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THE WELSH RUGBY UNION will invite bids from its professional clubs and selected universities to tender to play a pivotal role in the continued professionalisation of the Women’s game in Wales, by providing teams to play in the Celtic Challenge next season. This exciting and key development for Welsh rugby recognises that women’s rugby is …
Edinburgh Rugby today announced the signing of highly-rated Scottish qualified loosehead prop James Whitcombe from Leicester Tigers on a three-year deal. The 24-year-old, who qualifies for Scotland through his Falkirk-born grandmother, will make the move to the Scottish capital this summer, adding significant firepower to the club’s front-row options. Whitcombe has been a regular fixture …
Western Cape Government Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, and officials of the provincial department presented the New Provincial Roads Delivery Model to road workers, officials, councillors and mayors of the Central Karoo District Municipality (CKDM). Unfortunately, even with eight days prior notice, the CKDM did not mobilise road worker teams, and only a quarter of …
Welding is integral to the automotive manufacturing process. Malben Engineering, an award-winning supplier of high-level welded assemblies to both Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and tier 1 automotive sector suppliers, has invested in a massive technical step-change over the past three years. Operational Director Luca Smargiasso says the introduction of a new vehicle model by a …
Scotland Women Head Coach Bryan Easson has made three personnel changes to the starting team set to face Ireland this Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm, Hive Stadium), with Leia Brebner-Holden and Rachel Malcolm returning to the fore after missing last weekend’s match against England through concussion. In the front row, Leah Bartlett steps up to starting loosehead, …
Born in Whangārei, New Zealand, Scott Gregory has come a long way to play for Zebre Parma in the Vodacom URC. The talented 26-year-old arrived in Italy from the Highlanders in 2023 and has been an important player for the Italian side since arriving. So what inspired him to get into rugby? “I remember a …
Edinburgh Rugby welcome the return of Scotland internationalists Darcy Graham and Hamish Watson for tomorrow night’s BKT United Rugby Championship match against Zebre Parma at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi (Friday 25 April, kick-off 7.35pm BST/8.35pm local) – live on Premier Sports. The duo – rested for last weekend’s match against Hollywoodbets Sharks – start as two …
Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith has named a starting XV showing eight changes from last weekend’s victory over Zebre Parma, as his side prepares to welcome the Vodacom Bulls to Scotstoun in the club’s final home match of the regular season. Having secured a home quarter-final with victory last weekend, attentions now turn to …
They say laughter is the best medicine, and this year, World Laughter Day on 4 May shines a spotlight on the universal language of laughter. It’s a day when smiles and chuckles bring people together across cultures, generations, and continents. Who better to lead the charge than one of comedy’s most beloved icons, Mr Bean? …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance has submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application to the National Treasury to determine which enforcement recommendations of the Mpati Commission into the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) are being implemented. A 2020 Commission of Inquiry led by Justice Lex Mpati exposed significant governance, operational, and ethical failures …
In September last year, Futuregrowth’s Community Property Fund implemented a hybrid energy system at Heidelberg Mall that is expected to generate substantial cost savings. According to portfolio manager Smital Rambhai, the system represents a strong investment opportunity and could become a vital element in the future of retail property management in South Africa. Please find …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) strongly condemns the continued silence and inaction from the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, regarding the rollout of police body-worn cameras, despite his commitment in November 2024 to begin this critical initiative in April 2025. Given the Minister’s ongoing failure to communicate or act, the DA calls for urgent …
