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Health Minister takes NHI roadshow to KZN

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 14, 2025

The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, is in KwaZulu-Natal today, to engage with stakeholders in the faith-based sector regarding the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. 

The Department of Health stated that this session in Melmoth forms part of a nationwide roadshow focused on health reform. 

The goal is to help South Africans better understand how this legislative reform will address the healthcare needs of all citizens, particularly those who rely exclusively on the underfunded and overburdened public health system.

Since the NHI was enacted by President Cyril Ramaphosa in May 2024, numerous stakeholders from various sectors of society, including traditional leaders, trade unions, religious organisations, civil society groups, and youth organisations, have reached out to the Ministry of Health to request exclusive engagement regarding the NHI Act.

“The NHI Act is not just a policy but a promise of a better, healthier future for every South African,” the advisory read. 

The country is actively working towards achieving universal health coverage through the NHI system. 

The NHI is intended to provide financial protection for everyone, ensuring that access to quality healthcare does not depend on an individual’s ability to pay. 

Motsoaledi explained that it will also help to use resources efficiently by pooling funds and strategically purchasing services. – SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng government to visit Maponya Mall

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, will on Thursday visit Maponya Mall in Soweto as part of ongoing efforts to address tensions within the public transport sector, engage directly with affected stakeholders, and assess the situation on the ground.

The visit follows a violent incident, allegedly involving taxi operators and e-hailing drivers, which resulted in one fatality and left two others injured on Wednesday at the mall.

Last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the amended National Land Transport Act (NLTA) 5 of 2009, paving the way for e-hailing services operators to apply for operating licences like any other public transport operator.

The National Land Transport Act was brought to the President’s desk in 2020 but was sent back to the National Assembly for reconsideration.

The revised Bill, amongst others, seeks to amend the National Land Transport Act, 2009, to insert certain definitions and amend others and provide for non-motorised and accessible transport.

The bill amends the National Land Transport Act of 2009 to bring it up to date with developments since the implementation and simplifies various provisions or solves problems that have arisen since the implementation; and makes provisions for non-motorized and accessible transport. 

It further expands the powers of the Minister to make regulations and introduce safety measures. –SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa needs higher investment in water

Source: Government of South Africa

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo says South Africa needs at least R1 trillion in water sector investment to address growing challenges linked to climate change and population growth. 

Speaking to SAnews on the sidelines of the African Union–Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025, currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Mahlobo warned that the world is falling behind in meeting the water and sanitation targets set for 2030.

Mahlobo said the world is lagging – with at least 2.2 billion people globally not having access to safe drinking water, and more than 3.6 billion people not having access to decent sanitation.

“For us to achieve these numbers, we have to scale up our investment five time more in terms of investment around access to clean water, and six times more around access to decent sanitation. But equally we are having challenges of climate change [as] more than 2.4 billion people are living in water stressed countries, and Africa, especially South Africa, are the most in need,” Mahlobo said.

“In the world, the backlog is estimated at US$7 trillion. In our continent, we are looking at about a US$30 billion gap per annum, [and] in our own country, we are looking at R1 trillion that we need to be investing in water,” Mahlobo said.

Mahlobo noted that while public investment remains critical, national budgets alone cannot meet demand.

“The fiscus in most African countries is not adequate to meet the new demand that is driven by economic and population growth.”

He emphasised the importance of private sector participation and support from development finance institutions.

While the banking institutions, including African Bank, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and theWorld Bank have already started some work, Mahlobo stressed the need to scale up. 

He said South Africa will by the end of the year, share with communities what government is doing in terms of public investment. He said the richest countries and Heads of State and Government, will also meet to discuss the issue of water and sanitation. 

Mahlobo underscored that investment in water is fundamental to national prosperity, noting that “when there are problems of no access to water, you will have problems of many wars that could be created.”

“If there is no decent sanitation in the 21st century, you will have water borne diseases, [and] many people are going to perish on issues that we should have attended to. We cannot afford not to invest in water and sanitation because it is the right thing to do,” Mahlobo told SAnews.

He added that advances in scientific, technological, and engineering provide the tools needed to address these challenges, but political will and financing must align.

