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Eritrea: Henok Mulubrhan Winner of Magnificent Qinghai 2025

Source: APO


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Eritrean professional cyclist Henok Mulubrhan, a member of the Astana Cycling Club and three-time African Cycling Champion, has won both the Yellow and Green Jerseys at the 24th edition of the Magnificent Qinghai 2025, currently being held in China.

In the race covering 1,323.7 km, Henok finished first in the 6th stage (232.7 km), second in the 5th stage, and third in the 7th stage. Henok also secured third place in the King of the Mountain classification.

In the competition, which featured 120 cyclists from 21 clubs, Eritrean professional cyclists Merhawi Kudus, Natnael Berhane, Even Yemane, Metkel Eyob, and Petros Mengis also participated, representing their respective clubs.

It is to be recalled that at the 23rd edition of the Magnificent Qinghai competition last year, Henok was the winner of the Green Jersey.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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ACSA, RTMC top officials placed on precautionary suspension

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Transport has confirmed the precautionary suspension of Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) Chief Executive Officer, Advocate Makhosini Msibi.

The precautionary suspension came into effect at the beginning of July.

“The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa, as the delegated shareholder responsible for the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), has officially been informed of the precautionary suspension of the Chief Executive Officer of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Adv Makhosini Msibi, by the Board of Directors of RTMC following the board meeting held on 13 June 2025,” the department said.

In a short statement, the department noted that the precautionary suspension is valid for 30 days and may be extended to 60 days or “any further period as may be reasonably necessary”.

“In its letter to the Ministry, the Board indicated that it took this decision following whistleblowing allegations of financial misconduct, irregular expenditure and governance failures at the entity.

“Based on the seriousness of the allegations, the Board has taken a decision to institute a forensic investigation into these allegations.

“The Board has also advised the Ministry of the appointment of Ms Refilwe Mongale as an Interim Chief Executive Officer, with effect from the 1st of July 2025 until further notice, to ensure continuity and stability within the RTMC while the forensic investigation is underway,” the department explained.

Meanwhile, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has placed its Group Executive for Enterprise Security and Compliance, Lt-General Mzwandile Petros, on precautionary suspension “pending the outcome of an independent investigation into allegations of operational irregularities”.

“The decision to place…[Petros] on precautionary suspension is a crucial measure to protect the integrity of the investigative process and any current and subsequent processes.

“The day-to-day functions of ACSA will not be affected by this decision. In the interim, Ms. Mary-Ann Joubert, has been appointed to act as GE:ESC to ensure continuity and maintain operational stability. ACSA will report back once the matter is finalised,” the company said. – SAnews.gov.za

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President El-Sisi Meets Angolan President in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Angolan President João Lourenço on the sidelines of the President’s participation in the seventh session of the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Summit, held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said President El-Sisi lauded the current Angolan presidency of the African Union and Angola’s commitment to strengthening joint African action across various sectors.

The Angolan president confirmed his appreciation for the President and Egypt’s central and historic role in the African continent and in working within the framework of the African Union.

The meeting addressed the situation of peace and security in Africa, as well as ways to consolidate the foundations of stability across the continent. The meeting covered the issues of the Horn of Africa, Sudan, the Sahel, and the Nile Basin.

The meeting also addressed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and explore broader prospects for cooperation in various fields, building on the momentum relations between the two countries have gained, in addition to keenness to achieve the aspirations of the two peoples for prosperity and development.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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Deputy President undertakes strategic working visit to China

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President undertakes strategic working visit to China

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to embark on a Working Visit to the People’s Republic of China from tomorrow (Monday).

He will be accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka; Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.

While there, the Deputy President will participate in the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE).

“In its third year, CISCE is the world’s first national-level expo dedicated to global supply chains. It is hosted under the auspices of the Chinese Central Government and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade [CCPIT].

