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Central Application Service Guide: Helping prospective students to access higher education

Source: Government of South Africa

Central Application Service Guide: Helping prospective students to access higher education

Prospective students, who need guidance in accessing the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system, are encouraged to make use of the Central Application Service (CAS). 

Here is a comprehensive guide on how the CAS works:  https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_documents/CAS_Learner%20Guide.pdf.

The Department of Higher and Training (DHET) had previously introduced the Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) as a short-term intervention to match unplaced applicants with available spaces. However, from the 2026 academic year, CACH will be discontinued as part of broader reforms to the PSET application process, while CAS is rolled out.

CAS is a pilot project implemented by DHET to provide the following services for aspiring learners, who wish to undertake undergraduate studies at any PSET institution in South Africa.

Its services include: 

  • Career Information.
  • Career Guidance and Counselling Referral.
  • Centralised Application Service.
  • Application Clearing Service.

More information can be found on the link provided above. – SAnews.gov.za

Matona

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MEC Chiloane devastated after scholar transport incident claims 13

Source: Government of South Africa

MEC Chiloane devastated after scholar transport incident claims 13

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed his deep devastation, following a tragic scholar transport accident in Vanderbijlpark on Monday morning, which claimed the lives of 13 learners. 

Preliminary reports indicate that the incident occurred at approximately 7am when a private scholar transport vehicle collided with a side tipper truck on Fred Droste Road in Vanderbijlpark. 

According to authorities, 11 learners were certified dead at the scene, with two additional learners succumbing to injuries in hospital. The injured learners are being treated at local medical facilities. The taxi driver is reportedly also hospitalised, while details regarding the truck driver remain uncertain.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC Matome Chiloane visited the tragic scene to assess the situation, offer support to the affected families, and engage with emergency services. 

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

“It really is a tragic day for us as the department and the province. We extend our deepest condolences to the learners, families, and school communities affected. We call for greater vigilance when it comes to scholar transports, particularly private scholar transport,” MEC Chiloane said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM

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President mourns deaths in Cape flats violence and scholar transport crash

Source: Government of South Africa

President mourns deaths in Cape flats violence and scholar transport crash

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the loss of life resulting from violent incidents on the Cape Flats over the weekend and in a tragic collision involving a scholar transport vehicle, near Vanderbijlpark, on Monday morning. 

At least 26 people were killed in incidents of violence on the Cape Flats since Friday, while 11 learners lost their lives when the scholar transport vehicle in which they were travelling collided with a truck near Vanderbijlpark. 

The President conveyed his deepest sympathies to the families, communities and loved ones affected by the tragedies, and reaffirmed government’s commitment to working with citizens and community-based organisations to protect lives. 

Addressing the violence in the Western Cape, President Ramaphosa said affected communities could expect strengthened law enforcement operations and increased police visibility aimed at stabilising communities and preventing further violence. 

He acknowledged the fear and intimidation experienced by residents as a result of criminal activity and called on communities to strengthen their partnerships with law enforcement agencies through community policing forums. 

The President urged residents to provide information to the police on an ongoing basis, including information relating to neighbours or family members involved in criminal activity, to ensure that communities become unsafe for criminals. 

“With the assistance of community members, the South African Police Service has been able to arrest 100 gang leaders and 106 runners in the past three months,” the President said. 

He assured residents that government is implementing a balanced approach that combines immediate interventions to prevent and respond to violence with long-term socio-economic programmes aimed at improving living conditions and social stability. 

Turning to the scholar transport tragedy, President Ramaphosa said it was particularly distressing that the incident occurred on the same day that the South African Human Rights Commission released a report on scholar transport in the North West. 

The President extended his condolences to the families, teachers, classmates and friends of the learners who lost their lives. 

“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets and we must do all we can – from observing the rules of the road to the quality of service providers appointed to transport scholars – to protect learners,” President Ramaphosa said. 

