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Nelson Mandela Bay calls for caution on the roads 

Source: Government of South Africa

Nelson Mandela Bay calls for caution on the roads 

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in the Eastern Cape has urged motorists to exercise extreme caution as flooding has affected multiple roads.

“Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution as widespread flooding is affecting multiple roads across Nelson Mandela Bay. Several routes are either impassable or hazardous,” the municipality said on Wednesday.

This as inclement weather has battered parts of the country with the South African Weather Service (SAWS) having issued several weather warnings and the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Velenkosini Hlabisa has urged all South Africans to exercise heightened caution, following severe weather warnings issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

The municipality said that roads that are severely affected are: 
•    M4 (behind the Cemetery towards Deal Party)
•    M4 between Deal Party & Mount Road
•    Addo Road (including under the train bridge)
•     N2 near John Tallant Interchange
•    Redhouse Road (Uitenhage to Gqeberha) – near submerged
•    Veeplaas & Daku Roads – closed
•    3rd Avenue Dip – closed
•    Mbane Street, Zwide (bend from Johnson Rd towards Nzondelelo High School) – is heavily flooded and
•    Mount Road

Meanwhile, flooded routes: 
•    Sydenham turn-off onto M4 (towards Summerstrand)
•    Walker Drive (Sherwood)
•    Durban Road (behind Stanford Square)
•    Stanford Road (multiple sections, including near Auto Cast Rd & Korsten)
•    Strandfontein & La Roche (corner)
•     Swartkops (M17)
•    Target Kloof
•    Chatty Dip
•    Entrance to Despatch
•    William Moffett (parts of)
•    Milner Avenue (opposite North End Lake)
•    Burt Drive (behind Mercantile Hospital)
•    Highfield Road
•    Govan Mbeki Avenue (Pier 14 area)
•    Malabar Bridge

In Newton Park and surrounds:
•    7th Avenue (between Shirley & King Edward Street)
•    Newton Street (between 4th & 5th Avenue)

The municipality urged motorists not to drive through flooded roads.

“Water depth is often misleading and may hide debris or washed-away surfaces. Even shallow, fast-moving water can sweep away  a vehicle,” it said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Weather conditions expected to start clearing 

Source: Government of South Africa

Weather conditions expected to start clearing 

Adverse weather conditions are expected to begin clearing from the central parts of the country this afternoon, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said on Wednesday.

In an update, the weather service said weather conditions will begin clearing across Gauteng, North West and the Free State.

“However, rain will persist over Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, as well as along the south coast of RSA [Republic of South Africa] today, so residents are advised to remain cautious,” it said.

On Tuesday, the weatherman said that residents of the Eastern and Western Cape are on tenterhooks this week, following the dissemination of two Orange Level 8 warnings for disruptive rain in parts of the two provinces. 

“Warnings of lower levels have also been issued for other provinces. This follows the onset of a cut-off low-pressure system, the effects of which are expected to be felt for the better part of the week,” it said on Tuesday.

The SAWS had also issued an Orange Level 6 Warning for Disruptive rain leading to flooding of roads and settlements can be expected over the Central Karoo, Kannaland and Hessequa municipalities of the Western Cape on Wednesday into Thursday as well as Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Buffalo City Metro, Dr Beyers Naude, Blue Crane Route, Ndlambe, Ngquuswa, Great Kei, Mnquma, Mbhashe, King Sabatha Dalindyebo, Nyandeni, Port St Johns, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Mbizana Local Municipalities of the Eastern Cape.

It had also issued an Orange Level 6 Warning for severe thunderstorms associated with heavy downpours resulting in flooding of roads, settlements, as well as large amounts of small hail over a populated area are expected over the eastern parts of KwaZulu Natal.

Meanwhile, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has urged all South Africans to exercise heightened caution following severe weather warnings issued by the SAWS.
READ | Public urged to exercise caution amid severe weather warnings
–  SAnews.gov.za

 

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Critical Minerals Africa Group Welcomes New Advisory Board Members, Strengthening Strategic Leadership Across Policy, Finance, and Global Affairs

Source: APO

The Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG) (https://CMAGAfrica.com/) is pleased to announce the appointment of three distinguished leaders to its Advisory Board: Ambassador (ret.) Reuben E. Brigety II, President of Busara Advisors; Chipokota Mwanawasa, Policy Advisor to the President of Zambia and Deputy Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit; and Henry Finnegan, former Chief Operating Officer of TechMet.

