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African Energy Chamber (AEC) Strengthens Strategic Engagement with African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO), Venezuela to Advance Regional Energy Cooperation

Source: APO


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The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) has deepened its engagement with continental and international partners following high-level meetings with the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) in Brazzaville, alongside discussions with Venezuela’s diplomatic representatives, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing Africa’s energy agenda through stronger regional and global collaboration.

Engagements with APPO focused on strategic priorities shaping the continent’s energy future, including the implementation of the Africa Energy Bank, which is expected to play a critical role in financing oil and gas projects across Africa. Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional cooperation, advancing research and development initiatives and promoting regulatory harmonization to build more efficient and competitive energy markets. These efforts reflect a broader push to unlock capital, accelerate project timelines and reinforce Africa’s position in a rapidly evolving global energy landscape.

As part of the visit, the Chamber also engaged with Venezuela’s Ambassador to Congo, Laura Suarez, highlighting Venezuela’s role as an APPO observer state and long-standing partner in Africa’s energy ecosystem. Venezuela formally joined APPO as the first non-African observer country, reflecting its commitment to South-South cooperation in hydrocarbons development and technical exchange. Discussions in Brazzaville focused on expanding collaboration in training, capacity building and technical expertise, as well as strengthening knowledge transfer and trade between Venezuela and African energy producers.

The dialogue underscored Venezuela’s continued relevance as a partner with extensive upstream experience and its alignment with Africa’s push to maximize the value of its natural resources. Both sides highlighted opportunities to deepen cooperation in support of industrial development, job creation and improved energy security across emerging markets.

“Venezuela has remained a consistent partner in Africa’s energy journey, particularly in supporting the development of hydrocarbons as a driver of industrial growth and sovereignty,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “What makes this relationship important is not just history, but what it enables going forward – real technical exchange, shared experience and practical cooperation that helps move projects, build capacity and strengthen energy systems across both regions.”

The engagements in Brazzaville reflect the AEC’s continued commitment to building stronger partnerships across Africa and beyond, ensuring that collaboration, financing and shared expertise remain central to unlocking the continent’s energy potential.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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A PAC Capital Limited conquista sete prestigiados prémios internacionais, reforçando a sua liderança na banca de investimento e consultoria

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A PAC Capital Limited (www.PACCapitalLtd.com), uma empresa líder em banca de investimento e consultoria financeira na Nigéria, foi distinguida com sete prémios de prestígio em duas plataformas reconhecidas a nível mundial, consolidando ainda mais a sua posição como líder de mercado em mercados de capitais, consultoria e soluções de investimento transfronteiriças.

Nos Gazet International Awards 2026, a PAC Capital Limited saiu vencedora em cinco categorias:

  • Melhor Empresa de Banca de Investimento e Consultoria Financeira – Nigéria 2026
  • Excelência em Mercados de Capitais e Soluções de Angariação de Fundos – Nigéria 2026
  • Melhor Empresa de Consultoria em Capital de Dívida e Ações – Nigéria 2026
  • Excelência em Investimento Transfronteiriço e Soluções de Capital – África 2026
  • Empresa de Consultoria em Infraestruturas e Financiamento de Projetos de Destaque – África 2026

Além disso, a empresa foi distinguida pelos World Business Outlook Awards 2026 com duas importantes distinções:

  • Empresa de Banca de Investimento Mais Preferida – Nigéria 2026
  • Melhor Empresa de Banca de Investimento e Consultoria na Nigéria 2026

Estes reconhecimentos sublinham a forte capacidade institucional da PAC Capital, a sua base regulatória robusta e a prestação consistente de soluções financeiras inovadoras nos mercados de capitais de ações, nos mercados de capitais de dívida e em serviços especializados de financiamento e consultoria.