He said national and provincial authorities would provide the affected families and schools with the necessary psychosocial support during this difficult time. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM

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Government intervenes over sewer crisis in JB Marks Municipality

Source: Government of South Africa

Government intervenes over sewer crisis in JB Marks Municipality

Poorly functioning wastewater treatment plants and ongoing sewerage spillages continue to contribute significantly to water pollution in JB Marks Local Municipality in North West, prompting intervention by the national Department of Water and Sanitation. 

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo on Friday, 16 January 2026, met with the municipality to address the ongoing deterioration of sewerage infrastructure in Ikageng Location, Potchefstroom, and its impact on the Mooi River. 

The department said Seitlholo had received numerous complaints from residents about persistent sewerage spillages contaminating the Mooi River, a critical water source used for domestic water use, agriculture, livestock farming, and industrial activities. Several industrial areas rely on the river to sustain their operations, making its protection an urgent environmental and socio-economic priority. 

According to the department, the challenges facing the municipality are largely due to ageing and deteriorating sewerage infrastructure, which has resulted in frequent overflowing manholes that pose serious health risks and negatively affect residents and businesses. 

While the municipality has managed to unblock some manholes affecting local businesses, the lack of appropriate machinery has led to continued sewer spillages. As a result, pollution of the Mooi River has persisted, mainly from untreated sewage and wastewater entering the river directly or through stormwater channels. 

Between 2020 and 2023, affected communities and downstream water users lodged complaints to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). 

Following several inspections in Ikageng, DWS issued a Notice of Intention to issue a Directive to JB Marks Local Municipality in terms of Section 19(3) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998). 

Although the municipality responded to the notices and directives, the department said the responses failed to implement immediate and effective measures to stop the discharge of pollution into the environment. 

In addition to the directives, a criminal case was opened by civil society, with the matter currently under investigation by an Environmental Management Inspector from the DFFE. 

The DWS said it continues to receive complaints regarding sewage spillages in the area, which indicate failures within the sewer networks and the pumpstations. 

To address the challenges, DWS has approved several projects under the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) intended to rehabilitate and upgrade sewerage infrastructure in Promosa and Mohadin, areas that continue to experience persistent sewerage spillages. 

During the site inspections, Seitlholo and his delegation observed ongoing sewerage spillages in Extension 7, near Poortjies Dam, including the prolonged exposure of two households that have reportedly endured sewer spillages for an estimated period of 10 years. 

In his remarks, the Deputy Minister emphasised that while the municipality has approved projects aimed at addressing these challenges, the lack of adequate tools of trade remains a critical impediment. 

“The municipality does not have the necessary equipment to respond swiftly and effectively to sewerage spillages, resulting in residents and businesses being forced to live and operate under unsanitary conditions for prolonged periods. 

“These matters were clearly raised with the Municipal Manager and the MMC, who was acting as Mayor at the time. The current situation is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue,” Seitlholo said.

A follow-up meeting has been scheduled within the next two weeks to assess progress and ensure corrective measures are implemented. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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Changer le regard : EPIC-Africa lance les Prix des Organisations de la Société Civile (OSC) Africaines 2026 pour mettre à l’honneur le changement porté par les communautés

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


EPIC-Africa (https://EPIC-Africa.org) annonce aujourd’hui le lancement des Prix des OSC Africaines 2026, une initiative qui souhaite changer la manière dont le travail de la société civile est reconnu en Afrique. Ces Prix recentrent l’attention là où elle doit être : dans l’engagement, la créativité et la force des communautés africaines. 

Placée sous le thème « Célébrer le développement mené par les communautés », cette édition marque une rupture assumée avec les définitions classiques et souvent dépassées de « l’excellence organisationnelle ». Elle vise à honorer les organisations de la société civile (OSC) et les leaders qui, chaque jour, apportent des réponses concrètes aux défis sociaux, souvent loin des projecteurs, mais avec un impact réel sur les vies des populations.  

