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Nairobi Chamber Chorus Performs for Over 150,000 across Australia, Asia, and the Middle East on Hans Zimmer’s Global Tour

Source: APO – Report:

The Nairobi Chamber Chorus (NCC) (www.NCC.or.ke) has completed a six-week segment of the Hans Zimmer Live world tour, performing for more than 150,000 people across Australia, Asia, and the Middle East. By sharing the stage with Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer, the Nairobi Chamber Chorus showcased African choral excellence in sold-out venues with audiences exceeding 10,000.

The milestone tour is part of an extended collaboration between the Nairobi Chamber Chorus and legendary film composer Hans Zimmer. Celebrated for his iconic scores in The Lion King, Gladiator, Dune, and Inception, Zimmer is a two-time Academy Award® winner, a three-time Golden Globe® Award winner, a five-time Grammy® Award winner. He has also earned an American Music Award, a Tony® Award, and six Emmy® nominations. The choir’s inclusion in the tour highlights its growing international recognition and reinforces Africa’s vibrant contribution to global music and culture.

The tour kicked off in January 2025, with performances across the United States and Saudi Arabia before continuing into the Asia-Pacific region in March. Recent stops in Australia, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, and Abu Dhabi delivered a fusion of cinematic music and African choral excellence. “As the Nairobi Chamber Chorus, we have been privileged to be part of this spectacular show,” said Ken Wakia, Founder and Director of the Nairobi Chamber Chorus. “Seeing the passion and excitement Hans Zimmer evokes in fans around the world has been humbling, and sharing in that joy through our music is a deeply rewarding experience.”

NCC’s participation in the tour is supported by a strategic partnership (https://apo-opa.co/45qkaLC) with APO Group, announced earlier this year. As part of the collaboration, APO Group provides the choir with high-impact media relations and storytelling support to amplify its presence across international platforms.

Beate Neidhart-Keitel, Managing Director at BNK Management, the company overseeing NCC’s participation in Hans Zimmer Live, highlighted the impact of the collaboration: “The Nairobi Chamber Chorus brings a unique sound and spirit to the Hans Zimmer Live experience. Their professionalism, talent, and cultural authenticity have added immense value to the tour. We are proud to continue this meaningful collaboration.”

Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Founder and Chairman of APO Group, emphasised the broader significance of the choir’s participation: “This is more than a performance; it’s a cultural breakthrough. The Nairobi Chamber Chorus is not only elevating African music on the world stage but also challenging outdated perceptions about the continent. We are proud to stand with them in telling this powerful African success story.”

Hans Zimmer is one of the most celebrated composers of our time. His collaboration with the Nairobi Chamber Chorus is a powerful endorsement of the choir’s talent and artistic integrity. NCC first joined the Hans Zimmer Live lineup in 2024 as part of a group of international artists during the European concert series. The overwhelming response from audiences prompted Zimmer to expand the tour, adding new shows in the United States, including Austin, Nashville, Columbus (OH), Brooklyn, and Baltimore. The ongoing collaboration is a testament to the choir’s growing global appeal and its commitment to bringing Africa’s rich choral traditions to the world stage.

Established in 2005, the Nairobi Chamber Chorus has trained over 300 young vocalists, many of whom have become key contributors to Kenya’s music industry. Made up primarily of university students and recent graduates, the choir uses music as a platform to promote peace, understanding, and international dialogue.

With every performance, NCC shares the vibrant essence of African choral tradition with global audiences, and its partnership with Hans Zimmer marks an exciting chapter in its journey.

This is a Joint Press Release by the Nairobi Chamber Chorus (NCC) and APO Group.

– on behalf of Nairobi Chamber Chorus (NCC).

Media contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

About APO Group: 
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.   

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024.  Additionally, in 2025, the Davos Communications Awards 2025 awarded us with the Gold Award for Best PR Campaign and the Bronze Award for Special Event.  

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.  

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Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the United Nations Populations Fund and Global Leaders Network on Investing In Peace: Health for Adolescent Youth and Women at the TICAD Summit, Yokohama, Japan

Source: President of South Africa –

Excellencies, distinguished Heads of State and Government,
Acting Executive Director of UNFPA, Diene Keita,
Honourable Members of Parliament,
Development partners and agencies,
Partners from civil society,
Friends from the private sector,
 
It is an honour to stand before you as the chair of the Global Leaders Network for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, alongside fellow members Ethiopia and Nigeria. 
 
