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Power Africa Today: African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 Launches New Power platform and Conference to Drive the Fight Against Energy Poverty

Source: APO

More than 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to electricity, underscoring a stark reality: no single energy source will close the continent’s power gap. Instead, African governments are increasingly pursuing a multi-resource energy strategy – leveraging natural gas, renewables, hydropower and existing thermal assets – to expand access, improve grid reliability, and advance the goal of ending energy poverty by 2030.

These priorities will take center stage at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 through the newly launched Power Africa Today conference. The platform will convene utility executives, policymakers, investors, developers and technology providers to examine how generation expansion, transmission build-out, financing innovation and regional market integration can accelerate electrification and industrial growth across Africa. While discussions will reflect a wide range of ongoing developments across the continent – including renewable energy expansion, gas-to-power projects, grid modernization and cross-border trade – the focus will be on how these efforts can be better aligned into bankable, system-wide solutions that close the energy access gap.

Natural gas continues to play a central role in Africa’s power mix as a flexible, dispatchable fuel that supports industrial growth and complements intermittent renewable generation. At the same time, governments are scaling up utility-scale solar and wind projects alongside decentralized mini-grids and off-grid systems aimed at extending access to remote communities. Emerging technologies such as green hydrogen are also beginning to gain traction, supported by early-stage financing and policy frameworks, including the African Development Bank’s $20 million funding call to de-risk pilot projects.

Alongside generation expansion, power sector reform and infrastructure development are gaining momentum. South Africa’s wholesale electricity market reforms and long-term transmission expansion plans are opening the door to greater private sector participation, while Uganda’s Amari Power Transmission Project – Africa’s first privately financed independent transmission project to reach financial close – signals growing investor appetite for grid infrastructure.

Regional integration is also accelerating, with power pools advancing cross-border electricity trade through harmonized regulatory frameworks. At the same time, large-scale access initiatives such as Mission 300, led by the World Bank and AfDB, are helping to scale electrification efforts, having already connected more than 50 million people across the continent.

“Africa’s pathway to ending energy poverty will require every available resource working together. Natural gas, renewables, hydropower and existing power assets including coal and oil each have a role to play in delivering reliable electricity, supporting industrialization and improving quality of life across the continent,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

The Power Africa Today conference at AEW 2026 will provide a dedicated platform to translate these investments, reforms and partnerships into bankable projects – accelerating energy access and supporting sustainable economic growth across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Developing nations face complex climate transition amid need for affordable finance

Source: Government of South Africa

Developing nations face complex climate transition amid need for affordable finance

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh has emphasised that affordable finance to support a just transition and build climate resilience remains a critical enabler for developing countries as they navigate a complex global environment that could reshape mitigation strategies.

Singh was addressing the international community virtually at the Inclusive Forum on Carbon Mitigation Approaches (IFCMA), where he expressed concern about the climate response of developing nations, many of which are facing fiscal constraints due to debt-servicing costs.

“Due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions, fragmentation of international trade and investment flows, and persistent uncertainty, it is recognised that countries may recalibrate climate mitigation strategies to balance an increasingly complex set of policy objectives, including energy security, industrial competitiveness and strategic autonomy,” Singh said.

He said that as governments around the world pursue different approaches in responding to these emerging issues, new international spillovers may arise, with implications for greenhouse gas emissions, carbon leakage, trade and investment patterns, sustainable and inclusive economic growth, incentives to innovate, and technology diffusion.

“The imposition of high trade tariffs and reciprocity measures imposed by some countries invariably has impacts on others, particularly exporting countries, at the domestic level. 

“Entire value chains have been impacted. Many business operations have been disrupted, whilst they are grappling with soaring input costs such as fuel and fertilizers,” the Deputy Minister said.

He added that policies such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) have also affected exports of certain commodities, particularly in developing countries such as South Africa, which are still transitioning to an inclusive, climate-resilient, low-carbon economy.

CBAM is the European Union’s (EU) levy on emissions embedded in imported products, which makes it more expensive for companies to emit greenhouse gases. It intends to encourage cleaner industrial production in non-EU countries.

“In a developing country context, we also need to be cognisant of the need to develop new skills across value chains, recognise funding gaps, mobilise necessary capital investment, and ensure that the supporting infrastructure is equally enabling to grow the economy sustainably and inclusively. 

