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The Western Cape Government is encouraged by the slight decline in road-related fatalities over the 2025 Easter weekend, but continues to urge all road users to make responsible choices on the road, especially as another long weekend approaches. Teams from the Western Cape Government’s Mobility Department and the Department of Health and Wellness were out …
This week, Western Cape Government Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers and officials of the department are travelling across the province, to present the New Provincial Road Delivery Model to district municipalities. Engagements started today in the Garden Route District Municipality with mayors, councillors, officials and road workers across the district to discuss the discontinuation of …
Dear Editor The latest disinformation campaign launched by Alan Beesley and ActionSA regarding the national budget is a weak attempt at deflecting the fact that Mr Beesley remains a midwife of tax increases when he helped the ANC ram through the fiscal framework. ActionSA’s claim that the DA was “complicit” in the proposed 2 percentage …
President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Wednesday, 23 April 2025, undertake a Working Visit to Maseru, Lesotho, to Co-Chair the Second Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho, with His Excellency Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, Prime Minister of Lesotho.
This South Africa–Lesotho Bi-National Commission (BNC) follows the Inaugural Session which was held in September 2023 in Pretoria.
The elevation of bilateral cooperation to a BNC level in 2022 was a recognition of the solid foundation upon which relations between the two countries are founded.
Further, it is a practical demonstration of the two countries' resolve that cooperation in various sectors should benefit all.
South Africa will use the upcoming session of the BNC to promote greater solidarity among countries of the region and the South in the light of geopolitical shifts.
South Africa will also underscore the strategic importance of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) and highlight a need to expedite the speedy implementation of Phase II of the project, taking into consideration the agreed timelines and allocated budget.
Many South African companies have made significant investments in Lesotho, which have created thousands of jobs.
The Bi-National Commission is expected also to reflect on the movement of people between the two states.
This week's engagement between the two countries will, among other discussions, focus on:
The BNC will be preceded by the Meeting of Senior Officials (SOM) and the Council of Ministers Meeting scheduled for 22 April 2025.
President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by 15 Ministers.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Johannesburg, South Africa – 22 April 2025. For over 30 years, McDonald’s South Africa has been more than just a restaurant business it has been a consistent force for good, creating thousands of employment opportunities and investing in the growth of its people. The brand’s long-standing legacy is anchored in job creation, empowerment, and developing …
The International Cricket Council (ICC) hosted a Women’s High Performance workshop in Lahore, which coincided with the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier which took place in the same city. The forum was attended by High Performance Managers, heads of women’s cricket, coaches and staff from Full and Associate Members of the ICC, including …
Dear Editor The DA calls for an urgent, independent audit of all SAPS personnel serving in high-risk and sensitive positions, particularly those stationed in courts, correctional facilities, and specialised units such as anti-gang task teams. This follows the alleged criminal conduct of a SAPS court orderly arrested in Kleinvlei – an area notorious for gang …
Given he grew up an avid Scarlets fan, Josh Adams had a rather unlikely favourite player as a youngster. The man in question didn’t play for the Llanelli-based team – in fact, he wasn’t even Welsh! Let the Cardiff Rugby wing explain all as he prepares for Friday’s huge Vodacom URC Kids Round clash with …
SA Rugby mourns the passing of Norman Mbiko, the last captain of the African Springboks and a former head coach of the Blitzboks, who passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning at the age of 79 after a long illness. Mr Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, paid tribute to Mbiko, describing him …
Dear Editor The remarks below were delivered this morning by the DA Spokesperson on Finance, Dr Mark Burke MP, in front of the High Court in Cape Town where the DA’s urgent court application to interdict the pending VAT increase will be heard. A recording of this morning’s event can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/live/7QFDB9dnT2c Some …
MEST Africa (www.Meltwater.org), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has announced its second cohort of 12 innovative companies for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship in Ghana. This six-month entrepreneurship acceleration program is dedicated to supporting Africa's most promising EdTech ventures by equipping them with mentorship, funding, and expertise in the science of learning. These newly selected companies are set to scale their groundbreaking solutions and address pressing educational challenges across Ghana.
The Second cohort builds on the success of the first cohort of 12 EdTech Companies, whose solutions impacted over 136,798 learners during the period of acceleration, underscoring the Fellowship's ability to drive transformative change.
“We are thrilled to welcome the second cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship,” said Angela Duho, Program Manager at MEST Africa. “In Ghana, EdTech is not just about innovation—it's about creating equal opportunities for every student, no matter where they live. It empowers teachers with the tools they need to inspire, and it prepares our youth for a future where digital skills are essential. The first cohort has already shown us what's possible, and we're confident that these new Fellows will continue to transform education and unlock potential across the country.”