The Global Leaders Network is a coalition of heads of state and government united by the conviction that the health, dignity and potential of women, children and adolescents are the cornerstones of a fair, prosperous and peaceful world.
 
The reality that we must confront is that too many women still die in childbirth of preventable causes. 
 
Too many children and adolescents still suffer and die from illnesses we know how to prevent or treat. 
 
These are not inevitable tragedies.
 
Just as every avoidable death is a policy and administrative failure, every life saved is the result of political will.
 
The Global Leaders Network commits at the highest political level to keeping the voices of the most vulnerable alive in the halls of power. 
 
The moral imperative is clear: no woman, child or adolescent should die of preventable causes.
 
We must stand firm against the reversals we are witnessing in sexual and reproductive health and rights. 
 
We believe that every woman has autonomy over her sexuality and reproductive choices. Every adolescent should get comprehensive sexual education. Every person should be free from sexually transmitted diseases. 
 
To translate conviction into action, the Global Leaders Network has identified three priorities for immediate and sustained focus.
 
First, as countries advance universal health coverage, we must place women, children and adolescents at the centre of its design and implementation. 
 
Health services need to be safe, effective, compassionate and responsive to the lived realities of those who need them most. 
 
Our second priority is to increase investment in women’, children’s and adolescents’ health. 
 
As official development assistance is cut, many countries are pursuing domestic resource mobilisation as a sustainable health financing solution. 
 
However, we must continue to foster the principle of solidarity through multilateral financing solutions. This includes the consideration of a gap financing mechanism to address the needs of countries and communities most affected by the withdrawal of official development assistance. 
 
Our third priority is to uphold sexual and reproductive health rights. 
 
The data is clear: a lack of access to safe abortion leads to higher incidents of deaths, costly complications and permanent damage leading to infertility. 
 
I call on governments, financing institutions, development partners, civil society and the private sector to push forward towards 2030 with the following convictions:
 
Firstly, reaffirm and protect funding for women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health as a core pillar of development cooperation, even amid shifting global priorities.
 
Secondly, integrate health into broader development and climate strategies, recognising that resilient health systems are essential for adaptation, recovery and long-term sustainability.
 
Thirdly, continue to invest in innovation and digital health solutions that bridge gaps in access, particularly for rural and marginalised communities.
 
Finally, ensure accountability, so that commitments translate into measurable improvements in survival, well-being and equity.
 
The cost of inaction on these issues will be counted not only in lives lost, but in futures diminished, communities destabilised and economic opportunities foregone. 
 
But the benefits of bold, coordinated action will build social and economic prosperity for generations.
 
Women, children and adolescents must be our priority, for they represent the future that we are all working so hard to secure.
 
I thank you.

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Africa is not seeking aid, it seeks partners – President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

Africa is not seeking aid, it seeks partners – President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a reimagined partnership between Africa and Japan, emphasising that the continent is looking for meaningful collaboration that drives shared prosperity rather than handouts. 

“Africa is not seeking aid. It is seeking partners. Partners that understand value co-creation, sustainable development and mutual industrialisation,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The President was delivering remarks to the Plenary Session 2 on the Economy at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development Summit ((TICAD9) on Thursday. 

President Ramaphosa told the plenary session that the gathering comes at a defining moment for global trade and industrial development, with Africa determined to shape the new economic order rather than simply respond to it.

“We gather at a critical time, where global economic uncertainty, the reshaping of trade and new industrial revolutions demand bold action and strategic collaboration. Africa must not merely react to these forces. We must help to shape them.”

He further outlined South Africa’s progress in stabilising energy supply, modernising infrastructure, and opening ports and rail to private investment. 

He stressed the country’s reindustrialisation agenda focused on localisation, green energy and regional integration.

Additionally, South Africa is incentivising the production of electric vehicles and batteries and supporting green hydrogen value chains through infrastructure and skills investment. South Africa is also growing its health manufacturing capacity, with a focus on vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics.

