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International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Director-General to Deliver Keynote Speech at African Mining Week (AMW) 2025

Source: APO


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Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), has confirmed his participation at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders.

La Camera will deliver a keynote address titled Critical Minerals: Driving Renewable Development in Africa. His address is expected to spotlight Africa’s pivotal role in the global clean energy revolution, underpinned by the continent’s 30% share of global critical and energy transition minerals such as copper, cobalt, rare earths and lithium.

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

As the head of the global intergovernmental body advancing knowledge and the adoption of renewable energy, La Camera’s participation underscores Africa’s growing influence as a key enabler of the global energy transition. African countries rich in energy transition minerals are already ramping up production to meet surging global demand. The Democratic Republic of Congo, which holds the world’s largest cobalt reserves essential for the development of battery storage, is pursuing reforms to unlock its estimated $24 trillion worth of mineral resources. Zambia, a key copper supplier, aims to boost copper output to three million tons per year by 2031, while Zimbabwe – Africa’s top lithium producer – is implementing measures to scale production and promote local manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries. La Camera’s keynote is expected to highlight efforts by African markets as well as a broader roadmap for the continent to harness its mineral wealth for sustainable energy growth.

Amid the global push to accelerate renewables adoption for environmental sustainability, improved energy access and industrial growth – particularly in mining – AMW offers a strategic platform for IRENA to share insights on Africa’s progress and highlight best practices to fast-track renewable energy penetration across the continent. According to IRENA’s latest report Renewable Energy Statistics 2025, global renewable energy capacity grew by 15% in 2024, with Africa recording a 7.2% increase. Mining companies are increasingly turning to renewables to power operations with firms such as Northam, Richards Bay Minerals, Ivanhoe Mines, First Quantum Minerals and Trafigura integrating renewables to ensure reliable and cost-effective power supply for their operations. Against this backdrop, La Camera is poised to spotlight the vast opportunities emerging at the intersection of Africa’s mining and renewable energy sectors.

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

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Afreximbank Signs US$1.35 Billion Financing as Lead Arranger in USD 4 Billion Syndicated Facility to Refinance Dangote Refinery Construction

Source: APO


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African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) is pleased to announce the signing of a US$1.35 billion financing facility in favour of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL). The facility is part of a larger approximately US$4 billion syndicated financing arrangement for Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Africa’s largest industrial conglomerate. Afreximbank acted as the Mandated Lead Arranger, for the syndication. 

This financing— one of the largest syndicated loans in recent African financial markets—will refinance capital expended on constructing the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex, the biggest single-train refinery in the world with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. The financing alleviates initial operational expenditures and enhances DIL’s balance sheet, supporting its continued growth trajectory. 

Afreximbank contributed US$1.35 billion, the largest share among participating banks, underscoring its commitment to large-scale infrastructure that advances Africa’s industrialization, energy security, and intra-African trade. 

Since operations at the refinery complex began in February 2024, Afreximbank has continued to support the Dangote Refinery by providing key financing solutions—for crude supply and product offtake—ensuring uninterrupted operations and reinforcing its role in Africa’s most significant refining intervention.  

Commenting on the development, Professor Benedict Oramah, President & Chairman of Board of Directors at Afreximbank, said: 

“With this landmark deal, we once again demonstrate that Africa’s development can only be meaningfully financed from within. It is only when African institutions lead the way that others can follow. The journey to utilise African resources for its own economic transformation is well underway. Through the Bank’s funding support, we are enhancing the capacity of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Industries Ltd to produce and supply high quality refined petroleum products to the Nigerian market, as well as for export to the entire continent and the world. Our energy security is in sight.” 

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, added: 

“Afreximbank’s contribution to this milestone financing underscores our shared vision to industrialize Africa from within. This refinancing strengthens our balance sheet and accelerates with ease the refinery’s suppy of high-quality refined petroleum products across Africa. 

The syndicated facility attracted strong participation from leading African and international financial institutions, reflecting enduring confidence in Africa’s industrial potential and Dangote’s vision in transforming Africa”. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact: 
Vincent Musumba 
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations) 
Email: press@afreximbank.com  

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. 

