MIL Africa Engine

April 7, 2026

Planting trees to remove carbon can harm the environment – or protect it: study highlights trade-offs

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ruben Prütz, Postdoctoral Researcher, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

Global efforts to limit climate change require deep cuts to carbon emissions. However, global emissions are still growing. Currently, we emit roughly 42 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel use and land use changes every year.

To achieve the targets of the Paris Agreement, which included a long-term commitment to limit global warming to 1.5°C, it will also be necessary to do more than cut emissions. What is also needed is large-scale removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Any delay in emission reductions increases our reliance on future carbon removal. Yet, carbon removal does not come without trade-offs.

Some strategies to remove carbon are very land intensive. Examples include planting trees, or growing crops that can be used as alternative sources for energy production. This would have to be done at massive scale – across millions of square kilometres of land. In turn, this could have serious biodiversity implications if not carefully managed.

In a recent study, our team of climate scientists set out to better understand the dynamics between future climate action and the protection of biodiversity. Our aim was to identify potential conflicts – but also synergies – between carbon removal and biodiversity conservation goals.

We analysed widely used decarbonisation scenarios. Scientists use these to figure out how our energy, economy and land use patterns should change to achieve ambitious climate targets. We wanted to gain deeper insights into how much – and where – land is allocated for carbon removal strategies in such scenarios, and how that might affect biodiversity conservation.

We combined scenario-based global maps of future land use for carbon removal (like planting trees or energy crops) with biodiversity maps and assessed the extent to which these overlap.

We found that, in many places of overlap, carbon removal strategies may conflict with biodiversity conservation. For example, in pristine ecosystems such as savannas and grasslands, which do not normally have much forest cover, planting trees and energy crops can harm habitats.

But our study also showed how careful choices about locating land-intensive carbon removal strategies may avoid negative impacts. There could even be benefits for biodiversity.

Our findings could inform plans for how to achieve ambitious climate action as well as biodiversity conservation.

Important biodiversity areas

The world has been losing biodiversity at a rate of 2%-6% per decade over the last 30-50 years. Intense resource extraction, climate change, environmental pollution and invasive species are some of the drivers. Biodiversity is critical for pollinating food crops and regulating water and nutrient cycles.

To address this crisis, the 2022 landmark biodiversity conservation agreement, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, set out a target to

bring the loss of areas of high biodiversity importance … close to zero by 2030.

But the framework does not clearly define areas of high biodiversity importance. In our study, we set a focus on so-called climate refugia, which are critical areas for biodiversity. These climate refugia areas were defined by a team of biodiversity experts as part of the Wallace Initiative. Specifically, climate refugia are areas where climate change occurs relatively slowly. In these locations, animal, plant and fungal species are protected from harm – at least to some degree.

We also looked at biodiversity hotspots. These are areas that have very high levels of different and rare species. Both climate refugia and biodiversity hotspots require special policy attention to avoid human disturbances and to curb global biodiversity loss.

Carbon removal in biodiversity areas

Our analysis took in various scenarios, ranging from current policy plans to highly ambitious ways to limit long-term global warming to 1.5°C. It showed that land-intensive carbon removal strategies would take place in up to 13% of global climate refugia areas. The overlap between carbon removal and biodiversity areas is not a problem in every case, but we identified several areas where it would likely be harmful for ecosystems.

One example is western Africa. Here, several of the scenarios show overlap between important biodiversity areas and future production of energy crops – crops grown to produce energy and capture carbon, such as miscanthus or switchgrass.

The Global Biodiversity Framework aims to prevent harmful changes in land use (for example, changes from a biodiverse natural area to a single-crop area). But this restriction could make it more difficult to allocate enough land for carbon removal to meet ambitious climate targets.

Our study shows that if this target is strictly enforced, more than 50% of the land set aside for carbon removal in the assessed scenarios would become unavailable. Other land would have to be used instead, potentially abandoned cropland. Or less land-intensive strategies to remove carbon would be needed.

Towards biodiversity-sensitive planning

Careful planning and site selection for carbon removal are key. Our study shows several biodiversity areas in which carbon removal strategies may bring ecosystem benefits.

For example, forest restoration (to remove carbon) in degraded areas could create green corridors, reconnecting fragmented habitats. That would be good for biodiversity. Carbon removal strategies may also reduce the warming-related loss of biodiversity areas. That would help preserve important habitats.

But carbon removal interventions must be carefully tailored to the local context.

Ultimately, rapid and deep emission reductions are our best chance to limit global warming, reduce the need for carbon removal and lower the related risks to biodiversity.

