Accused in Police Torture Case Considers Plea Deal
Three police officers are charged with torturing a barber in Cape Town in November 2023
Cape Town
Findings and the Recommendations of Investigation Rejected
GOOD Speech by Chad Davids,GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor 26 March 2025 Note to Editors: This speech was delivered during the Ordinary Council Meeting of the City of Cape Town, item C51: Alleged breach of the code of conduct for councillors and alleged financial offence of Alderman Grant Twigg The GOOD Party hereby submits […]
The post GRANT TWIGG: GOOD REJECTS THE FINDINGS AND THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF INVESTIGATION appeared first on For Good.
Speech by Siyabulela Mamkeli
GOOD Speech by Siyabulela Mamkeli,GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor 27 March 2025 *Note to Editors: This speech was delivered during the Ordinary Council Meeting of the City of Cape Town, item C29 Namhlanje, we discuss a proposal to sell City-owned land in Manenberg to The Leadership College at 10% of its market value. While […]
The post GOOD Speech by Siyabulela Mamkeli,GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor appeared first on For Good.
2nd Annual Sub-Saharan Africa Safer Internet Summit in Cape Town
TikTok (www.TikTok.com) hosted its second Annual Africa Safer Internet Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, bringing together government officials, regulators, and industry leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa. Delegates from South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Kenya, and other countries convened to discuss critical issues on online safety, content moderation, and digital policy development.
The Summit underscores TikTok's ongoing efforts to prioritise user safety in Africa while fostering an open dialogue with policymakers to shape robust frameworks that protect users' rights while encouraging innovation and creativity in the digital space.
Government and Industry Leaders Discuss Digital Safety
The Summit was officially opened by South Africa's Hon. Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, who highlighted the importance of collaboration among governments, technology platforms, and communities to foster a safer digital ecosystem.
Helena Lersch, TikTok's Vice President for Public Policy, in her remarks, reaffirmed the platform's commitment to user safety and the role of partnerships in creating a secure digital environment.
“Billions of people come to TikTok every day to create, share and connect and we're continually evolving our policies and practices to safeguard our platform so our community can discover and do what they love. This summit underscores the importance of collaboration between industry leaders and regulators in shaping a digital ecosystem that is both innovative and secure," said Lersch.
Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, Director of Public Policy & Government Relations for Sub-Saharan Africa, further emphasised the significance of collective efforts in digital safety, stating that the Summit serves as a valuable platform for sharing insights, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring that African users, particularly young people, are protected online.
Content Moderation in Africa
During the summit, TikTok reported a significant upward trend in its content removal rate across Sub-Saharan Africa, with data showing a 249.81% increase in content removals from the second quarter of 2023 to the fourth quarter of 2024. This improvement aligns with TikTok's global standards for content moderation and community guidelines enforcement. TikTok's Community Guidelines Enforcement Reports (https://apo-opa.co/3QMZNQH) reflect the platform's continued investment in automated moderation technology, alongside human safety experts that enables the detection and removal of harmful content before it reaches users. Globally, between July and September 2024, TikTok removed more than 147 million videos, of which 118 million were detected and removed automatically using these technologies.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, TikTok removed over 7.5 million videos in Q3 2024, rising to more than 8 million in Q4 2024—an increase of 14.06% quarter-on-quarter. Notably, 99.5% of these videos were removed before any user reports, underscoring TikTok's commitment to proactive moderation and swift action.
A similar trend was observed in North Africa, where TikTok removed over 7 million videos in both Q3 and Q4 of 2024. This represented an 8.70% increase in removals between the quarters, with 99.3% of these takedowns also occurring before user reports.
These figures highlight TikTok's ongoing efforts to provide a safe and positive online environment through robust, technology-enabled content moderation systems.
#SaferTogether - Driving Safer Digital Engagement
As part of its broader commitment to digital safety and education, TikTok is expanding its efforts across Africa through strategic partnerships and training programs that promote digital literacy, safety awareness, and responsible content creation.
