President Ramaphosa to lead Freedom Day commemoration
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead the national Freedom Day commemoration which will be held in Bloemfontein in the Free State on Monday.
This year marks the 32nd anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections, which were held on 27 April 1994.
“Freedom Day…stands as a testament to the country’s journey towards democracy, justice, equality and human dignity,” the Presidency said.
The day is commemorated under the theme: “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship”.
“The commemoration highlights three decades since the adoption of the Constitution and underscores the importance of constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, and democratic citizenship in shaping South Africa’s future.
“This year’s national event takes place within the context of several significant national milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, 70 years since the Women’s March of 1956, and 50 years since the Soweto youth uprising.
“These milestones continue to shape South Africa’s democratic journey by inspiring continued transformation,” the Presidency added.
The day will bring together government, civil society, and various sectors in a “unified national celebration of the country’s democratic progress”.
“Freedom Month provides an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on the gains of democracy, honour the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, and recommit to building a united, inclusive and just society.
“It also serves as a platform to promote active citizenship, deepen understanding of constitutional rights, and strengthen social cohesion, particularly among young people.
“The commemoration will feature ceremonial elements, including participation by the South African National Defence Force, adding to the significance of the national occasion,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
Parliament has expressed condolences to the family of retired Judge President Achmat Naeem Jappie who passed away at the age of 70.
The retired Judge President had served for nearly two decades on the bench.
“His passing is a profound loss not only to the Judiciary and legal profession, but to the broader constitutional project of South Africa.
“On behalf of Parliament, the Presiding Officers extend their heartfelt condolences to his wife, Judge Soraya Hassim, his children, family, colleagues, and all who were touched by his life and service,” Parliament said in a statement.
The respected jurist was appointed to the bench in 1998, just four years after South Africa’s transition to a democratic dispensation.
“His leadership as Deputy Judge President and later Judge President of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court, as well as his service as an Acting Justice of the Constitutional Court and at the Labour Appeal Court, reflected the high regard in which he was held and was an affirmation of his deep commitment to the rule of law and as a principled advocate of the constitutional values that underpin South Africa’s democracy – integrity, fairness, accountability, and fidelity to the law.
“Through his judicial service, including his contribution to South Africa’s evolving legal jurisprudence, Judge President Jappie formed part of a generation of jurists who have, over time, shaped and affirmed the principles of constitutional supremacy, legality, and accountability in the exercise of public power.
“This body of jurisprudence continues to guide all arms of state, including Parliament, in ensuring that legislative processes, executive oversight, and institutional conduct remain firmly grounded in the Constitution,” the statement read.
Jappie retired in 2021 but continued to serve as Chairperson of a Judicial Conduct Tribunal.
“Even in retirement, Judge President Jappie continued to serve the nation with distinction, including through his role in judicial conduct processes, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to institutional accountability and ethical governance,” the statement concluded.
Earlier in the week, Constitutional Court Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, on behalf of the South African Judiciary, expressed sadness at the passing of the retired Judge President.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ndidzulafhi Innocent Sinthumule, Associate Professor, University of Johannesburg
South Africa’s Limpopo province borders Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique. It is one of the poorest provinces in the country. This is due to a combination of historical underdevelopment, a high unemployment rate, heavy reliance on government grants and a rural-based economy with limited industrial diversification.
It’s an interesting place for a geographer like me. My work brings together the themes of traditional ecological knowledge, environmental geography, conservation and society. My research looks at sustainable environmental outcomes by recognising the role of local culture, sacred sites and community practices in managing natural resources in southern Africa.
In two recent studies I explored how local communities in Limpopo are commercialising the harvesting of local insects to manage extreme poverty.
In one I explored the process involved in the commercialisation of mopane worms. Mopane worms (Gonimbrasia belina) are a nutritious, high-protein seasonal delicacy for many communities in Limpopo.
In a similar study, I turned to the harvesting and commercialisation of termite alates in Limpopo.
These resources are important for food security and poverty relief. Mopane worms and alate termites offer both high-quality nutrition and substantial income-generating opportunities for rural households. Both foods are traded in local and regional, formal and informal markets.
This enterprise is largely driven by unemployment, economic hardship, and the need for cash income in rural areas.
My research shows clearly that these resources play an important part in rural households and it’s important to manage them sustainably. One way of ensuring this happens is to tap into local knowledge.
As a separate study I did shows, traditional knowledge can help manage scarce resources by integrating customary rules, taboos and seasonal monitoring to prevent over-exploitation.
Mopane harvesting and trade
The mopane worm study took place in June and July 2023 in Muyexe and Nsavulani villages, Mopani District, Limpopo. The area is dominated by mopane woodlands, trees which are the main food of mopane worms (caterpillars). These villages have not benefited from development in the past and people depend heavily on natural resources for survival.
