The State of Qatar reaffirmed its continued support for the Afghan people in facing multiple challenges and its commitment to assisting them on the path toward achieving peace and stability. Qatar also expressed its keenness to continue working with regional and international partners to establish the foundations of peace in Afghanistan and strengthen the elements of development.
This came in the State of Qatar’s statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani during the United Nations Security Council’s Quarterly Briefing on Situation in Afghanistan, held at the UN headquarters in New York.
Her Excellency emphasized that the humanitarian, economic, and political situations in Afghanistan require enhanced joint efforts to support and assist the Afghan people. She noted that the security and stability of Afghanistan positively impact regional and international security and peace.
HE further pointed out that the State of Qatar took the initiative to establish the Doha peace track for Afghanistan in 2013 in cooperation with international partners, and hosted a series of dialogues as part of a comprehensive political process involving all segments of Afghan society. She added that these efforts culminated in the signing of the Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan between US and Taliban in Doha on Feb. 29, 2020, which the UN Security Council described in its Resolution 2513 as a significant step toward ending the war and opening the door to intra-Afghan negotiations.
Her Excellency said that since then, the State of Qatar has continued its contribution by coordinating international efforts and facilitating dialogue between the United Nations, concerned countries, and the Afghan caretaker government, adding that the State of Qatar takes pride in hosting the UN-led Doha Process on Afghanistan, starting with the meetings of the UN Special Envoys on Afghanistan convened by the UN Secretary-General in Doha in May 2023, February 2024, and July 2024, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive approach to facilitating initial international engagement in a more coherent and coordinated manner for the sake of peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Her Excellency expressed the State of Qatar’s aspiration to host the third meeting of the Working Group on Counter-Narcotics and the second meeting of the Working Group on Supporting Afghanistan’s Private Sector, both emerging from the UN-led Doha Process on Afghanistan, which will be held in Doha from June 30 to July 1, with the participation of representatives from the Afghan caretaker government, countries involved in the Doha Process, and technical experts.
HE stressed that the State of Qatar continues its efforts through the Qatar Fund for Development, in cooperation with United Nations entities, to provide humanitarian support to the Afghan people, including food aid, supporting basic healthcare programs, improving Afghan children’s access to education, providing scholarships, supporting programs to economically empower Afghan women and enhance their resilience to crises, and backing programs that empower Afghan youth, HE added.
O Ministro da Modernização do Estado e da Administração Pública afirmou, esta segunda-feira, 23 de junho, que “o sucesso de um país depende muito da forma como o Estado se organiza, não só para responder às necessidades presentes, mas também para projetar o futuro”.
Eurico Monteiro falava para uma plateia de funcionários, dirigentes, ex-funcionários, cidadãos e representantes dos diferentes quadrantes do Estado, durante a abertura da IV Semana da Função Pública, que, este ano, em homenagem ao cinquentenário da independência, traz como lema, “Função Pública: 50 anos a servir Cabo Verde rumo a um futuro inovador”.
O Governante começou por traçar um raio-x do percurso da Administração Pública (AP) ao longo das cinco décadas da sua construção no Cabo Verde independente, ressaltando a importância de se ter privilegiado a continuidade administrativa, não obstante a ideia de uma AP revolucionária que despertava no seio daquela juventude irreverente do pós 5 de julho de 1975.
“Felizmente, que gente mais velha e experiente percebeu logo, não só a importância da continuidade administrativa, como também o prejuízo que poderia advir daquele espírito revolucionário de deitar tudo abaixo e começar de novo”, recordou.
As reformas, essas, explicou o Ministro, foram-se fazendo a pouco e pouco, construindo-se o futuro da Administração Pública sem graves roturas. “E ainda estamos nesta caminhada, com alterações mais ou menos significativas, procurando novos caminhos, mas tentando manter sempre uma linha de continuidade e evitando a rotura por completa”, afirmou.