At the forefront of these efforts is TikTok's flagship #SaferTogether campaign, which has achieved notable milestones since its launch in 2022.
In Kenya, the initiative, run in partnership with Eveminet (https://apo-opa.co/3Y8mHG7), a youth online protection organisation, has reached over 406,000 participants through in-person workshops across the country. These sessions provided communities with the knowledge and tools needed for responsible online engagement, particularly among students, teachers, and parents.
By working closely with civil society organisations, educators, and government agencies, TikTok continues to integrate proactive safety measures into its platform governance, creating safer digital environments for young users.
In Nigeria, TikTok launched Phase 2 of the #SaferTogether campaign in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) (https://apo-opa.co/3FFyx4d) and Data Science Nigeria (DSN) (https://apo-opa.co/3QNqzbJ). Building on the success of Phase 1, which educated parents in major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, and Kano on TikTok's safety features and mental well-being tools, the second phase aims to reach additional states and expand safety awareness among parents, teachers, and guardians.
Since September 2024, TikTok has also partnered with local creators across Sub-Saharan Africa to raise awareness about its safety features and Community Guidelines.
In Egypt, TikTok signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Journalists Syndicate to boost digital awareness, media literacy, and the detection of misinformation and online privacy risks. As part of this partnership, TikTok and the Syndicate hosted a one-day workshop equipping journalists and media professionals with the skills to navigate digital technologies safely and effectively. This collaboration underscores TikTok's ongoing commitment to empowering media professionals and supporting a more informed and digitally literate society.
Shaping the Future of Digital Safety in Africa - Global Youth Council
TikTok is also making a significant step in amplifying youth voices by expanding its Global Youth Council (https://apo-opa.co/4j2OWxZ) for 2025, further strengthening African representation. Originally launched in 2023 to empower young users and shape platform policies, the Global Youth Council has now nearly doubled in size, featuring 28 members from 15 countries. New representatives from Nigeria, Cameroon, Canada, Qatar, and Australia will join returning members from Brazil, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, the UK, and the US for a second term. The Youth Council plays an important role in shaping TikTok's safety, well-being, and inclusivity policies, ensuring that young users have a voice in the platform's continued evolution.
The Safer Internet Summit serves as an essential forum for best practice sharing between industry leaders and policymakers. By fostering collaboration, TikTok aims to ensure that digital spaces remain safe, inclusive, and conducive to creativity while balancing the need for effective governance and innovation.
"We value forums such as TikTok's Safer Internet Summit, which bring policymakers into one room for a shared purpose: keeping internet users safe. We are incredibly proud to be a partner of TikTok's #SaferTogether campaign. This collaboration not only underscores our shared commitment to fostering a safer online environment, but also opens new avenues for innovation and collaboration that will enable us to scale our efforts effectively for a safer internet for all.." — Emmanuel Edet - Acting Director, Regulation and Compliance NITDA
For more information on TikTok's safety policies and initiatives, visit our Safety Centre (https://apo-opa.co/4iYko0q), Guardian's Guide (https://apo-opa.co/3QPAKfS) and Youth Safety Center (https://apo-opa.co/4j9JWrB).
Link: https://apo-opa.co/4hZ3JZS
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TikTok.
City of Cape Town Proposes Affordable Housing on Prime Green Point Site
The land value of the site ranks “among the highest in the southern hemisphere”
Extortionists Close down Informal Businesses in Cape Town
SAPS says fighting extortion is a priority, but won’t provide details on its response
WC Government Puts Residents First
Earlier this week, Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, carried out a successful ministerial visit to the Garden Route. As part of the Erf 325 housing development in Pacaltsdorp, George, which has already delivered 874 “Breaking New Ground” units and 147 First-Home-Finance units, the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure (DOI), in partnership with the …
Palekar Promoted to ICC’s Elite Panel of Umpires
JOHANNESBURG: Allahuddien Palekar has become the latest South African umpire to join the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires after the international...
Western Province Clinch Hollywoodbets PR020 Title
JOHANNESBURG: The World Sports Betting Western Province successfully defended the T20 title after being crowned champions of the Hollywoodbets Pro20 on...