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com 

About Dangote:
Dangote Industries Limited is one of Africa’s leading diversified and fully integrated industrial conglomerates with vibrant operations in Nigeria and across Africa in several sectors including cement, sugar, salt, condiments, packaging, energy, port operations, automotive, fertiliser, petroleum refining and petrochemicals.  

The core business focus of the Group, which started operations in 1978, is to provide local, value-added products and services that meet the ‘basic needs’ of the populace. Through the construction and operation of large-scale manufacturing facilities in Nigeria and across 10 other African countries. Dangote Group is focused on building local manufacturing capacity to generate employment, prevent capital flight and provide locally produced goods for the people. 

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National Water and Sanitation Norms and Standards workshops to be held 

Source: Government of South Africa

National Water and Sanitation Norms and Standards workshops to be held 

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen national regulatory framework for water and sanitation, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is set to host a series of workshops on the Revised Compulsory National Water and Sanitation Services Norms and Standards.

The updated standards aim to set clear, enforceable minimum requirements for safe and reliable water supply and sanitation services, in line with public health priorities, environmental sustainability, and the constitutional rights of all South Africans.

Under the revised regulations, all Water Services Authorities (WSAs) are now legally required to provide basic water supply services to every household within their jurisdiction. This includes delivering at least 6 kilolitres of safe drinking water per household per month, ensuring availability for at least 358 days per year, and maintaining a flow rate of no less than 10 litres per minute.

Spokesperson at the DWS, Wisane Mavasa highlighted that the standards also ensure that indigent households receive this allocation free of charge, with tariffs applied only for excess usage. 

The WSAs are also mandated to maintain infrastructure up to the user connection point, while property owners are responsible for any infrastructure beyond that boundary.

“Special attention is also required for informal settlements, where WSAs are obligated to provide interim water supply services within 90 days of discovery.

“These services must include communal standpipes located no more than 200 meters from households and maintain the same minimum water quantity, flow rate, and quality standards as formal settlements,” Mavasa said.

Water quality must conform to the South African National Standard (SANS) 241, safeguarding public health consistently.

In addition to supply, the revised standards place strong emphasis on service monitoring and management.

“Water services must be metred accurately, with WSAs responsible for meter maintenance, repair, and replacement within set timeframes. Educational initiatives on water use, hygiene, and groundwater management are integral to service delivery.

“WSAs are also required to formally plan and submit their strategies for upgrading all households to basic services within two years of these regulations’ promulgation,” Mavasa said.

The Water and Sanitation Norms and Standards were first gazetted in 2001, per the Water Services Act, Act 108 of 1997. These regulations establish mandatory national standards and measures for water conservation, covering basic sanitation, water supply, service interruptions, potable water quality, and leak repair, among many other water services-related matters.

The regulation was reviewed in 2017, with published norms and standards based on the 1998 National Water Act (NWA), the 1997 Water Services Act (WSA), and the 2016 Sanitation Policy. The revised Norms and Standards were gazetted on 6 June 2025 for implementation.

Consultations

The rollout workshops will commence with a national virtual consultation on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, followed by provincial consultations, scheduled from 12 August to 10 September 2025.

“The rollout aims to ensure that the Norms and Standards are widely understood, accepted, and implemented. The workshops enable the WSAs to assess their ability to comply with the revised provisions,” Mavasa said.

In instances where immediate compliance is not feasible, Mavasa said WSAs must develop and submit a progressive implementation plan detailing the steps and timelines for achieving full compliance.

These plans must be submitted to the Integrated Regulatory Information Management System (IRIS) for consideration and approval by the DWS within six months of the regulation’s publication.

Affected stakeholders, including government departments, Chapter 9 institutions, water boards, Catchment Management Agencies, and professional bodies, will also have opportunities to engage on the Norms and Standards. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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Premier Lesufi reshuffles Gauteng HODs

Source: Government of South Africa

Premier Lesufi reshuffles Gauteng HODs

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced a reshuffle of Heads of Departments (HODs) across provincial government departments.

The announcement was made during a media briefing led by the Premier on Sunday.

The move follows Lesufi’s warning in June that disciplinary action would be taken against HODs who failed lifestyle audits. 