The President added that South Africa is also expanding digital infrastructure to bridge gaps in access and to enhance service delivery.

He underscored the central role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in the country’s economic vision, noting that South Africa aims to position itself as an industrial hub for Japanese and other global firms looking to expand into African markets.

The President said the country is actively working with the AfCFTA Secretariat to finalise value-chain protocols in automotive, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals and textiles. 

He added that he supports the Rules of Origin harmonisation to encourage manufacturing in Africa and the upgrading of border infrastructure to enable faster movement of goods.

“Recent tariff actions by the United States on African goods have highlighted the need to diversify our export markets. South Africa is a leading exporter of agricultural produce and high-quality industrial products such as auto vehicles and components.

“We call on our Japanese counterparts to support tariff cooperation to ease market access for African goods,” the President said. 

Beyond trade, President Ramaphosa appealed for deeper collaboration in infrastructure, energy, and digital development through blended finance. 

“We seek partnerships in infrastructure, energy and digital development through blended finance. We also seek partnerships in financing skills development, youth innovation and small business scaling,” the President said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Japan leading South Africa’s high-level delegation at the TICAD9 in Yokohama City.

The President arrived in Japan on Tuesday. –SAnews.gov.za 
– SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM

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Moves to revitalise KZN’s beef industry

Source: Government of South Africa

Moves to revitalise KZN’s beef industry

With KwaZulu-Natal moving to revitalise its beef industry, MEC for Finance Francois Rodgers has welcomed a recent high-level engagement with agricultural sector stakeholders in the province.

The meeting with Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, brought together private sector specialists and academic experts from the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s School of Agriculture.

The session focused on strategies to expand beef production, the attraction of investment that will generate sustainable jobs, and the development of the rural economy. Key issues including disease management, especially the threat of foot-and-mouth disease; rising production costs; and limited access to finance for emerging farmers were also under the microscope.

Rodgers highlighted the industry’s significance, noting that beef production contributes between 5–6% of KwaZulu-Natal’s gross domestic product (GDP), with nearly half of all beef production located in rural areas, with significant potential for growth and job creation.

“At least 45% of all beef in the province is located in rural areas and sustains thousands of livelihoods. This is a key industry that requires significant investment in line our quest to develop an ethical and capable state,” Rodgers said.

Both MECs acknowledged the sector’s challenges but emphasised its untapped potential for growth, job creation, and rural development. They also resolved to convene a provincial gathering of beef industry stakeholders before the end of the year.

The upcoming indaba will address measures to strengthen rural economic development, tackling disease in the sector and job creation. The discussions will also include plans to support the AmaZulu Royal House in becoming self-sufficient through beef production.

Officials from the two departments are currently developing a foundational framework for the gathering, with details expected to be shared in the coming weeks. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK

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18th Meeting of Experts from West African National Regulatory Authorities Focuses on Roaming Implementation across Public Mobile Communications Networks

Source: APO


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Lomé, the capital of the Republic of Togo, is hosting a two-day hybrid meeting beginning August 20, 2025, organised by ECOWAS. The meeting is dedicated to monitoring and evaluating the implementation of Regulation C/REG.21/12/17 on roaming across Public Mobile Communications Networks. This event also marks the 18th gathering of Roaming focal points from across the region.

This hybrid meeting, brings together focal points from the National Regulatory Authorities of ECOWAS Member States, representatives from the Secretariat of the West African Telecommunications Regulators’ Assembly (WATRA), representatives from the ECOWAS Commission’s Directorate of Digital Economy and Post, representatives from UEMOA and the ECOWAS National Office in Togo.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on behalf of Mr Sediko DOUKA, ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation, Ms Folake Olagunju, Acting Director Digital Economy and Post, welcomed the full participation of Member States focal points at this important meeting.

She highlighted the progress made since the regulation’s adoption, particularly through bilateral tariff agreements between Member States. “This meeting is more than a checkpoint; it is a catalyst. It offers a valuable platform for Member States to exchange experiences, share lessons learned, and offer practical insights, especially for those still navigating the implementation process… The ECOWAS Commission remains fully committed to supporting Member States in this endeavour… ” said Ms Folake Olagunju.

