Eskom contract worker sentenced to 35 years in prison

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom contract worker sentenced to 35 years in prison

Eskom contract worker, Simeon Majaonke Shongwe (46), is expected to serve 20 years behind bars after he was sentenced to 35 years’ imprisonment by the Ermelo District Court.

Shongwe was arrested five days after he intentionally caused damages valued at R22 726 180.00 at the Eskom Camden power station in Ermelo on 10 November 2022.

The case was handed over to the Hawks’ Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation for further handling. Information received from witnesses and crime scenes proved a strong case, which was presented before court. 

Shongwe made several court appearances and was released on bail as investigations continued. 

Shongwe was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for tampering with essential infrastructure and 15 years’ imprisonment for theft. The court ruled that both sentences run concurrently. As a result, Shongwe is expected to spend the next 20 years behind bars.

“Tampering with essential infrastructure [is] a national problem and has a negative impact on service delivery to members of the public. 

“Eskom has been plagued by sabotage, and this conviction and sentence must serve as a strong warning to those implicated in such despicable acts. 

“We really welcome the sentence and appreciate the excellent work by the investigation team and prosecution,” said Major General Nico Gerber, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Call for better policing

Source: Government of South Africa

Call for better policing

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has emphasised to members of the police service that citizens deserve an effective, accountable policing service that is deeply trusted by the communities it serves. 

“They want to walk the streets and live in their homes without fear. They want their children to travel to school, sports fields and shops free from the threat of violence,” Cachalia said on Monday.

The Acting Minister was addressing the 11th edition of the National Excellence Awards in Bloemfontein, which recognise and honour outstanding performance, exceptional commitment to community relations, innovation, professionalism and acts of bravery within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The ceremony was held under the theme: “Serving with integrity, celebrating excellence.”

Cachalia stressed the importance of a trustworthy SAPS, noting that the public wants to establish businesses and earn a living without fear, intimidation and criminal extraction of resources. 

“Trust is not automatic. Trust is earned day after day, interaction by interaction, call by call. Trust is built when the conduct of every member of the service reflects the values of the Constitution and the highest standards of professionalism of the SAPS,” he said.

Cachalia said professional conduct that upholds the dignity of civilians is not optional.

“It is central to the mission of policing in a democratic society. It is the foundation of public trust. And without that trust, even the best operational plans and the newest technologies will fall short. 

“An officer who listens, explains and treats people respectfully, reduces tensions, prevents escalation and strengthens the legitimacy of the South African Police Service in particular and the State more broadly.

“When officers act with professionalism and dignity, communities are more willing to share intelligence, to work with investigators and to stand against criminals.

“When we behave indifferently, rudely, brutally or corruptly, we lose cooperation, we lose support and community trust and with it, the effectiveness of policing,” the Acting Minister said.

He highlighted that police operate in communities beset by poverty, unemployment, substance abuse and inadequate social services.

“You encounter trauma, anger and desperation. These situations are difficult, and they test our training, our discipline and our compassion. But it is precisely in those difficult moments that professional conduct must shine brightest. It is precisely then that demonstrating fairness and dignity matters most. Our officers, whom we honour and celebrate today, live and exemplify this truth.

“I have seen officers calm volatile situations with patient communication. I have seen officers go the extra mile to ensure a victim of gender-based violence receives care and protection.

“I have seen young constables build relationships in neighbourhood’s previously closed to the police, and in doing so prevent conflict before it erupts. I have been highly impressed by police members who refuse to take bribes but arrest and charge those making the offer,” Cachalia said.

Every year in January, the SAPS gathers to celebrate outstanding performance, exceptional commitment, and bravery displayed by its men and women in blue.

According to SAPS, this prestigious event serves as a powerful reminder that behind every accolade is a story of sacrifice, resilience and service. Being a police officer is not merely a profession, but a calling.

There are over 30 award categories, which include the Ministry’s Award, National Commissioner’s Award, Operations Member of the Year, Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Investigator of the Year, Crime Intelligence Member of the Year, Station of the Year, Forensic Services Team of the Year, and Community Policing Forum (CPF). – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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Qatar, Armenia Hold First Political Consultation Round

Source: Government of Qatar

Yerevan, January 27, 2026

The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and the Republic of Armenia held the first round of political consultation on Tuesday in Yerevan, Armenia.

HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi led the Qatari side, while HE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan led the Armenian side.

The consultation round discussed the cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them.

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Armenia Mansour bin Abdulla Al Sulaitin, HE Director of Asian Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Al Johara bint Yousef Al Obaidan Fakhro, and the accompanying delegation attended the consultation round.

Revealed: Mining Elites in Africa 2026 winners

Source: APO – Report:

It is the moment the industry has been waiting for.

The winners and runners-up of Mining Elites in Africa 2026 have officially been revealed, recognising the leaders, companies and projects that are making a meaningful impact across the African mining sector.

The annual publication highlights individuals and organisations that are not only driving performance and innovation within their own operations, but are also contributing to broader sustainability outcomes. These include positive impacts on host countries, local communities and regional economies.

Readers can now download their free digital copy (https://apo-opa.co/4agfnP7) to discover this year’s Mining Elites and learn more about the work shaping the future of mining on the continent.

Selecting the 2026 winners and runners-up was a rigorous process, supported by an experienced advisory panel made up of respected industry professionals. Mining Elites in Africa extends its sincere appreciation to the panel members for their time, insight and expertise.

Advisory panel

  • Bokang Kelepa (https://apo-opa.co/3LVH2eQ), Chief Growth Officer, Baletsema Holdings
  • Laura Nicholson (https://apo-opa.co/4t3D8RO), Product Director, Investing in African Mining Indaba
  • Marcin Wertz (https://apo-opa.co/3M8xNYT), Principal Mining Engineer and Partner, SRK Consulting
  • Marcus Courage (https://apo-opa.co/4q5rCTB), Chief Executive Officer, Africa Practice
  • Selina Zhuwarara (https://apo-opa.co/3Lzrc9S), Principal Consultant, Autem Mining Consultancy
  • Yandi Mini (https://apo-opa.co/3NFfqeF), Principal and Partner, Boston Consulting Group

Contributing to a greater cause

Mining Elites in Africa 2026 also acknowledges and thanks its sponsors for their continued support of this flagship publication. Their products and services play an important role in advancing responsible, efficient and sustainable mining practices across Africa.

Lead sponsor

  • Consulmet

Premium partners

  • SSC Group
  • Gold Ore
  • Credeq Africa

Category partners

  • Goodwin
  • Armco
  • Council for Geoscience
  • Innomotics
  • OIA Global
  • Geobrugg
  • Guardrisk
  • AKS Lining Systems
  • TLT Turbo
  • Xylem
  • Invincible Valves

The Mining Elites in Africa 2026 digital publication is available to download now (https://apo-opa.co/4agfnP7).

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

Media files

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Government-Business Partnership commits to "inclusive growth, jobs and confidence" as central framework for Phase Three

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa today met with Ministers and senior business leaders under the Government Business Partnership, formally commencing Phase Three of the partnership with a shared commitment to placing economic growth at the centre of the partnership’s work in 2026.

The meeting reviewed progress achieved during Phase Two, during which important gains were made in stabilising the energy and logistics systems. These advances, together with a number of other achievements, contributed to improved sentiment towards the end of 2025. Investors are increasingly responding positively to South Africa’s economic trajectory and recognising policy credibility.

Significant developments include South Africa’s removal from the FATF grey list, a steady reduction in inflation towards the 3 per cent target, a successful and oversubscribed sovereign Eurobond issuance, a firmer Rand and an upgrade to South Africa’s sovereign credit rating by S&P — the first in more than two decades.

During Phase Two, coordinated interventions and policy reform improved operational performance, particularly at Eskom. The recent commencement of the Durban Pier 2 terminal concession and the opening of the rail network to private operators further demonstrate the momentum that has been achieved. The Partnership agreed that the focus in these two areas must now shift decisively from crisis management to the urgent implementation of government’s structural reform agenda. Establishing commercially viable, competitive markets in these network industries is essential to mobilising the additional investment required for growth.

