MIL Africa Engine

October 29, 2025

EPCM Holdings to Drive Dialogue on West Africa’s Gas Infrastructure at MSGBC 2025

Source: APO

Alexandria Gazendam, Director – Europe of engineering and construction services firm EPCM Holdings, is confirmed to speak at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition, taking place from December 8-10 in Dakar, Senegal. Gazendam will join regional and international leaders to discuss gas monetization, infrastructure investment and industrialization strategies driving the MSGBC region’s energy future.

EPCM Holdings has emerged as a key infrastructure partner across West Africa, notably in Mauritania and Senegal, where the company has been instrumental in advancing projects that bridge the gap between exploration and production, while enabling downstream and industrial development.

In Mauritania, EPCM Holdings was contracted by the Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM) to conduct a feasibility study for a 750 km natural gas pipeline linking the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim and BirAllah offshore fields to the cities of Nouadhibou and Nouakchott. Encompassing both technical and commercial assessments, the study represents a pivotal step toward developing Mauritania’s gas infrastructure and ensuring the efficient transport of an estimated 100 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves to domestic and regional markets.

Additionally, EPCM Holdings has assisted the Mauritanian Ministry of Petroleum, Mines and Energy and the World Bank with developing a long-term Oil and Gas Master Plan for the country. This initiative seeks to establish clear regulatory frameworks, attract investment and build institutional capacity to advance energy security and industrial growth. Through this work, EPCM Holdings has contributed to Mauritania’s broader vision of leveraging its hydrocarbon resources to eliminate energy poverty and drive sustainable economic development.

At MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025, Gazendam is expected to provide an inside perspective on Mauritania’s evolving gas-to-power landscape, the ongoing Energy Service Zone Nouakchott (ESZN) project, and the critical role of infrastructure investment in promoting long-term industrialization. Introduced during the 2023 edition of the conference, the ESZN initiative engages EPCM Holdings alongside Meen & Meen and Jade Advisory in assessing opportunities to anchor new industrial activity around the country’s offshore gas potential.

“EPCM Holdings continues to play a leading role in advancing technical innovation and pan-African collaboration within the MSGBC energy market. Their participation will provide valuable insight into the infrastructure projects shaping Mauritania and the region’s energy future,” said Sandra Jeque, Project Director at Energy Capital & Power.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sectors. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Media files

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October 29, 2025

Afrique du Sud : la Banque africaine de développement approuve un investissement de 75 millions de dollars dans la société Nyanza Light Metals pour promouvoir la transformation du titane à grande échelle

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Conseil d’administration du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) a approuvé un financement de 75 millions de dollars pour aider la société Nyanza Light Metals Pty Ltd (Nyanza), basée en Afrique du Sud, à stimuler l’industrialisation en Afrique grâce à la valorisation locale des abondantes ressources minérales de titane du continent.

Le dioxyde de titane est un pigment essentiel utilisé dans de nombreuses industries, notamment les peintures et les revêtements, l’industrie alimentaire, les cosmétiques et les applications médicales. Malgré l’importance de la demande, les fabricants d’Afrique du Sud et de toute la région dépendent presque entièrement d’importations coûteuses. Le projet de Nyanza permettra de remédier à cette situation en produisant localement du dioxyde de titane, contribuant ainsi à la substitution des importations et positionnant l’Afrique dans la chaîne de valeur mondiale du dioxyde de titane.

Le montage financier de la Banque africaine de développement comprend 25 millions de dollars provenant de l’Africa Growing Together Fund (AGTF), une initiative de cofinancement entre la Banque africaine de développement et de la Banque populaire de Chine.

Le financement soutiendra le développement, la construction et l’exploitation d’une usine de fabrication de pigments de dioxyde de titane d’une capacité de 80 000 tonnes par an, ainsi que des infrastructures connexes, dans la zone de développement industriel de Richards Bay. Cette usine transformera des minerais de titane d’origine locale et régionale en pigments de qualité supérieure destinés à diverses applications industrielles.

