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Public called to support young Mpumalanga water innovator in Sweden

Source: Government of South Africa

Public called to support young Mpumalanga water innovator in Sweden

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has called on South Africans to rally behind 17-year-old Sinenhlanhla Sikhulile Nkosi, as he prepares to represent the country at the prestigious Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP) in Sweden later this month.

Sinenhlanhla, a Grade 11 learner at Sitintile Secondary School in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, made history as the first learner from the province to win the department’s flagship 2026 South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP).

He now has an opportunity to earn international recognition through the Stockholm Junior Water Prize People’s Choice Award, where members of the public can vote for his project online.

The South African Youth Water Prize is an annual DWS programme that encourages learners in Grades 9 to 11 to develop innovative, science-based solutions to real water challenges affecting their schools and communities.

Over the years, the competition has nurtured some of the country’s brightest young minds and provided a platform for future scientists, engineers and environmental leaders.

Nkosi secured the national title with his project, “The Sentinel Barrier”, an innovative silicone-based elastomeric coating applied to the interior of PET plastic bottles.

The invention helps prevent microplastics and harmful chemicals from leaching into drinking water, offering a practical solution to some of the biggest environmental and public health concern.

As South Africa’s representative, Sinenhlanhla will compete alongside some of the world’s most promising young scientists at the Stockholm Junior Water Prize in a few weeks, competing against students from more than 30 countries, all sharing their passion for water and environmental issues.

The department has encouraged members of the public to support Sinenhlanhla by voting for his project in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize People’s Choice Award.

“Every vote is a vote of confidence in a young South African whose innovation and determination have taken him from a classroom in Mpumalanga to one of the world’s most respected science platforms,” the department said.

Members of the public can cast their votes by visiting the Stockholm Junior Water Prize People’s Choice Award web page: https://stockholmwaterfoundation.org/stockholm-junior-water-prize/peoples-choice-award/. Select Sinenhlanhla Sikhulile Nkosi’s project, “Barrier coatings for reducing microplastic release and chemical leaching in plastic containers” and then submit your vote.

Voting is open until 15 August 2026. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Charlotte Mannya Maxeke’s legacy empowers women through education and mentorship

Source: Government of South Africa

Charlotte Mannya Maxeke’s legacy empowers women through education and mentorship

As the first Black South African woman to earn a university degree in the United States in 1901, struggle stalwart Charlotte Mannya Maxeke broke barriers and laid the foundation for generations of women to pursue education, leadership and social change.

More than a century later, her legacy lives on through the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Trust Fund, which provides financial assistance to young women pursuing higher education, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, helping those at risk of dropping out because of financial constraints.

The fund assists students by covering financial shortfalls, outstanding fees, and registration gaps that could prevent them from continuing their studies or graduating.

“This year marks the 125th anniversary of Mama Charlotte Maxeke’s graduation from university. We want to ensure that her legacy continues through this education fund. We want to ensure that women continue to thrive, because women contribute in unique ways,” Ambassador for the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI), Dr Zanele Matsane, said.

The lecturer in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) was speaking at the inaugural International Portraits of Power exhibition, hosted by the CMMI in partnership with The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa and participating diplomatic missions.

More than an art exhibition, Portraits of Power serves as a mentorship platform that brings together international women leaders, diplomats, cultural practitioners, South African artists, art students and emerging women leaders.

The initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of leaders and artists through direct engagement with international role models while fostering cultural exchange, collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Matsane emphasised that education extends beyond financial support, highlighting the importance of networks and meaningful partnerships in enabling women to succeed. 

She also encouraged diplomats to collaborate with the foundation to broaden opportunities and global exposure for young women.

“Education is about networks. It is about understanding multiple disciplines, cultures and history. So, we stand here today to invite everyone present – Your Excellencies and our esteemed colleagues – to please keep those doors open.

“When we knock and ask to be invited into those positions of power, please keep those doors open for us as well. I can only imagine the incredible opportunities we will create when we bring these young girls and young women together to work and network with people from different nationalities, learning about one another’s histories,” Matsane said.

Co-founder and Managing Director of Joncto & Zondi Inc., Khonzi Zondi, said creating opportunities for young women is essential to building a more equitable future.

“We are products of the opportunities that were given to us and the paths that were paved by others. Through Mam Charlotte, we see the importance of education; it opens doors, opportunities and networks. I would not be an attorney without education.

