesday. 

The case was referred to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.

The suspect was immediately arrested and charged with sexual assault.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said: “It is deeply disturbing when those entrusted with the care and education of our children allegedly abuse their positions of authority. 

“Schools should be safe havens for learning, not places where children fear for their safety. We commend the victim for her courage in reporting this incident and assure the community that we will ensure a thorough investigation and that justice takes its course.” – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Call to plant one million trees

Source: Government of South Africa

Call to plant one million trees

The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, has called on South Africans to plant trees to help reduce the impact of carbon emissions and restore natural ecosystems.

“I learnt that we are not doing enough to meet the tree planting targets. This is due to limited resources within the fiscus. There is a realisation now that we can do better through collaboration,” Swarts said on Thursday in Durban.

Addressing the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) National Urban Forum in KwaZulu-Natal, the Deputy Minister explained that tree planting is a valuable tool in the fight against climate change as it acts as a natural carbon sink by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 

“While not a complete solution, reforestation and afforestation initiatives play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and helping communities adapt to its impacts,” she said.

Trees provide a range of benefits beyond carbon sequestration, including habitat for biodiversity, soil stabilisation, and water purification.

South Africa’s Constitution recognises that everyone has a right to an environment that is not harmful to human health and well-being, and to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations.

“Tree planting has been happening in South Africa for a number of years, this then led to the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, directing that the tree planting programme be escalated to Ten Million Trees over a period of five years starting from 2020/21.”

READ | Campaign to plant trees and help mitigate effects of climate change

The Deputy Minister challenged the nation to plant one million trees on 24 September 2025 as part of celebrations for Arbor Month. 

“The target that is set is not only for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), but it is a call for action to other role–players to assist in achieving the target. I am calling on all South Africans to plant one million trees.
“This initiative has been consulted with a number of stakeholders who have shown interest in planting the trees. It is also important to note that once the trees are planted, they need to be taken care of, hence we have identified safe space to do the planting,” Swarts said.

The safe spaces include human settlements, clinics, schools, and police stations. 

“The idea is that these trees must be available when we come back to audit them. Furthermore, this initiative is structured such that citizens of the country start to appreciate the role that trees play in our daily lives. In terms of municipalities, the department is also assisting with [the] drafting of greening plans to ensure that all areas are greened appropriately,” she said.
The DFFE has noted with concern the increased pressures on natural forests, especially coastal forests due to urban development.

“Forests also play a crucial role in mitigating various natural disasters, acting as natural buffers against events like floods, landslides, and droughts. Deforestation, however, significantly weakens these protective functions, increasing disaster risks and impacts. 

“Deforestation, the clearing of forests, also significantly undermines disaster risk management efforts. It is therefore important that urban planners, particularly in cities like Durban / eThekwini, [to] take into account the need to safeguard the integrity of the environment,” the Deputy Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

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Seychelles: President Ramkalawan Arrives in Rome Ahead of Audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV

Source: APO


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The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan, arrived in Rome on Thursday evening ahead of his audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace, Vatican City, on Friday, 22 August 2025.

On arrival, President Ramkalawan and the First Lady, Mrs Linda Ramkalawan, were warmly welcomed by the Vatican Head of Protocol. Apostolic Nuntius emeritus, Mgr. Javier D. Fernandez, at the airport.

The President is accompanied on this official mission by the Principal Minister, Mr Jean-François Ferrari, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde and the Ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles to the Holy See, Ms Beryl Samson.

The upcoming audience will provide an opportunity to strengthen relations between Seychelles and the Holy See and to exchange views on global and national issues of shared concern.

Also present was Ms. Paola Adelmann, representing the Honorary Consul General of Seychelles in Rome, Italy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Meeting between Minister for Foreign Affairs IWAYA and Minister SASSOU N’GUESSO of the Republic of Congo

Source: APO


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On August 22, commencing at 10:00 a.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Denis Christel SASSOU N’GUESSO, Minister of International Cooperation and Promotion of Public-Private Partnership of the Republic of Congo, who is visiting Japan to participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). The overview of the meeting is as follows:

  1. At the outset, Minister IWAYA stated his desire to further develop bilateral relations with the Republic of Congo, a country blessed with abundant natural resources such as crude oil and possessing significant economic potential. In response, Minister Sassou N’Guesso highly appreciated Japan’s efforts in TICAD to date and expressed his desire to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in the international arena.
  2. Minister IWAYA mentioned that Japan decided on providing food assistance as well as dispatching experts in rice cultivation and fisheries to ensure food security in the Republic of Congo, and stated his desire to continue cooperating to resolve development challenges in the Republic of Congo. In response, Minister Sassou N’Guesso expressed his gratitude for Japan’s past support and his expectation of further investment by Japanese companies.
  3. In addition, the two ministers exchanged views and concurred in closely working together to respond to various regional and international challenges, including their policies toward North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue, as well as the United Nations Security Council reform.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

