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Record 15 Marketing and Merchandising Partners to Support 2026 Basketball Africa League Season

Source: APO – Report:

– Five New Partners Join for Sixth BAL Season Tipping Off Today in South Africa –

– BAL Games Will Reach Fans in More Than 200 Countries –

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) (www.BAL.NBA.com) today announced that a record 15 marketing and merchandising partners, including five new partners, will support the 2026 BAL season that tips off today at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa. 

New partners Amazon Web Services; FLEXX; PUMA; Qatar Foundation; and South African Tourism join returning Foundational Partners Rwanda Development Board and Wilson as well as Official Partners AB InBev, Afreximbank, Air Senegal, Hyundai, RwandAir, the French Embassy of Senegal, ServiceNow and Wave.

The BAL’s sixth season will reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories, including all 54 countries in Africa.  Returning free-to-air and pay TV broadcast partners in Africa include Canal+ (pan-Africa), Rwanda Broadcasting Agency, RTS and 2STV (Senegal), SNRT (Morocco), TV5 Monde (pan-Africa) and ZAP TV (Angola and Mozambique).  BAL games and programming will also air on NBA TV globally, the NBA FAST Channel on leading FAST platforms including Samsung, Roku and Amazon Fire TV in the U.S., select FAST platforms in Canada and Mexico, Tencent Video and Tencent Sports in China, TSN and RDS Direct in Canada, and through livestreaming on the NBA App and NBA.com for NBA ID members.

“This incredible roster of new and returning partners reflects the sustained growth and momentum around the BAL and the African sports industry more broadly,” said BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall.  “We look forward to working with these amazing companies and organizations to engage BAL fans across the continent and around the world in new and creative ways throughout our sixth season.”

Below are highlights of each marketing and merchandising partners’ efforts:

  • AB InBev returns as the Official Beer Partner of the BAL through its Castle Lite and Budweiser brands.
  • Afreximbank will again serve as an Official Partner of the BAL4HER and BAL Future Pros programs in each host city, which provide professional development training for African youth pursuing careers in sport.
  • Air Senegal returns as Official Partner of the Sahara Conference group phase from Friday, April 24 – Sunday, May 3 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco, supporting guest travel from and returning to Senegal.
  • Amazon Web Services will serve as Official Technology Provider (cloud computing, cloud AI and cloud machine learning) of the BAL.
  • FLEXX will serve as an Official Off-Court Lifestyle and Team Fanwear Supplier of the BAL.
  • Hyundai returns as the Official Car Partner of the Kalahari Conference group phase from March 27 – Sunday, April 5 in Pretoria, featuring Hyundai Santa Fe and Hyundai Alcazar displays at the SunBet Arena and Fan Zone.
  • PUMA joins as the league’s Official Outfitter, supplying all official BAL team, fan and referee apparel, including game uniforms, warm-up gear, practice wear, accessories, and branded tops for participants in the league’s social impact and player programming. 
  • Qatar Foundation will serve as an Official Community Partner of the BAL by supporting a variety of social impact and court development initiatives across all three host cities.
  • RwandAir returns as Official Airline Partner of the BAL.
  • Rwanda Development Board returns as a Foundational Partner of the BAL.
  • The French Embassy of Senegal will serve an Official Partner of the BAL School Tournament and International Basketball Day in Senegal, with more details to be announced at a later date.
  • ServiceNow will serve as Official Digital Transformation Partner of the BAL and support several networking and stakeholder engagement initiatives throughout the season.
  • South African Tourism will serve as Official Tourism Collaborator of the Kalahari Conference group phase.
  • Wave returns as an Official Marketing Partner of the BAL, Presenting Partner of the BAL4HER Elevate Camp, the BAL Rapatak Tournament, the BAL Tournoi des Quartiers Tournament, and the BAL Court Regeneration Event, and Official Partner of the BAL Business Brunch.
  • Wilson returns as a Foundational Partner and Official Game Ball Partner of the BAL.
     