Reprendre la main sur le récit 

Dans un contexte marqué par la réduction de l’espace civique et la baisse de l’aide internationale, les organisations africaines font preuve d’une résilience remarquable. Les Prix des OSC Africaines 2026 mettent en avant le développement mené par les communautés, une approche qui place les décisions, les ressources et les solutions entre les mains de celles et ceux qui vivent les réalités du terrain. 

Cette vision s’appuie sur des valeurs et des pratiques africaines bien connues, telles que l’Ubuntu et le Harambee, et répond au besoin croissant de solutions locales, justes et durables.  

« Pendant trop longtemps, la reconnaissance a surtout bénéficié aux organisations les plus visibles ou les mieux dotées », déclare Rose Maruru, cofondatrice et directrice générale d’EPIC-Africa. 

« Avec ces Prix, nous souhaitons mettre en lumière l’ingéniosité et l’engagement des OSC africaines, et rappeler que le développement du continent passe avant tout par ses communautés.»  

Une nouvelle vision de l’excellence 

Les Prix 2026 adoptent une vision large du changement et reconnaissent l’ensemble de l’écosystème de la société civile à travers cinq catégories : 

  • Organisation d’opération : des OSC qui travaillent directement avec les communautés pour co-construire et mettre en œuvre des solutions locales.  
  • Renforceurs : des organisations qui soutiennent les acteurs de terrain par des formations, des outils ou des services.
  • Facilitateurs : des institutions qui agissent sur les politiques, la recherche ou les cadres stratégiques afin de créer un environnement favorable à l’action locale.  

À cela s’ajoutent deux catégories de nomination individuelle, destinées à révéler des héros du quotidien souvent invisibles : 

  • Leaders émergents : des personnes de moins de 35 ans qui portent des initiatives innovantes 
  • Personnes d’impact à vie : des figures dont l’engagement de longue durée a contribué à renforcer la société civile.  

Un processus pensé pour connecter et valoriser 

Les Prix reposent sur un processus en trois phases, à la fois inclusif, rigoureux et collaboratif. Surtout, ce parcours est conçu pour créer de la valeur pour tous les participants. Chaque organisation participante en tire un bénéfice concret, indépendamment du résultat final. Toutes les organisations candidates accèdent automatiquement à la Plateforme des OSC Africaines, un espace numérique qui facilite la visibilité, les échanges entre pairs et les opportunités de financement. 

  1. Phase 1 : Appel à candidatures : les organisations, formelles ou informelles, sont invitées à partager leur histoire et leur action. 
  2. Phase 2 : Mise en valeur de l’impact : les candidats présélectionnés sont accompagnés par EPIC-Africa pour documenter leur travail (témoignages, études de cas, données, etc.). 
  3. Jury indépendant : un panel d’experts africains sélectionne les lauréats et les mentions spéciales. 

Les candidatures sont ouvertes à toutes les OSC africaines, quels que soient leur taille ou leur domaine d’intervention et peuvent être soumises en français ou en anglais. Les lauréats bénéficieront d’une visibilité accrue, d’opportunités de renforcement des capacités et de plateformes de mise en relation avec des bailleurs, des décideurs publics et d’autres acteurs de la société civile.  

Comment candidater 

Les candidatures pour les Prix des OSC Africaines 2026 sont ouvertes à partir d’aujourd’hui, 19 janvier 2026, et se clôtureront le 28 février 2026. 

Pour plus d’informations et pour soumettre une candidature ou une nomination : https://apo-opa.co/4jK9f4Q​

* La Plateforme des OSC Africaines est un hub numérique panafricain conçu pour briser les silos à l’échelle du continent. En participant aux Prix, les OSC accèdent à un espace de mise en relation entre pairs, à des opportunités de financement et à une visibilité accrue grâce à un profil consultable permettant aux partenaires et bailleurs d’identifier des organisations réellement ancrées localement. 

Distribué par APO Group pour EPIC Africa.