Degutting mopane worms.Author supplied, Author provided (no reuse)
The processing of mopane worms (from harvesting to a marketable commodity) involves a series of traditional, manual steps to ensure quality. They are degutted (squeezing the caterpillar to remove stomach contents or frass), washed, boiled and dried to allow them to be stored for long periods. They are then graded and sold at home or in towns.
Dried cooked mopane worms.By Mark Marathon, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY
I chose 161 households in Muyexe village and 82 households in Nsavulani village as respondents, and interviewed villagers using a questionnaire. The questions covered:
the socio-economic profile of respondents
the availability and procurement, processing, marketing, trading and livelihood benefits of mopane worms.
The study found that most of the harvesters in Muyexe (69%) and Nsavulani (59%) villages were women. Almost all processed the worms at home. They collected the worms for both household consumption and trade. Those who traded worms reported making between R1,000 (US$54) and R3,000 (US$163) per season. There are two mopane seasons in Limpopo: November to January and April to May.
The study found that 55% of households in Muyexe village and 70% in Nsavulani village derived income only from mopane worm sales. (Individuals were under 60 and didn’t qualify for a social grant, or administered grants for children, nor for themselves.) Although the income earned from the sale of mopane worms is seasonal, communities appreciate it. Commercialising mopane worms contributed significantly to rural livelihoods. It is a crucial source of food security and cash income. This helps alleviate poverty and improves the lives and livelihoods of those involved in the business.
Termite harvesting and trade
Termite alates.Tim Cowley, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY
In a similar study, I turned to the harvesting and commercialisation of termite alates in Limpopo. I interviewed 71 respondents in Thohoyandou and Sibasa towns (who came mainly from villages), as well as Mukula and Tshidzivhe villages, and found that these insects were harvested to eat at home and to sell.
Women of all ages were more involved than men in this enterprise, making up 75% of the respondents. Almost half had secondary education and 23% had tertiary education; 63% were self-employed. The majority lived below the upper bound poverty line of R1,558 (about US$95) per person per month. About 31% of the traders indicated that over the selling season (October to December), alates contributed up to 100% of the income in their households.
Management for the future
While commercialisation puts pressure on resources, traditional rules and local management protect the trees. In the study on traditional ecological knowledge, I found that the communities imposed rules that:
prohibited cutting of green branches
restricted harvesting during specific seasons to allow for maturity
prohibited tree damage during the mopane worm harvest.
Traditional ecological knowledge regulated the timing of harvest, protected host tree health, and ensured long-term livelihood security for local communities.
This shows that integrating local traditional ecological knowledge into harvesting practices is crucial for managing these resources sustainably.
Management strategies should be integrated into local and regional planning efforts. Efforts should also be made to communicate these strategies to relevant authorities to foster cooperation and raise awareness about the importance of mopane trees for all user groups.
To ensure the sustainable future of this woodland species, I recommend that the government work with traditional leaders and communities to support and enforce existing traditional practices.
– Mopane worm and termite sales relieve poverty in rural South Africa – studies explore the impact – https://theconversation.com/mopane-worm-and-termite-sales-relieve-poverty-in-rural-south-africa-studies-explore-the-impact-280926
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Monday, 27 April 2026, lead the national Freedom Day Commemoration to be held in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in Bloemfontein, Free State Province.
Freedom Day 2026 marks the 32nd anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections held on 27 April 1994 and stands as a testament to the country’s journey towards democracy, justice, equality and human dignity.
Freedom Day 2026 is commemorated under the theme, “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship”.
The commemoration highlights three decades since the adoption of the Constitution and underscores the importance of constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, and democratic citizenship in shaping South Africa’s future.
This year’s national event takes place within the context of several significant national milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, 70 years since the Women’s March if 1956, and 50 years since the Soweto youth uprising.
These milestones continue to shape South Africa’s democratic journey by inspiring continued transformation.
The Freedom Day commemoration will bring together all organs of state and all three spheres of Government, alongside representatives from civil society and various sectors, in a unified national celebration of the country’s democratic progress.
Freedom Month provides an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on the gains of democracy, honour the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, and recommit to building a united, inclusive and just society. It also serves as a platform to promote active citizenship, deepen understanding of constitutional rights, and strengthen social cohesion, particularly among young people.
The commemoration will feature ceremonial elements, including participation by the South African National Defence Force, adding to the significance of the national occasion.
President Ramaphosa will lead the Freedom Day Commemoration as follows:
Date: Monday, 27 April 2026 Time: 10h00 Venue: Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium, Bloemfontein
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za
Le Festival des Masques signe sa troisième édition à Porto-Novo les 25 et 26 juillet 2026, dans une célébration vivante du patrimoine des masques et des expressions culturelles. Porté par Bénin Tourisme, en partenariat avec la Ville de Porto-Novo, l’événement affirme plus que jamais son ambition de faire rayonner, valoriser et partager la richesse des cultures du masque.
