News

Download logo

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, has noted Statistics South Africa's release of the Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey 2024/25, which highlights the worrying and inherent trust deficit between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the broader community.

“It is worrying that it is estimated that only about 43% (43,4%) of households that experienced housebreaking in the 2024/25 financial year reported some or all incidents to the police, and that about 51% (51,3%) of households that experienced home robbery reported some or all incidents to the police. This is a worrying low number of reported incidents to the police and points to an inherent trust deficit,” Mr Cameron emphasised.

While these challenges are evident in the high police-to-population ratio and the perennial lack of tools of trade, such as vehicles, the Chairperson highlighted that the SAPS should use the statistics to enhance their efforts and adopt a data-driven approach to policing.

The Chairperson also highlighted that the most common crime consistently experienced by South Africans is housebreaking/burglary/robbery. “The South African Police Service must do more to enhance visible policing, especially in hotspot areas, to ensure a feeling of safety, especially in their homes,” Mr Cameron said.

The increase in sexual offences is also a point of concern for the Chairperson. It is worrying that Stats SA reported that about 132 000 individuals experienced sexual offences over the past five years, an increase of 13.8%. In its recent visit to KwaZulu-Natal at the South African Police Service (SAPS) Forensic Science Laboratory division, the committee highlighted concerns around processing DNA samples to ensure effective prosecution of GBV cases. “The increase in cases highlights for the SAPS the need to urgently resolve the matter to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book. The only deterrence against GBV is effective prosecution,” Mr Cameron highlighted.

It is also worrying that the proportion of adults aged 16 and older who felt safe walking alone in their neighbourhoods during the day declined from 85% in 2020/21 to 80,4% in 2023/24, before edging up slightly to 81% in 2024/25, pointing to declining perceptions of safety. The Chairperson has highlighted the importance of visible policing, especially at night, where only 36,1% adults feel safe in the 2024/25 financial year.

While the Chairperson acknowledged SAPS's shortcomings in resolving the current crime challenge, he has also called for a broader societal reflection on how, as a society, we can contribute to efforts to fight crime. “It is important that we adopt a whole-of-society approach to fight crime, either by sharing information with police or establishing functional community policing forums to enhance collaboration in the fight against crime. The police cannot do it alone,” Mr Cameron emphasised.

The committee intends to interact with Statistics South Africa and SAPS on the general crime statistics, especially the misalignment between the SAPS's crime statistics and the perception on the ground, as revealed in the Stats SA survey.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

The 2025 Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI) has identified Mauritius as the leading government in Africa, followed by Rwanda and Botswana. The average score for countries in Africa was the lowest amongst all regions, although there has been modest improvement between 2024 and 2025.

This is according to Dinesh Naidu, Director (Knowledge) at the Chandler Institute of Governance, who was speaking at a recent regional launch of the Index in Pretoria. The event brought together policymakers, academics, and practitioners to reflect on Africa's governance journey and the lessons emerging from the latest findings.

Now in its fifth year, the CGGI provides one of the most comprehensive global measures of government capabilities and effectiveness. For Africa, the 2025 edition of the Index presents a mixed but forward-looking picture.

“As a region, Africa still has significant work to do in improving the quality of governance,” notes Naidu. “However, the recent progress recorded suggests an upward trajectory. Even in a challenging global environment, high performance African countries are making governance advances that can inspire peers across the continent.”

Covering 120 countries across seven pillars of capabilities and outcomes, the Index offers governments practical benchmarks to track progress, identify gaps, and strengthen public institutions. While many of Africa's 28 CGGI‑ranked countries face fiscal and institutional challenges, several stand out for progress and resilience.

Africa's top performers

In the 2025 rankings, Mauritius (51), Rwanda (59), Botswana (61), Morocco (75), and South Africa (77) emerged as the top five regional performers. While Mauritius remains the continent's highest-ranked country for a fifth consecutive year, Rwanda stood out as the world's best-performing low-income country, showing that national wealth is not necessarily a pre-requisite for effective government.

Botswana has improved its judiciary quality through digitalisation reforms in recent years, while Morrocco has made notable strides in data transparency and digital infrastructure. South Africa, despite fiscal pressures, remains one of the continent's stronger performers and a key reference point for institutional capacity.