“We are truly honoured and privileged, as an education trust fund, to partner with you in shaping the future of young women in our country and wherever opportunities are needed through our fund,” said Zondi, who also serves as an ambassador for the foundation.

Matsane added that the foundation wants the students it supports to develop a broader understanding of the world beyond South Africa by learning about the global diaspora and the women whose contributions paved the way for future generations.

“Maya Angelou once said that a man will work if you give him a job, but women are always building connections. They are always finding ways to relate their work to the greater community,” Matsane said.
The International Portraits of Power exhibition was launched in Pretoria on Tuesday as part of a series of legacy projects commemorating the 155th anniversary of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke’s birth.

The exhibition celebrates extraordinary women whose courage, leadership and achievements have shaped nations and inspired generations. It features portraits endorsed by 15 participating embassies representing countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas and Oceania.

The event takes place during Women’s Month, which is being observed under the theme: “Empowered Women Empower the Nation.”  –SAnews.gov.za
 

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DIPLOMATIE : A Abidjan, OLIGUI NGUEMA annonce de nouvelles mesures en faveur des Gabonais de l’étranger

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


En visite officielle en Côte d’Ivoire, le Président de la République, Chef de l’Etat, Chef du Gouvernement, S.E Brice Clotaire OLIGUI NGUEMA a échangé, le 6 août dernier avec la communauté gabonaise résidant dans ce pays. Cette rencontre a permis d’aborder les priorités de la diaspora, les perspectives de coopération entre le Gabon et la Côte d’Ivoire, ainsi que les réformes engagées par les autorités gabonaises.

Les porte-parole de la communauté ont salué les efforts visant à renforcer la diplomatie gabonaise et l’organisation de la diaspora tout en attirant l’attention du Chef de l’État sur plusieurs préoccupations persistantes, notamment les difficultés d’accès aux services consulaires, les retards dans le paiement des bourses, l’accompagnement des jeunes et des entrepreneurs, ainsi que la nécessité d’améliorer la couverture sociale des Gabonais vivant en Côte d’Ivoire.

En réponse, le Président OLIGUI NGUEMA a réaffirmé son engagement en faveur des Gabonais de l’étranger. Il a annoncé le déploiement, avant la fin de l’année, d’une mission spéciale à Abidjan chargée de l’établissement et du renouvellement des passeports, de l’enrôlement consulaire et de la délivrance des cartes nationales d’identité tout en instruisant le Ministère des Affaires Etrangères et de la Coopération, Chargé de l’Intégration et de la Diaspora, de veiller à la mise en œuvre effective de cette opération.

Il a enfin invité les membres de la diaspora à poursuivre leur contribution au développement du Gabon, en les encourageant à investir et à participer activement aux projets de transformation économique du pays, tout en réaffirmant la volonté des autorités de maintenir un dialogue régulier avec les communautés gabonaises établies à l’étranger.

Distribué par APO Group pour Republique Gabonaise : Ministère des Affaires Étrangères et de la Cooperation.

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Minister gazettes date of Local Government Elections

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister gazettes date of Local Government Elections

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister (CoGTA),  Velenkosini Hlabisa, on Friday gazetted the proclamation of the 2026 Local Government Elections date.

“In terms of section 24(2) of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act No. 117 of 1998), I, Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, hereby call an election of all municipal councils and set 04 November 2026 as the date for such an election,” the Minister said in the Government Gazette dated 7 August 2026.

In terms of Section 159 of the Constitution, read together with the Municipal Structures Act, the Minister of CoGTA is responsible for proclaiming the date of local government elections, which must be held within 90 days after the expiry of a five-year municipal term.

Earlier in the week, the Minister urged all eligible South Africans to register and verify their voter registration details before the proclamation of the 2026 Local Government Elections date on 7 August 2026.

The proclamation and gazetting of the election date sees the closure of the voters’ roll for the 2026 elections.

The gazette can be accessed here: https://www.cogta.gov.za/cgta_2016/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Government-Gazette.pdf

The gazetting of the election date follows a successful voter registration weekend held on 1 and 2 August 2026, during which approximately 1.7 million citizens interacted with the Electoral Commission (IEC). Of these, 291 806 registered as first-time voters, while more than 1.5 million voters updated or confirmed their registration details.