La contribution de la Banque s’inscrit dans le cadre d’un financement syndiqué mis en place par Africa Finance Corporation et la Banque africaine d’import-export, qui agissent en qualité d’arrangeurs-chefs de file et de teneurs de livres mandatés.

La création d’emplois est l’un des principaux objectifs du financement de la Banque. Le projet Nyanza devrait générer plus de 2 400 emplois nationaux pendant la construction — dont 30 % seront réservés aux femmes et 30 % aux jeunes — et jusqu’à 850 emplois directs qualifiés une fois qu’il sera opérationnel, avec des objectifs de 45 % pour les femmes, 30 % pour les jeunes et 20 % pour les personnes à faible revenu. Ce projet contribuera à réduire le chômage en Afrique du Sud et à promouvoir une participation inclusive dans le secteur industriel sud-africain.

« Cet investissement reflète l’engagement de la Banque africaine de développement à stimuler la transformation industrielle de l’Afrique et à changer le discours sur l’Afrique, le faisant passer d’un continent fortement dépendant aux exportations de matières premières à un continent mondialement reconnu comme un acteur de premier plan dans la valeur ajoutée locale à ses ressources naturelles », a déclaré Solomon Quaynor, vice-président chargé du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement chargé du Secteur privé, de l’Infrastructure et de l’Industrialisation. « En aidant Nyanza à investir dans les infrastructures et ajouter de la valeur localement aux ressources naturelles, nous contribuons à changer l’ancien paradigme de l’Afrique qui consiste à exporter des matières premières de faible valeur tout en dépendant fortement de l’importation de produits finis ; nous construisons une économie industrielle qui créera des opportunités inclusives pour des millions de personnes à travers le continent », a-t-il ajouté.

Le président-directeur général de Nyanza, Donovan Chimhandamba, a déclaré que « cette approbation de la Banque africaine de développement marque un moment charnière, non seulement pour Nyanza, mais aussi pour l’avenir industriel de l’Afrique ». « La Banque africaine de développement apporte plus qu’un financement, elle apporte une crédibilité, un partenariat stratégique et un engagement à long terme en faveur de la transformation de l’Afrique. Ce soutien confirme notre mission de chef de file de la valorisation des minéraux et positionne Nyanza comme un moteur de l’industrialisation inclusive », a-t-il poursuivi.

« L’Afrique a longtemps exporté des minerais bruts, pour ensuite réimporter des produits finis de grande valeur fabriqués à partir de ces mêmes ressources, à un prix élevé. Ce cycle a freiné la croissance industrielle et limité la capacité du continent à tirer pleinement parti de ses richesses naturelles. Avec le soutien de la Banque africaine de développement, nous changeons cela en construisant un complexe d’enrichissement du titane de classe mondiale pour traiter les minéraux africains localement et les commercialiser sur les marchés mondiaux. L’objectif est de reprendre de la valeur, de créer des emplois et de mettre en place une base industrielle qui autonomise les jeunes, les femmes et les entrepreneurs », a-t-il ajouté.

Le projet soutient l’objectif stratégique de la Banque africaine de développement de bâtir des infrastructures résilientes au climat et de promouvoir la valorisation des ressources naturelles. Il devrait également catalyser la croissance du secteur privé, stimuler la création d’industries connexes et de chaînes d’approvisionnement locales, et diversifier la base d’exportation de l’Afrique du Sud grâce à une participation accrue aux chaînes de valeur mondiales.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact média :
Emeka Anuforo
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
media@afdb.org

Media files

October 29, 2025

Liberia Pursues Associate Membership of the Francophonie Organization

Source: APO – Report:

The Republic of Liberia has taken another significant step toward expanding its diplomatic horizons and strengthening multilateral partnerships, as the country advances its pursuit of Associate Membership of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).

In a bilateral meeting held in Paris on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mme. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, met with H.E. Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the OIF, to reaffirm Liberia’s commitment to enhancing its global visibility and cooperation with francophone and other member nations.

The discussions were framed within the broader context of Liberia’s foreign-policy reorientation under the leadership of H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia, whose vision seeks to reposition Liberia on the global stage.