Move to Attract Private Investment in Rail and Ports Sectors
Premier Alan Winde welcomes the announcement by national Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, to initiate a Request For Information (RFI) for private sector participation in South Africa’s rail and ports sectors. “This is good news for our economy and makes it easier for more businesses in our province to thrive and create more jobs for …
inDrive Champions Female Empowerment in South Africa’s E-Hailing Industry
As South Africa continues to grapple with a persistently high unemployment rate, with 35% of women unemployed in the last quarter of 2024, global mobility leader inDrive (www.inDrive.com) is taking action to drive meaningful change. With a mission to impact 1 billion people globally through challenging injustice, inDrive is committed to increasing female representation in South Africa's e-hailing industry and creating economic opportunities for women.
This International Women's Month, inDrive is taking a bold step toward greater inclusivity by setting a target to onboard over 400 female drivers in Cape Town. By creating more earning opportunities for women and meeting the growing demand for female drivers, this initiative seeks to foster a more diverse and equitable ride-hailing industry. Increasing female representation behind the wheel is a key move toward economic empowerment and a more inclusive mobility landscape.
Recent research revealed that over 80% of e-hailing passengers would prefer female drivers when given a choice. These findings highlight the critical need for increased female participation in the industry, ensuring more inclusive, and trusted mobility experience for all.
“We understand the barriers women face in accessing employment opportunities in South Africa. Our commitment to increasing female driver participation is just one of the ways we aim to create more equitable opportunities,” said Ashif Black, Country Representative at inDrive South Africa. “Passengers also have the option to select female drivers, enhancing their control over the ride experience and further empowering women in the industry.”
Beyond economic empowerment, inDrive's initiative strengthens trust and confidence in South Africa's ride-hailing services by providing passengers—especially women—with greater choice. As the company continues its global mission to challenge injustice, create opportunities, and redefine fair mobility, it remains steadfast in its commitment to driving gender equality in the transport sector.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of inDrive.
Press Contact:
Public Relations Manager - inDrive Africa
Lineo Thakhisi
Phone: +2781 3636 872
Email: lineo.thakhisi@indriver.com
About inDrive:
inDrive is a global mobility and urban services platform. The inDrive app has been downloaded over 280 million times, and was the second most downloaded mobility app for the third consecutive year. In addition to ride-hailing, inDrive provides an expanding list of urban services, including intercity transportation and delivery. In 2023, inDrive launched New Ventures, a venture and M&A arm.
inDrive operates in 888 cities in 48 countries. Driven by its mission of challenging social injustice, the company is committed to having a positive impact on the lives of one billion people by 2030. It pursues this goal both through its core business, which supports local communities via a fair pricing model; and through the work of inVision, its non-profit arm. inVision's community empowerment programs help to advance education, sports, arts and sciences, gender equality and other vital initiatives.
For more information visit www.inDrive.com
AEW 2025 to Host NOC-IOC Forum in Cape Town
This year's African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference will debut the first-ever National Oil Company (NOC) and International Oil Company (IOC) Forum, a dynamic platform that brings key public and private sector stakeholders into direct conversation to drive investment, secure new deals, foster local capacity building and advance exploration.
A key focus of the forum will be enhancing collaboration in the exploration, development and production of hydrocarbon resources across the continent, with an emphasis on data sharing and joint decision-making to unlock untapped potential. In South Africa, TotalEnergies is preparing to drill its first exploration well on Block 3B/4B, leveraging 14,000 km of 2D seismic and 10,800 km² of 3D seismic, with a large set of exploration prospects already identified. In Angola, Sonangol is ramping up offshore exploration on Block 6/24, focusing on geological and geophysical studies and seismic data reprocessing to assess the block's resource potential, which includes a possible commercial oil discovery. Meanwhile, in Equatorial Guinea, GEPetrol has partnered with Panoro Energy on Block EG-23, conducting subsurface studies to evaluate the block's potential, with the possibility of drilling an exploration well.
