The Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans has expressed deep concern over the ongoing challenges faced by military veterans, many of whom remain in limbo due to delays in receiving their service-related benefits from the Department of Military Veterans (DMV).
During a briefing today on the amended Strategic Plans, annual performance plans, and the 2025/26 Budget of the DMV and the Castle Control Board (CCB), the committee stressed that the absence of a permanent Director-General undermines the department’s ability to deliver on its mandate and to manage its budget effectively. The committee also highlighted the dysfunctional organisational structure as a major frustration.
Committee Chairperson, Mr Dakota Legoete, said: “We urgently need the appointment of a Director-General. The current Acting Director General is uncertain about her future, which compromises accountability and decision making. The continued delays in making this appointment destabilise the department and make it difficult for us, as the oversight committee, to track the department’s expenditure and performance.”
The committee said it was sad that the DMV through its inability to put its stakeholders first continued to return unspent funds back to National Treasury. Members of the committee pointed out that on various occasions veterans were reaching out to them complaining after waiting for more than a year for their benefits.
Of specific concern is the roll-out of the pension benefit where it appears that the DMV and implementing agent, the Government Pensions Administration Agency, appear to lack a coherent and responsive plan to serve them. The committee also raised serious concerns about the DMV’s failure to establish a functioning internal audit unit which is an essential tool for financial accountability and risk management.
The committee highlighted the need for urgent intervention by the executive to turn around the DMV, starting with the appointment of a permanent Director-General, re-evaluating the organisational structure, addressing the findings of the Auditor-General and developing a more responsive department.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Responding to the arrest and detention of Faith Zaba, editor of the weekly Zimbabwe Independent, on allegations of undermining the authority of or insulting the country’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Khanyo Farisè, Amnesty International’s Senior Researcher in East and Southern Africa, said:
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the arrest and detention of Faith Zaba for exercising her constitutionally guaranteed rights as a journalist. This is an assault on the right to freedom of expression and press freedom.
“Zimbabwean authorities must immediately release Faith Zaba and drop all charges against her as she is detained simply for doing her job. Journalism is not a crime. Authorities must allow journalists to carry out their work freely, safely and without fear of harassment, intimidation or reprisals.
“The arrest of journalists such as Zaba, and her colleague Blessed Mhlanga who was arbitrarily detained earlier this year simply for doing their job, are part of an ongoing pattern in which the criminal justice system is being misused to target independent media voices to instill fear and curb press freedom.
“These tactics pose a significant threat to a free media in Zimbabwe and the public’s right to information. Authorities must end the growing restriction on civic space in the country and allow everyone to freely exercise their human rights.”
Background
Faith Zaba was arrested on 1 July and detained in Harare on allegations of undermining the authority of or insulting the President. According to her lawyer, Chris Mhike, the charge relates to a satirical article published in the weekly’s Muckraker column last Friday. Her bail application has been postponed to 3 July, pending a review of her medical record due to her ill health. Zaba’s arrest comes after the recent arrest and lengthy detention of another journalist from the same outlet, Alpha Media House’s head of news at HSTV, Blessed Mhlanga, who spent 72 days in pretrial detention.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.
The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) (www.Meltwater.org), a leader in tech entrepreneurship training and early to growth stage startup support, has officially opened applications for its newly evolved Training Program; the MEST AI Startup Program. This bold redesign of MEST’s flagship Training Program is built to prepare Africa’s most promising tech talents to build, launch, and scale world-class AI startups.
For over 17 years, MEST has trained and supported software entrepreneurs across the continent, contributing to Africa’s innovation economy. Now, as artificial intelligence transforms industries at a very rapid pace, MEST is positioning Africa’s tech entrepreneurs at the forefront of this shift.
“Africa has world-class tech talent, and it’s time AI solutions built on the continent reach users everywhere,” says Emily Fiagbedzi, Director of the MEST AI Startup Program. “MEST is proud to contribute to this reality through our training and incubation program that equips talent from across Africa with training and mentoring from international experts for the development of globally relevant AI Software.”
