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Sunday’s Women’s Rugby World Cup opener between South Africa and Brazil at Franklin’s Garden in Northampton may be the first Test between the two nations, but for Springbok Women utility back Nadine Roos, some of her opponents will not be unfamiliar. Alongside her teammates Ayanda Malinga, Eloise Webb, Zintle Mpupha and Sizophila Solontsi, Roos has …
Duplex coating – combining hot dip galvanizing with painting – is an extremely effective method of corrosion control. “Paint on hot dip galvanizing is an excellent system, but it does require that everyone in the value chain understands the requirements for best practice,” says Robin Clarke, Executive Director of the Hot Dip Galvanizers Association of …
Dear Editor The DA notes today’s visit to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) by National Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane – which comes a shocking three years after the 2022 floods – to engage with flood victims, introduce a contractor and hand over housing units. While the DA welcomes these long-overdue interventions, the response by the national …
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named a team featuring 10 changes to the starting XV for their second Castle Lager Rugby Championship match against Australia in Cape Town on Saturday, with Jesse Kriel leading the side for the second time in a Test, with returns for Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, and Bok centurion Willie le …
Money meant for good causes was used for personal gain
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has noted that the Mayor of the Emfuleni Local Municipality (Evaton, Sebokeng, Vaal Oewer, Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging), Sipho Radebe, is seemingly overjoyed by the resolution of the deadlock between the Municipality and Rand Water over water debt. In terms of the agreement, Emfuleni paid R660 million to Rand Water to […]
The post Emfuleni Mayor’s joy over Rand Water agreement will be short-lived appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
It’s do-or-die for South Africa, as the winner of this crucial Group C clash will secure a spot in the last eight. As of Monday morning, Uganda sit top of the group with six points from three matches, while defending champions Algeria are second on five points. South Africa are also on five points, but …
APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading, multi-award-winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is proud to announce that Rania El-Rafie, Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, has been named one of 10 Women Shaping the Future of PR by Queen Moremi Africa. In celebration of World PR Day 2025, this recognition honours women who are redefining the PR and communications landscape across Africa and beyond.
The Queen Moremi Africa platform celebrates trailblazing African women who are influencing global conversations and championing inclusive progress in their respective fields. Rania's inclusion in this list is a powerful affirmation of her influential voice in African PR and her commitment to advancing gender equity, authenticity, and impact in strategic communications. The full feature can be viewed here: http://apo-opa.co/3V7QhJT.
El-Rafie is a seasoned public relations executive with over 22 years of experience across Africa and the Middle East. Based in Cairo, Egypt, she has led award-winning campaigns recognised by SABRE Awards, Brands Review Magazine, and World Business Outlook. She was recently awarded a Bronze Stevie® Award in the Most Innovative Woman of the Year 2025 category and was recognised as one of Africa's Top 50 Outstanding Women in Communications.
Speaking on the significance of the recognition, she said: “Being named among the 10 Women Shaping the Future of PR is not just a personal honour, but a reflection of the collective progress we're making as women in this field. As PR professionals, we have a responsibility to build bridges, tell authentic stories, and create space for more African women to lead boldly and reshape the narrative of our continent. That's the true power of PR, and I am proud to be recognised for my contribution, and that of APO Group.”
This philosophy is reflected in APO Group's core purpose, namely to champion Africa's narratives, amplify Africa's voices, and bridge Africa and the world. This translates into integrating storytelling with purpose, ensuring that the continent's diversity, brilliance, and resilience are captured in every message delivered. It also aligns with Rania's commitment to promoting the visibility of African women in PR, both within APO Group and across the broader industry.
Celebrated globally on 16 July, World PR Day recognises and celebrates the field of public relations and communications. This year's theme of unity, collaboration, and shaping a more inclusive future finds perfect expression in Rania's work. Her recognition by Queen Moremi Africa reflects a broader shift towards African-led storytelling and understanding of the need for gender-balanced leadership in the global communications industry. It also reflects APO Group's broader commitment to championing African women in communications. Through strategic mentorship initiatives, inclusive leadership, and ongoing investment in female talent, APO Group continues to pave the way for a new generation of PR professionals.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.
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.
There is a dreadful sense of familiarity between PW Botha and Fikile Mbalula, and between the NP of 1985 and the ANC of 2025. “It’s not going to be possible. If it means we have to suffer sanctions from the US, let it be. We will never beg imperialists to subvert our democracy, to subvert …
The strike by municipal workers of the Modimolle-Mookgophong Local Municipality is causing significant service delivery disruptions in Naboomspruit (Mookgophong). The strike stems from a wage dispute dating back to the merger of the Modimolle and Mookgophong Local Municipalities in 2016. The former workers of the Mookgophong Municipality are striking and demanding that the salary disparities […]
The post Wage dispute disrupts service delivery in Naboomspruit appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
At the heart of Africa lies its music and Muziki Africa, an industry gathering at FAME Week Cape Town from 2-3 September, is where the music industry will meet to unpack the latest trends and topics, meet their peers and get down to business. This year’s programme features panel discussions with prominent industry speakers such …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) sees the near-doubling in capacity of Border Management Authority (BMA) immigration officials at Cape Town International Airport as a shining example of a DA-government partnership. This initiative will ensure international visitors will experience a much smoother arrival experience, and, additionally, it will lead to a boost in job creation …
The following is an extract of a member statement delivered by Jóhni Steenkamp in the North West Provincial Legislature today: Hon. Speaker, For months now, the men and women who keep North West moving , the bus drivers, mechanics, and staff of NTI, have been left in despair. Salaries have gone unpaid, families have gone …
Egypt is advancing the development of its mining sector through a strategy aimed at increasing the industry's contribution to GDP to 6% by 2030. The upcoming African Mining Week – Africa's premier gathering for mining stakeholders – will highlight Egypt's investor-friendly industry expansion strategy and connect global investors with emerging partnership and investment prospects across the country's mineral value chain.