Ce rendez-vous s’est affirmé comme un événement majeur de célébration, de transmission et de rayonnement autour des traditions du masque, en réunissant un public toujours plus large venu du Bénin et d’ailleurs. En deux éditions, le festival a su fédérer un public croissant et diversifié. L’édition 2025 a enregistré une affluence remarquable, avec plusieurs dizaines de milliers de festivaliers, une présence internationale renforcée et une forte mobilisation des acteurs culturels, confirmant l’attractivité de Porto-Novo comme destination culturelle et touristique.
Pensé comme un espace de rencontre entre patrimoines et création, le festival met en lumière la richesse des traditions liées aux masques tout en les inscrivant dans une dynamique contemporaine. Dans une ville au carrefour de l’histoire et du patrimoine, il offre un cadre propice à la transmission, à la découverte et à la réflexion, à travers un colloque international.
Un événement structurant dans le paysage culturel béninois
Le Festival des Masques s’est distingué par sa capacité à faire dialoguer tradition, création et transmission. Processions, performances, propositions artistiques, espaces de découverte, rencontres et animations ont contribué à installer cet événement dans le paysage culturel national et international, tout en renforçant l’attractivité de Porto-Novo et en générant des retombées touristiques significatives.
Un avant-programme entre tradition et ouverture
L’édition 2026 s’annonce riche et plurielle. Le public retrouvera les grandes figures du patrimoine béninois, notamment les masques Egungun, Zangbeto, Guèlèdè et Gunuko. Des troupes invitées venues d’autres régions d’Afrique et du monde apporteront également de nouvelles esthétiques et pratiques, élargissant le dialogue interculturel au cœur du festival.
Une nouvelle édition placée sous le signe de l’expérience et du rayonnement
L’édition 2026 entend poursuivre cette ambition avec une programmation qui promet d’être dense, fédératrice et inspirante. Le public est invité à réserver dès à présent les dates des 25 et 26 juillet 2026 pour vivre un moment unique au cœur de Porto-Novo, dans une atmosphère où se mêleront célébration collective, expressions artistiques, découvertes patrimoniales et vibrations populaires.
Cette nouvelle édition ambitionne de confirmer le Festival des Masques comme un rendez-vous culturel de référence, capable de faire rayonner Porto-Novo bien au-delà des frontières béninoises. Plus qu’un événement, il s’agit d’une expérience culturelle à part entière, au croisement de la mémoire, de la création et de l’émotion.
Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.
Construit par le Gouvernement du Président Patrice TALON, le Centre Hospitalier International de Calavi (CHIC), situé à Abomey-Calavi, franchit une étape décisive dans la modernisation du secteur de la santé béninois avec l’ouverture effective de son service moderne de radiothérapie depuis le 1er avril 2026. Cette avancée majeure s’inscrit dans une dynamique globale de renforcement de l’offre de soins spécialisés au sein de cet hôpital public de référence. Le constat a été fait le lundi 20 Avril 2026 par une équipe de professionnels des médias qui s’est rendue sur les lieux, en présence du Directeur Général du CHIC, Monsieur Pierre THEPOT, de la Directrice Générale Adjointe, Dr Florence DJETTA, de la Directrice des Soins, Madame Nathalie AGOGUE, du Directeur Médical, Prof. Luis TEIXEIRA.
Établissement de haut niveau, le CHIC confirme sa vocation à prendre en charge des pathologies complexes grâce à un plateau technique moderne et à une organisation structurée autour de pôles spécialisés. La mise en service de la radiothérapie marque ainsi un tournant dans la prise en charge des cancers au Bénin, en permettant aux patients d’accéder localement à un traitement hautement spécialisé. Le premier patient traité par cette technologie l’a été le 15 avril 2026, attestant du démarrage effectif des activités.
Au-delà de son caractère innovant, la disponibilité de la radiothérapie avec une technologie de pointe jamais trouvée dans la sous-région contribue à améliorer la continuité des soins, tout en réduisant les évacuations sanitaires coûteuses et éprouvantes vers l’étranger. Elle renforce également l’accompagnement des patients et de leurs familles, dans un cadre hospitalier moderne et mieux intégré.
Dans le même élan, le CHIC élargit son offre avec l’introduction de la chirurgie coelioscopique, une technique opératoire moderne moins invasive, favorisant une récupération plus rapide et un meilleur confort pour les patients. Cette évolution traduit une montée en qualité des pratiques médicales et chirurgicales proposées au sein de l’établissement.
