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Springbok forwards Deon Fourie and Marvin Orie make their return to the DHL Stormers team for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final against Munster at DHL Stadium on Saturday. Both players missed the semifinal due to injury, but will take their places in the DHL Stormers starting line-up for the showpiece match, which kicks …
The Australia-India ICC World Test Championship Final 2023 will have a major incentive for both teams as other than the crowning glory in the longest format of the game, the winners will also collect $1.6 million as the winners’ prize money. The losing finalists will pocket $800,000. The championship decider will be played at The …
At 1541 UTC on Thursday, May 25, while racing in Leg 5 of The Ocean Race, 11th Hour Racing Team activated its Hazard Button to alert Race Control and the wider fleet they had hit something, suspected to be a marine mammal or megafauna. The Team was in the mid-North Atlantic Ocean at 52°N, 35°W …
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Madam Justice Mahube Betty Molemela as President of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) starting from 1 June.
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) announced another 50-basis points interest rate hike thus bringing the repurchase rate to over a decade high of 8.25%. The prime rate thus moved higher by 0.50% effective from the 26th of May 2023. Unrepentant inflationary pressures emanating from elevated geopolitical tensions (which complicates the rand outlook), the unending …
Employment and Labour Deputy Minister Boitumelo Moloi told employers that the department has noted with concern that the agricultural and mining sector employers are employing undocumented foreign nationals.
The 1 June deadline for the US to reach a deal on its debt ceiling is fast approaching. Although talks are still in the works and the possibility of a default could cause chaos in the markets, investors seem to be confident that a deal could be reached in time. Since last week, discussions to …
As the debt ceiling agreement deadline approaches and April retail sales data in the U.S. provides hard evidence that consumers are being affected by rising prices and interest rates, shares traded lower while yields of treasury bonds rose slightly. Yesterday, US shares started to drop after Home Depot’s earnings and sales estimate disappointed the market. …
Namibia has reached another milestone in the development of its green hydrogen economy, inking a deal with green hydrogen development company HYPHEN Hydrogen Energy for the next phase of a $10 billion project set to be located in the Namib Desert's Tsau//Khaeb National Park. As per the terms of the agreement, green hydrogen will be exported to Europe following the completion of the project, thereby consolidating the country's position as a global hydrogen hub.
The milestone comes just week ahead of the African Energy Chamber's (AEC) Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris, a pivotal gathering that brings together movers and shakers from across the African and European energy sectors. Following a series of successful editions held in London, Oslo, Dubai and Frankfurt – the German edition of which was centered on exploring hydrogen-related investment opportunities in Africa – the Paris forum will expand on previous discussions regarding Africa-Europe collaboration, laying the foundation for a strong slate of new deals to be signed aimed at maximizing Africa's vast energy resources.
For its part, the Tsau//Khaeb green hydrogen project serves as not only a significant initiative in its own right, but as a demonstration of the potential for large-scale green hydrogen projects in Africa. Long-considered the final frontier for energy, Africa's significant renewable energy resources offer critical opportunities for the continent to address energy access concerns through the development of widespread solar and wind energy systems, as well as industrialization through the utilization of green hydrogen fuels. Green hydrogen projects have been cropping up across the continent, with markets such as South Africa, Mauritania and Egypt eager to capitalize on the benefits the resource provides. However, what sets the Namibian agenda apart if the country's focus on global collaboration. Working closely with its German partners, the Government is driving tits green hydrogen project forward, and energy access and industrialization opportunities are soon to follow.
In addition to regional access, monetizing renewable through green hydrogen opens up avenues for broader socioeconomic growth in Africa, with revenue generated through exports trickling down into various facets of the African economy. At a time when the African community is prioritizing energy security in the midst of the global energy transition, African green hydrogen projects will serve to meet dual goals of alleviating energy poverty while transitioning to sustainable energy sources. The HYPHEN-led green hydrogen project in Namibia is a testament to this. Planned to be constructed in two phases, the plant will eventually produce up to two million tons of green ammonia per annum, energy which will be distributed for both regional, and now with the offtake agreement, global use. Production is targeted for 2030, and with the signing of the feasibility and implementation agreement set to be signed on Friday, Namibian President Hage Geingob states that, “We kickstart a process that has the potential to transform the lives of many in our country, the region and indeed the world.” (https://apo-opa.info/45qsn0l).
