Posts

Posted on

South Africa: Correctional Services Committee Concerned About Dilapidated State of Facilities Due to Budget Cuts

Source: APO – Report:

.

The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services today re-iterated its grave concern regarding the state of correctional facilities around the country because of insufficient maintenance due to budget shortfalls.

The committee indicated that the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and National Treasury (NT) must work closely together to find solutions to the dire condition of some facilities.

The committee today received a briefing from the DPWI on the dispute between the DPWI and the DCS about user charges and on matters identified during oversight visits.

The DPWI told the committee that the itemised billing was approved by the NT in terms of Treasury regulations. However, the rates approved by the NT are far below the calculated level required to achieve full cost recovery. This has led in a shortfall of R24.1 billion since the implementation of itemised billing.

The DPWI, which acts as landlord, said that it received R4.7 billion from client departments at an average of R23,24 per m2, whereas it pays the private sector R110 per m2. Annual day-to-day maintenance amounts to R2.2 billion for 56 414 buildings occupied by government and rates amount to R1.8 billion. The committee heard that in terms of the DCS, NT only allows it to pay R14.33 m2 for building space.

The committee was told that, for properties occupied by the DCS, the DPWI is running at a loss. Over the past five years, the total deficit amounts to R1.9 billion, with an annual average loss of R376 million. However, a task team is working on finding solutions to the challenges facing the two departments.

Committee Chairperson Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said the committee noted the work of the task team. She advised the task team to identify and prioritise those matters that cannot be left to deteriorate further. This should include DCS’s day-to-day operations, which require regular service and maintain. “It does not help if you have a beautiful kitchen in a centre with five or six stoves but only one is working. We saw that for ourselves in KwaZulu-Natal. In some instances, we even had to recommend that the kitchen should be shut down,” Ms Ramolobeng said.

“Once inmates are unable to eat or are given one meal a day,” the Chairperson continued, “it becomes a serious challenge.” The committee advised the DCS to continue to do maintenance and repairs and use offender labour for this. The filling of artisan vacancies was also highlighted, as they could assist offenders with repairing facilities.

The committee also agreed on the need for a meeting of heads of department between the DCS, DPWI and NT to discuss the issue of the user charge allocation. During a presentation a few weeks ago, the committee heard that more than R842 million was processed and paid to the DPWI in terms of this allocation during the 2024/25 period. However, DPWI has since relinquished the majority of maintenance responsibilities to the DCS, even though payments were made.

The committee will also invite NT to brief the committee on this matter. In addition, the committee will require regular updates from the task team on progress achieved.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Posted on

Media Statement by Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, at the release of the National Security Strategy 2024 – 2028 and the National Intelligence Estimates 2019 – 2024

Source: President of South Africa –

Today marks a historic milestone in our democratic journey, one which speaks directly to the principles of national security, constitutional accountability, transparency, and national resilience as enshrined in our Section 198 of the Constitution.

In line with the commitment I made during the 2024 and today’s Budget Vote Debates, and in direct response to the recommendations of the 2018 High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency, I am here to formally release the public versions of the National Security Strategy (NSS) 2024 – 2029, National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) 2019–2024 and its the National Intelligence Priorities (NIPs).

As explained during the Budget Debate, national security considerations dictate that we cannot release the current version of NIE and NIPs. Hence, we are publishing the NIE covering the period of the sixth Administration.

This is the first time in the history of the Republic of South Africa that such instruments of national intelligence are being released in a manner that is both transparent and structured, while maintaining the required integrity for national security. It is not only a profound step forward, but a clear paradigm shift in how the intelligence community relates to the state, to Parliament, and to the people.

The National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) 2019–2024 provides a consolidated, evidence-based assessment of the strategic threats, risks, and opportunities facing our nation.  It is the product of collaborative inputs from across the national intelligence community under the tutelage of the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee (NICOC) as per the provisions of the National Strategic Act 1994 (Act 39 of 1994), and other strategic partners.

It seeks to ensure that our national response to complex security issues, from illegal migration, espionage, cyber threats and transnational organised crime to climate security as well as domestic instability amongst others, is informed, proactive, and coordinated.

The NIE is directly aligned with our national planning instruments and consist of five themes namely:

• Threats to the economy, 
• Territorial integrity, 
• Authority of the state, 
• Threats to the wellbeing of South Africans, as well as 
• Threats emanating from the foreign or global terrain.  