– on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Contact:
Marie-Pierre Anamba Onana
Basketball Africa League
+221 78 637 70 62
Manamba@theBAL.com

About the BAL:
The Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that will tip off its sixth season on March 27, 2026.  Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, the BAL builds on the foundation of club competitions FIBA Africa has organized across the continent and marks the NBA’s first collaboration to operate a league outside North America.  Fans can follow the BAL (@theBAL) on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/40TcHSh), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3O09i13), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4tg2HP6), X (https://apo-opa.co/4c8630K), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4rWAFH2) and register their interest in receiving more information at www.BAL.NBA.com.

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MEC Chiloane saddened by death of a learner 

Source: Government of South Africa

MEC Chiloane saddened by death of a learner 

Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, has expressed shock and sadness following the tragic death of a Grade 3 boy learner from Lerutle Primary School in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, after a section of the school wall reportedly collapsed during breaktime on Thursday. 

In a statement on Friday, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said preliminary information indicates that a section of the school wall reportedly collapsed during breaktime on Thursday, falling onto six learners and leaving them with severe injuries.

Emergency services responded swiftly, and all six learners were transported to various medical facilities for urgent medical treatment.

Tragically, one of the injured learners, a Grade 3 boy, later succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention in hospital.

The department said circumstances surrounding the wall collapse are currently under investigation. 

The department has deployed psycho-social support teams to provide counselling and emotional support to affected learners, educators, and the bereaved family, during this difficult period.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and the loss of such a young life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the learner’s family, fellow learners, educators, and the entire school community as they mourn this devastating loss. We will ensure that the necessary support is provided and that the circumstances surrounding this incident are determined,” MEC Chiloane said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM

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Le Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) nigérian s’assure un rôle clé en matière de potentiel local lors de African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


L’agence de régulation parapublique Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) participera à l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 en tant que partenaire officiel pour le potentiel local, renforçant ainsi son leadership dans le développement des capacités locales à travers le secteur énergétique africain. Se déroulant du 12 au 16 octobre au Cap, l’événement offrira une plateforme stratégique au NCDMB pour présenter le cadre évolutif du potentiel local du Nigeria et les opportunités d’investissement.

Parallèlement, le NCDMB continue de renforcer ses capacités nationales, ayant récemment lancé en mars 2026 un programme de formation en ingénierie des pipelines d’une durée de 12 mois destiné à 33 jeunes ingénieurs à Port Harcourt. Mise en œuvre en partenariat avec Renaissance Africa Energy et MJD Oilfield Services, cette initiative se concentre sur le raclage des pipelines, la lutte contre la corrosion et la gestion de l’intégrité, en alignant le développement de la main-d’œuvre sur des projets d’infrastructure majeurs tels que le gazoduc Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano.

Sur le plan des infrastructures, le conseil d’administration poursuit la construction d’un hôtel et centre de conférences de 204 chambres géré par Radisson à Yenagoa, dont la mise en service est prévue en décembre prochain. Situé à proximité de la Nigerian Content Tower, cet établissement est conçu pour favoriser la collaboration au sein du secteur. En complément, le NCDMB a mis en service un laboratoire de compétences cliniques et de simulation à l’université de médecine de Bayelsa, renforçant ainsi les capacités de soins de santé dans les communautés d’accueil grâce à des technologies de formation de pointe.

L’expansion industrielle reste un pilier central de la stratégie du conseil d’administration. Dans le cadre du programme nigérian des parcs pétroliers et gaziers, les parcs pilotes d’Odukpani et d’Emeyal-1 sont en voie d’achèvement et devraient générer environ 2 000 emplois chacun. Ces pôles industriels de services partagés sont conçus pour localiser la fabrication, réduire les coûts et permettre aux entreprises locales d’étendre leur production à travers les chaînes de valeur en amont et en aval.

D’un point de vue financier et politique, le NCDMB déploie de multiples mécanismes de financement, notamment un programme d’investissement en capital de 100 millions de dollars, un fonds d’intervention de 500 millions de dollars et une initiative de 20 millions de dollars axée sur les femmes. Les récentes mesures d’application – telles que des contrôles plus stricts des quotas d’expatriés et une certification de conformité obligatoire – marquent davantage un tournant vers une localisation plus poussée, une plus grande transparence et une confiance à long terme des investisseurs dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier nigérian.

