Free access to national parks

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

The South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that 21 national parks will grant free access to visitors in September for a period of a week.

SANParks uses this time to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage, as protected and preserved by the national parks system.

Free access to the national parks at this time does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.

On 21 September 2025, SANParks will host a celebratory event at Kruger National Park to kickstart the 20th annual SA National Parks Week, which will be held from 22 – 26 September and extended to 27 and 28 September at selected national parks. 

During this period, free access is granted to most of the 21 national parks under the management of SANParks.

National Parks Week has seen an influx of day visitors in all participating parks since its inception in 2006. 

“SA National Parks Week has proved to be a successful campaign that provides education and awareness about South Africa’s inclusive approach to conservation. Whilst offering an opportunity to experience South Africa’s rich natural and cultural heritage, attention is also drawn to the sustainable development practices made possible through partnerships with key role players like communities living adjacent to national parks, business, scientists and tourists,” SANParks said on Tuesday.

For respective dates on when different parks will be observing SA National Parks Week and allowing free access, please visit: https://www.sanparks.org/events/2025-south-african[1]national-parks-week-dates. –SAnews.gov.za

Acting Police Minister to welcome newly trained constables

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Acting Police Minister, Prof Firoz Cachalia, together with Deputy Ministers, Dr Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale will on Friday welcome 1 918 newly trained constables to the ranks of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, will join Minister Cachalia who will officiate at the largest parade comprising 849 graduates at SAPS Academy in Bhisho in the Eastern Cape.

According to the SAPS, the newly trained constables, who underwent the Introductory Police Development Learning Programme (IPDLP), are all graduates who hold qualifications in criminology, policing, law, forensic investigation and various other fields of study. 

“They will be deployed to bolster crime-fighting efforts, especially at the 30 stations with the highest crime rates,” the SAPS said in a statement.

The passing out parades will take place simultaneously on Friday at 09:00. 

Last month the SAPS launched its e-Recruitment drive on its official website for 5 500 aspiring police officers to join its ranks.

For the first time in the history of the existence of the organisation, SAPS utilised an Electronic Recruitment System, through which youth from all walks of life could submit their applications to be considered for entry level Police Trainee posts.

At the time of the closing date, the SAPS received more than a million applications for its 2025/2026 Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP). – SAnews.gov.za

La Charte de la jeunesse appelle la jeunesse africaine à laisser un héritage d’espoir aux Jeux olympiques de la jeunesse de Dakar 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

À l’occasion de la Journée internationale de la jeunesse des Nations Unies 2025, la Charte de la jeunesse (www.YouthCharter.org) exhorte les gouvernements, les organismes sportifs, les communautés et les jeunes leaders africains à s’unir autour d’un appel mondial à l’action afin que les Jeux olympiques de la jeunesse de Dakar 2026 laissent un héritage durable d’espoir et d’opportunités aux jeunes du continent.

Les Jeux de Dakar seront le tout premier événement olympique organisé sur le sol africain – un moment marquant pour le Comité international olympique et une opportunité unique pour la jeunesse africaine.

« Dakar 2026 doit être plus qu’un spectacle sportif ; il doit être l’étincelle d’un mouvement continental qui mobilise, équipe et responsabilise nos jeunes », a déclaré le professeur Geoff Thompson MBE FRSA DL, fondateur et président de la Charte de la jeunesse. « La jeunesse africaine est la population la plus jeune et celle qui croît le plus rapidement au monde. Nous devons canaliser son talent et son énergie vers la construction de communautés pacifiques, prospères et durables. »

Une opportunité d’héritage pour tous – #LegacyOpportunity4All

Depuis 1993, la Charte de la jeunesse œuvre dans toute l’Afrique, des programmes post-apartheid dans les townships en Afrique du Sud à la formation de coachs sociaux en Namibie, en passant par le développement du leadership des jeunes au Ghana, au Nigéria et au Kenya. Cette expérience a démontré que le sport, associé à l’éducation, à la santé, à l’emploi et à l’action environnementale, peut transformer des vies.

