Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has met with the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Dada Morero, to discuss serious concerns the National Treasury has raised regarding the City’s finances.
“These concerns relate to financial sustainability and compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (MFMA) by the metropolitan municipality.
“In terms of its constitutional and statutory mandate, National Treasury exercises oversight over the financial affairs of municipalities and is obligated to act where it observes material risks to fiscal sustainability and compliance with the legislative framework governing public finances,” the Ministry of Finance said in a statement.
The meeting was part of the natural and regular oversight and engagement activities undertaken by the Minister and the National Treasury, and follows a confidential letter recently leaked to the media that Godongwana had sent to Mayor Morero, calling for the engagement.
“The meeting on Friday between Minister Godongwana and Mayor Morero, and their respective teams of officials and technical experts, was robust and productive.
The engagements are ongoing and are being treated with the urgency that they merit, and while Minister Godongwana fully accepts the public interest in the matters, it would not be appropriate to detail the full scope of those discussions at this time,” said the Ministry.
The Minister has assured residents of Johannesburg that the National Treasury continues to pursue a constructive resolution to the issues that are in the interests of service delivery and financial sustainability.
Describing the meeting as “productive,” Godongwana said Mayor Morero has agreed that he and his officials must go back and consider some serious remedial actions to address the issues raised.
“They will soon submit a formal report to the Treasury in response to the letter that I sent,” said Godongwana. –SAnews.gov.za
HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani has held a phone call with HH Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments.
The two sides discussed cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and explored ways to further strengthen ties.
The discussions also focused on developments in the region, particularly efforts related to a ceasefire between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing tensions and reinforcing regional security and stability.
During the call, HE Sheikh Mohammed stressed the importance of all parties responding positively to mediation efforts in order to address the root causes of the crisis through dialogue and peaceful means.
He said such efforts were necessary to reach a sustainable agreement that would prevent renewed escalation in the region.
The State of Qatar stressed the need for the international community to fulfill its responsibilities in confronting repeated Israeli violations and implementing relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, including Resolutions 2334 and 2803. It also reaffirmed its support for efforts aimed at achieving a just and comprehensive peace, as well as its steadfast backing for the Palestinian cause and the resilience of the Palestinian people, based on international legitimacy and the two-state solution, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The remarks came in the statement of the State of Qatar delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, during an Arria-formula meeting of the Security Council on the situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The meeting was organized by the United Kingdom, the French Republic, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Hellenic Republic, and the Republic of Latvia at the UN headquarters in New York.
Her Excellency said the meeting came at a timely moment to highlight the ongoing escalation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, despite efforts to achieve peace and end the war in the Gaza Strip through the comprehensive plan proposed by HE President of the United States Donald Trump.
Her Excellency said the settlement activities were illegal and constituted a flagrant violation of international law, Security Council resolutions and the 2024 advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice.
In that context, HE Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations expressed the country’s condemnation of the Israeli occupation’s decision to designate land in the occupied West Bank as so-called “state land,” and its rejection of all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and legal status of the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.
She stressed that such measures constitute an assault on the viability of a Palestinian state and on the implementation of the two-state solution, and undermine ongoing efforts to achieve peace and stability, including the 20-point plan on Gaza.
Her Excellency also added that the State of Qatar condemned the incursions into the Aqsa Mosque compound by Israeli officials and settlers and the raising of the Israeli flag within its courtyards, describing the actions as a flagrant violation of international law and a provocation to Muslims around the world. She underscored the need to preserve the existing legal and historical status quo in Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites.
Her Excellency also noted Qatar’s condemnation of the escalating violence by settlers against Palestinians, including recent attacks on schools and Palestinian children, calling for accountability for those responsible for these violations.
Sixteen people have been arrested, and counterfeit goods worth more than R17 million were seized in recent police operations.
Spearheaded by the National and Provincial Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Units, multidisciplinary teams carried out 33 takedown operations across the Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Western Cape.
“These operations resulted in the seizure of large quantities of counterfeit and illicit goods, including branded clothing, sports apparel, cellphone accessories, toys, pharmaceuticals, consumables, as well as counterfeit liquor and cigarettes,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement on Saturday.
Police arrested 16 suspects in total, of whom nine were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act, five for contravening the Counterfeit Goods Act, and two for contravening the Liquor Act.
The police further urged community members to think twice before purchasing counterfeit and illicit goods.
This as: • Counterfeit and illicit goods pose serious risks to consumers, legitimate businesses, and the country’s economy. • These products are often manufactured and distributed outside regulated systems, with no regard for quality standards, safety, or lawful trade practices. • Legitimate manufacturers and retailers lose market share to illegal traders, leading to reduced production and job losses. • Counterfeit goods infringe on the intellectual property rights of legitimate brand owners.
