Posts

Posted on

IEC ramps up preparations after Local Elections date confirmed

Source: Government of South Africa

IEC ramps up preparations after Local Elections date confirmed

The Electoral Commission of South Africa has welcomed the announcement of the date for the country’s upcoming Local Government Elections, describing it as a key milestone in preparations for the polls.

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday confirmed 4 November 2026 as the day for South Africans to head to the polls.

Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the confirmation provides much-needed clarity for stakeholders and enables the Commission to intensify its operational planning. 

“The announcement of the election date provides clarity for all role players and certainty of planning for the Electoral Commission as we continue our work to deliver free and fair municipal elections,” Mamabolo said.

The Commission has urged all eligible South Africans to verify their voter registration status ahead of the elections. 

Citizens who are not yet registered, or who have recently moved, are encouraged to ensure they are registered in the voting district where they ordinarily reside. 

The IEC emphasised that voters may only cast their ballots at the voting station where they are registered.

The President’s announcement does not yet constitute the formal legal proclamation of the election date. 

In terms of the law, the official proclamation will be made by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, at which point the national voters’ roll will be closed.

The Commission has made its online registration platform https://registertovote.elections.org.za/ available via its official website, allowing users to register or update their details using a desktop computer or mobile phone. 

In addition, a national voter registration weekend is scheduled for 20 and 21 June 2026, when citizens can register in person at the voting stations where they intend to vote.

The Commission has called on all eligible citizens to take advantage of these opportunities, verify their registration details early, and participate fully in shaping the future of their local communities. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Janine

0

Posted on

Govt pays tribute to workers across the nation

Source: Government of South Africa

Govt pays tribute to workers across the nation

Government has extended its appreciation to workers across the nation as the country commemorates Workers’ Day on 1 May 2026.

Acting Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Nomonde Mnukwa, has highlighted the critical role workers play in driving the country’s growth and development. 

In a statement on Friday, Mnukwa emphasised that Workers’ Day serves as a moment to recognise not only the economic contributions of employees, but also their ongoing efforts to build fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing decent work, protecting labour rights, and supporting job creation initiatives.

Mnukwa noted that workers across all sectors—especially those who continue to serve communities daily—remain central to the nation’s progress.

“We honour the dedication of workers across all sectors,” she said, adding that their service forms the backbone of the country’s social and economic development.

Workers’ Day, historically rooted in the global labour movement, remains a significant public holiday in South Africa, symbolising both the achievements of workers and the ongoing pursuit of improved working conditions.

The 2026 message aligns with broader national priorities, including inclusive economic growth and employment creation, as the country continues to address labour challenges while celebrating the resilience and contribution of its workforce. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Janine

0

Posted on

Workers the “heartbeat of the economy”

Source: Government of South Africa

Workers the “heartbeat of the economy”

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has outlined government’s plans to expand economic opportunities, particularly for young people, as South Africa marks International Workers’ Day.

In a statement on Friday, the Minister paid tribute to workers across sectors, describing them as the “heartbeat of the economy” and central to the country’s democratic foundation. 

She said Workers’ Day serves not only as a celebration of past struggles, but as a commitment to ensuring that decent work becomes a reality for all South Africans.

The Minister announced that 2026 has been declared the “Year of Putting Young South Africans to Work”, in honour of the 1976 youth and the upcoming golden jubilee of the uprising. 

She said government interventions, including Labour Activation Programmes (LAP), are being used to tackle unemployment nationwide.

According to Meth, nearly R3.4 billion in contracts has already been allocated to implementing partners across six provinces, benefiting more than 118 000 people. 

These efforts are aimed at expanding access to jobs and skills development.

“We are ensuring that the dignity of work is accessible to more South Africans than ever before,” she said.

Meth highlighted the ongoing enforcement of the National Minimum Wage and occupational health and safety standards, stressing that fair pay and safe working conditions are essential for productivity and economic growth.

On the legislative front, the Minister pointed to several reforms currently before Parliament. These include the Employment Services Amendment Bill, which seeks to modernise labour market regulation and address unemployment, particularly by managing the employment of foreign nationals.

She said the National Labour Migration Policy, approved by Cabinet, will work alongside the Bill to regulate foreign labour through quotas and sector-specific restrictions.

In addition, proposed labour law amendments aim to strengthen worker protections, improve enforcement mechanisms and expand rights for vulnerable groups. 

Among the changes is a new shared parental leave system, replacing existing maternity and parental leave frameworks with a more equitable model.