The three-day summit which kicks off on Tuesday, saw the Heads of State and Government committing to create an enabling environment for enhancing investment in water and sanitation.

The commitments align with national development plans, Sustainable Development Goal 6, and climate resilience priorities. – SAnews.gov.za

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Botswana calls for risk management to secure long-term water availability

Source: Government of South Africa

President of the Republic of Botswana, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, has emphasised the need to adopt a risk management approach in water planning and management to ensure long-term water availability and for better economic growth.

Speaking on Botswana’s vulnerability to climate change, President Boko noted that the country is among four Southern African nations projected to become “highly water stressed by 2040” under a “business-as-usual” scenario.

He stressed that adaptation to climate change will require tailor-made interventions that are thoughtfully integrated into existing development processes and activities.

He said the Government of Botswana is making deliberate efforts to change the trajectory of its developments by embracing investment by private investors and allowing them to do what they know best.

President Boko made the remarks when he was addressing the African Union – Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025, currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

He underscored that improving efficiency in water supply and sanitation services delivery will require significant infrastructure investment, including conveyance pipelines, network rehabilitation and expansion of reticulation network, construction of sewer network and service delivery throughout the whole onsite sanitation service chain.

“All these are capital intensive. It is, therefore imperative to efficiently manage the available water sources to effectively influence attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal 6 Target, as enshrined in our national aspirations, Botswana Vision 2036 and Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP),” President Boko said.

President Boko said the BETP represents a new chapter for Botswana, which aims to ensure that innovation, enterprise, and local ambition fuel the country’s journey to a new future of prosperity.

According to the President, through this, the country will build a political and economic posture which will open a door to those who are ready to build with the government.

“It is a call to action; for thinkers, investors, entrepreneurs, and institutions with bold ideas that can spark real economic progress. The BETP will in a nutshell engage projects or ideas that unlock new engines of growth across the country; bring fresh thinking to old challenges; create jobs and expand opportunities for Botswana; position Botswana competitively in the region and globally and support inclusive and sustainable development, not just growth,” the President said.

Every drop counts

Due to the arid to semi-arid climatic conditions in most parts of the country with inadequate water supply sources and services, the President said Botswana is a water scarce country and knows the sting of scarcity.

He said water shortage has in recent years persisted as a result of growing demand, exacerbated by the effects of climate change.

“Climate variability and uncertainty brings about extreme events such as droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns, challenging the conventional way of food production by our people and potable water supply which relies mostly on annual rainfall.

“Our groundwater resources have also been significantly impacted by climate change variables. The sparse population distribution of the country creates major engineering and financial challenges pertaining to water infrastructure development,” President Boko said.

Ensuring clean water for all 

President Boko reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the United Nation’s International Decade of Action on “Water for sustainable development.”

“Efforts have to be made towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 of ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. It is, therefore, the responsibility of government to ensure that every designated settlement is provided with potable water, irrespective of proximity to the nearest water source. Water is a basic right, and without water there is no life.

“Many settlements in Botswana are located where there is either little or no water source. Thus, the need to reticulate, store and distribute clean water to the settlements,” President Boko said. – SAnews.gov.za

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King Mswati calls for collective action to address Africa’s water challenges

Source: Government of South Africa

His Majesty, King Mswati III of Eswatini, has called for an urgent need for collective action to address persistent water challenges affecting most  countries on the African continent.

King Mswati made the call at the African Union – Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025, currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

The King stressed that water is central to Eswatini’s national development goals, noting that it fuels the country’s agriculture sector, which accounts for more than 90% of national water use, drives industrial growth, safeguards public health, and strengthens defences against climate vulnerability.

However, like many African nations, he said Eswatini faces significant challenges from aging infrastructure, increasing water needs, and the impacts of climate change.

He said the country’s major rivers, shared with neighbouring South Africa and Mozambique, highlight that “water security transcends borders” and requires regional cooperation, integrated planning, and bold investment in sustainable infrastructure.

