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Deputy President to deliver closing remarks at the Global Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Thursday, 24 July 2025, at the invitation of the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC), deliver the closing remarks at the Global Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Ministerial Meeting at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng Province.

The event, taking place on 22-24 July 2025, is held under the theme: “Navigating New Business Frontiers” and has brought together an estimated five hundred (500) participants, including representatives and Ministers from more than 100 countries, entrepreneurs, innovators, global leaders, as well as the global entrepreneurship eco-system under one roof to address the most pressing issues hindering these businesses from reaching their full potential. 

Delegates to the Global SME Ministerial Meeting share the common objective of building partnerships to enhance the development of international Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The event is therefore an opportunity for South Africa to showcase its development of MSMEs and position the country as the best place for investment and collaboration on enterprise development.

The Global SME meeting is further built on the overarching need for trade-driven economic transformation, that would enable growth, development and job creation. It is envisaged that the outcomes of the meeting will focus on economic transformation in terms of access to finance, digital transformation and the green economy, with some of the discussions exploring opportunities for MSMEs to grow and adapt as well as support measures needed to close gaps and build further capacity. 

Details of the event are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 24 July 2025
Time:  15h30 (Media to set up from 14h00)
Venue: Birchwood Hotel and O R Tambo Conference Centre, 44 Viewpoint Road, Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng Province

Media wishing to cover the event must please RSVP with Mr Siphe Macanda (DSBD) on 082 355 2399.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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eThekwini council approves strategy to improve solid waste management

Source: Government of South Africa

The eThekwini Municipality has approved the Cleansing and Solid Waste Turnaround Strategy during a special council meeting held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

The strategic plan has been developed in line with National Treasury’s Metro Trading Services Reform Framework.

The new strategy, which was adopted on Monday, will see the transformation of the Waste Management Unit to a Cleansing and Solid Waste Business Directorate, establishing a single point of accountability.

This change will enable the Executive Director of the Waste Management Directorate to have the necessary responsibility and authority to improve its services and ensure accountability.

As per the requirements by National Treasury, the strategy is supported by two key documents, including Cleansing and Solid Waste Directorate’s Institutional and Governance Roadmap (A1) and Business and Investments Plan (A2), also forming part of the Metro Trading Services Reform to improve all aspects of the solid waste business.

According to the report, the institutional reforms focus on improved management and governance, while the Business and Investment Plan focuses on the Waste Business Development Plan.

The Directorate is also required to develop a Performance Improvement Action Plan (A3) which is due in April 2026.

“The report states that this will be submitted in due course, as it is a pre-requisite for the Urban Settlements Development Grant, an incentive grant that will be provided during the 2026/27 financial year,” the council said.

This marks the third major turnaround strategy adopted by the Council under the National Treasury’s Trading Services Reform to improve the performance of trading services, following similar approvals in the Water and Sanitation and Energy sectors.

“Metros, including eThekwini Municipality, had to first develop a turnaround strategy outlining plans to address structural and investment gaps affecting trading services,” the council said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Eskom clarifies dispute with Koeberg contractor

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom has confirmed that the two contractual disputes with Koeberg Nuclear Power Station contractor, Framatome, are being addressed through an agreed resolution process.

This after media reports that the French energy company had won a high court order instructing the power utility to pay some R1 billion to the company, following contractual issues.

Framatome was contracted for the Steam Generator Replacement Project at the nuclear power station located in the Western Cape.

“In accordance with the contract, disputes are first referred to adjudication and, if not resolved, to arbitration. 

“Two disputes were adjudicated between December 2022 and February 2023. As Eskom was not satisfied with the adjudicator’s decisions, the two matters were escalated to arbitration as per the agreed process. The arbitration was held from June to July 2025, and a decision is expected in the last quarter of Eskom’s financial year.  

“Recent media reports appear to have mixed separate legal processes. To clarify, no new payments are currently due, and all actions taken by Eskom have been in line with the applicable legal and contractual procedures,” the power utility said in a statement on Tuesday.