“South Africa continues to demonstrate real strengths in the areas of Robust Laws and Policies, as well as Strong Institutions, which help it remain among Africa's top five performers,” says Naidu. “At the same time, persistent fiscal pressures and challenges in social outcomes highlight the importance of strengthening delivery in areas such as employment and income distribution. South Africa has the frameworks in place – it now needs to focus on turning this capability into more inclusive and tangible results for citizens.”

Tanzania: most improved over five years

Although outside the continental top five, Tanzania has recorded the most improvement of any African country since the Index was first published in 2021, rising from 82^nd to 78^th globally. In recent years, Tanzania's government has expanded digital governance initiatives and introduced structural reforms to improve administrative efficiency and service delivery. The government's Digital Tanzania Project is laying a foundation for technology‑driven governance solutions, while new regulatory frameworks, such as the Data Protection Act, seek to enhance security in the digital space.

“Good government is built over decades, but every step forward matters. The achievements we see in these African countries today – from digitalisation to reforms in public institutions – are building blocks for long-term transformation,” says Naidu.

A region of contrasts

The CGGI shows that Africa's average governance score remains the lowest out of all regions worldwide. Only two countries – Tanzania and Rwanda – improved their rankings between 2021 and 2025. Financial Stewardship continues to be a major area of concern, as fiscal envelopes tighten and government debt burdens weigh heavily across the region.

At the same time, the continent's strong demographic momentum offers promising opportunities. With 70% of Sub-Saharan Africa's population under 30, governments that can deliver on jobs, education, and inclusive growth stand to unlock a powerful dividend.

“What is encouraging is the progress in areas such as strong institutions and digital governance,” notes Naidu. “Across Africa, we are seeing examples of governments innovating to improve service delivery and strengthen accountability. These reforms show that even in a tough global environment, progress is possible.”

A practical tool for governments

With governments under pressure to deliver better services and governance outcomes, the CGGI provides actionable benchmarks across seven pillars: Leadership and Foresight, Robust Laws and Policies, Strong Institutions, Financial Stewardship, Attractive Marketplace, Global Influence and Reputation, and Helping People rise. Built by practitioners for practitioners, the Index provides a diagnostic tool that governments can use to identify opportunities for improvement and adopt good practices from peers.

“The Chandler Good Government Index is about recognising progress, fostering peer-to-peer learning, and inspiring improvements. We see it as a practical guide for governments committed to building long-term capabilities and improving service delivery,” says Naidu.

“The Chandler Institute of Governance remains committed to working alongside African governments, sharing insights, and strengthening public institutions to build a more resilient and inclusive future,” he concludes. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Chandler Institute of Governance.

About the Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG):
The Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG) is a non-profit organisation that works with governments worldwide to build a strong and efficient public sector. We are a team of seasoned government practitioners grounded in real-world experience, focusing on the critical ‘how' of governance in our partnerships with governments to strengthen institutions and systems, equip leaders, and share knowledge. Drawing on proven practices from Singapore and around the world, we tailor our solutions to each country's unique needs – because context matters in governance. We are not affiliated with any national government or political party, and we do not represent any partisan or commercial interests.  

For more news and information, visit https://www.ChandlerInstitute.org or follow CIG on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4mHkNqs), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/4mTAsT8) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/3Jz9d1G) @ ChandlerINST 

About the Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI):
The Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI) (www.ChandlerGovernmentIndex.com) is an annual index that measures the capabilities and effectiveness of 120 governments around the world. Built by practitioners for practitioners, the Index is designed to serve as a practical, diagnostic tool to support governments in benchmarking their performance and identifying areas for capability development.

For more information on the CGGI, visit  www.ChandlerGovernmentIndex.com

Download logo

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, has noted with sadness the passing of the former High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya, Mr Mninwa Johannes MJ Mahlangu.

According to the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Mahlangu passed away on Sunday, 24 August 2025 on his way to a South African hospital after a short illness. He served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of Somalia and as Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON). His distinguished career also included serving as South Africa's Ambassador to the United States of America.

Mr Mahlangu was part of the group that drafted South Africa's post-apartheid Constitution and was elected to the first democratic Parliament in 1994. He went on to serve as Deputy Chairperson and later as Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.