Intensifying Exploration and Production
The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (https://apo-opa.co/3V4y5kq) of Egypt is intensifying exploration and production activities through strategic cooperation with international mining firms. Several exploration campaigns and production developments are underway, including partnerships with AngloGold Ashanti, Nubia Mines Company, Aton Resources, and others to expand gold reserves and increase annual gold production to 800,000 ounces by 2030. Egypt is also advancing potash development with firms like El Sewedy Cap Investments to diversify its mineral portfolio.
Maximizing Local Value Addition
Egypt is maximizing local value addition through beneficiation projects that leverage existing and new petroleum and petrochemical infrastructure. The goal is to build integrated industries, boost local employment and retain more value domestically through processed mineral products. Key milestones include a July 2025 agreement between the Egyptian Mineral Resources Company and EK Mining Company (https://apo-opa.co/45SfbDz) to establish industrial operations around mineral beneficiation, as well as a $658 million (https://apo-opa.co/3HFATBq) phosphoric acid complex being developed in partnership with China's Asia Potash in the New Valley governorate. The facility is expected to produce 900,000 tons annually to serve the growing fertilizer market.
Investing in Human Capital
Human capital development is central to Egypt's mining vision. Under the 2024–2030 Economic Strategy (https://apo-opa.co/3Uw5nsB), the country seeks to increase local content in manufacturing and mining industries to between 60% and 80%. Collaboration with Centamin (https://apo-opa.co/4fEJiS6) and the General Union of Mines and Quarries aim to build local skills, create jobs and ensure higher Egyptian participation across the mining value chain through targeted training and employment programs.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation
Egypt is enhancing regional cooperation to foster shared growth in the global mining industry. The country is partnering with BRICS nations to establish a joint geological platform focused on knowledge transfer, seismic studies and exploration of strategic minerals critical to energy and industrial transitions. Additionally, Egypt is strengthening collaboration with mining firms from China, Saudi Arabia (including Al-Haitham Mining Company) and South Africa to scale up infrastructure, exploration, and cross-border trade in minerals.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
About African Mining Week:
African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
South Africa’s produce exports to the US rose 26% in the second quarter after strong harvests, agriculture minister John Steenhuisen said on Monday, but a 30% tariff imposed by President Donald Trump could affect future shipments. South Africa is fighting for lower tariffs in a proposed trade deal with the US after it was given …
The Green Scorpions lack sting – especially in Kimberley. An oversight visit by the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) yesterday to the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Land Reform, prompted by issues such as the smuggling of rare plants, revealed numerous problems. The most significant issue is a critical shortage of manpower. […]
The post Green Scorpions in Kimberley lack sting appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Municipality blames vandalism of boreholes
18 August 2025 – Adam Habib and Imraan Valodia It chose a risky approach to global politics, and if it wants to make its own path in the global order, it must expect reprisals. Here are 3 steps to succeed. p>The world order is under threat from its own primary architect. The US wants to …
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Dakota Legoete, and the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, have noted with concern the reported remarks made by General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), during his recent visit to Iran.
The Chairpersons also note with alarm that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has publicly distanced itself from the General's comments and that the Presidency called the visit “ill advised”.
The committees will have a joint meeting to engage with the ministers of the Department of Defence and Military Veterans, and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation on the issue.
Mr Legoete said it is evident that there is a worrying lack of coordination between defence diplomacy and South Africa's official foreign policy. This disjuncture exposes potential misalignment and cohesion in the country's approach to international relations.
He said the Department of Defence should draw long-term lessons from these events and ensure thorough alignment going forward. He further stressed that the committee awaits the outcome of engagements between the President, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF, the Minister of Defence, and SANDF leadership.
“These engagements must demonstrate unity, strength and synergy in how South Africa conducts itself on the international stage,” Mr Legoete emphasised.
Mr Legoete reiterated the committee's position that the SANDF must remain a professional and apolitical institution, focusing squarely on its constitutional mandate to safeguard the Republic, while steering away from statements in the political domain.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
MTN has appointed Ferdi Moolman, former group chief risk officer, to succeed Charles Molapisi as the CEO and executive director of its South African business. “Molapisi led MTN SA through a challenging period of high power outages and network resilience, maintaining the company’s network leadership,” the MTN Group said. “He has a strong background in …
Investing can feel like a daunting task, especially with unpredictable markets and an overwhelming number of options to choose from. Many South Africans want to grow their wealth but are also mindful of protecting what they have already built – the challenge is finding investments that offer both security and opportunity. One such investment solution …
Johannesburg, August 2025 – Audi South Africa is proud to introduce the all-new Audi A5 Sedan. With its refined design, intelligent technology and confident performance, it brings a fresh sense of dynamism to the midsize segment. “The new Audi A5 enters its third generation, proudly continuing the model’s distinctive design legacy. Elegant, dynamic and unmistakably …
Staff Writer ·18 Aug 2025 South Africa will never be able to overcome one of its most crushing crises—unemployment—as long as economic growth continues to stagnate. Stats SA revealed last week that South Africa’s unemployment rate climbed once again to 33.2%, meaning one third of the workforce is sitting without a job. According to Business …
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has called up experienced Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi to the squad ahead of their final Castle Lager Rugby Championship match against Australia in Cape Town on Saturday, as captain Siya Kolisi and Kurt-Lee Arendse were released due to injury. Kolisi and Arendse both suffered injuries in last weekend’s 38-22 defeat against …