« La participation du NCDMB à l’AEW 2026 est un signal fort indiquant que l’Afrique est déterminée à renforcer ses propres capacités et à conserver la valeur sur le continent », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie. « Le potentiel local n’est pas seulement une politique – c’est le fondement de la croissance durable, de la création d’emplois et de la sécurité énergétique sur l’ensemble des marchés africains. »

Alors que l’AEW 2026 rassemble des investisseurs, des décideurs politiques et des opérateurs du monde entier, l’inclusion du NCDMB en tant que partenaire du potentiel local souligne l’importance croissante de la création de valeur au sein même des pays. Avec des forums dédiés au développement des compétences, au transfert de technologies et à l’industrialisation, l’événement vise à susciter un dialogue concret sur la manière dont le potentiel local peut débloquer des écosystèmes énergétiques résilients, compétitifs et prêts à l’investissement à travers l’Afrique.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Seychelles participates in Small Island Development States (SIDS) and Youth Forums

Source: APO – Report:

Mr. Barry Faure, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora of Seychelles, delivered a statement at the Small Island Development States (SIDS) Forum under the theme “Place Countries at the Centre of the Global Climate and Development Agenda, in line with International Priorities”.

The SIDS Forum brought together SIDS from the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) to deliberate on shared challenges and priorities, with a view to shaping a common position and advancing collective interests within the broader Summit framework.

In his statement, Minister Faure commended the OACPS for its continued leadership in advancing issues of critical importance to SIDS and for providing a strategic platform to amplify their voices. He stressed that, as the Organisation evolves, it must further strengthen its focus on the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS, ensuring their priorities are effectively reflected in global decision-making processes. “The renewal of the OACPS presents a timely opportunity to reposition SIDS at the centre of our collective action,” Minister Faure stated. “Seychelles remains committed to working with all partners to advance a resilient, just, and sustainable future for SIDS.”

Highlighting Seychelles’ active engagement in global climate advocacy, Minister Faure referred to the initiative seeking an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on States’ obligations in respect of climate change. He welcomed the legal clarity provided, noting that it reinforces the imperative for climate action grounded in international law, including commitments under the Paris Agreement. In this regard, he called on developed countries to fully honour their obligations, particularly in providing adequate financial and technical support to vulnerable nations.

The Forum recognised the Debt for Nature Swap initiative undertaken by Seychelles as an innovative financing mechanism, as well as the experience of Barbados in innovative financing with its Debt for Climate and Debt for Climate Resilience instruments.

The Seychelles delegation also participated in the OACPS Youth Forum convened under the theme “OACPS Youth Compact: Jobs, Resilience, Action.”  The Youth Forum brought together youth representatives, policymakers, and partners from across the OACPS to deliberate on pressing challenges and opportunities facing young people. Minister Faure was appointed as Rapporteur for the Forum. In his capacity as rapporteur, the Minister will be responsible for presenting the key outcomes and recommendations of the Youth Forum during the Summit of Heads of States and Governments.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

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Nigeria’s Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Secures Key Local Content Role at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: APO – Report:

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Parastatal regulatory agency the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) will participate at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as an official Local Content Partner, reinforcing its leadership in advancing indigenous capacity across Africa’s energy sector. Taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town, the event will provide a strategic platform for the NCDMB to showcase Nigeria’s evolving local content framework and investment opportunities.

In parallel, the NCDMB continues to strengthen its domestic capabilities, most recently launching a 12-month pipeline engineering training program in March 2026 for 33 young engineers in Port Harcourt. Delivered in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy and MJD Oilfield Services, the initiative focuses on pipeline pigging, corrosion control and integrity management, aligning workforce development with major infrastructure projects like the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline.

On the infrastructure front, the board is advancing construction of a 204-room Radisson-managed hotel and conference center in Yenagoa, scheduled for commissioning this December. Positioned adjacent to the Nigerian Content Tower, the facility is designed to support industry collaboration. Complementing this, the NCDMB has commissioned a Clinical Skills and Simulation Laboratory at Bayelsa Medical University, enhancing healthcare capacity in host communities through cutting-edge training technologies.