The 12 EdTech companies selected for the 2025 cohort demonstrated strengths in [please add here] that point to Ghana's educational needs. Over the next six months, they will benefit from comprehensive support, including expert mentorship, access to funding, and specialized training, enabling them to scale their solutions effectively and sustainably.
The EdTech companies selected by MEST Africa for the 2025 Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship are:
“The Mastercard Foundation looks to support the acceleration of EdTech solutions that reach all, including those out-of-school young people who are constantly left out of the education ecosystem. For it is when we design with the end user in mind that the business case for the solutions is more scalable, sustainable and impactful. Our collaboration with MEST Africa is to transform education in Ghana through technology-enabled learning”, added Rodwell Mangisi, the Acting Director of the Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning.
Through the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, this cohort will embark on a transformative journey, gaining mentorship from experts in education innovation, sustainability, and scale, access to courses on the science of learning, and equity-free grants. This robust support aims to scale their solutions and elevate educational outcomes for millions across Ghana and Africa.
For more information about the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship and MEST Africa initiatives, visit www.Meltwater.org.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa).
For media inquiries, contact:
Francis Akondor
Marketing and Recruitment Manager, MEST Africa
francis@meltwater.org
About MEST Africa:
Established in 2008, the Meltwater Foundation is the non-profit arm of the global media intelligence company, Meltwater. Its mission is to create job opportunities and drive economic growth in Africa through software entrepreneurship, primarily via the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa). Based in Accra, Ghana, MEST offers a one-year, specialised tech entrepreneurial training program for top talent from over 22 countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Senegal. Additionally, MEST invests in early to growth-stage startups.
In 2020, MEST Programs was launched to forge partnerships with other foundations and organisations that share our goal of creating wealth and jobs in Africa through digital skills training and startup acceleration. MEST Africa has trained over 2,000 entrepreneurs and invested in more than 90 startups across various industries throughout Africa.
Visit www.Meltwater.org to learn more.
About the Mastercard Foundation:
The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organisations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organisation separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation's Board of Directors and leadership.
For more information on the Foundation, please visit www.MastercardFDN.org
About the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship:
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is an entrepreneurship acceleration program designed to support promising, African EdTech ventures. Implemented in partnership with innovation hubs and EdTech accelerators across Africa, the Fellowship provides select EdTech companies with critical business and financial support, as well as insight into the science of learning, preparing them for scale, sustainability, and impact. The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship was launched in 2019 by the Mastercard Foundation through its Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning with the goal to partner with 12 Tech Hubs to support over 250 EdTech companies and reach at least 1.8 million young people by 2025.
For more information about the Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning, visit: https://apo-opa.co/42DjLmm or contact: edtechfellowship@mastercardfdn.org
Praveen Baijnath, CEO of Rand Refinery, has been confirmed as a speaker at the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit, scheduled for June 2–4 in Accra. Baijnath will contribute to the panel discussion, Medium to Long-Term Funding Models for Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining, which will explore innovative financing mechanisms aimed at improving financial accessibility for small-scale miners.
As the head of the world's largest integrated single-site precious metals refining and smelting complex, Baijnath brings a critical perspective on the downstream sector's role in strengthening artisanal mining, supporting sector-wide growth and delivering value-added products tailored to African markets. Ghana's small-scale gold mining activities generated $5 billion in export revenue in 2024, while South Africa accounted for 60.5% of Ghana's gold exports to other African nations – highlighting the deep interconnection between the two countries' gold sectors.
Rand Refinery's major shareholders are also key players in Ghana's upstream gold industry. AngloGold Ashanti, which owns 42.5% of Rand Refinery, operates major Ghanaian mines including Iduapriem and Obuasi. Gold Fields, holding a 33.15% stake, manages the Tarkwa and Damang mines. Baijnath's participation is expected to foster stronger collaboration between South Africa and Ghana, promoting sustainable and inclusive development within the gold mining sector.
Organized by the Ashanti Green Initiative in partnership with the World Bank, World Gold Council and other international stakeholders, Mining in Motion 2025 will be held under the theme Sustainable Mining & Local Growth – Leveraging Resources for Global Impact. The event will welcome top-level decision-makers, including H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, along with representatives from the African Union, ECOWAS, the United Nations and the private sector.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Stay informed about the latest advancements, network with industry leaders, and engage in critical discussions on key issues impacting small-scale miners and medium to large scale mining in Ghana. Secure your spot at the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit by visiting www.MiningInMotionSummit.com. For sponsorship opportunities or delegate participation, contact sales@ashantigreeninitiative.org.
German technology leader Neuman & Esser will join the upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 forum in Paris, with Nmesoma Francess Okereke, Sales Manager - Flare Gas Recovery Specialist, and Dr. Jiří Rus, Sales Director for Africa, participating in a technical presentation and panel discussion focused on advancing gas monetization and energy efficiency across the continent.