“The SAPS extends its sincere appreciation to all participating departments, various law enforcement agencies, and key stakeholders for their continued collaboration and commitment to combating the illegal trade in counterfeit, contraband, and illicit goods,” said the police. – SAnews.gov.za
The Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has expressed deep concern over the escalating mental health crisis affecting men and boys across South Africa.
In a statement on Sunday, the Minister called for urgent societal, institutional, and community-based interventions to tackle what she described as “a silent national emergency.”
Chikunga observed that most men continue to suffer in silence due to damaging social norms that discourage emotional vulnerability, help-seeking behaviour, and open discussions about mental health challenges.
“Too many men are carrying emotional pain in silence. Depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, and social isolation are affecting men across all age groups, communities, and economic backgrounds. We must break the stigma that says men must suffer quietly,” she said.
She further pointed out that economic hardship, unemployment, social pressures, family breakdown, violence, substance abuse, and unresolved trauma continue to impose enormous psychological strain on men, especially young men.
These challenges are further exacerbated by limited access to mental health services, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Untreated mental health conditions among men have broader societal implications, including increased substance dependency, family instability, violence, crime, and suicide, she warned.
“Mental health is not a weakness. Seeking help is not a sign of failure. We need to create safe spaces where men and boys can speak openly, heal, and access support without fear of judgment,” the Minister said.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) is urging all sectors of society, including families, faith-based organisations, schools, workplaces, civil society, traditional leaders, media practitioners, and government institutions, to collaborate in promoting positive masculinity, emotional well-being, and awareness of mental health issues among men and boys.
The Minister also called on employers and educational institutions to bolster psychosocial support systems and ensure that mental health services are accessible, affordable, and inclusive.
Importantly, the Minister emphasised that addressing men’s mental health must also help foster safer families and communities rooted in dignity, equality, accountability, and non-violence.
“A society that ignores the emotional well-being of men risks deepening cycles of pain, violence, and hopelessness. Healing our nation calls for caring for the mental well-being of everyone — women, men, youth, and persons with disabilities alike,” the Minister said.
The DWYPD said it remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote mental wellness, social cohesion, and human dignity for all South Africans. – SAnews.gov.za
NPA welcomes two life sentences imposed on school general worker
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the two life sentences handed down by the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court to Muthi Lazarus Ratlhogo, a general worker at a primary school in Mamelodi West in Pretoria.
This is after Ratlhogo was convicted of two counts of rape of a seven-year-old learner. The court further ordered that his name be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
“Ratlhogo worked as a gardener at the school. On 09 July 2019, shortly after the victim was dropped off at school with her brother and before other learners had arrived, Ratlhogo called the child to the school storeroom.
“He locked the door, placed two small chairs together, instructed her to lie down and raped her. He warned the child not to tell anyone,” said the NPA in a statement on Friday.
On 11 July 2019, during break time, Ratlhogo again called the minor victim, took her to the storeroom and raped her for the second time. That same evening, the child’s mother noticed she was limping and walking with difficulty.
“Upon questioning, the child broke down and disclosed that the school gardener had raped her. The matter was immediately reported to the police, and Ratlhogo was arrested the following day, 12 July 2019,” the NPA said.
The minor victim was taken to the NPA’s Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) in Mamelodi, where she received comprehensive support, including medical, psychological and legal assistance.
In court, Ratlhogo pleaded not guilty and denied the offences. However, the State Prosecutor, Mpho Monyane, presented strong evidence, including the testimony of the child and her mother, which proved the State’s case beyond a reasonable doubt.
“During sentencing proceedings, Ratlhogo pleaded for leniency because of his age and that he is taking chronic medication. Prosecutor Monyane, however, argued for two life sentences, emphasising the seriousness of the offences, the gross breach of trust and the fact that Ratlhogo showed no remorse,” the NPA said.
She highlighted that as a school employee, he was in a position of trust and was expected to protect learners, yet he violated a child twice and stole her innocence.
Magistrate Mthimunye agreed with the State and found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. He noted Ratlhogo’s lack of remorse and imposed two life sentences.
The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Marika Jansen van Vuuren, commended the dedication of Prosecutor Mpho Monyane, Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Maloma, and Case Manager at the Mamelodi TCC, Advocate Linda van Schalkwyk, for their role in securing the conviction and sentence.