The 2019–2024 National Intelligence Priorities (NIPs) were fully integrated with the priorities of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF), as follows:

Domestic Intelligence Priorities

• Investigate threats to South Africa’s sovereign economic and business capacity and capabilities emanating from both domestic and foreign actors and events. 

• Improve intelligence capacity to counter border-based and migration threats in support of the BMA. 

• Advise on vetting and forewarn about the appointment of foreign nationals at organs of State in strategic sectors where they have access to sensitive and classified information. This should be pursued in line with section 22 of the Constitution. 

• Identify and investigate the activities of FISs pertaining to South Africa’s economic and business interests, both domestic and abroad.

• Bolster cyber forensic capability to effectively address and regulate online technologies and crypto-currencies that are exploited to facilitate IFFs.

• Adjust South Africa’s cybersecurity posture to accommodate counter-intelligence and protective security at its core. 

• Conduct vulnerability assessments and vetting at SOEs. 

• Prioritise security appraisals and advice at critical infrastructure. 

• Address cybersecurity vulnerabilities at organs of State including in procurement, supply chain management and reliance on foreign-based companies within national security domains.

• Investigate activities related to terror financing that are characterised by vulnerabilities in the border security environment, exploitation of the cash economy, abuse of remittances, as well as the challenges presented by the new financial technologies.

• Investigate and mitigate organised or syndicated criminal activities, including drug smuggling as well as human smuggling and trafficking. 

• Investigate and mitigate the cross-border smuggling of narcotics and precursor chemicals for narcotics. 

Foreign Intelligence Priorities

• Establish and determine negative forces that seek to undermine and sabotage South Africa’s chairship of the African Union and also identify opportunities for country to boost her progressive overtures in the continent.

• Ensure and develop a system that would enhance and protect the country’s economic position and interest in the continent through the provisions of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. 

• Consolidate efforts to stabilise SADC region to advance the national interest and further enhance early warning mechanisms to manage risks to political, security, and economic stability in partnership with SADC member states.

• Enhance coordination of South Africa’s response and engagements in the United Nations Security Council throughout 2020 and continue to lobby for the reform of the UNSC.

• Develop a strategy and implement programmes aims at countering hostile forces that seek to undermine the country’s interest in the continent and further identify foreign powers in South Africa and the continent that are pro or against our interest. Further, develop legislation framework to deal espionage activities. 

• Strengthen the State’s capacity to detect and counter precursors of terrorism. 

• Develop a strategy to neutralise hostile activities of xxxxxxxx nationals in South Africa and then expedite efforts to resolve diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

National Security Strategy
 
The National Security Strategy (NSS) which was endorsed by the Cabinet on 13 March 2024 equally brings cohesion to our national security efforts. It outlines a whole-of-government, and with its publication, the whole-of-society approach to national security, by embedding intelligence at the core of strategic foresight, resilience-building, and crisis prevention.

The NSS is grounded in the principle that national security is inseparable from human security, economic stability, democratic governance, social justice and above all national interest. There are eight critical pillars contained in the NSS, namely: 

PILLAR 1: PROTECTION OF SOUTH AFRICANS OR PUBLIC SECURITY (Well-being of South Africans)

The objectives of this pillar is to ensure that the state:

• Protects the public and ensure its well-being.

• Protects the constitutional order of the Republic of South Africa (RSA).

• Ensure its sovereignty, independence, and its territorial integrity by protecting fundamental human and civil rights and freedoms.

• Strengthen civil peace and harmony.

• Ensure political and social stability in society.

• Improve the mechanisms of interaction between state and civil society.

• Strengthen safety and security.

• Eradicate corruption.

• Protect citizens and all forms of property.

• Protect the rights and freedoms of citizens.

• Eradicate poverty, inequality, unemployment and racism by promoting social cohesion.

PILLAR 2: PROTECTION OF THE TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF THE REPUBLIC

This pillar is aimed at ensuring that the goal of defending the country are being achieved through the implementation of modern and funded defence review and updated defence policy through strategic deterrence and the prevention of military conflicts; the improvement of the military organisation of the state; the forms of use and methods of action of the armed forces of the RSA and increased mobilisation readiness.