Against this backdrop, Government and business agreed that the central framework for Phase Three of the Partnership will be anchored in “Inclusive Growth, Jobs and Confidence”. In a rapidly changing global environment characterised by economic realignment, heightened competition for capital and increased uncertainty, the Partnership agreed that a disciplined focus on competitiveness and inclusive growth is essential. All actions under the Partnership will be assessed against their ability to grow the economy, support job creation and strengthen confidence.

Government and business further agreed that crime and corruption remain among the most significant deterrents to confidence, investment and economic growth. While progress has been made in strengthening institutional capability — including through FATF-related reforms and improved coordination — there is agreement that a more ambitious crime and corruption focus is necessary to support Government’s efforts to reform the criminal justice system. Tackling organised crime, corruption and weaknesses in the criminal justice system will therefore become a more central focus of the Partnership’s work in 2026, recognising the direct link between the rule of law, societal and investor confidence, and growth.

Priority activities for Phase Three include support for Government’s energy market reform, including the launch of a competitive South African wholesale electricity market, grid expansion and the publication of a clear roadmap for Eskom’s unbundling which clarifies the approach to establishing an independent Transmission System Operator in line with the Electricity Regulation Act. Another priority for this year is to accelerate reforms in the transport and logistics sector, including greater private sector participation, to increase investment and improve competitiveness and efficiency.

Youth employment interventions in other sectors will build on the model of close coordination between Government and business, which resulted in the successful introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which removes a key bottleneck to increasing international tourist arrivals and supports job creation.

Across all priority areas, the emphasis will be on execution and delivery in support of growth. Government and business agreed that this year should represent a decisive turning point for South Africa’s economic trajectory, and an opportunity to achieve lasting progress and shared prosperity.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “After two years of hard work, we can definitively say this partnership has been a success. While we have achieved much, there is much that we need to do. As this partnership evolves and as the focus of our work shifts, we remain firmly committed to acting together and with purpose to serve the needs of our country.”

Adrian Gore, Group CEO of Discovery and co-convener of the business delegation, said: “South Africa is turning the corner. We must act decisively to convert this momentum into investment and jobs. “Growth, Jobs, Confidence” sits at the heart of our approach and needs to be the filter for every decision in 2026. If an action does not advance these objectives, it should not proceed. If it does, we should move quickly and back it fully. Business is fully committed to supporting this.”

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

For Business: Dani Cohen on 082 897 0443 / dani@prologconsulting.co.za OR Sandra Sowray on 079 167 6863 / sandra@prologconsulting.co.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

L’initiative «Tchad Connexion 2030» : La Banque islamique de développement (BID) renforce son partenariat pour soutenir les priorités nationales de développement du Tchad

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Groupe de la Banque islamique de développement (BID) (www.IsDB.org) a organisé la Journée de la BID au Tchad, marquant une nouvelle étape dans le renforcement de la coopération avec le pays. Cet événement intervient après le lancement réussi de l’initiative «Tchad Connexion 2030» à Abou Dhabi il y a quelques mois, ce qui confirme l’engagement de la BID à soutenir des projets de développement alignés sur les priorités du Plan national de développement du Tchad.

L’événement, tenue le 26 janvier à N’Djamena, s’est déroulée en présence du Premier ministre de la République du Tchad, Son Excellence M. Allamaye Halina, et a été organisée en partenariat avec le Ministère des Finances, du Budget, de l’Économie, de la Planification et de la Coopération internationale. La délégation du Groupe de la BID était présidée par Dr. Issa Faye, représentant S.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, Président du Groupe de la BID. En outre, l’événement a connu la participation des ministres, des hauts responsables, ainsi que des représentants d’institutions financières régionales et d’entreprises privées.

S’exprimant à cette occasion, M.  Allamaye Halina a déclaré: «Le Tchad entre dans une phase où la traduction de la vision en projets concrets est essentielle. Le Groupe de la Banque islamique de développement est un partenaire de confiance dans cet effort, notamment pour le renforcement des capacités de mise en œuvre financière, le développement des compétences et la mobilisation d’investissements à fort impact pour nos populations.»