Nesse contexto, entende o Ministro, a Administração Pública Cabo-verdiana tem feito um percurso interessante na base desta filosofia. “Quanto melhor for a nossa Administração Pública, a sua capacidade e a sua eficiência, melhor o Estado será servido e mais facilmente nós prosseguiremos os nossos objetivos”.
Aliás, a Administração Pública, essa, sublinhou Eurico Monteiro, é muito além de um corpo de burocratas que lida com papéis e procedimentos e sim “a parte mais visível do Estado”, uma vez que incorpora tudo aquilo que é importante para servir as necessidades públicas do país.
E porque a Administração Pública é também feita de pessoas, o Governo de Cabo Verde tem investido em reformas significativas para melhoria das condições de trabalho daquelas que compõe o seu maior ativo – os seus recursos humanos.
A título de exemplo, indicou o Ministro, a implementação do Regime Jurídico do Emprego Público e a regularização da precariedade laboral, duas grandes medidas em curso, que visam investir e valorizar os recursos humanos da Administração Pública porque, na função pública, reconhece Eurico Monteiro, para se estar motivado, há que se estar num contexto de trabalho suficientemente atrativo, seja em termos de carreira, seja em termos de remuneração, seja também em termos de ambiente de trabalho.
Igualmente importante, sublinhou o Ministro, são as relações interpessoais no ambiente de trabalho, mormente, no que concerne à relação entre as chefias e os subordinados, que devem ser as mais saudáveis possíveis, porquanto podem constituir elementos motivadores ou desmotivadores no exercício da função.
Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.
To address gaps in sexual and reproductive healthcare access, widened by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing humanitarian crises, Ethiopia is reinforcing its health system, making these vital services more accessible for women and adolescents in remote and crisis-affected areas.
A key part of this effort is promoting self-care, by giving people the knowledge and tools to manage their own sexual and reproductive health through safe, simple and affordable practices for family planning, HIV prevention, cervical cancer prevention, nutrition, and maternal, adolescent and youth health. Practical examples range from access to contraceptives, pregnancy tests, and HIV self-test kits, all supported by educational guidance. This also includes self-management of medical abortion in line with national legislation, which permits the procedure under certain conditions.
With support from World Health Organization (WHO), health authorities have developed the National Self-Care Intervention Guideline, focusing on interventions for women, adolescent and child health. They have also integrated self-care and expanded sexual and reproductive health services into key national policy guidelines, including those related to family planning, safe abortion care, teenage pregnancy reduction, and sexual and reproductive health responses in humanitarian settings.
Across the country, health workers are being trained to teach people how to promote these self-care tools. This started with a workshop for 38 public health officials from the Ministry of Health, Regional Health Bureaus and other institutions in June 2024. The initiative was then expanded to the sub-national level, equipping 67 health providers and managers with skills, in October 2024.
“The recommendations and action plan we developed will help us integrate self-care into our existing health services effectively,” said Daniel Nadew, Maternal Child Health desk team lead from Addis Ababa City Health Bureau.
Following the scaling up self-care training, at Kolfe Health Centre in Addis Ababa, one of the pilot facilities, the introduction of self-care services contributed to a significant increase in access to services. In 2024, as part of the family planning service delivery, more than 800 women received over-the-counter combined oral contraceptives, compared with 280 in 2022.
Additionally, 84 women were trained to self-administer a safe and effective injectable contraceptive, known as DMPA, and more than 1000 adolescents were provided condoms after training on correct use.
Moreover, 50 women received self-management of medical abortion services, which included comprehensive training on how and when to use the medication, the correct dose, side effects, possible complications, and guidance on when to get medical help.
“The self-care training has significantly improved my knowledge and skills in providing comprehensive family planning and abortion care. The practical sessions were particularly helpful, and I feel more confident in my ability to support women in my community,” said Fatima Belay*, a health worker from Addis Ababa.
Belay * also highlighted the benefits of self-administered injectable contraceptives: “I appreciate the ease and convenience of the self-administering contraceptive, which I am able to use at home, at my usual workplace, or wherever I am.”