“Moreover, engagement with affected stakeholders and communities to ensure awareness and buy-in on required policy shifts and to identify capacity building requirements associated with the just transition is of paramount importance. The potential opportunities that can be created through the transition also need to be communicated,” Singh said.

The Deputy Minister said identifying risks and challenges is key to understanding what measures need to be put in place and what opportunities these may create.

He pointed out that South Africa has taken several steps to create an enabling policy environment that will facilitate the transition of the economy in a manner that is low-carbon, inclusive and climate resilient.

South Africa’s Climate Change Act was promulgated in 2024 to guide the country’s just transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.

“We have consulted with companies, which trigger in excess of 30 000 tonnes of carbon emissions equivalent (CO2 eq.) per annum, in preparing companies for the Carbon Budget Regulations. 

“Companies need to put mitigation plans in place and report on progress on an annual basis. This is a significant intervention in transitioning the industry in reducing emissions,” Singh said.

Furthermore, the national government has been working closely with other spheres of government, particularly local government, to undertake risk and vulnerability assessments and assist municipalities with developing climate change response plans.

“The end goal is to enhance adaptive capacity and build climate resilience. Recently, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, launched the Industrial Development Strategy (IDS) for South Africa,” he said.

The objective of the strategy is to support the decarbonisation of industry through the uptake of cleaner technology and new energy systems, as well as economic diversification through beneficiated value chains and digitalisation.

“Product and market diversification is a long-term goal. By the same token, we must also ensure inclusivity and, in this regard, small businesses need to be part of the solution.

“As South Africa, we remain committed to the targets as set in the 2025 updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and the implementation of the Climate Change Act of 2024. We look forward to developing and nurturing enabling partnerships both internationally and domestically to support these important processes,” the Deputy Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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MEC leads FMD vaccination drive in Ngqushwa Local Municipality

Source: Government of South Africa

MEC leads FMD vaccination drive in Ngqushwa Local Municipality

The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture continues in its efforts to contain the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak that has affected parts of the province since late 2025.

Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe is expected to lead an ongoing vaccination drive at the Woodlands Dip Tank in Ngqushwa Local Municipality on Thursday as part of the province’s response to the disease.

The outbreak was first confirmed on 23 December 2025 at Bumbane Village in Keiskamahoek, within the Amahlathi Local Municipality, prompting authorities to implement a range of containment measures aimed at protecting the livestock sector.

During her visit, Kontsiwe will assess progress made in controlling the disease and engage with farmers, veterinary professionals and industry stakeholders involved in the response effort.

The visit is also intended to strengthen support for livestock farmers and recognise the work being carried out by veterinary teams on the ground.

The provincial government’s intervention earlier this year provided a major boost to the response programme.

In February, R55 million was allocated towards combating the outbreak, enabling the department to place an order for approximately 1.05 million vaccine doses.

The MEC is expected to announce the significance of the latest vaccination milestone and provide an update on procurement processes linked to the funding received from the provincial treasury.

The vaccination campaign forms part of broader efforts to curb the spread of the highly contagious livestock disease, which poses a serious threat to animal health, agricultural production and market access.

Provincial authorities have reiterated their commitment to working closely with farmers and industry stakeholders to ensure that containment measures remain effective and that livestock farming communities receive the support needed to recover from the outbreak. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Power Africa Today: African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 lança nova plataforma e conferência sobre energia para impulsionar a luta contra a pobreza energética

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Mais de 600 milhões de pessoas na África Subsariana continuam sem acesso à eletricidade, o que sublinha uma realidade gritante: nenhuma fonte de energia, por si só, irá colmatar o défice energético do continente. Em vez disso, os governos africanos estão cada vez mais a adotar uma estratégia energética multirrecursos — tirando partido do gás natural, das energias renováveis, da energia hidroelétrica e dos ativos térmicos existentes — para alargar o acesso, melhorar a fiabilidade da rede e avançar com o objetivo de acabar com a pobreza energética até 2030.

