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Deputy President Mashatile embarks on a working visit to the Amampondo Kingdom, Libode, Eastern Cape Province

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, undertake a working visit to the Amampondo Kingdom, at Enyandeni Royal Palace, Libode, Nyandeni Local Municipality, in the OR Tambo District, Eastern Cape Province.

The visit by Deputy President Mashatile to His Majesty, King Ndamase of the Amampondo ase Nyandeni, takes place under the theme, “Traditional Leadership at the centre of developmental agenda and social cohesion through cooperation with government”, and it is aimed at creating a platform for government and other relevant entities to work together in addressing service delivery challenges in the area, as well as promoting investment initiatives geared to enhance local economic development. 

Deputy President Mashatile chairs the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on matters of Traditional Leadership established by President Ramaphosa, to provide leadership in addressing issues that include amongst others; land ownership and tenure rights, fast-tracking the socio-economic development in rural communities, advancing infrastructure investment and skills development initiatives, promoting unity, cohesion and nation building within rural communities. 

Furthermore, the visit by the Deputy President demonstrates a distinct commitment by government to provide steadfast support for the work of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders in addressing the triple-challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment affecting members of the surrounding communities.

Deputy President Mashatile also assists President Ramaphosa with the roll-out of the District Development Model, which aims to improve the functioning of municipalities and also addresses community service delivery issues.

In this regard, the Deputy President and his delegation together with His Majesty, will receive an update on progress achieved by government in addressing service delivery issues such as access to water, electricity, adequate roads infrastructure, agriculture support, and interventions to address crime, drugs and alcohol abuse.

Members for the media are invited to cover the event as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 19 August 2025
Time: 09h00 
Venue: Komkhulu Enyandeni Royal Palace, Libode, OR Tambo district, Eastern Cape Province

The programme is envisaged to unfold as follows: 

Part A: Meeting between the Deputy President and His Majesty, King Ndamase 
09h00
(Photo Opportunity) 

Part B: Stakeholder Engagement – Overview of Service Delivery Issues 
10h00
(Media in attendance for Opening Remarks and Photo Opportunity) 

Part C:  Project Visit – Showcasing tourism infrastructure development investment in the area
11h45

Part D: Community Feedback Session 
12h30 
Media in attendance
14h00 Media Door-Stop

For more enquiries and accreditation please contact Sam Matome Bopape on 082 318 5251.
 

Media enquiries:  Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidedcy
Pretoria

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Message on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Gabonese Republic

Source: APO


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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, extends his heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of the Gabonese Republic on the occasion of their Independence Day.

This important day stands as a celebration of Gabon’s sovereignty, national pride, and the enduring aspirations of its people. It also provides an opportunity to recognize Gabon’s active engagement in advancing the core objectives of the African Union, including peace, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development.

The African Union commends Gabon’s contributions to regional and continental initiatives, particularly in promoting climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and governance reforms. As a member of key African institutions, Gabon continues to play an instrumental role in shaping Africa’s collective vision as outlined in Agenda 2063.

On behalf of the African Union Commission, the Chairperson reaffirms the Union’s commitment to supporting Gabon in its pursuit of inclusive development, political stability, and strengthened democratic institutions.

Happy Independence Day!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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Egypt: Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Meets with the Japanese Ambassador and the Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to Discuss Strengthening Mutual Economic Relations and Preparations for the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD)

Source: APO


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  • Dr. Rania Al-Mashat discusses joint efforts to promote private sector investment through innovative financing mechanisms provided by Japanese financial institutions.
  • Al-Mashat: The Tokyo International Conference on African Development paves the way for constructive partnerships with African countries to support sustainable development efforts.
  • Exploring new opportunities for economic and investment cooperation between Egypt, Japan, and African countries in priority areas, particularly renewable energy.

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, met with Ambassador Fumio Iwai, the Japanese Ambassador to Cairo, and Mr. Ebisawa Yu, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Egypt, within the framework of following up on efforts to strengthen joint economic relations between the two countries in light of their historical and close ties in various fields, as well as discussing preparations for the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), whose 9th edition will be held from August 20 to 22.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation welcomed the Japanese Ambassador to Egypt and the Chief Representative of JICA, praising the economic and development relations between the two countries which have spanned more than 70 years, reflecting the ongoing coordination and mutual keenness to develop joint relations, embodied in the exchange of visits between the leaderships of the two countries over the past years, as well as the turning point in announcing the elevating of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership during the visit of former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Egypt in April 2023.