In his address to participants, Mr Musa Jalloh, Deputy Director of Regulation at the National Telecommunications Authority of the Republic of Sierra Leone, emphasised the importance of digital integration and a unified regional market. He praised the growing number of bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding between Member States, reflecting the commitment of authorities to significantly reducing telecommunications costs and improving interoperability for the benefit of citizens across the ECOWAS region.

The meeting was officially launched by Mr Michel Yaovi Galley, Director General of the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) of Togo, represented by Mr Cabo Amar Vinyo, Director of Markets and Data Regulation. Mr Vinyo called for the full implementation of the regulation across all Member States to enhance consumer satisfaction, improve connectivity, democratise internet access, and promote regional integration.

Over the course of the meeting, focal points will present updates on roaming service implementation, assess compliance with community price caps based on national monitoring and review progress on tasks assigned during the 19th Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers on Telecommunications/ICT/Digital Economy. Discussions will also address delays in bilateral agreements and explore operator concerns related to fraud.

Experts will evaluate regulatory proposals, review the ECOWAS Commission’s progress in updating the Regulatory Framework and examine WATRA’s engagement with the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) to provide technical assistance for community roaming.

As a reminder, Regulation C/REG.21/12/17 was adopted in December 2017 by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers. It aims to establish a harmonised legal and tariff framework for roaming within ECOWAS Member States, reduce high costs for voice, SMS and data roaming and determine the rights and obligations of community roaming service providers and regulators.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Ghana: Mahama meets Japanese PM; discusses 3 key issues to deepen cooperation

Source: APO


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Ghana and Japan have signalled a new push to deepen economic cooperation and accelerate priority infrastructure projects during a bilateral meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and the Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan on the sidelines of TICAD 9 in Yokohama.

President Mahama acknowledged Ghana’s central role in Japan’s cocoa supply, noting that Ghana accounts for about 70% of Japan’s cocoa imports.

He encouraged Japanese firms to expand investments in Ghana’s cocoa value chain, including a public–private partnership with the Cocoa Processing Company to revamp the plant and boost value addition.

The President also highlighted upcoming milestones in Ghana–Japan relations, including the centenary of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi’s arrival in Ghana and the 50th anniversary of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) in 2027—anniversaries he previously discussed with H.E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, Japan’s Ambassador to Ghana.

On infrastructure, President Mahama stressed the strategic importance of the Volivo Bridge over the Volta River, a critical component of Ghana’s Eastern Corridor that links Accra and Tema to the north and onward to Burkina Faso and Niger.

He emphasised the bridge’s role in moving agricultural produce such as yams and maize from northern Ghana to markets in the south.

Mr Mahama also expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan for the JPY 11.239 billion loan signed on 5 December 2016 for the project and reaffirmed Ghana’s request for additional support—especially grants—to close the remaining 64% procurement gap.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba welcomed closer collaboration with Ghana to expand infrastructure development and recalled the long-standing partnership that helped establish the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

He acknowledged that Japanese chocolate lovers depend largely on Ghanaian cocoa.

Reiterating Japan’s commitment to Ghana’s development priorities, the Prime Minister gave an assurance that Tokyo would work to expedite solutions to funding gaps to ensure the successful completion of key projects.

He also sought Ghana’s support for Japan’s candidate, Masahiko Metoki, for the position of Director General of the Universal Postal Union’s International Bureau and Ghana’s backing for Japan’s positions on reforms to make the United Nations Security Council more democratic.

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development brings together African leaders, Japan, and international partners to advance sustainable development and investment across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

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Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) to Lead Investor Dialogue at African Mining Week (AMW) 2025

Source: APO


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As African nations strengthen their positions as global leaders in the production of diamonds, platinum group metals (PGMs), chromium, uranium, cobalt and other key industrial minerals, development finance institutions are providing essential funding through loans, equity investments and infrastructure support. Their efforts are bolstering Africa’s access to its mineral resources while enhancing logistics and processing capabilities – key elements in advancing mineral beneficiation and industrialization. 

At the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders – financial institutions will showcase their innovative approaches to accelerating mineral industrialization. A panel titled The Investor Perspective – Financing Africa’s Mineral Industrialization, will feature representatives from the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of South Africa and African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM). 