Amid the humanitarian crises in the northern region of Amhara, WHO and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute trained 30 healthcare providers from 13 health facilities in conflict-affected districts on self-care intervention guidelines.
Following the training, nine facilities provided onsite selfcare orientation for their staff which resulted in over 100 women and adolescents being educated on selfcare for family planning, antenatal care, pregnancy danger signs, nutrition, and safe abortion.
Gish Abay Health Centre empowered 120 adolescents with skills for correct condom use and provided safe abortion care for 35 adolescent girls. Tilili Health Centre broadened the scope of self-care to include HIV self-testing, breast self-examination, pregnancy self-testing, and condom and emergency contraceptive use.
“These interventions significantly benefited the community and contributed to the efforts towards reducing preventable maternal and perinatal deaths. It will enable us to reach every mother, newborn, child, and adolescent in our community who are critically in need of health services,” said Nadew.
“Ethiopia’s commitment for self-care integration is empowering individuals, especially women and adolescents, with the knowledge and tools for proactive health management, offering considerable community convenience and cost savings,” said Dr Owen Kaluwa, WHO Representative in Ethiopia. “WHO is proud to support this effort, which significantly improves health outcomes by expanding access to critical sexual and reproductive health services, particularly crucial in conflict-affected areas.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Ethiopia.
An armed group linked to the Islamic State (ISIS) has ramped up abductions of children in northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, Human Rights Watch said today. Most of the abducted children are being used for transporting looted goods, forced labor, forced marriages, and taking part in the fighting.
National civil society groups and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report that such kidnappings are on the rise. While the armed group, locally known as Al-Shabab, released some of the children they abducted earlier this year, a number of children remain missing; those who have returned to their communities struggle with reintegration.
“The surge in abductions of children in Cabo Delgado adds to the horrors of Mozambique’s conflict,” said Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “Al-Shabab needs to spare children from the conflict and immediately release those who have been abducted.”
In May and June 2025, Human Rights Watch interviewed nine people in Mozambique, including residents of Cabo Delgado, journalists, civil society activists, and a UN official, all of whom expressed concern about the resurgence of kidnappings. “In recent days, 120 or more children have been abducted,” said Abudo Gafuro, executive director at Kwendeleya, a national organization that monitors attacks and provides support to victims.
On January 23, 2025, Al-Shabab attacked the village of Mumu, in Mocímboa da Praia district, and abducted four girls and three boys. During Al-Shabab’s subsequent retreat, two children were released, but five remain missing. In March, the armed group abducted six children in Chibau to carry looted goods; four were released the following day. On May 3, Al-Shabab abducted a girl in the village of Ntotwe, Mocímboa da Praia district; on May 11, they kidnapped six girls and two boys near Magaia village in Muidumbe district.
When Al-Shabab fighters “enter or attack certain areas, they tend to abduct children,” said Augusta Iaquite, coordinator at the Association of Women in Legal Careers in Cabo Delgado. “They take them to train them and later turn them into their own fighters.”
When children who have been abducted return to the community, there are few resources to help them reintegrate, Human Rights Watch said. “The country needs a clear strategy on what to do when a child, especially one that has been rescued, returns,” said Benilde Nhalivilo, executive director at the Civil Society Forum for Children’s Rights.
Civil society organizations have called on Mozambique’s government to fulfill the country’s obligations under domestic and international law to protect the nation’s children.
Mozambique’s Constitution and the 2008 Law for the Promotion and Protection of Children’s Rights enshrine the state’s duty to protect children from all forms of violence, exploitation, and abuse. Additionally, Mozambique is a party to various international and regional instruments that guarantee children’s rights, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Both explicitly prohibit the abduction, recruitment, and exploitation of children. The UN Optional Protocol to the Child Rights Convention on the involvement of children in armed conflict, ratified by Mozambique in 2004, prohibits non-state armed groups from recruiting or using children under 18.
Under customary international humanitarian law and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, children are entitled to special respect and protection, and recruiting or using children under the age of 15 to participate actively in hostilities is a war crime.