PILLAR 3: PROTECTION AND PROJECTION OF OUR SOVEREIGNTY

This pillar will ensure that the foreign policy of the RSA creates favourable conditions for sustainable socio-economic development of the country, strengthens national security interests abroad, strengthens the position of the RSA on matters of national interest and national security by ensuring that the country’s position is coherent and redlines are understood.

PILLAR 4: PROTECTION OF THE ECONOMY OR ECONOMIC SECURITY

This pillar of the NNS will ensure that the economic security of the RSA is strengthened, the economic sovereignty of the country is protected and that the competitiveness of the South African economy is increased as well as its resistance to external and internal threats. It is further aimed at creating conditions for economic growth at the rate of which will be at par to global growth or higher.

PILLAR 5: PROTECTION OF CYBERSPACE ANDTHE ENVIRONMENT

This pillar aims at strengthening the sovereignty of the RSA in the information space through enhancing risk awareness; encourage the country stakeholders to assume responsibility for their cybersecurity; and build the necessary capabilities.

PILLAR 6: PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

This pillar is aimed at ensuring that the RSA’s scientific and technological development is independent and competitive. It further ensures that there is enough investment into research and development capacity and that the country’s intellectual property is protected.

PILLAR 7: PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES OR ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY

This pillar will ensure the environmental security of the RSA and the rational use of natural resources. It will further ensure the quality of the environment necessary for favourable human life, conservation and restoration of the natural environment, balanced use of natural resources, and the mitigation of the negative effects of climate change.

PILLAR 8: PROTECTION OF SOUTH AFRICA’S CULTURE AND HERITAGE (Cultural Security)

This pillar will ensure the strengthening of the cultural sovereignty of South Africa and preserve its unified cultural space and heritage through the protection of historical truth, the preservation of historical memory, continuity in the development of the country and its historically established unity, and opposition to the falsification of history. This pillar is further aimed at building social cohesion, national identity and patriotism.

We must recall the warnings of the 2018 High-Level Review Panel, that a lack of policy coherence, political accountability, and institutional reform within the intelligence community posed a threat to national security itself.  In implementing the Panel’s recommendations, 

The release of the NIE, NIPs, and NSS represents not only compliance with that directive but a deliberate act of democratic renewal.  It is our commitment to building a modern, ethical, and professional intelligence capability, guided by law, oversight, and strategic foresight. This is part of our commitment to transform the sector to serve the Constitution, not partisan interests.

Let me be clear, this is not the end of a process.  It is the beginning of a new, progressive chapter in how intelligence functions in the service of the South African people.  We do so in a world of rapidly evolving threats, hybrid warfare, misinformation, climate-induced instability, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Our national security response must be anticipatory, inclusive, and adaptive.

In conclusion, I want to thank the men and women of our national intelligence community, who have worked with discipline, humility, and excellence to bring this moment to fruition. I also extend appreciation to Parliament for holding us accountable, and to the people of South Africa, for whom this transformation is being undertaken.

Let history reflect that we chose transparency over secrecy, service over self-interest, and reform over inertia.

Let us now work together to protect and advance our democratic gains through intelligence that is principled, professional, and people-centred.

The documents are published on are www.gov.za and www.presidency.gov.za

Posted on

Qatar and Tajikistan Convenes Round of Political Consultations

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, July 15  

The fourth round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and the Republic of Tajikistan was held in Doha on Tuesday.

The Qatari side was chaired by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, while that of Tajikistan was headed by HE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Farrukh Sharifzoda.

During the political consultations, they reviewed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them, in addition to a number of topics of common interest.

Posted on

Cabo Verde: Direção Nacional da Educação realiza ação formativa no novo módulo de crianças com Necessidades Educativas Especiais no Sistema Integrado de Gestão Escolar (SIGE)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Baixar .tipo

A Direção Nacional da Educação (DNE) deu início, nesta terça-feira (15), a uma ação de formação no novo módulo de avaliação de crianças com Necessidades Educativas Especiais (NEE) no Sistema Integrado de Gestão Escolar (SIGE).

Esta ação, que decorre nas instalações da DNE, destina-se aos coordenadores das Equipas Multidisciplinares de Apoio a Educação Inclusiva (EMAEI) e aos pontos focais do SIGE dos concelhos, de âmbito nacional. A mesma acontece durante os dias 15, 16 e 17 deste mês, para o primeiro grupo e nos dias 22, 23 e 24 para o segundo grupo.