Furthermore, Eskom said although it “disagreed with the adjudicator’s decisions” – it complied with the outcomes and made payments.

“All payments had been made by March 2024 as part of standard contract processes – not as penalties or fines,” the electricity supplier said.

Simultaneously, the power utility approached the courts.

“Eskom approached the Cape High Court to have the adjudicator’s decisions set aside due to procedural irregularities (independent of the merits of the decisions). The court only delivered its judgment on 17 July 2025, over a year late. Eskom is currently reviewing the judgment to determine the appropriate next steps.

“We encourage the public and media to trust the integrity of this process. Eskom is following the proper legal channels to resolve these matters responsibly, and we remain committed to transparency and accountability throughout.

“Most importantly, despite these disputes, the core technical work, replacing the steam generators on Koeberg Unit 2, has been completed. This is a major milestone that contributes to the safe and extended operation of the power station, helping to ensure energy security for the country,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Well done Banyana Banyana!  

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has congratulated Banyana Banyana on their performance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

“Well done Banyana Banyana! Mzansi is very proud of how far you’ve come,” said the department in a social media post on X.
The team was beaten 1-2 by Nigeria in their semi-final match on Tuesday night.

Played at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, the match according to the South African Football Association (SAFA) was marred by a serious injury to Gabriela Salgado in the 83rd minute.

SAFA said the incident “visibly traumatised the Banyana Banyana players and the entire South African bench” and the “defending WAFCON champions never recovered after the incident.”

SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan, wished Salgado a speedy recovery.

“First of all, we would like to wish a speedy recovery to Gabriela Salgado. Banyana Banyana fought very well, and it was a brave performance from the WAFCON defending champions. You have established yourselves as one of the best teams on the continent. 

“We fought bravely, and we are proud of your performance. Well done to the whole team, the team’s Head of Delegation Thabile Msomi, the coach Dr Desiree Ellis, the captain Refiloe Jane and all players. We are proud of your efforts,” said Dr Jordaan in the statement.

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations which began on 5 July is scheduled to conclude on 26 July 2025. –SAnews.gov.za

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SA hosts key TB vaccine workshop

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa is making a significant move in its global response to Tuberculosis (TB) by hosting a pivotal TB Vaccine Preparedness Workshop. 

This event is part of ongoing efforts to decrease the incidence and mortality of TB, under the ‘End TB Strategy,’ a global initiative established by the World Health Organisation (WHO) aimed at ending the TB epidemic by 2035.

TB is a leading cause of death as an infectious disease and a major contributor to ill-health in South Africa and globally. 

The Health Department said vaccination has proven to be one of the main effective and feasible ways to contain the spread of infectious diseases.

“With several new TB vaccine candidates in the late stages of clinical trials, and the most promising expected to be available in the next few years, this workshop will position the country as one of the first to deliver a new generation of TB vaccines to the most vulnerable populations, including adolescents and adults.”

According to the department, the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine remains the only licensed TB vaccine available, and it has been used to effectively prevent severe TB in infants and young children for over 100 years.

The two-day meeting, starting today, 23 July 2025, brings together scientists, policymakers, academic experts, donor funders, health regulators, TB survivor advocates, and civil society leaders. 

This gathering signals a new era of proactive planning and coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to expedite access to life-saving innovations that could significantly reduce TB deaths and infections.

South Africa has one of the world’s highest TB burdens and has played a leading role in global TB vaccine development. 

The workshop is being convened by the Department of Health and WHO, in collaboration with various stakeholders in the health sector. 

The department said delegates will work toward developing a country-specific roadmap for TB vaccine introduction, including how to strengthen readiness across supply chains, financing, community engagement, health worker training, and policy frameworks.

“This is the first national meeting of its kind focused exclusively on TB vaccine rollout preparedness. 

“It signals South Africa’s intent to lead from the front in accelerating access to new health technologies,” the Health Department said. 

Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, will deliver the keynote address at the workshop on Thursday, 24 July. 

