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Government urges members of the public to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution as severe winter weather, including heavy snowfall, freezing conditions, rain and strong winds, affect several parts of the country. The weather has already resulted in a number of road closures and disruptions across several provinces.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued weather warnings for parts of the country, with conditions expected to bring hazardous travel, particularly over mountainous areas and along affected road networks.

The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive snow, with parts of the Eastern Cape and Free State among the hardest hit, with snowfall affecting a number of major routes and mountain passes. Motorists are advised that Penhoek Pass along the N6 between Komani (Queenstown) and James Calata (Jamestown) has been reopened to traffic. The roadway is currently drivable, following the removal of most of the snow from the road surface by a grader. The R58 between Lady Grey and Ekhephini (Barkly East) has also reopened to traffic.

In KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, authorities are closely monitoring conditions along the N3 and other routes, including the Van Reenen and Oliviershoek Pass areas, where snow, sleet, rain, ice and hazardous road conditions are affecting travel. The N3 between Harrismith and Van Reenen Pass should be approached with extreme caution. Emergency teams are spraying brine across all lanes to prevent black ice from forming.

Other areas, including parts of Mpumalanga and the Western Cape, are also experiencing adverse winter weather, with some routes affected by snowfall, icy conditions and strong winds.

A Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive winds has also been issued for parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape. Strong winds may result in localised impacts, including hazardous travelling conditions, reduced visibility and disruption to transport.

Government, through the National Disaster Management Centre, provincial and local disaster management structures, traffic authorities, emergency services and other relevant stakeholders, continues to monitor the situation and coordinate response measures in affected areas.

Authorities are assessing road conditions, managing closures where necessary and working to keep affected routes safe and accessible where conditions permit. Government further appeals to motorists to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic and emergency officials. Road closures are implemented to protect lives, and motorists should not attempt to bypass barriers or access roads that have been declared unsafe

Members of the public are reminded that weather and road conditions can change rapidly. Roads that are currently open may subsequently be closed if conditions deteriorate, while previously closed routes may be reopened once they have been assessed and cleared by the relevant authorities.

The public is urged to rely on official updates from the South African Weather Service, provincial traffic authorities, road agencies, disaster management structures and emergency services for the latest information.

Government will continue to closely monitor the weather system and its impacts across the country and will coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect communities and road users.

Government urges the public to take the following precautions:

•    Avoid unnecessary travel to areas affected by heavy snowfall, ice, strong winds, flooding or other hazardous weather conditions.
•    Do not attempt to drive on roads that have been closed by traffic or emergency authorities.
•    Motorists travelling on roads that remain open should reduce their speed, maintain a safe following distance and exercise extreme caution, particularly on mountain passes.
•    Follow the instructions and guidance of traffic officials, emergency services and disaster management authorities.
•    Check the latest weather and road conditions from verified sources before undertaking long-distance journeys.
•    Where possible, postpone travel until conditions have improved and affected routes have been assessed and declared safe.
•    Avoid sharing unverified information about road closures and weather conditions, as this may cause confusion and place motorists and communities at greater risk.
•    Take precautions to protect children, older people and other vulnerable people from extreme cold.
•    Farmers and livestock owners are encouraged to ensure that livestock and other animals are kept in safe, warm and adequately sheltered areas during periods of severe cold and snowfall.

Government urges all members of the public to remain vigilant, exercise caution and prioritise their safety as winter weather conditions continue to evolve.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with the Africa's First Ladies, also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation more Than a Mother” announced the winners of their Fashion, Song, and Film Awards 2025, under two themes: “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes & Hypertension”. The theme of “More Than a Mother” Awards was to raise awareness on social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels. The theme of “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards was to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension in African countries.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) expressed, “I am incredibly proud to announce the winners of the 2023 Merck Foundation Fashion, Song and Film Awards together with my dear sisters, African First Ladies, who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”.

I congratulate our 51 winners from 15 African countries. I am truly impressed by the quality and quantity of the entries we received this year. Our winners have creatively and effectively conveyed important social and health awareness messages through their work. I have always believed that fashion and art play a crucial role in raising awareness about health and sensitive social issues.”

