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Libya’s Oil & Gas Minister to Detail Production Targets, Investment Plans at Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026

Source: APO – Report:

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Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Dr. Khalifa Abdulsadek, will deliver a keynote address at the fourth edition of the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES), taking place on January 24–26, 2026 at the Tripoli International Convention Center. Held under the theme, Infrastructure & Investment Driving Energy Growth, the Summit convenes policymakers, operators and investors to assess progress and opportunities across Libya’s energy value chain.

Minister Abdulsadek’s address comes as the Ministry of Oil and Gas, together with the National Oil Corporation (NOC), advances a series of operational initiatives to restore production capacity, modernize infrastructure and accelerate upstream investment. Libya aims to reach crude oil production of 1.6 million barrels per day (bpd) by the end of 2026, up from around 1.4 million bpd at the start of the year. Longer-term targets include 1.8 million bpd by 2027 and 2 million bpd by 2030, supported by an estimated $3-4 billion in near-term investment to rehabilitate aging facilities, optimize mature fields and unlock marginal production.

Major projects underpinning these targets include the $8-billion Structures A&E offshore gas development led by Eni, expected to deliver 750 million cubic feet per day by 2026 to support domestic power generation and exports. Brownfield rehabilitation is also underway at key oil fields, including Sarir, Messla and Al-Atshan, while expansion programs at the Waha concessions – notably North Gialo and NC-98 – are progressing with international partners.

Minister Abdulsadek has emphasized mature field optimization and marginal field development as critical levers for delivering near-term production gains, while maintaining momentum toward longer-term capacity expansion. In January 2026, he also assumed the chairmanship of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries Council of Ministers, further reinforcing Libya’s regional energy leadership.

​​In parallel, the NOC has outlined long-term infrastructure upgrades, including pipeline expansions and refinery rehabilitation, while new gas-focused initiatives aim to strengthen domestic supply security. These efforts are complemented by Libya’s first upstream licensing round in nearly two decades, offering 22 onshore and offshore blocks across the Sirte, Murzuq and Ghadames basins. More than 37 international and regional companies have been pre-qualified to participate.

Join industry leaders at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2026 in Tripoli and explore investment opportunities in one of North Africa’s most dynamic energy markets. LEES 2026 offers a premier platform for partnerships, innovation and sector growth.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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SIU granted order to interdict pension payout of ex-NLC official

Source: Government of South Africa

SIU granted order to interdict pension payout of ex-NLC official

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been granted a preservation order by the Special Tribunal to interdict the R500 000 pension payout to former National Lotteries Commission (NLC) official, Sibonelo Vilakazi. 

Vilakazi was the former Client Liaison Officer of the NLC in the KwaZulu-Natal branch.

The preservation order stems from an SIU investigation, in which Vilakazi exploited his position to enable his spouse, Nosipho Zanele Zuma, to receive 48 payments totalling R31.2 million from entities benefiting from NLC grants. 

The funds were funnelled through Zuma’s company, ZZET Enterprises, and purchased luxury vehicles and properties, including two Toyota Quantum’s, a Toyota Hilux and two real estate properties.

A report by the Financial Intelligence Centre states that ZZET Enterprises received multiple electronic fund transfer payments from several care centres and football clubs of approximately R32 259 707.00. 

The SIU investigations show that more than 400 care centres and football clubs made payments to accounts linked to Vilakazi and Zuma from money received from the NLC between 2019 and 2023.

Previously, the SIU obtained an order to freeze approximately R2.4 million held in four bank accounts linked to Vilakazi and Zuma.

“On the recommendation of the SIU, the NLC initiated a disciplinary process. The disciplinary process, conducted from 29 November 2023 to 1 August 2024, found Vilakazi guilty of all charges and dismissed him on 4 October 2024, marking a decisive step in addressing his gross misconduct, abuse of office and breaches of fiduciary duty,” the SIU said in a statement.

“The SIU will continue to pursue officials who resign or are dismissed in the face of an investigation by freezing their pension benefits and instituting civil litigation to recover financial losses suffered by State institutions.

“The SIU was, in terms of Proclamation R32 of 2020, authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of the NLC and the conduct of NLC officials, and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State,” the SIU said.

