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In today’s fast-paced office environment, achieving the perfect blend of style, privacy, and functionality is a challenge many businesses face. Traditional methods of decorating and maintaining privacy—such as blinds and curtains—often fall short, making spaces feel closed off and outdated. Window Art, a leading vinyl frosting company in South Africa, has spent over 18 years …
Dear Editor The DA is pleased to see that the Director-General (DG) in the Department of Health (NDoH), Dr Sandile Buthelezi, has released clear guidance to about how health facilities should continue to provide uninterrupted HIV services in the wake of the abrupt freeze by the United States (US) government of PEFPAR-funded programmes in South …
The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 has approved Kyle Jamieson as a replacement for Lockie Ferguson in the New Zealand squad. Thirty-year-old Jamieson, who has played 13 ODIs, was named as a replacement after Ferguson was ruled out due to an injury to his right foot. The replacement of a …
It is a great feeling to have the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy back. I remember when I played in it for the first time in 2013, and I loved it, and there is already a buzz around this tournament. There is so much speculation and a lot of predictions, which is fun, and I can’t …
The Fund has been failing audits for 12 years and counting, Parliament told
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟴 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟲.
Escorted by the legendary Rooivalk combat helicopter, Carte Blanche travels to a recently-captured military camp deep in the tropical forests north of Beni in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. John Webb gains exclusive access to the SANDF’s forward-operating bases in the infamous Triangle of Death in North Kivu Province as we visit our soldiers on the frontline in the battle against ADF rebels. We find soldiers who have distinguished themselves both in the field of battle as well as in crucial combat support roles, and SANDF pilots operating as part of the UN's aviation unit who have fast developed a reputation for skill and courage. Carte Blanche also meets the SANDF's General Derrick Mgwebi who was appointed to head the overall UN peacekeeping operation in the DRC - still the largest peacekeeping mission in the world.
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Legal challenges have restored funding but damage has been done
Conservation groups challenge minister’s decision on no-fishing zones around penguin colonies
17 February 2025 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) is saddened by the passing of Phezulu FC players Siyabonga Zulu and Nhlanhla Masina. The Mpumalanga ABC Motsepe League side confirmed that the players were involved in a tragic motor vehicle accident on Sunday, 16 February 2025 on the R580 travelling from Secunda to Evander, […]
The post SAFA conveys condolences on the passing of Phezulu FC players Zulu, Masina first appeared on SAFA.net.
“Our vision is to use sport … to unite people of all colours and origins”
2025 will be the year that small and medium businesses (SMBs) as well as accounting practices in South Africa start to tap into the power of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies to unleash higher levels of productivity and uncover fresh data-driven insights across their finance and accounting operations. That’s according to Elricco Govindasamy, Director: Accountants …
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, announced the Winners of Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards 2024, in partnership with International Federation of Fertility Societies -IFFS, Africa Reproductive Care Society - ARCS, Manipal University and African Union Scientific Technical Research Commission to recognize African Researchers for their valuable research work and contribution to empowering women and youth in STEM in Africa with special focus on ‘The Role of Scientific Research in Women Health and Reproductive Care'.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit - MARS expressed, “Since 2016, I have taken immense pride in recognizing the achievements of our MARS Awards winners. This year, we honor Six Winners in two categories: ‘Best African Women Researchers Awards' and ‘Best African Young Researchers Awards.'
These awards celebrate their significant contributions to research, particularly highlighting the efforts of African women researchers, who remain underrepresented in this field. Through the MARS Awards, our mission is to empower young researchers in Africa and to specifically encourage and support women researchers by enhancing their research capabilities and promoting their vital roles in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).”
The winners of ‘Best African Women Researchers Awards' and ‘Best Young African Researcher Awards' will be enrolled into research training at a premier research institute in India.
“And I am also very happy to share with you all that as promised, we provided an opportunity to our first-place winner of each category to attend the 11th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary which was recently conducted in Tanzania, however, only Mr. Jules Irenge Mongane was able to attend it”, shared Senator Rasha Kelej.
