Lottery Corruption Case Reaches Court After Years of Delays
No progress from National Prosecuting Authority in at least another 18 cases with a further 21 under investigation by SAPS and the Hawks
Gender-based violence
Kraaifontein Residents Protest About Living Conditions
Lists of demands handed over to City of Cape Town, Western Cape health department and SAPS
Cape Cultural Collective Aims to Promote Diversity in the Arts
Standing ovation closes Women’s Month event
National Dialogue: Undermined by Poor Planning
The GOOD Party joined the inaugural National Dialogue at UNISA in Pretoria (15–16 August) because we believe the voices of South Africa’s most vulnerable must be heard and government must be held accountable where it fails. At its core, the Dialogue was a powerful democratic initiative, government leaders sharing a space with civil society, business, faith leaders and citizens.
The post NATIONAL DIALOGUE: UNDERMINED BY POOR PLANNING, BUT WORTH FIGHTING FOR appeared first on For Good.
Women’s Day 2025: Honouring Courage, Defending Humanity
This Women’s Day, we honour the courage, resilience, and leadership of women in South Africa. We celebrate the countless women in our communities who hold families and neighbourhoods together - as caregivers, breadwinners, community leaders and changemakers - often without recognition or reward. To you, we say: “Siyabonga, Mbo-Kodo.”
The post WOMEN’S DAY 2025: HONOURING COURAGE, DEFENDING HUMANITY appeared first on For Good.
Performance and Oversight Reports Reveal Johannesburg’s Service Crisis
GOOD Statement by Matthew Cook,GOOD National Chairperson and City of Johannesburg Councillor 30 July 2025 Today’s Council session laid bare the widening gap between political promises and lived realities in Johannesburg. While oversight reports covered multiple separate portfolios what emerged was a single, sobering truth: our city is in systemic crisis, and the poorest residents […]
The post JOHANNESBURG COUNCIL: PERFORMANCE AND OVERSIGHT REPORTS REVEAL SERVICE CRISIS appeared first on For Good.
In 3 Years the World Will Run out of Time to Avoid the Worst Impacts of Climate Change
Planet Earth is living on borrowed time, a new global report reveals. The world must stop burning fossil fuels now and take urgent steps to reduce global warming.
Mystery Surrounds R3-Million in Lottery Funds Paid to ASA
ASA says it was unaware of the payment
How Lottery Looters Hijacked a GBV Organisation
R18-million, awarded to the Make Me Movement, was stolen
New Book Tells the Life of Veteran Activist Mandla Majola
The book was written by two professors from the United States
School Girls March for Better Policing
Girl Guides want officers to be better trained to handle GBV cases
Charity “Icon” May Have Used Donor Money for Beauty Treatments, Judge Says
Court finds Mara Glennie may have misappropriated R2-million
Empowering Youth for the 4IR Just an Illusion in South Africa
(Parliamentary debate: Skills in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Empowering the youth for changing economic participation) It is ironic that South Africa is debating the empowerment of youth for the Fourth Industrial Revolution while many learners are still struggling to master the basic skills of reading, writing and comprehension. In addition to academic […]
The post Empowering youth for the Fourth Industrial Revolution just an illusion in South Africa appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
New Book by Edwin Cameron Gives Practical Steps to Reform Prisons
“The biggest public policy mistake of the last 125 years was the war on drugs”
Urgent Action Demanded to Address Growing Number of GBV and Rape Incidents in Mpumalanga
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is deeply concerned about the persistent increase in gender-based violence and rape in Mpumalanga, and demands urgent action from the relevant authorities. Mpumalanga’s residents – particularly women and children – live in constant fear due to the high incidence of sexual crimes and violence. The most recent crime statistics, […]
The post Freedom Front Plus demands urgent action to address growing number of gender-based violence and rape incidents in Mpumalanga appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Chanelle Plaatjies Is More Than a Name
GOOD Statement by Brett Herron ,GOOD Secretary-General & Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament 03 June 2025 Today, a female body was discovered during a community search for missing teenager, Chanelle Plaatjies. Chanelle was reported missing by her mother on May 28. We do not yet have confirmation that the body is hers nor […]
The post CHANELLE PLAATJIES IS MORE THAN A NAME: THE WESTERN CAPE’S FAILURE TO PROTECT ITS GIRLS appeared first on For Good.
