MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Tuesday, 27 May 2025. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) extends its condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and fans of Presley Chweneyagae, on his untimely passing. At just 40 years of age, Chweneyagae departs this life having left a significant mark on the South African cultural and creative landscape. Born in Mahikeng, Presley Chweneyagae’s […]
The group lives on the rail reserve along Stock Road in Philippi East and is demanding that PRASA move them to permanent accommodation
Tuesday, 27 May 2025 The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is pleased with proceedings of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies meeting, wherein majority of political parties expressed their displeasure and rejection of the attempted work around of the Electronic Communications Act and the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act by Minister Solly Malatsi, […]
Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania was today elected President of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) at the Bank's Annual Meetings held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
Tah was elected by the Bank's Board of Governors, comprising Finance and Economy Ministers or Central Bank Governors of the Bank Group's 81 regional and non-regional member countries. The board is the highest decision-making authority for the Bank Group.
The results were announced by Nialé Kaba, Minister of Planning and Development for Côte d'Ivoire, and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Bank Group.
Addressing the Bank Group's governors (https://apo-opa.co/4jtxMcx) and the media shortly after the announcement, Tah said, “Let's go to work now, I'm ready!”
The winning candidate is required to obtain at least 50.01% of both the regional and non-regional votes (https://apo-opa.co/4kgzBLc).
Tah brings over 35 years of experience in African and international finance. He served as president of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) for 10 years from 2015, where he led a full transformation that quadrupled the Bank's balance sheet, secured a AAA rating, and positioned it among the top-rated development banks focused on Africa.
A former Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance of Mauritania, Tah has held senior roles in multilateral institutions and has led crisis response, financial reform, and innovative resource mobilization for Africa.
The Board of Governors Steering Committee received and approved a total of five candidates by the closing date of 31 January 2025. The list of candidates was officially announced on 21 February 2025.
The other candidates in the election were:
Tah will assume office on 1 September 2025, for a five-year term, following the end of the second mandate of current President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.
The African Development Bank's past heads since its inception in 1964 are:
The election (https://apo-opa.co/43CwLJg) of a new president comes at a crucial time in the Bank Group's six decades of existence. Africa has remained resilient despite climate shocks, economic disruption, and a shifting geopolitical landscape, but needs to move faster or risk falling behind on delivering on the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, summed up in the Bank Group's High 5's.
The 2025 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group are taking place from May 26 to 30 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire under the theme “Making Africa's Capital Work Better for Africa's Development.”
The African Development Bank Group comprises three entities: the African Development Bank, the African Development Fund and the Nigeria Trust Fund. Its shareholder countries include 54 African countries or regional member countries, and 27 non-African countries or non-regional member countries.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Contact:
Solomon Mugera
Director, Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
GOOD Statement by Thyrone Williams ,GOOD Saldanha Bay Councillor and West Coast Regional Organiser 29 May 2025 The GOOD Party is currently investigating the recent comments made by Saldanha Bay PR Councillor Veronique ‘Nnopi’ Pretorius regarding the outcome of the Joshlin Smith trial. As a party, we have complete respect for the justice system and […]
The post GOOD PARTY STANDS FIRM ON JUSTICE FOR JOSHLIN SMITH AMID CONTROVERSIAL REMARKS appeared first on For Good.
Wednesday, 28 May 2025. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemns the corrupt conduct of Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, in awarding the Sizekhaya Holdings, whose main shareholder is Goldrush Consortium, the licence to operate South Africa’s National Lottery. This appointment, made despite explicit warnings of conflicts of interest, political exposure, and backdoor […]
GOOD Statement by Brett Herron ,GOOD Secretary-General 29 May 2025 George Councillor Chantelle Kyd was the MMC for Planning in a coalition municipal government led by the DA, and the leading advocate in council for transparency around investigations into the collapsed George building, which claimed 34 lives last year. But when the Council meets to […]
The post GEORGE BUILDING COLLAPSE: GOOD EXITS COUNCIL COALITION AFTER PLANNING MMC BANNED FROM SPEAKING appeared first on For Good.