Neuman & Esser brings over a century of expertise in gas compression, flare gas recovery and energy transition technologies. Specializing in high-performance compressor systems and green hydrogen solutions, the company plays a pivotal role in helping nations optimize energy production, reduce emissions and accelerate the shift to sustainable energy systems. By transforming flare gas into usable energy, Neuman & Esser supports operators in meeting environmental and regulatory goals, offering scalable, end-to-end solutions that combine German engineering with on-the-ground expertise to maximize resource value while aligning with global sustainability standards. The company will present on “Flare Gas Utilization – The Importance of Mid-Scale Integrated Gas Commercialization Solutions” at the upcoming forum.
IAE 2025 (www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors.Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Germany has been significantly expanding its investments in Africa in recent months, particularly in green energy and sustainable projects. The country has pledged €4 billion for green energy initiatives on the continent by 2030 and is advancing hydrogen and gas partnerships through the European Union's Global Gateway initiative. In December 2024, Germany further demonstrated its commitment by investing R5.2 billion in South Africa to support the country's energy transition and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
In Namibia, German investors have partnered on the $10 billion Hyphen Green Hydrogen Project, aiming to utilize the country's abundant solar and wind resources to produce green ammonia for global export. In December 2024, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Nigeria to discuss the future prospects for German-Nigerian energy collaboration, further solidifying the growing energy ties between Germany and the continent.
The IAE 2025 Forum serves as a crucial platform for connecting global capital and expertise with Africa's burgeoning energy sector. As European and global investors continue to deepen their investments and partnerships across the continent, the forum provides a unique opportunity to further explore collaborative efforts and advance Africa's energy transition. By bringing together key players from the global energy community, IAE 2025 will play a pivotal role in driving sustainable growth and innovation in Africa's energy future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Verdant Capital (www.Verdant-Cap.com) has been ranked second in the Financial Advisers (Transaction Flow) category for East Africa at the 2024 DealMakers AFRICA Awards, under the General Corporate Finance sector. This ranking is the 5th year in the row that Verdant has ranked in the top 3 in the DealMakers Africa East Africa league able, demonstrating the firm's consistent excellence in this market. This accolade highlights the firm's growing influence and consistent performance in East Africa's corporate finance space.
The DealMakers rankings are the authoritative rankings for finance professionals in the African continent, across financial advisory, sponsor services, legal and transaction services / financial due diligence. Awards are among the most prestigious in the inve industry, celebrating firms that demonstrate excellence in advisory services, transaction execution, and overall impact in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and other corporate finance activities. Rankings are based on the volume and value of completed deals, with Verdant Capital's second-place ranking reflecting a year of strong strategic advisory and client-focused execution.
In 2024 Verdant Capital, which is also trading under the Verdant IMAP brand, advised on transactions in sectors including financial services, fintech, agriculture, automotive, digital infrastructure and others, in East Africa, West Africa, Southern Africa and South Africa, transacting with corporates and financial investors from across Africa and from around the World.. The firm's deep market knowledge and expertise in mid-market transactions position it as a trusted adviser to companies, investors, and development finance institutions in East Africa and further afield. The firm continues to expand its regional presence, supporting clients with tailored financial solutions that drive meaningful impact across the continent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Verdant Capital.
Media Enquiries:
Verdant Capital:
Orient Mahonisi
T: +27 10 140 3700
E: orient.mahonisi@verdant-cap.com
About Verdant:
Verdant IMAP is a leading investment bank operating on a Pan-African basis and specialising in private capital markets. Verdant IMAP is the IMAP firm for its region; IMAP established in 1973, with 40 partner firms in 50 countries, with over 600 investment bankers and completing over 250 M&A transactions per year is the largest global M&A partnership. Verdant IMAP is a division of Verdant Capital. Verdant Capital is the manager of the Verdant Capital Hybrid Fund is investing mezzanine capital into inclusive financial institutions on a pan-African basis. www.Verdant-Cap.com
The 56th edition of French Olympic Week (Semaine Olympique Française de Hyères – Toulon Provence Méditerranée) began in classic Côte d’Azur conditions as 729 competitors from 56 nations started six days of racing. All ten fleets managed the full programme of 31 races in building offshore westerlies as Hyères was bathed in unending sunshine. After …
On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to Catholics in South Africa and globally on the passing of the Holy Father Pope Francis.
Aged 88, the Pope passed away early today, Monday, 21 April 2025, at his Vatican residence, the Casa Santa Marta.
President Ramaphosa said: “Catholics and people of all faiths are saddened today by the passing of a spiritual leader who sought to unite humanity and wished to see a world governed by fundamental human values.