Estas prioridades assumirão um papel central na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, através da conferência «Power Africa Today», recentemente lançada. A plataforma reunirá executivos de empresas de serviços públicos, decisores políticos, investidores, promotores e fornecedores de tecnologia para analisar de que forma a expansão da produção, o desenvolvimento da rede de transporte, a inovação no financiamento e a integração dos mercados regionais podem acelerar a eletrificação e o crescimento industrial em toda a África. Embora os debates reflitam um vasto leque de desenvolvimentos em curso em todo o continente — incluindo a expansão das energias renováveis, projetos de conversão de gás em eletricidade, modernização da rede e comércio transfronteiriço —, o foco incidirá sobre a forma como estes esforços podem ser melhor alinhados em soluções viáveis e abrangentes a nível do sistema, que colmatem a lacuna no acesso à energia.

O gás natural continua a desempenhar um papel central no mix energético de África, enquanto combustível flexível e despachável que apoia o crescimento industrial e complementa a produção intermitente de energias renováveis. Ao mesmo tempo, os governos estão a ampliar projetos de energia solar e eólica à escala das empresas de serviços públicos, a par de minirredes descentralizadas e sistemas fora da rede, com o objetivo de alargar o acesso a comunidades remotas. Tecnologias emergentes, como o hidrogénio verde, também começam a ganhar impulso, apoiadas por financiamento em fase inicial e por quadros políticos, incluindo o apelo de financiamento de 20 milhões de dólares do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento para reduzir os riscos dos projetos-piloto.

A par da expansão da produção, a reforma do setor energético e o desenvolvimento de infraestruturas estão a ganhar impulso. As reformas do mercado grossista de eletricidade da África do Sul e os planos de expansão da transmissão a longo prazo estão a abrir caminho a uma maior participação do setor privado, enquanto o Projeto de Transmissão Amari, no Uganda — o primeiro projeto de transmissão independente financiado pelo setor privado em África a concluir o fecho financeiro —, sinaliza um crescente interesse dos investidores nas infraestruturas da rede.

A integração regional também está a acelerar, com os consórcios de energia a promoverem o comércio transfronteiriço de eletricidade através de quadros regulamentares harmonizados. Ao mesmo tempo, iniciativas de acesso em grande escala, como a «Mission 300», liderada pelo Banco Mundial e pelo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), estão a ajudar a ampliar os esforços de eletrificação, tendo já ligado mais de 50 milhões de pessoas em todo o continente.

«O caminho de África para acabar com a pobreza energética exigirá que todos os recursos disponíveis trabalhem em conjunto. O gás natural, as energias renováveis, a energia hidroelétrica e os ativos energéticos existentes, incluindo o carvão e o petróleo, têm, cada um, um papel a desempenhar no fornecimento de eletricidade fiável, no apoio à industrialização e na melhoria da qualidade de vida em todo o continente», afirma NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia.

A conferência «Power Africa Today», a realizar-se no âmbito da AEW 2026, proporcionará uma plataforma dedicada para transformar estes investimentos, reformas e parcerias em projetos financiáveis — acelerando o acesso à energia e apoiando o crescimento económico sustentável em todo o continente.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) Signs 13 Landmark Agreements to Promote Private Sector Growth in its Member Countries

Source: APO

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-PS.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, is pleased to announce the signing of 13 significant financing and strategic cooperation agreements with various counterparts aimed at catalyzing economic development and bolstering private sector growth and initiatives across several member countries in diverse regions around the world. These agreements were signed during the 2026 Annual Meetings of the IsDB Group, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, under the theme “Regional Integration for Sustainable Prosperity”, which provided a platform for member countries to advance dialogue and cooperation on regional connectivity, resilience and inclusive growth. The signing of these agreements underscores ICD’s unwavering commitment to fostering prosperity through strategic partnerships and promoting access to finance and financial inclusion in its member countries.

In line with its mandate to support private sector growth in its member countries, the ICD and the Azerbaijan Business Development Fund (ABDF) signed a framework agreement to launch a managed Shariah-compliant line of financing program for SMEs during the opening ceremony of the IsDB Group 2026 Annual Meeting’s Private Sector Forum in Baku. Under this framework, the parties are to collaborate in deploying up to AZN 200 million within the next two years. The program introduces a local currency (AZN) financing channel by which, ICD, acting as ABDF’s agent, will blend ABDF’s AZN funds with ICD’s USD, EUR, and AZN resources to support SMEs and private sector growth in Azerbaijan. Through this initiative, the ICD, acting on its own behalf and on behalf of ABDF, will provide either single or multi-currency line of financing facilities to selected partner financial institutions in Azerbaijan for on-ward financing of eligible companies in the country. This arrangement is expected to help mitigate foreign exchange risk that has long hindered the growth of  Azerbaijani SMEs, especially those operating outside major cities in the country.