Both HYPHEN and the Namibian Government consider the signing of the feasibility and implementation agreement to serve as a benchmark for the sustainable and equitable development of green hydrogen project in Africa. However, the agreement goes one step further to highlight the crucial role bilateral cooperation plays in developing energy projects in Africa. Under the soon-to-be signed agreement, the Government of Namibia will be responsible for equipping the country with the necessary regulatory, legal and fiscal environment to implement the project while HYPHEN is responsible for the technical, environment, financial, social and commercial delivery. A testament to both Africa-global relations as well as the role of public-private partnerships, this framework can be replicated in other markets in Africa.
“Namibia continues to make significant strides towards becoming a global energy giant. Notwithstanding the milestones that continue to be achieved regarding its oil and gas sector, the country has taken an accelerated approach to maximizing its renewable energy resources in collaboration with global partners. This green hydrogen project will open up significant avenues for the country, ushering in a new era of industrialization, energy access and revenue generation and positioning the country as a global green hydrogen contender. As Europe looks towards the lucrative opportunities in Africa, partnerships such as those between Namibia and Germany serve as a blueprint for other markets across the continent,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, adding that, “The Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris provides the perfect opportunities for European investors and project developers to seize partnership opportunities with African countries. At the Frankfurt edition, we advocated for strengthened global collaboration, emphasizing the crucial role that European investment plays in not only developing Africa's economies but bringing new energy supplies on the global market. At a time when Europe is grappling with its own energy crisis, African energy is the solution the bloc needs. Come join us at the Paris edition and let's talk energy, investment and deals.”
Taking place on June 1st, 2023 at the Westin Paris Vendome in France, the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris is open to all guests and RSVP is essential. RSVP to registration@aecweek.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
After raising rates by the expected 0.25%, the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) rhetoric points to the end of its monetary tightening cycle so it can reflect on its results and the growth of the economy. The US Federal Reserve increased interest rates by 0.25%, as anticipated, and hinted in a statement that this is likely the …
Residents offered accommodation at the Culemborg Safe Space and must be out by 31 July
“Tenuous at best, passing the buck at worst” is the reaction from South African National Bottled Water Association CEO, Charlotte Metcalf, to a report shifting the blame for the lack of progress towards safe drinking water for all goals from the world’s governments to its bottled water industry. Metcalf was commenting on an article republished …
The US stock markets were under pressure due to mixed corporate reports and fresh worries about the banking industry following First Republic’s disclosure of a significant decline in first-quarter deposits. Although the bank reported a deposit loss of $100 billion since the start of the crisis, this figure was significantly higher than what the market anticipated and …
The last two years have seen a massive uptake in data protection laws and regulations in Africa with South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Swaziland all passing laws and/or regulations in this regard. Compliance is mandatory in these countries, however, in Botswana you have until October 2023 to fully comply as that is when …
Just after the US Federal Reserve (Fed) raised its rates for what is thought to be the last time this year, the European Central Bank (ECB) followed in its footsteps. Markets showed little reaction at first, but then concerns about the banking sector once again shacked up the financial scene. The market’s expectations were confirmed …
East London shack dwellers say they won’t move unless it is somewhere with water, electricity and toilets
Immigrant organisations also seek to stop police tolerance and “collusion” with the anti-immigrant movement
Cabinet has commended the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) for the strides made in the fight against corruption.
Cabinet says extensive work is underway to test all possible sources of the contamination after the cholera outbreak that claimed 17 residents from Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria.