“Expanding CMAG’s Advisory Board with leaders of this calibre marks an important step in strengthening the depth and range of expertise guiding our work. Africa’s mineral endowment represents one of the most significant untapped industrial opportunities globally—but realising that potential requires alignment between policy, capital, and execution. By bringing together global experience across diplomacy, investment, and operations, we are better positioned to advance a more coordinated, outcomes-focused approach that supports long-term value creation on the continent.” – Veronica Bolton Smith, CEO, Critical Minerals Africa Group

These appointments further strengthen CMAG’s mission to advance responsible mining and develop commercially viable, end-to-end supply chains across Africa—focusing on practical industrial sequencing, from extraction through to processing and value addition. Central to this approach is broadening and diversifying the investor base engaging with the continent, while ensuring projects are structured to deliver tangible outcomes: scalable industries, skilled employment, and more resilient, locally anchored economic growth.

Ambassador (ret.) Reuben E. Brigety II brings decades of experience in diplomacy and African affairs, having most recently served as U.S. Ambassador to South Africa (2022–2025). He previously held senior roles including U.S. Representative to the African Union and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, as well as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. His expertise in international relations and strategic engagement will support CMAG’s global partnerships and policy positioning.

Chipokota Mwanawasa offers a unique blend of public sector leadership, legal expertise, and private sector experience. As Policy Advisor to President Hakainde Hichilema and Deputy Head of Zambia’s Presidential Delivery Unit, she plays a key role in shaping national development priorities. With a background spanning mining, law, and entrepreneurship, she brings valuable insight into governance, investment frameworks, and inclusive economic growth.

Henry Finnegan is an experienced executive in the critical minerals investment space, having served as COO and a founding member of TechMet, a company focused on building sustainable supply chains for energy transition minerals. TechMet grew to a valuation exceeding $1.2 billion. His background in investment, operations, and international markets will support CMAG’s efforts to align capital with high-impact opportunities across the continent.

They join the inaugural members of CMAG’s Advisory Board:

  • Natznet Tesfay, Executive Director, Head of Insights and Analytics at S&P Global, who brings deep expertise in market intelligence, economic forecasting, and resource analysis.
  • Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and Chairman of APO Group, a leading communications strategist with extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and investment promotion across Africa.
  • Richard Morgan, former Head of Government Relations at Anglo American, whose background in policy and regulatory affairs provides critical insight into government engagement and partnership building.

Together, the Advisory Board brings a powerful combination of expertise across mining, finance, policy, diplomacy, and communications. Their collective guidance will help steer CMAG’s strategic direction as it works to unlock Africa’s critical minerals potential in a way that drives sustainable industrialisation, supports education and skills development, and creates meaningful employment opportunities across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG).

About the Critical Minerals Africa Group:
The Critical Minerals Africa Group is a strategic advisory and advocacy organisation focused on advancing responsible development of Africa’s critical minerals sector. CMAG works with governments, investors, and industry stakeholders to strengthen supply chains, improve policy frameworks, and ensure the continent’s natural resources contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

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RS Supports Sustainable Power Solutions Delivered by Sharps Electrical in Botswana

Source: APO

RS South Africa (https://za.RS-online.com), a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a global provider of product and service solutions for industrial customers, is proud to recognise the achievement of Sharps Electrical, our authorised reseller in Botswana, whose work continues to enable sustainable and reliable power solutions for some of the country’s most iconic luxury safari destinations.

Sharps Electrical (https://SharpsElectrical.co.bw) has successfully delivered electrical infrastructure for landmark projects in the Okavango Delta, including Xigera Safari Lodge, Atzaró Okavango Camp, and most recently, Elela Camp. Each of these projects represents a significant technical and environmental achievement, requiring solutions that balance operational reliability with careful preservation of one of the world’s most ecologically sensitive regions.

Working in the Okavango Delta demands more than technical capability. Projects must be executed with minimal environmental impact while meeting the exacting standards of world‑class hospitality. Sharps Electrical’s strong local presence and deep understanding of these conditions have been central to delivering power systems that are resilient, efficient, and aligned with sustainability objectives.