Mozambican authorities should seek to prevent further abductions, investigate existing cases and fairly prosecute those responsible, and ensure proper support for victims, Human Rights Watch said. Rescued children need medical care, psychosocial assistance, and reintegration mechanisms that provide for their protection and well-being.
“Mozambique’s government needs to take concrete actions to safeguard children and prevent armed groups from using them as tools of conflict,” Budoo-Scholtz said. “There is a need to ensure that there are robust reintegration measures so that the children are not further ostracized when they come back to the community.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).
Eritrean nationals in Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Sweden, the United States, Russian Federation, South Sudan, Austria, and Finland have commemorated Martyrs Day with pride.
Eritrean communities in the Swiss cities of Geneva, Lausanne, Valais, Bern, Zurich, Chur, St. Gallen, Solothurn, Basel, Zug, Lucerne, Schaffhausen, and Ticino; Abu Dhabi and its environs in the UAE; Gothenburg, Sweden; Ohio, USA; Moscow, Russian Federation; Vienna, Austria; Aweil and Wau, South Sudan; as well as the Finnish cities of Helsinki, Jyvaskyla, Lahti, and Oulu commemorated Martyrs Day with patriotic zeal. Participants pledged to strengthen their engagement in supporting the Martyrs Trust Fund and the families of martyrs.
Nationals in Aweil, South Sudan, assumed responsibility for supporting 130 families of martyrs and contributed 3,500 US dollars. Nationals in Abu Dhabi and its environs contributed 5,150 Dirhams, while nationals in Finland contributed 2,830 Euros toward augmenting the Martyrs Trust Fund.
Nationals in Switzerland who had previously taken on the responsibility of supporting families of martyrs reaffirmed their commitment. Nationals in Canton Geneva and Canton Bern contributed 4,184 Swiss francs; Canton Schaffhausen, 1,320 Swiss francs; Canton St. Gallen, 2,920 Swiss francs; Canton Lausanne, 3,360 Swiss francs; Canton Lucerne, 5,000 Swiss francs; Canton Zurich, 5,565 Swiss francs; Canton Valais, 515 Swiss francs; and Canton Aargau, 500 Swiss francs. The Eritrean community in Biel/Bienne contributed 10,000 Swiss francs to the Martyrs Trust Fund.
Similarly, nationals in Bern contributed 5,000 Swiss francs in support of seven families of martyrs; nationals in Graubünden contributed 3,600 Swiss francs for five families; and nationals in St. Gallen contributed 10,800 Swiss francs in support of 15 families of martyrs.
Likewise, nationals residing in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, have pledged to assume responsibility for supporting 11 families of martyrs.
Events in all cities featured candlelight vigils and walkathon programs.
In related news, 114,000 Nakfa contributed by staff members of the Northern Red Sea Region administration and Foro sub-zone has been distributed to families of martyrs.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Over 15 000 individuals have been arrested in the ongoing Operation Shanela operation, said the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to the SAPS, these successes stem from proactive policing tactics, including high-visibility patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-search initiatives and intelligence-led suspect tracing.
From 16 -22 June 2025, 15 372 arrests were made.
Among those arrested were 2,400 wanted individuals, linked to serious and violent crimes (murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery), while a further 159 suspects were arrested for murder (62 in Gauteng and 43 in the Western Cape).
Other key arrests include: • 86 for attempted murder • 100 for rape, with Gauteng leading at 25 arrests • 1173 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) • 235 identified drug dealers • 2602 for drug possession, most in the Western Cape (1460) • 67 for illegal firearm possession, with 22 from KwaZulu-Natal • 14 for human trafficking • 1328 illegal foreign nationals detained • 1140 drivers arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs- KwaZulu-Natal (411), Mpumalanga (225), Western Cape (195) and Gauteng (144)
Police also recovered and confiscated 102 firearms, 1,278 rounds of ammunition and 64 hijacked or stolen vehicles.
In the North West, two suspects were arrested for the fatal shooting of an elderly couple in Rustenburg where a firearm was recovered. Additionally, police intercepted two vehicles on the N1 near Makhado carrying dagga valued at R3 million.