“On the 17 July 2025, when I delivered the Budget Vote Speech at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, I announced the resetting of the Gauteng Provincial Administration as per the recommendations from the Gauteng Ethics and Advisory Council. 

“This follows a series of under expenditure and underperformance by departments, lifestyle audits, and failures to meet performance targets in some instances,” he said.

The following changes to Heads of Departments have taken effect from 1 August:

  • Department of eGovernment: Masabata Mutlaneng
  • Department of Infrastructure Development: Rufus Mmutlana
  • Treasury: Ncumisa Mnyani (retained)
  • COGTA: Darion Barclay (retained)
  • Transport: Thulani Mdadane (retained, post to be advertised)
  • Human Settlements: Puleng Gadebe-Mabaso (retained)
  • Agriculture and Rural Development: Khululekile Mase (retained)

In the following departments, Lesufi appointed Acting HOD’s in the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) with the recruitment process for permanent appointments underway:

  • Environment: Matthew Sathekge
  • Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation: Mpho Nawa
  • Social Development: Phumla Sekhonyane
  • Education: Albert Chaane
  • Community Safety: Pending
  • Health: Pending

“[We] have appointed a new HOD for the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Mr Motlatjo Moholwa. Mr Moholwa brings with him a wealth of experience in the public service. 

“He has served as the Head of Economic Research and Chief Economist in the City of Johannesburg, a Lead Economist for the Land Bank and the Deputy Director General (DDG) in the Mpumalanga and Gauteng Departments of Economic Development. I am confident that he will serve with utmost diligence and commitment and help us achieve our goal of growing the Gauteng economy,” Lesufi announced. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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De la perception à la protection : Ce que les CISO africains ignorent de leurs employés pourrait leur coûter cher

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La cybersécurité en Afrique entre dans une nouvelle phase. À mesure que les organisations améliorent leurs défenses et investissent dans la formation de sensibilisation à la sécurité (SAT), un écart difficile à repérer, mais critique, apparaît – non pas entre les outils et les cybermenaces, mais entre ce que les dirigeants croient de leurs employés et ce qu’ils vivent réellement.

Le Rapport 2025 de KnowBe4 Africa sur la gestion du risque humain (http://apo-opa.co/4fhcmPo) donne un aperçu de ce décalage. Les résultats montrent que de nombreux dirigeants surestiment la préparation de leurs employés et sous-estiment les lacunes en matière de confiance, de formation et d’action.

Anna Collard, vice-présidente principale de la stratégie de contenu et évangéliste chez KnowBe4 Africa, déclare : « Ce n’est pas seulement que la sensibilisation seule ne suffit pas – c’est que le niveau de sensibilisation des employés est mal compris par les dirigeants organisationnels qui en sont responsables. »

L’écart de perception se creuse, mais il est mesurable

Alors que 50 % des décideurs en 2025 évaluent la confiance des employés en matière de signalement des cybermenaces à 4 sur 5, en 2024, seulement 43 % des employés ont déclaré se sentir confiants dans la reconnaissance d’une menace, tandis qu’un tiers n’était pas d’accord sur la suffisance de leur formation.

68 % des décideurs estiment que la SAT au sein de leurs organisations est adaptée au rôle. Mais seulement 33 % des employés en 2024 ont estimé que c’était vrai – 16 % étant activement en désaccord.

Les implications sont sérieuses, car une main-d’œuvre qui semble formée et sensibilisée sur le papier peut en fait être incertaine, non soutenue et vulnérable.

« Cette divergence entre perception et expérience est précisément là où le risque humain prospère », déclare Collard. « Si les dirigeants ne corrigent pas le tir, ils construisent des stratégies de sécurité sur une fausse confiance. »

Pourquoi mesurer la sensibilisation ne suffit plus

L’un des défis les plus fréquemment cités dans le rapport est d’une simplicité trompeuse : mesurer si la SAT fonctionne. Plus de quatre répondants sur dix ont déclaré avoir du mal à suivre si leurs programmes de sensibilisation à la sécurité se traduisent par des comportements plus sûrs.