“This is why Eswatini wholeheartedly endorses the continental Africa water investment Programme (AIP). The AIP is not merely a framework – it is a transformation to mobilise the estimated US$30 billion needed annually to close Africa’ water investment gap.

“It aligns seamlessly with our national development plan, climate adaptation priorities, and the country’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 – ‘Ensuring access to water and sanitation for all by 20230.’ Moreover, it advances Agenda 2063: The Africa we want, envisioning a prosperous and united continent,” King Mswati said.

Major projects underway

The King highlighted national water projects, which are already in progress, and these include the Lubovane and Luphohlo Dams, which provide irrigation and clean water to the communities.

He said Eswatini is also engaging with financial institutions to construct the Mpakeni Dam, which is expected to be one of the largest in the country to support agriculture and water supply.

With support from the African Union, the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa, and the Green Climate Fund, the King said Eswatini is currently developing the Eswatini Water Investment Programme, which is scheduled for completion by 2035.

“This programme will serve as a blueprint for mobilising resources and implementing high-impact water projects. We are pleased to highlight two bankable initiatives: the Nondvo Multipurpose Dam and the Raising of the Hawane Dam, and the estimated funding required is about US$115 million.

“Alongside our national potable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) Master Plan, and the preliminary investment required for it, is estimated to be at US$2 billion. The project is designed to enhance access to clean water, improve sanitation, strengthen climate resilience, and unlock economic opportunities across multiple sectors,” the King said.

Regional cooperation and achievements

King Mswati underscored the importance of collaboration with South Africa and Mozambique in managing shared water resources.

Joint projects include the Maguga and Driekoppies Dams with South Africa, which have significantly boosted agriculture, and a cross-border initiative with Mozambique to ensure equitable use of the Incomati and Maputo rivers.

Through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Fund, he said Eswatini has also commenced the Lomahasha–Namaacha Project, which will provide clean water to communities in both Eswatini and Mozambique.

“Eswatini has also been developing a number of dam water supply projects with the assistance of our development partners to improve water security. Some of these projects are at a bankable stage, having completed the technical feasibility studies,” the King highlighted.

Call to development partners

The King urged development partners, including financial institutions, private investors, and multilateral organisations to join Eswatini in advancing the water security ambitions.

He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging support for the Africa Water Investment Scorecard to enhance performance tracking and ensure “our collective efforts deliver measurable results.” –

President Cyril Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with King Mswati on the sidelines of the 2025 AU-AIP Water Investment Summit, where the two leaders affirmed their commitment to strong bonds between the two countries, including growing political and trade ties. –SAnews.gov.za
 

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Le Président de la République inaugure plusieurs infrastructures à Kango et à Cocobeach

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Dans le cadre de la poursuite de sa tournée nationale, le Président de la République, Chef de l’État, Chef du Gouvernement, Son Excellence Brice Clotaire OLIGUI NGUEMA, s’est rendu ce mercredi 13 août 2025 à Kango, chef-lieu du département du Komo-Kango, dans la province de l’Estuaire.

Accueilli par les autorités administratives, politiques, religieuses et les populations, le Chef de l’État a entamé sa visite par un office religieux dédié à la Nation et à la 5e République, et célébré en la paroisse Saint Marcel de Kango par l’Archevêque de Libreville, Monseigneur Patrick Iba-ba.

Poursuivant son programme, le Chef de l’État a procédé à l’inauguration du Complexe Évangélique de la Libération “Angom” de Kango dont la bénédiction a été présidée par le Pasteur, Président de l’Église Évangélique du Gabon. Au nom de la communauté chrétienne et des populations, le célébrant a exprimé sa profonde gratitude pour cet ouvrage, symbole de foi et d’amour envers la jeunesse gabonaise.

Ce complexe, véritable station missionnaire allant du pré-primaire au secondaire, comprend notamment 32 salles de classe modernisées (contre 3 auparavant), des dortoirs, un bâtiment administratif neuf, une salle multimédia, un centre de documentation, une infirmerie, une pharmacie, un plateau sportif, une église et des logements pour le personnel.

Il s’affirme comme un lieu d’éducation, de formation et d’éveil spirituel, mis au service du développement local.