Both sides highlighted the various aspects of Egyptian-Japanese relations that have contributed to advancing sustainable development, particularly in sectors prioritized by the government, foremost among which are education, health, human capital investment, scientific research, and the transition to a green economy, in addition to empowering the private sector through partnerships with Japanese financial institutions. The two sides expressed their anticipation for the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in early November. They also reaffirmed their commitment to continue their successful cooperation in launching and completing the 4th phase of the Greater Cairo Metro.

The meeting also discussed preparations for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) and Egypt’s participation in the conference. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized the importance of the conference and its role in strengthening African-Japanese relations, paving the way for enhanced South-South and trilateral cooperation, and creating constructive partnerships that contribute to advancing development in Africa.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat further underscored the importance of exploring new opportunities for economic and investment cooperation between Egypt, Japan, and African countries, noting that both sides should identify priority areas in this regard, particularly renewable energy, where Egypt has distinguished expertise that can be transferred to African countries with the support of Japan.

In this context, Al-Mashat reaffirmed the Egyptian government’s commitment to building on the ongoing progress in Egyptian-Japanese relations to further strengthen the strategic partnership and stimulate development financing and green investments in the energy, food, and water sectors within the “NWFE” program, and expressed aspirations for a new phase that enhances climate action and expands private sector participation in development.

H.E. also affirmed the government’s aspiration to increase investments and participation by the Japanese private sector, JICA, and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), in support of the Ministry’s efforts to increase development financing for the private sector from international partners, thereby supporting the goals of empowering the private sector to lead development efforts, noting the importance of enhancing the engagement of Japanese financial institutions in public-private partnerships in the areas of industrial localization, developing human capital, sustainable infrastructure, and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence.

It is worth noting that Japan is one of the most important Asian development partners, with a current cooperation portfolio comprising about 18 development projects supporting the government’s plan to achieve sustainable economic development goals. The cooperation portfolio between Egypt and Japan aligns with Egypt Vision 2030, the Government Action Program (2024–2027), and Japan’s financing policy priorities. The total technical support and grants provided by Japan amount to approximately $2.4 billion, in addition to development financing of approximately $7.2 billion, in the fields of renewable energy, electricity, transport, civil aviation, antiquities, irrigation, education and health, and budget support.

The Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation visited Japan last December to strengthen Egyptian-Japanese relations. During the visit, the Development Policy Financing Agreement was signed to support private sector development and economic diversification, aiming to improve the business environment, stimulate private sector investment, and promote economic diversification with a focus on green growth. Letters of exchange were also signed for the Grant Agreement of The Project for the Improvement of Equipment at the National Cultural Centre (the Cairo Opera House).

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

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Qatar Welcomes U.S.-Russia Summit in Alaska

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha – August 17, 2025

The State of Qatar welcomes the summit held in Alaska between His Excellency President Donald Trump, President of the United States of America, and His Excellency President Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation. Qatar expresses its hope that the ongoing diplomatic efforts will lead to a comprehensive and sustainable resolution to the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates the State of Qatar’s firm position advocating for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, based on its steadfast belief that dialogue remains the most effective means for addressing regional and international conflicts.

The Ministry also affirms Qatar’s full support for all initiatives aimed at promoting peace and enhancing cooperation among nations, in a manner that contributes to global security and stability.

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Burundi : Lancement des travaux de construction du chemin de fer Uvinza–Musongati par le président Ndayishimiye et le premier Ministre Tanzanien Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Président de la République du Burundi, Son Excellence Évariste Ndayishimiye, et le Premier Ministre de la République Unie de Tanzanie, Son Excellence Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa, ont conjointement procédé, ce 16 août 2025, au lancement solennel des travaux de construction du chemin de fer Uvinza–Musongati.

Dans son intervention, le Ministre tanzanien en charge des Transports a précisé que cette ligne ferroviaire s’étendra sur 282 kilomètres et comprendra huit stations, dont trois au Burundi et cinq en Tanzanie. La durée des travaux est estimée à six années. À terme, ce projet structurant permettra de réduire sensiblement le coût de transport des biens et des personnes entre les deux pays, tout en renforçant l’intégration économique et les échanges commerciaux.

