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Bafana Bafana showed resilience in tough World Cup fixture 

Source: Government of South Africa

Bafana Bafana showed resilience in tough World Cup fixture 

Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, has praised Bafana Bafana’s relentless effort and attitude to never give up following their 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the FIFA World Cup opening game on Thursday night.

“Our boys showed resilience against all odds. They never folded and kept it going until the end. They battled hard for the badge and the aspirations of millions of South Africans back home. 

“We say to them football is a game of mistakes and chances and against a top 15 ranked team with such overwhelming home support, they were unfortunately at the end of the harsh realities of the game,” the MEC said on Friday.

The MEC had previously joined the nation in wishing Bafana Bafana well in their game.

The match held at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, saw the Mexicans score their first goal in the first eight minutes of the game while their second goal was scored in the second half.  South Africa walked away with two red cards in last night’s game.

“We call on them to hold their heads high, regroup and confront the harsh technical lessons of the match and learn from it. Tactically they faced an uphill battle, however they showed their intentions and readiness to do their best even with two men short,” said Maile.

The MEC further urged the public to pull together and rally behind the team as they navigate the group stage. 

“A single result does not dictate our destiny. We call on the nation to lift our players up, drown out the noise, and show them unconditional love and support. This disappointment should serve as motivation for the next games to stay in the tournament for as long as it is possible,” he said.

In a statement on Thursday night, government commended the men’s team for their “spirited performance” at the World Cup opener.

“While the final score was not what the nation had hoped for, the team represented South Africa with unity, determination, and a sense of pride on the world’s biggest stage,” Acting government spokesperson, Nomonde Mnukwa said.

READ | Chin up, Bafana Bafana 
The senior men’s team will face Czechia in their next Group A match in Atlanta on Thursday, 18 June 2026. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Chin up, Bafana Bafana 

Source: Government of South Africa

Chin up, Bafana Bafana 

While they had a disappointing start in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opening game, government has commended Bafana Bafana following their match against Mexico on Thursday night.

“Government commends Bafana Bafana for their spirited performance in their opening match against Mexico in the FIFA World Cup. While the final score was not what the nation had hoped for, the team represented South Africa with unity, determination, and a sense of pride on the world’s biggest stage,” Acting government spokesperson, Nomonde Mnukwa said.

This as the national senior men’s team suffered a 2-0 loss to Mexico at the at the iconic Estadio Azteca.

“We encourage the team, coaching staff and support team to remain focussed and confident as they prepare for the remaining matches in the group stage.  Together, we can inspire our team to greater heights; South Africans are urged to rally behind our boys and cheer them on as they carry the hope of the nation,” she said in a statement issued by the Government Communication and Information System.

Mnukwa urged South Africans to wear their green and gold on Bafana Fridays and continue to stand united behind the national team throughout their FIFA World Cup journey. 

“South Africa remains proud of Bafana Bafana and believes in their ability to bounce back stronger,” she said.

The senior men’s team will face Czechia in their next match in Atlanta on Thursday, 18 June 2026. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

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Kora rejoint le réseau de paiement de Association du transport aérien international (IATA) pour faciliter les paiements aériens à travers l’Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Kora (www.KoraHQ.com), la plateforme d’infrastructure de paiement, a rejoint l’IATA Financial Gateway (IFG) de l’Association du transport aérien international, connectant les compagnies aériennes mondiales à l’écosystème de paiement africain grâce à une couche d’infrastructure unique et fiable. L’IATA Financial Gateway (https://apo-opa.co/4ovs4va) est la plateforme dédiée à l’orchestration et à la gestion des paiements de l’industrie aérienne.

 L’IFG rassemble des partenaires de paiement mondiaux, régionaux et locaux pour fournir aux compagnies aériennes la combinaison optimale d’options de paiement afin de maximiser l’acceptation, réduire les coûts et mieux servir les clients sur chaque marché. Grâce à cette intégration, les compagnies aériennes et les agences de voyage utilisant l’IFG peuvent désormais accepter des paiements à travers l’Afrique via Kora, incluant les cartes, les virements bancaires, l’argent mobile et les méthodes de paiement locales alternatives, sans avoir à créer ou gérer indépendamment de multiples intégrations complexes.