“As the leader of the Church and a global figurehead, Pope Francis advanced a world view of inclusion, equality and care for marginalised individuals and groups, as well as responsible and sustainable custody of the natural environment.
“His extraordinary life story and ascendancy to the Holy See unfolded with humility and a profound commitment to making the Church and the world a better place for all of humanity.
“Following so soon after the celebration of Easter, Pope Francis' passing will extend this traditional period of prayer and reflection, which will unite the Church and the international community in reflecting on the Holy Father's life and legacy.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
African mining projects are increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations and meet ambitious production targets set by governments across the continent. As the mining industry undergoes a digital transformation, the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) will highlight the pivotal role of AI and other digital tools in optimizing exploration and production processes, with a view to unlocking new mineral reserves, reducing costs and enhancing worker safety.
Botswana Diversifies Mineral Portfolio
In Botswana, Botswana Diamonds is expanding its mineral portfolio beyond diamonds with an AI-based nationwide exploration campaign launched in August 2024. By March 2025, the company identified potential deposits of besshi, greenstone, Mississippi Valley-type lead and zinc, SEDEX and platinum group metals (PGMs). To capitalize on these discoveries, Botswana Diamonds has applied for 11 new prospecting licenses. John Teeling, Chairman of Botswana Diamonds, stated: “During the initial analysis of the big database, it became clear that the AI technology could be used to identify other unknown minerals opportunities… Our analysis so far has identified a series of targets in copper cobalt, zinc and gold.”
KoBold Advances Zambia's Critical Mineral Market
U.S.-based startup KoBold Metals is applying AI to enhance critical mineral exploration and mine development in Zambia. In January 2025, KoBold raised $537 million in new capital, bringing its total funding to $1 billion. The company is developing one of the world's largest untapped copper basins in Zambia, with plans to produce 300,000 tons annually by 2030 from its $2 billion Mingomba Project. Additionally, KoBold Metals is exploring the Dumbwa Mine and Konkola West Project, contributing to Zambia's goal of reaching 3 million tons of annual copper production by 2031.
Kilken Platinum Drives Mine Expansion
In South Africa, Kilken Platinum is utilizing AI to optimize operations at its Thabazimbi processing plant in Limpopo as part of an expansion plan to double PGM production to 83kgs per month. The project has already increased output to 40kgs in its initial phase. Dondo Mogajane, CEO of Kilken Platinum's parent company Moti Group, emphasized that AI enables real-time tracking of production metrics and ensures strict adherence to safety protocols.
Beyond these projects, Rio Tinto subsidiary Richards Bay Minerals is employing AI for ore body modeling, equipment dispatch management and blast control at its mines in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Glencore is leveraging digital technology to streamline critical mineral exploration as part of its Phase 2 expansion at the KTO copper and cobalt project. AMW 2025 will feature high-level discussions focused on AI's impact on industry growth, investment opportunities for technology providers and the broader economic benefits of digital transformation in mining.
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.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier went down to the wire, with the final place at the main event not decided until the very latter stages of the competition. Bangladesh ended up joining Pakistan among the top two but only held on by the skin of their teeth as West Indies narrowly missed …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance offers condolences to Catholics across the globe, on the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. Our thoughts and prayers are with all Catholics who feel this loss. Pope Francis will be remembered for his progressive leadership of the Church, and his compassion for those in need. As Head of …
Philip Snyman, head coach of the Springbok Sevens team, still believes his squad can beat any other team on the HSBC SVNS, so their ninth-place finish in Hong Kong Sevens was a bitter pill to swallow. Snyman said he accepts all the blame for a weekend of few highlights, but rather many disappointing moments. “I …
Nolusindiso Booi might be achieving a milestone 50th Test cap for South Africa, but for the Springbok Women’s captain, there is no “I” in team when they face Spain in their season opener on Saturday afternoon. Not only does she have an important role to play in a pack of forwards demanded of to provide …
It was a dramatic yet rewarding weekend for three of South Africa’s four Vodacom United Rugby Championship teams as the Vodacom Bulls, Hollywoodbets Sharks, and DHL Stormers registered crucial victories to stay on course as the playoff stages reach boiling point. However, there was bitter disappointment for the Emirates Lions who succumbed to their fifth …
Dear Editor The DA will request that Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi urgently appears before the parliamentary portfolio committee on health to account regarding government’s efforts to find alternative funding sources to replace the lost PEPFAR funding with. Spotlight and GroundUp revealed not only the dire financial straits facing the South African Medical Research Council …
The Springbok Women’s commanding victory over Spain in Alicante on Saturday was a good start to their season and according to a very pleased Swys de Bruin, the performance brought smiles to the faces of his coaching staff. The Bok Women showed good variety in the 48-26 victory in which they scored eight tries to …