In parallel, new market activity is reshaping Africa's exploration landscape, as both NOCs and IOCs pursue strategic acquisitions, partnerships and project expansions. Chevron has strengthened its presence in Equatorial Guinea by securing PSCs for two highly prospective offshore blocks. In October 2024, Brazilian NOC Petrobras acquired a 10% stake in the offshore Deep Western Orange Basin in South Africa as part of its strategy to boost reserves and expand its footprint in Africa's emerging oil and gas markets. Last month, Chinese state-backed company Sinopec signed an $850 million contract with Algerian NOC Sonatrach for exploration and development, securing a PSC covering the Hassi Berkane North license. Sonatrach is also in discussions with Eni, TotalEnergies, Chevron and ExxonMobil for exploration and development activities in the region. The NOC-IOC Forum will provide a key platform to examine these developments, fostering discussions on how public and private sector cooperation can accelerate exploration, attract capital and unlock new resource opportunities.
The NOC-IOC Forum will also focus on forging new partnerships to drive capacity-building programs and facilitate knowledge-sharing, empowering local talent in the oil and gas sector. The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) has been active in establishing partnerships to support the country's goal of producing first oil by year-end. This includes a collaboration with QatarEnergy focused on providing training and development opportunities for NAMCOR employees in industry-specific skills. In October 2024, NAMCOR also signed an agreement with global technology company SLB to improve operational performance in decarbonization, green hydrogen and sustainable energy, with an emphasis on local capacity development. Meanwhile, Mozambique's Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos is investing in specialized offshore drilling services, reinforcing the state's involvement in the country's oil and gas projects through an agreement with Italian multinational oilfield services company Saipem.
Additionally, the NOC-IOC Forum will facilitate the exchange of insights on regional and global energy regulations, helping participants navigate the evolving energy landscape. In the Republic of Congo, Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo is working closely with private sector companies and IOCs to gather input for its upcoming Gas Master Plan, as well as developing a new gas code aimed at modernizing the regulatory framework to attract foreign investment. This push for regulatory improvements has driven increased IOC activity in the country, with Eni advancing the second phase of its $5 billion Congo LNG project and TotalEnergies committing $600 million to expand its E&P operations, specifically in the deep offshore Moho Nord Field.
The NOC-IOC Forum offers a strategic platform for both African NOCs and IOCs to present their exploration strategies, access available acreage and showcase ongoing energy developments. By facilitating direct engagement across sectors, the forum will drive insightful exchanges on sharing data and insights to improve decision-making, optimizing operational efficiencies and unlocking new investment opportunities. These discussions will ensure that partnerships are mutually beneficial, aligning national development goals with commercial objectives while fostering a more integrated and strategic approach to Africa's energy future.
“The launch of the first-ever NOC-IOC Forum at AEW 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Africa's energy sector. By positioning key national and international stakeholders in direct dialogue, the forum aims to drive investment, foster collaboration and empower local talent. This is an exciting opportunity for both NOCs and IOCs to present their strategies, forge new partnerships and contribute to the sustainable development of Africa's hydrocarbon sector,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
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 www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Ministry confirms meeting with Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool
Ministry confirms meeting with Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool
The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation announced on Monday that Minister Ronald Lamola had met with Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool after his return from the United States (US).
Ebrahim landed at the Cape Town International Airport over the weekend after being expelled by the US.
“Following the meeting, a formal report will be submitted to the President for his consideration. Pending this, the Ministry or Department will not engage in public engagements on the matter,” a statement issued by the Ministry on Monday said.
Last week, the Presidency said it remained committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 03/24/2025 - 15:14
49 views
Lions Crowned Hollywoodbets PR050 Champions
JOHANNESBURG: The DP World Lions were crowned champions of the Hollywoodbets Pro50 after a dominant 101-run victory over the Fidelity Titans...
Minister leads G20 environment working group
Minister leads G20 environment working group
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, will this week lead the Group of Twenty (G20) Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) as part of South Africa’s Presidency of the G20.