Comentando sobre a conquista, Humphrey Oriakhi, Diretor Executivo, afirmou:
«Este reconhecimento com múltiplos prémios é simultaneamente humilhante e gratificante. Reflete a estratégia deliberada que temos seguido para construir uma plataforma de banca de investimento resiliente e de serviço completo, capaz de realizar transações complexas e de alto impacto em todos os mercados. À medida que continuamos a aprofundar a nossa presença em África e a expandir-nos pela África Global, o nosso foco mantém-se na criação de valor sustentável para os nossos clientes e partes interessadas através da inovação, disciplina e execução forte.»

O reconhecimento da PAC Capital reflete a sua extensa presença nos principais mercados africanos, apoiada por fortes parcerias com instituições multilaterais, investidores globais e aliados estratégicos. O envolvimento da empresa em diversos setores — incluindo petróleo e gás, energia, infraestruturas, aviação, tecnologias da informação e o setor público — demonstra a sua versatilidade e profundidade na prestação de soluções financeiras personalizadas.

Bolarinwa Sanni, Diretor Executivo da PAC Capital Limited:
«Estes prémios refletem a solidez das nossas relações com os clientes e a nossa capacidade de fornecer consistentemente soluções financeiras personalizadas num ambiente de mercado cada vez mais dinâmico. Construímos uma reputação de excelência nos mercados de capitais, consultoria e financiamento de projetos, mantendo-nos atentos às necessidades dos clientes e mantendo os mais elevados padrões de profissionalismo. Estamos orgulhosos deste marco e ainda mais entusiasmados com as oportunidades que se avizinham.»

Como membro fundador da plataforma de negociação de títulos OTC da Nigéria e como Casa Emissora registada e Membro de Cotação de Obrigações na FMDQ, a PAC Capital continua a defender alguns dos mais elevados padrões regulamentares e de governação no setor dos serviços financeiros nigeriano.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para PAC Capital Limited.

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A Câmara Africana de Energia (AEC) reforça o compromisso estratégico com a Organização Africana de Produtores de Petróleo (APPO) e a Venezuela para promover a cooperação energética regional

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A Câmara Africana de Energia (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) aprofundou o seu envolvimento com parceiros continentais e internacionais na sequência de reuniões de alto nível com a Organização Africana de Produtores de Petróleo (APPO) em Brazzaville, a par de discussões com representantes diplomáticos da Venezuela, reforçando um compromisso comum de promover a agenda energética de África através de uma colaboração regional e global mais forte.

Os contactos com a APPO centraram-se nas prioridades estratégicas que moldam o futuro energético do continente, incluindo a implementação do Banco Africano de Energia, que se espera venha a desempenhar um papel fundamental no financiamento de projetos de petróleo e gás em toda a África. Ambas as partes enfatizaram a importância de fortalecer a cooperação institucional, avançar com iniciativas de investigação e desenvolvimento e promover a harmonização regulatória para construir mercados energéticos mais eficientes e competitivos. Estes esforços refletem um impulso mais amplo para desbloquear capital, acelerar os prazos dos projetos e reforçar a posição de África num panorama energético global em rápida evolução.

No âmbito da visita, a Câmara reuniu-se também com a Embaixadora da Venezuela no Congo, Laura Suarez, destacando o papel da Venezuela como Estado observador da APPO e parceiro de longa data no ecossistema energético africano. A Venezuela aderiu formalmente à APPO como o primeiro país observador não africano, refletindo o seu compromisso com a cooperação Sul-Sul no desenvolvimento de hidrocarbonetos e no intercâmbio técnico. As discussões em Brazzaville centraram-se na expansão da colaboração em matéria de formação, reforço de capacidades e conhecimentos técnicos, bem como no fortalecimento da transferência de conhecimento e do comércio entre a Venezuela e os produtores de energia africanos.

O diá. sublinhou a relevância contínua da Venezuela como parceiro com vasta experiência a montante e o seu alinhamento com o esforço de África para maximizar o valor dos seus recursos naturais. Ambas as partes destacaram oportunidades para aprofundar a cooperação em apoio ao desenvolvimento industrial, à criação de emprego e à melhoria da segurança energética nos mercados emergentes.