Meth noted that workers in sectors such as retail, security and hospitality remain particularly vulnerable due to irregular hours and unstable income, and said reforms are designed to address these challenges.

The Minister reaffirmed government’s broader priorities, including strengthening labour protections, expanding social security through the Unemployment Insurance Fund and Compensation Fund, and accelerating job creation through partnerships with the private sector.

She referenced President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of 10 000 labour inspectors, supported by an additional 20 000 inspector interns, to improve enforcement of labour laws and protect workers.

Meth urged organised labour, business and civil society to work together to advance economic growth and fairness in the labour market.

“We must act together as a united people,” she said, urging South Africans to continue building an inclusive and equitable labour market.

Meth wished workers a peaceful Workers’ Day, acknowledging their role in shaping the country’s future. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

Janine

0

Posted on

Sonangol assume o patrocínio Esmeralda na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, à medida que Angola expande o seu portfólio de gás e de águas profundas

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Baixar .tipo

A Sonangol, empresa petrolífera nacional de Angola, foi confirmada como Patrocinadora Esmeralda da African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, reforçando a sua posição como um dos intervenientes energéticos integrados mais influentes do continente, numa altura de rápida expansão a montante e transformação a jusante.

O patrocínio surge num momento em que a Sonangol acelera uma campanha de investimento de vários milhares de milhões de dólares em exploração, produção, monetização de gás e infraestruturas de refinação, com vários projetos emblemáticos destinados a remodelar o panorama energético de Angola até 2030.

No centro desta expansão está a parceria contínua da Sonangol com operadores internacionais em grandes desenvolvimentos offshore. No Bloco 15/06, o Agogo Integrated West Hub – desenvolvido em conjunto com a Azule Energy e a Sinopec – entrou em produção em 2025, adicionando novos volumes significativos através dos campos de Agogo e Ndungu e reforçando o empenho de Angola em manter a produção acima de um milhão de barris por dia.

Outro desenvolvimento fundamental é o Projeto Kaminho Deepwater no Bloco 20/11, operado em conjunto com a TotalEnergies e a Petronas, que tem como objetivo a primeira produção de petróleo em 2028, com uma capacidade de produção estimada em cerca de 70 000 barris por dia. O projeto representa um passo fundamental para o desenvolvimento da Bacia do Cuanza, em Angola, e demonstra o papel contínuo da Sonangol em desenvolvimentos de grande escala em águas profundas.

Paralelamente, a Sonangol está a expandir o seu portfólio de gás através da sua participação no New Gas Consortium, o primeiro projeto de desenvolvimento de gás não associado de Angola. O campo de Quiluma alcançou recentemente a primeira produção de gás e espera-se que aumente para cerca de 330 milhões de pés cúbicos por dia no seu pico, fornecendo matéria-prima à fábrica de GNL de Angola e reforçando a posição do país como exportador de GNL a longo prazo.

A jusante, a Sonangol está a avançar com uma ambiciosa estratégia de expansão da refinação, destinada a reforçar a segurança do abastecimento de combustíveis e a retenção de valor. A Refinaria de Cabinda entrou na sua fase final de testes e colocação em serviço, prevendo-se que as operações aumentem de forma iminente após o arranque inicial e que as entregas de combustível comecem em 2026. Os projetos de longo prazo em Lobito e Soyo estão posicionados para expandir substancialmente a capacidade de refinação de Angola na próxima década.

Para além dos hidrocarbonetos, a Sonangol está também a aprofundar a sua diversificação para as energias renováveis e a energia integrada. Através de parcerias no domínio das energias renováveis, incluindo iniciativas solares como o Projeto Solar de Quilemba, no sul de Angola, desenvolvido com parceiros internacionais, a empresa está gradualmente a construir um portfólio multi-energético alinhado com os objetivos mais amplos de transição energética de Angola.

Financeiramente, a Sonangol também reforçou o seu balanço para apoiar esta expansão, garantindo uma linha de financiamento sindicado de 1,75 mil milhões de dólares no início de 2026 para apoiar as necessidades operacionais e de investimento de capital em todo o seu portfólio.

O papel da Sonangol como Patrocinadora Esmeralda da AEW 2026 surge, portanto, num momento crucial tanto para a empresa como para o setor energético de Angola. A parceria sublinha a intenção da empresa de se posicionar não só como campeã nacional, mas como líder energética continental, impulsionando o investimento, as parcerias e o desenvolvimento de infraestruturas ao longo de toda a cadeia de valor.