Prenant la parole, le Chef de l’État burundais, Son Excellence Évariste Ndayishimiye, a exprimé sa profonde reconnaissance à sa consœur, Son Excellence Samia Suluhu Hassan, Président de la République Unie de Tanzanie, ainsi qu’aux partenaires au développement pour leur engagement ferme dans la concrétisation de ce projet historique. “Merci pour votre appui à la construction de cette voie qui constituera un levier majeur pour la réalisation de la Vision 2040–2060”, a-t-il déclaré.

Pour sa part, le Premier Ministre tanzanien, Son Excellence Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa, a adressé ses chaleureuses félicitations au peuple burundais pour la réussite des élections de juin 2025, avant d’assurer que ce projet ferroviaire, le premier du genre à relier directement deux États membres de la Communauté de l’Afrique de l’Est, sera exécuté et achevé dans les délais convenus.

Ces cérémonies d’une portée historique qui se sont déroulées sur la colline Rubara, en commune Musongati, province de Burunga, ont été aussi honorées par la présence de hautes personnalités des deux pays et une population nombreuse en provenance de la Tanzanie et de la province Burunga, traduisant l’importance capitale de ce projet dans le renforcement des liens d’amitié, de coopération et de solidarité entre le Burundi et la République Unie de Tanzanie.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.

Media files

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National Convention sets stage for meaningful national engagement

Source: Government of South Africa

The first National Convention of the National Dialogue took place over two days of vibrant discussion, with over 1 000 delegates from over 200 organisations at the University of South Africa (Unisa) in Tshwane. 

The National Convention was convened by President Cyril Ramaphosa as the launch of the National Dialogue to engage all South Africans in a countrywide engagement on the challenges facing the country, and accelerated actions to forge a new vision and to agree on a programme of action to take the country forward. 

The National Convention was described by President Ramaphosa as the moment at which the people of South Africa take over the National Dialogue and ensure that it is led and driven by citizens. 

“Delegates were resounding in their endorsement of an inclusive National Dialogue process that focuses on the issues that concern the people. For the National Dialogue to be successful, delegates affirmed that it needs to include communities who are often not heard and those who are often not consulted on important decisions.

“One of the noteworthy features of the dialogue was the wide diversity of the delegates. The Convention brought together people and groups who would ordinarily not be in conversation with one another. This added to the robust nature of the discussions,” the Convention Organising Committee said on Sunday.

Over Friday and Saturday, delegates engaged in robust discussion, putting forward their hopes, aspirations, fears and frustrations. The conversation was open and rigorous. It emphasised the need for deep, genuine dialogue that leads to action, where people have power. 

Delegates were able to outline key themes for discussion. These included the economy, jobs, children, livelihoods, crime and corruption, education, health and gender-based violence and femicide. Other themes included fixing the State and the Constitution, building South African values and culture, strengthening our social fabric, and dealing with intergenerational trauma and healing. 

The Convention agreed that these themes should be seen as a guide to discussion, but that it would ultimately be up to citizens to raise any issues that are important to them. 

The Convention also reflected on the draft roadmap towards a citizen-led dialogue, outlining a six to nine-month dialogue proposes of thousands of engagements led by communities, with a mandate to call for radical change, catalyse rapid response to the most urgent challenges, and to make renewed efforts to rebuild and heal the nation. 

The Convention called for diverse methods of dialogue, crafted in communities using local knowledge and expertise. Delegates said it was important that all those who participate in the National Dialogue should have the space and opportunity to use the approaches that best suit them and their specific conditions. 

Establishing the Steering Committee

The Convention discussed the process for establishing a representative Steering Committee that would take over the work of directing and coordinating the National Dialogue process. 

The meeting confirmed that the process to establish a Steering Committee should be extended by two weeks. The 22 sectors that were initially identified were expanded to accommodate more diversity. 

Each of the sectors held discussions on how they would select their nominee for the Steering Committee and agreed that they would provide the names of their nominees by the end of August 2025. 

To ensure nobody is left behind, this period will provide space to include organisations in sectors who did not attend the National Convention. 

“The first National Convention was citizen-led, iterative in nature, with robust engagement. It reflected the complexity of our nation. It was a call for a new era of citizen activism for radical change, rapid response and it was a call to rebuild the nation,” the Convention Organising Committee said. – SAnews.gov.za

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‘African led solutions’ critical to advancing SADC

Source: Government of South Africa

While security concerns persist in parts of southern Africa, the region remains “generally stable and peaceful”.

This is according to Southern African Development Community (SADC) Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi, who delivered the opening address of the regional bloc’s 45th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government.