Party Stands Firm on Justice for Joshlin Smith Amid Controversial Remarks
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.
Our Children Must Be Protected
GOOD Statement by Roxaan Vorster,GOOD George Municipality Councillor 28 May 2025 The GOOD Party is appalled and deeply disturbed by the horrific rape and kidnapping of a 10-year-old girl in George on Saturday, 24 May 2025. We commend the swift actions of community members and law enforcement who worked tirelessly to find the victim and […]
The post GEORGE: OUR CHILDREN MUST BE PROTECTED appeared first on For Good.
African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Must Push for Reforms to Protect Women and Girls, Urges Equality Now
Equality Now (www.EqualityNow.org) is urging the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to call upon African Union (AU) member states to urgently address rising sexual violence and exploitation of women and girls across the continent.
In its statement to the 83rd Ordinary Session of the Commission this month, the human rights organisation called on the Commission to use its mandate to underscore the importance to governments about the need to provide reparations for survivors of sexual violence, criminalise femicide, boost efforts to end child marriage, and strengthen laws to stop digital violence.
Equality Now wants the Commission to remind States of their obligations under the Maputo Protocol on Women's Rights (http://apo-opa.co/4mnt56T). Of the 55 member States, 45 have ratified or signed the protocol.
Deborah Nyokabi, a legal equality and gender policy expert at Equality Now, explains, “Women and girls across Africa are enduring violence in all its forms - including rape, child marriage, femicide, trafficking, and digital abuse - while legal systems too often fail to protect or deliver justice. These are not isolated issues but symptoms of a broader failure to uphold the rights enshrined in the Maputo Protocol.”
“African governments must prioritise legal reform, provide reparations to survivors, and close the protection gaps that leave so many women and girls vulnerable and without access to assistance when their rights have been violated, especially in conflict zones where the breakdown of services intensifies harm.”
Sexual violence reparations
According to figures (http://apo-opa.co/4jctrKY) released by UNICEF last year, more than 79 million girls and women in sub-Saharan Africa have been subjected to rape or sexual assault as children. The region has the highest number of child sexual violence victims in the world.
Yet research by Equality Now found that survivors of sexual violence are being denied justice. In its report, “Barriers to Justice: Rape in Africa, Law, Practice and Access to Justice” (http://apo-opa.co/4moIxj6), the NGO exposed key gaps in rape laws in 45 African countries, which included allowing rape in marriage, perpetrators to walk free from court if they agree to marry their victims, and judges to define evidence based on the complainant's behaviour.
In its statement, Equality Now called on the Commission to urge member States to urgently integrate the Niamey Guidelines (http://apo-opa.co/4jeCsTE) on combatting sexual violence, adopted by the Commission in 2017, emphasising governments' obligation to provide reparations to survivors.
Criminalising femicide
The NGO called on the Commission to implore governments to criminalise femicide - the most extreme and brutal manifestation of violence against women.
Equality Now's report “Gender Inequality in Family Laws in Africa: An Overview of Key Trends in Select Countries” (http://apo-opa.co/3SJVkPy) revealed that the most devastating facet of inequality within the family is sexual and gender-based violence, including domestic violence, marital rape, economic violence and femicide, which is the intentional murder of a woman or girl because of their gender.
In 2023, an average of 140 women and girls were killed (http://apo-opa.co/3FfMOEV) by a partner or family member every day. Current and former intimate partners were the most likely perpetrators. Yet not enough is being done to end the crisis or hold offenders to account.
In South Africa, a national femicide study (http://apo-opa.co/3HhFEAv) found that three women a day were killed by an intimate partner in 2020/21, but in 44% of cases, police had failed to identify a perpetrator. In Kenya, 170 cases of femicide (http://apo-opa.co/4kuOVUs) were reported in 2024. A petition (http://apo-opa.co/4kuOVUs) calling on the government to make femicide a distinct crime has received more than 78,000 signatures.