The design world continues to celebrate the extraordinary synergy between two visionary South African women — Cape Town-based interior designer Kim Williams and fashion icon Jessica Molebatsi — whose creative partnership has captivated audiences with its authenticity, elegance, and heartfelt storytelling. It all began in 2022, when Kim and Jessica joined forces to bring the …
The EPCR has confirmed that Lyon has been chosen as the host city for the prestigious 2027 Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup Finals Weekend. The French city’s OL Stadium will welcome tens of thousands of fans for an unforgettable weekend of rugby’s premier international club competitions. After an exceptionally competitive tender process conducted …
Gavin Coombes is having another season to remember in the Vodacom URC and is looking to cap it by helping Munster Rugby claim their second title in three years. The No 8 from Skibbereen has frequently figured high up in the individual stats in previous league campaigns and it’s the same story this time around. …
Can the Airlink Pumas break Suzuki Griquas’ incredible unbeaten run in the SA Cup when the two top teams on the log – and last year’s finalists – clash in Nelspruit on Friday evening, and who between the Toyota Cheetahs and Valke will prevail on Saturday in Bloemfontein? These questions – and a few others …
No love will be lost in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship this weekend as the four South African sides continue to pin their hopes on victories to stay in the race for quarter-final spots or the best possible log positions with only three rounds of pool matches remaining. While the Vodacom Bulls (in third position …
As another long weekend approaches, followed by a week-long school break, the Western Cape Government is urging all road users to prioritise safety, whether behind the wheel, walking, or cycling. The call for caution comes in the wake of the recent Easter weekend, during which 14 pedestrians tragically lost their lives on Western Cape roads, …
HPV is fuelling high cervical cancer rates in sub-Saharan Africa despite the availability of effective vaccines. Yet uptake remains low, driven largely by vaccine hesitancy. In South Africa alone, most participants (71%) were hesitant to receive at least one of the vacines in the country, according to the Vaccine Confidence Report by MSD (www.MSD.co.za) and Prof. Hannelie Meyer, Head of the South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre. [1] The report was launched at the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and during the SSA HPV Media Roundtable held during World and Africa Immunisation Week (24–30 April 2025).
Cervical cancer, caused by persistent infection of HPV, is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 94% of global cervical cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with sub-Saharan Africa heavily affected. [2]
Studies indicate that, globally, about 12% of women with normal cervical cytology are found to have an HPV infection. This prevalence doubles to around 24% in sub-Saharan Africa. Young women under 25 are particularly vulnerable, with an HPV prevalence rate of 43.9% in Africa compared to the global rate of 19.2%. [3]
A 2023 report indicated that cervical cancer ranks as the 13th most frequent cancer among women in Egypt and the 9th most frequent among women aged 15 to 44 years. [4] In Kigali, Rwanda, before the national HPV vaccination programme, 54% of women aged 19 years and younger were found to have received an HPV-positive result. [5] The high mortality rate in Ghana further demonstrates the burden, with approximately 3,000 women diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, resulting in around 2,000 deaths each year. [6]
Vaccine hesitancy, defined as a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite their availability, remains a challenge in the fight against preventable diseases such as cervical cancer. Misinformation, cultural beliefs, and accessibility issues further compound the low uptake of HPV vaccines. As global health organisations and local health authorities strive to eliminate preventable diseases, understanding and addressing vaccine hesitancy has never been more urgent. [1]
Understanding vaccine hesitancy
The Vaccine Confidence Report highlights several drivers of HPV vaccine hesitancy, including safety concerns, mistrust in healthcare systems, and misinformation on social media. According to Prof. Meyer, despite clear scientific evidence, many still believe vaccines are harmful. [1] “This reluctance is troubling,” she said, “given the direct link between HPV and cervical cancer. Addressing these fears with credible information is vital to reducing the burden in sub-Saharan Africa.”