L’Afrique est l’un des marchés aéronautiques à la croissance la plus rapide au monde. Le continent devrait accueillir plus de 300 millions de nouveaux passagers d’ici 2050. Pourtant, les compagnies aériennes mondiales sont confrontées depuis longtemps à un défi opérationnel fondamental lorsqu’elles pénètrent les marchés africains : la fragmentation des rails de paiement locaux, la complexité liée aux devises étrangères (FX), le manque de connexion entre les systèmes de règlement et la charge de gérer de multiples relations avec des prestataires de services de paiement au Nigéria, au Kenya, au Ghana, en Égypte et en Afrique du Sud. Ce partenariat élimine ces frictions. Une seule connexion via l’IFG donne aux compagnies aériennes accès à l’infrastructure de paiement africaine complète de Kora, avec la fiabilité des règlements et la conformité locale qu’exigent les opérations d’entreprise.

Dickson Nsofor, PDG de Kora, a déclaré : « L’Afrique n’est pas un marché à comprendre plus tard. C’est une opportunité de croissance qui exige une infrastructure sérieuse dès aujourd’hui. Notre partenariat avec l’IATA signale que les rails sont prêts. Les compagnies aériennes mondiales n’ont plus à choisir entre s’étendre en Afrique et gérer la complexité des paiements. Avec Kora au sein de l’IFG, elles obtiennent les deux. »

L’IATA représente actuellement plus de 370 compagnies aériennes internationales à travers le monde. Avec l’intégration de Kora au sein de l’IFG, ces compagnies aériennes obtiennent un accès direct à la pile de paiement africaine sur chaque marché où Kora opère.

L’IATA Financial Gateway (IFG) permet une flexibilité accrue dans le traitement des paiements de voyage pour les compagnies aériennes et les fournisseurs de voyages du monde entier, afin de construire une stratégie de paiement de voyage rentable. « La participation de Kora renforce notre capacité à servir les compagnies aériennes opérant ou s’étendant sur les marchés africains », a déclaré Kamil Al-Awadhi, vice-président régional pour l’Afrique et le Moyen-Orient.

Distribué par APO Group pour Kora.

Contact média :
Olawale Akinola
olawale@korapay.com   
+2347074524072

À propos de Kora : 
Kora (www.KoraHQ.com) est une plateforme d’infrastructure de paiement permettant les encaissements, les décaissements et les règlements à travers l’Afrique. Conçue pour la complexité des marchés africains, Kora fournit la fiabilité, la conformité locale et l’infrastructure de règlement dont dépendent les entreprises et les institutions financières.

Apprenez-en plus sur www.KoraHQ.com.

À propos de l’IATA : 
L’IATA représente plus de 370 compagnies aériennes représentant environ 85 % du trafic aérien mondial.

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Advisor to the Prime Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets with the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway

Source: Government of Qatar

Oslo, June 11, 2026

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari met with HE State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik, on the sidelines of the annual Oslo Forum in the Norwegian capital.

The meeting discussed cooperation relations between the two countries. It also discussed the latest updates in the region, especially the mediation efforts between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran. (QNA)

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Advisor to the Prime Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign AffairsMeets with an Official of the European Commission

Source: Government of Qatar

Oslo, June 11, 2026

Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari met Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs at the European External Action Service of the European Commission, on the sidelines of the annual Oslo Forum in the Norwegian capital.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the European Union along with the latest developments in the region. Particular attention was given to ongoing mediation efforts between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran.  

The discussions took place as regional and international stakeholders continue diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting stability across the Middle East.

The Oslo Forum is an annual gathering that brings together international mediators, policymakers and peace practitioners to discuss conflict resolution and peacemaking initiatives around the world.

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Advisor to Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Participates in Mediation Session at Oslo Forum

Source: Government of Qatar

Oslo, June 11, 2026

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari participated as a speaker in the first high-level session of the annual Oslo Forum, held in Norway, to discuss mediation efforts in the Middle East.

In his remarks during the session, Dr. Al Ansari emphasized the significance of building international alliances and partnerships for peace by unifying the efforts of countries and coordinating their various tools and capabilities, in order to enhance the effectiveness of mediation and prevent it from being limited to individual initiatives.

He pointed out that mediation is witnessing a worrying shift from focusing on ending wars and achieving sustainable peace to merely reaching ceasefire agreements. He indicated that this shift reflects the decline in international aspirations for peace as a result of the current situation. He further noted that the efforts of mediators are now focused on moving from high-intensity conflicts to low-intensity conflicts, instead of addressing the causes of conflicts and reaching sustainable settlements.