Le Chef de l’État a ensuite inauguré la Perception de Kango, infrastructure attendue depuis plus de 14 ans et symbole du rapprochement de l’administration publique avec les citoyens. Érigée sur une superficie de 3 300 m², elle comprend un bâtiment administratif de 700 m², un logement d’astreinte de 300 m² pour le percepteur, ainsi qu’un ensemble fonctionnel composé d’un hall d’entrée, de trois guichets, d’une salle informatique, d’une salle d’archives, de onze bureaux, d’une salle de réunion, d’une salle d’attente, d’un coin cuisine, d’un local pour fourgon blindé et d’un poste de sécurité.

Dans la continuité de sa tournée, le Chef de l’État s’est rendu dans le département de la Noya, dans la commune de Cocobeach afin de procéder à la mise en service de la première station-service GAB OIL de la 5ᵉ République ainsi qu’à la visite du premier tronçon de 3 km de route bitumée et du projet de construction de logements.

Cette station-service, dotée d’une plongerie moderne et d’une aire de jeux, est un projet structurant dont le coût global est évalué à 1,2 milliard de FCFA. GABOIL, bras séculier de l’État dans la distribution des produits pétroliers et gaziers, inscrit cette réalisation dans les priorités gouvernementales en matière de promotion de l’investissement et de développement local. Elle constitue une réponse concrète à un besoin fondamental des populations et un vecteur de création d’emplois.

Ce complexe comprend une station-service de type 2, une boulangerie moderne et une aire de jeux. Pour les populations, la gratitude est immense : « Les discours ne sont plus nécessaires, car les oeuvres parlent d’elles-mêmes. »

Par ces inaugurations, le Président de la République réaffirme sa détermination à doter l’ensemble du territoire national d’infrastructures modernes, fonctionnelles et adaptées aux besoins des populations.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République Gabonaise.

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Le Chef de l’État Ndayishimiye accueille le Secrétaire d’État du Vatican au Palais Ntare Rushatsi

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


En visite au Burundi depuis le 12 août 2025, Son Éminence Pietro Parolin, Secrétaire d’État du Vatican, a été reçu ce 13 août 2025 par le Chef de l’État Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye, au Palais présidentiel Ntare Rushatsi. Les deux hautes personnalités ont d’abord eu un entretien convivial en tête-à-tête.

Dans une rencontre élargie, réunissant les responsables de l’Église catholique burundaise, certains membres du gouvernement et d’autres hauts cadres du pays, les échanges ont porté sur le renforcement des relations entre le Saint-Siège et le Burundi. Le Chef de l’État a salué l’apport de l’Église catholique au développement national, soulignant la fierté des liens avec le Vatican et exprimant sa gratitude pour l’installation de la basilique à Mugera.

En présence du Président de la République et du Secrétaire d’État du Vatican, sept accords ont été signés entre les ministres burundais et Mgr Bonaventure Nahimana, Président de la Conférence épiscopale du Burundi, dans les secteurs de la santé, de l’éducation, du système pénitentiaire , de la sécurité et des réfugiés afin de renforcer les relations établies depuis 60 ans.

Son Éminence le Cardinal Pietro Parolin a été honoré par la distinction de l’Ordre de l’amitié du peuple burundais, en hommage à sa visite et à l’apport de l’Église catholique à des projets sociaux, notamment la pose de la première pierre d’un hôpital à Minago, en mémoire du nonce apostolique assassiné.

La visite s’est achevée par un moment de prière et de bénédiction en faveur du Chef de l’État burundais, précédé de la signature dans le livre d’or par l’hôte.

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

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Présentation par le Président Ndayishimiye du Nouvel Administrateur Communal de Ntahangwa

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Président de la République Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye a présenté le nouvel administrateur de la Commune élargie de Ntahangwa M. Alexis HAVYARIMANA, devant le nouveau gouverneur, les résidents et les ressortissants de cette commune rassemblés au stade Maramvya.