In a further attempt to explore bankable financing opportunities in Azerbaijan and facilitate the realization of its mandate of supporting private sector development in its member countries, the ICD also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), establishing strategic cooperation between the two institutions to collaborate in financing  of infrastructure and energy projects in Azerbaijan and other member countries within existing public private partnership (PPP) frameworks. Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the parties will identify and evaluate financing opportunities for project companies established by SOCAR and its joint venture partners. Within this framework, ICD will provide financing solutions tailored to the specific requirements of the projects.

Further, the ICD signed a Mandate Letter with Azerconnect for a USD 20 Million financing facility for capex financing and an Expression of Intent Letter for a USD 15 Million Line of Financing Facility with Turan Bank for onward financing of SMEs and eligible companies in Azerbaijan.

In an effort to strengthen and deepen its operations in Nigeria, the ICD also signed a Mandate Letter with the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) for a USD 50 Million syndicated line of financing facility to be arranged by ICD to be used by NEXIM for financing eligible private sector entities in Nigeria.

In line with its mandate of promoting economic development in its member countries, the ICD also signed an Expression of Intent  Letter for a proposed EUR 50 million Line of Financing Facility with  Afriland Bank (Cameroon),  and a Final Term Sheet for Euro 20 Million line of finance facility with AFG Bank (Cameroon), each for the purpose of onward financing of SMEs and other eligible private sector companies in Cameroon. Under these facilities,  the ICD will be leading and supporting the arrangement and mobilization of resources and private capital to support the operations of these Cameroonian banks and thus contributing to fostering economic growth and prosperity in the country.

Consistent with its objective of having a diversified portfolio across its member countries, the ICD also signed a Murabaha Facility Agreement with Al Salam Bank of Bahrain (ASB) for a USD 50 million Line of Finance Facility for the purpose of  onward financing of eligible companies in Bahrain whose operations contribute or have the potential of contributing significantly to the  growth and development of SMEs and the private sector in general in Bahrain.

ICD has also signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding  with DAMU Entrepreneurship Development Fund of Kazakhstan to establish framework for cooperation aimed at identifying and developing financing and guarantee opportunities for Lines of financing in Kazakhstan, with a focus on supporting SMEs and private‑sector entities.

To further its support to the growth of the private sector in Kazakhstan, the ICD also signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with KAZAGROFINANCE JSC of Kazakhstan (KAF) to establish a common ground for partnership between the parties and the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan to extend thematic agri-sector linked line of finance facilities  to KAF under the Ministry’s subsidy program to farmers in Kazakhstan.

Additionally, Leveraging on ICD’s recent and first successful credit enhancement transaction with the African Solidarity Fund (FSA) in Mauritania in partnership with Banque Mauritanienne de l’Investissement (BMI),  the ICD signed a strategic Expression of Intent Letter with FSA as a demonstration of their intent to upscale their partnership in the use of FSA’s guarantees as credit enhancement for ICD’s line of financing operations in selected common member countries of the Parties.

Finally, the ICD also signed a Strategic MOU with the Texel Group of UK to establish a platform of cooperation on credit portfolio enhancement through insurance. Through this MOU the parties are aiming to combine ICD’s origination and development financing capabilities with Texel Group’s structuring and placement expertise in the use of Non Payment Insurance to enhance risk management, optimize capital allocation, and mobilize additional financing into priority sectors, while enabling ICD to upscale its financing activities and efficiently manage portfolio concentration and credit exposure in its member countries.

All these signed agreements represent a major step forward in ICD’s efforts to promote sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion across its member countries. By strengthening partnerships with key financial institutions and development partners, ICD continues to play a vital role in supporting private sector growth and development in its member countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD):
The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector is a multilateral development financial institution and a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Established in November 1999, ICD supports economic development in its member countries by promoting the establishment, expansion and modernization of private enterprises, through financing and cross boarder investments in private sector enterprises and projects. ICD is rated A+ by Fitch, A2 by Moody’s, and A- by S&P.

For more information, visit www.ICD-PS.org.