She reiterated that combating gender-based violence remains a top priority for the NPA. – SAnews.gov.za
At the invitation of His Majesty King Ahlangene Sigcawu of the Xhosa Kingdom, Aah Vulikhaya!, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, will on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, attend and deliver a keynote address at the Inaugural King Hintsa Annual Salutation and 191st Anniversary Commemoration of Kumkani Hintsa kaKhawuta at Gcuwa, in the Mnquma Local Municipality, Amathole District, Eastern Cape Province.
The memory of His Majesty King Hintsa, Aah Zanzolo!, will now be commemorated on an annual basis, in a comprehensive programne of memorialisation, bringing together an estimated 5 000 invited guests including Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, COGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, other Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Inter-Faith Leadership, Leaders of Political Parties, members of academia, business and community as well as media.
Details of the keynote address are as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 12 May 2026 Time: 10h00 (Access to the venue from 07h00) Venue: Butterworth College, Mnquma Local Municipality, Amathole District, Eastern Cape Province.
Media wishing to cover the event must please RSVP with their names, media houses and contact details to Ms Thabisa Molose (Office of the Premier) on 082 798 8220 or thabisa.molose@ecotp.gov.za
Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to Deputy President Mashatile on 066 195 8840
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an Orange Level 8 weather warning for disruptive rainfall in the Western Cape.
The adverse weather, according to the weather service, is expected to lead to the flooding of roads, bridges and formal and informal settlements, mudslides and danger to life due to fast flowing rivers.
These are expected over the mountainous regions of the Drakenstein, Stellenbosch, the western parts of the Theewaterskloof, City of Cape Town, Breede Valley and Witzenberg local municipalities of the Western Cape until Tuesday.
Meanwhile, SAWS has also issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive rainfall leading to the flooding of roads, low-lying bridges, and formal as well as informal settlements expected over the southern West Coast and western parts of the Overberg Districts of the Western Cape until Tuesday.
In addition, an Orange Level 6 warning for damaging winds and waves, leading to danger to navigation at sea and damage to coastal infrastructure, is expected along the coast between Lambert’s Bay and Cannon Rocks until Tuesday.
Also, an Orange Level 5 for damaging interior winds has been issued for the central parts of the Western Cape and the northern and central parts of the Eastern Cape but is expected in the Western Cape until Tuesday.
The following warnings were also issued by the SAWS: • Yellow Level 4 warning: Damaging winds and waves leading to danger to navigation at sea are expected along the coast between Alexander Bay to Lambert’s Bay until Tuesday.
• Yellow Level 2 warning: Disruptive rainfall leading to localised flooding of low-lying bridges, and formal as well as informal settlements are expected over the northern parts of the West Coast, eastern parts of the Cape Winelands and Overberg Districts of the Western Cape until Tuesday.
Yellow Level 2 warning: Damaging winds leading to localised damage of informal settlements, falling trees and localised problems for high-sided vehicles on prone routes are expected in places in the Western Cape, southern part of the Eastern Cape, interior of the KwaZulu-Natal, southern and eastern parts of the Free State, as well as the central and southern part of the Northern Cape on Sunday but expected in the Western Cape until Tuesday.
• Yellow Level 2 warning: Disruptive snowfall leading to loss of vulnerable livestock, disruption of traffic due to icy roads and possible closure of mountain passes are expected over the Karoo Hoogland municipality of the Northern Cape and in places over the Cape Winelands District of the Western Cape, as well as the northern part of the Eastern Cape until Monday.
In a statement, the Western Cape government said it has strengthened its disaster readiness measures in light of the weather warnings.
“The Provincial Disaster Management Centre has activated coordination mechanisms across all districts and in the City of Cape Town, with all disaster management centres placed on high alert,” it said. The provincial government is urging residents to: • Monitor official communication channels for the latest updates. • Avoid unnecessary travel during severe conditions. • Exercise caution near rivers, low-lying bridges and coastal areas. • Secure loose objects and prepare for strong winds.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kenneth Nsah Mala, Expert in Environmental Humanities, Sustainability Science, Foresight and Futures Studies, University of Cologne
In the grasslands and highlands of western Cameroon, some animals are believed to be sacred. Within the region’s indigenous kingdoms (fondoms), many of these animals are also considered to be royal. They include wild cats (like cheetahs, leopards, lions, tigers), buffaloes, elephants, porcupines, cowries (sea snails), and a brightly coloured bird called the Bannerman’s turaco.
These species carry deep cultural and spiritual significance. They are, for example, often used to decorate royals (kings, queens and queen mothers) or to award royal distinctions to deserving individuals. Their body parts can be used to make crowns, bedding, footstools, bangles or necklaces for royalty. Red feathers from the Bannerman’s turaco are used to distinguish warriors and hunters.