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Japan-Mozambique Summit Meeting

Source: APO


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On August 22, commencing at 8:45 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Daniel Francisco CHAPO, President of the Republic of Mozambique, who is visiting Japan to participate in the in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). The overview of the meeting is as follows:

  1. At the outset, Prime Minister ISHIBA expressed his congratulations on the inauguration of the first president born after Mozambique’s independence and on the 50th anniversary of independence. Prime Minister ISHIBA also referred to the long-standing cooperative relations between the two countries in various fields, such as infrastructure and public safety, and expressed his desire to further strengthen bilateral relations, including economic relations. In response, President Chapo commended the strengthening of Japan-Africa relations through TICAD and expressed his desire to further strengthen bilateral relations through various cooperation.
  2. Following that, Prime Minister ISHIBA requested President Chapo to support the resumption of the LNG project in Cabo Delgado Province and to provide assistance for stable production and stated that Japan decided to provide maternal and child health equipment to the province. Prime Minister ISHIBA announced the decision to launch a new “Co-creation for common agenda initiative” targeting the Nacala Corridor region, connecting Zambia and Malawi to the Indian Ocean via Mozambique to support the development of transportation infrastructure and the promotion of industry in the surrounding areas. In response, President Chapo expressed his gratitude for Japan’s various support and stated that he would continue to make every effort to stabilize security in Cabo Delgado Province. President Chapo also stated that he would provide support to Japanese companies operating in Mozambique. Both leaders confirmed their continued support for Cabo Delgado Province and the Nacala Corridor.
  3. The two leaders also exchanged views and concurred in closely working together to respond to various international challenges.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

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Japan-Egypt Summit Meeting

Source: APO


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On August 22, commencing at 9:15 a.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt, who is visiting Japan to participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), in Yokohama. The overview of the meeting is as follows:

  1. At the outset, Prime Minister ISHIBA welcomed the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which symbolizes the cultural cooperation between Japan and Egypt, and expressed his intention to continue cooperation in its operation as well as the preservation and restoration of antiquities. He also expressed concern over the serious humanitarian situation in Gaza and conveyed Japan’s support for Egypt’s efforts to mediate a ceasefire.
  2. Prime Minister ISHIBA welcomed a number of Memoranda of Understanding concluded between the two governments and companies of both countries during TICAD 9. He also proposed establishing a framework, led by both governments, to support investment and business expansion, based on the high level of interest shown by Japanese companies at the investment conference held on August 19. Furthermore, Prime Minister ISHIBA stated that Japan will promote joint research between the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology and universities in Japan and Africa, with a view to developing the university as a regional hub. In response, Prime Minister Madbouly showed his appreciation for Japan’s assistance to date and expressed his expectation for further expansion of Japanese businesses in Egypt and pledged to cooperate in improving the business and investment environment.
  3. The two leaders concurred to continue close cooperation in various fields, including culture, education, economy, and economic cooperation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

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Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9): Japan and African Development Bank sign agreement to extend Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for $5.5 billion sixth phase

Source: APO


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The government of Japan and the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding launching the sixth phase of the Enhanced Private Sector Assistance (EPSA6) agreement, which provides a framework for critical resource mobilization and development partnership for African countries.

Under EPSA6, the Bank and JICA will work together to support regional member countries for the period 2026-2028, with a financial package of up to $5.5 billion – half a billion more than EPSA5 – while ensuring their debt sustainability.

The brief signing ceremony by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, and African Development Bank Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth Kevin Kariuki, took place during the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), ongoing in Yokohama, Japan. Mr. Katsunobu Kato, Finance Minister of Japan witnessed the ceremony.

The EPSA Initiative (https://apo-opa.co/3HMe4fn), created in partnership with the Government of Japan in 2005, supports the implementation of the Bank’s Strategy for Private Sector Development. Its key priorities are power, connectivity, health, agriculture and nutrition.

Dr.  Tanaka said co-financing under previous EPSA agreements since 2005, had resulted in $12 billion of support to Africa from the African Development Bank and JICA. The $5.5 billion ambitious new target for EPSA6 is more than five times the original target of EPSA1, 20 years ago, he said. “This reflects the growing strength of our partnership and the increasing importance of our joint effort,” he added. He also announced that resilience would be a new priority under EPSA6. “With this focus we are committed to address not only climate change but also a broad range of shocks.”

Tanaka lauded the role played by outgoing African Development Bank President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, for over half of EPSA’s history. “Thanks to his strong ownership and support, we are pleased that EPSA5 is now almost reaching its target of $5 billion by the end of this year,” he said.

The EPSA non-sovereign operations component helps finance the Bank’s private sector operations through a line of credit from JICA to the Bank on concessional terms. Previous EPSA agreements have helped finance critical infrastructure such as the Bujagali Hydropower Plant (Uganda), RASCOM (the first Pan-African communication satellite), the East Africa Submarine Cable System, Lekki Toll road (Nigeria), and the Kigali Bulk Water Supply in Rwanda.

