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Deputy President Mashatile to lead the 38th Commemoration of the Battle of Lurhwayizo and unveiling of Mbulelo Ngono’s bust in the Eastern Cape

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Thursday, 7 August 2025, unveil the bust of Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) combatant Mbulelo “Khaya Kasibe” “Ntsizwa” Ngono in the Lurhwayizo Village (Willowvale), Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

As part of his delegated responsibilities of promoting Social Cohesion Initiatives with a particular focus on Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, as well as Military Veterans, the Deputy President will lead the Eastern Cape Government in their continued tribute of the 38th Commemoration of the Battle of Lurhwayizo.   

This year, 2025, marks 38 years since the Battle of Lurwayizo in Willowvale. Lurhwayizo Store in Willowvale is the site of an iconic Battle of Lurhwayizo that took place 38 years ago over two days, from 21 and 22 January 1987. During this battle, Umkhonto weSizwe combatant Mbulelo Ngono bravely and fiercely engaged a combined Transkei Defence Force, Transkei Police and South African Police Force with state helicopters over a 36-hour shoot-out.

Government commemorated this battle in January by the memorialisation of the bravery of Mbulelo Ngono, which was followed by a theatre production and enactment of the happenings of that fateful day of 1987. Subsequent to these activities, a bust of Ngono was commissioned and will be unveiled as a solemn tribute to the courage, resistance, and resilience of South Africa’s liberation struggle.

Deputy President said that; “Although the remains of Mbulelo Ngono remain missing, we continue to honour him and many others for putting their lives on the line in defense of the freedoms we enjoy today.”

The Deputy President will be joined by the Eastern Cape Premier, Mr Oscar Mabuyane, Minister of Sports Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie and the Provincial Executive. 

Members of the media are invited to cover the event as follows:
Date: Thursday, 7 August 2025
Time: 09h00 (Media to arrive at 08h00)
Venue: Lurhwayizo Village (Willowvale), Gatyana, Mbashe Local Municipality Eastern Cape Province, South Africa 

Members of the media wishing to cover the event are requested to confirm their attendance for accreditation purposes with Ms Linah Ledwaba on 066 240 7635 (Presidency) or Mr Andile Nduna on 071 4114820 / andile.nduna@ecsrac.gov.za (Eastern Cape Dpt of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture) by the end of business on Wednesday.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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SA must adapt to “turbulent trade environment” 

Source: Government of South Africa

With the United States’ decision to impose a 30% tariff on South African imports, the country must adapt quickly to a “turbulent trade environment”. 

“The decision by the United States to impose a 30% tariff on South African imports highlights the urgency with which we have to adapt to increasingly turbulent headwinds in international trade.

“The US is South Africa’s second largest trading partner by country and these measures will have a considerable impact on industries that rely heavily on exports to that country and on the workers they employ, as well as on our fiscus,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter on Monday.

The tariffs imposed by the USA sweep across countries around the world.

“It is important to understand that South Africa is not alone in facing high tariffs from the US. 

“A number of export-reliant developed and developing economies, including several on the continent, are also grappling with these measures. 

“The international trading system is changing. Complacency will not serve us, and building resilience is imperative. As government, we remain committed to ongoing engagement with the US and building trade resilience,” the President explained.

Complementary relations

He said relations between the two countries have been complementary, with sectors such as agriculture, automotive and textiles, benefitting from duty-free access to the US through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

AGOA is a trade agreement that provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the USA market for over 1 800 products, in addition to the more than 5 000 products that are eligible for duty-free access under the Generalised System of Preferences programme.

“South African exports do not compete with US producers and do not pose a threat to US industry. It remains our aspiration that this should continue. Largely, our exports are inputs into US industries and therefore support the United States’ industrial base. 

“South Africa is also the biggest investor from the African continent into the US, with 22 of our companies investing in a number of sectors, including mining, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and the food chain,” the President said.

Furthermore, South African products imported by the USA “ultimately benefit US consumers in terms of both choice and cost”. 

“By way of example, citrus production is counter-seasonal and does not pose a threat to US production. Furthermore, production by US companies has been on the decline for a number of years as the US sector grapples with low yields, a citrus greening disease and other factors unrelated to competition from imports. 

“Imports from South Africa, the world’s second largest citrus exporter, have filled a gap and contributed to stable supply and prices for US consumers,” the President said.

Open communication

President Ramaphosa reiterated government’s stance that communications is ongoing between the two countries.