– Planting trees to remove carbon can harm the environment – or protect it: study highlights trade-offs
– https://theconversation.com/planting-trees-to-remove-carbon-can-harm-the-environment-or-protect-it-study-highlights-trade-offs-276335

April 7, 2026

Grey ouvre le corridor Afrique–Canada avec des transferts instantanés via Interac

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Envoyer de l’argent vers le Canada reste, pour beaucoup, une expérience coûteuse et incertaine. Délais imprévisibles, frais opaques, dépendance aux virements internationaux — qu’il s’agisse de soutenir des proches, de payer un prestataire ou de régler une facture.

Grey simplifie ce parcours.

Dès aujourd’hui, les utilisateurs peuvent envoyer des dollars canadiens directement vers n’importe quel compte bancaire canadien :

— en quelques minutes via Interac pour 3 $
— ou le jour ouvré suivant par virement bancaire à partir de 2,50 $

Sans frais en pourcentage. Sans délais liés aux circuits traditionnels.

Le Canada, l’un des principaux pôles de diaspora au monde, concentre des flux financiers importants en provenance de marchés émergents comme le Nigeria, l’Inde ou les Philippines. Jusqu’ici, ces transferts reposent majoritairement sur des acteurs historiques, avec des frais pouvant atteindre 15 à 30 $ pour un envoi de 500 $, et des délais de plusieurs jours.

Avec une tarification simple et une intégration directe à Interac, Grey apporte une alternative plus rapide, plus lisible et mieux adaptée aux usages réels.

Au-delà du coût, c’est l’infrastructure qui change la donne.

Interac est au cœur des paiements domestiques au Canada. En s’appuyant sur ce réseau, les transferts Grey ne passent plus par les files d’attente des virements internationaux. Ils sont traités comme des paiements locaux : rapides, confirmés, prévisibles.
Côté bénéficiaire, rien à changer — les fonds arrivent directement sur son compte existant.

« Le Canada revenait systématiquement dans les besoins de nos utilisateurs. De Lagos à Mumbai en passant par Manille, beaucoup avaient des paiements à effectuer sans solution fiable. Entre coûts élevés, délais longs et manque de visibilité, l’expérience n’était pas à la hauteur. Nous avons voulu la corriger », explique Idorenyin Obong, CEO et cofondateur de Grey.

Le service est compatible avec l’ensemble des banques canadiennes, pour les particuliers comme pour les entreprises, et s’intègre au réseau de transferts locaux de Grey couvrant plus de 170 destinations. Les envois peuvent être effectués depuis des soldes en USD, EUR, GBP ou NGN, avec des plafonds allant jusqu’à 10 000 CAD pour les particuliers et 100 000 CAD pour les entreprises (virement bancaire).

Grey est agréée en tant que Money Service Business auprès de FINTRAC au Canada et de FinCEN aux États-Unis.

L’application est disponible sur iOS et Android. Plus d’informations sur (https://Grey.co)

Distribué par APO Group pour Grey.

À propos de Grey :
Grey développe des infrastructures financières permettant aux particuliers et aux entreprises d’opérer à l’international avec plus de simplicité et de contrôle.

Agréée par FINTRAC au Canada et FinCEN aux États-Unis, l’entreprise se concentre sur les marchés émergents et propose des comptes multi-devises, des services de change, ainsi que des solutions d’envoi et de réception de paiements dans plus de 170 pays.

Grey offre également un accès à des cartes virtuelles pour faciliter les paiements à l’échelle mondiale.

Media files

April 7, 2026

La renaissance pétrolière du Nigeria au centre de l’attention alors que le ministre du Pétrole, M. Lokpobiri, participe au Forum de l’énergie de Paris

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La nouvelle offensive du Nigeria visant à se repositionner comme une destination de premier plan pour les investissements mondiaux dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier sera au cœur du Forum « Invest in African Energy » (IAE) qui se tiendra à Paris le mois prochain, où Heineken Lokpobiri, ministre d’État chargé des Ressources pétrolières (Pétrole), doit prendre la parole.

Sa participation intervient alors que le secteur pétrolier nigérian connaît un regain de dynamisme, avec un flux constant d’investissements, de réformes et de projets qui redessinent les perspectives du pays et ouvrent de nouvelles perspectives pour les capitaux internationaux. Rien qu’en 2025, le pays a obtenu 28 nouveaux plans de développement de gisements d’une valeur de 18,2 milliards de dollars, débloquant ainsi environ 1,4 milliard de barils de réserves de pétrole brut.

Cette reprise s’appuie sur des réformes structurelles, notamment la mise en œuvre de la loi sur l’industrie pétrolière, qui a instauré un régime fiscal plus transparent et plus prévisible. Associées à des mesures de sécurité renforcées et à une efficacité opérationnelle accrue, ces réformes se traduisent par des gains de production tangibles. La production de brut du Nigeria a rebondi pour atteindre 1,6 à 1,7 million de barils par jour (bpj), soutenue par une activité de forage accrue et des initiatives ciblées telles que le programme « Project One Million Barrels ».