In KwaZulu-Natal, a 49-year-old man arrested in Adams Mission for illegal possession of two AK-47s and a pistol. Ammunition was also seized.
Meanwhile in Gauteng police apprehended three Mozambican nationals in Kingsway for cross-border motorcycle theft. Police also found dismantled motorcycle parts found prepared for smuggling.
In the Eastern Cape two Lesotho nationals were arrested for human trafficking where 10 children were rescued in Matatiele.
“SAPS remains committed to relentless, multidisciplinary crime prevention through Operation Shanela and related initiatives. The National Commissioner of Police, General Fannie Masemola, applauded the dedication of all police officers and partners who collaborated with the police,” the South African Police Service said in a statement on Monday. – SAnews.gov.za
Western Cape, Northern Cape residents urged to be cautious amid cold front
Communities have been urged by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, to be cautious as an intense cold front is anticipated to impact parts of the Western Cape and Northern Cape from Wednesday to Friday.
According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a cold front will make landfall tomorrow over the south-western regions of the country, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, snow, and extremely rough sea conditions.
The weather service has warned the public about the potential impact of heavy rainfall expected in the western parts of the Western Cape, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas, saying this could result in localised flooding from Wednesday into Thursday.
Forecasters have also predicted that roads may become wet and slippery, significantly increasing the risk of road accidents. The public, especially motorists, are urged to drive with caution, reduce speed, and avoid flooded roads.
The SAWS said strong, gusty winds over the interior may cause localised structural damage and uproot trees, posing risks to property and lives.
“As a government, we are deeply concerned about the possible impact of this approaching cold front. We call on all residents, especially those in vulnerable areas, to remain alert, follow official weather updates, and take precautionary steps to protect their lives and property,” Hlabisa said.
The Minister urged municipalities, provincial disaster management centres, and all stakeholders in the affected provinces to remain vigilant, activate contingency plans, and ensure rapid response measures are implemented to assist communities in need.
Cold to icy conditions are expected, with possible snowfall over the western mountain ranges of the Western Cape, extending into the south-western interior of the Northern Cape.
According to the department, severe weather is anticipated to affect the maritime sector.
Gale-force winds and rough seas with wave heights of 5.5 to 7.5 metres are expected along the Northern Cape and Western Cape coastlines.
“This could cause major disruptions to the fishing and port operations and increase the risk of vessels capsizing and accidents at sea.”
Coastal residents, fishers, and beachgoers are strongly advised to stay away from the shoreline and follow maritime safety warnings.
As a cold front moves eastward, the Eastern Cape is expected to feel its effects on Thursday, 26 June, with strong and damaging winds spreading across much of the province, which is already prone to weather-related incidents.
By Friday, 27 June, the department warned that cold and windy conditions will extend into parts of the interior of the eastern provinces, with daytime temperatures dropping significantly. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Luca Bussotti, Professor at the PhD Course in Peace, Democracy, Social Movements and Human Development, Universidade Técnica de Moçambique (UDM)
Mozambique’s government, led by the Frelimo party, has long been planning celebrations for 2025. It is 50 years since independence, won after an anti-colonial war against Portugal led by the same party.
Something has gone wrong, however, especially in the past two years.
Since the country’s popular rapper Azagaia died in March 2023 and peaceful processions in his memory escalated into violent clashes with the police, space has opened up for the establishment of a social movement of young people. This has since turned into a political movement, taking on the name “Povo no Poder” (“People in Power”). At its head is a brilliant politician, Venâncio Mondlane.
Povo no Poder was also the name of Azagaia’s hit song, which had been the soundtrack to 2008 protests against rising energy costs.
Azagaia’s POVO NO PODER.
The demonstrations in March 2023 marked a turning point for Mozambique. It was as if all the energy and indignation about a highly corrupt and increasingly authoritarian country that Azagaia had expressed through his songs had been passed on to previously fearful young people. Now they dared to challenge the police and army in the open and without any weapons.