Contacts pour la presse :
Paul Wanyoike
Responsable technique de la plateforme, EPIC-Africa
Email : pwanyoike@epic-africa.org

David Barnard
Responsable des Prix, EPIC-Africa
Email : dbarnard@epic-africa.org

À propos d’EPIC-Africa : 
EPIC-Africa est une organisation basée au Sénégal, qui œuvre pour renforcer l’impact de la philanthropie et de la société civile en Afrique, notamment en comblant des lacunes en matière de données et de capacités. Sa vision est celle d’une société civile africaine dynamique, influente et durable, placée au cœur du développement du continent. 

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Canon Europe, the Middle East and Africa’s (EMEA) Appoints Peter Saak to Lead Integrated Printing & Services Group

Source: APO

Canon EMEA (www.Canon-CNA.com) today announces the appointment of Peter Saak as the new Chief of Integrated Printing & Services Group (IPSG, formally Digital Printing & Solutions).

Peter brings strong leadership and extensive B2B customer knowledge having held several senior roles across Canon’s regional sales organisations including B2B Country Director for Canon Eurasia, Managing Director for Canon Central & Eastern Europe and Canon Austria. In his most recent role as Executive Vice President, Developing Regions Business Group, Peter has been responsible for leading growth and strengthening its number one market share position across B2B product segments in Southeast Europe, Middle East and Africa, including customer acquisition and partner channel development. 

In this new role, Peter will be responsible for driving the strategic integration of Canon’s advanced printing technology with value-added services to create fully connected and efficient print and document management ecosystems for its customers and partners. He will also have a strong focus on driving innovation and channel expansion into new markets.

Effective as of the beginning of 2026, the appointment follows the announcement that Hiro Imamura, previous Executive Vice President, Digital Printing & Solutions, who has returned to Canon Inc. headquarters to take up a new role within the Printing Group. During his five-year tenure, Hiro was instrumental in leading Canon EMEA’s market share growth for workspace printing technology and solutions and growth of its production print business.

“I am confident that Peter’s extensive B2B experience, customer knowledge and strong leadership across many of our EMEA markets will drive the success of our Integrated Printing & Services Group,” said Sam Yoshida, President & CEO, Canon Europe, Middle East & Africa. “I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to Hiro for his outstanding contributions and leadership, which have been pivotal in developing our printing business.”

Commenting on his appointment, Peter Saak said, “I am honoured to lead the newly renamed Integrated Printing & Services Group. Our goal is to build on the incredible foundation that exists, continuing to combine our innovative technology with solutions and applications that meet the evolving needs of our customers and partners. I look forward to working with the team to drive future growth and reinforce our position as a market leader.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/3NpzkKA) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com

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Shifting the Spotlight: EPIC-Africa Launches 2026 African Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Awards to Champion Community-Led Change

Source: APO


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EPIC-Africa (https://EPIC-Africa.org) is calling time on the era of top-down recognition of changemakers. Today, the organization announced the launch of the African CSO Awards 2026, shifting the spotlight to where it truly belongs: the power and ingenuity of everyday African communities.

Under the theme “Celebrating Community-Led Development,” this edition marks a bold departure from tired definitions of “organizational excellence.” Instead, it seeks to honor the CSOs and leaders who prove daily that local action for dignity and justice is the true engine of African transformation.

Reclaiming the Narrative

At a time of shrinking civic space and declining international aid, African organizations are demonstrating unprecedented resilience. The African CSO Awards 2026 explicitly celebrate Community-Led Development (CLD)—a model that puts power and resources directly in the hands of those closest to the challenges. This approach draws on deep-rooted African traditions like Ubuntu and Harambee, responding to the urgent need for equitable, locally-driven solutions.

“For too long, recognition has been reserved for those with the most visibility or resources,” said Rose Maruru, Co-Founder & CEO of EPIC-Africa. “With this launch, we are honoring the extraordinary ingenuity of African CSOs and reaffirming that the future of African development lies in the hands of African communities.”