De son côté, M. Tahir Hamid Nguilin, Ministre des Finances, du Budget, de l’Économie, de la Planification et de la Coopération internationale, a souligné: «Notre priorité est de stimuler le commerce par une meilleure cohérence entre les politiques publiques, des mécanismes de financement efficaces et la mobilisation du secteur privé. La BID joue un rôle clé dans l’appui à cette approche, notamment à travers la structuration de projets, les instruments d’atténuation des risques et les solutions de financement mixte.»

Pour sa part, Dr. Issa Faye, Directeur général des pratiques mondiales et des partenariats du Groupe de la BID et chef de délégation, a déclaré: «L’engagement du groupe BID envers le Tchad est axé sur la fourniture de solutions intégrées combinant financement et assistance technique. Au cours du dialogue sur l’engagement du pays, l’équipe de la BID, en collaboration avec les autorités compétentes, explorera toutes les solutions disponibles provenant des secteurs public et privé afin de garantir que les solutions de développement co-créées soient holistiques. Grâce à une coordination plus étroite avec les autorités nationales et les parties prenantes locales, nous visons à accélérer la mise en œuvre des projets, à renforcer la résilience et à soutenir les initiatives à fort impact alignées sur le plan « Tchad Connection 2030 », en particulier dans les domaines de l’agriculture, de la technologie et des infrastructures. »

L’un des temps forts du programme a été un panel de discussion consacré aux priorités de développement du Tchad et au rôle du Groupe de la BID, visant à identifier des opportunités concrètes de coopération et à nouer des partenariats stratégiques pour accompagner le pays vers un développement durable et inclusif.

Une série de rencontres bilatérales (B2B et B2G) a également été organisée entre les représentants du Groupe de la BID, des chefs d’entreprise, des investisseurs et des institutions financières, afin d’explorer des opportunités de coopération et de partenariat. Des exemples de projets réussis mis en œuvre au Tchad en partenariat avec des entrepreneurs locaux ainsi que des institutions nationales et internationales ont été présentés.

L’événement a par ailleurs mis en lumière les activités, services et initiatives des différentes institutions du Groupe de la BID, notamment la Société islamique d’assurance des investissements et des crédits à l’exportation (SIACE), la Société islamique pour le développement du secteur privé (SID), la Société internationale islamique de financement du commerce (SIFC), l’Institut de la Banque islamique de développement (IBID) et le Forum des affaires du Groupe de la BID (THIQAH).

La journée s’est conclue par la réaffirmation de l’engagement du Groupe de la BID à poursuivre sa collaboration avec le gouvernement tchadien et le secteur privé national, afin de renforcer les partenariats stratégiques, d’élargir les opportunités d’investissement et d’améliorer l’environnement des affaires, contribuant ainsi à la réalisation du développement durable au Tchad.

Distribué par APO Group pour Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group).

A propos de la Banque islamique de développement :
La Banque islamique de développement est une banque de développement multilatérale qui œuvre à promouvoir le développement social et économique de ses pays membres visant à améliorer la vie des communautés bénéficiaires. Par le biais de partenariats collaboratifs entre les communautés des 57 pays membres, la Banque cherche à permettre à ces communautés d’atteindre le progrès économique et social et de construire l’infrastructure nécessaire pour libérer leur potentiel. Le nouveau modèle commercial de la banque «faire en sorte que les marchés œuvrent pour le développement» contribue à renforcer la compétitivité des pays membres dans des secteurs stratégiques, améliorant leur intégration dans les chaînes de valeur mondiales, en particulier dans les domaines des industries alimentaire et agricole, du textile, de la pétrochimie, construction, et la finance islamique. La Banque promeut également des solutions innovantes et durables aux défis du développement mondial, met à profit le potentiel scientifique de la technologie et de l’innovation en tant que moteurs clés de la croissance économique et contribue à la réalisation des objectifs de développement durable des Nations Unies.