Pour Dakar 2026, la Charte de la jeunesse propose un programme panafricain d’héritage pour la jeunesse qui permettra de :

1.     Former des milliers de « coachs sociaux » dans les 54 pays africains, en utilisant les Jeux comme catalyseur pour développer le mentorat et le leadership des jeunes ;

2.     Créer des campus communautaires en zones urbaines et rurales afin d’offrir un lieu où aller, une activité et quelqu’un à qui montrer – des espaces sûrs pour le sport, l’apprentissage, la culture et l’entreprenariat ;

3.     Aligner tous les projets sur les ODD des Nations Unies, en garantissant un impact mesurable sur la santé, l’éducation, l’égalité des sexes, la paix, l’action climatique et les partenariats.

De Dakar à chaque communauté africaine

Les Jeux Olympiques de la Jeunesse de Dakar 2026 peuvent inspirer et activer des programmes bien au-delà du Sénégal :

• En Afrique du Sud, les initiatives inspirées par Mandela de la Charte de la Jeunesse montrent comment le sport peut unir des communautés divisées et impulser le changement social.

• Au Nigéria et au Ghana, le sport crée déjà des opportunités d’emploi pour les jeunes, du coaching aux médias numériques en passant par la gestion d’événements.

• Au Kenya et en Ouganda, les programmes sportifs communautaires améliorent les résultats en matière de santé et favorisent la rétention scolaire, en particulier chez les filles.

• Dans tout le Sahel, des interventions axées sur le sport sont utilisées pour promouvoir la paix, la résilience et la sensibilisation au changement climatique dans les zones en proie à l’instabilité.

Un appel aux dirigeants africains

La Charte de la Jeunesse appelle :

• Union africaine et États membres : Intégrer le sport au service du développement et de la paix dans les plans de développement nationaux et l’Agenda 2063 de l’UA.

• Secteur privé et philanthropie africains : Investir dans les infrastructures sportives communautaires et les programmes pour la jeunesse dans le cadre de la responsabilité sociale des entreprises et des stratégies de valeur partagée.

• Jeunes leaders africains : Prendre l’initiative de concevoir et de mettre en œuvre des projets qui répondent aux besoins locaux, en utilisant Dakar 2026 comme plateforme de lancement.

• CIO et partenaires internationaux : S’engager à investir à long terme dans la jeunesse africaine, en veillant à ce que l’héritage des Jeux de Dakar soit construit et maintenu bien au-delà de 2026.

De Dakar à 2030

À seulement cinq ans de la réalisation des Objectifs de développement durable des Nations Unies à l’horizon 2030, Dakar 2026 offre à l’Afrique une occasion unique de démontrer un impact authentique et factuel sur le développement de la jeunesse. La vision #LegacyOpportunity4All de la Charte de la jeunesse s’inscrit dans la stratégie Olympism365 du CIO et dans le plan Jeunesse2030 des Nations Unies, garantissant que le sport est un moteur de croissance inclusive et durable.

« Des stades de Dakar aux rues et villages d’Afrique, nous pouvons créer une génération de jeunes qui voient le sport non seulement comme un jeu, mais aussi comme une voie vers l’éducation, la paix, l’action climatique et l’égalité des chances », a conclu Thompson.

Téléchargez la Charte de la Jeunesse, Essai pour la Journée Internationale de la Jeunesse des Nations Unies et Note d’information sur l’héritage de Dakar 2026 : Charte de la Jeunesse – De la rhétorique à la réalité : Appel mondial à l’action pour le sport au service du développement et de la paix

Distribué par APO Group pour Youth Charter.