One of the world's most wanted genocide fugitives has been arrested after being on the run for more than two decades, the UN tribunal prosecuting war crimes committed in Rwanda announced on Thursday.
Fulgence Kayishema is alleged to have orchestrated the killing of approximately 2,000 Tutsi refugees at Nyange Catholic Church during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) said in a statement.
He was arrested in South Africa on Wednesday in a joint operation between the IRMCT Office of the Prosecutor and the authorities.
Finally facing justice
Kayishema has been at large since 2001 and was among four remaining fugitives from the genocide, during which an estimated one million people were killed, and roughly 150,000 to 250,000 women raped, over a period of some 100 days.
In a statement released by his Spokesperson, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the arrest "sends a powerful message that those who are alleged to have committed such crimes cannot evade justice and will eventually be held accountable, even more than a quarter of a century later."
Mr. Guterres commended the cooperation between the IRMCT and the South African authorities for the apprehension, and recalled that "all States have an obligation to cooperate with the Mechanism in the location, arrest, detention, surrender and transfer of the accused persons still at large."
IRMCT Chief Prosecutor Serge Brammertz said his arrest ensures the long-standing fugitive will finally face justice for his alleged crimes.
“Genocide is the most serious crime known to humankind. The international community has committed to ensure that its perpetrators will be prosecuted and punished. This arrest is a tangible demonstration that this commitment does not fade and that justice will be done, no matter how long it takes,” he added.
International partners for justice
Mr. Brammertz said the thorough investigation that led to the arrest was made possible through the support and cooperation of South Africa and the Operational Task Team established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to assist the ICMRT Fugitive Tracking Team.
They also received “vital support” from similar Task Forces in other African countries, notably Eswatini and Mozambique.
“Rwandan authorities under the leadership of Prosecutor General Aimable Havugiyaremye continued to be our strongest partners and provided essential assistance,” he said.
The Chief Prosecutor also cited support from other countries, including the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, saying “Kayishema's arrest demonstrates yet again that justice can be secured, no matter the challenges, through direct cooperation between international and national law enforcement agencies.”
The IRMCT performs essential functions previously carried out by the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), which closed in December 2015, and another for the former Yugoslavia, which concluded two years later.
Kayishema was indicted by the Rwanda tribunal in 2001.
He was charged with genocide, complicity in genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, and crimes against humanity for killings and other crimes committed in Kivumu Commune, Kibuye Prefecture, during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
According to the indictment, he and other co-perpetrators murdered more than 2,000 refugees - men, women, elderly persons, and children - at the Nyange Church in Kivumu commune, on 15 April 1994.
He “directly participated in the planning an execution” of the massacre, working methodically over two days following, to transfer the corpses to mass graves.
‘Further step forward'
The arrest marks “a further step forward” in the effort to account for all those fugitives still at large who have been indicted by the ICTR.
Since 2020, the OTP Fugitive Tracking Team has accounted for five of the fugitives at large, including another of the architects of the genocide which was orchestrated by the extremist Hutu regime at the time, Félicien Kabuga, as well as Augustin Bizimana, Protais Mpiranya, and Phéneas Munyarugarama. There are now only three outstanding fugitives.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
Cabinet has commended a set of measures that have been put in place to address the incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) within the SANDF peace keeping missions.
Another week, another set of challenges for the country. We all know what they are – failing energy and transport systems, catastrophically high unemployment, scarce water, largely ineffective municipalities, the real possibility of renewed social unrest, and the list goes on. Daunting though these challenges are, we need to think in terms of solutions. South …
About 100 nurses originally contracted to deal with the Covid pandemic have not had their contracts renewed
Tropika’s “Smoooth Rider” Advert Delivers a Nostalgic Celebration of Local Talent and the New Tropika Zero product range. Cape Town, South Africa – Tropika, the iconic South African dairy fruit juice brand, has released their latest TV advert as part of their 2023 Campaign, titled “Smoooth Rider,” which is currently airing on local TV stations, …