The SIU is empowered by the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 to institute civil action in the Special Tribunal or the High Court to correct any wrongdoing it uncovers in its investigation. The SIU refers evidence pointing to criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Steenhuisen appoints industry council to strengthen FMD response

Source: Government of South Africa

Steenhuisen appoints industry council to strengthen FMD response

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has formally appointed the Foot-and-Mouth disease (FMD) Industry Coordination Council to support the implementation of South Africa’s national strategy to contain and control the disease.

The appointment follows last week’s announcement of the national FMD strategy to contain and control foot-and-mouth disease.

The council aims to ensure that the industry plays an active and coordinated role in supporting the phased rollout of the FMD strategy, including vaccine distribution, traceability systems and disease-control readiness.

Steenhuisen said the council will engage directly with him and its input will be taken seriously.

“Government cannot do this alone. We need the full strength of the private sector, farmers and veterinarians collaborating with us. We now have a roadmap and I am accountable for its delivery. If we stay focused and work together, I believe we can restore FMD-free status in less than 10 years,” the Minister said in a statement.

The council will form one part of a triangular partnership comprising the:
•    Department of Agriculture – responsible for policy, regulatory support and resourcing;
•    Technical and Scientific Task Team – offering scientific, veterinary and epidemiological expertise, and
•    FMD Industry Coordination Council – providing operational insight, strategic guidance and unified industry input.

To ensure a coordinated approach with industry, Steenhuisen has issued a directive assigning the council the role of aligning industry efforts with national FMD control measures.

This includes establishing and operating an industry coordination mechanism to mobilise sector actions; consolidating industry situational information; coordinating industry communication, and supporting implementation readiness for traceability and audit-ready record-keeping required for animal movement compliance and compartmentalised operations.

The council will also facilitate non-statutory logistical support, including training, awareness initiatives and implementation monitoring, and will engage regularly with both the department and the Technical and Scientific Task Team to ensure alignment between policy, implementation and veterinary oversight.

The council’s members have committed to a collective outcome that serves both the industry and national interests.

The members are Johann Kotzé, Bennie van Zyl, Theo Boshoff, Frikkie Maré, Fanie Ferreira, Marlene Louw, Bongani Msimang, Kobus Bester and Dewald Olivier.

The council has begun its work this week, with its first formal meeting focused on aligning priorities and consolidating industry input. Weekly engagements will follow to maintain momentum, support structured monitoring and ensure consistent progress.

Steenhuisen said the regular meetings will strengthen the council’s ability to present coherent, unified recommendations to government and the Technical and Scientific Task Team.

The council has also requested an urgent meeting with the Technical and Scientific Task Team to review the national plan and ensure operational alignment across industry and government structures, a step seen as critical to refining the roadmap ahead of intensified implementation.

“With aligned structures, consistent communication and disciplined collaboration, South Africa is better positioned to restore its FMD-free status and strengthen the resilience of the livestock sector,” the Minister said.

The council has welcomed the Minister’s commitment and willingness to work closely with industry, noting this engagement reflects a coordinated, accountable and technically informed approach to implementation. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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APO Group Nomme Libby Allen au Poste de vice-présidente, Brand & Creative

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

APO Group (https://APO-OPA.com), le leader panafricain du conseil en communication et de la distribution de communiqués de presse, vient de nommer Libby Allen au poste de Vice-présidente, Brand & Creative. Récemment créée, cette fonction fait partie de l’équipe de direction d’APO Group et reflète un investissement stratégique dans le renforcement de la marque et de la capacité créative à mesure que l’entreprise entre dans sa prochaine phase de croissance.

Alors qu’APO Group continue d’étendre son offre de communications intégrées à travers l’Afrique et à l’international, cette nomination témoigne d’une volonté de rapprocher la marque, le positionnement et le leadership créatif de la prise de décision exécutive, en reconnaissant la marque comme un catalyseur de la crédibilité commerciale, de la différenciation et de la performance à long terme.

Allen dirigera la stratégie de marque et la direction créative d’APO Group dans les domaines du marketing, du numérique, du contenu et de l’identité visuelle. Son mandat comprend l’évolution de la manière dont le groupe se présente sur l’ensemble des marchés, la construction d’une cohésion renforcée et le développement de la fonction Brand & Creative pour soutenir les services, l’empreinte et l’ambition d’APO Group. Elle travaillera en étroite collaboration avec les équipes de relations publiques, commerciales et de haute direction pour s’assurer que les décisions de marque renforceront les priorités stratégiques et soutiendront une exécution efficace dans l’ensemble de l’entreprise.