A New Vision for Excellence

Moving beyond traditional measures of effectiveness, the 2026 Awards recognize the entire ecosystem of change through five distinct categories:

  • Doers: Frontline CSOs co-creating and delivering solutions rooted in local realities.
  • Supporters: Organizations building the capacity and resilience of frontline actors.
  • Enablers: Institutions shaping the policy and research environments for local action to flourish.

And two exciting nomination categories, designed to uncover amazing, everyday individual heroes:

  • Emerging Leaders: Next-generation champions under 35 driving bold initiatives.
  • Lifetime Achievers: Visionaries whose long-term commitment has transformed civil society.

A Process Built to Connect and Elevate

The Awards feature a three-stage selection process that is inclusive, rigorous and also collaborative. Crucially, the journey is designed to provide immediate value to every participant; all entrants gain automatic access to the African CSO Platform*, ensuring they are connected and elevated regardless of the final outcome:

  1. Phase One (Open Call): A broad invitation to encourage formal and informal organizations to share their story.
  2. Phase Two (Evidence Building): Shortlisted entrants work with EPIC-Africa to bring their impact to life through testimonials and case studies.
  3. Phase Three (Independent Jury): A diverse panel of independent African experts selects the winners and special commendations.

Entries are open to all African-rooted CSOs, regardless of size or sector. Submissions are accepted in both English and French. Winners will gain visibility, capacity-building opportunities, and platforms to connect with funders, policymakers, and fellow CSOs. 

How to Apply

Entries for the 2026 African CSO Awards open today, January 19, 2026, and close on February 28, 2026.

For more details and to submit an entry or nomination, visit: https://apo-opa.co/4jK9f4Q​

*The African CSO Platform is a pan-African digital hub designed to break down silos across the continent. By entering the awards, CSOs gain access to peer networking, funding leads, and increased visibility through a searchable profile that helps partners and funders find locally-led organizations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EPIC Africa.

Media Contacts: 
Paul Wanyoike
Platform Technical Officer, EPIC-Africa
Email: pwanyoike@epic-africa.org

David Barnard
Awards Manager, EPIC-Africa
Email: dbarnard@epic-africa.org

About EPIC-Africa:
EPIC-Africa (https://EPIC-Africa.org) is a Senegal-based organization dedicated to enhancing philanthropic impact by filling critical data and capacity gaps. We envisage a vibrant, influential, and sustainable African civil society at the center of the continent’s development.

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The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) Participates in Saudi Telecom Company’s USD 2.0 Billion Dual Tranche Sukuk Issuance

Source: APO


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  • ICD serves as Joint Lead Manager for STC’s USD 2.0 billion dual-tranche Sukuk.
  • First-time collaboration between ICD and Saudi Arabia’s largest telecommunications company.
  • Transaction achieves 4x oversubscription with USD 8 billion in total orders from 300+ global investors.
  • Competitive pricing reflects strong market confidence in STC’s credit quality and strategic vision.
  • Issuance supports digital infrastructure expansion and financial inclusion across the region.

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-PS.org), the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has participated as Joint Lead Manager in Saudi Telecom Company’s (STC) successful USD 2.0 billion dual-tranche Sukuk issuance. This landmark transaction represents STC’s first return to the international sukuk market since its USD 1.25 billion issuance in 2019, demonstrating continued investor confidence in both STC and Shariah-compliant capital markets in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The issuance achieved exceptional market reception, attracting total orders exceeding USD 8 billion across both tranches, representing more than 4x oversubscription. The 5-year tranche garnered USD 2.1 billion in orders (2.8x oversubscribed), while the 10-year tranche received USD 3.3 billion (2.6x oversubscribed). Final pricing was set at US Treasury + 75 basis points for the 5-year tranche and US Treasury + 90 basis points for the 10-year tranche, reflecting robust investor appetite and STC’s strong credit standing.