«A Venezuela tem-se mantido um parceiro consistente na jornada energética de África, particularmente no apoio ao desenvolvimento dos hidrocarbonetos como motor do crescimento industrial e da soberania», afirmou NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da AEC. «O que torna esta relação importante não é apenas a história, mas o que ela permite no futuro – um verdadeiro intercâmbio técnico, partilha de experiências e cooperação prática que ajudam a avançar com projetos, a desenvolver capacidades e a fortalecer os sistemas energéticos em ambas as regiões.»

Os compromissos assumidos em Brazzaville refletem o empenho contínuo da AEC em construir parcerias mais fortes em toda a África e além, garantindo que a colaboração, o financiamento e a partilha de conhecimentos especializados continuem a ser fundamentais para libertar o potencial energético do continente.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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PAC Capital Limited remporte sept prix internationaux prestigieux, renforçant ainsi son leadership dans les domaines de la banque d’investissement et du conseil

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

PAC Capital Limited (www.PACCapitalLtd.com), l’une des principales sociétés de banque d’investissement et de conseil financier au Nigeria, s’est vu décerner sept prix prestigieux par deux plateformes de renommée mondiale, consolidant ainsi sa position de leader sur les marchés de capitaux, dans le domaine du conseil et des solutions d’investissement transfrontalières.

Lors des Gazet International Awards 2026, PAC Capital Limited a remporté cinq prix dans les catégories suivantes :

  • Meilleure société de banque d’investissement et de conseil financier – Nigeria 2026
  • Excellence en matière de marchés de capitaux et de solutions de levée de fonds – Nigeria 2026
  • Meilleure société de conseil en dette et en capitaux propres – Nigeria 2026
  • Excellence en matière d’investissements transfrontaliers et de solutions de financement – Afrique 2026
  • Meilleure société de conseil en infrastructure et financement de projets – Afrique 2026

De plus, la société a été récompensée par les World Business Outlook Awards 2026 avec deux distinctions majeures :

  • Société de banque d’investissement la plus prisée – Nigeria 2026
  • Meilleure société de banque d’investissement et de conseil au Nigeria 2026

Ces distinctions soulignent la solide capacité institutionnelle de PAC Capital, son cadre réglementaire robuste et sa capacité à fournir de manière constante des solutions financières innovantes sur les marchés des capitaux propres et des capitaux d’emprunt, ainsi que des services spécialisés de financement et de conseil.

Commentant cette réussite, Humphrey Oriakhi, directeur général, a déclaré :
« Cette reconnaissance par plusieurs prix est à la fois une leçon d’humilité et une confirmation. Elle reflète la stratégie délibérée que nous avons poursuivie pour bâtir une plateforme de banque d’investissement résiliente et offrant une gamme complète de services, capable de réaliser des transactions complexes et à fort impact sur l’ensemble des marchés. Alors que nous continuons à renforcer notre présence en Afrique et à nous développer à travers l’Afrique mondiale, notre priorité reste de créer de la valeur durable pour nos clients et nos parties prenantes grâce à l’innovation, à la discipline et à une exécution rigoureuse. »

La reconnaissance dont bénéficie PAC Capital témoigne de sa présence étendue sur les principaux marchés africains, soutenue par des partenariats solides avec des institutions multilatérales, des investisseurs mondiaux et des alliés stratégiques. L’implication de la société dans divers secteurs — notamment le pétrole et le gaz, l’électricité et l’énergie, les infrastructures, l’aviation, les technologies de l’information et le secteur public — démontre sa polyvalence et sa capacité à proposer des solutions financières sur mesure.

Bolarinwa Sanni, directeur exécutif de PAC Capital Limited :
« Ces distinctions témoignent de la solidité de nos relations avec nos clients et de notre capacité à fournir en permanence des solutions financières sur mesure dans un environnement de marché de plus en plus dynamique. Nous nous sommes forgé une réputation d’excellence sur les marchés de capitaux, dans le conseil et le financement de projets en restant à l’écoute des besoins de nos clients et en maintenant les normes de professionnalisme les plus élevées. Nous sommes fiers de cette étape importante et encore plus enthousiastes à l’idée des opportunités à venir. »

En tant que membre fondateur de la plateforme nigériane de négociation de titres de gré à gré et en tant que maison d’émission et membre coté auprès de la FMDQ, PAC Capital continue de respecter certaines des normes réglementaires et de gouvernance les plus strictes du secteur des services financiers nigérian.