Merck Foundation is committed to improving the lives of people and has been transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with its partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, by providing 2080 Scholarships for doctors from 52 Countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
The MARS 2024 Award Winners are:
Winners of “MARS Best Women African Researchers Awards” 2024
TOPIC: Association Between Biochemical And Epigenetic Markers With Glycaemic Control And Neonatal Outcomes In Diabetic Pregnancies
TOPIC: Immune dysregulation in placental malaria and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Winners of “MARS Best Young African Researchers Awards” 2024
TOPIC: Association Between Bacterial Vaginosis, Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection And Tubal Factor Infertility In Bukavu, Democratic Republic Of Congo
TOPIC: Epidemiology of helminthiases in women of reproductive age living in Lambaréné and its surroundings, Gabon
TOPIC: Incidence of neonatal mortality and factors influencing neonate survival in neonatal intensive care unit in Northern Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study
“I am also excited to announce the Call for Applications for the new edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards 2024. This year, special focus will be again on “The Role of Scientific Research in Women Health and Reproductive Care,” added Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.
Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit - MARS 2025 will have scientific support from African Union Scientific-Technical and Research Commission (AU-STRC); African Reproductive Care Society (ARCS), and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).
Details for MARS AWARDS 2025
Abstracts are invited from final year African PhD students and young investigators involved in research related to either of the following topics:
1) Women's Health
2) Infertility and Reproductive Health
All applicants should be primarily based at African Research Institutes and Universities, although collaboration within Africa as well as outside is also welcome.
Last Date of Submission:
Applications can be submitted till 30th June 2025
How to apply:
Apply by clicking: https://apo-opa.co/3X5kcnH
Alternatively, the Applications and abstracts can be submitted via email to mars@merck-foundation.com, along with CV (including Name, Gender, Country, University/Hospital Name, Email address, Mobile Number) and the abstract document as an attachment.
Other Details:
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
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About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4gLG2TW), X ( https://apo-opa.co/3X70mZ3), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4b0ipG5), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4bbfmef), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4i22rgV) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4b8xLZ5).
The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
Women in Carbon, a global network dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the carbon market, has expanded into South Africa with two industry leaders spearheading the group. Shelley Estcourt, CEO Africa of The African Stove Company (TASC), and Mushra Hartley, global operations manager at IETA, will oversee the activities of the South Africa chapter, …
Gauteng, South Africa – Charitable organizations play a vital role in serving the needs of local communities and addressing essential needs that often go unmet. These organizations rely heavily on donations to continue their invaluable work. A meaningful way to support the causes that matter most to you is by including a charitable gift in …
Ross McCann, Ali Price and Cameron Redpath have been called up to the Scotland squad ahead of the match against England this weekend. They replace the injured Matt Currie while Alexander Masibaka has returned to his club. George Horne sustained a facial injury during Glasgow’s victory against the Dragons on Sunday afternoon and he is …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into the recent purchase of a multi-million Rand commercial property by the Crime Intelligence Division of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Berea, Durban. This purchase, approved by high-ranking officials within Crime Intelligence, raises serious concerns due to the vast …
Dear Editor After sustained pressure from the Democratic Alliance (DA), Minister of South African Police Senzo Mchunu has finally agreed to begin deploying police body-worn cameras, confirming that the roll-out will start in April 2025, as stated in his written reply to a DA parliamentary question. According to the minister, the South African Police Service …
Dear Editor The DA will launch a probe into the waste of R10 million by the Competition Commission using parliamentary accountability mechanisms. Reports that the Competition Commission has paid nearly R10 million (R890 000 monthly) to lease office premises in Sunnyside, Tshwane, that it has left unoccupied, are absolutely unacceptable and represent a staggering waste …
AfCFTA offers SA businesses unlimited opportunities
The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) offers businesspeople in South Africa unlimited opportunities to grow their businesses and expand their market into the rest of the continent.