Charte de la Jeunesse @ Réseaux sociaux :
LinkedIn: @ YouthCharter
Facebook: @ YouthCharter
Instagram: @ youthchartersdp
YouTube: @ YouthCharter
X: @ YOUTHCHARTER

#Hashtags de la Charte de la Jeunesse :
#Comité International Olympique
#Olympisme
#CombattreLaRue
#JeunesViesPerdues
#AppelÀL’Action
#HéritageOpportunitéPourTou
#SportDéveloppementPaix
#AutonomiserLaProchaineGénération
#SecrétariatDuCommonwealth
#ObjectifsDeDéveloppementDurableDeL’ONU

À propos de la Charte de la Jeunesse :
Fondée en 1993 à Manchester, au Royaume-Uni, la Charte de la Jeunesse est une ONG accréditée par les Nations Unies forte de trois décennies d’expérience dans la mise en œuvre d’initiatives de sport au service du développement et de la paix au Royaume-Uni et à l’international. Sa mission est d’engager, d’équiper et d’autonomiser les jeunes par le sport, l’art, la culture et les activités numériques, créant ainsi des opportunités de transmission durable pour tous.

La Charte de la Jeunesse est une organisation caritative enregistrée au Royaume-Uni et une organisation non gouvernementale accréditée auprès des Nations Unies. Lancée en 1993 dans le cadre de la candidature olympique de Manchester 2000 et des Jeux du Commonwealth de 2002, la Charte de la Jeunesse a milité et promu le rôle et la valeur du sport, de l’art, de la culture et des technologies numériques dans la vie des jeunes en difficulté issus de communautés défavorisées, aux niveaux national et international. La Charte de la Jeunesse a fait ses preuves dans la création et la mise en œuvre de programmes de développement social et humain, dont l’objectif général est d’offrir aux jeunes la possibilité de s’épanouir.

Plus précisément, la Charte de la Jeunesse s’attaque à l’échec scolaire, aux inégalités en matière de santé, aux comportements antisociaux et aux effets négatifs de la criminalité, de la drogue, des gangs et du racisme, en appliquant l’éthique de l’excellence sportive et artistique. Ces éléments peuvent ensuite se traduire par des avantages sociaux et économiques en matière de citoyenneté, de droits et de responsabilités, avec une amélioration de l’éducation, de la santé, de l’ordre social, de l’environnement, de l’enseignement supérieur, de l’emploi et de l’entrepreneuriat.

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Les opérateurs et développeurs énergétiques rejoignent African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 dans le cadre de la campagne d’électrification de l’Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Marqué par une forte augmentation du déploiement des énergies renouvelables, une activité croissante sur les marchés régionaux et des partenariats stratégiques entre les secteurs public et privé, le paysage énergétique africain évolue rapidement. Alors que le continent s’oriente vers l’électrification universelle et la résilience énergétique, les principaux leaders du secteur sont prêts à partager leurs stratégies et leurs perspectives lors de la conférence African Energy Week (AEW) : Invest in African Energies 2025, qui se tiendra du 29 septembre au 3 octobre au Cap.

La société d’énergie solaire Genesis Energy Group a récemment signé un accord de collaboration stratégique avec la société saoudienne Desert Technologies afin d’accélérer le déploiement des énergies propres en Afrique. Cet accord porte sur le développement et le transfert de projets communs, renforçant ainsi la capacité de l’Afrique à mettre en œuvre des systèmes solaires distribués à grande échelle. Il intervient dans un contexte où le portefeuille de projets de la société ne cesse de s’étoffer, avec une capacité installée qui dépasse désormais 4,5 GW. Parmi les autres initiatives de premier plan de Genesis Energy Group, citons un système de 334 MW pour la raffinerie de Port Harcourt au Nigeria, ainsi que le déploiement d’une capacité de 1 GW dans la région de l’Union économique et monétaire ouest-africaine. La société développe également le Lagos Green Hydrogen Park, ainsi qu’une plateforme d’énergie renouvelable de 10 milliards de dollars visant à combler le déficit énergétique de l’Afrique grâce à des systèmes distribués intégrés. Akinwole Omoboriowo, président-directeur général de Genesis Energy Group, devrait présenter la stratégie à long terme de la société en matière de projets et d’investissements lors de l’AEW : Invest in African Energies 2025.