An external study titled 'Vaccine Hesitancy and Trust in sub-Saharan Africa' published in Scientific Reports in May 2023 examined vaccination behaviours and attitudes across six sub-Saharan African countries: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. The study found that only about 10% of respondents reported receiving at least one HPV vaccination. Vaccine hesitancy rates varied across countries, with South Africa exhibiting the highest rate at 17.15% and Kenya the lowest at 8.3%. [7]
Impact of misinformation, funding gaps and immunisation disruption Misinformation remains a major driver of vaccine hesitancy in Africa, especially through online platforms. It has shaped public attitudes and eroded trust in immunisation programmes. At the same time, shifting global priorities and economic pressures have led to reduced funding for vaccination efforts, limiting access in low-income communities. [8] “Routine immunisation has saved millions of lives,” said Dr Alima Essoh, Regional Director of the Preventive Medicine Agency for Africa (AMP Africa). “When misinformation and resource constraints disrupt these efforts, we risk undoing decades of progress.” Expanding HPV vaccination is critical to reducing cervical cancer, but it requires tackling misinformation head-on and improving access across the continent.
Broader implications for public health
While HPV vaccination remains a key focus, vaccine hesitancy extends to other preventable diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern by 2030, which includes ensuring that 90% of girls are fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15. [9] According to Prof Meyer, vaccine hesitancy threatens to derail this goal and broader efforts to achieve high immunisation rates for other preventable illnesses such as measles, polio, and influenza.
Rethinking the fight against HPV-related cervical cancer: Community action and vaccine confidence
Efforts to eliminate HPV and reduce HPV-related cervical cancer in Africa necessitate innovative, community-driven solutions. Dr Sabrina Kitaka, Senior Lecturer at Makerere University, states that engaging and accessible tools, such as comic books and school-based vaccination, have significantly enhanced vaccine uptake among young people. She adds that reminder systems, such as SMS and automated phone calls, help ensure adolescents complete the HPV vaccine schedule. If implemented on a large scale, these strategies could strengthen vaccine coverage across the region. She further states that, tackling vaccine hesitancy will require a coordinated approach involving governments, healthcare workers, civil society, and the private sector. This means improving health communication, building trust through local partnerships, and tailoring outreach to meet communities where they are.
“There is no time to waste,” says Prof. Meyer. “We must work together to share accurate information, address concerns, and make vaccines truly accessible. Only then can we protect future generations from preventable diseases.”
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers in this document are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of MSD.
References
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MSD.
REPORT ANY SUSPECTED ADVERSE EVENTS OR PRODUCT QUALITY COMPLAINTS TO DPOC SOUTH AFRICA:
dpoc.zaf@msd.com
Tel: +27 (0)11 655 3000.
www.MSD.co.za
Leading solar solutions provider Alumo Energy has pointed to glaring issues and holes in Eskom’s recent announcement offering zero registration fees for Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) systems, which include photovoltaic (PV) installation or solar systems. This follows Eskom’s confirmation this week that it will continue waiving registration fees and other associated costs for households installing …
As a strategic partner of the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC), the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) is calling for a deliberate and accelerated approach to moving Namibia's recent oil and gas discoveries into production – emphasizing the importance of speed, investor confidence and strategic collaboration.
Speaking during a high-level panel at NIEC 2025, AEC Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk urged Namibia to seize the momentum of its frontier discoveries, while avoiding the pitfalls that have stalled progress in other hydrocarbon-rich African nations. He emphasized that Namibia's path to becoming a regional energy hub hinges on its ability to learn from international case studies and execute deals that ensure long-term national benefit.
“Namibia needs to move fast, produce quickly and negotiate the best deals with its partners to ensure the rapid development of its oil discoveries,” Ayuk stated. He pointed to Guyana as a prime example, noting how the South American country developed a robust strategy focused on national benefit and successfully attracted billions in investments to fast-track its energy projects.
In contrast, Ayuk cautioned against the delays experienced by countries like Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa, where production was significantly postponed, leading to rising project costs and lost opportunities. “There is a growing movement trying to discourage Africa – and Namibia – from producing its oil and gas. We must resist that,” he added.
Reinforcing the need for investor-friendly terms, Justin Cochrane, Africa Upstream Regional Research Director at S&P Global Commodity Insights, highlighted the necessity of contract stability, transparent data-sharing and a balanced approach to fiscal negotiations. “It's natural that Namibia wants to maximize its benefits, but pushing too hard on IOCs can result in getting 100% of nothing… The first milestone must be achieving first oil,” said Cochrane.