Merck Foundation also announced the Call for Applications for the 2026 Edition of Merck Foundation Fashion, Song & Film Awards ‘More Than a Mother' and ‘Diabetes & Hypertension', in partnership with First Ladies of Africa and Asia.

“We invite the young talents to submit their creative work, carrying powerful messages that break the silence,” she added.

Here is the list of Merck Foundation FASHION Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025 Winners:

• Ropafadzo Mapira, ZIMBABWE, First Position

• Adebayo Balikis Ireti, NIGERIA, First Position

• Christianah Adebimpe Dare, NIGERIA, First Position

• Mame Bara Gaye, SENEGAL, Second Position

• Serigne Modou Diouf, SENEGAL, Second Position

• Johannes Medard Tairo, TANZANIA, Second Position

• Niyigena Angella, UGANDA, Second Position

• Giovanni Peter Gazigile, TANZANIA, Third Position

• Kutesa Tyson Vicent, UGANDA, Third Position

• Linda Ngwira, ZAMBIA, Third Position

• Gibstar Makangila, ZAMBIA, Third Position

• Mercy Duke, ZIMBABWE, Third Position

• Oluwatosin Oloruntobi Adeyanju, NIGERIA, Third Position

• Ngatendwe Hope Gowera, NAMIBIA, Third Position

Here are the Winners of Merck Foundation FASHION Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2025:

• Christianah Adebimpe Dare, NIGERIA, First position

• Lynn Chipendo, ZIMBABWE, First position

• Beatricia Lucas, NAMIBIA, Second Position

• Tinotenda Nissi Mafusire, ZAMBIA, Second Position

• Oloyede Eniola Sunday, NIGERIA, Second Position

• Isabel Mawusinu Kulafe, GHANA, Third Position

• Mercy Njeri Daniel, KENYA, Third Position

• Hezra Carolina Gove, MOZAMBIQUE, Third Position

Here is the list of winners of Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother' Song Awards 2025:

English Language

• Vincent Owino, KENYA, First Position

• Alice Eze, NIGERIA, First Position

• Maureen Kabasiita, UGANDA, Second Position

• Warren Frank Kawiche, TANZANIA, Third Position

• OBED Murphy Agai, NIGERIA, Third Position

• Christianah Adebimpe Dare, NIGERIA, Third Position

• Cardi Shembazè, NIGERIA, Third Position

• Neema Nasirumbi, KENYA, Third Position

French Language

• Kumbuka Bashonga Jeremie, DRC, First Position

• Ndiouga FALL, SENEGAL, First Position

• Brake Mackaya, GABON, Second Position

• Natty Stelle KOKOLO, SENEGAL, Third Position

Local Language

• Coumba Coly, SENEGAL, First Position

• Bigirimana Linah Blanche, BURUNDI, First Position

Here is the list of winners of Merck Foundation ‘Diabetes & Hypertension' Song Awards 2025:

English Language

• Jasmin Dally Koech, KENYA, First Position

• Omotola Ijaola, NIGERIA, Second Position

• Dr Ndumiso Tshuma, SOUTH AFRICA, Third Position

French Language

• Étienne Kasereka, DRC, First Position

• Nantenaina Andriamorasata, MADAGASCAR, Second Position

Here is the list of winners of Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother' Film Awards 2025:

English Language

• Calvin Oyula, KENYA, First Position

• Temitope Adebisi Adeyanju, NIGERIA, Second Position

• Bartholomew Sey, GHANA, Third Position

French Language

• Baderhwa Benoit, GABON, First Position

• David LeGrand F, GABON, First Position

• Thierno Seydou Nouro SY, SENEGAL, Second Position

• Meye Fabien, GABON, Second Position

Here is the list of winners of Merck Foundation ‘Diabetes & Hypertension' Film Awards 2025:

• Mukendi Wabiuma Josué Yann, GABON, First Position

• Stephano Bloquet, MAURITIUS, Second Position

• Denis Manuel, NAMIBIA, Second Position

As part of their Community Awareness Program, Merck Foundation has released more than 30 songs in English, French, Portuguese, and local languages, with the aim to address important issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, and Diabetes Awareness.

Click here to listen to Merck Foundation Songs:

https://apo-opa.co/3TIrf6V

Moreover, Merck Foundation has also released a series of Animation Films in English, French, Portuguese, Swahilli and Spanish to address a wide range of social and health issues.