At the time, the Minister reminded voters that, in local government elections, citizens may only vote in the ward where they are registered. 

He encouraged voters to make use of the IEC’s Online Voter Registration Portal and voter verification services to confirm their registration status.

The gazette comes as the Electoral Commission updated the nation on the key dates in the election timetable as the country marches towards the 4 November polls. This is as several hours are left before the midnight deadline for South Africans to register or update their details online ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

In a post on social media platform X, on Thursday, the Commission said: “Your vote starts with registration. Proclamation on 7 August [at] midnight. Online registration closes then.”

Voters who were unable to visit a registration station during the weekend can register or update their details through the IEC’s Online Voter Registration portal before the registration period closes. 

The registration portal can be accessed on: https://registertovote.elections.org.za

Voters can also register via WhatsApp. To use the service, voters can WhatsApp “Hi” to 0600 88 0000. The platform uses secure identity verification, including one-time password authentication, ID document uploads, address verification, and voting-station confirmation.

Citizens can register from the age of 16, although only those who are 18 or older are eligible to vote.

The IEC has also stressed the importance of ensuring that registration details are correct, particularly for voters who have moved. 

In local government elections, voters must vote at the voting station where they are registered, meaning those who have changed addresses should update their details before the deadline.

Voters can check their registration status by SMSing “myID” followed by their ID number to 32810.

The IEC’s contact centre, 0800 11 8000, is also available to assist with registration queries.  –SAnews.gov.za  

 

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State of Qatar Welcomes Release of 15 Detained Persons under the Doha Peace Process in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha – 7 August 2026

The State of Qatar welcomes the release by the Congolese authorities of 15 detained persons and the facilitation by the International Committee of the Red Cross of their transfer and handover to the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement on 6 and 7 August, pursuant to the Mechanism for the Release of Detained Persons signed in Doha last September, as part of the Doha Peace Process.

The State of Qatar affirms that the release of the detained persons represents an important step towards strengthening confidence among the parties and creating conducive conditions for further progress towards reaching peaceful and sustainable solutions, thereby contributing to efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The State of Qatar commends the role played by the International Committee of the Red Cross in implementing the Mechanism for the Release of Detained Persons and in ensuring their safe transfer and handover in accordance with humanitarian principles, as well as the efforts of partners supporting the peace process.

The State of Qatar reiterates its commitment to continuing its efforts to facilitate dialogue among the parties, guided by its steadfast approach of supporting peaceful solutions to conflicts and promoting regional security and stability. It expresses its hope that this step will serve as an impetus for further measures that strengthen confidence among the parties and meet the aspirations of the Congolese people for peace, development and prosperity.

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President Ramaphosa to lead 2026 National Women’s Day commemoration

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Sunday, 09 August 2026, deliver the keynote address at the 2026 National Women’s Day commemoration event in Union Building, Pretoria.

This occasion will mark the 70th anniversary of the 1956 protest march to the Union Buildings by at least 20 000 women.

The 1956 march opposed the apartheid government’s decision to extend urban pass laws to women, and was a precursor to major political changes over coming decades that led to the demise of the racist regime in South Africa. 

The National Women’s Day commemorations this year take place under the theme “Empowered Women, Empower Nations”.

Since 1994, National Women’s Day is celebrated on 09 August every year as part of Women’s Month.

This year’s celebration emphasises improving women’s access to quality healthcare, vital for sustainable development, social justice and economic growth.

Women’s Month provides an opportunity for government and civil society to highlight the challenges confronting women and profile programmes and policies that advance women empowerment and gender equity.  

It also provides an opportunity to pay tribute to the generations of women such as Lilian Ngoyi whose struggles laid the foundations for the progress made in the democratic era in empowering women and advancing gender equality.  

Details of the  commemoration are as follows:
Date: Sunday, 9 August 2026
Time: 10:00 
Venue: Union Buildings, Pretoria

NB: Take note that GCIS has handled all media related accreditation matters.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Venezuela Global Investment Forum to Showcase Major Investment Opportunities at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: APO – Report:

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The Venezuela Global Investment Forum will take place during African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 in Cape Town from October 12 -16, bringing together senior Venezuelan government officials, national oil company leadership, international energy executives, financiers and commodity traders to showcase one of the world’s most significant energy market reopening while creating a direct pathway for global investment into Venezuela’s rapidly evolving hydrocarbons sector.