The MEST AI Startup Program is a fully-funded, immersive experience hosted in Accra, Ghana that equips Africa’s most promising AI entrepreneurs with the technical, business, and leadership skills to build and scale globally competitive startups. Over an intensive seven-month training phase, founders receive hands-on instruction, technical mentorship, and business coaching from global experts while developing AI-powered solutions to real-world challenges. The top ventures then advance to a four-month incubation period, where they refine their products, secure market traction, and sharpen their go-to-market strategies. At the end of incubation, startups have an opportunity to pitch for pre-seed investment of up to $100, 000 and join the MEST Portfolio.
As MEST Founder Jorn Lyseggen notes, “Mastering AI and the advanced AI tools available today is a must for any entrepreneur and further levelling the playing field. The world has never been flatter. We are proud and excited to announce that the next batch of MEST entrepreneurs will be trained by some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry from companies such as OpenAI, Perplexity, Google, and Meltwater.”
For the 2026 intake, the program is open to African founders based in West Africa aged 21 – 30 with software development experience who want to start their own AI startup.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa).
Media Contact:
Ophesmur Naa Adjeley Adjei
Marketing and Communications Manager ophesmur@meltwater.org
About MEST Africa:
Established in 2008 as the non‑profit arm of Meltwater, the Meltwater Foundation drives job creation and economic growth in Africa through software entrepreneurship. Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, the Foundation’s Entrepreneurial Support Organisation—MEST—delivers a full-time, in-person intensive tech‑entrepreneurship training to emerging talent from more than 22 African countries and provides early‑stage investment to promising ventures. To extend this impact, the Foundation launched MESTx, a suite of collaborative programs designed and delivered with like‑minded partners to expand digital‑skills training and startup acceleration across the continent. Since inception, the Meltwater Foundation has trained 2,000+ entrepreneurs and invested in 90+ startups across the continent—fueling innovation, creating jobs, and shaping Africa’s next generation of tech entrepreneurs.
Azentio Software (“Azentio”) (www.Azentio.com), a leading technology enabler in the banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) sectors, today announces the appointment of Harikrishnan Venkataramanan as President – ERP.
With over 25 years of experience in enterprise technology, including more than two decades in senior leadership at Ramco Systems, Hari brings a rare combination of strategic vision and deep executional expertise. His appointment marks a pivotal moment in Azentio’s journey to transform and scale its ERP business across high-growth markets.
Hari has led ERP transformations across industries and geographies, delivering double-digit growth, sustained client success, and cutting-edge innovation in complex enterprise environments. He is known for building agile, customer-focused organizations that unlock real business value.
In his new role, Hari will lead Azentio’s ERP strategy across product, engineering, and go-to-market, with a focus on expanding into new verticals, accelerating product innovation, and elevating customer experience. His leadership will be key to shaping the next generation of Azentio’s ERP offerings for sectors such as manufacturing, distribution, and financial management.
Sanjay Singh, CEO of Azentio, commented: “Hari joins us at a transformative time for our ERP business. His track record of growth, innovation, and customer-centric execution makes him the ideal leader to drive our ambitions forward. We are thrilled to welcome him into the Azentio leadership team as we sharpen our focus on regional momentum and product excellence.”
Harikrishnan Venkataramanan, President – ERP, added: “I’m energised by the opportunity to lead Azentio’s ERP business into its next phase. Today, ERP is about far more than operations, it’s about enabling intelligent, connected, and scalable enterprises. With Azentio’s strong regional foundation and product DNA, I’m excited to unlock new value for our customers and partners.”
Hari’s appointment reinforces Azentio’s commitment to delivering transformative, industry-specific ERP solutions that empower businesses to scale, adapt, and lead in a rapidly evolving market landscape.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Azentio Software Private Limited.
About Azentio:
Azentio is a leading provider of purpose-built, intelligence-driven technology solutions designed to transform the banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) sectors. By combining cutting-edge innovation with deep domain expertise, Azentio empowers businesses to accelerate growth, enhance operational efficiency, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. With a strong presence across the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, Azentio delivers world-class technology that streamlines processes and delivers tangible results, enabling organizations to achieve sustainable success. For more information on Azentio, please visit www.Azentio.com.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan received Speaker of the Council of Representatives of Iraq Mahmoud al-Mashhadani at the Justice and Development (AK) Party Headquarters in Ankara.
Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (GNAT) Numan Kurtulmuş was also present at the meeting.
Speaking at a meeting with the AK Party’s provincial heads, President Erdoğan said: “Our place is with our nation. Whether they vote for us or not, all of our 86 million people are our brothers and sisters, a dear part of our lives.”
President and Justice and Development (AK) Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech during a meeting with the party’s provincial heads in Ankara.
Stating that they never have and never will be a cadre that disregards the nation or their problems, President Erdoğan said: “Our place is with our nation. Whether they vote for us or not, all of our 86 million people are our brothers and sisters, a dear part of our lives.”
“We will do what the nation wants. We have always been the companions of the poor, the destitute, the orphans and those in need, not of the elite. We have embraced the poor, the orphans and those in need with sincerity, and endeavored to lift them up. Today, we are doing politics in the same line,” President Erdoğan said.
“We are want to position Türkiye in the strongest way possible in global politics and eco-politics where the cards are being reshuffled. We are striving for a Türkiye that has completely solved the terror problem, consolidated its internal front, and gotten rid of its baggage and problems. We want to wage this struggle with the widest participation possible,” President Erdoğan said.
“It is unacceptable that some immoral people who are devoid of the values of this nation and who do not know decency and good manners disrespect our Prophet. It is a clear provocation, a despicable provocation in the guise of humor. Our police and judiciary immediately took action against this hate crime, the magazine in question was confiscated and the necessary processes were initiated. Those who insult our Prophet and other prophets will be held accountable for this before the law, and we will follow up on this,” President Erdoğan said.
“I especially want our young people to keep their hearts at ease. As long as we are in these offices, we will not allow anyone to insult our sacred values in this country. Everyone should stay away from steps that will put them in a wrong position even though they are right. No young brothers or sisters should let anger cloud their judgement,” President Erdoğan said.
Speaking at “AK Party’s Women Branches Organization Academy Leadership School Camp” event, President Erdoğan said: “Our goal is a great and strong Türkiye. Our mission is to build the Century of Türkiye with all its magnificence. Our compass is our ancient values that make us who we are. Our guide is our nation’s most precious, esteemed will.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a speech at the “AK Party’s Women Branches Organization Academy Leadership School Camp” event in Ankara.
Stating that they are a political movement which was emerged from the hearts of the nation, which set out with the prayers of the august Turkish nation and whose hearts are full of the love of serving the country, President Erdoğan said: “Our goal is a great and strong Türkiye. Our mission is to build the Century of Türkiye with all its magnificence. Our compass is our ancient values that make us who we are. Our guide is our nation’s most precious, esteemed will. And our source of strength and inspiration is the entire 86 million with all its individuals, regardless of political parties, ethnic roots, or faiths.”
Underscoring that they will never give up on serving the nation, defending the national will or working to achieve their goals, President Erdoğan noted: “We will grow Türkiye bigger in economy, foreign policy, trade and other areas, and maintain the activities that will carry our country to much higher levels at the same pace. We will show no weakness in protecting Türkiye’s and our nation’s dignity and prestige.”
First Lady Emine Erdoğan met with the Spiritual Leader of the Catholic World and Head of the Vatican City State, Pope Leo XIV, during her visit to the Vatican for the “Fraternal Economy Session on Ethical Multilateralism” programme hosted by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.
The meeting, held at the Vatican Apostolic Palace, addressed the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, efforts to combat climate change, the fight against Islamophobia and racism, and the importance place of family within the society.
Congratulating Pope Leo XIV on his election to the office a short while ago, Mrs. Erdoğan hoped this would be auspicious for the Christian world.
During the meeting, which focused on the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza under Israel’s aggression and blockade, First Lady Erdoğan called on the Pope to make sure the Christian world engages in the Gaza issue more strongly with a view to reaching permanent ceasefire and securing the delivery of humanitarian aid.
First Lady Erdoğan underlined that a two-state solution must be implemented as soon as possible and the number of countries recognizing the State of Palestine must increase in order to establish lasting and sustainable peace in Palestine.
First Lady Erdoğan also stated that Christians living in the region, whose churches and communities are under constant threat, need to regain their peace, too.