He will be joined by the WHO Representative to South Africa, Shenaaz El-Halabi, and other senior health officials. – SAnews.gov.za

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Ministro Diamantino Azevedo Recebe Medalha pela Paz e Liderança no Sector Energético Enquanto Angola Traça um Futuro Energético Ambicioso

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Em reconhecimento a uma vida dedicada à paz, ao desenvolvimento e ao progresso da indústria petrolífera angolana, Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Ministro dos Recursos Minerais, Petróleo e Gás, foi condecorado com a Medalha Comemorativa do 50º Aniversário da Independência Nacional, na Classe Paz e Desenvolvimento, pelo Presidente da República de Angola, João Lourenço. Enquanto representante do sector energético africano, a Câmara Africana de Energia (CAE) (https://EnergyChamber.org) manifesta total apoio à distinção atribuída ao Ministro Azevedo, cuja liderança visionária impulsionou uma nova era de investimento e crescimento no sector energético angolano.

Defensor do sucesso energético em África através de reformas políticas, modernização de infraestruturas e captação de investimento internacional, a CAE enaltece a ousada estratégia do Ministro Azevedo para transformar Angola num polo regional de petróleo. Sob a sua liderança, o país implementou iniciativas transformadoras, incluindo um plano de investimento de 60 mil milhões de dólares na área do upstream, um programa multifásico de construção de refinarias, reformas no sistema de licenciamento e o desenvolvimento de um futuro Plano Director do Gás (PDG).

A liderança do Ministro Azevedo conduziu à criação de um portefólio de projectos para o período 2025-2028, com potencial para aumentar significativamente a produção e impulsionar o desenvolvimento de diversos sectores. Entre os projectos-chave destacam-se a Refinaria de Cabinda – com início de operações previsto para 2025 e capacidade para 60 mil barris por dia – bem como o Agogo Integrated West Hub Development e o Projeto de Águas Profundas Kaminho, com arranque estimado para 2026 e 2028, respetivamente. Angola avança ainda com o seu primeiro projecto de gás não associado, liderado pelo Novo Consórcio de Gás, cuja implementação está prevista para 2026. Em simultâneo, terão início as explorações na bacia Etosha-Okavango, enquanto empresas petrolíferas independentes exploram novas oportunidades na bacia terrestre do Kwanza.

Estes desenvolvimentos são apoiados por um novo concurso de licenciamento previsto para 2025, que disponibilizará 10 blocos offshore nas bacias do Kwanza e de Benguela, evidenciando o empenho de Angola para abrir novas áreas de exploração e atrair mais investimento.

Desde o lançamento da ronda de licenciamento com duração de seis anos, em 2019, Angola já atribuiu 41 concessões a um conjunto de empresas internacionais e regionais. Paralelamente, novas oportunidades em campos marginais têm aberto espaço para que operadores independentes de menor dimensão entrem no mercado. Actualmente, cinco campos marginais estão disponíveis, com potenciais localizados nos Blocos 4, 14, 15 e 18. Para reforçar ainda mais o investimento, o governo introduziu um programa de oferta permanente e lançou, em 2024, a Iniciativa de Produção Incremental – concebida para incentivar o reinvestimento em campos maduros. Esta iniciativa já começa a dar frutos, com a ExxonMobil a anunciar uma nova descoberta no poço Likembe-01, a primeira realizada no âmbito do programa.

À medida que o país avança na diversificação da sua matriz energética, a CAE apoia firmemente o lançamento iminente do Plano Director do Gás (PDG) de Angola, uma estratégia a 30 anos que visa criar um mercado nacional de gás competitivo. Espera-se que o PDG ofereça uma orientação política clara aos investidores, ao mesmo tempo que liga os projectos upstream às cadeias de valor locais. Por outro lado, o Ministro Azevedo lidera também os esforços para prolongar a actual estratégia de licenciamento para além de 2026, criando novas oportunidades tanto para explorações em zonas fronteira como em terra firme.