Organized as a flagship feature of AEW 2026, the Venezuela Global Investment Forum underscores the growing momentum behind the country’s energy sector reforms and its renewed engagement with international investors. More than a traditional conference session, the Forum will connect investors directly with bankable upstream, natural gas, infrastructure and power opportunities by showcasing Venezuelan projects alongside some of Africa’s largest energy developments in the AEW Deal Room.

Following sweeping reforms to the country’s Organic Hydrocarbons Law earlier this year, Venezuela has introduced one of its most comprehensive investment overhauls in decades. The reforms expand opportunities for private operators, establish new production participation contracts, introduce more competitive fiscal terms and strengthen international arbitration mechanisms aimed at reducing investment risk and restoring confidence among international capital providers.

“Venezuela is opening a new chapter for its energy industry. The reforms underway are creating a more competitive and attractive investment environment and the Venezuela Global Investment Forum at AEW 2026 provides the ideal platform for international investors to engage directly with decision-makers and explore the opportunities emerging across the country’s oil, gas, infrastructure and power sectors,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

These reforms are already reshaping the investment landscape. The government is targeting crude production of 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) by the end of 2026 after output recovered to approximately 1.2 million bpd during the first half of the year. Beyond oil production, Venezuela is advancing a broader strategy centered on natural gas monetization, offshore development, infrastructure rehabilitation and power sector modernization, creating opportunities across the entire energy value chain.

Throughout the Forum, delegates will hear directly from ministers, senior government officials, national oil company executives, international operators, development finance institutions, commodity traders and technical leaders responsible for implementing Venezuela’s new investment framework. Discussions will focus on expanding upstream investment, accelerating natural gas development, modernizing infrastructure and creating long-term partnerships that support Venezuela’s renewed role in global energy markets.

The forum also reinforces the strategic relationship between AEW 2026 and Venezuela Energy Week, which will take place in Caracas from February 22-25, 2027. Together, the two events form a coordinated international investment campaign that begins by introducing global investors to Venezuela’s reformed investment environment in Cape Town before continuing in Caracas, where commercial negotiations, technical engagement and project execution will move toward final investment decisions.

As global energy markets continue to prioritize supply security, infrastructure investment and new sources of production growth, Venezuela is positioning itself to re-establish its role as a major international energy supplier. Through the Venezuela Global Investment Forum at AEW 2026, investors will gain an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the country’s new investment framework, evaluate commercially attractive projects and build partnerships that support Venezuela’s return to global energy markets while strengthening cooperation between Africa and Latin America.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Eritrea: Seminar organized for reconciliation committees in Senafe sub-zone

Source: APO – Report:

A seminar has been organized for reconciliation committees engaged in the peaceful resolution of conflicts that may arise within communities in Senafe sub-zone.

The objective of the seminar, attended by reconciliation committees from the sub-zone’s 23 administrative areas, was to enhance their capacity to settle disputes in accordance with societal values. It was also intended to help disputing parties save time and resources by resolving their cases within their respective areas.

Mr. Ermias Hadgu of the Senafe Police Station urged the reconciliation committees to properly understand the country’s penal and civil codes and make their decisions accordingly. He also called on them to understand the difference between judgment and reconciliation and to provide fair service to the public.

Highlighting the significance of reconciliation committees in the peaceful resolution of conflicts, Corporal Atobrhan Haile, head of crime control, said that the seminar will make a significant contribution to the committees’ daily activities.

Sub-Lieutenant Kifle Tesfayohans, Commander of the Senafe Police Station, called on the reconciliation committees to apply the knowledge they gained from the seminar and properly serve their communities by peacefully settling conflicts.

The members of the reconciliation committees commended the organizers of the seminar and called for similar programs to continue.

Senafe sub-zone has 490 elected reconciliation committee members serving across its 23 administrative areas.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Media files

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Eritrea: Students’ summer work program underway in Mendefera sub-zone

Source: APO

Ms. Blale Araya, head of the education office in Mendefera sub-zone, reported that commendable activities are being carried out through the students’ summer work program.

More than 1,200 students from 16 centers are participating in activities that include water and soil conservation, tree planting, and traffic safety.