Bannermann’s turaco.Henrik Grönvold
Here, indigenous cultural practices can both sustain and decimate biodiversity. The names of some of these animals, especially wild cats, are used as praise names for kings. But custom dictates that when these animals are found, they must be killed and taken to the palace as a tribute.
Most are either locally extinct or critically endangered. Except for cowries and porcupines, all these animals are included on the red list of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
Biodiversity loss caused by humans is accelerating at alarming rates around the world. This includes biodiversity hotspots like the Congo Basin in central Africa, which Cameroon is part of. Thousands of species have been identified in the basin, 30% of which are endemic (native).
I am a scholar who works across disciplines. These include the arts, literature and cultural studies; environmental humanities; sustainability science; anticipatory governance and future generations; strategic foresight and futures studies.
In a recent study, I explored how literary creativity combined with foresight workshops might help change how people view these animals. Could they offer more hopeful futures for these unique species?
The role of literature
Literary texts like plays, poems and novels offer insights into dealing with climate and ecological challenges in the Congo Basin. (Even in the case of less popular but highly important species such as insects.)
Their stories have the potential to warn against the destruction of royal and sacred animals. They can also help shape new visions for the future of biodiversity conservation.
Heinemann Educational Books
I draw on postcolonial ecocriticism (the relationship between literature, culture, the environment and history) and narrative foresight (what stories can reveal about the future) in my study. I analyse how these books engage with royal and sacred animals in ways that challenge environmentally unfriendly cultural practices, and how they propose new forms of relations between humans and other animals.
Jumbam’s novella, Lukong and the Leopard, for instance, tells the story of a young man called Lukong. The son of an outcast from the Nso kingdom, he helps capture a lion. Surprisingly the king demands it be brought to his palace alive. Just as Lukong is to be decorated by the king, his father sneaks in. Fearing for his son’s life, he sets the lion free.
In a sense, the story challenges the old cultural practice of killing royal animals. It invites readers to change how they see and relate with these animals in order to protect them.
Workshops
Stories like this can then be taken into foresight workshop sessions. Narrative foresight meets group participation to create what is called participatory foresight. Participants and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds are brought together to explore future scenarios, the challenges that shape them and what can drive change.
Over 30 participants across a range of ages, genders and interests were brought together. They included teachers, researchers, environmentalists, farmers, nurses, writers, filmmakers, musicians, journalists, students, civil society workers, policymakers, and indigenous kings (fons).
Using foresight tools, participants were asked to discuss motivations as well as historical barriers while envisioning more hopeful futures for royal and sacred animals. The workshops were designed to include literary narratives on the plight of these animals.
They drew on current trends and signals of change, like climate change, biodiversity loss and indigenous cultural practices. They imagined new futures and then collectively proposed several policy interventions that could be practical solutions.
Shaping better policies
Cameroon does have environmental laws aimed at protecting biodiversity, but they are not effectively implemented. My study – and our workshop – seeks to complement these laws and contribute to their effective use in practice. Ideas coming out of the workshop include:
Creative arts and education should be used to help raise awareness about protecting royal animals and biodiversity. This could include programmes like our workshop, creative competitions and updating educational curricula.
Instead of decorating those who kill, local hunters should be rewarded when they spot and report the presence of royal animals for monitoring and preservation. The use of artificial animal parts for traditional ceremonies should be encouraged.
Policy should encourage research into the controlled breeding of endangered royal and sacred animals and the promotion of ecotourism around these animals. Special parks and reserves could combine arts and royal animals to attract tourists. Revenue could improve livelihoods, sustain cultures, and promote environmental conservation.
Environmental regulation should be strengthened through collaboration with all stakeholders, including indigenous authorities and local communities. Hunting of certain animals could be regulated. Hunting seasons and quotas for certain species could be in place. Indigenous leaders and communities could be engaged to adapt and modernise cultural practices in an era of environmental collapse.
But we must move from recommendations into action. Otherwise, ideas from studies like this will remain good on paper only, like most environmental laws in Cameroon. If so, royal animals and other species will continue to be threatened by extinction.
– Cameroon’s sacred and royal animals: could literature and futures thinking help save them? – https://theconversation.com/cameroons-sacred-and-royal-animals-could-literature-and-futures-thinking-help-save-them-281160
À l’occasion de la fête des Mères, Mercy Ships (https://MercyShips.org) met en lumière le courage extraordinaire des mères du monde entier à travers l’histoire de Doxie, qui a défié des traditions culturelles profondément enracinées à Madagascar pour sauver son fils.