Reflecting on the nature of this work, José Xavier, Chief Operating Officer at Sharps Electrical, said, “Delivering projects in the Okavango Delta goes far beyond electrical infrastructure. It is fundamentally about trust, consistency, and respect for the environment. Having a reliable supply relationship is critical in such remote and sensitive locations, and RS has consistently supported us with dependable products and service that allow us to deliver to the highest standard.”

As a preferred supplier, RS plays a key role in enabling this approach by providing access to high‑quality electrical products that support durable, energy‑efficient, and responsibly engineered installations. This capability allows Sharps Electrical to plan with confidence and maintain continuity across complex projects in remote locations.

“What Sharps Electrical has achieved in Botswana clearly demonstrates what is possible when strong local capability is reinforced by a dependable global supply network,” said Viv Muthan, Head of Export Sales and Operations at RS South Africa. “At RS, we create high quality experiences for our African customers by complementing the local expertise of in‑country partners with reliable, sustainably designed technologies, such as our Better World product range, backed by the RS platform.”

RS South Africa’s collaboration with Sharps Electrical reinforces a shared commitment to Make Amazing Happen for our customers. By supporting infrastructure that reduces operational risk and enables responsible energy use, the partnership helps preserve the integrity of the Okavango Delta while ensuring uninterrupted power for critical lodge operations.

Together, RS and Sharps Electrical are helping to deliver power solutions that quietly underpin exceptional guest experiences, where luxury coexists with conservation. These projects stand as a testament to what can be achieved when strong local expertise is supported by a trusted global partner with aligned values.

RS is proud to support Sharps Electrical as they continue to deliver resilient power solutions across Botswana, helping ensure that some of the country’s most iconic destinations remain reliably powered by RS for the long term.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.

PR contact details:
PR Contact Person – RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
RS South Africa
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366

Media Contact Person – NGAGE Agency:
Thobile Ndlovu
Senior PR Account Executive
thobile@ngage.co.za
+27 11 867 7763

Further information is available via these links:
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/42cPyuJ
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3QRpJhl
X: https://apo-opa.co/42h5VGE
RS South Africa: https://za.RS-online.com
RS Africa Exports: https://Africa.RSDelivers.com 
DesignSpark: https://www.RS-online.com/designspark
RS Group plc: https://www.RSGroup.com

About RS:
RS is a global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably.

We operate in 36 markets, stock over 800,000 industrial and specialist products and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations.

We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it’s our people that make the difference.

Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people planet and profit.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2024 reported revenue of £2,942 million.

For more information, please visit: www.RSonline.co.za

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Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya to brief media on President’s public programme

Source: President of South Africa –

Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, will on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, host a media briefing to update the public on the President’s programme and address topical issues of interest.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 6 May 2026
Time: 12h00 (Media arrival at 11h30)
Venue: Imbizo Media Centre, Parliament, Cape Town

RSVP: Members of the media wishing to attend the media briefing in person are requested to submit their details to shadi@presidency.gov.za by 11h00.

Media following remotely may text their questions to Shadi Baloyi 072 571 6415. 

The media briefing will be streamed live, and the link will be shared in due course.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile to conduct an Oversight Visit to Ditsobola Local Municipality

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, will on Thursday, 7 May 2026, conduct an Oversight Visit to Ditsobotla Local Municipality (DLM) in the North-West Province, as part of Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of municipalities to effectively deliver basic services to communities.

The Visit follows concerns raised by residents of the DLM during the Deputy President’s recent engagement with the community in January 2026. Among the key issues highlighted by community members, were inadequate access to water and sanitation, unreliable electricity supply, poor road infrastructure, and broader service delivery challenges affecting their quality of life.

This Oversight Visit forms part of the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM), which aims to improve cooperative governance by ensuring alignment and integration of national, provincial, and local Government plans. Through the DDM approach, Government seeks to accelerate service delivery, enhance accountability, and ensure that communities receive coordinated and sustainable support.

The DLM has been facing persistent governance and service delivery challenges, which led to the National Cabinet placing it under administration in terms of Section 139 of the Constitution. These challenges include financial mismanagement, instability in political and administrative leadership, failure to provide consistent basic services, and deteriorating infrastructure. Therefore, this intervention aims to restore functionality, strengthen institutional capacity, and ensure improved service delivery outcomes.