The participating students indicated that, in addition to contributing to development activities, the program plays a significant role in cultivating a strong work culture and enabling them to exchange experiences.

In related news, secondary school students in Nakfa sub-zone are carrying out encouraging water and soil conservation activities under the guidance of agricultural experts.

Mr. Jim’e Saleh, one of the program coordinators, said that 370 students from various centers are participating in the program.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Media files

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Seychelles: Eight Families Receive New Homes as Phase II of Vilaz Pozitivite Opens at Pointe Larue

Source: APO – Report:

Eight families at Pointe Larue are now homeowners following the opening of the second phase of the Vilaz Pozitivite affordable housing project at Anse Francois on Friday, as the government advances President Dr Patrick Herminie’s commitment to expand access to affordable housing and accelerate housing delivery across the country.

The President joined the eight beneficiary families for the official opening and allocation of the second phase of the affordable housing project, alongside Vice-President Sebastien Pillay, the Secretary of State for Lands, Housing and Infrastructure, Mr Joseph Francois, Member of the National Assembly for Pointe Larue, Hon. Conrad Gabriel, district administrators and senior officials from the lands and housing department.

The development comprises one residential block containing eight three-bedroom units and represents the second phase of the Vilaz Pozitivite project. The first phase was completed and allocated in September 2025.

Addressing those present, Vice-President Pillay, who also oversees the Lands and Housing portfolio, said the project forms part of the government’s broader efforts to increase access to affordable housing while ensuring that lessons from previous developments are translated into improved standards for new projects.

He noted that following concerns raised by residents of Phase One, several issues had been identified, including bathroom fittings, tiling, drainage, exposed utility cables, fencing and rainwater entering some homes.

The Vice-President said some of the issues have since been resolved, while the remaining works are being addressed by the contractor. Improvements were also incorporated into Phase Two, with the aim of ensuring that similar shortcomings are avoided in future housing developments.

The second phase is valued at SCR 14.1 million, of which SCR 6.75 million represented the construction cost of the residential block, while SCR 7.35 million was invested in external works and supporting infrastructure. These include site preparation, retaining walls, drainage, parking facilities and sewerage connections.

Vice-President Pillay emphasised that the beneficiaries will not bear the cost of the supporting infrastructure. The government will also provide a considerable subsidy towards the units themselves to make the homes more affordable, with the subsidy also extended to beneficiaries of Phase One.

The project was undertaken by O-Nivo Construction, with construction commencing in August 2023 and reaching completion in July 2026.

Looking beyond the eight units, the Vice-President outlined further housing developments planned for Pointe Larue and neighbouring communities. These include a proposed 28-unit Mid-Range Condominium project near the Airtel facility, targeting young professionals from Pointe Larue and Anse Aux Pins, which the government intends to start before the end of this year.

Discussions are also under way for a further 30-unit Mid-Range Condominium development above Anonyme View Estate, which is being considered for commencement during the first half of next year. Work is also continuing on the redevelopment of Nageon Estate, which includes seven houses due for completion this year.

At the national level, Vice-President Pillay said more than 430 housing units are currently under construction for people on the housing waiting list. This figure excludes Mid-Range Condominium developments and housing redevelopment projects.

Among the developments highlighted are projects at Anse Etoile, Corgate Estate, Mont Buxton, Caryole at Anse Aux Pins, Le Domaine at Au Cap, Perseverance, Grand Anse Praslin, La Digue, Barbarons, Beoliere and Anse Royale.

The Vice-President congratulated the eight families and thanked them for their patience while awaiting completion of their homes. Reflecting on the name Vilaz Pozitivite, he encouraged the residents to embrace a positive approach not only within their own households, but also in their relationships with their neighbours and the wider community.

Hon. Conrad Gabriel described the occasion as more than the opening of another housing development, saying it represented “a new chapter in the lives of the people who will live here.”

He encouraged the beneficiaries to care for their new surroundings and build a community founded on respect, love, unity and cooperation.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Petra Laporte expressed appreciation to all those who contributed towards the realisation of the project and shared the joy of the eight families as they received their new homes.

The completion of Phase II of Vilaz Pozitivite adds another eight homes to the country’s housing stock, while continued investment in new developments and supporting infrastructure forms part of the government’s wider drive to respond to housing demand and expand access to affordable homes across Seychelles.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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