“It is expected that the outcome of this first virtual G20 ECSWG meeting will provide strategic direction and a common understanding amongst G20 Member States on the key environmental and climate change priorities and deliverables,” the Minister said on Sunday.
Taking place under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” the Minister is expected to open the meeting on Tuesday, by setting the scene for South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 ECSWG, provide an opportunity to discuss the five priorities and deliverables, and also present the proposed work plan for the G20 ECSWG for 2025.
The priority focus areas for South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 ECSWG include:
- Biodiversity and Conservation – Implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework and the Biodiversity Economy;
- Land Degradation, Desertification and Drought – Land Degradation Neutrality targets;
- Chemicals and Waste Management – Sustainable Chemicals Management; Circular Economy; Waste Management; Waste to Energy; Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) implementation;
- Climate Change and Air Quality – Just Transition; Loss and Damage; Adaptation, including Climate Resilient Development (CRD); Climate Finance and Air Quality; and
- Oceans and Coastal Management – Marine Spatial Planning – ocean governance; combatting marine plastic pollution.
The G20 ECSWG aims to enhance cooperation amongst all G20 members and invitees to address environmental and climate change priorities.
The G20 comprises 19 countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom and United States, as well as two regional bodies, namely the European Union and the African Union.
The G20 members represent about two-thirds of the world population, approximately 85% of the global GDP and over 75% of the global trade.
This platform is considered as the leading forum for international economic cooperation and plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.
South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 commenced on 01 December 2024 and will continue until 30 November 2025.
The Presidency will build upon on the achievements of India (2023 Presidency) and Brazil (2024 Presidency), to ensure continuity in advancing the developmental agenda within the G20.
“South Africa’s G20 Presidency provides a unique opportunity for the country to champion the aspirations of emerging market economies and lead the developmental agenda of the African Continent within the framework of the G20."
A total of three G20 ECSWG meetings and one ECSWG Ministerial meeting will be held in South Africa, with the first virtual meeting scheduled to take place from 25 – 28 March 2025; followed by the second meeting from 14-18 July 2025 at Kruger National Park, and the final meeting in October 2025 at Cape Town.
The Ministerial meeting will be held back-to-back with the third ECSWG meeting in October 2025.
The department will also roll out outreach and awareness activities in the buildup to the three G20 ECSWG meetings throughout the country to amplify the messaging on the focus areas for the G20 ECSWG.
“The department will leverage South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 to market and showcase the Kruger-Kirstenbosch-iSimangaliso Icon Status Strategy (KISS). Some of the meetings and activities will take place at these iconic world-class sites to showcase them on the global stage,” the Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 03/24/2025 - 10:00
179 views
Creecy unveils private sector role in revitalising rail and port infrastructure
Creecy unveils private sector role in revitalising rail and port infrastructure
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has officially unveiled a groundbreaking Request for Information (RFI), aimed at transforming the country’s struggling rail and port infrastructure through strategic partnerships with the private sector.
“Today, I am launching an online request for information to develop an enabling environment for Private Sector Participation (PSP) and enhance investment in rail and port infrastructure and operations,” Creecy said during a media briefing on Sunday.
The Minister described this decision as a significant step in government’s efforts to partner with the private sector, ensuring that the country’s rail network and ports reclaim their crucial role in enhancing trade and driving economic growth.
Creecy highlighted the urgent need for intervention, citing significant challenges, including infrastructure deterioration, vandalism, theft, underinvestment, and operational inefficiencies that have hindered economic growth.
“The limited availability of State resources to fund infrastructure development and address backlogs has intensified these challenges, severely restricting the ability of State-Owned Entities (SOEs) to fulfill their critical mandates.,” she explained.
The Minister told journalists that Transnet and government have received many “unsolicited“ proposals from the private sector offering investment skills and expertise to support the rehabilitation and reform of our struggling rail and port systems.
“This overwhelming interest has made it clear to the department and Transnet that we must engage in broad and inclusive market research before issuing requests for proposals in August this year.”
However, according to the Minister, these processes are not formal procurement methods, but rather a mechanism to gather and analyse information from the market.