This is according to the Director of Africa Bilateral Economic Relations at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Calvin Phume.
Phume was speaking at a workshop that was hosted by the dtic in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Gert Sibande District Municipality in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, recently.
The purpose of the workshop was to equip the Mpumalanga businesspeople with information that will enable them to take advantage of opportunities presented by the AfCFTA in order to enter the African export market and expand their businesses into the continent.
“The African Continental Free Trade Agreement has created a single market comprising more than 1.3 billion people that businesspeople across the continent can take advantage of.
“This will provide South African companies with new market access opportunities to key markets in the African continent beyond the Southern Africa Development Community,” he said.
Phume said the main objective of the agreement was to eliminate all barriers to trade in Africa to enable the free flow of goods and services across the continent.
“This is meant to allow businesspeople like yourselves to contribute in increasing intra-African trade and investment. Through the Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, African leaders have set themselves an ambition of increasing intra-Africa trade from the current 17% to 81% by 2035,” Phume said.
He stressed that the agreement emphasises harmonisation of trade regulation in the continent, value-addition, economic inclusion, industrialisation and beneficiation.
“These open up a myriad of opportunities for your companies to increase production and create jobs for women, youth and people with disabilities in order to service the huge market that has been created by the AfCFTA.
“This is your chance to grow your businesses by tapping into the expansive African market, increase your exports, increase your revenue, and contribute positively in growing the intra-African trade and investment,” he said.
Phume advised businesspeople to set themselves realistic ambitions when they venture into the rest of Africa, as the imposing size of the market created by the free trade agreement offers huge benefits and rewards, but could also be challenging and daunting for their small businesses.
“It is important that you conduct a thorough research and study of the market you intend entering because the fact that there are 55 countries means that each market has its own dynamics related to business environment and culture, infrastructure, logistical requirements, as well as norms and standards.
“It is always advisable to partner with a local company that can assist you to navigate the regulatory challenges and other hurdles. This will enable you to transform obstacles into opportunities that will be profitable and rewarding to your business,” advised Phume. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 02/17/2025 - 08:42
579 views
UCT Vice-Chancellor Mosa Moshabela promises to address issues raised by protesting students around financial exclusion
When it comes to feeding a group, platters are a convenient and delicious option. Whether you’re hosting a small office gathering or planning a larger event, platters can cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. Platters are versatile and easy to share, making them ideal for different occasions. The Benefits of Platters Platters, like …
Former Wales international T. Rhys Thomas will join head coach Matt Sherratt’s back-room team as a skills coach for the remainder of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations. Thomas, who made 27 appearances for Wales and represented Cardiff, Wasps and Dragons during his playing career, joins the Wales senior men’s coaching team on secondment from Gallagher …
East London man sentenced for RAF fraud
The East London Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit, in collaboration with the Road Accident Fund (RAF), has helped to secure the conviction of Solomon Ndika-Ndika (59) for fraud.
Ndika-Ndika was sentenced to five years' direct imprisonment by the East London Regional Court on 14 February 2025.
Ndika-Ndika was initially arrested on 7 November 2023 and released on warning the following day. His case stemmed from a claim filed with the RAF on 29 January 2016. He stipulated that on 7 October 2014, he was involved in a motor vehicle accident, as he was traveling from Elliot towards Cala.
Ndika-Ndika further divulged that during the time, an oncoming vehicle approached him. When he tried to avoid the accident, his car overturned, and he sustained injuries.
During the claim processing, RAF picked up discrepancies between documents that were submitted by Ndika-Ndika and the police report. RAF repudiated the claim and referred the matter to the Hawks for a thorough probe.
A comprehensive investigation by the Hawks revealed that through misrepresentation made by Ndika-Ndika, RAF nearly suffered a loss of more than R1.6 million.
Ndika-Ndika made numerous court appearances until his sentencing by the East London Regional court on 14 February 2025.