“As government, we have been engaging the United States to enhance mutually beneficial trade and investment relations. All channels of communication remain open to engage with the US. 

“Our foremost priority is protecting our export industries. We will continue to engage the US in an attempt to preserve market access for our products. We must also accelerate the diversification of our export markets, particularly by deepening intra-African trade,” the President said.

READ | SA continues to engage US over tariffs

While that is ongoing, work to assist affected exporters is progressing, with the establishment of an Export Support Desk.

“We will in due course be announcing the modalities of a support package for companies, producers and workers that have been rendered vulnerable by the US tariffs. 

“This intervention will also play a key role in guiding industries looking to expand into new markets in the rest of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and markets we already have trade agreements with,” he said.

READ | Government announces measures to assist exporters

Regional collaboration

To build resilience in the export market in the long-term, government will be seeking to strengthen regional value chains.

“Much as strengthening and establishing alternative value chains will take time, this moment presents us with an opportunity to push forward with the implementation and expansion of the African Continental Free Trade Area [AfCFTA]. 

“Reducing over-dependence on certain markets is a strategic imperative to build the resilience of our economy. It will also enable us to expand the frontiers of opportunity for South African businesses, goods and services.

“In the coming months, we will be scaling up our trade missions into new markets in Africa and beyond, as well as the National Exporter Development Programme whose aim is to grow the pool of export-ready companies,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Clean audit for the Department of Transport 

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, August 4, 2025

For the first time in 31 years, the Department of Transport has achieved a clean audit for the financial year 2024/25, as assessed by the by the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) outcome.

This has been welcomed by the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, who said the achievement is a step in the right direction towards a fully accountable and clean administration.

The AGSA’s opinion and conclusions on the following areas for the financial year 2024/25 was based on annual Financial Statements (AFS) that were submitted on time without any material misstatements; on internal controls the AGSA did not find any significant deficiencies, particularly in the financial management processes, and the AGSA did not identify any findings on the completeness of the indicators used for planning and reporting. 

Creecy and Hlengwa have attributed the department’s clean audit outcome to the following:
•    The department’s commitment to clean governance and accountability.
•    Management taking its assurance providers seriously and ensuring that they are appropriately resourced and capacitated.
•    Management responding positively to audit recommendations, and addressing concerns timeously through effective audit action plans.
•    Engaging the AGSA for proactive reviews and preparing for the audit process timeously for smooth seamless execution.
•    A combined effort and assurance practice from all functions within the department, from Management efforts to Risk Management, Internal Audit, and oversight committees, especially the Audit Committee.
•    The role of the Transport Portfolio Committee in ensuring that the department is accountable to Parliament.

– SAnews.gov.za

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Call to celebrate women’s achievements this Women’s Month

Source: Government of South Africa

Department of Electricity and Energy Deputy Minister, Samantha Graham-Maré, has called on South Africans to honour women’s accomplishments as the country commemorates Women’s Month.

The Deputy Minister delivered remarks at the recently held Empowering Women in Energy breakfast held on the sidelines of the third G20 Energy Transitions Working Group meeting in the North West.

On 9 August, South Africa will mark 69 years since some 20 000 women – led by struggle heroes Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Albertina Sisulu and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn – marched to the Union Buildings in protest against the apartheid government’s introduction of pass laws against black women.

“Women’s Month provides a time to celebrate and reflect on women’s accomplishments, the challenges we have encountered in the struggle for freedom and the critical role we continue to play in society,” Graham-Maré said.

The Deputy Minister noted that the duty to recognise women extends to all sectors including the need to move to “cleaner, more sustainable, and resilient energy systems”.

“[It] is about more than just technology or policy. It is about inclusivity, justice, and the bravery to create an energy future in which no one falls behind. 

“However, as we approach this transition, we must confront an uncomfortable reality: women, who account for half of our global talent pool, remain substantially underrepresented in the energy sector,” she noted.

In an exclusive interview with SAnews following the event, Graham-Maré expressed hope that society will reach a point where conversations about inclusion will not be needed.

“Women should automatically be in [energy] spaces. I also think it’s important that men understand that we’re not doing this to exclude them. We’re doing this to uplift and promote women. So, this is not an either-or scenario.”

The Deputy Minister encouraged men to be part of the upliftment of women.

“We need men to be partners in this and to make sure that they’re creating a safe space for women to work in. 