She stated that the government recognises the importance of understanding the freight logistics landscape from the perspective of interested and affected parties.
The Minister believes that this will ensure that solutions are both effective and sustainable during this initial phase of PSP.
The RFI targets key mineral export routes, include the corridor from Northern Cape to Saldanha for iron ore and manganese exports, as well as the routes from Limpopo and Mpumalanga to Richards Bay for coal and chrome exports.
In addition, there is an intermodal supply chain project that focuses on the container and automotive sectors.
This project encompasses the port, container, and automotive port terminals, as well as back-of-port arrangements and railway and inland terminals.
It will also address the corridors connecting Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (Durban), Gauteng and Eastern Cape (East London, Port Elizabeth and Ngqura), and Gauteng and Western Cape (Cape Town).
“The RFI represents a pivotal step forward in our shared commitment to building a 21st-century transport system that goes beyond mobility to strengthen industrial competitiveness, deepen regional integration, and drive inclusive economic growth.”
Creecy believes this move will help the department express challenges in a structured and coherent manner, clearly defining their scope, context, and impact to guide the development of focused, strategic, and sustainable solutions.
Support for new and emerging players
Meanwhile, Creecy said the State has committed to principles of job retention, State asset ownership, localisation, and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) and gender equality, by providing strong support to new and emerging players in the rail and port sectors.
A dedicated PSP unit, to be hosted by the Development Bank of South Africa, will oversee the initiative.
The eight-week online consultation process, running from 24 March to 9 May 2025, aims to gather comprehensive market insights before issuing formal proposals in August.
Stakeholders are encouraged to participate through the department’s website or dedicated online portal at www.psp-rfi.co.za, with all submitted information to be treated confidentially.
“I encourage all Interested and affected parties to actively engage in this RFI process, contributing to the PSP unit’s efforts in shaping the potential PSP programme of projects and designing future bid packages for procurement,” she added.
Government plans to release a second RFI focusing on passenger rail initiatives in May this year. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 03/23/2025 - 13:28
57 views
Open Book Youth Fest Kicks off in Langa
Showcasing a range of mostly children’s books, the festival is set to run until next week
X-Factor Stars Return
DHL Stormers boss John Dobson is targeting a top six finish in the BKT URC as he welcomes back X-Factor players for the crucial run-in to the play-offs. Dobson’s team got their season back on track with a 19-16 win away to the high-flying Vodacom Bulls at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld in the last round. As …
Junior Boks Gear up for Third Camp
The Junior Springboks are set to reconvene at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS) next week with a squad of 41 players for their third training camp of the year, and the first gathering since their return from a successful tour in Georgia three weeks ago. The extended Junior Bok squad will assemble from Monday, …
Removal of Illegal Connections Sparks Protests in Khayelitsha
Residents of Social Distance informal settlement demand electricity supply
Herd of Life-Sized Animal Puppets to Travel Through Central Africa to Norway
Large-scale public art project to raise awareness about climate change
President takes ‘dim view’ on US visit seeking Cape secession
President takes 'dim view' on US visit seeking Cape secession
President Cyril Ramaphosa takes a “very strong dim view” of a proposed visit to the United States of America by the Cape Independence Advocacy Group to seek the Western Cape’s secession from South Africa.
This according to Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya who addressed the media on Thursday morning.
“Our constitutional democracy that we forged in 1994, created a singular, non-racial state that recognises and protects our unity in diversity. From Musina to Cape Town, we are one democratic society that should never be allowed to fall under the chasm of race divide.
“There is no part of our beautiful land that can be allowed to secede. The President cautions everyone to exercise his or her Constitutionally given right, but to do so in the manner that does not undermine and subvert Constitutional democracy in South Africa.
“We should all be actively engaged in building a better South Africa in the face of unpredictable geo-political dynamics,” Magwenya said.
Turbulent times
Of late, South Africa has grappled with tensions with the United States of America, following the promulgation of the Expropriation Act of 2025 and, more recently, the expulsion of South African Ambassador to the USA, Ebrahim Rasool.