Representing Namibia's national oil company, Victoria Sibeya, Interim Managing Director of NAMCOR, stressed that the company is actively engaged in every phase of the industry, from data acquisition and exploration to shaping the downstream and midstream vision. “We are not just bystanders,” said Sibeya. “NAMCOR is deeply involved in data acquisition, exploration and the exchange of knowledge and technology with our partners. We are also preparing to invest in downstream and midstream sectors to ensure that we can add value once production begins.”
Echoing the call for local development, Adriano Bastos, Head of Upstream at Galp, underscored the need for early and continuous skills development – proposing that Namibians be trained abroad in specialized areas like FPSO operations to ensure they are prepared to lead once production begins at home. “Namibia has capabilities that are rare in the region, but more collaboration with international partners is essential to build the local skills base,” he said.
Bastos noted that Namibians make up 25% of Galp's workforce in the country, including its first female offshore base manager. “We are proud of the strides we have made. Our nationalization plans are aggressive, and we work closely with [the Namibian Ports Authority] and other local entities to implement meaningful capacity-building projects.”
As Namibia stands on the cusp of transforming exploration success into production, the message from industry leaders is clear: time, trust and talent will determine the country's trajectory. Through cross-border collaboration, pragmatic deal-making and a strong national vision, Namibia can emerge not just as an oil producer – but as a continental model for inclusive, forward-thinking energy development.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
On April 24, Ms. ERI Arfiya, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended the South African National Day Reception, which was held in Tokyo, and delivered her remarks on behalf of the Government of Japan. The overview is as follow:
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Cross Switch (www.Cross-Switch.com), a leading provider of innovative payment solutions, has reached a significant milestone by securing its own Third-Party Payment Processor (TPPP) licence.
The TPPP, issued by the Payments Association of South Africa (PASA) and sponsored by Absa, is a regulatory status that strengthens Cross Switch's position in the payments ecosystem. This achievement complements Cross Switch's recent certification as a Visa Payment Facilitator (PayFac).
Cross Switch brings a highly flexible payment platform (https://apo-opa.co/3GA0r1Q) to South Africa, enabling business scalability and growth. The company can now independently onboard merchants, fintechs and charities, substantially enhancing its service offering and announcing itself as an essential player in the South African payments landscape.
By obtaining an all-important TPPP licence, Cross Switch has reinforced its commitment to delivering quality, compliant and flexible payment solutions tailored specifically for South Africa's private and charitable sectors.
Cross Switch's entry as a licensed provider brings an adaptable API that allows South African merchants to transact seamlessly on the African continent, including in key markets such as South Africa, Kenya, Morocco and Ivory Coast. For merchants looking to expand into Latin America, Cross Switch also offers Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Chile — with new countries, both in Africa and in other emerging markets, to be announced very soon!
“This is a vital step in expanding our network and strengthening our presence across the continent,” said Mark Chirnside, CEO of Africa, Cross Switch. “By enabling local merchants with multiple payment options, we're empowering African businesses with the tools to reach broader markets and unlock growth opportunities.”
Cross Switch now enables South African businesses to confidently target rapid expansion and deeper market penetration through frictionless access to local and international payment methods via its flexible API (CS+). The single API empowers merchants to accept payments across Africa and LATAM, and accept the local payment methods.
Cross Switch's immediate future in South Africa involves accelerating merchant onboarding. Contracts already signed represent a client base exceeding 1,000 merchants in South Africa. To complement over 1,000 merchants already using CS+ on the Continent.
Securing this licensing is a significant step forward in the Cross Switch journey. The company strives to realise its vision of delivering modern payment solutions that meet the varied needs of merchants and non-profits. The company's highly flexible payment platform drives financial inclusion and business scalability.