“To the women of South Africa: we are working to make sure that you have the life that you dream of and we’re making sure at some stage, we won’t have to have conversations about where women are at because women will just be where they need to be,” Graham-Maré said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Eni Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Claudio Descalzi Joins Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025 as Keynote Speaker

Source: APO – Report:

Claudio Descalzi, CEO of global technology-driven energy company Eni, has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference as a keynote speaker. Taking place September 3-4 in Luanda, AOG is the largest event of its kind in the country, returning for its next edition as Angola celebrates 50 years of independence in 2025. Descalzi’s participation comes as the Eni-bp joint venture Azule Energy advances major oil and gas projects in Angola and is poised to create new avenues for collaboration across the sector.

Following the merger of Eni and bp’s Angolan operations in 2022, the companies created Angola’s largest independent equity producer of oil and gas: Azule Energy. With 18 licenses – 11 of which are operated – and a combined portfolio of 210,000 barrels per day (bpd), Azule Energy plays an instrumental role in monetizing the country’s hydrocarbon resources. Descalzi joins bp CEO Murray Auchincloss and Azule Energy CEO Adriano Mongini at the event, and will deliver a keynote speech during the main conference agenda. The participation of three executives signals a strong commitment to Angola’s oil and gas future, reaffirming AOG as the premier meeting place for Angola’s upstream operators.

AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Leveraging the experience of Eni – one of the world’s energy majors – Azule Energy has accelerated the development of offshore oil and gas resources, with a view to increasing its Angolan oil production to 250,000 bpd. In July 2025, the company reached a milestone with the start of operations at the Agogo FPSO. The vessel – forming part of the broader Agogo Integrated West Hub Development in Block 15/06 – joins the operational Ngoma FPSO to harness resources from the Agogo and Ndungu fields and will see combined reserves of 450 million barrels and peak production projected at 175,000 bpd. The Agogo FPSO – completed in just 29 months – is the country’s first offshore facility with fully offset operational emissions. Beyond Agogo, Azule Energy has been working with partners such as TotalEnergies to bring other strategic offshore projects online. These include the CLOV Phase 3 Development – of which Azule Energy has a 11.84% stake – which is situated in Block 17, 140km offshore. The project has a capacity of 30,000 bpd and comprises four wells tied back to the CLOV FPSO.

In the natural sector, Azule Energy – as operator of the New Gas Consortium (NGC) – is advancing the development of Angola’s first non-associated gas project. The project will harness resources from the Quiluma & Maboqueiro (Q&M) shallow water fields and features the construction of an onshore facility and a connection to the Angola LNG plant in Soyo. As of February 2025, the offshore platforms for the Q&M fields were complete, with the NGC partners targeting an early-2026 project start. Azule Energy also made a new gas discovery at the Gajajeira-01 exploration well in Block 1/14 in July 2025. Situated in the Lower Congo basin, the discovery showed estimated reserves of upwards of one trillion cubic feet of gas and 100 million barrels of associated condensate. As the first dedicated gas exploration well in the country, Gajajeira-01 is expected to trigger a new era of gas-led exploration and development in Angola.

Stepping into this picture, Descalzi’s participation at AOG 2025 reflects a broader commitment by Eni to drive Angola’s oil and gas goals. As sub-Saharan Africa’s second largest oil producer, the country has the potential to play an even greater role in global supply chains. Eni’s involvement at the conference is expected to unlock new opportunities for collaboration as the country seeks to boost production and accelerate economic growth.  

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Media files

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Angola Becomes Official Lead Sponsor of African Energy Week (AEW) 2025, Reflecting Drive to Advance Investment

Source: APO – Report:

Angola has become the official Lead Sponsor of the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – Africa’s largest energy event scheduled for September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. Powered by the country’s upstream regulator the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency (ANPG) and national oil company (NOC) Sonangol, the sponsorship comes as Angola celebrates 50 years of independence in 2025 and reflects a broader commitment to advancing African energy production.  

With goals to enhance crude production while fast-tracking non-associated gas development, Angola is leveraging flexible investment structures and forward-looking policy to increase capital expenditure across the oil and gas value chain. Building on decades of success as one of the continent’s leading oil and gas producers, the country is laying a strong foundation for future growth by engaging global investors, introducing new block opportunities and gearing up for regional trade and integration. As the AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 Lead Sponsor, Angola has committed to working with regional partners to advance Africa’s energy goals.  

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. 