“The Government of Japan is one of the strongest shareholders of the African Development Bank and contributors to the African Development Fund. In addition, EPSA is the largest and longest-standing bilateral partnership the Bank has with any of its member countries. We recognize that Japan has been an early mover in supporting private sector in Africa since 2005,” Kariuku said. “I wish to applaud the continued commitment of the Government of Japan towards Africa’s development, and I am confident that we will consolidate the successes of development collaborations between Japan and Africa in a mutually agreeable manner.”

EPSA 5, which ran from 2023 to 2025, involved a $5 billion financial cooperation announced at the Eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD8) in 2022.

EPSA5 had achieved a $4 billion joint cofinancing target “as of today,” Kariuki declared, with projects worth $1.6 billion at an advanced stage of co-financing by the end of 2025, leading to a total of $5.6 billion of co-financing by the end of December 2025 – 112% of the $5 billion target.

In earlier opening comments Minister Kato said EPSA 6’s focus on resilience would help African countries with a heavy debt burden as well as expand  private sector investment.

“Africa has tremendous opportunities for significant market expansion,” Kato said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact:
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Communication and External Relations Department
Email: media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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Police seize illicit cigarettes 

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, August 22, 2025

A multidisciplinary inter-provincial cross border operation comprising the Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Free State provinces successfully disrupted the trade and distribution of illicit cigarettes in and around Colesberg on Wednesday.

According to Northern Cape police, search warrants were obtained and executed, resulting in the seizure of counterfeit cigarettes valued at approximately R370 000.

Members of Colesberg South African Police Service (SAPS), Kuyasa SAPS, Crime Intelligence and South African Revenue Services (SARS) customs acted on intelligence and approached a general dealer in Kerk Street, Colesberg, where illicit cigarette trading was suspected.

“A suspicious truck parked next to the store was also searched. Police discovered a further consignment of counterfeit cigarettes valued at approximately R2.5 million, which was seized as well as the truck,” said the SAPS in a statement.

The operation continued at a filling station in station Road, Colesberg, where additional counterfeit cigarettes worth an estimated R590 000 were confiscated.

The total estimated value of the seized cigarettes and the truck stands at R7.5 million. The owners were issued a seven-day notice to provide original documentation for the goods,” the police said.

The Provincial Police Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the team for their work.

She reiterated that the SAPS and its partners remain unwavering in their efforts to eradicate the illicit trade in counterfeit goods which pose a serious threat to the country’s economy. – SAnews.gov.za

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Call for bold innovation to tackle water challenges

Source: Government of South Africa

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has called for bold innovation, cross-border collaboration, and sustainable practices to confront the escalating global water crisis.

Speaking at the 3rd International Conference on Earth and Environmental Sciences (ICEES 2025) gathering held this week, Mahlobo warned that South Africa’s water scarcity demands urgent action and cannot be treated as “business as usual.”

Organised by the University of Zululand in partnership with Chang’an University in China, the conference held from 17-20 August at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, brought together leading scientists, policymakers, industry experts, and emerging scholars.

It provided delegates the opportunity to share knowledge, present groundbreaking research, and explore actionable strategies for ensuring a sustainable future.

Mahlobo participated in a high-level panel on Water Security and Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) alongside the department’s Deputy Director-General, Dr Risimati Mathye, and uMngeni-uThukela Water Chief Executive, Sandile Mkhize.

“There is ample evidence showing how semi-arid our country is, and that it cannot be business as usual. That is why the department, and government published the National Water Resource Strategy Number 3.

“This aims to reassess the water deficit and to investigate new technologies, such as water desalination, as well as partnerships with higher education for research to improve existing water sources, including groundwater, effluent reuse, and assessing the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of these options,” Mahlobo said.

Mahlobo also emphasised the importance of integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems and practices into solutions, as they are a form of science that modern technology can build upon.

“Communities are not passive beneficiaries; they are stakeholders. Their lived experiences of droughts and floods, and their land management practices, hold vital lessons for building resilience.”

He further challenged the scientific community to ensure that their research findings inform governance and decision-making, rather than remaining in academic silos.

“Being a scientist or engineer does not mean stepping away from governance. Choose to be part of the main table where critical decisions are made, or risk being sidelined while the future of shared prosperity is shaped without your input,” the Deputy Minister said.

The 2025 edition of the gathering held in KwaZulu-Natal, placed particular focus on climate change, sustainable water management, pollution control, and interdisciplinary approaches to global sustainability.

The ICEES 2025 aimed to bridge gaps between research and implementation, fostering collaborative solutions to global challenges.

In an era of escalating environmental crises, the conference highlighted the role of scientific communities in shaping policies, driving sustainable practices, and promoting global equity. – SAnews.gov.za