He was sentenced to undergo five years direct imprisonment with no option of a fine. Furthermore, Ndika-Ndika was declared unfit to possess a firearm. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 02/17/2025 - 12:13
94 views
According to a recent survey conducted by KnowBe4 AFRICA (www.KnowBe4.com), 58% of respondents are very concerned about cybercrime, a figure which has almost doubled from 29% in 2023. Fear of online fraud and losing money remain their top concern, given the increasing sophistication of AI-assisted cyberthreats.
The cybersecurity landscape in Africa is rapidly evolving and presents both significant challenges and opportunities (http://apo-opa.co/3EK2IH1). Africa has seen a notable increase in cybercrime (http://apo-opa.co/434M677), with ransomware, digital extortion and online scams being particularly prevalent. South Africa, for instance, lost $3 billion to digital banking and mobile app crime in 2023, according to the SA Banking Risk Information Centre (http://apo-opa.co/4k4oUvu). Cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods, including AI-generated content (http://apo-opa.co/434M677) to impersonate officials and executives, while social engineering attacks become more advanced.
In response to these concerns, KnowBe4 conducted a survey to determine how prepared Africans are for cybersecurity threats. This survey, which has been done annually since 2019, polled 800 adults across seven African countries: Morocco, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Kenya and Botswana. “The goal of the survey was to assess respondents' cybersecurity awareness, digital habits and online security practices,” says Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA. “Many challenges remain the same, but some are new, such as the alarming rise of deepfake technology.”
Increased adoption of mobile banking
One of the survey's key findings is that the Africans are more concerned about cybercrime than they were two years ago (http://apo-opa.co/4k0SAK8). The percentage of respondents who said they were “very concerned” about cybercrime almost doubled to 58% in 2025, compared to 29% in 2023 [1]. Fear of online fraud and losing money remained their top concern.
Another important insight is that the use of smart phones in Africa is on the rise. Mobile data usage increased from 71% in 2023 to 75% in 2025. Added to this was the fact that the use of mobile financial services, both for payments and banking, increased significantly from 63% to 85%. “The rise in mobile banking and payments indicates greater financial inclusion through digital means, which is generally positive for economic development in Africa,” asserts Collard. “However, an increase in mobile banking and payments also increases the attack surface for cybercriminals, which underscores the importance of mobile-centric security education.”
WhatsApp for work
A further interesting trend is that although WhatsApp is traditionally used for sharing messages with friends and family, work-related usage of WhatsApp increased slightly from 89% in the previous poll to 93% in this year's survey. Other popular apps used by respondents for work were email, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Zoom.
“The increase in WhatsApp usage for work shows a further blurring of lines between users' personal and professional lives,” comments Collard. “This can lead to increased risks, as personal devices may not have the same level of security as corporate-managed devices.”
Privacy concerns are fading
A worrying trend that emerged is the level of ease with which African users give away their personal information. The percentage of respondents “very unlikely” to give away personal information almost halved from 29% in 2023 to 14% in 2025. The survey found that 14% of respondents are comfortable sharing personal information, with 8% saying they are likely to do so if they can get something in return, such as a discount, and 6% saying they share personal information all the time.
“This is a concerning trend and reveals the need for more training on personal security,” asserts Collard. “This is further emphasised by the lack of understanding among respondents about what constitutes a strong password and multi-factor authentication.” Understanding of strong passwords slightly decreased from 62% in 2023 to 58% in 2025, while comprehension of multi-factor authentication remained stable at around 58%.
“The latest survey aims to identify key vulnerabilities that should be a priority for individuals, organisations and policy makers,” states Collard. She believes the survey highlights areas that should be addressed in 2025 to achieve strong and strategic cybersecurity. “Despite increased concern about cybercrime among the survey's respondents, there are still gaps in knowledge and practice that need to be addressed to improve overall cybersecurity posture across the continent,” she concludes.
To read the full KnowBe4 African Cybersecurity & Awareness Report 2025, click here (http://apo-opa.co/3X4alhO).
[1] No survey was conducted in 2024.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.
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