Watch Merck Foundation's More Than a Mother Animation Film: https://apo-opa.co/3SkVBvP

Merck Foundation CEO has also conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation,' a pan-African TV program designed to feature African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various fields with the aim of raising awareness and creating a culture shift across Africa. Watch the Promo: https://apo-opa.co/4xv7P3O

The TV program has been broadcasted on prime TV stations in several countries, capturing the attention and hearts of millions of viewers across the continent. “Our Africa” TV Program is also available on social media handles of Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4xqOr88), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3TIrfDX), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/4hXSRyK) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4q70rsZ)) and Merck Foundation (Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/45CcLs1), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/45iqGTS), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/4hqeFmu) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/45kf1Ux)).

Details of Merck Foundation Awards 2026:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives and media students from African Countries are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submitting multiple applications will increase the chances of winning the award.

Submission deadline: 30^th September 2026.

2. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026:  All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30^th September 2026.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30^th September 2026.

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30^th September 2026.

5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026:

Media representatives from African, Asian and Latin American Countries are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle, raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submitting multiple applications will increase the chances of winning the award.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2026.

6. Merck Foundation Film Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle, raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2026.

7. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle, raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2026.

8. Merck Foundation Song Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle, raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2026.

Apply: https://apo-opa.co/4hlMSUl

Entries can also be submitted via email to:

submit@merck-foundation.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/45CcLs1
X: https://apo-opa.co/4hqeFmu
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/45kf1Ux
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/45iqGTS
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4hr1WQv
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4hppchV
Website: https://apo-opa.co/4z09lwq
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4wetwUN

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/45CcLs1), X (https://apo-opa.co/4hqeFmu),Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/45iqGTS), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/45kf1Ux), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4hr1WQv) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4hppchV).

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 endeavours.

Sierra Leone takes centre stage in the August 2026 edition of Pan African Visions (PAV) (https://PanAfricanVisions.com) Magazine, with an expansive package examining the country's changing development landscape, President Julius Maada Bio's leadership, the growing profile of First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, and the sectors and institutions shaping its future.

Published under the cover theme “Julius Maada Bio and Sierra Leone's New Dawn,” the 90th edition of PAV Magazine goes beyond the headlines to assess a country working to strengthen its regional standing while confronting the demanding task of converting reforms, stability and international partnerships into sustainable economic opportunities.

The Sierra Leone package comes at a significant moment. President Bio's regional leadership and Sierra Leone's recent hosting of major regional engagements have helped raise the country's diplomatic profile and reinforce its emergence as an increasingly consequential voice in West Africa.

PAV examines what these developments mean beyond diplomacy. Through interviews, profiles and analysis, the edition explores Sierra Leone's infrastructure, energy ambitions, roads, ports, tourism, mining, investment prospects and institutional reforms, highlighting both progress and the considerable work that remains.

Infrastructure features prominently. From improvements in roads and transport connectivity to developments at the country's ports and new facilities supporting international engagement, the magazine examines investments designed to improve Sierra Leone's competitiveness and position it for greater trade, tourism and investment.

Energy is another important part of the conversation. With Sierra Leone seeking new investment and partnerships across the energy value chain, PAV explores a sector whose evolution could prove decisive to the country's industrialisation ambitions and broader economic transformation.

The August edition also looks at Sierra Leone beyond economics. A major feature examines the work and growing international profile of First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, whose advocacy for the protection and empowerment of women and girls has become one of the country's most visible social initiatives. Her engagement on education, gender equality, agriculture and development, alongside partnerships with continental and international actors, reflects the expanding role of African First Ladies in advancing social causes.

Tourism, diaspora engagement, philanthropy and institutional leadership also feature prominently, offering readers a broader picture of the personalities, institutions and opportunities contributing to Sierra Leone's changing narrative.

Beyond Sierra Leone, the August edition maintains PAV's continental lens with a compelling mix of politics, economics, investment and sport.

In Senegal, PAV examines President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's evolving political strategy and changing political dynamics under the headline “Diomaye Faye's New Power Play.”