Surtout, le secteur connaît également une transformation en matière de propriété des actifs et de participation. Les cessions d’actifs par les compagnies pétrolières internationales – parallèlement à une participation accrue des entreprises locales – ont déjà contribué à une augmentation de 200 000 pjj de la production nationale, signe à la fois de localisation et de résilience au sein du segment amont.

Au-delà de l’activité amont, le Nigeria renforce ses infrastructures intermédiaires et en aval afin de capter davantage de valeur au niveau national et régional. La mise en service et la montée en puissance de la raffinerie Dangote – qui fonctionne désormais à pleine capacité, soit environ 650 000 barils par jour – marquent un changement de paradigme, permettant au pays de répondre à la demande intérieure en carburant tout en exportant des produits raffinés à travers l’Afrique et au-delà. Cela s’accompagne de développements et d’efforts de réhabilitation continus des pipelines, notamment des actifs stratégiques tels que le pipeline Trans-Niger, qui joue un rôle crucial dans le transport du brut vers les terminaux d’exportation.

Parallèlement, la monétisation du gaz apparaît comme un nouveau vecteur de croissance. Des projets tels que le gazoduc Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano visent à relier des régions clés et à développer l’utilisation du gaz sur le marché intérieur, s’inscrivant ainsi dans les objectifs plus larges de transition énergétique tout en favorisant le développement industriel.

Pour les acteurs européens confrontés à l’évolution des priorités en matière de sécurité énergétique, le Nigeria offre une combinaison unique d’échelle, de proximité et de potentiel de diversification. Les vastes réserves du pays, l’amélioration du climat d’investissement et l’expansion de son infrastructure le positionnent comme un partenaire stratégique tant dans le domaine des hydrocarbures traditionnels que dans celui des voies de transition énergétique.

La présence de M. Lokpobiri au forum de Paris offre une occasion opportune de dialoguer directement avec les décideurs politiques qui façonnent l’avenir énergétique du Nigeria. Sa participation devrait mettre en lumière les cycles d’octroi de licences en cours, les actifs prêts à l’investissement et les opportunités de partenariat à travers la chaîne de valeur en amont, en milieu de chaîne et en aval.

Alors que les capitaux mondiaux se tournent de plus en plus vers l’Afrique pour leur croissance, la réémergence du Nigeria en tant que marché énergétique compétitif et axé sur les réformes fait du forum « Invest in African Energy » un lieu incontournable pour la conclusion d’accords, le dialogue et l’alignement stratégique à long terme.

IAE 2026 est un forum exclusif conçu pour mettre en relation les marchés énergétiques africains avec les investisseurs internationaux, servant de plateforme clé pour la conclusion d’accords dans la perspective de l’African Energy Week. Prévu les 22 et 23 avril 2026 à Paris, cet événement offrira aux participants deux jours d’échanges approfondis avec des experts du secteur, des développeurs de projets, des investisseurs et des décideurs politiques. Pour plus d’informations, rendez-vous sur www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com . Pour devenir sponsor ou vous inscrire en tant que délégué, veuillez contacter sales@energycapitalpower.com

Distribué par APO Group pour Energy Capital & Power.

April 7, 2026

O renascimento do setor petrolífero da Nigéria está no centro das atenções, enquanto o ministro do Petróleo, Lokpobiri, participa no Fórum da Energia de Paris

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Baixar .tipo

A nova ofensiva da Nigéria para se reposicionar como um destino de destaque para os investimentos globais no setor do petróleo e do gás estará no centro do Fórum «Invest in African Energy» (IAE), que se realizará em Paris no próximo mês, onde Heineken Lokpobiri, Ministro de Estado responsável pelos Recursos Petrolíferos (Petróleo), deverá discursar.

A sua participação surge num momento em que o setor petrolífero nigeriano está a registar um renascimento, com um fluxo constante de investimentos, reformas e projetos que redefinem as perspetivas do país e abrem novas oportunidades para o capital internacional. Só em 2025, o país obteve 28 novos planos de desenvolvimento de jazidas no valor de 18,2 mil milhões de dólares, desbloqueando assim cerca de 1,4 mil milhões de barris de reservas de petróleo bruto.

Esta recuperação assenta em reformas estruturais, nomeadamente a implementação da lei sobre a indústria petrolífera, que instituiu um regime fiscal mais transparente e previsível. Associadas a medidas de segurança reforçadas e a uma maior eficiência operacional, estas reformas traduzem-se em ganhos de produção tangíveis. A produção de petróleo bruto da Nigéria recuperou, atingindo 1,6 a 1,7 milhões de barris por dia (bpd), sustentada por uma atividade de perfuração intensificada e por iniciativas específicas, como o programa «Project One Million Barrels».