Industrial expansion remains a core pillar of the board’s strategy. Under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme, pilot parks in Odukpani and Emeyal-1 are nearing completion and are expected to generate around 2,000 jobs each. These shared-services industrial hubs are designed to localize manufacturing, reduce costs and enable indigenous firms to scale production across upstream and midstream value chains.

From a financial and policy standpoint, the NCDMB is deploying multiple funding mechanisms, including a $100 million equity investment scheme, a $500 million intervention fund and a $20 million women-focused initiative. Recent enforcement measures – such as stricter expatriate quota controls and mandatory compliance certification – further signal a shift toward deeper localization, transparency and long-term investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

“The participation of the NCDMB at AEW 2026 is a strong signal that Africa is serious about building its own capacity and retaining value within the continent,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Local content is not just policy – it is the foundation for sustainable growth, job creation and energy security across African markets.”

As AEW 2026 convenes global investors, policymakers and operators, the inclusion of the NCDMB as a Local Content Partner underscores the growing importance of in-country value creation. With dedicated forums on skills development, technology transfer and industrialization, the event is set to drive actionable dialogue on how local content can unlock resilient, competitive and investment-ready energy ecosystems across Africa.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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O Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) da Nigéria assume papel fundamental em matéria de conteúdo local na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A agência reguladora paraestatal Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) participará na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 deste ano como Parceiro Oficial de Conteúdo Local, reforçando a sua liderança na promoção da capacidade local em todo o setor energético africano. A decorrer de 12 a 16 de outubro na Cidade do Cabo, o evento proporcionará uma plataforma estratégica para a NCDMB apresentar o quadro de conteúdo local em evolução da Nigéria e as oportunidades de investimento.

Paralelamente, o NCDMB continua a reforçar as suas capacidades nacionais, tendo lançado mais recentemente, em março de 2026, um programa de formação em engenharia de oleodutos com a duração de 12 meses para 33 jovens engenheiros em Port Harcourt. Realizada em parceria com a Renaissance Africa Energy e a MJD Oilfield Services, a iniciativa centra-se na limpeza de gasodutos, no controlo da corrosão e na gestão da integridade, alinhando o desenvolvimento da força de trabalho com grandes projetos de infraestruturas, como o Gasoduto Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano.

No que diz respeito às infraestruturas, o conselho está a avançar com a construção de um hotel e centro de conferências de 204 quartos, gerido pela Radisson, em Yenagoa, cuja entrada em funcionamento está prevista para dezembro deste ano. Localizada junto à Nigerian Content Tower, a instalação foi concebida para apoiar a colaboração no setor. A complementar isto, a NCDMB inaugurou um Laboratório de Competências Clínicas e Simulação na Universidade Médica de Bayelsa, reforçando a capacidade de cuidados de saúde nas comunidades anfitriãs através de tecnologias de formação de ponta.

A expansão industrial continua a ser um pilar central da estratégia do conselho. No âmbito do Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme, os parques-piloto em Odukpani e Emeyal-1 estão em fase de conclusão e prevê-se que gerem cerca de 2 000 postos de trabalho cada. Estes centros industriais de serviços partilhados foram concebidos para localizar a produção, reduzir custos e permitir que as empresas locais aumentem a produção ao longo das cadeias de valor a montante e a meio do processo.

Do ponto de vista financeiro e político, o NCDMB está a implementar múltiplos mecanismos de financiamento, incluindo um programa de investimento de capital de 100 milhões de dólares, um fundo de intervenção de 500 milhões de dólares e uma iniciativa de 20 milhões de dólares centrada nas mulheres. Medidas de aplicação recentes – tais como controlos mais rigorosos das quotas de expatriados e certificação de conformidade obrigatória – sinalizam ainda mais uma mudança no sentido de uma maior localização, transparência e confiança a longo prazo dos investidores no setor do petróleo e gás da Nigéria.