A propos du Plan national de développement, Tchad Connexion 2030 :
Structuré autour de quatre grands axes d’intervention, déclinés en 17 programmes comprenant 268 projets et réformes, l’initiative «Tchad Connexion 2030» vise à réaliser une transformation profonde et systémique de l’économie et de la société tchadiennes à travers :

  • L’accélération du développement des infrastructures stratégiques critiques, notamment l’extension de l’accès à l’électricité et à l’eau sur l’ensemble du territoire, la digitalisation de l’économie, le renforcement des réseaux de transport et des corridors internationaux, ainsi que l’amélioration de la navigabilité des lacs et des grands fleuves, accompagnée du renforcement des institutions afin d’assurer une gestion efficace et durable des services publics ;
  • Le renforcement des politiques sociales, en particulier dans les domaines de l’éducation, de la jeunesse, de la santé, de la formation professionnelle et de l’emploi, afin de promouvoir le développement du capital humain et l’inclusion sociale ;
  • L’intensification de la diversification économique et la promotion du «Made in Chad», notamment à travers le développement de filières industrielles orientées vers l’exportation, l’agriculture, l’élevage, la pêche, les hydrocarbures, les mines et le tourisme ;
  • L’amélioration continue du climat des affaires, le déploiement de la diplomatie économique et le renforcement de l’attractivité du pays auprès des investisseurs.

L’ambition du plan est de générer un taux de croissance annuel moyen du PIB réel de 8 % entre 2025 et 2030. Cette dynamique permettra au Tchad d’accéder au statut d’économie à revenu intermédiaire en créant davantage de richesses et d’emplois dans le secteur privé, en portant l’accès à l’électricité en milieu urbain à 90 % et l’accès national à 60 %, en fournissant de l’eau potable à 11 millions de personnes supplémentaires, en augmentant l’espérance de vie d’au moins 8 ans, en élargissant significativement le réseau routier, en doublant la production agricole, en faisant passer le taux de pénétration de la téléphonie mobile de 65 % à 80 %, en réduisant de 50 % la mortalité maternelle et néonatale, et en augmentant le taux de scolarisation au primaire de 43 % à 80 %.

Pour atteindre ces objectifs, «Tchad Connexion 2030 » prévoit de mobiliser 30 milliards USD (18.000 milliards de FCFA) d’investissements publics et privés, nationaux et internationaux, et entend positionner le Tchad comme une destination de choix pour les investisseurs. En novembre 2025, le Tchad a annoncé à Abou Dhabi la mobilisation réussie de 20,5 milliards USD, grâce à une mobilisation exceptionnelle des secteurs public et privé.

Pour en savoir plus : https://TchadConnexion2030.td

Media files

Portfolio Committee on Higher Education Satisfied with University of Venda’s State of Readiness

Source: APO


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The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training concluded a successful oversight visit to the University of Venda yesterday, where it expressed satisfaction with the institution’s level of preparedness for the 2026 academic year.

The visit marked the start of the committee’s week-long oversight programme, aimed at assessing higher education public institutions’ state of readiness ahead of the 2026 academic year. The committee found no major areas of concern or operational challenges during its engagement with the university.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Tebogo Letsie, commended the university’s leadership for demonstrating strong governance, effective planning and visible progress in infrastructure development. “We are satisfied with what we have observed at the University of Venda. The institution has shown clear commitment and capable leadership, particularly in ensuring that previously stalled infrastructure projects are revived and completed without loss of public funds,” said Mr Letsie.

The committee was particularly impressed by progress at the Health Sciences precinct, where construction challenges have been addressed and the building is now fully operational. The facility includes state-of-the-art nursing and clinical simulation laboratories, as well as modern hospital simulation rooms that enhance teaching and learning.

“The quality of facilities we saw, especially in the Health Sciences building, reflects serious investment in academic excellence. The leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, executive management, Council Chairperson and the entire Council is commendable,” Mr Letsie added.

The university reported to the committee that approximately 70 per cent of students have already been registered, and it is confident that enrolment targets will be fully met by the end of this week. “Based on the information presented and what we observed on the ground, the University of Venda is ready for the 2026 academic year,” emphasised Mr Letsie.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION, MR TEBOGO LETSIE.

For media enquiries please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Jabulani Majozi (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 083 358 5224
E-mail: jamajozi@parliament.gov.za

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Chad Connection 2030: Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Deepens Partnership to Boost Chad’s National Development Priorities

Source: APO

The Islamic Development Bank Group (www.IsDB.org) hosted IsDB Day in Chad on Monday, deepening cooperation with the Central African nation.