Nikki Martin, President and CEO of global trade association EnerGeo Alliance, will speak at this year's edition of the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. Leveraging innovative geoscience technology and applications, the organization provides comprehensive energy solutions to countries worldwide. For Africa, this expertise supports exploration and production efforts as the continent seeks to make energy poverty history by 2030.
EnerGeo Alliance is a strong advocate for collaborative energy solutions. The company has called for greater investment in Africa's upstream sector, recognizing the vital role investments in seismic surveys and data generation plays in reducing exploration risk, supporting successful drilling and unlocking new deposits of oil and gas in Africa. Under the company's 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, EnerGeo Alliance aims to support the energy geoscience and exploration industries and ensure the sustainability, accessibility and reliability of the global energetic future. This will be pursued through three strategic pillars: progressing policies, prioritizing people and pivoting perception. At AEW: Invest in African Energies 2024, Martin will share insight into this strategic plan and its impact in Africa.
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
EnerGeo Alliance's 2024-2029 Strategic Plan is centered on supporting exploration worldwide, and as such, is poised to unlock new opportunities for African geoscience and energy players. With over 600 million people living without access to electricity and 900 million people living without access to clean cooking solutions, the continent has set clear targets of scaling-up data-driven exploration and boosting oil and gas production. Supporting this goal, EnerGeo Alliance is leveraging its 2024-2029 Strategic Plan to mobilize the geoscience and exploration industries to deliver the energy needed to address growing global demand.
Under its processing policies pillar, EnerGeo Alliance is encouraging policy and regulatory frameworks that support the industry's freedom to operate as well as the development of low-carbon solutions. The company also strives to map and analyze the above-ground-risks to exploration globally, while supporting policies that prioritize geoscience and exploration operations. A notable example of this is a 2024 policy brief by EnerGeo Alliance on South Africa, which showcased the need for advanced seismic surveys in the country. The brief emphasized the potential value of the country's offshore Brulpadda-Luiperd fields and onshore shale gas in the Karoo Basin.
Another key pillar is the prioritization of people. In this regard, the company seeks to promote the safety and empowerment of the current workforce, while supporting the development of the new generation of geoscience and energy workers. This will be achieved through strategic initiatives and networking opportunities. Examples include a series of events hosted by EnerGeo Alliance, all of which are designed to advance impactful policies and reshape perceptions of the energy sector.
Meanwhile, the pillar of pivoting perceptions will see EnerGeo Alliance drive the narrative of the energy geoscience industry. This will be achieved by promoting the role of the global geoscience industry and establishing the industry as a partner to communities and regions in need of access to reliable energy. AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 is a strong platform to promote this narrative, with Martin expected to share valuable insights into the role the geoscience industry has and will continue to play in making energy poverty history across the continent.
“EnerGeo Alliance is a strong partner for the African energy industry. The company not only advocates for greater exploration and production in Africa but promotes policies that foster collaboration, data acquisition and inclusive development in the oil and gas sector. As the continent targets new discoveries, accelerates the pace of exploration and pursues new development opportunities, organizations such as EnerGeo Alliance play an instrumental part in driving the African energy narrative,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
New research from CFA Institute (www.CFAInstitute.org), Capital Formation in Africa: A Case for Private Markets (https://apo-opa.co/3SqtDLz), examines the case for mobilizing private capital to support the structural investment needs of sub-Saharan Africa. The research identifies and analyses existing barriers to the development of capital markets and offers a series of policy recommendations for regulators, policymakers, the investment industry, and international institutions active in the region.
Structured as a series of market-specific chapters, Capital Formation in Africa: A Case for Private Markets (https://apo-opa.co/3SqtDLz), covers 11 African economies, with contributions from local investment industry leaders in Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, West Africa (with a focus on Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal), Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Former Deputy President of South Africa, writes in her foreword to the research:
“The CFA Institute research illuminates the current state of Africa's capital markets but also serves as a call for stakeholders to engage thoughtfully with the markets evolving dynamics. It is my hope that this work will inspire policy reform and innovative solutions that navigate the complexities of capital formation with investor protection and strategic foresight. In doing so, we can shape the future of finance and drive the socioeconomic development of Africa.”