Durante a conferência Angola Oil & Gas 2025, que se realiza este mês de setembro em Luanda, o Ministro Azevedo fará o discurso de abertura e participará numa conversa de alto nível em formato Fireside Chat, onde irá expor a visão do governo para transformar Angola numa economia energética competitiva à escala global. A decorrer na véspera das comemorações do cinquentenário da independência do país, o evento irá analisar o papel do petróleo e do gás ao longo das últimas cinco décadas, ao mesmo tempo que projeta um futuro assente na estabilidade política, na inovação liderada por jovens e mulheres, no crescimento das infraestruturas e na integração regional.

“O Ministro Azevedo tem demonstrado, de forma consistente, que o desenvolvimento energético é um caminho para a paz, o progresso e a prosperidade partilhada. A Câmara vê esta medalha não apenas como uma honra pessoal, mas como um símbolo do que a liderança energética pode alcançar quando está alinhada com o desenvolvimento nacional. Felicitamos o Ministro Azevedo por este reconhecimento mais do que merecido e reiteramos o nosso compromisso de continuar a trabalhar ao lado de Angola para construir os próximos 50 anos de sucesso no sector dos hidrocarbonetos”, afirma NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da CAE.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

Media files

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O Simpósio das Conferências Episcopais de África e Madagáscar (SCEAM) Realizará a sua 20ª Assembleia Plenária em Kigali, Ruanda

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Simpósio das Conferências Episcopais de África e Madagáscar (SCEAM) (https://SECAM.org) irá reunir-se para a sua 20ª Assembleia Plenária de 30 de Julho a 4 de Agosto de 2025, em Kigali, Ruanda, sob o tema: “Cristo, Fonte de Esperança, Reconciliação e Paz”.

A Plenária reunirá mais de 250 participantes, incluindo Cardeais, Bispos, Sacerdotes, Homens e Mulheres consagrados e Líderes leigos de toda a África e suas ilhas, bem como parceiros de outros continentes.

A Assembleia de Kigali avaliará os progressos realizados desde a 19ª Assembleia, realizada em 2022 em Acra, no Gana, e traçará um rumo visionário para a Igreja em África. Os principais pontos da agenda incluem:

  • Apresentação do documento de visão a longo prazo do SCEAM para 2025-2050, construído em torno de 12 pilares fundamentais, como a Evangelização, a Liderança familiar, o Envolvimento dos jovens, o cuidado com a Criação, a Missão digital e a Responsabilidade política.
  • Uma reflexão pastoral sobre o acompanhamento dos católicos em realidades culturais complexas, incluindo as uniões poligâmicas.
  • Debates sobre governação, justiça, paz, diá. inter-religioso, alterações climáticas e proteção.

A Assembleia também discutirá o Plano Estratégico Trienal (2025-2028) e dará início à renovação da liderança do SCEAM em conformidade com os seus estatutos.

Rev. P. Rafael Simbine Junior                      
Secretário-Geral do SCEAM                                                                                         

Accra, Gana

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

Para mais informações, queira contactar o Secretário-Geral do SCEAM através do seguinte contacto:
secamsg@yahoo.com
ou os Coordenadores de Comunicação através dos seguintes contactos:
communications.secam@gmail.com
+233541717984
mutabazifide@gmail.com
+250783 462125.

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Qatar Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Dispute Resolution

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, July 23

The State of Qatar foreign policy gives the highest priority to the peaceful settlement of disputes, particularly through mediation. This commitment is reflected in a track record of successful mediation efforts that have contributed to enhancing security and stability across various regions of the world, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani stated.

Delivering Qatar statement before the Security Council s high-level open debate on Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes at the UN Headquarters in New York, Her Excellency highlighted the tripartite summit held last March in Doha, during which HH the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani hosted HE the President of the Republic of Rwanda and HE the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The summit contributed to creating favorable conditions for de-escalation, which led to the signing of the Declaration of Principles between representatives of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and representatives of the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement, last Saturday in Doha. This declaration complements the peace agreement signed last month in Washington, D.C., between the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda under the auspices of HE President of the United States of America Donald Trump, and supports the path toward a comprehensive peace agreement facilitated by the State of Qatar.