The event follows the successful launch of “Chad Connection 2030” in Abu Dhabi a few months ago, which signaled IsDB’s commitment to support development projects aligned with Chad’s National Development Plan.

Chad’s Prime Minister Allamaye Halina attended the January 26 event in N’Djamena, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning and International Cooperation.

Dr. Issa Faye led the IsDB Group delegation, representing IsDB President Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser. Cabinet ministers, senior officials and representatives from regional financial institutions and private companies also participated.

The event aimed to deepen cooperation and align IsDB Group support with Chad’s National Development Plan.

H.E. Allamaye Halina, Prime Minister of the Republic of Chad, stated: “Chad is entering a phase where translating vision into concrete projects is essential. The Islamic Development Bank Group is a trusted partner in this effort, particularly in strengthening financial implementation, capacity building and mobilising investment that deliver tangible impact for our population.”

H.E. Tahir Hamid Nguilin, Minister of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning and International Cooperation of the Republic of Chad, stressed the following: “Our priority is to boot trade through coherence between public policy, effective financing mechanisms and private sector mobilisation. The IsDB plays a key role in supporting this approach, notably through project structuring, risk mitigation instruments and blended financing solutions”.

Dr. Issa Faye, IsDB Director General for Global Practices and Partnerships, and Group Head of Delegation, stated: “The IsDB Group’s commitment to Chad is focused on delivering integrated solutions that combine financing and technical assistance. During the country engagement dialogue, IsDB team, in conjunction with relevant authorities will explore all available solutions from both public and private sector sources  to ensure that the co-created  development solutions are holistic. Through closer coordination with national authorities and local stakeholders, we aim to accelerate project delivery, building resilience and support high-impact initiatives aligned with  Chad Connection 2030. particularly in agriculture, technology and infrastructure.”

One of the main features of the program was a panel discussion on Chad’s development priorities and the role of IsDB Group, aimed at formulating practical avenues of cooperation and forging strategic partnerships to support Chad’s path towards sustainable and inclusive development.

A series of bilateral (B2B and B2G) meetings were held amongst representatives of the IsDB Group, business leaders, investors, and financial institutions to explore opportunities for cooperation and partnerships with the Islamic Development Bank Group. Inspiring success stories implemented in Chad in partnership with local entrepreneurs as well as local and international institutions were presented

The event also highlighted the activities, services, and initiatives of IsDB Group institutions, including the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), and the Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH).

The day concluded with a reaffirmation of the Islamic Development Bank Group’s commitment to continue working with the Chadian government and the country’s private sector to further build strategic partnerships, expand investment opportunities, and enhance the business environment, thereby contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in Chad.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group).

About Islamic Development Bank (IsDB):
The Islamic Development Bank is a multilateral development bank that works to improve the lives of those it serves by promoting social and economic development in Muslim countries and communities around the world and making a difference at scale. Through collaborative partnerships between communities in its 57 member countries, the Bank seeks to equip communities to drive their own economic and social progress at scale and put the infrastructure in place to enable them to realize their potential. The Bank’s new business model of “making markets work for development” contributes to enhancing the competitiveness of our member countries in strategic industries in order to improve participation and upgrading in global value chains. This is in the field of food and agricultural industries, textiles, clothing, leather, shoes, petrochemicals and petroleum, construction, and Islamic finance. The Bank also promotes innovative and sustainable solutions to the biggest development challenges in the world and takes advantage of the scientific potential in technology and innovation as strategic drivers of economic growth, and we also work to achieve the United Nations sustainable development goals.

About the National Development Plan, Chad Connection 2030: 
Structured around four main areas of intervention, implemented through 17 programs comprising 268 projects and reforms, Chad Connexion 2030 aims to bring about a deep and systemic transformation of Chad’s economy and society through:

  • The acceleration of the development of critical strategic infrastructures (expansion of electricity and water access across the country, digitalisation of the economy, enhancement of transport networks and international corridors, as well as improved navigability of lakes and major rivers), and the strengthening of institutions to ensure efficient and sustainable management of public services; 
  • The reinforcement of social policies, particularly in education, youth, health, vocational training, and employment, to promote human capital development and social inclusion;
  • The amplification of economic diversification and the promotion of Made in Chad, especially through the development of export-oriented industrial sectors, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, hydrocarbons, mining, and tourism;
  • The continued improvement of the business climate, deployment of economic diplomacy, and enhancement of the country’s attractiveness to investors.