In late 2024 Mozambicans took to the streets to protest against elections they claimed were rigged. Over 300 people were killed in demonstrations.
Efforts have been made to redress this serious wound. In preparation for the 50 years of independence Frelimo has been recalling key places and symbols in the liberation war, harking back to a time when they represented justice.
But attempts to evoke past glory and ideals are not resonating with ordinary Mozambicans. The mood in the country is subdued.
As a specialist in the politics of lusophone Africa, in particular Mozambique, based on years of research, I find it difficult to envision a future of peace and prosperity for the next 50 years. There are divisive elements at play across the country. The post-election crisis has its roots in widespread discontent. Mozambicans are also rising against the cost of living crisis.
National symbolism has focused on the torch of national unity, travelling the length and breadth of Mozambique to arrive in Maputo at the historic Machava Stadium on 25 June, Independence Day, for a concluding public ceremony.
Not everyone has shared this attempt to patch up a country torn both politically and socio-economically.
Too much has been lost in the intervening decades.
In the initial period of independence Frelimo adopted socialist policies and attempted to promote free and universal social services, primarily healthcare and education. Back then, the ruling class, starting with the country’s first president, Samora Machel, didn’t enjoy any particular economic privileges.
The reality today is quite different.
Journalist and social activist Tomás Vieira Mário, one of the main critics of the current regime, has traced the stages of independent Mozambique’s history. He’s pointed out the contradiction between the initial thrust by many Mozambican common people towards the liberation movement and subsequent, authoritarian developments.
He concluded in an article that all that remained to unite Mozambicans was the
mere sharing of the same territorial space. And a lot of blood.
He was referring to the long war against Renamo from 1976 to 1992 and again from 2013 to 2019, ethnic questions that have never been resolved, and finally the armed attacks in Cabo Delgado of jihadist and ethnic nature.
For his part, renowned philosopher Severino Ngoenha has also underscored the importance of a justice system that is fair and inclusive, and not at the service of one political party.
The new opposition is coming not from Renamo or Frelimo but from the streets. Popular protests have taken place this year even in areas once considered Frelimo strongholds. In Gaza province, southern Mozambique, for example, there have been outbreaks of violence, demonstrating that the bipolar system that emerged from the 1992 peace accord now seems incapable of responding to the new demands of Mozambican society.
On the political level, efforts are being made to overcome the post-electoral crisis and its wounds through the establishment of an Inclusive Dialogue Commission. This is being chaired by jurist Edson Macuacua, who is a vice-minister in the Frelimo government.
The commission is made up of representatives from all major parties as well as three members of civil society. The eventual aim is radical reform of the state.
But there are serious doubts about the success of this ambitious project which I believe are legitimate. The big question, beyond any institutional and electoral reforms, is whether the Frelimo party-state will be able to change its political culture in the next elections, accepting any negative results and, therefore, the loss of power.
Efforts are being made on all fronts to obstruct Mondlane from gaining a political foothold. Mondlane wants to start a new party called the Anamalala (meaning “It will end”, or “Stop!”).
The name has been rejected by the Ministry of Justice because a Mozambican party cannot be named using a local language – in this case Emakhuwa.
On the judicial level, several trials are underway against Mondlane and his closest associates, which could result in convictions for inciting protesters to destroy public infrastructure during the post-election demonstrations. If convicted, he would be declared ineligible to run in elections scheduled for 2029.
Meanwhile, the number of very rich is growing. Mozambique ranks 16th among African countries in terms of the number of millionaires, with 18% growth over the past 10 years.
This inequality puts national unity at risk.
The economic disparities between the capital, Maputo, and the rest of the country are increasingly evident.
Efforts to encourage unity are coming from many quarters: from the promotion of inclusive dialogue; from a civic consciousness that has grown since 2023-2024; and from the country’s economic potential.
But social inequality remains. So do doubts about Frelimo’s willingness to make Mozambique a country where the winner governs without manipulating election results.