«A Sonangol continua a demonstrar a importância estratégica das empresas petrolíferas nacionais africanas na definição do futuro energético do continente», afirmou NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia. «A sua dinâmica de investimento em infraestruturas a montante, de gás e a jusante reflete um compromisso claro com a criação de valor a longo prazo, a segurança energética e o crescimento industrial em Angola e além-fronteiras.»

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

Posted on

Sonangol Takes Emerald Sponsorship at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as Angola Expands Deepwater and Gas Portfolio

Source: APO – Report:

.

Angola’s national oil company Sonangol has been confirmed as an Emerald Sponsor of African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, reinforcing its position as one of the continent’s most influential integrated energy players at a time of rapid upstream expansion and downstream transformation.

The sponsorship comes as Sonangol accelerates a multi-billion-dollar investment drive across exploration, production, gas monetization and refining infrastructure, with several flagship projects set to reshape Angola’s energy landscape through 2030.

At the heart of this expansion is Sonangol’s continued partnership with international operators on major offshore developments. In Block 15/06, the Agogo Integrated West Hub – developed alongside Azule Energy and Sinopec – reached production in 2025, adding significant new volumes through the Agogo and Ndungu fields and reinforcing Angola’s drive to sustain output above one million barrels per day.

Another cornerstone development is the Kaminho Deepwater Project in Block 20/11, operated with TotalEnergies and Petronas, which targets first oil in 2028 with an estimated production capacity of around 70,000 barrels per day. The project represents a key step in unlocking Angola’s Kwanza Basin frontier and demonstrates Sonangol’s continued role in large-scale deepwater developments.

In parallel, Sonangol is expanding its gas portfolio through its stake in the New Gas Consortium, Angola’s first non-associated gas development. The Quiluma field recently achieved first gas and is expected to ramp up to around 330 million cubic feet per day at plateau, supplying feedstock to the Angola LNG plant and reinforcing the country’s position as a long-term LNG exporter.

Downstream, Sonangol is advancing an ambitious refining expansion strategy aimed at strengthening fuel security and value retention. The Cabinda Refinery has entered its final testing and commissioning phase, with operations expected to ramp up imminently following initial start-up and fuel deliveries beginning in 2026. Long-term projects in Lobito and Soyo are positioned to substantially expand Angola’s refining capacity over the coming decade.

Beyond hydrocarbons, Sonangol is also deepening its diversification into renewables and integrated power. Through renewable energy partnerships, including solar initiatives such as the Quilemba Solar Project in southern Angola developed with international partners, the company is gradually building a multi-energy portfolio aligned with Angola’s broader energy transition goals.

Financially, Sonangol has also strengthened its balance sheet to support this expansion, securing a $1.75 billion syndicated financing facility in early 2026 to support operational and capital investment needs across its portfolio.

Sonangol’s role as Emerald Sponsor of AEW 2026 therefore comes at a pivotal moment for both the company and Angola’s energy sector. The partnership underscores the company’s intent to position itself not only as a national champion, but as a continental energy leader driving investment, partnerships, and infrastructure development across the value chain.

“Sonangol continues to demonstrate the strategic importance of African national oil companies in shaping the continent’s energy future,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Its investment drive across upstream, gas and downstream infrastructure reflects a clear commitment to long-term value creation, energy security and industrial growth in Angola and beyond.”

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Posted on

Sonangol devient sponsor Émeraude de African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 alors que l’Angola développe son portefeuille d’activités en eaux profondes et dans le secteur gazier

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La compagnie pétrolière nationale angolaise Sonangol a été confirmée comme sponsor Émeraude de l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, renforçant ainsi sa position parmi les acteurs énergétiques intégrés les plus influents du continent, à l’heure d’une expansion rapide en amont et d’une transformation en aval.

Ce parrainage intervient alors que Sonangol accélère une campagne d’investissement de plusieurs milliards de dollars dans l’exploration, la production, la valorisation du gaz et les infrastructures de raffinage, avec plusieurs projets phares destinés à redessiner le paysage énergétique de l’Angola jusqu’en 2030.

Au cœur de cette expansion se trouve le partenariat continu de Sonangol avec des opérateurs internationaux sur de grands projets offshore. Dans le bloc 15/06, le pôle intégré Agogo West – développé en collaboration avec Azule Energy et Sinopec – est entré en production en 2025, ajoutant d’importants nouveaux volumes grâce aux champs d’Agogo et de Ndungu et renforçant la volonté de l’Angola de maintenir une production supérieure à un million de barils par jour.