O ato de abertura aconteceu nesta manhã e foi presidida pelo Diretor Nacional da Educação, Adriano Moreno. Este responsável avançou que esta ação formativa representa um passo importante nos esforços para fortalecer os mecanismos de gestão da educação inclusiva em Cabo Verde.

“Acreditamos que uma educação de qualidade em Cabo Verde só é verdadeiramente alcançável quando é inclusiva, garantindo que todas as crianças, independentemente das suas condições ou contextos, tenham acesso às oportunidades e ao acompanhamento de que necessitam para se desenvolverem plenamente”, afirmou Adriano Moreno.

Na sua intervenção endereçou um agradecimento à Unicef, enquanto parceiro estratégico e principal financiador da iniciativa. “O vosso apoio técnico e financeiro tem sido fundamental na promoção de ações estruturantes para melhoria da qualidade educativa, com especial destaque para a edução inclusiva”.

Na mesma linha, expressou gratidão à Devtrust – empresa parceira e responsável pelo desenvolvimento do módulo – à equipa técnica que conduz a formação e, aos membros da EMAEI, deixou uma palavra de apreço e incentivo.

“O vosso trabalho no terreno é essencial para tornar efetiva a inclusão nas nossas escolas. Com esta nova ferramenta, terão mais um instrumento ao vosso dispor para reforçar o acompanhamento, a intervenção e a articulação com os diferentes atores do sistema educativo”.

Adriano Moreno concluiu reforçando a sua convicção de que se está perante mais um passo no avanço concreto da consolidação de um sistema educativo mais justo, eficiente e inclusivo.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

Posted on

Madagascar launches $7 million initiative to protect coasts from climate change

Source: APO – Report:

.

Madagascar has officially launched a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing climate resilience by restoring critical coastal ecosystems and improving livelihoods across vulnerable regions. Nearly 100,000 people are expected to benefit directly across four key coastal regions—Boeny, Menabe, Diana, and Atsimo Atsinanana—where climate impacts are already threatening both livelihoods and biodiversity.

The project, Scaling Up Ecosystem-Based Adaptation for Coastal Areas in Madagascar, will be executed by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development with a USD 7.1 million grant from the Global Environment Facility and a cofinancing of USD 27 million. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) assisted the government with developing the project and will act as the implementing agency, as a continuation of a long-standing partnership on resilience-building and strengthened environmental stewardship

Madagascar’s coastal ecosystems—mangroves, coral reefs, and coastal forests—serve as natural buffers against rising seas, intensifying cyclones, and coastal erosion. Yet these ecosystems are under growing pressure from deforestation, overfishing, and a changing climate. Coastal zones support more than 75% of the local population by providing, for example, marine species for fisheries or valuable non-timber forest products.

The new project aims to enhance the resilience of both ecosystems and communities through nature-based solutions, conventionally  referred to as ecosystem-based adaptation.

In close coordination with the Regional Directorates for Environment and Sustainable Development (DREDD), the project will support integrated coastal zone management structures, enhance national and local adaptation coordination, and provide revised tools and plans to integrate EbA at the regional and municipal levels.

The initiative will restore 3,000 hectares of mangroves and coastal forests and rehabilitate 2,000 hectares of degraded watersheds using community-based approaches. Over the course of the project, almost 100,000 people are expected to benefit directly from ecosystem-based adaptation interventions.

It will also support the creation of 20 ecosystem-based businesses, with a focus on empowering women and youth through access to training, technical support, and equipment. These businesses will span climate-resilient sectors such as sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, beekeeping, ecotourism, and rainfed agriculture.

An official high-level launch ceremony was held on 15 July at Hôtel Le Louvre Antaninarenina, bringing together representatives from national ministries, UN agencies, civil society, and development partners. 

In her opening speech at the ceremony, the Secretary General of Environment and Sustainable Development Hahitantsoa Tokinirina Razafimahefa, said: “Restoring mangroves means protecting the coastline, supporting sustainable small-scale fishing, creating natural carbon sinks, and preserving nesting sites for rare species. In other words, it means acting on adaptation, mitigation, food security, and biodiversity conservation—all at once.”

Paz Lopez-Rey, UNEP’s Programme Management Officer for the new project, said: “The project will strengthen local governance for integrated coastal zone management, while ensuring the integration of ecosystem-based adaptation into key regional and municipal planning tools. But it will go further than that; it will lead to a national strategy to scale up ecosystem-based adaptation in other vulnerable coastal areas of the country.”