Par ailleurs, Stephen Dihwa, directeur du centre de coordination du Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), donnera un aperçu de la croissance et de l’intégration du marché transfrontalier de l’électricité dans la région de l’Afrique australe. Créé en 1995, le SAPP est une plateforme dédiée au négoce d’électricité, à la connexion au réseau et à la fiabilité dans toute la région. En février 2025, le SAPP a enregistré une augmentation de 103 % du chiffre d’affaires du marché concurrentiel, atteignant 16,3 millions de dollars, tandis que les volumes négociés ont atteint près de 120 GWh. Ces tendances témoignent d’un engagement accru des services publics, de l’amélioration des outils de prévision et d’une confiance croissante dans le négoce d’électricité à court terme. Les analyses de Dihwa lors de l’AEW : Invest in African Energies 2025 porteront sur l’impact du SAPP sur l’amélioration de l’électrification ainsi que sur les opportunités d’investissement à venir.

Le Gabon fait également des progrès en matière de connectivité. La société publique Gabon Power Company a récemment lancé les travaux de génie civil pour la centrale à gaz de 125 MW d’Owendo avec le fabricant Wärtsilä, dans le cadre d’un modèle de production indépendante d’électricité. La société a également achevé récemment la première phase de la centrale solaire de Plaine Ayémé, près de Libreville, qui devrait produire 30 MW et alimenter jusqu’à 300 000 foyers. Ces deux projets s’inscrivant dans la stratégie à long terme du Gabon en matière d’électrification et d’industrialisation, Philippe Ossoucah, PDG de Gabon Power Company, est bien placé pour donner un aperçu des projets de la société et de son rôle dans l’avenir énergétique bas carbone du Gabon.

Parallèlement, alors que la société accélère ses investissements dans la distribution de gaz, les énergies renouvelables et les infrastructures énergétiques au Nigeria, le conglomérat énergétique intégré Levene Energy est un acteur dynamique de la sécurité énergétique et de l’industrialisation du pays. La société détient des licences de distribution de gaz à Ibeju-Lekki et Badagry-Seme, déploie des pipelines à faible émission de carbone par l’intermédiaire d’Aegon Distribution et fait progresser la fabrication de panneaux solaires photovoltaïques et l’électrification rurale avec l’Agence nigériane pour l’électrification rurale. À ce titre, Omobola Omofaiye, directeur général de LPV Technologies chez Levene Energy, aura l’occasion d’expliquer comment le modèle verticalement intégré de la société permet l’expansion des infrastructures, le développement du potentiel local et l’accès à l’énergie dans les zones reculées.

« Le secteur énergétique africain se trouve à un moment charnière, où des partenariats solides et des investissements stratégiques libèrent un potentiel énorme tout au long de la chaîne de valeur. Ces initiatives reflètent une évolution plus large vers des modèles qui privilégient les infrastructures, la création de valeur locale et la croissance industrielle. Le travail mis en œuvre par ces différentes entreprises témoigne d’un effort soutenu pour apporter des solutions à long terme et évolutives aux défis énergétiques du continent », déclare Tomás Gerbasio, vice-président des relations commerciales et stratégiques de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

À propos de la AEW : Invest in African Energies :
AEW : Invest in African Energies est la plateforme de choix pour les opérateurs de projets, les financiers, les fournisseurs de technologies et les gouvernements, et s’est imposée comme le lieu officiel pour la signature d’accords dans le domaine de l’énergie en Afrique. Visitez www.AECWeek.com pour plus d’informations sur cet événement passionnant.