«A participação da NCDMB na AEW 2026 é um forte sinal de que África está empenhada em desenvolver a sua própria capacidade e reter valor no continente», afirma NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia. «O conteúdo local não é apenas uma política – é a base para o crescimento sustentável, a criação de emprego e a segurança energética nos mercados africanos.»

À medida que a AEW 2026 reúne investidores globais, decisores políticos e operadores, a inclusão da NCDMB como Parceiro de Conteúdo Local sublinha a importância crescente da criação de valor no próprio país. Com fóruns dedicados ao desenvolvimento de competências, transferência de tecnologia e industrialização, o evento está preparado para impulsionar um diá. prático sobre como o conteúdo local pode desbloquear ecossistemas energéticos resilientes, competitivos e prontos para o investimento em toda a África.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Yellow Level Warning for several provinces 

Source: Government of South Africa

Yellow Level Warning for several provinces 

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 Warning for severe thunderstorms on Friday, 27 March 2026.

In an update, the weather service said the thunderstorms could lead to localised flooding of low-lying areas, susceptible roads and bridges as well as localised damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock are expected over the central to eastern parts of Northern Cape, northern parts of the Eastern Cape, west to southern parts of Kwazulu-Natal, and most parts of Free State, except for the north.

The weather service said partly cloudy and cool to warm with isolated showers and thundershowers can be expected in Gauteng while Mpumalanga can expect partly cloudy weather and warm but hot in the Lowveld with isolated showers and thundershowers.

The Free State, Limpopo and the North West can expect partly cloudy and warm conditions with isolated showers and thundershowers.

The Northern Cape can expect partly cloudy to cloudy conditions and warm to hot, with scattered to isolated showers and thundershowers but widespread over the central interior conditions.

The SAWS said that in the Western Cape, cloudy and warm to hot with isolated showers and thundershowers over the eastern interior conditions can be expected. In the western half of the Eastern Cape, partly cloudy conditions are expected in places, otherwise cloudy and warm to hot with scattered showers and thundershowers expected. The eastern half of the province the wind along the coast is expected to be light to moderate northeasterly, reaching fresh to strong in places during the afternoon.

KwaZulu-Natal is expected to experience scattered showers and thundershowers.

“The wind along the coast will be light and variable between Port Shepstone and Richards Bay at first, otherwise light to moderate northerly to north-easterly,” said the Weather Service. –SAnews.gov.za

Neo

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New law to increase magistrates’ financial jurisdiction

Source: APO

The Magistrates Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2026 when assented to by the President, will introduce reforms aimed at strengthening the capacity of lower courts, reducing case backlog at the High Court and improving access to justice.

The Bill that was passed by Parliament on Thursday, 26 March 2026 will see the amendment of the Magistrates Courts Act aims to increase the financial jurisdiction of magistrates, enhance their sentencing powers and streamline court procedures.

The Bill also sought to increase the pecuniary jurisdiction of magistrate’s courts, enhance their powers to impose higher fines, abolish the position of magistrates grade II and provide for transitional provisions.

A key reform under the law is the upward revision of the monetary limits that magistrates can handle in civil cases.

The Bill provides that, “the civil jurisdiction of a chief magistrate is increased from Shs50 million to Shs100 million and the jurisdiction of a magistrate from Shs20 million to Shs50 million.

The Chairperson of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, Hon. Stephen Baka Mugabi said that Bill addresses the previous limits which were last revised in 2007 had been overtaken by inflation and economic changes.

He added that low thresholds had resulted in cases being unnecessarily filed in the High Court leading to congestion.
“The capping of the value of the subject matter is very low for the magistrates courts… cases that should be handled at the magisterial level end up in the High Court thereby causing backlog,” he said.

The proposed law expands the authority of chief magistrates to handle higher value cases with their civil jurisdiction increased to Shs200 million. This is aimed at reducing case backlog in the High Court and positions chief magistrates as more central in handling commercial, land, family, and civil disputes that previously escalated to higher courts.

The Bill also abolishes the position of magistrates grade II aligning the Act with the Judiciary’s current structure, since its already abolished under the Judiciary Service structure where the position had already been removed administratively but was still reflected in the Magistrates Courts Act.