– on behalf of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Posted on

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to host Third Basketball Without Borders Women’s Camp at AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025 in Indianapolis

Source: APO – Report:

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the National Basketball Association (NBA) (www.NBA.com) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) today announced the 40 top high-school-age female prospects from outside the U.S. who will travel to Indianapolis, Ind., for the third Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Global women’s camp, which will be held Thursday, July 17 – Saturday, July 19 at Nicoson Hall on the University of Indianapolis campus as part of AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025.

The campers will be coached by several current and former WNBA and FIBA players and coaches, including 2025 No. 6 overall pick Georgia Amoore (Washington Mystics; Australia), 1999 WNBA All-Star and two-time NCAA champion Tonya Edwards (U.S.), two-time NCAA champion Kelly Faris (U.S.) and two-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Player of the Year Andrea Gardner-Williams.  2004 WNBA All-Star and current Vice President of Team Operations & Organizational Growth for the Boston Celtics Allison Feaster will serve as the camp director.

The players and coaches will lead the campers through a variety of activities, including movement efficiency drills, offensive and defensive skill stations, three-point contests, 5-on-5 games, and life-skills and leadership development sessions.  The camp will once again be open to WNBA scouts and NCAA coaches following last year’s event where 34 of the campers received NCAA Division I scholarship offers.  The campers will also attend the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19.  

The event will be supported by Nike, a global partner of BWB since 2002, which will outfit participants with Nike apparel and footwear.

BWB, the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program, has reached more than 4,600 participants from 144 countries and territories since 2001, with 142 former campers drafted into the NBA and WNBA or signed as free agents.  Fifteen former BWB campers have advanced to the WNBA, including Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm; Australia; BWB Asia 2016), Jade Melbourne (Mystics; Australia; BWB Global 2020), Aaliyah Edwards (Mystics; Canada; BWB Global 2019), Domonique Malonga (Storm; BWB Europe 2022), Nika Muhl (Storm; Croatia; BWB Europe 2018; BWB Global 2019) and Kamilla Cardoso (Chicago Sky; Brazil; BWB Global 2019).  The NBA and FIBA have held 80 BWB camps in 53 cities across 33 countries on six continents.

Follow the camp using the hashtag #BWBGlobal on Facebook, Instagram and X.  Find out more about BWB at BasketballWithoutBorders.com (https://BWB.NBA.com/), on YouTube (Basketball Without Borders: https://apo-opa.co/46csTll) and on Instagram (@ basketballwithoutborders: https://apo-opa.co/44O1jZs).

The following is a complete list of players participating in the third BWB Global women’s camp at WNBA All-Star (roster subject to change):

Name
Sanja Aksam
Maria Madalena Martinho Amaro
Karina Capellán
Emma D’este
Fatou Kine Diop
Misheel Elbegbayar
Haya El-Halawany
Rica Enriquez-Paea
Melissa Guillet
Amanda Guineo
Janelle Gyampo
Ayla Habbal
Wiktoria Haegenbarth
Keriana Hippolite
Hyeonjeong Hwang
Serena Ishiwatari
Ya Ida Juwara Skold
Anna Liepina
Yu Han Lin
Eiza Louveton
Erika Mace
Kartika Mahanani
Sarah Aaliyah Mellouk
Valeria Montero Piña
Lucy Nchamba
Nicole Ogun
Chen Chia Shan Pan
Maria Perez
Jasmine Perry
Maewenn Poilve
Mika Sakaguchi
Sena Sert
Binta Seye
Manon Simplot
Maxine Maria Sutisna
Tiia Talonen
Nicole Torresani
Tjasa Turnsek
Maja Uranker
Lea Vukic

– on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contact:
Kevin Alonzo
NBA
kalonzo@NBA.com
(212) 407-8158

Media files

.

Posted on

South Africa: Presidency condemns Democratic Alliance (DA) harassment of Presidential Envoy, Mcebisi Jonas

Source: APO – Report:

.

The Presidency cautions South Africa against treating Democratic Alliance (DA) disinformation on matters of international relations and diplomacy as official Government policy.