In Cameroon last month, Bekobe Eric, accused of murdering his wife Diane Yangwo, received (http://apo-opa.co/4mfd9n8) a five-year suspended sentence and a fine of 52,000 CFA (approximately $90). The sentence was immediately denounced by women's rights advocates.
Earlier this year, the African Union took a significant step to address the crisis by adopting the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (http://apo-opa.co/4kuPjCk), which included an explicit definition of femicide. Equality Now wants the Commission to seize the momentum to encourage governments to recognise and criminalise femicide as a distinct crime, and outlaw marital rape and domestic violence.
Safeguarding rights in Sudan and the DRC
Equality Now urges the Commission to encourage Sudan to ratify the Maputo Protocol to provide essential legal protections for women and girls. Sudan is now in its third year of conflict, facing widespread destruction, significant civilian casualties and an unparalleled humanitarian crisis.
Women and girls are bearing the brunt of Sudan's war (http://apo-opa.co/434bmd9), with sexual violence being weaponised by both sides. The destruction of healthcare infrastructure, however, means there are inadequate medical and reproductive health services to support survivors of violence, which has led to more unintended pregnancies, miscarriages and maternal deaths.
Increasing rates of maternal mortality are also being recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where decades of conflict have severely damaged healthcare services.
The Commission should encourage both countries to integrate sexual and reproductive health rights into their humanitarian response.
End child marriage
In its statement to the Commission, Equality Now expressed deep concern at the continued high rates of child marriage across the continent. Fourteen of the 20 countries with the highest prevalence rates are in Africa. Child marriage is a serious human rights violation (http://apo-opa.co/3SLkD3G). Girls are often forced to drop out of school, restricting their life chances, and are likely to give birth at a young age, which poses severe health risks.
One of the reasons child marriage is continuing unchecked is because of weak legal protections, which must be addressed, said Equality Now. All AU member States should raise the minimum age of marriage to 18, without exceptions, and implement measures and programmes to end child marriage in line with recommendations (http://apo-opa.co/4mpDrDo) made in 2017 by the Commission and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
End sexual exploitation
The Commission was also asked to encourage member States to address the surge in trafficking of women and girls across the continent.
UNODC's 2024 global report on trafficking (http://apo-opa.co/4kMq3Yv) found that a third of all cross-border trafficking flows involved Africans. In sub-Saharan Africa, 98% of victims were trafficked within the region, 21% for sexual exploitation. About 42% of trafficked victims in sub-Saharan Africa were girls.
Member States have enacted anti-trafficking laws and policies, but they are not being adequately enforced. Meanwhile, the systemic factors that make women and girls vulnerable to sexual exploitation have not been meaningfully addressed.
Digital spaces are also becoming more dangerous for women and girls. Online abuse, including sexual harassment and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, is rising in tandem with increased internet penetration. Technology is increasingly being weaponised to attack women and girls, including women politicians, journalists and human rights defenders.
Digital violence is being exacerbated by weak legal protections, underreporting and the limited capacity for law enforcement to investigate tech-related crimes. Governments need to enforce and tighten existing laws on online sexual exploitation and invest in digital safety initiatives, in line with the recently adopted UN Global Digital Compact (http://apo-opa.co/4kxzb33), said Equality Now.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Equality Now.
Notes to editors:
For media enquiries, contact:
Tara Carey
Global Head of Media
Equality Now
Tcarey@equalitynow.org
T. +44 (0)7971556340 (available on WhatsApp and Signal)
About Equality Now:
Equality Now (https://EqualityNow.org) is an international human rights organisation dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of all women and girls worldwide. Its work is organised around four main program areas: Achieving Legal Equality, Ending Sexual Violence, Ending Harmful Practices, and Ending Sexual Exploitation, with a cross-cutting focus on the unique challenges facing adolescent girls.