Ahmed Rashad Attout, Director of Financial Sector Development at the African Development Bank, also comments in his foreword to the research:
“At the African Development Bank, we are committed to building enduring partnerships with stakeholders who share our vision of a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and integrated Africa. It is in that spirit that we welcome this important research from CFA Institute. The publication provides a much-needed local perspective on capital market development in Africa. Its conclusions and recommendations provide a basis for advancing the development of the investment solutions needed to build the efficient, dynamic, and integrated capital markets that Africa needs to drive its development agenda.”
The research will be launched today in Abidjan, where the African Development Bank is holding its annual meeting, during a panel discussion (https://apo-opa.co/4kEo3Bl) moderated by Olivier Fines, CFA, Head of Policy Research and Advocacy at CFA Institute. Fines adds:
“There is historically a strong correlation in various parts of the world between capital market development and socioeconomic progress. This research seeks to consider the main barriers to capital formation in sub-Sahara Africa and whether private markets, particularly private equity and private debt, can be a catalyst for stronger capital market development in the region. The authors believe private capital is particularly suited to the region's current structural investment needs, including infrastructure and small- and medium-sized enterprise funding. The research also considers the potential for mixed finance projects and offers enduring lessons for sub-Saharan Africa based on the successes of the Asian tiger economies.”
Recommendations in the report:
For Regulators and Policymakers:
For Governments:
For Institutional Investors and the Investment Industry in Sub-Saharan Africa:
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CFA Institute.
For further information or to speak with the research authors, please contact:
pr@cfainstitute.org
Follow CFA Institute on:
LinkedIn
X : @ CFAInstitute.
About CFA Institute:
As the global association of investment professionals, CFA Institute sets the standard for professional excellence and credentials. We champion ethical behavior in investment markets and serve as the leading source of learning and research for the investment industry. We believe in fostering an environment where investors' interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. With more than 200,000 charterholders worldwide across 160 markets, CFA Institute has 10 offices and 160 local societies. Find us at www.CFAInstitute.org
About the CFA Institute Research and Policy Center:
The CFA Institute Research and Policy Center brings together CFA Institute expertise along with a diverse, cross-disciplinary community of subject matter experts working collaboratively to address complex problems. It is informed by the perspective of practitioners and the convening power, impartiality, and credibility of CFA Institute, whose mission is to lead the investment profession globally. Visit the Research and Policy Center at http://RPC.CFAInstitute.org.
Dear Editor The DA welcomes the South African Reserve Bank’s decision to lower interest rates. A necessary reprieve for households who continue to suffer under enormous financial stress and deserve any relief offered. While this short-term relief is welcome, it cannot be a substitute for long-term reforms that are beyond the ambit of the Reserve …
Wednesday, 28 May 2025. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemns, in the strongest terms, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) Board placing their Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Collins Letsoalo, on special leave. According to the Board, this is a “precautionary” measure pending the investigation of allegations of corruption, and yet the circumstances show that this is […]
GOOD Statement by Brett Herron ,GOOD Secretary-General 29 May 2025 The establishment by the President of a commission of inquiry into decades-long delays in investigating and prosecuting apartheid-era cases effectively places the Thabo Mbeki administration and the NPA on trial for miscarriages of justice. Announcing the new commission today, the President said that for many […]
The post TRC COMMISSION MUST OUT AUTHORS OF MISCARRIAGES OF JUSTICE appeared first on For Good.
The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure has expressed grave concern over the worsening human resource challenges at the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE).
During a briefing by the department on its recruitment, vacancy filling and staff retention strategies, the committee noted with alarm that the current vacancy rate stands at 14%, significantly above the acceptable 10% threshold, and continues to rise. The committee said if this situation continues, it could undermine service delivery, delay infrastructure projects, and contribute to low staff morale.