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Youth Charter Calls for Africa’s Youth to Lead a Legacy of Hope from the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

Source: APO – Report:

On UN International Youth Day 2025, the Youth Charter (www.YouthCharter.org) is urging Africa’s governments, sports bodies, communities, and young leaders to unite behind a Global Call to Action that will ensure the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games deliver a lasting legacy of hope and opportunity for the continent’s young people.

The Dakar Games will be the first-ever Olympic event staged on African soil – a milestone moment for the International Olympic Committee and a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Africa’s youth.

“Dakar 2026 must be more than a sporting spectacle – it must be the spark for a continental movement that engages, equips, and empowers our young people,” said Professor Geoff Thompson MBE FRSA DL, Founder and Chair of the Youth Charter. “Africa’s youth are the youngest and fastest-growing population in the world. We must channel their talent and energy into building peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable communities.”

A Legacy Opportunity for All – #LegacyOpportunity4All

Since 1993, the Youth Charter has worked across Africa – from post-apartheid township programmes in South Africa to social coach training in Namibia and youth leadership development in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya. This experience has shown that sport, when linked to education, health, employment, and environmental action, can transform lives.

For Dakar 2026, the Youth Charter is proposing a Pan-African Youth Legacy Programme that will:

  1. Train thousands of “Social Coaches” across all 54 African nations, using the Games as a catalyst to expand youth mentoring and leadership.
  2. Establish Community Campuses in urban and rural areas to provide Somewhere to Go, Something to Do, and Someone to Show Them – safe spaces for sport, learning, culture, and enterprise.
  3. Align all projects with the UN SDGs, ensuring measurable impact in health, education, gender equality, peace, climate action, and partnerships.

From Dakar to Every African Community

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games can inspire and activate programmes far beyond Senegal:

  • In South Africa, the Youth Charter’s Mandela-inspired initiatives show how sport can unite divided communities and drive social change.
  • In Nigeria and Ghana, sport is already creating employment opportunities for young people – from coaching to digital media and event management.
  • In Kenya and Uganda, community sport programmes are improving health outcomes and increasing school retention, especially for girls.
  • Across the Sahel, sport-led interventions are being used to promote peace, resilience, and climate awareness in areas facing instability.

A Call to Africa’s Leaders

The Youth Charter is calling on:

  • African Union & Member States: Integrate Sport for Development and Peace into national development plans and the AU’s Agenda 2063.
  • African private sector & philanthropy: Invest in community sport infrastructure and youth programmes as part of corporate social responsibility and shared value strategies.
  • African youth leaders: Take the lead in designing and delivering projects that respond to local needs, using Dakar 2026 as a launch platform.
  • IOC & International Partners: Commit to long-term investment in Africa’s youth, ensuring the Dakar Games legacy is built and sustained well beyond 2026.

From Dakar to 2030

With only five years left to achieve the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, Dakar 2026 offers Africa a unique moment to demonstrate authentic, evidence-based impact in youth development. The Youth Charter’s #LegacyOpportunity4All vision aligns with the IOC’s Olympism365 strategy and the UN’s Youth2030 plan – ensuring sport is a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth.

“From Dakar’s stadiums to Africa’s streets and villages, we can create a generation of young people who see sport not just as a game, but as a pathway to education, peace, climate action, and opportunity,” Thompson concluded.

Download the Youth Charter UN International Youth Day Essay & Dakar 2026 Legacy Briefing: Youth Charter – From Rhetoric to Reality: Global Call to Action for Sport for Development and Peace

– on behalf of Youth Charter.

Youth Charter @ Social Media:
LinkedIn: @ YouthCharter
Facebook: @ YouthCharter
Instagram: @ youthchartersdp
YouTube: @ YouthCharter
X: @ YOUTHCHARTER

Youth Charter #Hashtags:
#International Olympic Committee
#Olympism
#Fight4theStreets
#YoungLivesLost
#Call2Action
#LegacyOpportunity4All
#SportDevelopmentPeace
#Empowerthenextgeneration
#CommonwealthSecretariat
#UNSustainableDevelopmentGoals

About Youth Charter:
Founded in 1993 in Manchester, UK, the Youth Charter is a UN-accredited NGO with three decades of experience delivering Sport for Development and Peace initiatives in the UK and internationally. Its mission is to Engage, Equip, and Empower young people through sport, art, culture, and digital activity, creating sustainable legacy opportunities for all.