Also touching on the fight against climate change, First Lady Erdoğan informed Pope Leo XIV about the “Zero Waste” movement, launched in Türkiye and then institutionalized at the United Nations, and added that there is a great potential for cooperation between Türkiye and the Vatican in addressing climate change.
Drawing attention to the alarming levels Islamophobia, racism and intolerance have reached recently, First Lady Erdoğan stressed the need for gathering the efforts undertaken on these issues around a collective will.
Different cultures and faiths co-exist in Türkiye peacefully for centuries, First Lady Erdoğan said, adding that Christian communities constitute an inseparable part of Türkiye’s rich mosaic.
In a social media post following the meeting, First Lady Erdoğan stated: “During my visit to the Vatican for the ‘Fraternal Economy Session on Ethical Multilateralism’ programme hosted by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, I had the honour of meeting His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the Spiritual Leader of the Catholic World and Head of the Vatican City State.
During our meeting, we focused on the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
We discussed the crucial need for the Christian community to adopt a more assertive position in order to secure a lasting ceasefire and guarantee the full provision of humanitarian aid.
I conveyed our appreciation for the Vatican’s endorsement of the two-state solution, which serves as the basis for a fair and lasting peace in Palestine.
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and I also engaged in a conversation regarding the Zero Waste approach, which is a fundamental tenet of our global environmental movement.
We are in agreement that the climate crisis is a shared concern for all of humanity, irrespective of their faith or region.
In this context, I have observed that there is significant potential for collaboration between Türkiye and the Vatican in addressing climate change. We assessed our shared areas of collaboration.
I express my sincere appreciation to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for his generous hospitality and hope that the significant responsibility he has embraced will yield positive outcomes for the Catholic community and all of humanity.”
HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad affirmed the importance of innovative financing and effective partnerships in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Her Excellency emphasised HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s directives to make development as an investment in security, stability, and human dignity.
This came in the State of Qatar’s statement delivered by HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation during a high-level event organized by Qatar Fund for Development, titled “Innovative Financing for Sustainable Development: Addressing Gaps and Scaling Solutions” held on the sidelines of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain.
Her Excellency noted that the State of Qatar hosted the Second International Conference on Financing for Development in 2008, and has since remained an active participant in all international and regional conferences on development financing. This reflects Qatar’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation and contributing to global efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals, HE added.
The State of Qatar continues to implement its sustainable development agenda, “Qatar National Vision 2030,” which has focused since 2008 on human development, social development, economic development, and environmental development, HE said, noting that, in early 2024, Qatar launched the third phase of its National Development Strategy, aimed at advancing the creation of a healthy society, building a diversified and sustainable knowledge-based economy, enhancing environmental sustainability, and strengthening the role of the family as the foundation of society.
Her Excellency underlined that, given today’s global challenges, there is a pressing need to reinforce multilateral action and international cooperation, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, while working to maintain international peace and security. HE also underscored the importance of reforming international financial structures, harnessing science, technology, and innovation, and prioritizing innovative solutions capable of making rapid and impactful change to help bring efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals back on track, particularly in developing and least developed countries.
An effective role is expected from the United Nations and its specialized agencies in supporting member states’ efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and protect human rights, Her Excellency said, stressing the State of Qatar’s support for the UN Secretary-General’s reform initiative (UN80 Initiative).
HE Minister of State for International Cooperation expressed the State of Qatar’s pride in its productive international and regional partnerships, including its long-standing and multifaceted cooperation with the United Nations, aimed at advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in developing and least developed countries.
Mr. Robert Groves, Interim President of Georgetown University
Mr. Safwan Masri, Dean of Georgetown University in Qatar
Graduates,
Distinguished Guests,
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you,
It is my pleasure to join you this evening for an occasion that embodies what we firmly believe in the State of Qatar: that rigorous education serves as the cornerstone for preparing individuals capable of actively contributing to global stability and development. This gathering is not merely an academic celebration, but also a reflection of our national vision to invest in human capital, considering it the highest value and most precious resource.