Dr Al Ansari pointed out that the increasing number of crises and conflicts around the world makes it difficult to focus international efforts on mediation and peacemaking, which requires the development of more effective mechanisms capable of responding to growing challenges.

The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that crises do not arise in a vacuum, but rather are formed within complex regional and international contexts, which necessitates that the countries of the region play a positive and responsible role in supporting settlement efforts and promoting stability. In this regard, he cited the ongoing developments in the Gaza Strip and the current tensions in the region as examples of the importance of the regional role in containing crises.

Concluding his remarks, Dr. Al Ansari highlighted the importance of mediating powers in the international system, stressing that cooperation and coordination among them can contribute to a tangible global impact and enhance security, stability, and peace at both regionally and internationally.

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Heartbreak for Bafana Bafana

Source: Government of South Africa

Heartbreak for Bafana Bafana

Heartbreak was the order of the day for Bafana Bafana who went down 2-0 to Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match, on Thursday night.

The loss took place at the iconic Estadio Azteca, following the 9pm kick off, which saw Captain Ronwen Williams lead his teammates onto the pitch in Mexico City.

Stepping onto the pitch has been a journey of four years of hard work in a game that saw many hold on to the edge of their seat.

While it ended in disappointment for South Africa in the Group A Stage, Thursday’s match marked exactly 16 years since South Africa, as host nation, opened the first World Cup on African soil against Mexico in Johannesburg.

This year’s FIFA World Cup is being hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

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Seychelles: President Herminie Assents to Landmark National Assembly Administration Act 2026

Source: APO


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A historic constitutional milestone was marked at State House today as President of the Republic, Dr Patrick Herminie, gave his ceremonial assent to the National Assembly Administration Act 2026. The assent completed a legislative reform journey that began more than a decade ago during his tenure as Speaker of the National Assembly, culminating in a moment of profound institutional significance.

The Act establishes a dedicated legal and administrative framework for the National Assembly, separating the legislature’s operational structures from the public service and reinforcing Parliament’s institutional independence as a co-equal branch of government.

The ceremony brought together representatives of all three branches of government, underscoring the constitutional significance of the occasion and the shared commitment to strengthening Seychelles’ democratic institutions. Those in attendance included Vice-President Sebastian Pillay, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment Pierre Laporte, Chief Justice Rony Govinden, Members of the National Assembly, and senior government officials.

Remarks on behalf of the Executive were delivered by Minister Laporte, who described the legislation as a fulfilment of a central commitment of President Herminie’s Administration. “The strengthening of the National Assembly does not diminish the Executive, rather it strengthens the constitutional balance between the three arms of Government,” he said.

Speaking from the heart, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon Ernesta, reflected on a legislative journey spanning more than a decade. Addressing President Herminie directly, she noted that it was during his tenure as Speaker that work on the Administration Bill first began. “Today, I stand here ready to humbly witness you assent to it. Destiny is indeed a poetic thing,” she said. The Speaker confirmed that she has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to support the full operationalisation of the Act.

The National Assembly Administration Act 2026 takes effect from the date of assent, marking a new chapter in the institutional development of Seychelles’ Parliament and the continued strengthening of the country’s democratic governance framework. Implementing provisions will follow in accordance with the Act’s transitional arrangement.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Angola Strengthens Its Ebola Response Capacity

Source: APO


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Following the National Training Meeting organized by the Ministry of Health (MINSA) with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), Angola has reinforced its commitment to preventing, detecting, and responding to Ebola threats. The initiative brought together more than 350 key participants from all provinces of the country. It produced concrete results, notably the strengthening of epidemiological surveillance and early detection capabilities, as well as the training of better-prepared rapid response teams.

This progress is particularly significant in a regional context marked by active outbreaks of Ebola virus disease (EVD), reinforcing the country’s readiness and capacity for a coordinated response to potential public health emergencies. 

Joint training of health professionals, defense and security forces, civil protection, the private sector, and international partners contributed to a more effective multisectoral approach, consolidating synergies and promoting an integrated response.

According to the Minister of Health, Dr. Sílvia Lutucuta, Ebola is a disease of high severity and significant public health impact, the risk of which can be significantly reduced through adequate preparation, effective surveillance, and a coordinated response.