The Youth Charter is a UK registered charity and UN accredited non-governmental organisation. Launched in 1993 as part of the Manchester 2000 Olympic Bid and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Youth Charter has Campaigned and Promoted the role and value of sport, art, culture and digital technology in the lives of disaffected young people from disadvantaged communities nationally and internationally. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development programmes with the overall aim of providing young people with an opportunity to develop in life.

Specifically, The Youth Charter Tackles educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and the negative effects of crime, drugs, gang related activity and racism by applying the ethics of sporting and artistic excellence. These can then be translated to provide social and economic benefits of citizenship, rights responsibilities, with improved education, health, social order, environment and college, university, employment and enterprise.

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Power Operators & Developers Join African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Amid African Electrification Drive

Source: APO – Report:

Marked by a surge in renewable deployment, growing regional market activity and strategic public-private partnerships, Africa’s energy landscape is evolving rapidly. As the continent pushes toward universal electrification and energy resilience, key industry leaders are set to share their strategies and insights at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference, taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town.

Solar energy company Genesis Energy Group recently signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Desert Technologies to accelerate clean energy deployment across Africa. The deal targets joint project development and project transfer, enforcing Africa’s ability to implement distributed solar systems at scale. The agreement comes amid a growing project pipeline for the company, which now exceeds 4.5 GW in installed capacity. Other high-profile initiatives by Genesis Energy Group include a 334 MW system for the Port Harcourt Refinery in Nigeria as well as a 1 GW energy rollout in the West African Economic and Monetary Union region. The company is also developing the Lagos Green Hydrogen Park as well as a $10 billion renewable energy platform aimed at bridging Africa’s power deficit through integrated distributed systems. Akinwole Omoboriowo, Chairman and CEO, Genesis Energy Group, is expected to discuss the company’s long-term project and investment strategy at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025.

Meanwhile, Stephen Dihwa, Coordination Center Manager, Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), will provide insight into cross-border power market growth and integration across the Southern African region. Created in 1995, SAPP is a platform for power trading, grid connection and reliability across the region. In February 2025, the SAPP recorded a 103% increase in competitive market turnover, reaching $16.3 million, while traded volumes rose to nearly 120 GWh. These trends point to stronger utility engagement, improved forecasting tools and growing confidence in short-term power trading. Dihwa’s insights at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will cover the impact SAPP plays in enhancing electrification as well as upcoming investment opportunities.

Gabon is also making strides towards boosting connectivity. The country’s state-owned Gabon Power Company recently started civil engineering works for the 125 MW Owendo gas-to-power plant with manufacturing company Wärtsilä under an independent power producer model. The company also recently completed the first phase of the Plaine Ayémé solar plant outside Libreville, which is expected to generate 30 MW and power up to 300,000 homes. With both projects set to support Gabon’s long-term electrification and industrial strategy, Philippe Ossoucah, CEO, Gabon Power Company, is positioned to provide insight into the firm’s pipeline and role in shaping Gabon’s low-carbon energy future.

Meanwhile, as the company accelerates investment across gas distribution, renewables and energy infrastructure in Nigeria, integrated energy conglomerate Levene Energy represents a dynamic player in the country’s energy security and industrialization drive. The company boasts gas distribution licenses in Ibeju-Lekki and Badagry-Seme, is deploying low-carbon pipelines through Aegon Distribution and is advancing solar PV manufacturing and rural electrification with Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency. As such, Omobola Omofaiye, General Manager of LPV Technologies at Levene Energy, will have the opportunity to discuss how the company’s vertically integrated model is enabling infrastructure expansion, local content development and last-mile energy access.