This meaning gains further depth as we celebrate today the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Georgetown University in Qatar, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the founding of Qatar Foundation, serving as a living testament to the steadfast belief that investing in human capital is the pathway to building stable and productive societies, and that shaping the future begins within the university campus and extends to working hours and decision-making processes.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our region and the world today are facing unprecedented levels of challenges, ranging from armed conflicts to food crises, climate issues, and geopolitical tensions. In this context, the State of Qatar has remained a reliable partner in efforts to promote security and stability, while maintaining a balance between mediation diplomacy and long-term developmental policies.
In every step we take, we draw inspiration from the vision of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, which places both education and empowerment at the core of the nation’s development agenda, recognizing their pivotal role in fostering security, stability, and driving growth. Guided by this belief, the government of Qatar treats higher education as a strategic choice to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030, and to build a diverse and sustainable knowledge-based economy. From this perspective, we are committed to establishing qualitative academic partnerships that contribute to graduating distinguished national competencies and enhance Qatar’s position as a leading regional hub in the fields of knowledge and.
We believe that knowledge is a beacon that guides all, but the true difference lies in how that knowledge is harnessed to create meaningful impact. That is why we view qualitative academic partnerships—such as our partnership with Georgetown University—not merely as agreements, but as bridges that connect the present to the future, and the local to the global. They are not just contracts, but a shared commitment to creating a positive impact in the world.
I also commend the Executive Master’s Program in Diplomacy and International Affairs, which has been specifically designed to prepare Qatari diplomatic cadres capable of bridging academic knowledge with practical skills in the field of international politics. It serves as a living example of the integration between national needs and global academic expertise, directly reflecting on the performance of state institutions, both domestically and internationally.
Graduates of both Genders,
Today, you stand at the threshold of a new phase, one that extends beyond transitioning from lecture halls to professional domains. It requires you to be active contributors in shaping a world that is more equitable, understanding, and interconnected. This academic institution has equipped you with analytical tools, critical thinking methodologies, and the skills to engage in a world characterized by diverse voices and challenges.
Allow me to say—years ago, I stood where you stand today, filled with the same enthusiasm, the same existential questions, and the same boundless ambition. At that time, I believed the path ahead was clear and the facts were immutable. However, over time, I came to realize that life is far more complex than any academic equation, and I learned that adhering to principles does not equate to rigidity, and that striking a balance between aspiration and reality is the key to sustainability.
You may encounter setbacks, moments of doubt, or a feeling that the way ahead is longer than anticipated. Do not fear such moments; as it is through them that vision is refined, character is shaped, and the leader is distinguished from the ordinary ones.
I urge you today to hold the fear of God in your conscience and let your guiding principle be the service of the nation and its people. Maintain your faith in yourselves, do not relinquish your passion, and do not allow pressures to extinguish the spirit of hope within you. You are the generation upon which we rely to craft new visions and create meaningful impact. Remember that the nation and its leadership stand behind you with confidence, and that you are not merely heading towards jobs, but towards positions where decisions are made and bridges are built.
In an era marked by accelerating transformations and deepening crises, from the tragedy in Gaza to regional tensions, Qatar reaffirms its unwavering commitment to mediation and diplomacy as a means to safeguard civilians and advance political solutions. It has proven that dialogue is an effective alternative to conflict, that credibility is built through consistent action, and that you are now part of this trajectory—a generation that believes in knowledge and works towards responsible change.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We take pride today in having graduates from more than forty nationalities, embodying our commitment to cross-cultural education and creating an inclusive academic environment. We also celebrate the milestone of reaching one thousand (1,000) university graduates in Qatar, an achievement that reflects a qualitative accumulation in building human capital, which we consider a developmental priority. We call for investing this capital in initiatives that serve our national priorities and enhance our responsible engagement with the world.
In conclusion, I extend my congratulations to you and your families on this achievement that we commemorate today, not merely as an academic success, but as a testament to your readiness to contribute to shaping the future.
You do not represent individual accomplishments; rather, you are part of a larger national project that believes in the principle that human capital is the most significant investment, and that building the future begins with qualified minds and conscientious hearts.
Maintain your passion for knowledge and your willingness to shoulder responsibility.
May God bless you and guide your steps.
May the Peace, Mercy, and blessings of God be upon you,