Commentant cette nomination, Bas Wijne, CEO d’APO Group, déclare : « À mesure qu’APO Group se développe et gagne en complexité, la marque et le leadership créatif deviennent de plus en plus essentiels à notre fonctionnement et à notre compétitivité. L’élévation de cette fonction au niveau exécutif garantit un meilleur alignement entre la stratégie, l’exécution et la perception commerciale, et met l’entreprise sur les rails de sa prochaine phase de croissance ».

Allen a rejoint APO Group au cours d’une période d’expansion rapide et a contribué à jeter les bases d’une approche plus structurée et délibérée de la marque et du marketing. Son travail à ce jour s’est concentré sur la clarification du positionnement, l’établissement de normes et de systèmes, et la construction d’une équipe Brand & Creative dédiée pour soutenir une organisation véritablement panafricaine opérant dans de multiples secteurs et marchés.

Elle apporte une expérience couvrant le leadership de la marque dans le secteur privé et les environnements à enjeux élevés, y compris les domaines commerciaux, de durabilité, d’impact social et réglementés, ainsi que le travail lié aux institutions multilatérales. Son parcours reflète un équilibre entre discipline commerciale et jugement stratégique, avec une expérience dans des contextes africains, européens et mondiaux.

« La marque est un actif commercial stratégique, pas une couche de finition », déclare Allen. « Alors qu’APO Group continue de se développer, la manière dont nous nous présentons doit refléter la portée, la substance et les performances de notre travail. Ce poste consiste à créer une plateforme qui soutienne la croissance commerciale, apporte de la clarté et évolue en phase avec nos activités. »

Cette nomination renforce la position d’APO Group en tant que partenaire de communication de confiance pour les organisations mondiales et africaines opérant à travers le continent, combinant conseil stratégique, exécution disciplinée et visibilité garantie grâce à son infrastructure de distribution propriétaire.

Distribué par APO Group pour APO Group.

Contact avec les médias :
marie@apo-opa.com 

À propos d’APO Group :
Créé en 2007 par Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, APO Group est le cabinet de conseil en communication pensé pour la performance et alliant conseil stratégique, exécution de terrain et visibilité garantie sur tous les marchés africains.

Reconnu par de nombreuses distinctions internationales, notamment les prix SABRE, Davos Communications et World Business Outlook, APO Group s’associe à des organisations mondiales et africaines pour fournir des communications performantes, grâce à la stratégie, à l’exécution et à une visibilité mesurable.

Les fonctions consultatives de notre fondateur auprès d’institutions internationales élargissent l’accès d’APO Group aux décideurs et renforcent notre rôle de cabinet de conseil en communication le plus connecté du continent. Parmi nos clients figurent Canon, Emirates, Nestlé, NFL, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Afreximbank, le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement, GITEX Global, la Royal African Society et le Programme des Nations Unies pour le développement (PNUD).

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APO Group Appoints Libby Allen as Vice President: Brand & Creative

Source: APO – Report:

APO Group (https://APO-OPA.com), the leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, has appointed Libby Allen as Vice President: Brand & Creative. The newly created role forms part of APO Group’s Senior Leadership Team and reflects a strategic investment in strengthening brand and creative capability as the business enters its next phase of growth.

As APO Group continues to scale its integrated communications offering across Africa and internationally, the appointment signals a deliberate move to bring brand, positioning, and creative leadership closer to executive decision-making – recognising brand as a critical enabler of commercial credibility, differentiation, and long-term performance.

In her role, Allen will lead APO Group’s brand strategy and creative direction across marketing, digital, content, and visual identity. Her mandate includes evolving how the Group presents itself across markets, building greater coherence and consistency at scale, and developing the Brand & Creative function to support APO Group’s expanding services, footprint, and ambition. She will work closely with public relations, commercial, and senior leadership teams to ensure brand decisions reinforce strategic priorities and support effective execution across the business.

Commenting on the appointment, Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group, said: “As APO Group grows in scale and complexity, brand and creative leadership become increasingly central to how we operate and compete. Elevating this function to senior leadership level ensures stronger alignment between strategy, execution, and market perception, and positions the business for its next stage of development.”

Allen joined APO Group during a period of rapid expansion and has been instrumental in laying the foundations for a more structured and deliberate approach to brand and marketing. Her work to date has focused on clarifying positioning, establishing standards and systems, and building a dedicated Brand & Creative team to support a truly pan-African organisation operating across multiple sectors and markets.