Acima de tudo, o setor está também a passar por uma transformação no que diz respeito à propriedade dos ativos e à participação. As alienações de ativos por parte das companhias petrolíferas internacionais – a par de uma maior participação das empresas locais – já contribuíram para um aumento de 200 000 bpd na produção nacional, sinal tanto de localização como de resiliência no segmento a montante.

Para além da atividade a montante, a Nigéria está a reforçar as suas infraestruturas intermédias e a jusante, a fim de captar mais valor a nível nacional e regional. A entrada em funcionamento e o aumento da capacidade da refinaria Dangote – que opera agora a plena capacidade, ou seja, cerca de 650 000 barris por dia – marcam uma mudança de paradigma, permitindo ao país satisfazer a procura interna de combustível, ao mesmo tempo que exporta produtos refinados por toda a África e para além dela. Isto é acompanhado por desenvolvimentos e esforços contínuos de reabilitação dos oleodutos, nomeadamente de ativos estratégicos como o oleoduto Trans-Níger, que desempenha um papel crucial no transporte de crude para os terminais de exportação.

Paralelamente, a monetização do gás surge como um novo vetor de crescimento. Projetos como o gasoduto Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano visam ligar regiões-chave e desenvolver a utilização do gás no mercado interno, inscrevendo-se assim nos objetivos mais amplos da transição energética, ao mesmo tempo que promovem o desenvolvimento industrial.

Para os intervenientes europeus confrontados com a evolução das prioridades em matéria de segurança energética, a Nigéria oferece uma combinação única de escala, proximidade e potencial de diversificação. As vastas reservas do país, a melhoria do clima de investimento e a expansão da sua infraestrutura posicionam-no como um parceiro estratégico tanto no domínio dos hidrocarbonetos tradicionais como no das vias de transição energética.

A presença do Sr. Lokpobiri no fórum de Paris oferece uma oportunidade oportuna para dialogar diretamente com os decisores políticos que moldam o futuro energético da Nigéria. A sua participação deverá destacar os ciclos de concessão de licenças em curso, os ativos prontos para investimento e as oportunidades de parceria ao longo da cadeia de valor a montante, a meio e a jusante.

À medida que os capitais globais se voltam cada vez mais para África em busca de crescimento, o ressurgimento da Nigéria como um mercado energético competitivo e orientado para as reformas torna o fórum «Invest in African Energy» um local incontornável para a celebração de acordos, o diá. e o alinhamento estratégico a longo prazo.

O IAE 2026 é um fórum exclusivo concebido para estabelecer ligações entre os mercados energéticos africanos e os investidores internacionais, servindo de plataforma fundamental para a celebração de acordos na perspetiva da African Energy Week. Agendado para 22 e 23 de abril de 2026, em Paris, este evento proporcionará aos participantes dois dias de debates aprofundados com especialistas do setor, promotores de projetos, investidores e decisores políticos. Para mais informações, visite www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. Para se tornar patrocinador ou inscrever-se como delegado, contacte sales@energycapitalpower.com

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Energy Capital & Power.

April 7, 2026

Nigeria’s Oil Revival in Focus as Petroleum Minister Lokpobiri Joins Paris Energy Forum

Source: APO

Nigeria’s renewed push to reestablish itself as a leading global oil and gas investment destination will take center stage at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris next month, where Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), is set to speak.

His participation comes as Nigeria’s oil sector gains fresh traction, with a steady pipeline of investments, reforms and project activity reshaping the country’s outlook and opening new avenues for international capital. In 2025 alone, the country secured 28 new field development plans valued at $18.2 billion, unlocking an estimated 1.4 billion barrels of crude oil reserves.

This resurgence is underpinned by structural reforms, most notably the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, which has introduced a more transparent and predictable fiscal regime. Combined with improved security measures and operational efficiencies, these reforms are translating into tangible production gains. Nigeria’s crude output has rebounded to 1.6-1.7 million barrels per day (bpd) supported by increased drilling activity and targeted initiatives such as the “Project One Million Barrels” program.

Crucially, the sector is also undergoing a transformation in asset ownership and participation. Divestments by international oil companies – alongside increased participation from indigenous firms – have already contributed an additional 200,000 bpd to national output, signaling both localization and resilience within the upstream segment.

Beyond upstream activity, Nigeria is strengthening its midstream and downstream infrastructure to capture more value domestically and regionally. The commissioning and ramp-up of the Dangote Refinery – now operating at full capacity of approximately 650,000 bpd – marks a paradigm shift, enabling the country to meet domestic fuel demand while exporting refined products across Africa and beyond. This is complemented by ongoing pipeline developments and rehabilitation efforts, including strategic assets such as the Trans-Niger Pipeline, which plays a critical role in transporting crude to export terminals.

At the same time, gas monetization is emerging as a parallel growth frontier. Projects such as the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Natural Gas Pipeline aim to connect key regions and unlock domestic gas utilization, aligning with broader energy transition goals while enhancing industrial development.