During the meeting, Minister Nyanti outlined Liberia’s evolving foreign-policy strategy to regain Liberia’s prominence in the world. She noted that economic diplomacy, multilateral and regional cooperation and broader partnerships will strengthen Liberia’s relations across the globe, but will also better position Liberia to play a stronger role within ECOWAS and the AU, noting the expansive membership of OIF with sister countries in the region and on the continent.

She also underscored that Liberia’s pursuit of OIF membership aligns with the government’s broader vision to deepen engagements that promote the development agenda of the President.

In response, Secretary-General Mushikiwabo congratulated Liberia and Foreign Minister Nyanti on the historic win of the non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. She indicated that Liberia has been off the global leadership radar for quite some time, and welcomed Liberia’s decision to seek membership in the OIF, and commended the proactive approach of the Foreign Minister.

“It is important for Liberia to become increasingly visible, present and engaged in more global platforms in light of the evolving geo-dynamics”, stated Secretary General Mushkiwabo. Organizations like OIF present the opportunity to strengthen alignments, gain new allies, and engage across various interests that represent diverse blocs. She indicated that the OIF has over 90 members, and that Ghana just became a full-fledged member in 2025, with the OIF moving beyond francophone countries and promoting cross-continental convergence with values of democratic governance while keeping the francophone essence at the heart. The OIF boasts of countries like Ireland, Cambodia, Qatar, UAE, Romania, Austria, Serbia and many others that are non-Francophone as members of various categories.

The high-level meeting concluded with plans for Liberia to finalize her application process to be considered at the November 2026 sitting of the OIF in Camodia. The OIF also committed to training Liberian diplomats in New York and Addis Ababa in support of the UN Security Council seat, navigating the complexities of the UN, and for engagements at the AU with francophone countries.

As Liberia continues its diplomatic transformation, the pursuit of OIF Associate Membership stands as a testament to the nation’s renewed vision of openness, inclusivity, and global engagement under the Boakai-led administration.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

October 29, 2025

Lenacapavir: A game-changer in South Africa’s HIV prevention strategy

Source: Government of South Africa

Lenacapavir: A game-changer in South Africa’s HIV prevention strategy

By William Baloyi

When President Donald Trump issued an executive order suspending all foreign aid to South Africa, in January this year, we immediately set about finding solutions. Among the most pressing was to ensure that our life saving HIV and AIDS programme continued to function.

The United States. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR as it is known, has been a vital part of our HIV/AIDS arsenal and has saved countless lives in Africa and South Africa. Initially a temporary waiver was granted for the 90-day suspension, however once this passed funding was frozen, leading to job losses and service disruptions.

This was a hammer blow to our efforts to save lives, as the United States contributed over $400 million a year to South Africa’s HIV programme and to the work of nongovernmental organisations.

This all occurred against the backdrop of strained relations between South Africa and the United States. However, we always viewed this as an opportunity to better strengthen relations and to arrive at solutions to the benefit of both nations.

While talks continue, the announcement of a United States bridging plan worth $115 million that would continue funding HIV treatment and prevention programme for a period of six months from 1 October 2025 until the end of March 2026, is a positive sign of good bilateral relations despite recent tensions.

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, welcomed the announcement at a post-Cabinet media briefing on 16 October 2025, noting it as a positive indication of the strong and enduring partnership between South Africa and the United States. She said the U.S. government’s $115 million bridging plan will ensure continued funding for HIV treatment and prevention programmes until March 2026 reflecting a shared commitment to cooperation, even amid ongoing discussions. “It’s a confirmation of the good bilateral relations between South Africa and the U.S. so that when we have complaints, they intervene and we find an amicable solution to the problem,” Minister Ntshavheni added.

This news came at an exciting time in our efforts to fight HIV. By early next year, possibly as early as March or April, South Africa will roll out Lenacapavir, as part of our comprehensive HIV response.