She brings experience spanning private-sector brand leadership and high-stakes environments, including commercial, sustainability, social impact, and regulated sectors, as well as work linked to multilateral institutions. Her background reflects a balance of commercial discipline and strategic judgement, with experience operating across African, European, and global contexts.

“Brand is a strategic business asset – not a layer applied at the end,” said Allen. “As APO Group continues to grow, the way we present ourselves to markets must reflect the scale, substance, and performance of our work. This role is about building a brand platform that supports commercial growth, enables clarity, and evolves in step with the business.”

The appointment reinforces APO Group’s position as a trusted communications partner for global and African organisations operating across the continent, combining strategic advisory, disciplined execution, and guaranteed visibility through its proprietary distribution infrastructure.

– on behalf of APO Group.

Media Contact:
marie@apo-opa.com 

About APO Group:
Founded in 2007 by Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, APO Group is the communications consultancy built for performance – combining strategic advisory, on-the-ground execution, and guaranteed visibility across every African market.

Recognised with multiple international awards, including SABRE, Davos Communications, and World Business Outlook distinctions, APO Group partners with global and African organisations to deliver communications that perform – through strategy, execution, and measurable visibility.

Our founder’s advisory roles with international institutions strengthen APO Group’s access to decision-makers and reinforce our role as the continent’s most connected communications consultancy. Clients include Canon, Emirates, Nestlé, NFL, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Afreximbank, the African Development Bank Group, GITEX Global, Royal African Society, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

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O APO Group nomeia Libby Allen como Vice-Presidente de Brand & Creative

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O APO Group (https://APO-OPA.com), o serviço líder pan-africano de consultoria de comunicação e distribuição de comunicados de imprensa, nomeou Libby Allen como Vice-Presidente de Brand & Creative. A recém-criada função faz parte da Equipa de Liderança Sénior do APO Group e reflete um investimento estratégico no reforço da marca e da capacidade criativa num momento em que a empresa entra na sua próxima fase de crescimento.

À medida que o APO Group continua a expandir a sua oferta de comunicações integradas em África e a nível internacional, a nomeação assinala um movimento deliberado para aproximar a marca, o posicionamento e a liderança criativa da tomada de decisões executivas – reconhecendo o branding como um fator crítico de credibilidade comercial, diferenciação e desempenho a longo prazo.

Nesta função, Allen irá liderar a estratégia branding e a direção criativa do APO Group em termos de marketing, digital, conteúdos e identidade visual. O seu mandato inclui a evolução da forma como o Grupo se apresenta em todos os mercados, a construção de uma maior coerência e consistência à escala e o desenvolvimento da função criativa da marca para apoiar a expansão dos serviços, do impacto e da ambição do APO Group. Trabalhará em estreita colaboração com as equipas de relações públicas, comercial e de liderança sénior para garantir que as decisões relativas à marca reforçam as prioridades estratégicas e apoiam uma execução eficaz em toda a empresa.

Comentando a nomeação, Bas Wijne, CEO do APO Group, afirmou: “À medida que o APO Group cresce em escala e complexidade, a marca e a liderança criativa tornam-se cada vez mais centrais para a forma como operamos e competimos. A elevação desta função ao nível de liderança sénior garante um maior alinhamento entre a estratégia, a execução e a perceção do mercado, e posiciona a empresa para a sua próxima fase de desenvolvimento.”

Allen juntou-se ao APO Group durante um período de rápida expansão e tem sido fundamental para lançar as bases de uma abordagem mais estruturada e deliberada ao branding e ao marketing. Até à data, o seu trabalho centrou-se na clarificação do posicionamento, no estabelecimento de normas e sistemas e na criação de uma equipa criativa dedicada à marca para apoiar uma organização verdadeiramente pan-africana que opera em vários setores e mercados.

A sua experiência abrange a liderança de marcas do setor privado e ambientes de alto risco, incluindo os setores comercial, de sustentabilidade, de impacto social e regulamentado, bem como o trabalho ligado a instituições multilaterais. A sua formação reflete um equilíbrio entre a disciplina comercial e o discernimento estratégico, com experiência de trabalho em contextos africanos, europeus e globais.