Un autre projet phare est le projet en eaux profondes de Kaminho dans le bloc 20/11, exploité avec TotalEnergies et Petronas, qui vise une première production de pétrole en 2028 avec une capacité estimée à environ 70 000 barils par jour. Ce projet représente une étape clé dans l’exploitation du bassin du Kwanza en Angola et démontre le rôle continu de Sonangol dans les développements en eaux profondes à grande échelle.

Parallèlement, Sonangol élargit son portefeuille gazier grâce à sa participation dans le New Gas Consortium, le premier projet de développement de gaz non associé en Angola. Le champ de Quiluma a récemment produit son premier gaz et devrait atteindre une production de plateau d’environ 330 millions de pieds cubes par jour, fournissant ainsi de la matière première à l’usine Angola LNG et renforçant la position du pays en tant qu’exportateur de GNL à long terme.

En aval, Sonangol poursuit une stratégie ambitieuse d’expansion du raffinage visant à renforcer la sécurité d’approvisionnement en carburant et la préservation de la valeur. La raffinerie de Cabinda est entrée dans sa phase finale d’essais et de mise en service, et les opérations devraient s’intensifier très prochainement après le démarrage initial, les livraisons de carburant devant débuter en 2026. Les projets à long terme à Lobito et Soyo sont appelés à accroître considérablement la capacité de raffinage de l’Angola au cours de la prochaine décennie.

Au-delà des hydrocarbures, Sonangol approfondit également sa diversification dans les énergies renouvelables et l’énergie intégrée. Grâce à des partenariats dans le domaine des énergies renouvelables, notamment des initiatives solaires telles que le projet solaire de Quilemba dans le sud de l’Angola développé avec des partenaires internationaux, la société construit progressivement un portefeuille multi-énergétique aligné sur les objectifs plus larges de transition énergétique de l’Angola.

Sur le plan financier, Sonangol a également renforcé son bilan pour soutenir cette expansion, en obtenant début 2026 une facilité de financement syndiquée de 1,75 milliard de dollars destinée à répondre aux besoins d’investissement opérationnel et en capital de l’ensemble de son portefeuille.

Le rôle de Sonangol en tant que sponsor Émeraude de l’AEW 2026 intervient donc à un moment charnière tant pour l’entreprise que pour le secteur énergétique angolais. Ce partenariat souligne la volonté de l’entreprise de se positionner non seulement comme un champion national, mais aussi comme un leader énergétique continental stimulant les investissements, les partenariats et le développement des infrastructures tout au long de la chaîne de valeur.

« Sonangol continue de démontrer l’importance stratégique des compagnies pétrolières nationales africaines dans la construction de l’avenir énergétique du continent », a déclaré NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie. « Sa dynamique d’investissement dans les infrastructures en amont, gazières et en aval reflète un engagement clair en faveur de la création de valeur à long terme, de la sécurité énergétique et de la croissance industrielle en Angola et au-delà. »

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

Posted on

Speaker of Lebanese Parliament Meets Qatari Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Beirut, April 30, 2026
HE Speaker of the Parliament of the sisterly Republic of Lebanon, Nabih Berri met Thursday with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Lebanon, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.
Discussion during the meeting, dealt with bilateral relations and ways to support and strengthen them, in addition to developments in Lebanon and the region.
HE the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament hailed the State of Qatar’s ongoing efforts to support Lebanon, praising its unwavering support for the Lebanese people.
For his part, HE the Ambassador affirmed the State of Qatar’s firm commitment to supporting Lebanon under all circumstances, especially in light of the challenges it is facing.

Posted on

Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malian Foreign Minister Discuss Ties, Sahel Region Developments

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha| April 30, 2026

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi held Thursday a telephone conversation with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali Abdoulaye Diop.

Discussion during the call focused on Qatar-Mali cooperation relations and means to bolster them, in addition to developments in the Sahel region.

HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Qatar’s condemnation of the attacks on several military and civil sites in the republic of Mali. He also voiced the State of Qatar’s full solidarity with the Republic of Mali, and its support for all measures taken by Bamako to preserve its security, stability and the safety of its citizens.

Posted on

Closing remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa to the first session of the Extended President's Coordinating Council Meeting, Birchwood Hotel, Ekurhuleni

Source: President of South Africa –

Honourable Ministers, Mayors, colleagues,

Thank you for the frank, serious and constructive spirit that has characterised this engagement.

Our discussions today have reinforced the central point that our water and sanitation crisis is not confined to one municipality, one province or one institution.

It is rooted in long-standing weaknesses in governance, infrastructure maintenance, technical capability and financial discipline.