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

As a silver sponsor of AMW 2025, the AFC is expected to present its tailored financing models that support mineral beneficiation across the continent. Through investments in critical projects such as the Lobito Corridor – a regional logistics network connecting mineral-rich Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo with international markets – the AFC is driving Africa’s mining sector growth. In May 2025, the AFC also provided financial backing to Mota-Engil for gold mining projects in the Ivory Coast and Mali. 

Thabiso Sekano, Head of Mining and Metals at the IDC, is also expected to outline how the corporation is reinforcing South Africa’s mining value chain. As the country rolls out its draft Critical Minerals Strategy and introduces legislative reforms such as the Mineral Resources Development Bill and Mine Health and Safety Amendment Bill, the IDC remains a critical financing partner. Recent IDC financing include R622 million for the Theta Gold Mine and R1.6 billion for ArcelorMittal South Africa. 

Ed Stumpf, AIIM’s Investment Director and Head of Investment Strategy, is also expected to highlight the firm’s focus on driving the growth of Africa’s mineral extraction and local value addition. AIIM’s investments in renewable energy projects – including the 140 MW Umsinde Wind Farm and the 144 MW Khangela Wind Farm – are designed to support the energy needs of major mining operations like Sibanye-Stillwater and Richards Bay Minerals in South Africa. 

Under the theme From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth, AMW will connect African projects and prospects with investments firms to explore partnership opportunities across the mining value chain. 

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

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African Energy Chamber (AEC) Opens Office in Shanghai to Boost China-Africa Energy Collaboration

Source: APO

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) has officially opened an international office in Shanghai, China, aimed at strengthening cooperation between African governments and energy companies and their counterparts in China. The office – aligned with the AEC’s vision of creating a global energy network where Africa is not just a participant, but a driving force – is expected to spearhead a new era of economic diplomacy while fostering cross-continental partnerships and energy development.  

The Shanghai office will be led by Dr. Bieni Da, Chief Representative of the AEC in China, who will spearhead all engagements, ensuring that the AEC plays a pivotal role in connecting Chinese businesses and government entities with African stakeholders. The objective is clear: to drive impactful, long-term collaboration across strategic sectors of the economy, enabling investments that are mutually beneficial and aligned with both continents’ development goals.  

One of the core objectives of the Shanghai office is capital mobilization. With the continent’s energy finance gap currently estimated to measure between $31 billion and $50 billion, a unique opportunity has emerged for Chinese financiers and project developers. Despite rising energy demand, many African energy firms face constraints in accessing the necessary capital to scale their operations and increase energy production. China, with its well-developed financial and infrastructure systems, presents a fertile ground for capital raising. Under Dr. Bieni Da’s leadership, the AEC will actively work to attract Chinese investment into African energy projects, providing the financial backbone needed to drive innovation and expansion in the sector. 

The Shanghai office will also play an instrumental part in connecting Chinese companies with African projects, facilitating partnerships and bringing African opportunity to the Chinese market. Chinese companies have already begun to play a central role in advancing Africa’s energy market, with investments in oil, gas, renewable energy and infrastructure unlocking high returns. Examples include Chinese exploration and production company Wing Wah, who is leading the Bango Kayo development in the Republic of Congo. The $2 billion project – comprising a phased expansion of the operational Bango Kayo conventional oilfield – seeks to monetize previously-flared resources, primarily for the domestic market. The project features the development of three trains, the first of which has a capacity of one million cubic meters per day (mcm/d). The second and third trains will come online in 2025, increasing capacity to five mcm/d.  

Meanwhile, the state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) is also expanding its presence in Africa. The company is exploring business opportunities in Angola, with talks held for deepwater Block 24. In East Africa, the company is developing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, connecting the Tilenga and Kingfisher oilfields with the Port of Tanga. CNOOC also acquired two shallow water and three deepwater oil and gas blocks in Mozambique and has partnered with the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation to explore deep-sea Block 4/1B and 4/1C. The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) has stakes in Mozambique’s Coral South FLNG development, which began production in 2022, and has also signed a $400 million crude oil supply agreement with Niger. These are just some of the many projects spearheaded by Chinese companies.  