Over the past five decades, Angola has positioned itself as sub-Saharan Africa’s second biggest oil producer, with output measuring above one million barrels per day (bpd) in recent years. While the country has faced production decline since peaking in 2008, aggressive reforms by the government have already begun to turn this trend around. Reforms came with the establishment of the ANPG in 2019 and divestment of Sonangol – enabling the NOC to focus its activities as an operator. Since this restructuring, Angola has enacted a series of bold measures to attract fresh investment in exploration blocks, introducing a multi-year licensing strategy that seeks to award 50 concessions by 2025. To date, up to 40 concessions have been awarded, with a 2025 licensing round offering a further ten blocks in the offshore Kwanza and Benguela basins. The country also introduced a permanent offer scheme, enabling companies to invest through direct negotiation, as well as five marginal field opportunities. These investment avenues grant companies the flexibility they need to invest, laying the foundation for significant spending across the market.  

Looking ahead, Angola has secured $60 billion in upstream investment over the next five years, reflecting a strong drive by international operators to maximize the potential of Angola’s hydrocarbon resources. A series of large-scale projects are on track to bolster crude production while forays into non-associated gas development will enhance LNG exports and domestic gas utilization. These include the Azule Energy-led Agogo Integrated West Hub Development in Block 15/06, which achieved first oil from the Agogo FPSO in July 2025. The vessel joins the operational Ngoma FPSO at the site, increasing production capacity to 175,000 bpd. TotalEnergies also brought two oil projects online in July 2025: the 30,000 bpd Begonia project and the 30,000 bpd CLOV Phase 3 Development. Situated in Block 17/06 and Block 17 respectively, the projects offer a boost to the country’s production portfolio. Meanwhile, Angola’s first non-associated gas project – led by the New Gas Consortium – is advancing to first production in early-2026. Featuring the Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields, the project will provide feedstock for the Angola LNG facility, enhancing exports and revenue generated from gas. In July 2025, Angola also made a gas discovery at Block 1/14 in the Lower Congo basin, with initial estimated showing reserves of one trillion cubic feet.  

These developments will not only consolidate Angola as a major oil and gas supplier but bring significant economic benefits for the population. The country’s AEW: Invest in African Energies sponsorship is poised to support its industry goals, while creating new pathways for investment and deals.  

“Angola is on the precipice of unlocking significant production growth, with recent projects pointing to greater economic opportunities for the country. Angola’s last 50 years have shown a country that is resilient, focused on growth and committed to laying strong foundations for the economy. But it is the country’s next 50 years that will truly define it as a global oil and gas hub,” stated Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice President, African Energy Chamber.  

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Media files

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Ghana Rallies Education Sector Ahead of National Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Rollout

Source: APO – Report:

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Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide—despite being almost entirely preventable. Each year, over 600,000 women are diagnosed, and more than 340,000 die from the disease globally. The burden is heaviest in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where nine out of ten cervical cancer deaths occur due to limited access to screening, early detection, and vaccination.

In Africa, cervical cancer is not only a health issue but a gender equity crisis, cutting short the lives of women in their most productive years and straining families, communities, and health systems. Ghana is no exception. The country records an estimated 3,000 new cervical cancer cases and nearly 2,000 deaths each year, many of which could be prevented through timely Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.

In line with WHO’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem, Ghana is preparing to introduce the HPV vaccine in September 2025, targeting girls aged 9 to 14 years through a nationwide campaign, and thereafter into the routine immunization schedule for girls aged 9 years.

As part of preparations for the rollout, the Ghana Health Service, with support from WHO and with funding from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, convened a National Education Stakeholder Engagement in Kumasi, aimed at galvanizing support from the education sector, a key partner in reaching eligible girls and influencing community perception.

“Cervical cancer continues to claim too many lives, but HPV vaccination remains our best chance at prevention. That’s why engaging education stakeholders today is vital—to rally support and protect the future of girls from cervical cancer”, said Dr. Fiona Braka, WHO Representative in Ghana. 

Schools are at the heart of this campaign because they provide direct access to the target age group—girls aged 9 to 14 years. This is the age range recommended by WHO for HPV vaccination, ideally before exposure to the virus. Most girls in this age bracket are enrolled in school, making educational institutions a strategic and efficient platform for vaccine delivery, education, and advocacy. Teachers and school administrators are also trusted voices in their communities, capable of addressing concerns, dispelling myths, and encouraging parents to consent to vaccination. By partnering with the education sector, the campaign can reach more girls equitably, create supportive environments for vaccine acceptance, and ensure the long-term success of cervical cancer prevention efforts.

The meeting brought together key actors from all 16 regions of the country including Ghana Education Service, Ghana National Council of Private Schools, Ghana National Association of Private Schools and development partners. Participants discussed how schools and teachers can become powerful advocates in their communities—addressing misinformation, encouraging uptake, and ensuring no girl is left behind.