That is why our response must be integrated, sustained and measurable. 

As we conclude this part of the programme, we can agree on three key points: 

First, the commitments discussed here must now move into implementation. 

Plans must be sharpened and roles clarified. We must honour timelines and be rigorous in reporting.

Second, the principle of cooperative governance must become fully operational. 

The three spheres of government must act in concert, guided by the National Water Action Plan, and supported by the mechanisms that are now in place through the National Water Crisis Committee and related structures.

Third, the public must begin to see results. 

They must see improved maintenance, stronger operational performance, better wastewater compliance, more credible implementation and clear accountability. 

The work ahead is substantial. 

But this engagement has demonstrated that there is both clarity on the challenge and a shared recognition that the time for incremental responses has passed. 

Let us leave this session with a renewed determination to ensure that every municipality works, that every sphere of government plays its part and that the people of South Africa experience the state through delivery.

The Constitution enjoins us to hold elections every five years. The current term of office of the municipal councils elected on 1 November 2021 expires on 1 November 2026.

Accordingly, the elections for the next term of local government must be held between 2 November 2026 and 30 January 2027.

I have, therefore, in terms of section 159 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, read together with section 24(1) of the Local Government; Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (“the Municipal Structures Act”), and in consultation with the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), have set the date of Wednesday, 04 November 2026 as the date for the 2026 Local Government Elections.

I thank you.

Posted on

Invest Africa and United Kingdom (UK) Government announce strategic partnership for The Africa Debate – London

Source: APO

Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com), the leading platform for trade and investment across the African continent, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the UK Government for the 12th edition of The Africa Debate, taking place on Wednesday, 3 June 2026 at the historic Guildhall in the City of London.

As the UK’s leading forum for high-level dialogue on Africa’s economic trajectory, The Africa Debate 2026 will convene over 800 senior leaders from government, finance and industry to explore this year’s theme: “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”.

As the global order evolves and new economic and geopolitical realities emerge, the forum will examine what these shifts mean for African economies and their international partners. Against a backdrop of continued global uncertainty, discussions will focus on how to accelerate investment, unlock growth and strengthen development outcomes through a new era of collaboration.

The event comes at a pivotal moment, following the UK Government’s renewed Approach to Africa, which sets out a clear focus on trade, investment and long-term strategic partnership across the continent.

The Rt. Hon. Baroness Chapman of Darlington, Minister for International Development and Africa, commented:

“Across Africa, countries are building opportunities through a period of intense change and challenges. The UK is stepping up as partners to build modern, long-term relationships based on mutual benefit and shared ambitions.

Through the UK’s new Approach to Africa, we are committed to working alongside African nations as partners, and investors, supporting innovation and unlocking sustainable growth.

That’s why we’re proud to support The Africa Debate. It provides a powerful platform to deepen trade and investment, bringing together leaders from across the continent and the UK to build solutions and advance the wealth and prosperity of our countries.”

Chantelé Carrington, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Africa, added:

“Our collaboration with the UK Government reflects the growing importance of The Africa Debate as a leading platform, now in its 12th year, for shaping the future of UK–Africa engagement. Following the launch of the UK’s Approach to Africa, this is a timely opportunity to build a modern partnership centred on mutual benefit. As African economies advance industrialisation, value addition and sustainable investment, we are proud to connect the UK’s financial expertise and private sector strength with Africa’s vast economic potential.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will feature H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana and ministerial keynotes, alongside high-level plenaries and curated side events bringing together leaders from across Africa and the global investment community. This year’s agenda will explore how strategic partnerships can be redefined across trade, finance, energy transition, critical minerals and digital innovation, shaping the next phase of investment, industrialisation and sustainable growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

Media Contact:
Invest Africa
Email: fiona.hannig@investafrica.com
T: +442037305035

About The Africa Debate:
The Africa Debate is London’s premier investment forum dedicated to shaping the future of African trade, investment, and economic transformation. Now in its 12th year, the event serves as a critical platform for global businesses, investors, policymakers, and thought leaders to engage in high-level discussions on Africa’s evolving role in the global economy. 

www.InvestAfrica.com

About Invest Africa:
Invest Africa is a leading pan-African business and investment platform, that drives trade and investment across the continent. With over seventy years’ experience in Africa, we provide our network with trusted market insights, tailored business support, and platforms for meaningful engagement. Our network includes more than 400 multinational corporations, investors, policy makers, and entrepreneurs, united by a shared commitment to building sustainable opportunity across Africa.

https://TheAfricaDebate.com

Media files

.