“Africa’s energy sector is at a pivotal moment, where strong partnerships and strategic investments are unlocking massive potential across the value chain. These initiatives reflect a broader shift toward models that prioritize infrastructure, local value creation and industrial growth. The work being implemented by these diverse companies show a dedicate effort to deliver long-term, scalable solutions to the continent’s energy challenges,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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

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African youth lag behind elders in political and civic participation except for protest, new Afrobarometer flagship report reveals

Source: APO – Report:

African youth are less likely than older generations to engage in a variety of political and civic activities, with one exception – protest, Afrobarometer’s (www.Afrobarometer.org) new flagship report (https://apo-opa.co/4lrTLSn) reveals. 

The largest generational disparity is in voting, where the youth (aged 18-35) trail their elders by a striking 18 percentage points. Youth are also less likely to feel close to a political party, to attend a community meeting, to join with others to raise an issue, and to contact traditional leaders and local government councillors. 

The report, the second in an annual series on high-priority topics, draws on data spanning the past decade, including the latest round of nationally representative surveys in 39 countries, representing the views of more than three-fourths of the continent’s population. The analysis focuses on 10 key indicators of citizen engagement. 

These generational gaps underscore the challenges of political participation on the world’s most youthful continent if governments fail to create channels for meaningful engagement.  

The new flagship report, based on 53,444 face-to-face interviews, is accompanied by country scorecards (https://apo-opa.co/414kmO9) on citizen engagement that provide an at-a-glance snapshot of key indicators of citizen participation for each of the surveyed countries. 

Afrobarometer survey  

Afrobarometer is a pan-African, non-partisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. Nine survey rounds in up to 42 countries have been completed since 1999. Round 9 surveys (2021/2023) cover 39 countries.  

Afrobarometer’s national partners conduct face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent’s choice. National samples of 1,200-2,400 yield country-level results with margins of error of +/-2 to +/-3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.  

Key findings 

  • African youth (aged 18-35) are less likely than older generations to attend a community meeting (-12 percentage points), contact traditional leaders (-10 points), contact local government councillors (-10 points), feel close to a political party (-8 points), and join with others to raise an issue (-8 points) (Figure 1). 
    • The most striking deficit is in voter turnout (-18 percentage points). 
  • Senegal (-29 percentage points), Cameroon (-28 points), and Zimbabwe (-28 points) exhibit the largest disparities in voting rates by age (Figure 2).  
  • Attendance at community meetings sees the widest gaps in Côte d’Ivoire (-28 points), Zambia (-26 points), and Botswana (-24 points) (Figure 3).  
  • When it comes to direct engagement with local government officials, the largest disparities are in Lesotho (-24 points), Zambia (-20 points), Guinea (-16 points), and Kenya (-16 points) (Figure 4).  
  • Youth are more likely than their elders to participate in protests in many African countries, although rates in 16 countries differ by no more than 1 percentage point (Figure 5). 
    • Tunisia stands out with the largest gap in protest rates (+17 points), followed by Sudan (+9 points) and São Tomé and Príncipe (+7 points).  

– on behalf of Afrobarometer.

Link to the full flagship report: https://apo-opa.co/4lrTLSn

For more information, please contact: 
Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny 
Director of Communications 
Email: jappiah@afrobarometer.org   
Telephone: +233 243240933 

Social Media:
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Visit us online at www.Afrobarometer.org. 
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Free access to visitors at national parks

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

The South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that 21 national parks will grant free access to visitors in September for a period of a week.

SANParks uses this time to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage, as protected and preserved by the national parks system.

Free access to the national parks at this time does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.

On 21 September 2025, SANParks will host a celebratory event at Kruger National Park to kickstart the 20th annual SA National Parks Week, which will be held from 22 – 26 September and extended to 27 and 28 September at selected national parks. 