“This high-level participation by the Deputy President and the South African Delegation is a pivotal opportunity to advance the South Africa–China All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era. It also reinforces South Africa’s position as a gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa for trade, investment, and industrial cooperation,” the Presidency said in a statement.

South Africa has been accorded Guest Country status for the expo under the theme “South Africa: Your Pathway to Supply Chain Resilience”.

The visit will focus on:

  • Promoting strategic sectors such as renewable energy, logistics, pharmaceuticals, mineral beneficiation, and the digital economy;
  • Showcasing a robust pipeline of investable projects to attract targeted Chinese investment, particularly into Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and critical infrastructure;
  • Enhancing bilateral collaboration on clean technologies, digital skills development, and industrial standards; and
  • Advancing South Africa’s objectives for supply chain resilience, accelerated industrialisation, and deeper integration within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

“In addition, the visit will include a dedicated bilateral programme aligned with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and the Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020–2029) between South Africa and China, with a particular emphasis on Chapter Two on Mutual Beneficial Economic Cooperation and Trade.

“The visit is also part of the evolving strategic trajectory of the South Africa-China relationship and reaffirms both countries’ commitment to deepening mutual cooperation in support of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development,” the Presidency’s statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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SASSA to outline social grants review process

Source: Government of South Africa

SASSA to outline social grants review process

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Themba Matlou, is on Monday expected to brief the media on the social grants review process currently being undertaken by the agency.

According to SASSA, the review is focussed on targeted beneficiaries suspected of having “additional sources of income that was not disclosed to the Agency”.

“In April 2025, SASSA announced an ongoing scheduled payment delays to targeted social grants beneficiaries who need to visit local offices to confirm changes in their financial circumstances and update their personal details to address potential inclusion errors in the current social security system. 

“This was done after the Agency had collaborated with registered Credit Bureaus and approximately 210 000 social grant beneficiaries were flagged to be receiving income that was not truthfully disclosed,” the agency said in a statement.

SASSA bemoaned the “public commentary and misrepresentation from various interest groups and the public at large, casting aspersions on SASSA’s efforts to ascertain eligibility” of some beneficiaries and initiatives to “curb fraud in the grants system”.

“In accordance with the Social Assistance legislative framework, beneficiaries are legally required to fully disclose all sources of income during their initial application. They are also obliged to inform SASSA of any changes to their financial circumstances after their application has been approved.

“SASSA has undertaken a review of its database and grant administration processes to root out fraud and ensure that assistance reaches those who are eligible. 

“These reviews are specifically focused on individuals who appear to be active in the labour market and whose incomes are close to or exceed the means test threshold; particularly where such income was not disclosed at the time of application or where changes in circumstances were not reported thereafter,” SASSA said.

The media briefing is expected to begin at 10am on Monday and will be streamed live on the Government ZA social media pages. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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SIU R67 million recovery order crucial step in "rooting out" corruption

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has welcomed the R67 million recovery order obtained by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) against a plumbing contractor associated with the department.

Last week, the corruption busting unit said it had obtained an order from the Special Tribunal, which set aside contracts awarded to Kroucamp Plumbers by the department for vacuum pumping of septic tanks and emergency sewage blockage interventions.

The tribunal also dismissed a R33 million counterclaim made by the contractor against the department.

“This recovery order is another important step in our efforts to root out corruption and recover stolen public funds, as we work to build an efficient department capable of delivering construction projects on time and within budget. 

“Those who defraud the state and think they can get away with it must think again. We will leave no stone unturned in holding contractors and officials accountable for wrongdoing, no matter how long ago it occurred,” Macpherson said.

He added that the department has worked closely with the SIU to “support and expedite investigations into corruption, mismanagement, and fraud” within the Department. 

Furthermore, the SIU is also assisting the department to finalise lifestyle audits for at least 400 high risk officials.

“The case against Kroucamp Plumbers is a prime example of the importance of our collaboration, as we seek to ensure that public funds are no longer abused.

“Together with law enforcement agencies, we will continue to send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated. 