“The AEC wants to see greater Chinese investment across the entire African oil and gas value chain – from upstream projects to downstream infrastructure to manufacturing, power and technology. China offers significant expertise in these areas and the Shanghai office will unlock new collaborative opportunities in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, renewable energy and more,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.  

To foster continued dialogue and engagement, the AEC will organize high-level investment forums in Shanghai, positioning the city as a hub for African energy investment and dialogue. These forums will serve as regular platforms for African leaders, government officials and business executives to meet with their Chinese counterparts, explore opportunities and forge lasting partnerships. The Chamber will use this office to host a variety of meetings, roundtables, and workshops aimed at encouraging cross-border collaboration, knowledge sharing, and investment facilitation.  

“Africa and China have a common goal: to eradicate energy poverty. It is time to walk the walk and bring Chinese expertise and capital to African projects. Dr. Bieni Da, has a strong network in the public and private sector that will drive these engagements, giving Africa a chance to expand to a mutually beneficial relationship that is win-win with China. This office is a testament to making sure we leave our footprint,” added Ayuk.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Opening remarks by Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, at the HRDC meeting, Gallagher Convention Centre

Source: President of South Africa –

Minister of Higher Education, Buti Manamela;
Host, Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
Premiers and MECs;
Members of the Human Resource Development Council;
Directors- General and senior Government officials;

Good morning!

I would like to extend my congratulations to Mr. Buti Manamela on his appointment as the Minister of Higher Education and Training. We are pleased that you are familiar with the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) and possess institutional memory regarding our objectives. 

As a former youth and student leader, we appreciate your comprehensive awareness of the concerns of young people in the developmental agenda. We are confident in your capacity to lead this sector and look forward to collaborating closely with you and your team.

Let me also extend a warm welcome to all of you as we gather here today for this Council meeting. We are meeting here today because together we hold a collective wisdom and commitment to increase productivity, and the human resource development needed to successfully transform South Africa into a knowledge economy.

Substantively, we are here because we are all dedicated to improving national economic growth and development through the improved competitiveness of the South African economy.

We are meeting here today after a harsh reality was revealed by Statistics South Africa that the unemployment rate climbed once again to 33.2%, meaning one-third of the workforce is sitting without a job, the majority of whom are youth, women, and marginalised groups. 

We must acknowledge that the crisis of youth unemployment is particularly severe among young people not in employment, education, or training – the NEET cohort. 

According to Statistics South Africa’s first-quarter release of 2025, 34% of all youth aged 15–24 – more than 3.5 million young people – are disconnected from both the labour market and the education system. 

Research by the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit at the University of Cape Town reminds us that this is not a homogenous group, but rather a heterogeneous mix of young people whose experiences reflect entrenched exclusion, long-term unemployment, and fragile transitions between short-term opportunities.

Alarmingly, more than half of unemployed youth not in employment, education and training have been searching for work for over a year, underscoring the systemic barriers they face in securing a foothold in the labour market.

The HRDC plays a crucial role in addressing this crisis by improving workforce skills, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth. This is indeed an entrenched challenge that directly calls for the Council’s innovation and leadership. The future of the youth of South Africa is in our hands, and we must be radical in securing it!

Among other things, these statistics should prompt us to reconsider our role in mobilising various stakeholders and social partners to develop skills that meet the needs of the South African economy.

We should ask ourselves about the effectiveness of our education and training in responding to the social and economic development agenda. This includes how responsive we are in addressing quality issues in education, the skills development pipeline, and the shortages of skills in priority areas.

We must adopt a proactive stance and address the disparity between labour supply and demand. We must create a labour market that will effectively create employment opportunities for young people, including those with no skills.

We can address unemployment, including among those with limited skills, through a multi-pronged approach focused on education and skills development, entrepreneurship, and public employment programmes.

Improving education, aligning it with market needs, supporting small businesses, and investing in public work programs are key strategies.

It is universally acknowledged that education and skills development are essential for productive employment and economic prosperity. It is imperative to implement a more cohesive strategy between businesses and educational institutions to guarantee the cultivation of skills required for the economy.

Moreover, it is mandatory to encourage job creation by investing in employment-generating sectors, particularly by supporting the growth of small enterprises, which are pivotal to economic expansion. By fostering teamwork and a cohesive effort among government, business, and the training sector, we can effectively reverse the current situation, diminish unemployment, and establish a robust and resilient economy.