Magosi noted that prior to the summit, the SADC’s troikas on security convened to conduct a review of the region’s political and security state, particularly that of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of Mozambique.

“With regards to the DRC… following the withdrawal of the SAMIDRC [SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo] troops earlier this year, a strategic decision was taken to create an enabling environment for dialogue and diplomatic engagement.

“To this end, the Joint SADC-EAC [East African Community] Summit, held on the 13 August 2025, endorsed the measure of the Nairobi and Rwanda process into a single integrated initiative, which is supported by a distinguished panel of facilitators drawn from a rich pool.

“This unified approach marks a pivotal moment in regional democracy, affirming the need for harmonising action to effectively deal with the complexity of the conflict in Eastern DRC,” Magosi said. 

Magosi said the measure “sends a clear message that African led solutions are vital to overcoming our shared challenges in advancing unity, resilience and self-determination”.

Honouring heroes

The executive secretary acknowledged the soldiers who lost their lives in the eastern DRC conflict. 

At least 20 SAMIDRC soldiers lost their lives, including 14 from South Africa.

“We… honour the courageous men and women who gave their lives under the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their sacrifice in defence of sovereignty and peace in the Eastern DRC is, to me, a heavy price that they have paid for the region’s core values of solidarity, unity and mutual protection.

“We extend our deepest condolences to their families and nations. May their souls also rest in eternal peace,” Magosi said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Burundi : Le Président Ndayishimiye oeuvre pour un partenariat fort et durable avec le Qatar

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Président de la République du Burundi Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye a reçu en audience ce samedi soir, au palais de Kiriri, une forte délégation de la famille royale du Qatar conduite par Son Altesse Sheikh Mansour Bin Jabor Bin Jassim Al Thani

Son Altesse est arrivée à la tête d’une importante délégation du Groupe Al Massour Holding, un conglomérat puissant aux investissements diversifiés dans plusieurs pays, notamment dans les secteurs des infrastructures, des mines, des banques, du tourisme, de l’agriculture, de la cybersécurité et de la transformation numérique.

Cette délégation, conduite au plus haut niveau, est venue exprimer l’engagement de l’État du Qatar et plus particulièrement celui de Sa Majesté le Roi du Qatar à soutenir le Burundi sur la voie de son émergence.

Cette initiative répond à l’appel lancé par le Président de la République du Burundi en décembre 2024, lors de la Table Ronde des Investisseurs, où il avait solennellement invité les investisseurs internationaux à accompagner le pays dans sa Vision 2040-2060.

L’audience a permis au Chef de l’État burundais de présenter, une nouvelle fois, les nombreuses opportunités qu’offre le Burundi, principalement des ressources minières abondantes, un fort potentiel dans l’agro-élevage, le tourisme, les infrastructures, ainsi qu’un climat de paix, de sécurité, de bonne gouvernance et de démocratie, autant d’atouts essentiels pour un développement durable et inclusif.

Lors de cette rencontre, Son Altesse a transmis les salutations fraternelles du Roi du Qatar et a réaffirmé, au nom du Groupe Al Massour Holding, la volonté ferme du souverain qatari d’accompagner le gouvernement burundais dans son cheminement vers l’émergence. Il a également annoncé une décision stratégique d’investir massivement dans plusieurs secteurs- clés comme l’agriculture, les mines, le tourisme, les banques, la cybersécurité, la transformation numérique et les télécommunications, …etc.

Cette audience a été l’occasion pour les deux hautes autorités de réaffirmer leur engagement commun à bâtir une coopération mutuellement bénéfique et à marcher ensemble vers un avenir plus prospère.

Les ministres en charge des secteurs concernés ont été mandatés en première ligne pour assurer le suivi rigoureux des accords qui seront conclus durant cette visite historique, laquelle marque un tournant vers une coopération renforcée entre le Burundi et le Qatar.

Enfin, cette visite constitue un honneur pour le Burundi et un signal fort de l’intérêt que porte l’État du Qatar à ce partenariat. Comme l’a souligné Son Altesse, le Burundi est le tout premier pays visité dans le cadre de sa tournée, ce qui témoigne de la place prioritaire qu’il occupe dans les ambitions stratégiques du Qatar et de l’engagement indéfectible de son Roi.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.

Media files

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Cape Town switches on lights for Tower 37 relocation families

Source: Government of South Africa

The City of Cape Town has announced that electricity has been switched on for the 46 families, who were recently relocated from Eskom’s National Transmission Company (NTCSA) Tower 37 site in Langa as part of efforts to improve living conditions. 