Lenacapavir, is a new long-acting antiretroviral drug, which is delivered via injection only twice a year, offering six months of continuous protection per dose. Just two injections a year could protect an individual from HIV, in contrast to the daily pills or the bi-monthly injections currently in use.

Clinical trials of Lenacapavir have showed remarkable efficacy in preventing HIV. In one trial among women, it showed 100% efficacy within the study period – and in another trial amongst men who have sex with men and transgender women, efficacy was around 96%.

This treatment could truly be a game changer as despite our many treatment options, South Africa, continues to carry the highest burden of HIV globally, with an estimated 8 million People Living with HIV in our country.

A large part of our arsenal is in preventing future infections, and to date, over 2 million people have been initiated on oral pre-exposure prophylaxis. This goes hand in hand with comprehensive education, HIV testing, condom distribution, male medical circumcision and other behavioural interventions as part of a combination prevention approach.

However, despite all these efforts approximately 149,000 South Africans acquired HIV in 2023. Worryingly adolescent girls and young women continue to bear a disproportionate burden of new infections, along with other key populations.

The reasons for this include low use of condoms and inconsistent use of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis. Getting people to adhere to treatment or prevention options has often been the biggest problem. Lenacapavir, could help to overcome this burden and has the potential to

dramatically reduce new infections.

Mathematical modelling shows that if 2 to 4 million people use Lenacapavir over 12 to 24 months, South Africa could reduce new HIV infections to below 0.1% by 2032, achieving epidemic control ten years earlier than the expected.

It can begin to unlock a future where HIV is no longer a public health threat and bring to life our goal of reaching an AIDS free generation by 2030.

*William Baloyi is a Deputy Government Spokesperson.

Matona
Wed, 10/29/2025 – 12:09

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October 29, 2025

Paul Biya’s life presidency in Cameroon enters a fragile final phase

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By David E Kiwuwa, Associate Professor of International Studies, University of Nottingham

For the first time ever, the opposition parties in Cameroon have come “close” to unseating 92-year-old Paul Biya, who has run the country since 1982.

The stiffest competition for Biya in the 2025 election came from 76-year-old Tchiroma Bakary, a former ally and government spokesperson, who contested on the platform of Cameroon National Salvation Front. He won more than 35% of the vote – the second highest ever scored by an opposition candidate since Biya has been contesting. Though it was one of the best performances by opposition parties in Cameroon since 1992, the opposition suffered from its failure to present a united front and field a single candidate.

Biya once again triumphed, albeit with a reduced majority of 53.66%. Other candidates scored a combined 11%. His previous win in 2018 was at 71.28% against Maurice Kamto’s 14.23%.

This result is at variance with Bakary claiming overwhelming victory at the polls with 60%. His claims have been dismissed by the constitutional court and the electoral commission.

Biya’s controversial win has resulted in countrywide protests and a crackdown resulting in causalties.

I am a long time scholar of and political commentator on African politics, regime types and democratic governance with a keen interest in Cameroon.

I argue that Cameroon is at an inflection point, where Biya’s triumph might herald a “quiet” resignation to see through one of the world’s longest presidencies. For Biya, the to-do list couldn’t have got any longer. For Cameroon and the continent, democracy is yet again being asked hard questions with no obvious answers.

Divided opposition

Determined by a simple majority, the election meant that Biya – sometimes described as the absent landlord due to his prolonged stay outside Cameroon – only needed a sliver of support to triumph for a life term presidency. His new seven-year term of office ends in 2032, by which time he would be close to 100 years old.

Though his share of the vote fell by about 20 percentage points, he triumphed again because of the perennial challenges faced by the opposition.

Failure to coalesce around a single unifying candidate meant that the opposition with 11 candidates was still seen as divided.

With all state apparatus, especially the constitutional court, stacked against the opposition, it was not surprising that they were fighting a losing battle from the start.

The challenges ahead are monumental.

The road ahead

Biya has a full in-tray.

With dissatisfaction running high, one of the core priorities is to ensure the political stability of his regime. Recent forced regime changes in west Africa, and very recently in Madagascar, would perhaps give pause for thought about the vulnerability of the regime.

It is possible that sustained political upheaval could provoke a palace coup, as Gabon attests. That said, Biya’s effort to coup proof his regime with loyalist military co-ethnics, the Betis, appears to have bought him some comfort. Many of the senior officers’ fate would be intertwined with Biya’s.

The reality that his reported triumph comes with a much reduced mandate would mean re-asserting legitimacy will be another priority. Biya will have to work to establish or “enforce” his legitimacy both domestically and internationally.

The South West continues to be a place of concern. With the Anglophone crisis – caused by perceived marginalisation of the Anglophone south-west – still festering, the election result may galvanise the rebellion in the hope that renewed active hostilities may create conditions for willingness to settle the conflict before Biya bows out.

There is no question that Biya has entered into the last mile of his life presidency. It is inevitable that the political elite jostling for post Biya relevance will become more pronounced.

This infighting could destabilise the regime and make it a challenge to hold course. Ambitious elites may abandon Biya’s ship, as Bakary did.

On the campaign trail, Biya promised especially the young Cameroonians and women that their “best is yet to come”. He was acutely aware of the high level of dissatisfaction and his regime will be pressed to address their plight.

According to the World Bank, about 40% of Cameroonians live below the poverty line. Urban unemployment is running at 35% and many educated youths face challenges in obtaining formal employment.

A 2024 Afrobarometer survey says 51% of young Cameroonians have considered emigrating.

The perennial challenges of systemic corruption, service delivery, poverty and slow growth persist. Today, the average Cameroonian is no more wealthy than in 1986. How Biya’s new term attends to this will be crucial to temporarily assuaging pent up frustration.

As the 92-year-old Biya begins another term of office along with the president of the constitutional court, Clement Atangana (84), chief of staff Claude Meka (86), president of the senate Marcel Niat (90) and national assembly speaker Cavaye Yegue (85), Cameroon should confidently be looking at a generational shift after the Biya era.

– Paul Biya’s life presidency in Cameroon enters a fragile final phase
– https://theconversation.com/paul-biyas-life-presidency-in-cameroon-enters-a-fragile-final-phase-268429

October 29, 2025

Mahlobo calls on contractor to accelerate Delmas waste water project

Source: Government of South Africa

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has called on the contractor responsible for upgrading the Delmas Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) in the Victor Khanye Local Municipality, in Mpumalanga, to accelerate the work and ensure timely completion of the project.

Mahlobo, accompanied by Victor Khanye Executive Mayor Vusi Buda and Nkangala District Executive Mayor Thomas Ngwenya, visited the project site on Monday to assess progress on Phase 2 of the WWTW upgrade.

The Department of Water and Sanitation is funding the R300 million project through its Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), with Nkangala District Municipality appointed as the implementing agent.

Phase 1 of the project, which focused on refurbishment of the existing plant, was implemented by the Victor Khanye Local Municipality.

During the visit, Mahlobo expressed concern over the contractor’s poor performance, emphasising a need for them to provide a practical revised, realistic plan that will lead to speedy completion of the project.

He stressed the environmental urgency of completing the upgrade, noting that the plant currently contributes significantly to pollution in the Bronkhorstspruit River and, ultimately, the Olifants River system.

The department had previously opened a criminal case against Victor Khanye Municipality for polluting the water courses.

“These are some of the interventions requested by the province and we (DWS) have worked so hard to ensure that there is allocation to get this project off the ground and get the wastewater system to work because we had opened a case against the municipality for polluting the Bronkhorstspruit River system.

“But another reason why we wanted to increase the capacity of the wastewater plant and for the plant to work adequately, is because we have a duty to support the municipality to ensure that they do not continue polluting these rivers and the environment due to inadequate infrastructure,” Mahlobo said.

He said the department has agreed for a construction of a state-of-the-art infrastructure with the latest technology designed to improve treatment efficiency and reduce high levels of E. coli, ensuring that the treated effluent meets national water quality standards before being discharged into natural water sources.

The existing plant, which receives domestic and industrial sewage from Delmas, Delpark, and Eloff, was originally designed to treat 4.5 megalitres per day (ml/d) and is currently overloaded, processing around 8.5 ml/d, which results in effluent not fully treated before its release into the Bronkhorstspruit River.

The project seeks to increase the capacity of the plant to 11.5 ml/d.

The Deputy Minister bemoaned the slow progress in the implementation of the project, which started in 2022 and initially scheduled for completion in May 2024.

The project was marred with challenges, including prevalence of underground water at the construction site which required sub-soil drainage; use of controlled rock blasting around the existing infrastructure; delays in material procurement and worker payments by the contractor, which led to site closure, as well as the inclement weather.

The upgrade includes civil, mechanical, and electrical works which entails construction of new inlet works and electrical panel buildings, secondary settling tanks, biological reactors, sludge and recycling pumps, a sludge treatment and disinfection system, upgraded piping, and improved access walkways, among others. – SAnews.gov.za

October 29, 2025

South Africa advocates for a digitally inclusive future through its G20 Presidency

Source: Government of South Africa

By Sandile Nene

As the first African nation to host the G20 Summit, South Africa assumes this historic role with honour and unwavering commitment to amplify the voices of the Global South on the world stage.

We have therefore positioned digital transformation, which is rapidly reshaping the global economy, as a key priority within the G20 to uplift the Global South and advance financial and economic cooperation, sustainable development, and inclusive growth in the world economy.

Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi, during the G20 Digital Economy Working Group, said: “Connectivity is no longer a privilege. It is a prerequisite for economic participation, education, innovation and growth.” His words capture South Africa’s conviction that bridging the digital divide is essential to unlocking shared prosperity and ensuring that no nation or citizen is left behind in the global digital economy.

While the world is accelerating towards a more digital future, many are disconnected from the very technologies that enable development and opportunity. In 2023, around 2.6 billion people globally remained without internet access, a stark reminder of the urgent need to close the digital gap if we are to realise the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

This is a glaring indicator of the gross inequality, exclusion, marginalisation and poverty that prevails, particularly among societies in the Global South. We cannot stand idle while the digital divide continues to exclude millions of people especially women, youth, and rural populations, from economic opportunities and social participation.

As President of the G20 summit, South Africa advocates for a transformative and equitable global digital agenda that leaves no one behind. We are calling for immediate and coordinated G20 action on four key pillars. These are affordable, meaningful connectivity that bridges access gaps, robust digital public infrastructure that enables efficient service delivery, digital upskilling and education, with a particular focus on empowering women and youth with the relevant digital skills needed, and cultivating an ethical and inclusive artificial intelligence framework.

Central to co-ordinating these efforts is the Digital Economy Working Group, embedded within the Sherpa track, which has been instrumental in creating practical solutions that address affordable internet access, digital skills and artificial intelligence.

The engagements through this group have fostered global collaboration and partnerships. Working with global partners like the African Union, International Telecommunications Union, and the United Nations Development Programme, South Africa has further launched the Global Call for Digital Public Infrastructure Innovations.

This initiative enables nations to share practical solutions and knowledge on digital ID systems, e-health, e-learning, and digital literacy, whilst encouraging regional co-operation.

Bridging the digital and developmental divide requires us to learn from and benchmark against the best practices. To identify digital gaps and monitor our progress, South Africa has developed the Universal and Equitable Digital Inclusion Framework during its presidency of the G20. This practical guide also helps government design comprehensive policies and promotes digital inclusion across the globe. Recognising that enhancing inclusivity, is inextricably linked with reducing inequalities, South Africa has collaborated with UNESCO to develop the Toolkit to Reduce Inequalities Connected to Artificial Intelligence. This inclusive policy resource helps governments manage risks such as algorithmic bias and harmful content while promoting inclusive AI adoption.

Placing inclusion, collective advancement and equity at the heart of our policies, align with our South African philosophy of Ubuntu. As an interconnected and diverse nation, South Africa envisions a future where digital transformation connects cultures, languages, communities, and nations. In line with this vision, we are investing in digital innovation ecosystems that empower micro, small and medium enterprises, enabling local innovation, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.

To enact our overall digital agenda, sustainable financing is essential. South Africa therefore calls for innovative blended funding models, which combine public investment, private sector partnerships and technological innovation.

Digital technologies hold the potential to drive inclusive development, connect the unconnected, and empower citizens. Whether through digital identity systems, e-government services, or open-source platforms, the transformative capabilities of digital infrastructure are undeniable.

Let us commit to bridge the digital divide together, investing in public infrastructure and technologies that uplifts lives and drives innovation. Together we can build an inclusive, ethical and robust digital future and digital economy that belongs to everyone.

*Sandile Nene is Acting Deputy Director-General for Content Processing and Dissemination in the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

October 29, 2025

Deputy President to address key issues in National Assembly on Thursday

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will respond to oral questions regarding his delegated responsibilities in the National Assembly on Thursday.

As part of the constitutional requirement for members of Cabinet to account to Parliament for their powers and performance, Deputy President Mashatile will address questions concerning the government’s efforts to implement rapid response interventions for service delivery and to troubleshoot service delivery issues in various municipalities across the country.

The aim is to enhance governance and improve service delivery in these areas.

In January 2025, the Competition Commission conducted a market inquiry into the fresh produce market.

Following this inquiry, the Deputy President will update Members of Parliament (MPs) on the government’s initiatives to boost annual sales for small-scale and historically disadvantaged farmers through the National Fresh Produce Markets.

“On the question of bolstering crime intelligence in the South African Police Service to stem gangsterism and other forms of violent crimes, the Members of Parliament will be updated on the multisectoral coordination and intelligence-driven strategies undertaken by government to curb the scourge of gangsterism,” the advisory read.

The Deputy President will address questions regarding land reform and agricultural development in rural areas to promote the growth of the agricultural sector.

In addition, he will discuss the repayment of debts owed by municipalities to Eskom, as well as the government’s strategies for tackling the disproportionate prevalence of HIV among women and girls.

The proceedings will be livestreamed on the DStv parliamentary channel 408 and YouTube. – SAnews.gov.za

October 29, 2025

Police discovered R20 million worth of cocaine in Midrand

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

A crime intelligence driven operation by the police resulted in the discovery of R20 million worth of cocaine at a small holding in Midrand, Gauteng on Tuesday evening.

“A multidisciplinary team led by Crime Intelligence Head Office, inclusive of the Gauteng Organised Crime unit, SAPS Johannesburg K9 unit and members of the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) were following up on information of drugs that were being stored at a plot in Blue Hills, Midrand,” the South African Police Service said in a statement.

On further investigation it was discovered that the drugs were brought into South Africa from a neighbouring country and were destined for Cape Town.

“The cocaine was found hidden in a storage room on the identified plot. A 56-year-old man who is believed to be the owner of the plot has been arrested and the cocaine weighing about 80kg has been seized,” the police said.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Midrand Magistrate’s Court later this week on a possible charge of possession of drugs as well as dealing in drugs. – SAnews.gov.za

October 29, 2025

Public Works Minister to report on underperforming construction projects

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson will this afternoon report back on the outcome of a special meeting convened with the Ministers and Members of the Executive Council for Public Works and Infrastructure (MinMec).

The meeting, which was held on Tuesday, was to address the state of underperforming construction projects and neglected public buildings across the country.

“The meeting produced a recovery plan aimed at fixing the systemic failures that have delayed or derailed infrastructure delivery, with the goal of getting the basics right and ensuring that communities benefit from functional, well-maintained public infrastructure,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said in a statement.

During the media briefing, the Minister is expected to outline the action plan, including immediate interventions, timelines, and accountability measures, to restore performance across the construction and maintenance portfolios in order to deliver quality infrastructure and contribute to economic growth.

The Minister will be joined by Sifiso Mdakane, the Director-General of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, and Batho Mokhothu, Deputy Director-General: Construction Project Management. – SAnews.gov.za