“We are working hard to turn the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure into the economic delivery unit of South Africa, ensuring that infrastructure projects are completed on time and within budget, and that not a cent of public funds is wasted. We are building a better department in order to build a better South Africa,” Macpherson said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Agriculture lifts Brazilian live poultry and poultry products restrictions

Source: Government of South Africa

Import restrictions on live poultry and poultry products from Brazil have been lifted.

This after what the Department of Agriculture describes as “extensive engagements” between South African and Brazilian veterinary authorities.

“This follows the confirmation that the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza [HPAI], first detected on 15 May 2025 in a breeder establishment located in the municipality of Montenegro, a state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, has been contained and eradicated. 

“The stamping out measures were applied in accordance with the relevant standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health [WOAH], and the affected premises were depopulated and disinfected. The 28-day waiting period after stamping out was observed, with the self-declaration of freedom effective from 18 June 2025,” the department said in a statement.

The department revealed that a bilateral technical meeting was held with the South American nation’s veterinary authority, during which an agreement was reached on the “revised Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC), confirming that Brazil is free of HPAI”.

“The positive outcome is a direct result of the dedicated efforts of our officials. With this resolution, imports can resume, which will significantly contribute to enhancing food security for all citizens,” Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said. 

The department warned, however, that as a precautionary measure, “products packed in their final packaging between 1 May and 18 June 2025 temporarily remain restricted”.

“This is in line with risk mitigation standards to ensure the continued safety of our animal health status and trade partners.

“The Department of Agriculture remains vigilant and will continue to monitor the situation. The lifting of the suspension may be reviewed should new information emerge indicating the outbreak spreading to other areas within Brazil.

“Minister Steenhuisen emphasised that this development underlines the department’s commitment to science-based decision making and the importance of maintaining open, transparent and technically sound channels of communication between trading partners,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Vaccination against cholera brings hope to more than 2 million Angolans

Source: APO – Report:

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A new round of the oral vaccination campaign against cholera was officially launched this Saturday in the municipality of Cafunfo, Lunda Norte province, an initiative of the Angolan government, through the Ministry of Health, with the support of GAVI – Global Alliance for Vaccines, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the European Union and other partners in the health sector.

The campaign plans to vaccinate more than 2 million people in the most affected municipalities in the provinces of Cabinda, Kwanza Sul, Huíla, Lunda Norte, Namibe and Zaire – regions where there is currently active transmission of the disease.

The campaign started simultaneously in all the provinces covered, with teams on the ground starting vaccination activities at fixed posts and through door-to-door visits.

At the launch, the Minister of Health, Dr. Sílvia Lutucuta, called on everyone to get involved: “Everyone has to take part in this war against cholera, we’re almost there, there’s just a little bit left and if we all work together we’ll be able to get rid of cholera in Angola.”

The minister also highlighted the strengthening of the response capacity thanks to the support of partners: “Through our partners, we managed to get around 1 million vaccines in the first and second rounds. Now we’ve got 2 million vaccines that will allow us to increase coverage and protect even more people.”

The vaccine used in this round is Euvichol-S, an oral, single-dose vaccine donated by Gavi and distributed via the international mechanism coordinated by the International Coordination Group (ICG). The campaign involves 942 vaccination teams, made up of vaccinators, mobilizers and supervisors, who will work at fixed posts and also through door-to-door visits.

All people aged one year and over will be vaccinated, as part of an integrated response that includes epidemiological surveillance, access to drinking water, sanitation, risk communication and case management.

During the ceremony, the WHO Representative in Angola, Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, highlighted the role of the vaccine in protecting communities, but recalled that it must be complemented by other structural measures: “The oral vaccine is a strong tool in our hands, in each campaign we stop the transmission of cholera by reinforcing the vital shield of protection for communities. But the vaccine alone is not enough, we must remain vigilant. The fight against cholera is also about sustainable investment in water, sanitation and hygiene. Only in this way will we cut cholera in the long term.”