The DA’s latest effort to embarrass President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy to North America, Mr Jonas Mcebisi, involves claims – in the DA’s framing – that the United States has rejected Mr Jonas’s “credentials” and that Mr Jonas is therefore unable to perform his role as Special Envoy.

The DA seeks to add sensationalism to its claim by suggesting President Ramaphosa and Mr Jonas face a crisis in view of the United States’ pending implementation of trade tariffs announced several days ago by President Donald Trump.

The facts around this matter include the reality that Special Envoys do not present diplomatic credentials to host countries in the way designated Heads of Mission or other diplomats are.

While envoys are not required to account publicly for the work they undertake, the President’s own accounts of his performance include elements facilitated by envoys.

Mr Jonas’s outreach does not in any way supersede the leading role played by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in our difficult but constructive trade negotiations with the United States, or in our diplomatic relations with this longstanding partner.

Mr Jonas has, however, played an important role in working with the DTIC to develop the trade proposals in which South Africa is currently engaging the United States in good faith and with the expectation of mutually beneficial terms.

Similarly, he has been assisting DIRCO in Government’s efforts to reset diplomatic relations and all areas of cooperation between South Africa and the United States.

While these processes are underway and in view of President Ramaphosa’s telephonic contact with President Trump as well as his Working Visit to Washington in May 2025, President Ramaphosa has not had a need for Mr Jonas to visit the United States on urgent business.

The Presidency is therefore concerned about the Democratic Alliance’s persistent campaign against South Africa’s national interest and its posture of trying to embarrass and belittle our country and in this specific circumstance, Mr Jonas.

This campaign has its origins in a Democratic Alliance visit to the United States earlier this year, to advance an ideological agenda rather than our national interest.

The DA has positioned itself as part of a right-wing nexus that seeks to use a foreign state to effect changes to democratically developed national policies in our own country.

The DA is trying cheaply but dangerously to exploit a critical engagement between South Africa and the United States to protest President Ramaphosa’s removal of Mr Andrew Whitfield as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.

The DA’s pronouncements and insults against countries and international organisations – such as the Republic of Cuba or the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees – offends South Africa’s international relations and posture.

If the DA were to succeed in undermining South Africa relations with various nations or institutions, the party will harm the viability of businesses and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of South Africans who work in sectors that depend on the expansion of our trade relations with the world.

– on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Posted on

Morocco: His Majesty (HM) the King Congratulates Sultan of Brunei Darussalam on Birthday

Source: APO – Report:

.

His Majesty King Mohammed VI has sent a message of congratulations to the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, on the occasion of his birthday.

In this message, His Majesty the King extends His warmest congratulations and sincere wishes for good health and happiness to the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam and his esteemed royal family, as well as for progress and prosperity to his brotherly people, under his wise leadership.

The Sovereign takes pride in the brotherly bonds and mutual esteem that unite the two brotherly peoples, as well as in the strong ties of fruitful cooperation and solidarity between their two nations.

His Majesty the King also reaffirms His firm resolve to continue working alongside HM Haji Hassanal Bolkiah to further elevate these relations to the highest level, in fulfillment of the shared aspirations of both peoples for greater prosperity and well-being.

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

Posted on

L’onchocercose au Burundi, un combat de longue haleine qui porte des fruits

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


« J’ai souffert de l’onchocercose pendant longtemps. A un moment, je ne pouvais plus m’asseoir et je me grattais jusqu’à saigner. J’étais désespérée au point où un jour j’ai même prié Dieu pour mourir. Tout mon corps était plein de pus » raconte Tamari, 68 ans, se remémorant ces années de souffrance. Cette grand-mère de trois petits-enfants et mère de deux enfants, habitante de la province de Cibitoke au nord-ouest du Burundi, une région endémique de l’onchocercose.

L’onchocercose encore appelée la cécité des rivières touche encore aujourd’hui plus de 2,1 millions de Burundais, soit près de 17 % de la population. Cette maladie tropicale négligée sévit particulièrement dans 12 districts sanitaires sur les 49 que compte le pays, notamment dans les régions de Bubanza, Bugarama, Bukinanyana, Bururi, Cibitoke, Gihofi, Mabayi, Makamba, Mpanda, Rumonge, Rutana et Rutovu.