Mr Mahumapelo extended the committee's condolences to Ambassador Mahlangu's family, friends and colleagues who worked alongside him. The committee acknowledges the loss felt by all who knew him.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Download logo

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading multi-award-winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, has announced a new strategic content partnership with Nigerian digital news platform Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng). 

Under the agreement, all text, images, video, and audio content distributed by APO Group will be published on Alexa News Nigeria, giving audiences across Nigeria and worldwide direct access to a rich stream of high-quality, pan-African news. 

Founded with a mission to inform, inspire, and empower, Alexa News Nigeria delivers in-depth coverage of politics, policy, and the economy, alongside insights into business, technology, innovation, and more. The platform is fiercely independent and pro-investigation, speaking truth while maintaining a strong editorial focus on credible, fact-based reporting. Appealing to a diverse audience, from younger professionals to established leaders, Alexa News Nigeria has built a reputation as a trusted source in an increasingly crowded digital space. It stands apart from sensationalist outlets by prioritising accuracy, integrity, and inclusivity in its coverage. 

“We are delighted to welcome Alexa News Nigeria as our new Media Partner. Together, we can amplify African voices and ensure the dissemination of credible, positive, and impactful stories to audiences who want to understand the continent better,” said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and Chairman of APO Group. “APO Group and its clients gain exposure in one of Africa's largest and most influential media markets, while Alexa News Nigeria strengthens its offering with world-class content from across the continent. It's a win–win for African storytelling.” 

The partnership reflects the two organisations' shared vision to showcase African success stories and change the narrative about the continent. Alexa News Nigeria will gain access to authoritative content from more than 300 multinational companies operating in Africa, as well as major international institutions, sports organisations, and African governments, all of which will be published on its platform. 

Jokpeme Joseph Omode, Editor-in-Chief of Alexa News Nigeria and CEO of Alexa Media Services, said: 
“This collaboration expands the horizons of our readers by giving them direct access to important news from across Africa. We are committed to providing quality media that advocates for the people and fosters development, while delivering content that reflects the realities and opportunities within our society. We aim to make a significant impact on Nigeria's media landscape by delivering straightforward, intelligent journalism. Partnering with APO Group enables us to bring global and pan-African perspectives to our readers, helping to shape a more informed and connected society.” 

For APO Group, the collaboration enhances its network of media partners in Africa, ensuring greater reach and visibility for its clients' content. Content distributed by APO Group is automatically published on more than 320 African news sites and major international platforms such as Bloomberg Terminal, Thomson Reuters Eikon, LexisNexis, and Factiva. 

“APO Group is the undisputed leader in delivering high-quality, certified content from organisations operating in Africa,” added Omode. “We are proud to strengthen our platform with stories that reflect Africa's growth, resilience, and potential.” 

This partnership marks another milestone in both organisations' missions to support a robust, interconnected African media landscape, ensuring African stories are told by Africans, for Africans, and shared with the world. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Alexa News Nigeria.

Media contact:  
marie@apo-opa.com 

About APO Group:  
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.  

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.  

APO Group's esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa's Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.  

Alexa News Nigeria: 
Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) is a Nigerian digital news platform that provides accurate, relevant, and up-to-date information on a daily basis. We are committed to the highest standards of journalistic integrity and to serving our audience with the best possible coverage of current events. Alexa News Nigeria is owned by Alexa Media Services. Alexa News Nigeria covers news from oil, gas, power, aviation, maritime, banking, education, capital market, entertainment, tourism, taxation and politics among others. 

We are a fiercely independent, pro-investigation multi-media online news platform based in Nigeria, and focused primarily on politics, policy and economy. We are passionate, not just about the nice details, but also the ugly sides that speak truth to governments, businesses, and leaders, both locally and globally. Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) is a dynamic and fiercely independent digital news platform based in Nigeria. Predominantly focused on politics, policy, and the economy, it also covers areas like business insights, technology trends, innovation, and more, aiming to deliver a comprehensive media experience. Positioned as a pro-investigation multimedia outlet, Alexa News Nigeria is rooted in a commitment to high-quality journalism. It prides itself on tackling both the glossy and gritty sides of truth—speaking truth to governments, businesses, and leaders across local and global spheres. 

For more information, please visit the website: https://www.Alexa.ng 

You can also email us through info@alexa.ng