The programme of the Deputy President’s Visit will be preceded by an engagement between the Deputy President and the local Traditional Leadership as well as an engagement with business fora, spearheaded by Ministers.

Furthermore, as part of the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign, Ministers will undertake a cleaning Campaign at Matlaba Primary School and Tau Rapulana Secondary School, in the Bodibe Village.

During the visit, Deputy President Mashatile is expected to engage with local leadership, including the provincial Government, municipal administrators, and other key stakeholders, to assess progress made since the intervention and to identify areas requiring urgent attention. The Deputy President will also interact with community members to provide feedback on Government’s interventions thus far.

The Deputy President will be joined by the Premier of North-West and supported by Ministers and/ Deputy Ministers of Mining and Petroleum Resources; Sport, Arts and Culture, Public Works and Infrastructure; Higher Education; Finance; Agriculture; Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation; Water and Sanitation; Transport; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Electricity and Energy; Communications and Digital Technologies (DDM Champion); as well as Mayors, Councillors and senior Government officials.

Details of the Oversight Visit are as follows:
Date: Thursday, 07 May 2026
Time: 10:00 to 12:00 (visiting 3 sites)

MEDIA PROGRAMME
Site Visit 1:
Klipveld Water Treatment Plant

Site Visit 2:
Road D933

Site Visit 3:
Nelson Mandela road 

Community Engagement:
Time: 13h00 
Itekeng Biesiesvlei Sports Ground

Members of the media interested in covering the Visit are kindly requested to submit their details (Full Name, Media house, ID/Passport Number and Role) to Ms Linah Ledwaba (The Presidency) on 066 240 7635 or Mr Pius Batsile (DLM) on 082 526 3616.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Qatar Joins 4th IHL Consultations in Geneva

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, May 5, 2025

The State of Qatar participated in the fourth round of states’ consultations under the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law (IHL), organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva.

Qatar was represented by Second Secretary at the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mansouri, who chaired the session on Workstream Three: “International Humanitarian Law and Peace.”

Al Mansouri said armed conflicts leave deep and long-lasting impacts on societies, and that violations of international humanitarian law exacerbate grievances, undermine trust, and hinder prospects for sustainable peace.

He stressed that the core message of the third Workstream is that every war should be conducted with a clear vision for a return to peace, with all actions during conflict directed toward enabling parties to live together peacefully in the post-conflict phase.

He added that the final document of the Workstream aims to translate states’ practices and proposals into practical future recommendations structured across the conflict cycle: before, during, and after hostilities.

He noted that the first part focuses on strengthening preventive systems in peacetime, including measures to protect specific groups such as the missing, detainees, and the dead, and sustaining disarmament efforts to ensure respect for international humanitarian law during conflict and lay foundations for long-term recovery and peace.

He added that the second part focuses on integrating international humanitarian law into mediation and ceasefires during armed conflicts, while the third part addresses the post-conflict phase, providing a model checklist of measures to ensure continued respect for international humanitarian law.

Qatar’s participation comes in its capacity as a co-chair of the third Workstream of the initiative on international humanitarian law and peace, alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Republic of Colombia, and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Holds Phone Call with Russian Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, May 5, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani held a phone call with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov.

The call discussed bilateral cooperation and ways to enhance it, and regional developments, particularly the ceasefire between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as efforts to de-escalate and bolster regional security and stability.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed the need for all parties to respond to ongoing mediation efforts to address the root causes of the crisis through dialogue and peaceful means, and to reach a sustainable agreement that prevents renewed escalation.

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Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets US Officials

Source: Government of Qatar

Washington, May 5, 2026

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met separately in Washington with HE Senior Advisor to the US President on Counterterrorism at the National Security Council Professor Sebastian Gorka and HE Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur separately.

The meetings dealt with discussing the strong bilateral, strategic relations and the means to enhance them, in addition to the latest developments in the Middle East and Africa.

The meetings also dealt with counter-terrorism efforts and the means to enhance bilateral cooperation in that field to advance regional and international security and stability.

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Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs

Source: Government of Qatar

Washington, May 05, 2026

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met Tuesday in Washington with HE US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker.

The meeting discussed the close strategic ties between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, and the regional developments, particularly those related to a ceasefire between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as efforts to de-escalate and bolster regional security and stability.