Le Burundi a engagé depuis les années 1950 une lutte acharnée contre l’onchocercose quand les premiers cas ont été notifiés dans le pays. Les études parasitologiques et entomologiques menées entre 1979 et 1987 ont permis de déterminer l’endémicité de la maladie, ouvrant la voie aux premiers traitements à l’Ivermectine en 1990.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 

Des résultats encourageants ont été obtenus avec le traitement l’Ivermectine, mais pas assez pour les ambitions du pays. La cartographie épidémiologique rapide de l’Onchocercose menée entre 2001 et 2005 a montré que la prévalence des porteurs des nodules de l’onchocercose variait entre 0,3 à 83,3 %. Ainsi en 2005, le Burundi a initié des campagnes annuelles de traitement de masse à l’Ivermectine, couvrant 371 collines et communautés. Depuis lors, la couverture thérapeutique n’a cessé d’augmenter jusqu’à atteindre le seuil de 80% à partir de 2010 et ont été maintenues à 100% jusqu’en 2024. L’Organisation mondiale de la Santé (OMS) accompagne cette initiative en fournissant un appui technique, financier et les médicaments nécessaires. L’Organisation appuie également la mobilisation de tous les acteurs, au-delà du secteur de la santé, afin d’optimiser l’impact des interventions contre les maladies tropicales négligées par une collaboration intersectorielle effective et efficace. Grace à cet appui, l’enquête pré-arrêt du traitement de masse contre l’onchocercose menée en 2023 dans 15 collines réparties dans 8 districts sanitaires, a montré des résultats encourageant avec 12 collines affichant une séroprévalence quasi nulle avec seulement 3 collines présentant des taux compris entre 1 et 2%.

« Eliminer l’Onchocercose au Burundi, c’est redonner le sourire à des milliers de malades et leurs proches. L’OMS se réjouit de voir des malades retrouver la bonne santé et reprendre les activités socioéconomiques. » explique le Dr Dieudonné Nicayenzi, responsable technique en charge du programme paludisme, les maladies à transmission vectorielle et tropicales négligées au bureau pays de l’OMS au Burundi.

D’après les recommandations de l’OMS, après plus d’une dizaine d’années de traitement contre l’onchocercose, la prévalence est mesurée chez les enfants de moins de 10 ans. Ainsi, sur 1504 enfants examinés en 2024 dans les 12 districts sous traitement, seuls 6 enfants étaient testés positifs soit une séroprévalence 0,4 %, a indiqué Dr Victor Bucumi, directeur du programme national intégré de lutte contre les maladies tropicales négligées et la cécité au Burundi.

Le centre de santé de Rugombo dans la province de Cibitoke, ne reçoit plus de patient souffrant de cette maladie, alors qu’avant la mise en place du traitement à l’Ivermectine sous directives communautaires en 2005, Rugombo faisait partie des localités endémiques à l’onchocercose. 

« Après 20 ans de traitement, il n’y a plus de cas notifié d’onchocercose dans notre centre de santé », affirme Julien BIGIRIMANA, technicien de promotion de santé au centre de santé de Rugombo. Il n’est d’ailleurs pas le seul à saluer les résultats de ces distributions de masse ; Tamari se réjouit de retrouver une vie normale et les séquelles de l’onchocercose restent un souvenir lointain, « j’aimerai dire merci au programme qui distribue ces médicaments car aujourd’hui je ne me gratte plus grâce aux médicaments qu’on nous donne régulièrement. » conclut-elle. 

Sur le terrain, les agents de santé communautaires (ASC) constituent la cheville ouvrière de cette lutte. Parcourant parfois jusqu’à deux heures de marche pour récupérer leur kit de distribution (mectizan, toises, registres, fiches), ils assurent la distribution soit en porte-à-porte dans les zones urbaines et semi-urbaines, soit via des points fixes chez les chefs de secteur pouvant regrouper 10 à 100 maisons dans les collines ou villages difficilement accessibles. Ces ASC ont également la charge de la mobilisation sociale à travers des communications dans la communauté afin de toucher le maximum de personnes. Ces communications se font également dans les églises, mosquées, etc.

Pourtant, des obstacles persistent. Les agents de santé manquent parfois des équipements de transport et de conservation des outils de collecte des données et autres intrants.  La centralisation et la digitalisation des données au niveau communautaire se heurtent à des ressources financières limitées, souligne le Dr Bucumi. « Ce manque de fonds suffisants entraine une faible motivation des agents de santé communautaires », ajoute le Dr Nicayenzi, responsable de la lutte contre les maladies tropicales négligées au bureau pays de l’OMS au Burundi.