Distribué par APO Group pour PAC Capital Limited.

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Chambre africaine de l’énergie (AEC) renforce son engagement stratégique avec Organisation des producteurs de pétrole africains (APPO) et le Venezuela pour faire progresser la coopération énergétique régionale

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La Chambre africaine de l’énergie (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) a approfondi son engagement auprès de ses partenaires continentaux et internationaux à la suite de réunions de haut niveau avec l’Organisation des producteurs de pétrole africains (APPO) à Brazzaville, ainsi que de discussions avec les représentants diplomatiques du Venezuela, renforçant ainsi un engagement commun à faire progresser le programme énergétique de l’Afrique grâce à une collaboration régionale et mondiale plus étroite.

Les échanges avec l’APPO ont porté sur les priorités stratégiques qui façonnent l’avenir énergétique du continent, notamment la mise en place de la Banque africaine de l’énergie, qui devrait jouer un rôle crucial dans le financement des projets pétroliers et gaziers à travers l’Afrique. Les deux parties ont souligné l’importance de renforcer la coopération institutionnelle, de faire progresser les initiatives de recherche et développement et de promouvoir l’harmonisation réglementaire afin de construire des marchés énergétiques plus efficaces et compétitifs. Ces efforts s’inscrivent dans une dynamique plus large visant à mobiliser des capitaux, à accélérer le calendrier des projets et à renforcer la position de l’Afrique dans un paysage énergétique mondial en rapide évolution.

Dans le cadre de cette visite, la Chambre a également rencontré l’ambassadrice du Venezuela au Congo, Laura Suarez, soulignant le rôle du Venezuela en tant qu’État observateur de l’APPO et partenaire de longue date dans l’écosystème énergétique africain. Le Venezuela a officiellement rejoint l’APPO en tant que premier pays observateur non africain, reflétant ainsi son engagement en faveur de la coopération Sud-Sud dans le domaine du développement des hydrocarbures et des échanges techniques. Les discussions à Brazzaville ont porté sur l’élargissement de la collaboration en matière de formation, de renforcement des capacités et d’expertise technique, ainsi que sur le renforcement du transfert de connaissances et des échanges commerciaux entre le Venezuela et les producteurs d’énergie africains.

Ce dialogue a souligné l’importance persistante du Venezuela en tant que partenaire doté d’une vaste expérience en amont et son alignement sur la volonté de l’Afrique de maximiser la valeur de ses ressources naturelles. Les deux parties ont mis en avant les opportunités d’approfondir la coopération en faveur du développement industriel, de la création d’emplois et d’une meilleure sécurité énergétique sur les marchés émergents.

« Le Venezuela est resté un partenaire constant dans le parcours énergétique de l’Afrique, notamment en soutenant le développement des hydrocarbures en tant que moteur de la croissance industrielle et de la souveraineté », a déclaré NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’AEC. « Ce qui rend cette relation importante, ce n’est pas seulement l’histoire, mais ce qu’elle permet pour l’avenir : de véritables échanges techniques, un partage d’expérience et une coopération pratique qui contribuent à faire avancer les projets, à renforcer les capacités et à consolider les systèmes énergétiques dans les deux régions. »

Les engagements pris à Brazzaville reflètent la volonté constante de l’AEC de forger des partenariats plus solides à travers l’Afrique et au-delà, en veillant à ce que la collaboration, le financement et le partage d’expertise restent au cœur de la libération du potentiel énergétique du continent.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Qatar Participates in 27th GCC-EU Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting

Source: Government of Qatar

Brussels, May 20, 2026
The State of Qatar took part in the 27th GCC-EU Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting convened in Brussels, Belgium.