For European stakeholders navigating evolving energy security priorities, Nigeria offers a unique combination of scale, proximity and diversification potential. The country’s vast reserves, improving investment climate and expanding infrastructure base position it as a strategic partner in both traditional hydrocarbons and transitional energy pathways.

Lokpobiri’s presence at the Paris forum provides a timely platform to engage directly with policymakers shaping Nigeria’s energy future. His participation is expected to highlight ongoing licensing rounds, investment-ready assets and partnership opportunities across the upstream, midstream and downstream value chain.

As global capital increasingly looks toward Africa for growth, Nigeria’s reemergence as a competitive and reform-driven energy market makes the Invest in African Energy Forum a critical venue for dealmaking, dialogue and long-term strategic alignment.

IAE 2026 (https://apo-opa.co/3OpV21J) is an exclusive forum designed to connect African energy markets with global investors, serving as a key platform for deal-making in the lead-up to African Energy Week. Scheduled for April 22–23, 2026, in Paris, the event will provide delegates with two days of in-depth engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or register as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

April 7, 2026

Creecy outlines progress in easing Lebombo congestion

Source: Government of South Africa

Creecy outlines progress in easing Lebombo congestion

Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy says South Africa and Mozambique are entering a “solution phase” in efforts to resolve long-standing congestion challenges at the Lebombo Port of Entry.

Speaking during a visit to the border on Tuesday, Creecy said the trip formed part of ongoing work to tackle delays in freight movement between the two countries, which have placed sustained pressure on transport routes such as the N4.

“We are visiting the Ressano Garcia/Lebombo Port of Entry today as part of our ongoing efforts to find a lasting solution to the congestion challenges,” she said.

Creecy noted that both governments have been working closely to improve traffic flow across the border, following a joint visit in December 2025 where officials assessed infrastructure at key freight processing sites, including Kilometre 4 in Mozambique and Kilometre 7 on the South African side.

Since that visit, several interventions have been implemented.

A joint “dry run” involving immigration officials from both countries demonstrated that co-location – processing traffic from a single point – significantly improves efficiency. This approach has since been maintained, with Mozambican officials now operating within the South African side of the port.

“These interventions have assisted in moving the traffic faster, thus reducing the pressure on the N4,” Creecy said, while acknowledging that a more permanent solution is still required.

Upgrades at the Kilometre 7 processing centre are central to the plan.

The facility will serve as a hub where key agencies, including border management, customs and law enforcement, will operate together. Enhancements include camera installations to monitor vehicle movement and infrastructure improvements to streamline cargo processing.

Customs systems are also being installed and are expected to be completed within the next few months, ahead of the busy December period.

Once fully operational, the facility will allow for prioritisation of pre-cleared cargo and provide dedicated space for inspections.

A detailed processing plan has already been agreed upon by stakeholders, outlining staged procedures at both Kilometre 7 and the main port of entry.

These measures are expected to support the rollout of a “one-stop border” system aimed at speeding up freight movement.

“With the implementation of these measures and systems, a one-stop border concept will be activated,” Creecy said.

The Minister also highlighted plans to develop a “single window” platform, which would allow traders to interact with multiple government agencies through a single system, reducing duplication and delays.

However, she stressed that success depends on alignment between South Africa and Mozambique.

“These efforts will be in vain if our systems are not coordinated and aligned with those of our sister country,” she said, adding that similar progress is needed at Mozambique’s Kilometre 4 site.

Creecy said the improvements are part of a broader effort to enhance trade and passenger movement, noting that transporters remain the most affected by border inefficiencies.

“We are now at a solution phase to a problem that has engulfed our two nations for a while and choking movements to the detriment of our economies,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 04/07/2026 – 14:23

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April 7, 2026

Fuel price mechanism under review

Source: Government of South Africa

Fuel price mechanism under review

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is reviewing the local fuel price mechanism with the process to be completed in March next year.

This according to the department’s Director of Fuel Pricing Mechanism, Robert Maake, who spoke to SAnews.gov.za in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Maake explained that the price of fuel is the end result of a multitude of global and domestic forces ranging from the fluctuating price of crude oil and the strength of the Rand to the intricate costs of shipping, storage, and a series of government levies and taxes.

“Our pricing formula is based on two components. One of them is the import part where all the costs associated with importing petroleum products into South Africa is accounted for.

“The second part is the local factor. What changes on a monthly basis is the international component driven mainly by the oil price and the Rand/Dollar exchange rate. What is happening now is the very high oil price due to the war in the Middle East which is driving the [escalating] fuel prices and the weaker Rand,” he said.

While the international factors, including the price Brent Crude Oil, demurrage rates and freight costs, are set internationally, the local factors are under consideration.

“The main one for us in the department is the review of the fuel price mechanism. What we are going to be doing now is to review how the industry margins are calculated in South Africa. The wholesale margins, retail margins, secondary storage [and] secondary distribution.