In the beneficiary neighborhoods, the mood is hopeful. After months of fear and uncertainty, the arrival of the vaccine represents a concrete response and essential protection, especially for the most vulnerable families.

Verónica Domingos Ferreira, who lives in the municipality of Kikombo, Kwanza Sul, was one of the people vaccinated. After seeing her neighbors fall ill months ago, she decided to seek information and protect her family. Today, she is relieved: “I’m very grateful. Today I got vaccinated and I vaccinated my children. This vaccine is a blessing. Now I feel that my family is better protected.”

With actions like this, Angola is strengthening its capacity to respond to outbreaks and reaffirming its commitment to the health and dignity of its communities. The campaign will continue in the coming days, with calls for the active participation of the entire population.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Angola.

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Power system remains stable

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom has assured South Africans that the power system remains stable, with unplanned outages at generating units “currently within acceptable levels”.

In a statement, the State-owned power utility said the system “continues to show resilience” during the winter months.

“While occasional system constraints do arise, they are effectively managed, with sufficient emergency reserves available and strategically deployed during morning and evening peak periods,” the statement read.

Last Sunday, Medupi Power Station’s Unit 4 was successfully brought back online -– a further boost for the power system.

“Once it reaches full capacity in the coming weeks, it will contribute 800MW to the national grid, marking a key milestone in strengthening South Africa’s energy security and improving supply reliability,” Eskom said.

Since May, there has been no load shedding implemented, with the planned rolling power outages only reaching 26 hours between 1 April and 10 July 2025.

Eskom attributed this to an “improved Energy Availability Factor [EAF]”, which ranged between 60% and 62% last week.

“As of [Friday], unplanned outages total 13 380MW, with an available generation capacity of 30 195MW. To further enhance grid stability, Eskom plans to return a total of 3 470MW of generation capacity to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday.

“The Unplanned Capability Loss Factor (UCLF), which reflects the percentage of generation capacity lost due to unplanned outages, has reached 29.44% for the current financial year to date (1 April to 10 July 2025). This represents an increase of approximately 2.4% compared to 27.03% recorded during the same period last year.

“The year-to-date load factor for open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) has marginally increased to 10.78%, reflecting a 0.08% increase compared to the previous week. This figure remains higher than the 5.87% recorded during the same period last year. Although diesel usage is within budget, it is expected to decline as more units return to service, increasing available generation capacity,” Eskom said.

The power utility added that the winter outlook up to the end of August remains valid.

“It indicates that load shedding will not be necessary if unplanned outages stay below 13 000MW. If outages rise to 15 000MW, load shedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days out of 153 days and restricted to Stage 2.

“Eskom encourages all South Africans to use electricity efficiently throughout the winter season. To help manage household electricity consumption, Eskom customers are encouraged to use the Eskom Residential Calculator, a convenient tool for tracking and optimising energy usage, at: https://www.eskom.co.za/distribution/residential-calculator.

“Eskom will provide an update on Friday, 18 July 2025, or promptly communicate any significant changes as soon as they occur,” the statement read.

Play your part

The power utility has urged citizens to play their part in protecting essential electricity infrastructure.

“Eskom urges the public to avoid illegal connections and energy theft. These activities often lead to transformer overloads, equipment failures, and in some cases, explosions and extended outages, prompting the need for load reduction to protect the network. 

“To help maintain a stable electricity supply this winter, customers are encouraged to purchase electricity only from Eskom-accredited vendors and take responsibility by regularising their electricity usage. Eligible households are encouraged to register for free basic electricity with their local municipalities,” the electricity supplier said.

Report illegal activities to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp on 081 333 3323. – SAnews.gov.za

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President of Chad’s National Assembly Meets Qatar’s Ambassador

Source: APO


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HE President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Chad, Ali Kolotou Tchaimi, met with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Chad, Talib bin Mohammed Al Mankhas.

The meeting discussed cooperation ties between the two countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.