Angola is taking a decisive step by investing in the preparedness and training of its teams. Experience shows us that preparedness saves lives and that the multisectoral coordination demonstrated here is essential to prevent and respond to any Ebola threat effectively.”

In this regard, the WHO emphasizes that ongoing investment in preparedness is one of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of outbreaks and save lives. The WHO representative in Angola, Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, emphasized that strengthening national capacities, together with robust multisectoral coordination, will enable a faster, more effective, and sustainable response, contributing to a more resilient health system.

Angola’s long border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), combined with intense population movements, increases the risk of cross-border spread, requiring a high level of preparedness and coordinated surveillance, especially in high-risk areas. In this context, the National Multisectoral Contingency Plan for EVD was approved during the meeting, in accordance with the latest international recommendations. 

At the same time, operational protocols were presented for critical areas, including epidemiological surveillance, contact tracing, specimen management, infection prevention and control, emergency logistics, and risk communication.

The meeting also included a substantial practical component that enabled participants to develop essential field skills. Biosafety exercises, including handwashing procedures, specimen management, and the use of protective clothing, helped ensure a faster, safer, and more effective response nationwide.

With these advances, Angola is consolidating its capacity to prevent and respond to public health emergencies, strengthening population protection and the resilience of the national health system. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Angola.

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Qatar Reaffirms Readiness to Advance Lasting Middle East Peace with UN, Partners

Source: Government of Qatar

New York |  June 11, 2026

The State of Qatar reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the UN Security Council and all international partners to strengthen dialogue and mediation efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in the Middle East, while continuing to expand its bilateral and international humanitarian and development partnerships to help break the cycle of conflict.

This came in a statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, during the UN Security Council High-Level Open Debate on “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Advancing Political Solutions in the Middle East, Mediation and Dialogue for Lasting Peace” in New York.

Her Excellency stressed that mediation and the peaceful settlement of disputes remain a cornerstone to Qatar’s foreign policy, firmly rooted in its Permanent Constitution and unwavering commitment to the UN Charter. 

She highlighted Qatar’s sustained contribution to peaceful conflict resolution efforts across the Middle East and beyond, reflected in its successful mediation initiatives, including facilitating ceasefire agreements, prisoner exchanges, and peace accords in various regions of the world.

Regarding developments in the Gulf region, she noted that Qatar continues intensive diplomatic engagement with regional and international partners to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, achieved through the valued mediation efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. 

She emphasized the importance of preventing renewed escalation and safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to shield the region from the consequences of further tensions.

Her Excellency added that Qatar has underscored the necessity for all parties to respond positively to ongoing mediation efforts, paving the way for resolving the crisis through peaceful means and constructive dialogue that prevents a return to escalation.

In this context, she reiterated Qatar’s call for full compliance with UN Security Council Resolutions 552 and 2817, stressing the Council’s responsibility to uphold and enforce its mandates.

HE the Permanent Representative firmly stated that Qatar strongly condemns the Iranian attacks targeting the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the State of Kuwait, considering them a flagrant violations of sovereignty and clear breaches of international law.

She further emphasized that any attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz or impose legal restrictions on freedom of navigation through it would constitute a violation of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

Qatar, she said, reiterates the imperative of preserving freedom of navigation and the right of safe passage through the Strait as a vital international waterway.

She noted that the role of the Security Council is pivotal in advancing peaceful political solutions, pointing to the Council’s unity in adopting Resolution 2803 on Gaza as a significant example that can be built upon to strengthen implementation of Council resolutions and advance political solutions across the Middle East and beyond.

In this regard, she highlighted the joint mediation efforts undertaken by Qatar alongside the Arab Republic of Egypt, the United States of America, and the Republic of Turkiye, which led to the Gaza ceasefire agreement signed last October. 

The State of Qatar, she stressed, calls on all parties to honor their commitments, fully implement the agreement, and ensure the opening of crossings to facilitate the sustained and uninterrupted flow of humanitarian assistance into the Gaza Strip.

HE Sheikha Alya also reaffirmed Qatar’s steadfast commitment to peace efforts and its support for initiatives aimed at achieving a comprehensive resolution. She noted that Qatar will continue coordinating its humanitarian and development efforts with partners to ensure effective responses to urgent needs, support recovery and reconstruction, and strengthen prospects for sustainable peace.

She concluded by reaffirming Qatar’s unwavering position in support of a just, comprehensive, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions, ensuring the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.