Magwenya explained that the Expropriation Act of 2025 replaces the Apartheid government’s 1975 Expropriation Act to align it to the country’s “land reform policies in line with our democratic Constitutional order”.
“The new Act introduces a transparent expropriation basis that strikes a healthy balance on land reform with legal protections. The Expropriation Act followed all legal prescribed channels to be enacted into law.
“Therefore, it leaves one to wonder what wrong have we done as a country with respect to this particular Act. We remain a rule of law society, and we adhere unwaveringly to the principles of our Constitutional democracy.
“We strongly reject any insinuation or assertion that through the Expropriation Act, we are committing acts of human rights violations, we are arbitrarily expropriating land,” Magwenya said.
On the return of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, Magwenya said government urges all political formations planning homecoming rallies for the ambassador to “refrain from partaking or engaging in actions that may seem inflammatory” and that may “worsen the already volatile diplomatic relationship with the United States”. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 03/20/2025 - 12:54
265 views
Political Will Needed to Save Lives Amid USAID Funding Cuts, Say Activists
“We will not let our people die” says Zackie Achmat
UAE Investments Drive African Mining Growth
Ambrosia Enters Malian Market
In February 2025, investment fund Ambrosia Investment Holding acquired a 50% stake in Canadian firm Allied Gold's mining projects in Ethiopia and Mali. As part of the deal, Ambrosia will inject $375 million in working capital to accelerate project development, boosting Ethiopia and Mali's gold output by 290,000 ounces per annum by mid-2026 and 400,000 ounces per annum by 2028, respectively. Additionally, Ambrosia plans to deploy solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems to ensure energy security at the Sadiola mine in Mali by July 2026 as part of the acquisition agreement.
AD Ports Kickstarts Luanda Operations
Logistics firm AD Ports Group started operations at the Luanda Port in January 2025 as part of a $250 million investment plan. With the Luanda Port handling 76% of Angola's cargo volumes and serving as a crucial trade corridor between international markets and Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, AD Ports' investment will bolster the region's mining sector. AD Ports will operate the terminal over the next 20 years. The company could increase investments at the facility to $380 million to meet the growing demand for logistics as Angola's container volumes are anticipated to increase by 3.3% annually over the next decade.
IHC Bolsters Production at Mopani Mine
International Holding Company boosted ore production at the Mopani Mine in Zambia from 2.2 million tons to 2.8 million tons in January 2025 through its $1.1 billion investment made in March 2024. The mine has also improved copper grade from 1.68% to 2.21% and expanded employment from 10,765 to 12,684 workers.
Emiral Expedites Ghana, Mauritania Projects
Emiral Mining is fast-tracking its iron ore project in Mauritania, with a pre-feasibility study report set for release in Q1, 2025. The company has invested $40 million in exploration since February 2020. Additionally, Emiral Mining is strengthening Ghana's gold industry through its majority stake in Asante Gold Corporation, the operator of Ghana's major gold mines such as Bibiani and Chirano. Asante Gold Corporation is undertaking a $522 million expansion program for the Bibiani and Chirano Mines.
Looking Ahead
A number of UAE public and private sector entities are seeking partnership and investment opportunities across various African markets. International Resources Holding signed an agreement with South Africa's Public Investment Corporation in late 2024 to invest in mining, green energy and logistics projects. Similarly, DP World announced a five-year $3 billion investment plan in mid-2024 to enhance Africa's logistics infrastructure and facilitate mineral exports to international markets. In Kenya, the UAE Ministry of Investment and Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund ADQ signed agreements in 2024 to invest in the country's mining sector as part of broader efforts to enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
The upcoming African Mining Week – taking place October 1-3 in Cape Town - presents an ideal platform for UAE and African stakeholders to strengthen industry cooperation. As the premier event for the African mining industry, African Mining Week fosters collaboration and dealmaking, striving to advance projects and consolidate the continent's position as a global mineral producer. The event takes place under the theme From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa's Mineral Wealth.
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.