“O branding é um ativo comercial estratégico, não uma camada aplicada no final”, afirmou Allen. “À medida que o APO Group continua a crescer, a forma como nos apresentamos aos mercados deve refletir a escala, o conteúdo e o desempenho do nosso trabalho. Esta função consiste em construir uma plataforma de branqing que apoie o crescimento comercial, permita clareza e evolua a par da empresa.”

A nomeação reforça a posição do APO Group como um parceiro de comunicação de confiança para organizações globais e africanas que operam em todo o continente, combinando aconselhamento estratégico, execução disciplinada e visibilidade garantida através da sua própria infraestrutura de distribuição.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para APO Group.

Contacto para a comunicação social:
marie@apo-opa.com 

Sobre o APO Group:
Fundado em 2007 por Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, o APO Group é uma consultora de comunicação orientada para a performance, que combina aconselhamento estratégico, execução no terreno e visibilidade garantida em todos os mercados africanos.

Reconhecido com múltiplos prémios internacionais, incluindo distinções SABRE, Davos Communications e World Business Outlook, o APO Group trabalha com organizações globais e africanas para desenvolver e implementar planos de comunicação que geram resultados, assentes em estratégia, execução e visibilidade com impacto.

As funções de concelheiro do nosso fundador em instituições internacionais reforçam o acesso do APO Group a decisores de alto nível e consolidam o nosso posicionamento como a consultora de comunicação melhor conectada do continente. Entre os nossos clientes contam-se a Canon, a Emirates, a Nestlé, a NFL, a Liquid Intelligent Technologies, o Afreximbank, o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, a GITEX Global, a Royal African Society e o Programa das Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento (PNUD).

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Two more learners die following Vanderbijlpark scholar transport crash

Source: Government of South Africa

Two more learners die following Vanderbijlpark scholar transport crash

Two more learners have succumbed to injuries in hospital in the early hours of Thursday following the tragic scholar transport accident in Vanderbijlpark on Monday. 

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) confirmed the additional deaths this morning, bringing the total number of learners who lost their lives in the crash to 14.

The department has also confirmed and made public the identities of the 12 children who died at the accident scene from various schools in and around the Vaal. 

The 22-year-old scholar transport driver involved in the accident now faces 14 counts of culpable homicide, as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving. He is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court today.

According to a media statement from the office of the Provincial Commissioner of the Gauteng Police, the driver was arrested after being discharged from hospital. 

“After the police visited the hospitals and the mortuary to verify the number of fatalities and injuries, it can be confirmed that 12 learners died at the accident scene and five were taken to the nearest hospitals for medical treatment. One [learner] has since been discharged,” the statement read.

The driver of the truck involved in the crash was unharmed, while the passenger in the truck sustained injuries and is receiving treatment in hospital. Police investigations are ongoing, with witness statements being obtained to establish the full circumstances of the accident.

The police have urged members of the public and the community to allow the authorities to complete their investigations and refrain from speculation. – SAnews.gov.za 

DikelediM

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King of Bahrain Receives Credentials of Qatari Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Manama | January 21, 2026

HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain has received the credentials of HE Nasser bin Abdullah Al Nassr as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

HE the Ambassador conveyed HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s greetings and His Highness’s wishes of good health and happiness to His Majesty, and the government and people of Bahrain enduring progress and prosperity.

For his part, HM King of the Kingdom of Bahrain entrusted HE the Ambassador with his greetings to HH the Amir, wishing His Highness good health and happiness and the State of Qatar continuous progress and growth.

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Kaspersky detected a fivefold surge in QR code phishing attacks in the second half of 2025

Source: APO – Report:

Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) has reported a spike in phishing emails containing malicious QR codes. Detections for these jumped from 46,969 in August 2025 to 249,723 in November 2025 – a more than fivefold growth – as cybercriminals increasingly exploit QR codes, a trend that will likely continue in 2026. Attackers use QR codes in emails more frequently because they provide a simple and cost-effective way to conceal malicious URLs, evading detection by many protective solutions.

These QR codes are often embedded directly in email bodies or, even more commonly, within PDF attachments – an evolution that both masks phishing links and encourages users to scan them on mobile phones, which may have weaker security than work PCs.