Un facteur clé, identifié dans le rapport, est que de nombreuses organisations s’appuient encore sur des SAT universelles, souvent dispensées uniquement annuellement ou biannuellement, sans personnalisation spécifique au rôle ni boucles de rétroaction comportementales.

Alors que 68 % déclarent proposer une formation basée sur les rôles, cette affirmation est minée par le fait que le « manque d’alignement des rôles » reste l’un des principaux défis signalés par les répondants. La divergence est la plus nette dans des secteurs comme la fabrication et la santé, où la SAT générique est la plus courante.

La taille, semble-t-il, compte aussi. Les grandes organisations sont constamment moins confiantes dans la préparation des employés, forment moins fréquemment et ont plus de mal à mesurer les résultats.

Collard déclare : « La sensibilisation sans action est comme une alarme à laquelle personne ne répond. Les organisations investissent dans la formation de sensibilisation à la sécurité, mais sans la structure, l’adaptation et le suivi nécessaires pour la traduire en comportement sécurisé. »

Au-delà du BYOD : le nouvel angle mort est l’IA

L’un des thèmes les plus urgents qui ressort est la montée rapide de l’utilisation de l’« IA parallèle ». Alors que près de la moitié des organisations sont encore occupées à élaborer des politiques formelles en matière d’IA, et que jusqu’à 80 % des employés utilisent des appareils personnels pour le travail, le risque d’utilisation non surveillée et non sanctionnée de l’IA augmente rapidement.

L’Afrique de l’Est est à l’avant-garde avec une gouvernance de l’IA plus proactive, tandis que l’Afrique australe, malgré une fréquence de formation élevée, est en retard sur la mise en œuvre de la politique de l’IA.

« La technologie a évolué plus vite que la politique », explique Collard. « Et à moins que les outils d’IA ne soient correctement gouvernés, ils deviennent autant un vecteur de risque qu’un atout. »

La voie à suivre : l’action, en plus de la sensibilisation

Ce rapport décrit cinq impératifs pour les organisations africaines :

  1. Personnaliser la SAT par rôle et exposition au risque.
  2. Suivre ce qui compte – non seulement la participation, mais les résultats comportementaux.
  3. Officialiser les structures de signalement que les employés peuvent comprendre et auxquelles ils font confiance.
  4. Combler le manque de politique en matière d’IA avant que l’utilisation abusive ne devienne systémique.
  5. Contextualiser les stratégies en fonction de la région et du secteur – car la résilience n’est pas universelle.

« L’élément humain est souvent évoqué, mais rarement mesuré de manière à déboucher sur une action qui tienne compte du contexte. Notre objectif est d’aider les organisations à cesser de deviner et à commencer à structurer leurs défenses autour d’informations réelles et contextuelles », déclare Collard.

« C’est le moment de passer d’une approche axée sur la conformité et la coche à une résilience axée sur la culture. Nous avons les données. Maintenant, nous avons la volonté.

Le rapport complet est maintenant disponible en téléchargement ici (http://apo-opa.co/4fhcmPo).

Distribué par APO Group pour KnowBe4.

Détails du contact :
KnowBe4:
Anne Dolinschek
anned@knowbe4.com

Red Ribbon:
TJ Coenraad
tayla@redribboncommunications.co.za

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Canon Strengthens Its Educational Legacy with the Launch of the Canon Academy Website – A New Chapter in Creative Empowerment Across Africa

Source: APO

  • Canon Academy has trained over 5,000 learners in the last 2 years through in-person workshops across 13 countries and virtual sessions in 7 countries.
  • The new website is part of Canon’s World of Education initiative, reinforcing its commitment to accessible, high-impact creative learning across Africa.

Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com), a leader in imaging and innovation, has unveiled the new Canon Academy website (https://www.Academy.Canon-CNA.com), a dynamic digital learning platform designed to empower photographers and videographers across Africa. But this launch is more than just a website—it’s a testament to Canon’s unwavering commitment to education, community development, and creative growth across the continent.

At the heart of Canon’s approach lies its corporate philosophy of Kyosei: living and working together for the common good. Through its ever-expanding Canon World of Education, the brand has invested in building meaningful educational ecosystems that extend access to knowledge, unlock creative potential, and open up real opportunities for individuals and communities alike.