“The position of Magistrate Grade II was removed from the approved structure of the Judiciary but its continued presence in the law created inconsistencies. The amendment therefore, repeals all provisions relating to the position, leaving chief magistrates and magistrates grade I as the recognised judicial officers at that level,” the report read in part.

In a move expected to improve efficiency, the law empowers chief magistrates to transfer cases filed in courts without jurisdiction instead of dismissing them outright.

Currently, courts lacking jurisdiction must dismiss such cases, forcing litigants to refile and incur additional costs.

The Bill states that the reform will enable judicial officers to refer cases to chief magistrates for transfer to the High Court instead of dismissing them for lack of jurisdiction thereby reducing delays and hardships for court users.

“These changes will not only decongest the High Court but also bring justice services closer to the people by empowering magistrates courts to handle more cases effectively,” Baka Mugabi added.

The Attorney General, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, said the provisions in the Bill have been informed by empirical data from the Judiciary.

“I know there is a proposal to increase the threshold for the chief magistrates to Shs300 million but since the committee report is based on empirical evidence from the Judiciary, let it be adopted,” Kiryowa Kiwanuka said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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Free State plan to reposition economy as Premier tackles unemployment ‘crisis’

Source: Government of South Africa

Free State plan to reposition economy as Premier tackles unemployment ‘crisis’

Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has named unemployment as one of the most pressing challenges confronting the province.

The Premier was speaking during an engagement led by President Cyril Ramaphosa between the National Executive and the provincial government on Friday.

Statistics South Africa’s Q4:2025 Quarterly Labour Force Survey released last month placed the province’s official unemployment rate at some 37.2% – second only to the Eastern Cape with a rate of 42.5%.

“Unemployment remains the most immediate and pressing crisis confronting our province. Over one million of our people remain without work, with young people bearing the greatest burden.

“The reality of youth exclusion from economic participation is not only unsustainable; it is a direct threat to social stability and long-term development. We therefore approach this moment with clarity and resolve,” Letsoha-Mathae said.

The Premier outlined the work the provincial government is taking to propel and reposition the economy “towards sectors that can unlock inclusive growth and sustainable employment.” 

These include:
•    Artificial Intelligence and robotics.
•    Renewable energy and green hydrogen.
•    Natural gas development.
•    Agro-processing and food production. 
•    The digital economy and e-commerce.
•    Entrepreneurship and support for small enterprises.

“Our focus is on building a competitive, future-oriented provincial economy that delivers real opportunities for our people.

“At the same time, we recognise that economic reform must be accompanied by decisive action to address persistent social challenges, including crime, substance abuse, and inequality. These issues require an integrated, whole-of-government response that is both coordinated and results-driven,” she said.

Cooperative governance in action

The Premier described the engagement as an opportunity to deepen collaboration between national and provincial government in confronting challenges.

“This oversight visit is not merely ceremonial, but a critical expression of cooperative governance and a platform for decisive alignment between national and provincial priorities in advancing service delivery and improving the lived realities of our people.

“[The] previous engagement with our province reaffirmed the urgency with which we must confront the social challenges facing our communities. We remain resolute in intensifying our efforts, particularly in the fight against gender-based violence and in building safer, more cohesive communities,” she said.

Letsoha-Mathae committed to presenting a “candid reflection” of the province’s fortunes.

“We utilise this engagement as a platform for accountability and progress. We will present a candid reflection of where we are succeeding, where we are falling short, and where focused national support is required to accelerate implementation.

“We are committed to strengthening governance, improving financial management, and restoring public confidence in the capacity of the state to deliver.

“We look forward to a constructive and solution-oriented engagement with you and your Cabinet, as we work collectively to drive implementation, unblock challenges, and ensure that our people experience meaningful change,” the Premier concluded.

The President is leading the engagement with the provincial government today at the University of Free State Centenary Complex in Bloemfontein, under the theme: “A Nation that Works for All”.

READ | Free State to outline challenges, solutions, in engagement with President Ramaphosa

“The visit is aligned with President Ramaphosa’s commitment to encourage closer collaboration with Provinces and Local spheres of government to tackle service delivery challenges.