The plan’s ambition is to generate an average annual real GDP growth rate of 8% between 2025 and 2030. This will enable Chad to join the ranks of middle-income economies by creating more wealth and private-sector jobs, increasing urban electricity access to 90% and national access to 60%, providing safe drinking water to an additional 11 million people, raising life expectancy by at least 8 years, significantly expanding the road network, doubling agricultural production, increasing mobile phone penetration from 65% to 80%, reducing maternal and neonatal mortality by 50%, and raising primary school enrolment from 43% to 80%. 

To fulfil these ambitions, Chad Connexion 2030 plans to mobilise USD 30 billion (CFAF 18,000 billion) in investments from both public and private sources, domestic and international and aims to make Chad a destination of choice for investors. In November 2025, Chad announced in Abu Dhabi the successful securing of USD 20,5 billions dollars thanks to an exceptional private-public mobilisation. 

Find out more on : https://TchadConnexion2030.td

Media files

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Msunduzi Public Transport Project Could Collapse Without Proper Plans, Says Committee Chair

Source: APO


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The Portfolio Committee on Transport has expressed concern over the stagnation of the Integrated Public Transport Network System programme in Pietermaritzburg’s Msunduzi Local Municipality.

The committee Chairperson, Mr Donald Selamolela, said the successful implementation of the programme had the potential to be a catalyst for economic growth and job creation. “The programme, otherwise known as the BRT [bus rapid transport] system, need not to have failed, as it seems in Pietermaritzburg, especially after so much money had already been spent. This programme ought not only to have benefited commuters but should have provided employment opportunities for our people,” he said.

Mr Selamolela continued: “We need not be lamenting what could have been. We are disappointed and we are concerned with what we found in Pietermaritzburg [Msunduzi Local Municipality]. The programme is going to become a white elephant if nothing is done.”

Meanwhile on Tuesday, the National Department of Transport informed the committee that the project is being wound down and will be discontinued. Mr Selamolela said the plan should be around innovative uses of the infrastructure that has been already laid out.

The committee began its visit with a meeting and a walkabout of the troubled programme’s transport system. Mr Selamolela said it is further concerning that the national Department of Transport’s understanding and expectations of the project differs to that of the municipality’s. “This speak to the silo mentality and the lack of alignment of thought around project implementation. It is not enough to cite the taxi industry as the reason for non-implementation of projects when the municipality has failed,” he said.

He added: “Now we are sitting with a situation where the national department says stop, and the municipality says it has continuation plans. That does not work; the municipality should use the available funding, developing comprehensive work plans to repurpose the already laid-out infrastructure.”

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT, MR DONALD SELAMOLELA.

For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Mr Sibongile Maputi
Cell: 081 052 6060
Email: smaputi@parliament.gov.za

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Communications Committee to Visit the Universal Services and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) and the Universal Services and Access Fund (USAF) as Part of Its Oversight Visit to Gauteng

Source: APO


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The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies will tomorrow, 28 January 2026, visit the Universal Services and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) and the Universal Services and Access Fund (USAF) as part its three-day oversight visit to Gauteng.

During its visit, the committee will focus on governance and institutional stability, financial management and audit outcomes, USAF’s operations and programme delivery, operational realities, as well as slippery project timelines, often leading into unspent allocation for universal connectivity.

Details of the meeting: 
Date: Wednesday, 28 January 2026
Venue: USAASA head office (Building 1, Thornhill Office Park, 94 Bekker Road, Vorna Valley, Midrand)
Time: 08:30

The three-day oversight visit is focusing on the Media Development and Diversity Agency, USAASA and USAF, as well as Broadband Infraco as part of the committee’s ongoing efforts to ensure accountability, effective governance and the efficient use of public resources within the sector.

ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, MS KHUSELA SANGONI-DIKO

For media enquiries or to request an interview with the Chairperson, please contact Media Officer:
Justice Molafo (Mr)
Cell: 081 424 7481
Email: jmolafo@parliament.gov.za

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.