During this period, free access is granted to most of the 21 national parks under the management of SANParks.

National Parks Week has seen an influx of day visitors in all participating parks since its inception in 2006. 

“SA National Parks Week has proved to be a successful campaign that provides education and awareness about South Africa’s inclusive approach to conservation. Whilst offering an opportunity to experience South Africa’s rich natural and cultural heritage, attention is also drawn to the sustainable development practices made possible through partnerships with key role players like communities living adjacent to national parks, business, scientists and tourists,” SANParks said on Tuesday.

For respective dates on when different parks will be observing SA National Parks Week and allowing free access, please visit: https://www.sanparks.org/events/2025-south-african[1]national-parks-week-dates. –SAnews.gov.za

President Ramaphosa attends AU-AIP water summit

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today attend the African Union–Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025, taking place from 13 to 15 August at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

Convened in the context of South Africa’s G20 Presidency under the theme “Solidarity. Equality. Sustainability”, the landmark summit aims to close Africa’s US$30 billion annual water investment gap, by bringing together African Heads of State, G20 representatives, Global investors, ministers, private sector leaders, and development institutions.

The summit supports implementation of the Continental Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP) that was adopted in February 2021 during the 34th ordinary session of the African Union Summit by the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government.

The summit is jointly organised by South Africa, the African Union, in collaboration with the African Union Development Agency (NEPAD) and the AU-AIP International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa.

“Together, these partners are mobilising the political momentum, financial capital, and institutional partnerships needed to deliver climate-resilient water and sanitation for all,” the Presidency said in a statement on Tuesday.

During the summit, delegates will participate in high-level dialogues, engage in project matchmaking sessions, and contribute to a Declaration on Water Investments that will influence both continental and global development agendas-including preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference. – SAnews.gov.za
 

DWYPD condemns Rustenburg student murder amid Women’s Month

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has urged communities to act as custodians of change through prevention and reporting any form of violence, and supporting survivors of Gender Based Violence (GBVF).

The call comes after the brutal murder of a 21-year-old, Onalenna Selebogo, a third-year Education student at North-West University’s Mahikeng Campus.

Selebogo’s body was found on Saturday, 3 August 2025, in a Rustenburg flat, wrapped in bedsheets with multiple stab wounds to the neck.

According to the police report, the suspect, Walter Tshehlo, fled the scene but later handed himself over to the police. He has been charged with murder and awaits his bail hearing on 18 August 2025.

The department has condemned the brutal killing of Selebogo, describing it as a “appalling reminder that the fight for women’s safety and dignity remains far from being won.”

“The fact that these hideous acts of violence occurred during Women’s Month when the nation honouring and celebrating women’s courage, resilience and contribution to our democracy, makes it even more unacceptable,” the department said.

The department called on law enforcement agencies to act with urgency and transparency to ensure that those responsible for Selebogo’s death are brought to justice without delay.

It also called on communities to break the silence that allows GBVF to thrive, but act as custodians of change through prevention and reporting any form of violence and supporting survivors of GBVF.

The department further called on men across the nation to take responsibility by challenging harmful norms and become active partners creating a society that is free from violence.

“These words are not just ceremonial, they are a call to action, justice, and change to every sector in public; private business, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders, and the media must mobilise resources and platforms to strengthen prevention efforts and promote awareness on GBVF,” the department said.

Teach young boys to protect and respect women

Speaking at the National Women’s Day commemoration in Tzaneen, Limpopo, on Saturday, 9 August 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the many high cases of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide recorded in the country.

The President called on all South Africans to be a society where “we teach young boys that women are to be protected, and respected, and not abused.”

The President also urged South Africans to build a society where young boys are taught to protect and respect women, understand the meaning of consent in sexual relationships and do not use their money and influence to engage in predatory behaviour towards women, and “society that does not condone the ill-treatment of women and children under the guise of culture or tradition.” – SAnews.gov.za