Together, we must persist in endorsing strategies and interventions that facilitate our efforts as the HRDC. This involves promoting and contributing to the execution of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, a multi-sectoral initiative aimed at tackling South Africa’s persistent youth unemployment issue.

We must prioritise the oversight and execution of the Human Resource Development Strategy (HRDS), which seeks to enhance the nation’s human capital through education, training, and skills development.

Through the HRDS, which also aligns with the National Development Plan (NDP), we can work together to address skills gaps, enhance employability, and reduce poverty and inequality.

Our nation requires us to have an integrated approach across a variety of sectors and levels, beginning with the development of young children and ending with their entry into the labour market. We need to do this with new energy and determination to build an HRDC that makes a difference in our communities.

As I have mentioned previously, for us to take our country forward, we must focus on the discipline of execution. We have at this stage mastered the art of policy making; however, some of these policies are not coming alive in the areas where they are needed to transform the lives of South Africans and the youth in particular. 

The HRDC must therefore be diligent and quick in implementing its agenda of upskilling young people to respond to the global challenges that confront us!

The HRDC must recognise that, in addition to high unemployment rates, there is a deficiency among individuals possessing advanced skills necessary for economic growth. The school system is having difficulties cultivating the skills required for a globalised, knowledge-driven economy.

Despite initiatives to enhance technical and vocational training and rectify skills deficiencies, a scarcity of skilled educators, together with a discord between existing skills and employer requirements, impedes advancement.

The country is actively working to improve educational outcomes, particularly in foundational learning, and to attract and retain skilled professionals. We need to keep working on making education and skills development a top priority for public sector investment, as well as expanding programmes that get young people involved in the economy.

We must further strengthen and expand the National Youth Service to bridge the school-to-work gap. This means the National Youth Development Agency must be at the forefront of integrating real-world experiences into education, fostering collaboration between educational institutions and employers, and equipping students with relevant skills.

This involves initiatives like workplace-integrated learning, career guidance, and mentorship programs. 

We must further coordinate this at the provincial level to drive skills development and economic growth within respective provinces. Minister Manamela will give more details on this when he does his presentation on the mapping of HRDC Exco members to provincial councils.

Let me also take this opportunity to extend my congratulations to the North West and Mpumalanga provinces for the successful launch of their provincial HRDC. The Provincial Council should concentrate on initiatives that will lead to increased productivity and the development of the necessary skills for our country to transition to a knowledge and skills-based economy. These Provincial Councils play a vital role in the implementation of the HRD Strategy and achieving our objectives.

Ladies and gentlemen,

One of the most significant challenges we face globally is the rapid growth of technology and the digital revolution. As automation and artificial intelligence shape industries, demand for traditional skills decreases, leading to an urgent need for new, technologically driven skills. 

The South African community must become digitally adaptive to ensure digital inclusivity for future generations.

We must refocus our curriculum and skills development programmes to align with industry, economic, and social needs. As technology advances exponentially, today’s abilities may become obsolete tomorrow.

Thus, we must encourage active personal and professional development. Whether through workplace training or accessible learning platforms, we must create a learning environment that will prepare our workers for future challenges and opportunities.

The discussion today must encompass the necessity of skills development programmes that cater to the demands of all societal groups. We must reconcile disparities across various socio-economic categories, guaranteeing equitable access to skills development opportunities for everyone.

A robust and proficient workforce is the foundation of a prosperous nation. Consequently, we must collaborate to allocate resources towards skills development to advance South Africa on a path to economic prosperity, innovation, and social progress.

Compatriots and colleagues,

Let me conclude by drawing your attention to the G20 Summit. The G20 Education Working Group (EdWG) provides a chance to develop more inclusive and resilient education systems capable of preparing students for the future. 

As a host country, we have the chance to support emerging market economies’ objectives while also promoting the African continent’s development agenda within the G20 framework.

The collaborative activities and collaborations formed through this platform have played a key role in advancing education reform, promoting inclusive & quality education, and improving our youth’s employability.

As we continue to strive for excellence in human resource development, let us use our partnerships and resources to further our shared goals. 