Participating in this event were delegations from the GCC nations and the GCC General Secretariat, alongside officials from the EU.

HE Director of Policy and Planning Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Khalid bin Fahad Al Khater represented the State of Qatar at this meeting.

The meeting addressed the latest developments in the Gulf region and Europe, particularly the Iranian attacks on the GCC nations, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, as well as the situation in Yemen, Iraq and Lebanon.

Overall, the gathering shared perspectives on the situation in the Gaza Strip, the two-state solution, along with Syria and Ukraine. 

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Qatar Condemns Mistreatment by Israeli National Security Minister of Global Sumud Flotilla Activists

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | May 20, 2026

The State of Qatar condemns the mistreatment by the Israeli National Security Minister of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla detained by Israeli authorities, describing this act as inhumane treatment constituting a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.

The Foreign Ministry emphasizes that the mistreatment and abuse faced by activists from countries that maintain relations with Israel, in full view of the world, clearly expose the scale of violations endured by Palestinians living under occupation and apartheid for decades.

The ministry stresses that the practices of the Israeli government members must not be dealt with as isolated or individual incidents separated from the broader context, adding that such moves demonstrate a methodical Israeli behavior and official policy that gives no qualms about any attention to human dignity, and disregards both international law and the reactions of the international community.

The ministry calls on the international community to urgently spring into action to halt the Israeli provocations and inhumane treatment against the held activists and unconditionally release them immediately.

At the same time, the ministry underscores the importance of holding the occupation to account for its persistent crimes and violations against the Palestinian people, in addition to putting an end to policies of impunity that encourage the continuation of such practices.

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State banquet toast remarks from the State Visit to Botswana

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellency, President Duma Gideon Boko,
First Lady Kaone Tumalano Boko,
The Mayor of Gaborone,
The Speaker of Parliament of Botswana,
Honourable Ministers,
Distinguished Guests,
Bo Mma le Borra,

Dumelang!

Allow me to express my sincere appreciation for the distinct privilege and honour of being invited for this historic State Visit. 

This is no ordinary State Visit. It is a coming together of brethren from the same family. 

We are one people, born of the same soil and bound together by a shared history.

On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, we convey our deepest sympathies at the passing of one of Botswana’s greatest sons, His Excellency Former President Festus Mogae. He was a gentle giant, and illustrious African and a global statesman. 

Your loss is our loss. He will leave an indelible mark. 

President Mogae came in the footsteps of a remarkable array of great Batswana leaders, who have led a proud, resourceful and heroic people with a glorious history.

President Boko, 

We commend the vigour and vision with which you are leading Botswana on a path of modernisation and towards a future of sustained development and prosperity. 

You can count on South Africa — a reliable neighbour, friend and partner — as you continue along this path. 

Together, we are part of SADC, a community of nations that played a pivotal role in the liberation of South Africa from the crime of apartheid. 

Botswana was an ally and friend of the South African people in our quest for justice, democracy and human rights for all.

Botswana provided solidarity, support and refuge to our people during our days of need, sometimes at a great cost to yourself.

We continue to experience the dynamism of the ties between our peoples forged through a common history, heritage and geography. 

Our fortunes are intertwined and the possibilities of our cooperation are endless.

The levels of trade and investment between our two countries are substantial.

There is much scope to expand commerce between our countries and to achieve greater balance in the volume and value of trade. 

We must work together to seize the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area and to strengthen cooperation within SACU. 

South Africa stands ready to partner with Botswana as you march towards the diversification of your economy. 

We therefore look forward to the Botswana–South Africa Business Forum taking place tomorrow. 

The sixth session of the Bi-National Commission, which we will co-chair tomorrow, will deliberate on the many and diverse areas of bilateral cooperation that underpin our collaboration.

I thank you for this wonderful dinner and the enchanting cultural and musical displays this evening. 

My delegation and I will long remember the hospitality you have extended to us. 

You are a true friend and Brother and our peoples remain forever together.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please join me in raising a toast:

To the good health and success of His Excellency President Duma Gideon Boko, to the continued prosperity of the Republic of Botswana and its people, and to the enduring bonds of friendship and partnership between the peoples of South Africa and Botswana.