“That process has started. We have already signed a service level agreement with a service provider and we expect that work to be concluded by March 2027,” Maake revealed.

In the immediate term, government has already announced the temporary reduction of the general fuel levy by R3 to cushion consumers.

“In the short term it means that consumers are actually paying R3 less for petrol and diesel at the service stations which is useful for households and motorists. It is difficult at the moment to say how government will intervene [in the long term] and what the next step will be,” Maake said.

Paraffin pricing

Turning to the price of paraffin, Maake explained the influences which paved way for the fuel source to increase by R11.67 for wholesale and some R15.60 for the Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin.

“Paraffin is not taxed so the relief measure was to reduce the fuel levy and there’s no fuel levy on paraffin. It is already zero rated so the same cannot be applied to paraffin. We need a different mechanism for paraffin.

“The reason why paraffin has almost doubled in price is because from a refinery production point of view, paraffin and jet fuel, when they come from the refinery, they are known as dual purpose kerosene so it depends on the final use at the end of the day.

“The challenge we had was that there was a demand for air travel last month globally, particularly in Europe where they were coming from their winter season to…where they wanted to travel.

“Unfortunately, because of the winter, some of the major refineries had closed down due to the very cold winter season where they could not operate. So there was a shortage of jet fuel and as a result, both the price of jet fuel and paraffin shot up,” Maake explained.

He added that despite these factors, the department is having “sleepless nights” on how to bring relief to consumers of paraffin.

“We are looking at what other mechanisms we can propose. The first one of zero rating it is fine because there are no taxes on paraffin but what is the next one? Maybe we can look at the indigent framework where paraffin users register and get direct support from government?

“[Also] the bulk of paraffin is used in mixing with diesel by some businesspeople. So, it’s very important that whatever form of support that government comes up with is targeted to the beneficiaries,” he said.

Stable supply

Ahead of the fuel price increase last week, there were reports of fuel shortages at some service stations.

“What we have seen…is something that we have never seen before. Particularly the magnitude of the fuel price increase. So what likely happened is that some of the commercial customers were trying to buy in bulk in anticipation of the high fuel prices. So, they were placing additional orders on top of the orders they had with the suppliers.

“But also, there were complaints that some service stations were running out of fuel and people were thinking that they were hoarding fuel until the new price kicks in. That was a big challenge for us.

“However, we just came from the long weekend and from the reports that we are getting, there was not a lot of reports from provinces that they were running out of fuel,” he said.

Maake reiterated assurances that supply to South Africa remains stable despite reports to the contrary.

“In as far as supply is concerned, we are safe and secure. In the meetings that we are having with the oil companies…they have indicated the number of vessels that they have secured and confirmed that will be coming to the country even up to the end of May. And, from time to time, when the vessels come then they will place additional orders.

“We have daily meetings with the oil companies and people who are responsible for supply in the oil companies. That’s where they give us assurance in terms of the supply that they are bringing to the country.

“The Director-General [Jacob Mbele] himself has got meetings with the CEOs of oil companies once a week. So that’s the assurance to say that the department, together with the industry, are taking the issue of supply seriously and monitoring it regularly,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 04/07/2026 – 12:56

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April 7, 2026

Housing reparations a ‘moral obligation’ to restore dignity

Source: Government of South Africa

Housing reparations a ‘moral obligation’ to restore dignity

President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the provision of housing to victims of apartheid-era violence as a “moral obligation” and a crucial step towards restoring dignity and advancing reconciliation.

The President was speaking at the launch of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Housing Assistance Reparations programme in Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday.

“The provision of reparations is not just an act of goodwill. It is a moral obligation and a vital part of restoring people’s dignity,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said the initiative marks a key milestone in South Africa’s journey towards justice.

“Today, we are marking the implementation of regulations that allow victims of apartheid, identified through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process, to receive housing assistance from the State.

“This reflects our commitment as a country to recognising and healing the divisions of our past, and to honouring all those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land.”

The President emphasised that while truth-telling was central to the TRC process, it was not sufficient on its own.

“As a country, we understand that truth alone is not sufficient to repair the harm that was done. We know that reconciliation cannot be enduring without reparations.”

President Ramaphosa said Ndwedwe was one of the communities deeply affected by political violence in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

“People were forced to flee their homes. Homes were burned and property was destroyed. Many innocent lives were lost. Families were rendered homeless and broken up. Many people lost their livelihoods and access to their land. The effects of the violence lasted for many years and some still persist to this day.”

He noted that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission had documented hundreds of cases of violence in the area, formally recognising residents as victims of gross human rights violations.

“Ndwedwe stands as a powerful site of memory and survival, representing rural communities whose suffering often received less public attention but was no less devastating,” President Ramaphosa said.