Botswana's diamond economy faces a different test. Long celebrated as one of Africa's strongest development success stories, the country is confronting vulnerabilities created by its dependence on diamonds and the growing urgency for meaningful economic diversification.

In South Africa, the magazine turns to the complexities of coalition governance and the continuing test of whether competing political forces can translate an unprecedented governing arrangement into effective leadership and delivery.

The edition also asks one of Central Africa's most consequential political questions: what comes after Paul Biya After more than four decades of his rule, Cameroon's political future and the uncertainties surrounding succession are explored in “The Unanswered Post-Biya Question.”

Africa's expanding investment relationships beyond its traditional partners receive attention through an exclusive interview with Dr. M'zée Fula Ngenge, Chairperson of the Africa Pavilion and Co-Founder of the Africa GCC Council, who discusses efforts to build a stronger Africa-GCC investment bridge and connect African projects, entrepreneurs and governments with capital and opportunities across the Gulf.

Meanwhile, Brian Wesaala, Founder and President of the Football Foundation for Africa, shares his vision for transforming Africa's immense football passion and talent into a stronger commercial ecosystem capable of generating investment, businesses and jobs.

Together, the stories capture the diversity of a continent where political transitions, economic pressures, reform efforts, development ambitions and new investment partnerships are unfolding simultaneously.

Read the August Edition

The August 2026 edition of Pan African Visions Magazine – Edition 90, Vol. VIII is available online, giving readers, policymakers, investors, development partners and other stakeholders access to the full collection of interviews, features and analysis.

Read or view the full magazine here:
https://apo-opa.co/4za1Kvq

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Pan African Visions.

Media & Partnerships:
Pan African Visions
Email: pav@panafricanvisions.com
Tel: +1 240 429 2177

About Pan African Visions:
Pan African Visions is an Africa-focused media platform providing news, interviews, analysis and insights on politics, business, investment, energy, development, diplomacy and other issues shaping the continent.

Through PanAfricanVisions.com and its monthly magazine, PAV connects policymakers, investors, corporate leaders, diplomats, development institutions, entrepreneurs and diaspora communities with African perspectives, opportunities and decision-makers.

A distinctive feature of Pan African Visions Magazine is its tradition of thematic and special editions, providing deeper coverage of countries, strategic sectors, major continental events and issues of importance to Africa. Previous editions have placed special emphasis on energy, fintech, investment, mining, governance, leadership and economic transformation, combining high-level interviews with analysis and perspectives from policymakers, corporate executives and industry leaders.

That thematic approach continues in the months ahead. The September 2026 edition will place the Central African Think Tank Forum in focus, providing a platform for conversations around policy research, evidence-based decision-making and the role of think tanks in addressing Central Africa's development challenges.

This will be followed in October by PAV's annual African Energy Week Special Edition, one of the magazine's flagship sector-focused publications. The special will bring together interviews, corporate profiles, investment perspectives, thought leadership and analysis around Africa's rapidly changing energy landscape and the companies, governments and personalities driving it.

These thematic editions are part of PAV's commitment to move beyond episodic coverage and provide sustained platforms through which African priorities, investment opportunities, policy debates and success stories can reach influential audiences across Africa and internationally.

Committed to “Marketing African Success Stories,” Pan African Visions seeks to strengthen Africa's voice in the global information landscape while providing balanced coverage of the continent's opportunities, achievements and challenges.

Marketing and Partnership Opportunities:
Pan African Visions welcomes partnerships with corporations, governments, investment promotion agencies, development institutions, diplomatic missions, foundations, conferences and organisations seeking greater visibility and meaningful engagement with audiences across Africa and internationally.

PAV's thematic and special editions offer particularly strong opportunities for organisations seeking to align their brands, expertise and leadership with major African conversations. The September Central African Think Tank Forum focus and October African Energy Week Special Edition are open to strategic partnerships, advertising, executive interviews, corporate profiles, thought leadership and customised visibility opportunities.

Across its magazine, digital and social platforms, PAV offers advertising, executive interviews, corporate and country profiles, sponsored features, thought leadership, press release distribution, event partnerships and coverage, special reports, social media promotion and customised communication campaigns.

For advertising, media partnerships, special reports, event collaborations and other strategic opportunities, organisations are invited to engage the Pan African Visions team.