From Canon Miraisha to Canon Academy Juniors, and from the Canon Print Hub to Canon Academy Photo & Video, each initiative serves a single mission—to elevate local talent by providing world-class tools, training, and mentorship tailored to the African context.

Among these, Canon Academy has emerged as a cornerstone program, having trained over 5,000 learners in the last 2 years through hands-on workshops in more than 13 countries—a number that continues to grow as the Academy expands into new regions like Rwanda, and re-establishes its presence in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Tanzania in 2025.

However, as Canon listened closely to its learners, trainers, and communities, a clear insight emerged: physical workshops alone couldn’t scale fast enough to meet demand, especially in emerging creative regions and remote areas. The need for self-paced learning, consistent access, and a centralized digital experience gave birth to the vision for the new Canon Academy website.

A New Era of Learning for Every Creator

The Canon Academy website is an intuitive, content-rich platform crafted specifically for African creators—whether aspiring hobbyists or seasoned professionals. Designed with accessibility and interactivity at its core, the site enables users to learn, grow, and connect through:

  • Photography Fundamentals: Lessons covering core concepts like ISO, shutter speed, and depth of field
  • Genre-Specific Guides: Downloadable content for macro, portrait, street photography, and more
  • Tips & Tricks: Real-world insights from Canon experts across Africa
  • Lens Simulator: An interactive tool to explore gear impact before shooting
  • Kit Hub: Product demos, kit-building tips, and accessory recommendations
  • Crew Hub: A directory spotlighting certified Canon trainers and their creative journeys
  • Workshop Portal: Centralized registration for both virtual and in-person learning experiences

The result is a hybrid education model—one that blends Canon’s in-ground reach with a scalable digital backbone, broadening access to knowledge and strengthening community engagement across borders.

More Than Skills: A Pathway to Purpose

“Canon Academy is more than a platform. It’s a pathway—for self-expression, for employment, and for transforming perspectives,” said Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director, Canon Central & North Africa. “Our goal is to nurture talent by making world-class education not only accessible but also relatable and relevant to every African creator, no matter where they are.”

By empowering individuals with knowledge and confidence, Canon isn’t just enhancing creative output—it’s contributing to economic resilience, youth development, and cultural storytelling across Africa.

Check out the Canon Academy website here: https://www.Academy.Canon-CNA.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/4l7o947) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com

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Gauteng forensic investigation reports released

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng forensic investigation reports released

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has released the findings of several forensic investigation reports, which probed a range of provincial departments.

This follows the release of some 47 forensic investigation reports in June – a move the Premier said, “reaffirms the Gauteng Provincial Government’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption and maladministration”.

“Corruption continues to be one of the country’s most pressing challenges undermining effective governance and sustainable development. 

“While Gauteng is not exempt from this issue, the province has demonstrated a strong commitment to combating corruption through proactive measures, institutional reforms, and enhanced accountability mechanisms. These efforts reflect a dedicated approach to fostering transparency, integrity, and long-term progress.

“Under its G-13 priorities for the seventh administration, the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) has prioritised combating corruption, and [promoting] transparency and openness as essential in the fight against corruption. By upholding these principles, public institutions can foster a culture of accountability and integrity, ensure ethical governance, and restore public confidence,” Lesufi said.

The more than 30 reports span across a range of departments.

“These provincial departments are implementing the recommendations, which include establishing disciplinary action, strengthening weak or compromised internal controls, and filing criminal cases with the South African Police Service.

“In addition, they must pursue damages from implicated employees using the Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure Framework. Under the Prescription Act 68 of 1969, departments are also required to file civil claims within the stipulated timeframe.

“Furthermore, following supply chain management procedures and regulations, service providers involved in dishonest or unlawful activities will also be blacklisted,” Lesufi said.

The Office of the Premier is monitoring the implementation of recommendations, while reports will only be released “after all legal issues are resolved.”

“We will not make them public too soon if doing so could harm the enforcement or implementation of the recommendations. We are aware that releasing certain details early might disrupt ongoing legal cases or make it harder to follow the recommendations, including putting whistleblowers’ identities and safety at risk.

“The reports we are presenting… will be accessible to all the members of the public once the State Law Advisory Services finishes redacting personal details and reviewing the changes.