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Morocco’s Foreign Minister Receives Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Envoy Bearing Message to His Majesty the King from President Félix Tshisekedi

Source: APO


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Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Mr. Nasser Bourita received on Wednesday in Rabat Crispin Mbadu Phanzu, Deputy Minister attached to the Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, responsible for Francophonie and Congolese living abroad, who delivered a message to His Majesty King Mohammed VI from President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo.

Speaking to the press following the meeting, Mbadu Phanzu praised the excellent bilateral cooperation relations between Morocco and the DRC, two countries linked by a long-standing history of friendship and partnership, noting that his visit to the Kingdom is also aimed at promoting his country’s candidacy for the post of Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF ).

For her part, Juliana Amato Lumumba, the DRC’s candidate for Secretary-General of the OIF and a member of the visiting delegation, highlighted the strength of the bonds of solidarity and friendship between the two countries.

She recalled that her father, Patrice Émery Lumumba, had been decorated by the late His Majesty Mohammed V.

Lumumba also commended the convergence of views between Morocco and the DRC on issues related to solidarity, unity, inclusiveness and sovereignty, calling for “a Francophonie of the people, with the people and for the people.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

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African Mining Week (AMW) to Unlock Zimbabwe’s $12B Mining Vision Through Direct Investor Partnerships

Source: APO


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African Mining Week 2026 – The Most Influential Mining Conference in Africa – will connect Zimbabwean regulators and mining stakeholders with global investors to advance partnerships, as the country accelerates efforts to build a $12 billion mining industry by 2030.

Taking place from October 14 – 16 in Cape Town, AMW 2026 will feature a dedicated Zimbabwe Country Spotlight, showcasing lucrative opportunities across the country’s mining value chain. The country spotlight will feature high-level panel discussions, exclusive networking sessions and project showcases, connecting global investors and service providers with senior decision-makers from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development of Zimbabwe, the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe and leading mining companies operating across the country.

The spotlight comes at a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe, as the country seeks fresh capital to unlock value from more than 60 known mineral occurrences spanning gold, lithium, platinum group metals, chrome, coal and rare earths.

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In a major move to improve investment competitiveness, Zimbabwe reduced mining-related license and permit fees in May 2026, lowering operational costs for investors while streamlining market participation. Registration fees for dealing in precious stones have been reduced from $15,000 to $10,000, while export permit fees have been cut from $1,875 to $500. New licensing categories – including permits for gold jewellery manufacturing and lithium processing plants – have also been introduced as part of a broader strategy to promote investments across in-country value addition projects. The reduction in fees for beneficiation projects follows the April 2026 introduction of export quotas for lithium concentrates ahead of a planned 2027 ban on concentrate exports. The shift is already reshaping the country’s lithium industry, with Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt achieving Zimbabwe’s first export shipment of lithium sulphate salts in April 2026.

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Coming into this picture, AMW 2026’s Zimbabwe Country Spotlight will provide investors with direct insights into these evolving regulatory frameworks, highlighting emerging investment and partnership prospects in lithium processing and across the mining value chain.

Zimbabwe’s gold sector is also positioned for renewed growth amid sustained high global gold prices (averaging $5,000 per ounce). In line with this momentum, Zimbabwe’s sovereign wealth fund, Mutapa Investment Fund, is seeking $250 million to expand gold mining operations. Against this backdrop, AMW 2026 offers a timely platform for investors to engage with one of Africa’s most prospective brownfield gold markets and explore opportunities across exploration, mine expansion and processing infrastructure.

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AMW 2026’s strong emphasis on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) formalization also aligns closely with Zimbabwe’s national mining development strategy. In May 2026, Zimbabwe certified 300 small-scale miners following completion of training programs safety, compliance and productivity. Supported by funding from Mutapa Gold Resources – a subsidiary of Mutapa Investment Fund – the initiative aims to train and formalize 1,500 ASM players.

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As the official platform where Africa’s mining opportunities are discussed and maximized, AMW 2026 will provide stakeholders with market intelligence on Zimbabwe’s evolving mining landscape and investment outlook.

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

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Deputy Special Representative Barrie Freeman Concludes Visit to The Gambia, Underscores Importance of Regional Cooperation and Good Governance

Source: APO


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The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Barrie Freeman, concluded today her visit to Banjul, The Gambia, where she participated in a two-day high-level workshop on “Strengthening Security and Stabilization in Sahel and West Africa: Bridging Good Governance, Regional Cooperation, and Multilateral Responses.”