Equality Now combines grassroots activism with legal advocacy at the international, regional, and national levels to achieve systemic change, and collaborates with local partners to ensure governments enact and enforce laws and policies that uphold women's and girls' rights.
For more information about Equality Now, visit www.EqualityNow.org, and find us on Bluesky @ equalitynow.bsky.social (https://apo-opa.co/3H4U6fb), on Instagram @ equalitynoworg (http://apo-opa.co/3S9vxAb), Linkedin at Equality Now (https://EqualityNow.org).
SA participates in Education World Forum
SA participates in Education World Forum
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, is to lead a South African Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector delegation to the Education World Forum (EWF) 2025 taking place in London.
“The Education World Forum offers a valuable platform for collaboration among global education leaders. By sharing innovative practices and insights, we can strengthen our higher education system, equipping youth with essential skills to drive economic growth and reduce unemployment,” the Deputy Minister said on Sunday.
EWF 2025 is the world’s largest annual gathering of education leaders and ministers. Gondwe is scheduled to participate in the event from 18 to 21 May 2025.
The Deputy Minister will champion South Africa’s commitment to equitable access and quality education for all by taking part in key discussions and engagements, at the EWF, relating to themes such as girls' education, preventing gender-based violence, fostering public-private partnerships to drive innovation in education, and promoting vocational education and skills development as pathways for youth employment and economic growth.
“Deputy Minister Gondwe has expressed hope and excitement that the insights gained at EWF 2025 will help provide solutions and guidance for some challenges facing the local higher education sector,” the Ministry of Higher Education and Training said. -SAnews.gov.za
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8 Life Terms for Rape of Businesswoman
The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice, Ms Jane Mananiso, welcomed the long-term sentence, of eight life terms, for convicted rapist Mr Moses Gqesha.
Mr Gqesha's charges included kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, theft, and multiple counts of rape to a gender-based violence activist, Ms Andisiwe Andy Kawa on 9 December 2010, at King's Beach in Summerstrand, Gqeberha. Mr Gqesha was arrested in 2020 for an unrelated incident and forensic evidence taken from Ms Kawa in 2010 linked him to the rape.
“Firstly, we want to applaud the South African Police Services for safeguarding the forensic evidence taken from Ms Kawa in 2010, that linked the rapist later to these heinous crimes. It was because of this act that this criminal will not face years behind bars and pay for his crimes,” said Ms Mananiso.
“Furthermore, we want to commend the National Prosecuting Authority for a successful prosecution especially because the accused denied the charges even after he was linked with forensic evidence. This is truly commendable.
“In a country that experienced high rates of gender-based violence and femicide, this is a victory for those thousands of women either still struggling for justice and those who fear speaking up against perpetrators. This is a sign that the wheels of justice do indeed turn,” emphasized Ms Mananiso.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Igniting Africa’s Energy and Water Future – Just One Week to Go!
The countdown is on! From 20-22 May 2025, the vibrant city of Cape Town will host Enlit Africa, the continent's most electrifying gathering of power, energy and water professionals. This is not just an event—it's a call to spark transformation, forge connections and power a sustainable future for Africa and beyond. With a dynamic programme bursting with innovation, inspiration and actionable insights, Enlit Africa is set to be the unmissable epicentre of Africa's energy and water revolution.
A powerhouse of vision and innovation
Enlit Africa 2025 is where the brightest minds, boldest ideas and cutting-edge technologies converge to shape the future of Africa's power, energy and water sectors. Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, this three-day extravaganza will bring together utilities, policymakers, innovators, investors and thought leaders from across the continent and the globe. Expect nothing less than a high-voltage experience, with over 200 expert speakers, thousands of attendees and a programme designed to ignite change and challenge the status quo
From the Keynote Stage, where global visionaries like Sabine Dall'Omo, CEO of Siemens South Africa and Bronwyn Williams, Futurist at Flux Trends, will set the tone for transformation, to the Strategise Stage, tackling critical topics like nuclear energy and regional interconnectors, Enlit Africa is a catalyst for progress. The Innovate Stage will showcase breakthroughs in smart grids and digitalisation, while the Power Hub dives deep into generation and distribution advancements, including the game-changing potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and green hydrogen.