– Mozambique after 50 years of independence: what’s there to celebrate? – https://theconversation.com/mozambique-after-50-years-of-independence-whats-there-to-celebrate-259528
The Department of Agriculture has announced the commencement of the new Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, 2018 (Act No. 12 of 2018) and its regulations with effect from 1 June 2025.
This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the proclamation of the new Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, 2018 (Act No. 12 of 2018) after the approval of the regulations by the Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen.
The Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, 2018 (Act No.12 of 2018) is the repeal of the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, 1976 (Act No. 15 of 1976). The proclamation of this Act and its regulations was published in Government Gazette No. 52184 on 6 June 2025 and Government Gazette No. 52850 of 13 June, respectively.
The Act provides for a system whereunder plant breeders’ rights relating to varieties of certain kinds of plants may be granted; for the requirements that must be complied with for the granting of such rights; scope and protection of such rights; and granting of licences in respect of the exercise of such rights and matters connected therewith.
Revisions in the new Act include the following: • Streamlined administrative processes; • Scope of plants eligible for protection extended to all genera and species; • Periods of protection revised to up to 30 years in the case of fruit trees, vines, sugar cane and potatoes, and 25 years for all other crops; • Categories of farmers, crops and quantities in relation to farm-saved seed defined; and • The establishment of an advisory committee, including representation from a wide range of stakeholders such as breeders, farmers and intellectual property law specialists.
The department highlighted that the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, 2018 (Act No. 12 of 2018), will contribute to the South African Government’s objectives and priorities by promoting innovation in plant breeding and agriculture.
“Through the protection of new plant varieties, the Act plays a vital role in enhancing food security, increasing agricultural productivity, and supporting rural development growth. Additionally, the new Act will encourage investment in plant breeding, foster job creation, and supporting economic development,” the department said in a statement on Monday.
The new Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, 2018 (Act No. 12 of 2018) and its regulations can be accessed on the Department of Agriculture website on: https://www.nda.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za
Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) has announced the appointment of Beth Arendse as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 July 2025.
With over 25 years of leadership experience in South Africa’s creative and cultural sectors, Beth brings visionary insight, strategic expertise, and an unwavering commitment to inclusive growth.
“Throughout her career, she has pioneered initiatives that seamlessly integrate the arts, entrepreneurship and education, empowering emerging creatives and advocating for the sustainable development of the creative economy.
“Arendse’s notable contributions include founding transformative platforms such as the Tshwane School of Music, the SA Creative Industries Incubator (SACII), and the Music Business Lab – programmes that have equipped hundreds of young creatives with essential skills, market access and business knowledge, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly competitive and evolving sector,” BASA said on Monday.
Beyond programme leadership, Arendse has served on prominent national advisory bodies, including the Presidential Commission for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the National Advisory Council on Innovation.
Her expert input has helped shape policies aimed at strengthening the creative sector’s adaptability to technological change and shifting economic landscapes.
“In the rigorous process of identifying a CEO, we were spoilt for choice by the calibre of candidates we had the opportunity to interact with, which speaks highly of the value that has been built in the BASA brand over the years.
“However, Beth’s undeniable passion for the creative industries, her entrepreneurial spirit, as well as her innovative approach to dealing with challenges and opportunities, won the day in the end. We are excited to be taking this step with her,” Chairperson of the BASA Board Zingisa Motloba said.
BASA said Arendse’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the organisation recommits to positioning the creative economy in its rightful place at the heart of South Africa’s national development agenda.
Under her leadership, BASA aims to focus on unlocking the full economic, cultural, and innovation potential of the creative sector as a vital driver of inclusive growth.
“I step into this role with a deep belief in the power of the creative economy to shape South Africa’s future—not only to inspire, but to generate economic opportunity, create livelihoods, and unlock the country’s full creative and economic potential.
“I’m honoured to lead BASA into its next chapter and look forward to forging bold partnerships that position creatives as key architects of our economic and social progress,” Arendse said.
BASA was founded in 1997 as a joint initiative between government and the private sector as part of a strategy to secure greater involvement in the arts from businesses operating in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