In a statement on Sunday, the city said this milestone switch-on brings safe and reliable electricity to households in this emergency relocation site. 

The switch-on follows an operation undertaken by the city recently for residents who had settled under the NTCSA pylon, which then became severely unstable due to damage and vandalism. The Tower 37 residents were relocated due to the serious risk. After the Tower 37 site was successfully cleared and the affected residents were relocated to a safer site in the same area, NTCSA formally took over the Tower 37 site, specifically the land servitude, to complete the repairs and maintenance to its electricity pylon infrastructure.

The Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Xanthea Limberg, said in partnership with NTCSA, the South African Police Service, city contractors, and multiple city directorates – including Human Settlements, Electricity, Safety and Security and Water and Sanitation – the city safely relocated the affected families to a nearby city-owned site. 

“Now that the homes have electricity, the families can settle in their environment with dignity. We thank the Langa community for their cooperation and understanding during this life-saving operation and the subsequent electrification process. This switch-on marks the beginning of a new chapter for the families, one where safety and access to essential services are assured, including an allocation of up to 60 units of free basic electricity (FBE) on the city’s subsidised lifeline tariff,” Limberg said. 

The Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Carl Pophaim, said they were grateful that the city’s energy teams acted with such urgency and dedication to provide electricity to the relocated families so soon after the emergency relocation. 

“This electricity switch-on is more than just a city service – it brings hope, safety, and stability for the community. In the weeks before the emergency relocation, our Informal Settlement Engineering Services and Informal Settlement Management (ISM) teams worked tirelessly, often in challenging conditions, to transform the vacant city-owned land into a place the families can call home. They prepared the site, laid foundations, built sturdy homes, and installed the basic services needed to restore dignity and normalcy to residents’ lives.

“It is important to note that the site, cleared by our ISM teams was handed over to Eskom NTCSA, and the responsibility for securing it lies with them. We thank residents for their support and cooperation, and all involved in this humanitarian move,” Pophaim said. 

The city said the Municipal Finance Management Act determines that public money cannot be used for the enhancing of private property and the city can only assist backyarders and informal settlement dwellers residing on city-owned property and where site conditions allow for this. 

The city said it continues to seek ways to invest greater resources in driving electrification projects for backyarders and residents in informal settlements, where feasible, and also with Eskom, where applicable. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa to participate in the 45th Ordinary Summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government

Source: APO


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President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Antananarivo in the Republic of Madagascar to participate in the 45th Ordinary Summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government, which takes place on Sunday, 17 August 2025. 

The Summit is convened in terms of Article 10 of the SADC Treaty to provide overall policy direction of the functions of SADC informed by reports, and recommendations from the Council of Ministers and the Organ Troika Summit which affect SADC region. 

The theme for this year’s the Summit is: “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC.”

Leaders will focus on accelerating regional integration through key pillars: strengthening industrial capacity and regional value chains, modernising agriculture, and promoting an inclusive energy transition – all aimed at building a resilient, sustainable, and cohesive SADC region.

The Summit will review progress on the implementation of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, consider a report from the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, and review achievements under the 44th Summit theme: “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised SADC.”

The Summit is of particular strategic importance for South Africa, considering that South Africa will be elected as the Incoming Chair of SADC and host the 46th Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in August 2026. 

Being the fourth time to join the SADC Summit Troika, South Africa’s Chairship in 2026 will provide a unique opportunity for the country to assume a strategic leadership role in the region, nine years after the previous tenure as Chairperson in 2017.  

During the Summit, the following instruments will be signed:

i. SADC Protocol on Industry (2019)
ii. SADC Protocol on Statistics (2021)
iii. Declaration on the Protection of Persons with Albinism (2024)
iv. Agreement Amending the SADC Protocol on Tourism Development (2019)

The hosting of the SADC Summit marks a historic moment for the Republic of Madagascar.

Among the four island states in the SADC region, the Republic of Madagascar is only the second Indian Ocean Island State to host the SADC Summit and assume the Chairship, after the Republic of Mauritius.

At this Summit, the Republic of Zimbabwe will formally hand over the leadership of the SADC region to the Republic of Madagascar.

The Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Summit will be broadcast live on 17 August 2025 on the official platforms of the Republic of Madagascar and the SADC Secretariat, including the SADC Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.