On the situation in Afghanistan, Her Excellency reaffirmed that the State of Qatar will continue its mediation efforts to support the country in facing major challenges to achieving peace and stability. This includes hosting the UN-led Doha Process on Afghanistan, which aims to fully reintegrate Afghanistan into the international community.

Addressing the situation in the Gaza Strip, Her Excellency stated that the outbreak of war in Gaza in 2023 posed a serious challenge to the international community. In line with its unwavering commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, the State of Qatar initiated intensive mediation efforts in cooperation with the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America. Despite the complexities, these efforts led to tangible outcomes, including a ceasefire agreement that improved humanitarian conditions and increased access to aid for civilians in the Gaza Strip, as well as the exchange of hundreds of prisoners and detainees. Mediation efforts are still ongoing to achieve a final ceasefire agreement that would bring an end to the war and its resulting humanitarian catastrophe.

Her Excellency emphasized that Qatar has spared no effort in working with regional and international partners to prevent the further escalation and regional spread of the conflict, while consistently warning of the grave consequences of regional destabilization. Nevertheless, despite repeated international warnings, the Israeli military escalation has persisted, not only in Gaza but also targeting Lebanese, Syrian, and other territories in the region, leading to heightened tensions and threatening the stability of the entire region, culminating in a peak last June.

She noted that the escalation on June 23 resulted in a direct missile attack on Qatari territory. However, Qatari air defenses successfully intercepted the missile, preserving the country s territorial integrity.

Her Excellency further stated that Qatar was among the first countries to warn of the dangers of regional conflict escalation and the consequences of continued Israeli military actions. She reiterated Qatar s call for prioritizing diplomatic solutions, upholding the principles of good neighborliness, and exercising restraint over escalation. She also welcomed the ceasefire reached between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Israel, expressing hope that both parties would adhere to it and that it would serve as a foundation for meaningful dialogue and diplomacy, paving the way toward sustainable peace and stability.

In conclusion, Her Excellency reiterated Qatar’s emphasis on the need for the Security Council to maintain its commitment to advancing peaceful processes and political solutions to avoid further human suffering and promote global stability. She called on the Council to assume its responsibilities in preventing conflicts and addressing violations of international law by enforcing its resolutions, ensuring respect for international norms, and ending impunity. 

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Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) to hold its 20th Plenary Assembly in Kigali, Rwanda

Source: APO – Report:

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The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) (https://SECAM.org) will convene for its 20th Plenary Assembly from July 30 to August 4, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda, under the theme: “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace.”

The plenary will bring together over 250 participants, including Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Consecrated Men and Women, and Lay Leaders from across Africa and its islands, as well as partners from other continents.

The Kigali Assembly will assess the progress made since the 19th Assembly, held in 2022 in Accra, Ghana, and chart a visionary course for the Church in Africa. Key agenda items include:

  • Presentation of SECAM’s long-term vision document for 2025–2050, built around 12 foundational pillars such as evangelization, family leadership, youth engagement, care for creation, digital mission, and political responsibility.
  • A pastoral reflection on accompanying Catholics in complex cultural realities, including polygamous unions.
  • Discussions on governance, justice, peace, interfaith dialogue, climate change, and safeguarding.

The Assembly will also unveil the Triennial Strategic Plan (2025–2028) and initiate the renewal of SECAM’s leadership in line with its constitution.

Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior                      
Secretary General of SECAM                                                                                         

Accra, Ghana

– on behalf of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

For more information, please get in touch with the Secretary General of SECAM at the following contact:
secamsg@yahoo.com
Communications Coordinators on the following contacts:
communications.secam@gmail.com
+233541717984
mutabazifide@gmail.com
+250783 462125

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United Arab Emirates (UAE) leaders congratulate Egyptian President on July 23 Revolution anniversary

Source: APO – Report:

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President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a congratulatory message to President Abdel-Fattah El Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt on July 23rd Revolution anniversary.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, sent similar congratulatory messages to President El Sisi and to Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly.

– on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.