Malicious QR codes commonly appear in mass phishing campaigns as well as targeted ones. Links embedded within them may lead to:

  • Phishing forms impersonating login pages for services like Microsoft accounts or internal corporate portals, designed to steal usernames, passwords, and other credentials.
  • Fake HR notifications urging employees to review or sign documents, such as vacation schedules, or even view lists of terminated staff, ultimately directing to credential-stealing sites.
  • Fraudulent invoices or purchase confirmations in PDF attachments, often combined with vishing (voice phishing) tactics that prompt victims to call provided phone numbers to “cancel” or clarify the transaction, enabling further social engineering attacks.

These tactics exploit trust in routine business communications, leading to credential theft, account takeovers, data breaches, and financial fraud.

“Malicious QR codes have evolved into one of the most effective phishing tools, particularly when hidden in PDF attachments or disguised as legitimate business communications like HR updates. The explosive growth in November 2025 highlights how attackers are capitalising on this low-cost evasion technique to target employees on mobile devices, where protection is often minimal. Without advanced image analysis at the email gateway and safe scanning practices, organisations are left vulnerable to credential compromise and downstream breaches,” comments Roman Dedenok, Anti-Spam Expert at Kaspersky.

To defend against this escalating threat, Kaspersky recommends educating employees on cybersecurity and deploying a mail server security solution such as Kaspersky Security for Mail Server (https://apo-opa.co/3YScvl5) that provides trusted and secure corporate email exchange, countering spam, email-borne infections, all forms of phishing, business email compromise (BEC), QR code attacks, and other threats.

– on behalf of Kaspersky.

For further information please contact:
Nicole Allman
​nicole@inkandco.co.za

Follow Kaspersky:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3NpOVtH
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Blog: https://apo-opa.co/49Nk8hD

About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect individuals, businesses, critical infrastructure, and governments around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading digital life protection for personal devices, specialized security products and services for companies, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help millions of individuals and nearly 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.

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Latest developments at Kruger National Park

Source: Government of South Africa

Latest developments at Kruger National Park

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has provided an update on the current developments at Kruger National Park following the floods that have caused extensive damage to the infrastructure.

Last week’s persistent heavy rainfall across Limpopo and Mpumalanga caused river levels to rise significantly, with overflows reported in the Crocodile, Sabie, Letaba, Sand, Luvuvhu and Limpopo rivers.

“In the Kruger National Park alone, the damage to critical infrastructure is so widespread that SANParks is estimating that the damage possibly runs into hundreds of millions. Despite this devastation to infrastructure and operations, the most important highlight is that no lives were lost,” the Minister said on Thursday.

He was addressing a media briefing in Cape Town on the latest developments following the flooding at the park, as well as on the recently established Kruger Recovery Fund by SANParks.

The Minister indicated that substantial financing is required to rebuild the damaged infrastructure that includes tourism facilities, bridges, roads as well as water and electrical systems and services.

“In the northern part (Nxanatseni Region) of the Kruger National Park, various roads are currently not accessible due to damage from flooding, including S57 Shisha low-level bridge, providing access to Sirheni Bush Camp; H14 Phalaborwa to Mopani, and the Tsendzeleka low-level bridge approach. 

“The H1-4 Letaba to Mopani approach at the high-level bridge has also been washed away, which means Tshokwane Picnic Site, Satara Rest Camp and the Northern Regions of the Park are not accessible at this stage,” he said.

In the southern part (Marula Region), the road closures are at the H4-1 Skukuza to Lower Sabie, as the three temporary bypasses have been washed away. 

S1 Skukuza to Phabeni is not accessible, as the L5 drainage structure has been washed away.

“The H2-2 Pretoriuskop to Afsaal (gravel road) is also not accessible due to drift structures being washed away. A final assessment of all the gravel roads will be done only once the roads become accessible to determine their condition.

“All tourism camps and related facilities in the northern part (Nxanatseni Region) have been closed — namely Pafuri Border Camp, Punda Maria Rest Camp, Sirheni Bush Camp, Shingwedzi Rest Camp, Bateleur Bush Camp, Mopani Rest Camp, Tsendzeleka Rustic Camp, Shimuwini Bush Camp, Letaba and Olifants Rest Camps, and Balule Satellite Camp — for all operations due to the flood damages,” the Minister said.

The following tourism camps and related facilities in the Southern part (Marula Region) have been closed: Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp and Gate, Lower Sabie, Mbiyamiti, Satara Rest Camp, and Talamati Bush Camp. 

The southern and northern areas of the park remain cut off from each other.

Malelane Gate, Numbi Gate and Paul Kruger Gate remain open with an entry quota system still in place. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

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