Water Security Africa: A Vital Focus
Running alongside Enlit Africa, Water Security Africa will tackle one of the continent's most pressing challenges—sustainable water management. With sessions on desalination, smart metering and climate-resilient infrastructure, this dedicated track features trailblazers like Sean Phillips, Director General, Department of Water & Sanitation and Jay Bhagwan, Water Research Commission, who will share strategies to secure Africa's water future. Highlights include the Youth in Water Forum, spotlighting young innovators and a GreenCape-hosted workshop to scale water security initiatives.
Unparalleled networking and business opportunities
Enlit Africa is more than a conference—it's a networking powerhouse. Connect with peers, partners and pioneers at the Engage Networking Dinner (sponsored by Standard Bank) or the Networking Function (sponsored by Actom).
Dive into exclusive roundtables, masterclasses and the Projects & Investment Network, designed to turn ideas into bankable projects. For those looking to explore real-world innovation, site visits on 23 May to Robben Island, Western Cape Water facilities and more offer a front-row seat to Africa's energy and water infrastructure.
The Women in Energy programme on 21 May is a highlight, celebrating female leadership with the launch of Standard Bank's Future Females in Energy Initiative and powerful discussions on tackling gender-based violence (GBV) and fostering inclusive workplaces. With speakers like Candice Hartley, Chief People Officer at Eskom, this session is a call to action for equality and empowerment.
Why you can't miss Enlit Africa 2025
- Premium networking: Forge partnerships with utilities, municipalities, developers and investors.
- Expert insights: Hear from over 200 speakers, including Calib Cassim, CFO of Eskom and Monde Bala, Group Executive: Distribution, Eskom.
- Practical learning: Masterclasses and workshops deliver hands-on knowledge from industry veterans.
- Business opportunities: Explore the latest technologies and innovations in the expansive exhibition floor.
- Career advancement: Stay ahead of trends in nuclear, renewables, smart grids and water management.
- Inspiration: Engage with a community passionate about transforming Africa's energy and water landscape.
Programme highlights
- 20 May: Kick off with keynotes from South Africa's Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and a panel on technology's role in powering Africa's future.
- 21 May: Dive into climate finance, nuclear energy's strategic role and regional interconnectors, with insights from Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa.
- 22 May: Join the Energy & Infrastructure Skills Development Taskforce workshop to shape the workforce of tomorrow.
For water enthusiasts, Water Security Africa offers roundtables on projects like South Africa's National desalination initiative and discussions on municipal water delivery with leaders like Shyam Misra, Group MD of Siza Water.
Join the movement
With just two weeks to go, now is the time to secure your spot at Enlit Africa 2025. Choose from a range of attendance options, from the Free Expo Visitor Pass to the Platinum Package, which includes exclusive access to strategic sessions, networking dinners and site visits. Visit Enlit Africa on www.Enlit-Africa.com or contact Vuyisa Mfobo at vuyisamfobo@wearevuka.com or +27 66 305 7203 to upgrade your experience.
Don't miss your chance to be part of the event that's lighting up Africa's energy and water future. Enlit Africa 2025 is where connections are made, ideas are born and the continent's sustainable tomorrow takes shape. Let's power up, innovate and transform—together!
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vuka Group.
Note: Programme details and speakers are subject to change.
For media inquiries, contact:
VUKA Group Media Team
Email: media@wearevuka.com
Website: www.Enlit-Africa.com
About Enlit Africa:
Enlit Africa celebrates 25 years in the African power, energy, and water sector. A game-changing event, it brings the top manufacturers, associations, institutions, and government leaders together to shape a sustainable, prosperous energy and water future for Africa. A leading power, energy and water conference and exhibition, Enlit Africa is designed to provide a unique platform to connect decision-makers and determine Africa's future direction of travel.
Enlit Africa takes place from 20 - 22 May 2025 at the CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa. The event is CPD accredited by the SAIEE and SAICE, thereby contributing to the professional development of industry experts.