“This initiative accords with Section 154 of the Constitution, which mandates national and provincial governments to support and strengthen capacity of municipalities in governance,” the Presidency said in a statement, ahead of Friday’s engagement. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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Free State a ‘natural logistics and distribution hub’

Source: Government of South Africa

Free State a ‘natural logistics and distribution hub’

The Free State province’s strategic location has the potential to catapult the province into South Africa’s natural logistics and distribution hub.

This, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who delivered the opening remarks at a meeting between the National and Provincial Executive Councils. 

The President is today convening the eighth engagement in a series between national and provincial governments.

“The Free State is uniquely positioned to be at the heart of our country’s economic growth story.  It is strategically located, making it a natural logistics and distribution hub, linking major economic centres,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President added that the province should share the practices it is using to successfully address certain challenges, so they can be replicated elsewhere in the country. 

“For example, the Free State is leading the way in providing comprehensive agricultural support to emerging farmers and in implementing food security initiatives in vulnerable communities. 

“During the last financial year, the province also exceeded its work opportunities targets through the Expanded Public Works Programme, reaching more than 46 000 beneficiaries. The Free State also continues to register successes in the provision of health services, notably around HIV/Aids and TB. There has also been notable progress in fighting crime.

“As you build on the progress made over the past year, be assured of our full support as the National Executive,” he said.

The province’s other strategic advantages include strong agricultural capacity, established mining industry and potential in renewable energy and battery storage.

“These endowments and advantages must be leveraged to drive inclusive growth and create jobs. 

“With the necessary support, focus and direction, guided by the provincial One Plan developed under the DDM [District Development Model], the Free State’s full potential must be unleashed,” President Ramaphosa said.

Reflecting on the State of the Province Address delivered by Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae earlier this year, President Ramaphosa commended the “ambitious, future-facing and outcomes-oriented” plans for the province.

“I was particularly struck by the attention to detail given to the initiatives planned for the year ahead, particularly around youth job creation, vocational training for young people, support for the agricultural sector, township economy revitalisation and others. 

“This is what the District Development Model we initiated in 2019 is all about – namely the finer, granular details of not just what is being done to localise development, but also the ‘how’ and the ‘when’.

“Timeous implementation is the yardstick by which we are measured, and also by which we will be judged. We look forward to the presentation from the Premier on the priorities, challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Free State,” he said.

Resolving local government challenges

A central theme to the President’s remarks was the need to restore municipalities that face severe challenges.

Some 35 of South Africa’s 257 municipalities are in distress with a further 63% at risk.

“When there are weaknesses or failings at local government, it isn’t just service delivery that suffers, but the trust between government and citizens becomes frayed. To put it quite bluntly, across much if not most of the country, local government is in crisis,” he said.

President Ramaphosa noted that municipalities – including seven in the Free State – are being placed under administration, adding that government is “alive to the realities and to the magnitude of this problem”. 

“In this year’s State of the Nation Address, I outlined the steps we will be taking to strengthen local government, including reviewing the funding model for municipalities and establishing ring-fenced utilities for water and electricity services.

“We will also be undertaking extensive consultations around the updated White Paper on Local Government during the course of this year. Restoring the fortunes of local government must be at the centre of our efforts if we are to attract investment that creates jobs and boosts the provincial economy,” he said.

Working together

The President urged the provincial government to ensure that as solutions are presented, implementation follows suit.

“Inasmuch as we need to drill down on what the challenges, obstacles and bottlenecks are, this must be matched by solutions, and timelines for implementing them. This would be time well and effectively spent today,” he urged.

The President emphasised that the engagement with the Free State government serves as an additional channel of communication.

This supplements the existing intergovernmental relations frameworks such as the President’s Coordinating Council.

“With the State of the Nation address having given the line of march, as it were, we are here to offer our support, and also our counsel. Being agile and responsive is a hallmark of the capable, ethical and developmental state we are striving to build, and we are also here to listen.

“We are one government, united by One Constitution for One People, and it is in this spirit of cooperation that I would like our deliberations today to proceed,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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