Le Président Ndayishimiye a fièrement salué la réussite des élections de 2025, qu’il a qualifiée de signe éloquent de la maturité politique du Burundi, prêt à choisir des leaders compétents, engagés à servir le pays, promouvoir la bonne gouvernance et impulser le développement. Il a par la suite, recommandé au nouveau leader à la tête de la commune Ntahangwa de prêcher par l’exemple en initiant et exécutant des projets de développement centrés sur le bien-être du citoyen . Il l’a instruit à être à l’écoute du peuple et à veiller au respect de la loi.

Il a rappelé l’importance capitale de faire des choix responsables, notamment lors des élections collinaires de 2025, avant de souligner que certains profils, tels que les personnes connues pour des comportements immoraux ou répréhensibles, notamment les prostituées, les soûlards et les fraudeurs, ne sauraient être éligibles à des postes de responsabilité.

Il a également saisi cette occasion pour s’insurger contre les critiques injustifiées à l’encontre de la politique gouvernementale, qui a assumé le risque de coupures électriques temporaires pendant les travaux d’interconnexion des barrages hydroélectriques par la REGIDESO. Il a plutôt rappelé que ces efforts ont permis de faire passer la production électrique de 47 à plus de 166MW.

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

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Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation discusses with her Jordanian counterpart joint efforts to achieve economic development and enhance growth and employment policies

Source: APO


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H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, met with Zeina Toukan, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, during the 33rd session of the Egyptian-Jordanian Joint Higher Committee, held in the Jordanian capital, Amman, under the chairmanship of the Prime Ministers of both countries.

The meeting witnessed discussions on strengthening the partnership between the two ministries in order to exchange expertise in the field of development planning and economic development policies, and discussed activating the executive program that was signed during the activities of the committee between the Institute of National Planning (INP) in Egypt and the Jordanian Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation.

During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat affirmed the keenness of the Egyptian state, under the leadership of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, to continue developing the joint relations between the two brotherly countries, which have close and extended economic ties that have contributed to the development of bilateral, Arab and regional cooperation, adding that the Egyptian-Jordanian relations represent a role model for Arab relations in light of the attention and permanent support from the political leadership of the two countries, especially in light of the developments and rapid changes taking place in the Arab world and the region.

Al-Mashat pointed to the pivotal role of the Egyptian-Jordanian Joint Higher Committee as one of the main mechanisms working to support and strengthen joint economic, trade, investment, and cultural relations between the two countries, which represents the oldest of all Arab bilateral higher committees, noting the strong contributions over 32 previous sessions in supporting bilateral relations in areas of joint work between the two countries and overcoming obstacles to mutual cooperation paths.

H.E. expressed her welcome for cooperation and the exchange of expertise in the field of development planning and sustainable development, through the activation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two countries in August 2023 in Amman, which expands to covers promising areas, most notably cooperation in planning, capacity building through the provision of training programs, workshops, and discussion panels in the fields of planning, strategic planning, governance, sustainable development, and competitiveness.

Al-Mashat also noted the possibility of exchanging expertise between the two countries in sustainable development and planning, particularly regarding their efforts to implement the recommendations of the “Public Governance Review,” launched by Egypt and Jordan in Egypt in cooperation with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) within the framework of the “Supporting Public and Economic Governance in Egypt” project, and the lessons learned in preparing Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), and the role of the Higher Committee for Sustainable Development (HCSD) in Jordan.

The two ministers also discussed joint coordination in international forums to advance global efforts towards implementing the outcomes of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, recently held in Seville, as well as other international conferences, especially with regard to the global financial architecture reforms and developing the United Nations system to benefit the economies of developing and emerging countries.

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

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Clarification on South Africa’s Foreign Policy Authority

Source: APO


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The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has taken note of recent media reports concerning comments attributed to South African National Defence Force (SANDF) General Rudzani Maphwanya. It is crucial to clarify that the implementation of South Africa’s foreign policy is a function of The Presidency, supported by DIRCO.

Consequently, any statements made by an individual, or a department other than those responsible for foreign policy, should not be misinterpreted as the official position of the South African Government. The remarks attributed to General Maphwanya, therefore, do not represent the government’s official foreign policy stance.

In response to this matter, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Mr Ronald Lamola will be seeking further clarification.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.