Pour surmonter ces défis, l’OMS mise sur une intensification de la mobilisation des ressources, tant gouvernementales que partenariales, allouées à la lutte contre l’onchocercose. Elle promeut également l’intégration dans la lutte contre les maladies tropicales négligées dans le contexte actuel de ressources limitées.

Distribué par APO Group pour WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Posted on

Minister Ntshavheni releases historic National Security Strategy to strengthen people-centred security

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has released the public versions of key national intelligence documents, in what she described as a historic milestone in South Africa’s democratic journey and a significant step towards greater transparency, accountability and institutional reform. 

The Minister released the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) 2019 – 2024, the National Intelligence Priorities (NIPs), and the National Security Strategy (NSS) 2024 – 2029 during a media briefing in Cape Town on Tuesday. 

The Minister had earlier in the day tabled the 2025 State Security Agency Budget Vote in Parliament.

At the briefing, she underscored that this was the first time in the country’s history that such core national intelligence instruments were being published in a manner that is both transparent and structured, while preserving the integrity of national security.

“It is not only a profound step forward, but a clear paradigm shift in how the intelligence community relates to the State, to Parliament, and to the people,” Ntshavheni said. 

The Minister framed the public release of the NIE and NSS as part of a broader shift towards constitutional accountability, transparency and national resilience, in line with Section 198 of the Constitution and the recommendations of the 2018 High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency (SSA).

“The release of the NIE, NIPs and NSS represents not only compliance with that directive but a deliberate act of democratic renewal. It is our commitment to building a modern, ethical, and professional intelligence capability, guided by law, oversight, and strategic foresight. 

“This is part of our commitment to transform the sector to serve the Constitution, not partisan interests,” she said. 

Key threats and priorities identified

The NIE 2019 – 2024 provides a comprehensive assessment of the threats facing the nation, ranging from illegal migration, cybercrime, transnational organised crime, to climate and domestic instability. The Estimate is built around five core themes: threats to the economy, territorial integrity, the authority of the State, citizen well-being, and foreign influences.

The Minister detailed how the National Intelligence Priorities were aligned with government’s Medium-Term Strategic Framework, and focused on challenges such as:

  • Countering border-based threats and foreign infiltration in strategic sectors.
  • Strengthening cyber forensic capabilities to curb illicit financial flows.
  • Investigating threats to South Africa’s sovereign economic capacity.
  • Preventing terror financing, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.

On the foreign intelligence front, the focus includes consolidating South Africa’s continental leadership role, defending its interests in multilateral fora, and countering espionage and hostile foreign interference.

A whole-of-society security strategy

Central to the Minister’s announcement was the unveiling of the new National Security Strategy (2024 – 2029), which introduces a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to security.

“The NSS is grounded in the principle that national security is inseparable from human security, economic stability, democratic governance, social justice and above all national interest,” the Minister said. 

The strategy is underpinned by eight critical pillars, including:

  • Protection of South Africans or Public Security (Well-being of South Africans).
  • Protection of Territorial Integrity of the Republic.
  • Protection and Projection of the Country’s Sovereignty.
  • Protection of the Economy or Economic Security.
  • Protection of Cyberspace and the Environment.
  • Protection and Promotion of Technology and Innovation.
  • Protection of the Environment and Natural Resources or Environmental Security.
  • Protection of South Africa’s Culture and Heritage (Cultural Security).

Each pillar speaks to the State’s responsibility to safeguard not only physical borders, but also economic sovereignty, digital resilience and social cohesion.

Intelligence in Service of the People

Ntshavheni emphasised that the publication of these documents is not the end, but rather “the beginning of a new, progressive chapter” in national intelligence.

“We do so in a world of rapidly evolving threats, hybrid warfare, misinformation, climate-induced instability, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Our national security response must be anticipatory, inclusive, and adaptive,” she said. 

She concluded by honouring the national intelligence community and reaffirming the importance of principled intelligence that serves the people and the Constitution, not partisan interests.

“Let history reflect that we chose transparency over secrecy, service over self-interest, and reform over inertia, and this is done within the constraints of our national security interests.

“Let us now work together to protect and advance our democratic gains through intelligence that is principled, professional, and people-centred,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za