For more information, please visit the Enlit Africa website at https://Enlit-Africa.com/ or contact our team at info@enlit-africa.com.
About The Vuka Group:
VUKA Group brings people and organisations together to connect with information and each other in meaningful conversations to reach the next level of growth in their industry ecosystem. With 20 years of experience in Africa, the group serves the Energy, Mining, Smart Mobility, Transport and Retail sectors, through a range of industry touchpoints across digital, print and in-person platforms. With a commitment to data at its core, the group is well-positioned to support industry stakeholders today and into the future. Operating from Cape Town, South Africa the group is actively involved in projects across continental Africa and boasts a diverse African team who take great pride in the work they do for the sectors and markets they serve.
Merck Foundation CEO Meets the 125 Winners From 36 Countries- “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension” Media Awards 2024, Announced in Partnership With the First Ladies of Africa
- Merck Foundation CEO announced call for application of 2025 Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards in partnership with African First Ladies - apply now at submit@merck-foundation.com
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with the First Ladies of Africa, proudly announced the Winners of their Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2024 under the categories “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension”.
The Awards Ceremony was conducted virtually to honor and celebrate the outstanding contributions of all the winning media professionals. The winners were warmly acknowledged by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” campaign.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, “I am truly happy to announce the winners of our Media Awards, together with my dear sisters, The First Ladies of Africa, who are also the Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother' Campaign. This year, we are delighted to celebrate 125 outstanding winners from 36 countries. It brings me joy to see such impressive participation not only from across Africa but also from several Asian and Latin American countries. Congratulations to all our incredible winners!
It is a true pleasure to welcome you all as Merck Foundation Alumni. Let's continue to work together to raise awareness about critical social and health challenges, be the voice of the voiceless, and create culture shift in our communities.”
Merck Foundation Media Awards launched in 2017, are announced annually, with over 640 Winners from 52 countries celebrated to date.
The theme of the “More Than a Mother” Media Awards is to raise awareness about important social issues like: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending Female Genital Mutilation and/or Stopping Gender-Based Violence. The theme of the “Diabetes and Hypertension” Media Awards is to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
The Merck Foundation CEO also launched the Call for Applications for the 2025 Media Awards. “I am pleased to invite entries for the Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 – “More Than a Mother” & “Diabetes and Hypertension”, in partnership with the African First Ladies. I look forward to receiving another outstanding round of impactful entries this year as well.” Said Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej.
Winners of Merck Foundation "More Than a Mother" Media Recognition Awards 2024
Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; and The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Dr. FATIMA MAADA BIO:
PRINT CATEGORY WINNER
- Jennifer Ambolley, The Chronicle, Ghana (First Position)
- Mackie Muctarr Jalloh, News Times Daily, Sierra Leone (Second position)
- Alao Abiodun, The Nation, Nigeria (Second position)
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS
- Dzifa Tetteh Tay, The Spectator, Ghana (First Position)
- Laudia Sawer, Ghana News Agency, Ghana (First Position)
- Nyima Sillah, The Voice, The Gambia (Second Position)
- Isatou Ceesay, The Gambia Point, The Gambia (Third Position)
- Abigail Arthur, Citi Newsroom, Ghana (Third Position)
- Odimegwu Onwumere, The Nigerian Voice, Nigeria (Third Position)
RADIO CATEGORY WINNER
- Mavis Offei Acheampong, GBC Radio, Ghana (First Position)
- Joyce Kantam Kolamong, GBC Radio, Ghana(Second Position)