Dans de nombreuses régions d’Afrique, les traditions culturelles imposent aux nouvelles mères de rester alitées plusieurs semaines après un accouchement, afin de bénéficier de soins attentifs pendant leur convalescence. Cependant, peu après avoir donné naissance à son fils Alfredo, prématuré à sept mois, Doxie a choisi de s’écarter de ces pratiques profondément ancrées. Malgré une grande fatigue et au péril de son propre rétablissement, elle a courageusement quitté son lit pour chercher une aide médicale immédiate pour son nouveau-né.
« J’étais vraiment déterminée ce jour-là », déclare Doxie. « J’avais besoin d’aide pour mon fils. »
Sa décision a marqué le début d’un combat acharné pour la vie d’Alfredo. Né à la maison avec une fente labiale et palatine bilatérale, Alfredo a dû faire face à des difficultés dès le premier jour de sa vie. Cette malformation rendait l’alimentation extrêmement compliquée, le laissant vulnérable et sous-alimenté. Des études montrent (https://apo-opa.co/3RvAiqo) que jusqu’à 96 % des enfants atteints de fentes labiales et palatines à Madagascar souffrent de malnutrition, souvent parce que l’alimentation est très difficile au cours des premiers mois de vie.
Comme beaucoup de mères confrontées à des obstacles médicaux inattendus, Doxie s’est retrouvée ballottée entre la peur et une détermination farouche.
« Quand on m’a montré mon bébé, j’ai été vraiment surprise », témoigne-t-elle en se remémorant la première fois où elle a tenu Alfredo dans ses bras. »
Comme il lui était impossible d’allaiter et que l’accès à des alternatives fiables était limité, la santé d’Alfredo s’est rapidement détériorée. À six mois, il pesait seulement 2,6 kg, signe d’ une insuffisance pondérale critique qui allait constituer un défi majeur pour sa survie.
Malgré des obstacles récurrents et des recommandations de rentrer chez elle alors que les ressources s’amenuisaient, Doxie est restée fidèle à son objectif. Forte d’une détermination remarquable, elle a opté pour des mesures proactives plutôt que de se résigner. Sa quête s’est achevée au port de Toamasina, où l’Africa Mercy® était amarré. Les équipes médicales à bord ont immédiatement identifié l’urgence de l’état d’Alfredo.
Placé dans un programme spécialisé d’alimentation infantile, Alfredo a commencé à recevoir une alimentation soigneusement dosée, quelques millilitres à la fois. Peu à peu, son état s’est stabilisé. Pour Doxie, chaque progrès, même minime, était source d’émotion.
Quelques mois plus tard, Alfredo est revenu sur le navire transformé : en bonne santé, plus fort et prêt pour l’opération. L’intervention chirurgicale a permis de réparer avec succès sa fente labiale, lui offrant une nouvelle chance dans la vie.
« Je n’ai pas pu retenir mes larmes de joie », confie Doxie. « Je ne m’attendais pas à ce que mon enfant guérisse. Dieu ne nous a vraiment pas abandonnés. Même lorsque j’étais découragée, Il était toujours là. Mon souhait pour Alfredo est qu’il grandisse en bonne santé, qu’il fasse ses études comme n’importe quel autre enfant et qu’il ait un avenir prometteur. »
L’histoire de Doxie nous rappelle avec force que la maternité implique souvent de faire des choix difficiles. En défiant les attentes et en surmontant l’incertitude, une mère peut déplacer les montagnes pour protéger son enfant.
Distribué par APO Group pour Mercy Ships.
A propos de Mercy Ships :
Mercy Ships exploite des navires-hôpitaux qui fournissent des interventions chirurgicales gratuites ainsi que d’autres services de santé aux personnes ayant un accès limité à des soins médicaux sûrs. Organisation internationale confessionnelle, Mercy Ships se consacre entièrement, depuis plus de trois décennies, à des partenariats avec des nations africaines. En collaboration avec des partenaires locaux, Mercy Ships propose également des formations aux professionnels de santé et soutient la construction d’infrastructures médicales dans les pays afin de laisser un impact durable.
Chaque année, plus de 2 500 professionnels bénévoles issus de plus de 70 pays servent à bord des deux plus grands navires-hôpitaux non gouvernementaux au monde, l’Africa Mercy® et le Global Mercy™. Des professionnels tels que des chirurgiens, dentistes, infirmiers, formateurs en santé, cuisiniers et ingénieurs mettent leur temps et leurs compétences au service de l’amélioration de l’accès à des soins chirurgicaux et anesthésiques sûrs. Mercy Ships a été fondée en 1978 et dispose de bureaux dans 16 pays ainsi que d’un Centre de Services Afrique à Dakar, au Sénégal.
Pour plus d’informations, rendez-vous surhttps://MercyShips.org et suivez @MercyShips sur les réseaux sociaux.