“Protecting whistleblowers is essential for transparency and justice. They risk their safety to expose corruption and abuse of power, helping ensure accountability and ethical governance,” Lesufi said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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CoGTA accountability visits move to the Eastern Cape 

Source: Government of South Africa

CoGTA accountability visits move to the Eastern Cape 

Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Dr Namane Dickson Masemola, is set to hold a series of accountability and support meetings with the Mayors and councillors of Buffalo City Metro and the Makana Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape.

These visits are part of a national initiative called ‘Every Municipality Must Work”, which aims to revitalise governance, accelerate service delivery, and strengthen accountability within local government structures.
 

The meetings will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, with the Deputy Minister expected to be joined by the Eastern Cape MEC for CoGTA, Zolile Williams.

According to the department, the programme will include the introduction of a tailored support package for Buffalo City Metro, designed to strengthen its institutional capacity and ensure optimal performance, in line with constitutional mandates.

“These engagements are aligned with the implementation of the District Development Model – a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to enhance cooperative governance and integrated planning,” the statement read. 

To promote public participation and co-governance, the Deputy Minister will hold a follow-up meeting with the Makana Concern Group. 

Last month, the Deputy Minister led an intergovernmental accountability engagement with the Emfuleni Local Municipality in Gauteng.

READ | CoGTA Deputy Minister leads Emfuleni Local Municipality accountability visit 

– SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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Operation Phakisa nabs two in the Northern Cape 

Source: Government of South Africa

Operation Phakisa nabs two in the Northern Cape 

Two undocumented individuals were arrested in police operations in the Northern Cape, which also saw the confiscation of illicit goods.

Operation Phakisa was held by the South African Police Service (SAPS) — in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, South African Revenue Service (Customs), and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment — led to the individuals’ arrest, and the searching of 2 700 persons and 1 900 vehicles.

“The operation was executed between 28 July and 01 August 2025, focusing on the Vioolsdrift and Nakop border post areas. The focus of this operation was on cross-border crimes, including the proliferation of drugs, firearms and other illicit commodities. Two undocumented individuals were arrested and remain in custody to determine their status,” said the police in a statement on Sunday.

Several businesses were visited, during which compliance inspections were conducted and illicit goods were confiscated. Additionally, seven cases for contraventions of the Marine Living Resources Act, with fines totalling R18 500, were registered.

“Operation Phakisa reflects the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to uphold and enforce national legislation, particularly in areas vulnerable to cross-border crimes. The successful execution of this operation underscores the importance of interdepartmental collaboration in safeguarding the integrity of our borders and ensuring community safety,” said the SAPS. 

Operation Phakisa, in SAPS context, is a multi-agency initiative focused on addressing criminal activities affecting the ocean economy and marine environment. It involves collaboration with various law enforcement agencies and other government departments. Operations are designed to curb illegal activities related to fishing, marine resources, and other crimes that impact coastal areas. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Quand l’amour rend la dignité

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Armane, un petit garçon de trois ans, originaire d’une région rurale de Madagascar, peut désormais sourire sans honte, grâce à une intervention réalisée par l’organisation humanitaire internationale Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.org). 

Pour sa mère, Roseline, le jour de la naissance d’Armane a été empreint à la fois de soulagement et de peur. Après un accouchement long et difficile dans une rizière isolée, on lui a remis son bébé, mais les sages-femmes avaient essayé de cacher son visage. 

« J’ai donné naissance à de nombreux enfants, mais aucun d’entre eux n’était comme lui », a déclaré Roseline. « Quand je l’ai enfin vu, je l’ai embrassé et j’ai pleuré, mais j’étais inquiète. Les gens du village disaient qu’il était maudit, qu’il n’était pas humain. » 

Dans son village, personne n’avait jamais vu de fente labiale auparavant. Cette malformation congénitale, qui survient lorsque la lèvre ne se forme pas complètement dans l’utérus, empêchait Armane de manger, de parler et d’être accepté ainsi. 