Ke a leboga go menagane.

Pula!

I thank you.

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Repositioning government communication to better serve citizens

Source: Government of South Africa

Repositioning government communication to better serve citizens

In a move aimed at improving public access to reliable information, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) is repositioning itself as a central hub for credible government content, enhanced media monitoring and faster responses to citizens’ concerns. 

“This is part of evolving GCIS from being just a coordinator of the government communication system, but to also serve as a government content hub by becoming a central content authority of government communication,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Wednesday.

The shift is intended to close communication gaps and ensure South Africans are better informed about government’s efforts to improve lives across the country.

Tabling the GCIS Budget Vote in Parliament, Ntshavheni said the new approach would strengthen consistency in government messaging, enable the government to frame its own narratives, and counter misinformation using verified sources.

She said the model would also help government maintain information authority during crises by serving as a central source of verified information for both citizens and media houses.

“The GCIS has started to operationalise the Editorial Content Centre (ECC), which is being replicated at the provincial level. The Editorial Content Centre coordinates the other four pillars for informed editorial decision-making,” the Minister said.

The key pillars of the Government Content Hub model are the Editorial Content Centre (ECC), the SAnews wire service, the platforms approach, the revised media engagement approach, and a national fact-checking capability.

SAnews wire service

During the 2025/26 Budget Debate, the Minister said the GCIS was positioning SAnews, the government’s news agency, as a fully fledged government wire service, aimed not only at publishing content, but also at redistributing government news articles more widely.

Ntshavheni said the work was progressing well. 

“Therefore, the performance measurement of SAnews is not based on website traffic but on the number of downstream channels that have used the SAnews content or the redistribution rate. 

“The next steps will include releasing alerts and statements through SAnews. On the redistribution rate, between April of 2025 and March 2026, 377 (306 National and 77 international) SAnews content was reused by downstream channels,” the Minister said.

Platforms approach 

Starting in the 2026/27 financial year, the GCIS will begin monitoring weekly reach, engagement and shares across all its content platforms, not only for performance measurement, but also to address what it calls the “visibility gap”.

“Closing the visibility gap requires GCIS to have a structured summary and analysis of what citizens are asking and sharing, and where government is absent from conversations which are underway. The insights will inform redistribution, content decisions and editorial actions. 

“This advances the work on improved engagement rate aimed at improving interaction between government and citizens, which we piloted in the 2025/26 [financial year]. From that pilot, it is pleasing to report a substantial growth of GCIS-managed digital platforms, which achieved over a 1.4 billion reach in 2025/26,” the Minister said.

Media engagement

In an effort to expand its reach through local languages, the revised media engagement strategy will place greater emphasis on community media.

“The reviewed media engagement approach emphasises both the proactive and reactive elements, which are supported by a strong media monitoring capacity. 

“The media monitoring function identifies narratives needing responses or amplification. On the proactive front, the revised media engagement approach supports the implementation of Departmental, Provincial, or Local Government Communication Plans,” Ntshavheni said.

During the 2026/27 financial year, the GCIS will strengthen monitoring of government communication plans at both compliance and substantive levels.

Budget allocation

The total budget allocation for GCIS over the 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period amounts to R2.503 billion.

This represents a 3.15% decrease compared to the 2025/26 allocation.

This budget is allocated as follows per year: 

  • 2026/27: R803, 246 million;
  • 2027/28: R837, 030 million; and
  • 2028/29: R863, 045 million.

Of the 2026/27 allocation, R262.523 million is earmarked for transfers and subsidies. This includes R218.349 million for Brand South Africa and R41.924 million for the Media Development and Diversity Agency.

An operating budget of R535.067 million has been allocated, including R324.517 million for employee compensation to support 500 permanent positions, and R210.550 million for goods and services. –SAnews.gov.za

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Government sets aside R423bn to strengthen municipalities and traditional governance

Source: Government of South Africa

Government sets aside R423bn to strengthen municipalities and traditional governance

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has tabled a combined R423.4 billion budget for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs for the 2026/27 financial year, with government placing renewed focus on fixing dysfunctional municipalities, improving service delivery, and strengthening disaster preparedness.