Par ailleurs, l’ouverture des hospitalisations conventionnelles et la disponibilité continue des services, 24 heures sur 24 et 7 jours sur 7, viennent consolider une chaîne de soins complète et cohérente. Le CHIC ne se limite plus à l’introduction de nouveaux services, mais s’affirme comme un véritable pôle intégré de prise en charge médicale.
À travers ces avancées, le Bénin renforce son autonomie sanitaire et améliore son positionnement dans l’espace sous-régional en matière de soins spécialisés. Le CHIC apparaît ainsi comme un investissement public structurant, au service de l’accessibilité, de la qualité des soins et du développement durable du secteur de la santé béninois.
Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.
On April 24, Ambassador GAO Wenqi called on Ms. UMURUNGI Providence, Chairperson of Rwanda National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR).
The two sides recognized that bounded by similar historical experiences, China and Rwanda are like-minded partners. The two sides will deepen exchanges, enhance mutual trust, step up pragmatic cooperation, and bring more benefits to the two peoples.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Rwanda.
In a closed-door meeting, President Adama Barrow received the United States (US) Embassy Charge d’Affaires, Eugene Young, in Banjul.
Their discussion centred on the friendship and partnership between the US and The Gambia in various areas of development, including migration, business opportunities, transitional justice, and support through multilateral organisations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB). They also discussed the conflict in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world.
President Barrow emphasised that dialogue is the best approach to address the ongoing conflicts. “I believe that every problem has a solution, and through dialogue we can end the wars and conflicts, and promote peace and stability at the same time.” He cited the hardship and challenges the Middle East conflict and the situation in Iran are inflicting on vulnerable countries, causing a rise in prices of fuel and basic commodities as well as higher costs to businesses. He shared that, as Chairman of the OIC, he is engaged in steady diplomacy with leaders in the region to find solutions for lasting peace.
Further on the US-Gambia relations, the U.S. Peace Corps has been active in The Gambia for decades, with volunteers working alongside Gambian communities in various sectors. The President acknowledged the support the United States provides in the areas of health, education, business opportunities, transitional justice, and through multilateral organisations such as the IMF and the World Bank. He expressed the political will to partner with the US to address irregular migration and urged Washington to expedite its support for the The Gambia’s Transitional Justice programme.
On the economy, President Barrow recognised American businesses in The Gambia as his government encourages due processes and procedures to safeguard the country’s interests.
On the critical issue of migration, President Barrow stressed that despite the limited resources, there is expressed political will to create opportunities for the youth as they are pillars of development. He emphasised that with democracy, Gambians are encouraged to stay and contribute to the country’s development. He observed a reversal in the trend of Gambians in the Diaspora wanting to return and contribute to nation-building.
On the upcoming Presidential elections, President Barrow stressed that Gambians will decide from a pool of candidates who will sell their programmes to them. He assured the public that there will be peaceful and transparent elections and urged all to work together with seriousness, commitment and honesty.
In a separate engagement at the State House with the African Union (AU) Sahel delegation led by Dr. Mamadou Tangara, President Barrow welcomed them and stated that choosing The Gambia to host their meeting was a show of confidence.
He congratulated them for having all the stakeholders from Africa and Europe to dialogue on the common challenges confronting them. He assured them of a strong political will to have peace in Africa and advised them to work together as the conflicts and wars are affecting Africa, as well.
The meeting discussed other pertinent regional issues and explored a new framework of operations within the Sahel to enhance coordination and peace efforts. As a custodian of peace, President Barrow expressed delight at the prominent roles played by Gambians in international institutions contributing meaningfully on the global stage.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, H.E. Dr. Mamadou Tangara, AU Special Representative for Mali and the Sahel, highlighted the significance of the visit. He noted that The Gambia, under the leadership of President Barrow, had recently hosted a high-level workshop which, for the first time, brought together member states of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), ECOWAS, and international partners in Banjul to address challenges facing the region..
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of The President- Republic of the Gambia.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, Saturday, 25 April 2026, arrived in the Kingdom of Eswatini as the Kingdom celebrates the 40th anniversary of the coronation of His Majesty King Mswati III, as well as the King’s 58th birthday.
2026 marks King Mswati III’s Ruby Jubilee as the Eswatini monarch as His Majesty commenced his reign in 1986.
President Ramaphosa’s honouring of the invitation as a guest at the national celebration in the Kingdom of Eswatini underscores the strong and fraternal relations between South Africa and the Kingdom of Eswatini.
South Africa and Eswatini share strong historical and cultural ties that were formally established at the end of the apartheid era in South Africa.
This evening, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi returned to the homeland, following a visit to the Republic of Cyprus.
During the visit, the President participated in a consultative meeting attended by leaders of several Arab states and representatives of the European Union and its institutions. On the sidelines of the gathering, President El-Sisi held a bilateral meeting with the Cypriot President, in addition to a series of engagements with European leaders and senior EU officials.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