Selon une étude mondiale sur l’impact de la maladie menée en 2021 par le Global Burden of Disease Study (https://apo-opa.co/4lcuNpZ), environ 4,1 millions de personnes dans le monde vivent avec une fente oro-faciale. La plupart des enfants touchés vivent dans des pays à revenu faible ou intermédiaire, selon l’étude pré-citée.  

Dans de nombreux pays à revenu élevé, les bébés atteints de fente labiale sont diagnostiqués avant la naissance et bénéficient d’une chirurgie corrective dans les trois premiers mois de leur vie. Mais dans les pays à faible revenu, l’accès à une chirurgie sûre et abordable reste hors de portée de milliers de familles. 

Roseline a tout essayé : « Je devais m’allonger sur le côté pour l’allaiter, car il ne pouvait pas téter à cause de sa fente labiale et ne prenait donc pas de lait », explique-t-elle. « Il était sous-alimenté et très faible ; nous devions lui donner des vitamines et il avait du mal à parler. » 

Malgré la stigmatisation, les parents d’Armane n’ont jamais perdu espoir. Lorsque Roseline a rencontré les bénévoles de Mercy Ships et vu des photos d’autres enfants comme Armane atteints de fentes labiales, l’espoir est revenu. Après un voyage de quatre jours, ils ont rejoint l’Africa Mercy®, le navire-hôpital de Mercy Ships amarré à Toamasina. Là, Armane allait enfin bénéficier de l’opération gratuite qui allait transformer sa vie. 

« C’est une opération qui ne dure qu’une heure, mais qui change tout », explique Mollie Felder, une infirmière américaine qui s’est occupée d’Armane après son opération. « Ce n’est pas seulement une question d’apparence, c’est une question de dignité, de confiance en soi, d’être reconnu. » 

Au centre HOPE – extension de l’hôpital à terre, espace de convalescence pour les patients et les soignants -, Armane et sa mère ont trouvé une deuxième famille. « Personne ne les dévisageait. Tout le monde était intégré », a déclaré Denise Gorissen, une bénévole néerlandaise qui dirige le centre. « Cet environnement d’amour aide à la guérison avant même que l’opération ne commence. » 

La convalescence d’Armane s’est bien déroulée. Et lorsqu’il est retourné dans son village, ses voisins ont été stupéfaits par sa transformation. 

« Beaucoup de gens sont venus le voir », raconte Roseline. « Ils n’en croyaient pas leurs yeux. Ils pensaient que c’était irréparable. » Lorsque le père d’Armane l’a vu pour la première fois, il l’a pris dans ses bras et l’a embrassé. « Je suis désormais serein », a-t-il déclaré, soulagé. 

Pour Roseline et son mari, l’opération n’a pas seulement redonné un visage à leur fils, elle leur a redonné espoir. Autrefois cerné par la honte et les messes basses, Armane est désormais entouré d’amour et de rires ; un avenir prometteur se dessine. 

« Je suis tellement heureuse », dit Roseline, les yeux brillants. « On ne se moquera plus jamais de mon fils. Il sera toujours aimé. » 

Distribué par APO Group pour Mercy Ships.

Pour plus d’informations sur Mercy Ships, veuillez contacter :
international.media@mercyships.org 

À PROPOS DE MERCY SHIPS : 
Mercy Ships est une organisation humanitaire internationale qui déploie les deux plus grands navires-hôpitaux civils au monde, l’Africa Mercy et le Global Mercy, pour fournir des soins de santé gratuits et de première qualité aux plus démunis. L’ONG internationale soutient également le développement des systèmes de santé des pays hôtes par la formation des professionnels de la santé et la rénovation d’infrastructures. Fondé en Suisse en 1978 par Don et Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships est intervenu dans 55 pays. A bord de ses navires, une moyenne de 2 500 bénévoles par an, issus de 60 pays, contribuent à l’œuvre de Mercy Ships. Des professionnels tels que chirurgiens, dentistes, personnel infirmier, formateurs dans le domaine de la santé, cuisiniers, marins, ingénieurs et agriculteurs dédient leur temps et leurs compétences à cette cause. Avec des bureaux dans 16 pays et un Centre opérationnel pour l’Afrique basé à Dakar, au Sénégal, Mercy Ships se met au service des nations en restaurant santé et dignité. 

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