The committee noted the continued failure to fill critical senior management positions, including deputy directors-general, head of Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) and executive for supply chain management.
The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Carol Phiri said, “This prolonged leadership vacuum is stalling crucial decision-making processes and weakening the strategic direction of the department, and this ongoing trend poses a serious threat to the department's operational capability”.
The DPWI informed the committee that, despite completing key recruitment steps, such as advertising, shortlisting and interviews, final appointments remain stalled due to pending Cabinet and ministerial approvals. The committee said it is equally troubling that 56 of the 129 current vacancies are unfunded, due largely to unbudgeted cost-of-living adjustments. the DPWI cited cost-containment measures imposed by the Department of Public Service and Administration as a major impediment to recruitment.
Furthermore, the committee expressed disappointment that it was not invited to attend or contribute to the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa recently hosted by Infrastructure South Africa. The committee believes that parliamentary oversight bodies must be included in such important national engagements to ensure alignment with legislative priorities and transparency.
The committee will continue to monitor the situation closely and expects decisive action to address these longstanding human resource and governance issues. In addition, going forward the department must clarify its acting policy with the portfolio committee.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
GOOD Statement by Brett Herron,GOOD Secretary-General 29 May 2025 Today, a new coalition has been formed to govern the Matzikama Municipality. The GOOD Party has voted to remove the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) from office. We will now serve in coalition with the African National Congress (ANC), the Patriotic Alliance […]
The post NEW COALITION FORMED TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF MATZIKAMA appeared first on For Good.
GOOD Speech by Brett Herron,GOOD Secretary-General & Member of the Western Cape Parliament 29 May 2025 *Note to editor: This speech was delivered by GOOD Secretary-General & Member of the Western Cape Parliament Brett Herron during today’s interpellation on public land under the authority of the Western Cape Government. A week ago, I stood here […]
The post VACANT LAND: FROM OCCUPATION TO OWNERSHIP appeared first on For Good.
Dear Editor The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has revealed that the Department of Health has spent almost R9.7 million defending the National Health Insurance (NHI) and National Health Act (NHA), where it deals with aspects of the NHI, in court. Considering the crisis in our hospitals this money could be better spent. This …
South Africa’s Griffin Colby and Quinton Immelman were included amongst the list of match officials confirmed on Thursday for the forthcoming World Rugby Under-20 Rugby Championship, which kicks off in a month’s time in Italy. Colby will do duty as a match referee whilst Immelman will be involved as a Television Match Official (TMO). Ten …
Dear editor Today’s sentencing of Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appolis, and Steveno van Rhyn to life imprisonment for human trafficking, and an additional 10 years for kidnapping, marks an important step toward justice in the heartbreaking case of Joshlin Smith. While this outcome sends a strong message that crimes against children will not go unpunished, it …
Glasgow Warriors will welcome Josh McKay and Henco Venter back into the starting lineup for tomorrow’s BKT United Rugby Championship quarter-final clash with the DHL Stormers, as Franco Smith’s men kick-off the playoffs under the Friday night lights. The pair return from injury and suspension layoffs respectively to take their places in the starting XV …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) takes pleasure in releasing our submission to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s so-called Transformation Fund today. Download the submission here. The Department’s concept document has attracted much attention, in terms of impractically. Organised business and think tanks have all been vocal against the Fund, as it will …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) condemns the recent media statement issued by Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, regarding the state of Buffalo Pass Road in the Buffalo City Metro. The MEC’s attempt to deflect legitimate public concern as “political grandstanding” is not only dismissive but deeply disrespectful to the …
The National Arts Festival (NAF) is delighted to announce two new appointments to its Board of Directors. At its meeting held on Thursday, 22 May, the NAF Board appointed Prof Siphiwo Mahala as its new Chairperson and welcomed Mr Keith Ngesi as a new board member. Both Mahala and Ngesi are proud descendants of Makhanda …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the re-arrest of one of the two convicted offenders who recently went unaccounted for while meant to be in custody at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre. While this is a necessary step, it underscores the urgent need for immediate accountability within the correctional services system. Initially, three individuals – all …