The dual-tranche structure provides STC with flexible, long-term financing to advance its strategic initiatives in the telecommunications sector. As one of the region’s leading telecommunications providers, STC plays a vital role in expanding digital infrastructure and connectivity across Saudi Arabia and beyond. The transaction’s competitive pricing underscores market recognition of STC’s operational excellence, digital transformation agenda, and alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

ICD’s participation reflects its ongoing commitment to developing Islamic capital markets across member countries. Supporting institutions like STC, whose initiatives expand digital access and promote financial inclusion, aligns directly with ICD’s developmental mandate and mission to empower sustainable private sector growth. By backing a transaction that strengthens digital infrastructure and broadens connectivity, ICD contributes to greater financial inclusion and economic participation throughout the region.

The successful completion of this Sukuk issuance, with participation from more than 300 international investors, underscores the robust global appetite for high-quality Shariah-compliant investment opportunities in strategic sectors. It also highlights the increasing international recognition of STC’s strategic importance and credit strength in advancing regional digital transformation.

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

For media inquiries, contact: 
icd.communication@isdb.org

About Saudi Telecom Company (STC):
Saudi Telecom Company (STC) is the largest telecommunications company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a leading digital services provider in the region. STC offers a comprehensive range of telecommunications services including mobile, fixed-line, internet, and digital solutions. The company is committed to driving digital transformation across Saudi Arabia through innovative technology solutions and infrastructure development.

About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector:
ICD, a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, is a multilateral financial institution established in 1999. ICD promotes economic development in member countries by financing private sector projects, fostering competition and entrepreneurship, offering advisory services, and encouraging cross-border investments. It holds strong credit ratings, including A2 by Moody’s, A+ by Fitch, and A by S&P. ICD focuses on Shari’ah-compliant financing for projects like infrastructure and private equity funds, aiming to create jobs and boost exports.

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

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Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets Special Assistant to Japanese Foreign Minister, Ambassador in Charge of Reconstruction of Gaza Strip

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | January 19, 2026

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, met on Monday with HE Special Assistant to the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador in charge of the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, Okubo Takeshi, who is visiting the State of Qatar.
Discussions during the meeting centered on avenues for advancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries, the latest developments in the region, particularly in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as a range of matters of shared interest.
HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored the importance of concerted regional and global efforts to ensure the full enforcement of the ceasefire accord in the Gaza Strip, paving the way for sustainable peace and the desired stability in the region.

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President Ramaphosa mourns multiple deaths in Cape Flats violence and scholar transport crash

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the loss of life in violence on the Cape Flats at the weekend and in a collision involving a scholar transport vehicle this morning, Monday, 19 January 2026.

At least 26 people died in violence on the Cape Flats during a 24-hour period over the weekend while 11 learners died when the vehicle in which they were travelling collided with a truck near Vanderbijlpark today.

President Ramaphosa offers his deepest sympathies to all families and communities concerned and says Government will work with citizens and community-based organisations to protect people’s lives in these different circumstances.

With reference to the Western Cape tragedies, President Ramaphosa said communities could expect stronger law enforcement and increased police visibility to stabilise affected communities and reduce the potential for further violence.

President Ramaphosa recognises the fear to which criminals subject residents and therefore calls on communities to strengthen their partnership with law enforcement agencies in community policing forums.

The President also urges residents to provide information – even on neighbours and family members – to police on an ongoing basis so that communities will instead become unsafe for criminals. With the assistance of community members, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has been able to arrest 100 gang leaders and 106 runners in the past three months.

President Ramaphosa assures residents that Government is balancing short-term actions to prevent and respond to violence and stabilise communities, with long-term socio-economic interventions to improve social conditions and living standards.

On today’s learner transport tragedy, President Ramaphosa says it is particularly distressing that this incident has taken place on the day the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has published a report on scholar transport in the North West.

The President’s thoughts are with the families, teachers, classmates and friends of the young victims.

“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets and we must do all we can – from observing the rules of the road to the quality of service providers appointed to transport scholars – to protect learners.”

President Ramaphosa says national and provincial authorities will provide families and schools with the necessary psychosocial support.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria