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Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services has raised its concerns about the Department of Correctional Services’ (DCS) over-expenditure, which is projected to reach R1.4 billion.

Yesterday, the committee heard that the department’s year-to-date expenditure for the period ending 31 December 2024 is R21,6 billion (78%), while projected annual expenditure is R29,2 billion against the adjusted budget of R27,8 billion, which will result in projected overspending of R1,4 billion.

The committee was briefed by the DCS on its second and third quarter performance report for the 2024/25 financial year.

The projected overspending is due to a cost-of-living adjustment, effected in April 2024. In addition, the capital budget is underfunded by R222 million, constraining infrastructure upgrades and maintenance. Food costs have also surged, driven not only by inflation and a growing inmate population, but also by the rising number of foreign nationals housed in correctional facilities.

The current budget is overspent due to rising municipal tariffs for electricity, water and sanitation, which have escalated above the consumer price index, creating further strain on the already stretched Goods and Services budget. The DCS also indicated that it faces fixed, inflexible costs for public–private partnership facilities, limiting room for reprioritisation.

Additionally, the devolution of maintenance responsibilities from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to DCS without a corresponding increase in the accommodation charges allocation has left a funding gap of R154 million. The information and technology branch’s budget in the DCS is also severely constrained, hampering efforts to modernise digital infrastructure and cybersecurity, the committee was informed.

Committee Chairperson Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said: “Of course, we raised concerns about this trend. It is worrying although the factors for such overspending have been placed before us. We urged the department to tighten its belt, like using for example offender labour wherever possible in order to cut cost and that will result in a transfer of skills.”

The committee heard that the DCS has implemented measures to curb projected over-expenditure of its budget vote by appointing a committee that is responsible for monitoring expenditure on a weekly basis. “We noted these interventions and hope that the corrective measures will bear fruit. We will need a report detailing progress regarding those measures,” emphasised Ms Ramolobeng.

The DCS also reported that it has had 29 unnatural deaths in its facilities out of an inmate population of 160 353. Ms Ramolobeng said the committee has on numerous occasions raised concerns about inconsistencies in reporting between the DCS and Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services on the number of unnatural deaths. “Both parties need to sit down and come up with a way forward of how to address this reporting deficit. We want the DCS to submit a report to us following that sit-down meeting,” she said.

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

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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Between June 3 and 5, the Angola Medicines and Health Technologies Regulatory Agency (ARMED), with technical support from World Health Organization (WHO) and funding from the European Union (EU), held a strategic meeting to monitor progress in implementing the recommendations made as part of the assessment of its regulatory maturity.

The session was attended by 25 ARMED professionals and resulted in the drafting of the Institutional Development Plan (IDP), the aim of which is to strengthen the national regulatory system, bringing it into line with international standards, in a context in which the pharmaceutical sector is becoming increasingly attractive for investment.

According to WHO Representative in Angola, Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, supervision is an essential pillar of the pharmaceutical sector, encompassing a complex network of production, distribution, and marketing medicines.

Dr. Hazarika stressed that “medicines and medical products are fundamental for access to health care, and it is essential to guarantee their quality so that the goal of health for all can be achieved”.

This meeting is part of WHO’s ongoing support to the Angolan government in strengthening the regulatory system. WHO experts from the Geneva headquarters and the Africa regional and national offices analyzed the Angolan regulatory system based on WHO Quality Management System principles and the international benchmarking tool – the Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT). 

During the meeting, the progress made in implementing the technical recommendations was assessed, and a review was also made of the actions taken following the 2022 and February 2024 self-assessment exercises. The Institutional Development Plan (IDP) was updated in this context, a strategic document that will guide ARMED until 2027.

The aim is to reach Maturity Level 3, internationally recognized as the benchmark for a functional regulatory system, capable of guaranteeing the availability of safe, effective, and quality medicines on the national market.

Despite the progress already made, the pace of implementation needs to be accelerated. Holding regular meetings to follow up on the IDP is key to monitoring progress, identifying obstacles, adjusting strategies, and ensuring continued alignment with international standards. 

In addition, these meetings also strengthen institutional commitment, promote transparency, and facilitate coordination between technical and financial partners.

ARMED’s Director General, Dr. Pombal Mayembe, stressed the importance of the initiative. “At the World Health Assembly, there was extensive discussion about the local production of medicines. Angola cannot be left out of this movement. We want to reach level 3 of maturity by 2027. Is that possible? Yes, with the support of WHO, EU, and other partners, we are firmly committed to achieving this goal.”

For his part, Pierre Destexhe, representing the European Union, highlighted ARMED’s role in controlling the quality of the national medicines market, as well as its contribution to ensuring that access to safe, quality medicines becomes an ever greater reality in Angola, within the scope of Universal Health Coverage.

The meeting, which made it possible to assess progress and draw up ARMED’s IDP, represents a decisive step towards consolidating a robust regulatory system in Angola, reaffirming the government’s commitment to guaranteeing the population’s access to safe, quality medicines, while at the same time promoting local production based on international standards.

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

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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Just several weeks ago, Eritreans across the country and around the world – joined by innumerable friends and well-wishers – joyously celebrated the nation’s hard-won independence. The occasion, along with the period surrounding it, was marked by spirited festivities, exuberant gatherings, and a huge outpouring of pride and excitement. Eritrea’s independence, achieved through immense sacrifice in both blood and treasure, holds profound significance. Accordingly, Independence Day – together with Martyrs Day, which is commemorated in June – is recognized as one of the most important and revered dates on the national calendar.

A central and inspiring theme woven through the many events and activities, especially those held across various regions of Eritrea, was the celebration of the country’s rich and colourful diversity. For instance, attending events in Asmara provided a unique opportunity to witness and engage with individuals and groups that represented the broad tapestry of Eritrean society: men and women of all ages; residents from each of the country’s six administrative regions; followers of different religious faiths; people from various socioeconomic backgrounds; and members of the nation’s diverse ethnolinguistic communities.

These inclusive gatherings fostered an atmosphere of warmth, camaraderie, and national pride, where people came together to smile, share in the joy, and celebrate their collective identity. More than just a commemoration of independence, the period served as a vivid and powerful expression of one of Eritrea’s most beautiful and defining attributes: peace and unity in diversity.

Diversity – whether in terms of race, religion, ethnicity, language, or culture – can be a powerful catalyst for the flourishing of new perspectives, the birth of innovative ideas, and the cultivation of creativity and dynamism. It often acts as a driving force behind progress, enriching communities, societies, and nations alike. However, history – at both the global level and even the continental and regional level – offers many sobering examples where diversity, if poorly managed or misunderstood, has instead fuelled societal fragmentation, discord, and at times, violent conflict.

As a multi-ethnic and multicultural nation, Eritrea has remained firmly committed to promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and national unity. Its development and nation-building efforts are rooted in the foundational principles of equality and social justice. The country places unwavering emphasis on ensuring that all Eritreans – irrespective of ethnicity, religion, gender, or social status – have the right and opportunity to fully participate in, contribute to, and benefit from sustainable development.

The country’s laws, regulations, and policies, anchored in deeply held socio-cultural values, create a robust framework for inclusive political, social, and economic development. National legislation expressly prohibits and penalizes discrimination, exclusion, or preference based on disability, ethnicity, colour, religion, socioeconomic background, language, gender, or any similar distinction.

Over the past thirty years, Eritrea has developed and implemented a wide range of policies and legal instruments tailored to uplift and support vulnerable and marginalized groups. These include the poor, women, children, persons with disabilities, nomadic communities, and those living in remote or underserved regions.

These interventions are designed to close social and economic gaps and to foster equitable opportunities across all segments of society. The objective is clear: to ensure that every Eritrean is empowered to pursue success and partake in the benefits of inclusive growth and national progress.

To that end, essential health services are provided at no cost, and individuals with chronic illnesses or other serious conditions receive free medical care and necessary medications. Similarly, the country’s education policy guarantees free access to schooling from primary through tertiary levels. These commitments are bolstered by several complementary initiatives designed to promote inclusivity and equal opportunity, such as the mother-tongue education policy, adult literacy programs, and outreach learning efforts.

An additional cornerstone of inclusive development – especially relevant given the large proportion of the population that resides in rural areas and depends on agriculture and pastoralism for livelihood – is the Minimum Integrated Household Agricultural Package (MIHAP). Launched in 2007, MIHAP has positively impacted thousands of rural households, including many headed by women. The package includes one improved dairy cow (or 12 goats), 25 chickens, two beehives, 20 trees (a mix of fruit-bearing, leguminous, and firewood species), a vegetable plot, cropland, and sustained technical support from Ministry of Agriculture experts. This comprehensive approach promotes food security, increases household income, and strengthens community resilience.

In sum, Eritrea’s enduring dedication to social justice and equality has not only enhanced the inclusiveness and vibrancy of the nation but has also been instrumental in nurturing peace, stability, and cohesion. By valuing diversity and upholding the dignity of all its citizens, Eritrea continues to build a more united, equitable, and prosperous future. It is this very spirit – of unity in diversity, of resilience grounded in equality – that was so vividly on display during the recent Independence Day celebrations, offering a glimpse into the kind of future the nation continues to strive for.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has called for urgent assistance to be provided to families affected by floods in the Eastern Cape, particularly in the province’s OR Tambo District, and the committee sends its sincere condolences to the families of those who died in the floods.

The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Nqabisa Gantsho, has called on affected communities to act cautiously and follow official government communications and directives. “Provincial government in the Eastern Cape needs to move in and assist in every way possible particularly those who are without homes due to the floods. Flooding is going to be a common occurrence longer into the future, for so long as climate change is with us.

“The committee therefore calls on the broader government to work out strategies to counter the effects of flooding and drought both of which are manifest climatic activity for climate change. The Eastern Cape government should accurately quantify those affected and avail support as per the need,” Ms Gantsho said.

Most of South Africa was affected by two cold fronts over the weekend, bringing wet, cold and snow to the western parts of the country and floods in the Eastern Cape.

Ms Gantsho said the intensity and frequency of flooding around the country is an ongoing concern and flood victims should not be accommodated longer than is necessary in temporary arrangements. “We reiterate that for purposes of settlement, our people should avoid building on plains, wetlands and low-lying areas that most often would be below the floodline,” she noted.

Ms Gantsho also called on the Eastern Cape provincial government to ensure that school-going children, especially those who walk to school, are protected from dangerous weather conditions. “Families must report missing relatives to the relevant authorities especially if there has been no contact for longer than three hours at least.”

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

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The National Union of Eritrean Women branch in the Northern Red Sea Region organized a meeting on 8 June for women from various institutions, aimed at enhancing women’s overall capacity.

At the meeting, Ms. Helen Meketa from the central office of the National Union of Eritrean Women gave a briefing, accompanied by historical examples, on the experiences and struggles women have undergone at various stages in world history to secure their rights.

Noting that the contribution of Eritrean women in the armed struggle for independence is acknowledged internationally and beyond the continental level, Ms. Helen called on women to take advantage of the educational opportunities provided by the Government and to become competitive and effective in the workplace.

Mr. Saleh Nafi’e, head of organizational affairs at the union’s Northern Red Sea Region branch, stated that organizing meetings and seminars aimed at empowering young women is one of the main objectives of the union. He emphasized that active participation and the presentation of constructive ideas by women are crucial to fully realizing these objectives.

The participants conducted extensive discussions on the issues raised during the meeting and adopted various recommendations.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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Mr. Bereket Mosazgi, secretary of the National Voluntary Blood Donors Association, reported that significant achievements have been registered in ensuring a consistent blood supply to health facilities through voluntary blood donation. Mr. Bereket made the comment in connection with World Blood Donation Day, 14 June.

Noting that the annual blood demand of the National Blood Transfusion Service ranges from 12,000 to 15,000 units, Mr. Bereket stated that voluntary blood donations, which were fewer than 10,000 units in 2019, surpassed 16,000 units in 2024. This, he said, reflects the growing public awareness.

Mr. Bereket noted that the main objective of the association is to ensure a sustainable blood supply to health facilities. He stated that the association is expanding its network, improving its systems, and working closely with partners to meet its goals.

He also mentioned that the number of active members has reached 12,000 and that 67 institutions regularly donate blood voluntarily, in addition to numerous individuals and group donors.

World Blood Donation Day, 14 June, will be observed under the theme “Give Blood, Give Hope: Together We Save Lives”, featuring various programs highlighting the importance of the day.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.