The newly implemented housing assistance regulations, published in January 2026, flow directly from TRC recommendations and set out how verified beneficiaries will receive support.

“The confirmed beneficiaries are eligible to receive a once-off grant for housing assistance or the construction of a new home,” he said.

The President revealed that 220 beneficiaries have been approved in Ndwedwe, with symbolic cheques representing R40 million in cumulative assistance handed over during the launch.

“The handover of these symbolic cheques today affirms our belief that reconciliation and reparations must be concrete and tangible,” he said.

Linking the programme to broader constitutional commitments, the President said housing remains central to human dignity.

“Our Constitution places a clear obligation on the State to take reasonable legislative and other measures, within available resources, to progressively realise everyone’s right of access to adequate housing.

“Our Constitution places housing as a fundamental pillar of human dignity, safety and security.”

As South Africa marks 30 years of its democratic Constitution, President Ramaphosa said the country must remain committed to addressing historical injustices.

“As we commemorate 30 years of our Constitution this year, we affirm that our future is built on remembering our past and correcting the injustices that were committed.

“United by one Constitution, inspired by one shared destiny, we recommit to completing the work of nation-building that was begun in 1994.”

He added that government would continue working to ensure that victims of apartheid-era injustices receive support and recognition.

“The task of building a truly united, just and equal society continues. We will not rest until all our people can live in peace, security and comfort,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 04/07/2026 – 12:47

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April 7, 2026

TRC Housing Reparations aim to heal divisions and restore dignity in Ndwedwe

Source: Government of South Africa

TRC Housing Reparations aim to heal divisions and restore dignity in Ndwedwe

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says government’s housing reparations programme is not only about rebuilding homes, but about healing the deep divisions left by apartheid.

Kubayi was speaking at the launch of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Housing Assistance Reparations programme in Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal, where President Cyril Ramaphosa is officiating the event.

The launch coincides with the 30-year commemoration of South Africa’s Constitution, held under the theme: “Renew, Reflect and Recommit”.

“We are here to rebuild homes but more importantly, to restore dignity and help communities heal,” Kubayi said.

She explained that the programme targets families whose homes were destroyed during apartheid, often because they were suspected of harbouring activists or supporting liberation movements such as the African National Congress (ANC) and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC).

“In many instances, entire communities were targeted and wiped out, leaving families homeless simply because they were seen as supporting the struggle for freedom,” she said.

Kubayi highlighted Ndwedwe as one of the affected communities, where about 220 houses were destroyed, leaving families displaced and without assistance for decades.

“These families never returned to their homes. Today, through the TRC recommendations, we are correcting that injustice,” she said.

The Minister noted that the programme forms part of the implementation of recommendations contained in the seven volumes of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, which identified victims eligible for reparations.

Through the newly finalised regulations, affected families will receive support to rebuild or extend their homes, depending on their needs.

Kubayi said the initiative sends a deliberate message about the importance of acknowledging the past in order to build a united future.

“For us to be able to rebuild South Africa, we have to heal the divisions of the past. We have to recognise what has happened. Reparations are a critical part of that process.”

She also stressed that the impact of apartheid-era violence was not limited to urban areas.

“The pain was not only felt in townships and cities. Rural communities were affected. That’s why the rebuilding of this nation must [be] across [the board] as we celebrate 30 years of our Constitution under the theme of ’30 Years of the Constitution: Renew, Reflect and Recommit,” she said.

Kubayi said the moment serves as an opportunity for the country to recommit to the values of democracy and nation-building.

“We do believe that this moment, coming here to Ndwedwe, helps us to reflect and renew our commitment to the principles and values of our democracy, and also to recommit to rebuilding our nation and healing the divisions of our past.”

The programme includes a symbolic handover of housing assistance to selected beneficiaries and forms part of government’s broader efforts to advance restorative justice and redress for victims of apartheid-era human rights violations. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 04/07/2026 – 12:38

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April 7, 2026

Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the TRC Housing Reparations Launch Ceremony, Sonkombo Sports Field, Ndwedwe Local Municipality

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director,
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi,
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Thami Ntuli,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Executive Mayor of the iLembe District Municipality, Cllr Thobani Shandu,
Mayor of the Ndwedwe Local Municipality, Cllr SZ Mfeka,
MECs, Mayors and Councillors,
Representatives of institutions supporting democracy,
Representatives of the victims committees and civil society,
Traditional leaders,
Representatives of faith-based organisations,
The Ndwedwe community,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Sanibonani. Good Morning. Molweni. Dumelang. Avuxeni. Ndi Matsheloni. Lotjhani. Goeie môre.

It is a great honour to be here today with the community of Ndwedwe to witness a milestone in our long journey towards justice and reconciliation.

Today, we are marking the implementation of regulations that allow victims of apartheid identified through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process to receive housing assistance from the state.

This reflects our commitment as a country to recognising and healing the divisions of our past, and to honouring all those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land.