During the workshop, Ms. Freeman contributed to a panel discussion on “Regional and multilateral responses- Strategies and coordination, including follow-up actions,” alongside senior representatives from regional and international organizations. The discussion emphasized the urgent need for greater coherence, coordination, and sustained follow-up among existing initiatives addressing the complex security and governance challenges in West Africa and the Sahel.

Ms. Freeman commended the African Union Mission for Mali and the Sahel (MISAHEL) and its partners for convening this workshop, noting that the region faces a complex mix of democratic progress, persistent vulnerabilities, and worsening insecurity. She stressed the need for a comprehensive approach addressing root causes such as weak governance and socio-economic exclusion, underscored trust, and preventive diplomacy as essential for effective cooperation and reaffirmed United Nations support to regional partners including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

On the margins of the workshop, Ms. Freeman was received in audience by His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of The Gambia, with whom she discussed national and regional developments. She commended The Gambia’s role within the ECOWAS and the African Union (AU) in promoting dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution and praised President Barrow’s commitment to democratic governance and regional cooperation.

Ms. Freeman reaffirmed the United Nations’ continued support through UNOWAS and the UN country team, underscoring a shared commitment to advancing peace, governance, and sustainable development, and to strengthening coordinated responses to challenges across West Africa and the Sahel.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).

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Letsike to honour 50 unsung heroes of 1976 Youth Uprising

Source: Government of South Africa

Letsike to honour 50 unsung heroes of 1976 Youth Uprising

Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, will lead a Youth Month Commemoration and Constitutional Democracy Programme in Soweto on Friday as South Africa marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprising.

The event, scheduled for 26 June, will pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the young people who took part in the historic uprising, while also celebrating the country’s constitutional democracy and encouraging active citizenship among today’s youth.

A key highlight of the commemoration will be the recognition of 50 previously unsung heroes and heroines of the 1976 Student Uprising.

Deputy Minister Letsike will present Certificates of Appreciation to the recipients in acknowledgement of their role in the struggle against apartheid.

Former schools attended by the honourees will also be recognised for their contribution to South Africa’s liberation history.

The programme will feature intergenerational dialogue sessions, reflections on the legacy of the 1976 uprising, discussions on constitutional democracy involving young people, and storytelling sessions highlighting the contributions of women to the liberation struggle.

Women veterans and community leaders will also participate through the 54 African Mamas and the Her 1976 Footsteps initiative, which seeks to preserve and share the stories of women who played a role in the fight for freedom.

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities said the event aims to honour the legacy of the 1976 generation while inspiring young South Africans to play an active role in strengthening democracy.

The commemoration will take place in Soweto from 10am to 1pm on Friday. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Apartheid era informer to appear in court

Source: Government of South Africa

Apartheid era informer to appear in court

A 74-year-old former apartheid informer, commonly known as an Askari, is set to appear before the Benoni Regional Court today, 25 June 2026, on multiple charges, including 15 counts of murder, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) said on Thursday.

In a statement ahead of the court appearance, the Directorate said it continues its pursuit of accountability for apartheid-era atrocities.

“The suspect was served with a summons to appear in court following a meticulous investigation conducted by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation’s Crimes Against the State Section. The investigation stems from three matters that were brought before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC),” said the Hawks.

The investigation linked the suspect to three incidents known as Operation Zero Zero, the Nietverdiend 10, and the KwaNdebele 9. These incidents allegedly shared a similar modus operandi in which young people were lured under the guise of receiving military training, provided with explosives, and subsequently smuggled out of the country during the apartheid era.

“It is alleged that the suspect deceived the youths into believing they were participating in operations against the apartheid government. Instead, they met their deaths at the hands of the suspect and two accomplices who allegedly operated from Vlakplaas under the command of Eugene de Kock. 

“The suspect faces multiple charges, including 15 counts of murder, arson, kidnapping, unlawful possession of explosives, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as defeating or obstructing the administration of justice,” said the Hawks.

In March, President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring justice for victims of apartheid-era crimes, saying their calls for accountability cannot be ignored. 

READ | President Ramaphosa committed to justice for victims of apartheid-era crimes

In a statement at the time, the Presidency said government remains determined to pursue justice for families who have long sought closure over unresolved crimes committed during apartheid. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

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