Together, we can have a long-term impact on our people’s lives and contribute to our country’s sustainable growth.

Let us work together to create a brighter future for all South Africans and those who live in it.

Thank you.

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Tourism Minister dissolves  SA Tourism Board

Source: Government of South Africa

Tourism Minister dissolves  SA Tourism Board

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has dissolved the South African Tourism Board in terms of section16(3)(a) of the Tourism Act.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Department of Tourism said the decision takes effect immediately. 
Section16(3)(a) of the Act empowers the Minister to dissolve the board on good cause shown.

“The Minister has also decided to remove the members of the Board of South African Tourism in terms of sections 16(1) of the Act which states that a member of the Board must vacate office upon removal by the Minister.”

Additionally, the Minister informed members of the Board of her decision on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, following consideration of their written representations as to why the board should not be dissolved. 

According to the department, the board failed to address “the important issue about the legality of the procedure followed by the Board when it convened a special Board meeting on 01 August 2025 at which the unlawful resolution was taken.”

According to legal advice to the Minister, the special Board meeting of 01 August 2025 was convened unlawfully. 

Section 18(2) of the Act empowers only the Board Chairperson to convene a special board meeting. 

“This exclusive power given to the Chairperson of the board is further confirmed by clause 9.1.2 of Board Charter which was adopted on 16 April 2024. As of 01 August 2025, the board had no Chairperson to lawfully convene a special board meeting following the resignation of Professor Gregory Davids the day before (31 July 2025), but this notwithstanding, the board elected to convene a special board meeting and in doing so, the board acted unlawfully and ultra vires its powers.”

De Lille had previously cautioned the board of the possible implications of failing to follow due process when convening special and ordinary meetings. 

In a meeting with the Board on 4 July, followed by a letter to the board dated 13 July 2025, the Minister expressed her concerns about the board’s failure to follow governance procedures which undermines the integrity of the board and could render outcomes from such meetings procedurally invalid and unlawful.

“In response, by way of a letter dated 22 July 2025, the board assured the Minister that it has put in place interventions and these: ‘enhancements have and will ensure that all meetings are properly constituted, chaired, and documented,’” said the department.  

The Board is a creature of statute created in terms of section 13 of the Act and as such, the Board derives its powers from the enabling statute that created it, the Act, read together with the Board Charter.

The department said the board, in the exercise of its powers, must always be guided by the principle of legality which is part of the rule of law as set out in section 1(c) of the Constitution of South Africa.

Appointment of a new board

Meanwhile, the Minister will start the process to appoint a new board.

“The Minister shall, in terms of section 13(3) of the Act, initiate the process to appoint a new Board and will invite nominations of eligible persons in due course. In the interim, the Minister shall, in terms of section 16(3) of the Act, appoint one or more persons to manage the affairs of the board until the new board is appointed.”

Continuity 

The department further added that these developments will not derail ongoing programmes.

“The Minister assures South Africans and the tourism sector that these developments will not derail the ongoing programmes including SA Tourism’s collaboration with the Tourism Business Council of South Africa [TBCSA], to deliver a successful G20 summit.”

On Tuesday, the Minister communicated her commitment to the TBCSA and other industry stakeholders to lead the implementation of the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan.

“Furthermore, in consultation with the tourism sector, the Minister is finalising plans for the inaugural Tourism Investment Summit where bankable infrastructure projects from the public and private sectors will be presented before local and international investors.”

The investment summit which will take place on 10 September 2025 in Cape Town, Western Cape, will be attended by various Tourism Ministers from G20 member states and delegates from the World Travel and Trade Council.

The Government of National Unity’s 3 key priorities continue to inform the Tourism Department and the Ministry’s programmes and interventions. These priorities are: drive inclusive growth and job creation; reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living; and build a capable, ethical and developmental state.

Tourism Month

The country will mark Tourism Month in September with the department set to announce the winning digital solutions which have been developed by students from 18 higher education institutions, participating in the inaugural hackathon.

The Minister wishes to remind South Africans to visit the Sho’t left website to search for packages with discounts of up to 50%.  Deals are available on www. shotleft.co.za. –SAnews.gov.za
 

Edwin

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