The company is also committed to expanding rapidly, enhancing its payment methods, and integrating advanced reconciliation engines — all underpinned by rigorous fraud prevention and risk management systems.
“Investing in South Africa is a strategic priority for Cross Switch,” said Tim Davis, Group CEO of Cross Switch. “We're resourcing up locally to ensure we're ready to meet growing demand, and this licence and certification enable us to deliver world-class payment services that are both agile and scalable.”
Cross Switch invites businesses interested in exploring robust and flexible payment solutions to connect directly at https://apo-opa.co/4jrGOrw to learn how its tailored offerings can support and amplify their operational ambitions.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Cross Switch.
Contact
South Africa: (+27) 21 205 5818
Luxembourg: (+352) 2088 1454
https://apo-opa.co/4jrGOrw
About Cross Switch:
Cross Switch is a payments technology company founded in 2022, operating across emerging markets, with active operations in South Africa, Kenya, Morocco, Ivory Coast and across Latin America. It provides flexible, secure and scalable solutions that support both local and cross-border transactions, helping merchants, fintechs and non-profits expand their reach and streamline their operations. Cross Switch is committed to driving financial inclusion and growth through collaboration, robust infrastructure, high service levels and a strong focus on emerging market needs.
African Mining Week (AMW) – taking place from October 1–3, 2025, in Cape Town – will connect global investors with high-impact opportunities across Africa's mining sector, spotlighting the strategies fueling the continent's mineral industrialization.
A key highlight of the event will be a high-level panel, The Investor Perspective: Financing Africa's Mineral Industrialization. The session will explore the evolving investment landscape and examine diverse financing mechanisms – including bank loans, private equity, venture capital and impact investing – that are mobilizing capital into African mining.
DFIs Drive Infrastructure Investments
Attracted by strong returns and Africa's long-term growth potential, development finance institutions (DFIs) are ramping up investments into the continent's mining infrastructure. In March 2025, the African Development Bank approved a $150 million loan to Mauritania's state-owned mining company SNIM and committed $500 million to the Lobito Corridor – a strategic railway project linking Angola, the DRC and Zambia to international markets. Meanwhile, the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) is backing several critical mineral projects, including Nyanza Light Metals' $780 million PGMs facility in South Africa, Gecamines' expansion in the DRC, Giyani Metals' manganese development in Botswana and FG Gold's project in Sierra Leone. Between 2014 and 2024, AFC invested over $1 billion into Africa's mining sector. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is also deepening its commitment, providing more than $750 million toward the Lobito Corridor, $34 million for Pensana's Longonjo rare earths project in Angola and $3.2 million to Chillerton's green copper development in Zambia.
Geopolitics and African Prospects
Geopolitical shifts are intensifying the global race for Africa's critical minerals, vital for the energy transition and digital economy. From 2019 to 2023, companies from the United Arab Emirates committed over $110 billion to African projects. In early 2025, UAE-based Ambrosia Investment Holding acquired a 50% stake in Allied Gold's projects in Ethiopia and Mali, investing $375 million to scale up gold production. Canadian mining investment on the continent has now surpassed $37 billion, with companies like Ivanhoe Mines, Fortuna Silver, Pioneer Lithium and Trigon Metals leading expansion efforts. Similarly, Australia's mining footprint in Africa reached $60 billion in asset value in 2024, supported by firms such as Sovereign Metals, Cazaly Resources and Atlantic Lithium.
Private Placements
Private placements are emerging as a preferred capital-raising vehicle for mining ventures across Africa. Companies including Zanaga Iron Ore, Moab Minerals, Global Atomic Corporation, Premier African Minerals and Trigon Metals are leveraging this mechanism to fast-track project development and attract investor interest. As ESG criteria take center stage in investment decision-making, AMW will serve as a platform for financiers and project developers to engage on sustainability metrics, transparency and responsible investing.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
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. To download the working program, please visit www.African-MiningWeek.com