Presenting the department’s budget in Parliament on Wednesday, Hlabisa said the allocations were aimed at building capable and accountable local government institutions while supporting traditional leadership structures.

Of the total allocation, R422.5 billion has been earmarked for Cooperative Governance, while R900 million will go towards Traditional Affairs.

Hlabisa said the budget should be viewed as a “delivery instrument” intended to improve municipal performance and the quality of life of communities across the country.

The Minister said government had completed its review of the White Paper on Local Government under the theme: “Every Municipality Must Work”, describing it as a key step towards strengthening governance, accountability and service delivery in municipalities.

“The revised White Paper recognises that local government today operates in a far more complex environment than in 1998. It provides a renewed and realistic framework to strengthen governance, accountability and service delivery,” the Minister said.

Several legislative reforms are also being advanced, including amendments aimed at improving municipal governance and addressing instability in coalition-led councils ahead of the 2026 local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.

Among the legislative reforms are:

•    The Local Government: General Laws Amendment Bill will improve governance and operational efficiency;
•    The Municipal Structures Amendment Bill (Coalitions Bill) will address instability in coalition governments. Political parties that will form a coalition government post 4 November 2026 will have to enter into coalition agreements
•    The Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority Bill will strengthen transparency and accountability; and
•    The Draft Fire Services Bill will modernise fire service governance.

Ethical leadership and audit outcomes

The Minister said government was strengthening competency-based recruitment, professionalising municipal administration and reinforcing ethical leadership.

“The introduction of the Code for Ethical Leadership, together with ethics training programmes, is reinforcing accountability. Without ethical leadership, no reform will succeed,” he said.

Hlabisa also noted improvements in municipal audit outcomes, with 59 municipalities recording improvements and 41 municipalities achieving clean audits.

“Where there is discipline, monitoring and consequence management, improvement follows,” the Minister said.

However, he acknowledged that governance weaknesses and financial mismanagement remained serious concerns in many municipalities.

Interventions in distressed municipalities

Government continues to provide targeted support to municipalities experiencing instability.

In Emfuleni, a Special Purpose Vehicle with Rand Water is being established to stabilise water services.

Meanwhile, national intervention in Ditsobotla has helped stabilise governance, improve financial management and restore basic services following prolonged instability.

“We will not hesitate to intervene where municipalities fail communities,” Hlabisa said.

Infrastructure and service delivery

Hlabisa noted that the District Development Model (DDM) remained central to government’s work but would now move “from planning to delivery.”

Measures being introduced include stronger accountability mechanisms, delivery dashboards and clearer escalation protocols.

The Minister also said government was exploring blended finance models, private sector partnerships, and new funding models to address infrastructure funding constraints.

“We must move beyond reliance on limited municipal balance sheets,” Hlabisa said.

Repositioning of the community work programme

Government plans to reposition the programme towards skills development, enterprise creation and sustainable livelihoods.

The Minister noted that the Community Work Programme currently supports more than 186 000 participants across the country.

Participants are already contributing to waste management, minor infrastructure repairs and local service delivery initiatives.

“This programme must become a pathway to economic opportunity, not only income support,” Hlabisa said.

Disaster recovery support

The Minister said government had allocated R2.161 billion in the previous financial year to 92 municipalities for disaster recovery efforts in provinces including the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West.

An additional R191.16 million was provided through the Disaster Response Grant to municipalities facing immediate pressures.

Further allocations of R151 million for provinces and R203 million for municipalities are also being finalised.

“Furthermore, R166 million was reprioritised from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant to respond to recent floods, especially in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and other provinces,” Hlabisa said.

He stressed that the budget was intended to improve the lives of citizens through better-performing municipalities.

“This budget is not an accounting exercise; it is a delivery instrument. It must translate into functioning municipalities and improved lives.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

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