We are marking this milestone almost exactly 30 years after the first public hearing of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was held in East London on the 15th of April 1996.

The passage of time has not diminished our commitment to justice and reconciliation.

We remain determined to ensure that the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is completed.

This place, Ndwedwe, occupies a place of profound historical significance.

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Ndwedwe was one of the areas in KwaZulu-Natal most affected by political violence.

People were forced to flee their homes. Homes were burned and property was destroyed. Many innocent lives were lost. Families were rendered homeless and broken up.

Many people lost their livelihoods and access to their land.

The effects of the violence lasted for many years and some still persist to this day.

When the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established in 1995 to uncover the atrocities that had been committed under apartheid, survivors from Ndwedwe testified at the hearings.

A number of them were elderly victims, who are now in their eighties and nineties.

The TRC documented hundreds of cases of arson, assaults, killings and forced removals in Ndwedwe and formally recognised a number of residents as victims of gross human rights violations.

Ndwedwe stands as a powerful site of memory and survival, representing rural communities whose suffering often received less public attention but was no less devastating.

As a country, we understand that truth alone is not sufficient to repair the harm that was done. We know that reconciliation cannot be enduring without reparations.

The provision of reparations is not just an act of goodwill. It is a moral obligation and a vital part of restoring people’s dignity.

Even though the democratic state is not responsible for the atrocities committed in the name of apartheid, it is up to the democratic state to make a decisive break with the hurts of the past if we are to move forward together.

The final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission made a number of recommendations to the President on possible measures that could be taken to restore the dignity of victims.

These measures included once-off grants, medical benefits and other forms of social assistance, the construction of monuments, and other forms of community rehabilitation.

The report recommended that the state give special attention to housing assistance in areas such as Ndwedwe, where violence resulted in mass destruction of property and displacement.

The housing assistance regulations that we published in January 2026 flow directly from these recommendations.

The regulations set out how housing assistance will be provided to beneficiaries who have been formally identified and verified through the TRC process.

The confirmed beneficiaries are eligible to receive a once-off grant for housing assistance or the construction of a new home.

The cost of the reparations will be borne by the President’s Fund that was established in terms of the TRC Act.

Through these regulations we are giving effect to our longstanding commitment as government to reparations for victims of apartheid, as well as to our obligations under the Constitution to advance the right to human dignity.

Our Constitution places a clear obligation on the state to take reasonable legislative and other measures, within available resources, to progressively realise everyone’s right of access to adequate housing.

Our Constitution places housing as a fundamental pillar of human dignity, safety and security.

As of March 2026, the total number of approved listed beneficiaries in Ndwedwe stands at 220.

The symbolic cheques that are being handed over today represent R40 million in cumulative assistance being provided to the verified beneficiaries to build a home or improve their existing homes.

To respect their safety and privacy, representatives of traditional leaders will be receiving them on behalf of the beneficiaries today.

A total of 114 approved beneficiaries in Ndwedwe have already been paid out approximately R21 million by the President’s Fund.

This is a nationwide programme and to date we have received applications from victims across the country.

Government is committed to ensure that this process provides some justice for communities that are still bearing the cost of what happened in our past.

And that it provides security to the survivors and their descendants.

I would like to thank the community of Ndwedwe for your patience, as well as our traditional and community leaders who have travelled this journey with us.

We know that it has been a long road. There have been many challenges and difficulties.

I acknowledge the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development for the dignified manner in which it has engaged with the communities through the various roadshows and public participation processes.

Housing is not simply about shelter. It represents stability, dignity and belonging to a community.

As we commemorate 30 years of our Constitution this year, we affirm that our future is built on remembering our past and correcting the injustices that were committed.

United by one Constitution, inspired by one shared destiny, we recommit to completing the work of nation building that was begun in 1994.

The South African experience has been adapted for truth commissions in a number of other countries.

The emphasis of the TRC on narrative truth, restorative justice and public participation shaped international thinking on how societies confront and manage political transitions.

Our efforts align with the objectives of the African Union’s Decade of Reparations, which calls on African states and the international community to complete the work of restoration that political liberation began.

This has been further reinforced by the United Nations General Assembly’s landmark resolution of 25 March 2026, that declared the transatlantic trafficking and racialised enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.

It furthermore affirmed the role of reparations as a necessary step toward remedying historical injustice.

This resolution echoes the TRC’s central premise: that truth must lead to justice and that justice must include material repair if reconciliation is to be meaningful.

The handover of these symbolic cheques today affirms our belief that reconciliation and reparations must be concrete and tangible.

As we celebrate 30 years of the Constitution, we are reminded that political liberation was never the final destination. It was the beginning of a longer journey towards social justice.

The task of building a truly united, just and equal society continues.

We will not rest until all our people can live in peace, in security and in comfort.

I thank you.