“The HPV vaccine is not just a health campaign—it’s a national duty and investment into our nation’s future. Protecting girls today means a healthier generation and a stronger health system tomorrow”, emphasized Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, Ashanti Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service.

“The support of our communities’ hinges on how well we advocate and communicate about the HPV vaccine, which is why this campaign is so important. We fully support it as a critical step toward protecting the health and future of our girls”, noted Dr. William Kwame Amankrah Appiah, Ashanti Regional Director of Education. 

With just weeks to go before the rollout, Ghana is intensifying efforts to build awareness, promote community ownership, and ensure readiness across all regions. The introduction of the HPV vaccine marks a turning point in the fight against cervical cancer—and the country’s education sector is poised to be one of its strongest allies.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana.

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Vice President of Libyan Presidential Council Meets Qatari Ambassador

Source: APO – Report:

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HE Vice President of the Presidential Council of the sisterly State of Libya, Abdullah Al Lafi, met with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Libya, Dr. Khaled Mohammed bin Zabin Al Dosari.

The meeting discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Votes in 2025 Senate Elections

Source: APO – Report:

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This morning, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi cast his vote in the 2025 Senate elections, which are taking place in Egypt today and tomorrow.

The President voted at his polling station in the Martyr Mustafa Yousry Emeira School in Heliopolis.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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Cameroon Takes Bold Steps to Revitalize Emergency Medical Services

Source: APO – Report:

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Cameroon is embarking on a transformative journey to revamp its emergency medical services (EMS) system, marking a significant milestone in public health. The Ministry of Public Health, with the unwavering support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has validated the 2024 evaluation report that sheds light on the critical state of emergency care across the nation.

Conducted from September 1st to October 30th, 2024, and validated in April 2025, the assessment utilized the WHO Emergency and Critical Care System Assessment (ECCSA) tool, systematically analysing the core pillars essential for emergency care. These foundational areas included governance and financing, data and quality improvement, onsite care and transport, hospital-based care and rehabilitation, and emergency preparedness.

The participatory approach taken during the assessment drew insights from over 170 diverse stakeholders from all ten regions of Cameroon, ensuring that local voices shaped the findings and recommendations. Even the report’s translation into English was performed by a dedicated team of experts to promote inclusivity and foster ownership of the outcomes.

Identifying Systemic Weaknesses

Despite efforts to deliver emergency services, the ECCSA evaluation uncovered urgent gaps that need to be bridged. Key findings include a troubling the absence of both a strategic plan and a legal framework for emergency care, lack of trained emergency technicians and ambulance drivers, with the current prehospital care coverage estimated at a mere 25%. Furthermore, less than one-quarter of hospitals meet basic functional emergency unit standards, highlighting significant infrastructural deficits.

The absence of a national system for standardized patient records, fragmented emergency numbers lacking legal mandates, and restrictions on timely access to emergency blood transfusion are alarming deficiencies that compromise patient outcomes. Additionally, the report noted the absence of a dedicated strategic framework for rehabilitation services, which are essential for holistic recovery following emergency incidents.

Strategic Priorities for Reform

In response to these alarming findings, the Ministry of Public Health has embraced a comprehensive roadmap consisting of 15 strategic priorities categorized under five thematic areas. Among these priorities is the development of a national strategic plan aimed at optimizing the organization of emergency care services throughout the country.

The establishment of a robust legal framework that encompasses community, prehospital, hospital, and rehabilitation care will be a pivotal step forward. Moreover, the creation of a dedicated fund for emergency response signifies a commitment to sustainable financing of these essential services.

Key initiatives will also include the design of a data management guide to facilitate the collection and use of emergency care data, as well as the launch of comprehensive training programs for health professionals on emergency response protocols. Emphasizing logistics and accessibility, there will be a renewed focus on strengthening transport systems and enhancing the availability of ambulances.

The Ministry is committed to building the capacity of emergency care professionals and ensuring a reliable supply chain for emergency medicines and materials. By defining and implementing care standards across all facility levels, the Ministry aims to guarantee that every citizen receives timely and effective care when they need it most.

As Cameroon charts this ambitious course toward reforming its emergency care system, it is crucial for all stakeholders to engage collaboratively in this life-saving endeavour. With effective implementation of set priorities, Cameroon can aspire towards a more responsive and resilient emergency care system, ultimately enhancing health outcomes for its population.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Cameroon.