- Zainab Sunkary Koroma, Star Radio, Sierra Leone (Third Position)
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS
- Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun, News Central TV, Nigeria (First Position)
- Alieu Ceesay, QTV, The Gambia (Second Position)
- Mona Lisa Frimpong, Joy News, Ghana (Third Position)
Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, H.E. Mrs. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:
PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS
- Precious Kumbani, The Nation, Malawi (First Position)
- Gresham Ngwira, Freelancer, Malawi (Second Position)
- Simon Muntemba, Daily Nation, Zambia (Second Position)
- Charlotte Nambadja, The Namibian, Namibia (Third Position)
- Silence Mugadzaweta, The Standard, Zimbabwe (Third Position)
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS
- Alain Kabinda, Daily News Agency, Zambia (First Position)
- Catherine Murombedzi, Freelancer, Zimbabwe (First Position)
- Alick Ponje, The Times, Malawi (second Position)
- Wallace Mawire, Pan African Visions, Zimbabwe (Second Position)
- Hamu Madzedze, 365 Health Diaries, Zimbabwe (Third Position)
- Kundai Michael Magoronga, Chronicle, Zimbabwe (Third Position)
- Mlondi Mkhize, Briefly News, South Africa (Third Position)
RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS
- Glendah Fadzai Takachicha, Capitalk FM, Zimbabwe (First Position)
- Tina Nyirenda, Smooth FM, Zambia (Second Position)
- Sylviah Chisi, Trans World Radio, Malawi (Second Position)
- Nyasha Mandimutsira, Capitalk FM, Zimbabwe (Third Position)
- Perina N. Wahara, PL FM, Malawi (Third Position)
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS
- Keneilwe Pono, YTV, Botswana (First Position)
- Taati Niilenge, The Namibian, Namibia (Second Position)
- Lame Lucas, YTV, Botswana (Third Position)
Here are the winners from East African Countries:
PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS
- Elizabeth Angira, People Daily, Kenya (First Position)
- Marco Maduhu, Nipashe, Tanzania (Second Position)
- Margaret Maina, Nation Media, Kenya (Second Position)
- Beatrice Philemon Mukocho, The Guardian, Tanzania (Third Position)
- Vitus Audax, The Guardian, Tanzania (Third Position)
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS
- Kamau Maichuhie, Nation Online, Kenya (First Position)
- Isabella Maua Chemosit, Freelancer, Kenya (Second Position)
- Anne Robi, Daily News, Tanzania (Second Position)
- Nteza Michael, UG Standard, Uganda (Third Position)
- Benjamin Takpiny, Anadolu Agency, South Sudan (Third Position)
- Ayele Addis Ambelu, Ethiopian Mass Media Action News, Ethiopia (Third Position)
RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS
- Caren Waraba Sisya, Radio Citizen, Kenya (First Position)
- Mamer Abraham Kuot, Voice of America, South Sudan, (Second Position)
- Mwanaisha Makumbuli, Highlands FM, Tanzania (Second Position)
- Fatuma Mustapha Mtemangani, Pambazuko FM, Tanzania (Third Position)
- Daniel Byiringiro, Flash FM, Rwanda (Third Position)
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER
- Rose Wangui, NTV Kenya, Kenya (First Position)
- Andrew Juma, TV47, Kenya (Second Position)
- Leonard Kigozi and Isabel Nakirya, CGTN Africa, Uganda (Third Position)
- Mackriner Siyovelwa, Crown Media, Tanzania (Third Position)
Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI:
PRINT CATEGORY WINNER
- Issa Moussa, Niger Times, Niger (First Position)
- Koami Agbetiafa, Niger Inter Press Group, Niger (Second Position)
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS
- AZODODASSI Mêmèdé Ambroisine, Savoir News, Togo (First Position)
- Julio Gada, Global News, Benin (Second Position)
- Boris Esono Nwenfor, Pan African Visions, Cameroon (Third Position)
- Bakari Guèye, Initiatives News, Mauritania (Third Position)
- Frimo Koukou Djipro, Lelus, Côte d'Ivoire (Third Position)
RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS
- Remy RUKUNDO, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (First Position)
- Magnus MFURANZIMA, ISÔKO FM, Burundi (First Position)
- Mame Mbagnick DIOUF, Radio Oxyjeunes, Senegal (Second Position)
- Tanko Worou, Radio SU TII DERA, Benin (Second Position)
- Moussa KONE, Radio Channel 2, Mali (Third Position)
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS
- Matthias KABUYA TSHILUMBA, RTDK, DRC (First Position)
Here are the winners from Portuguese Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO:
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS
- Edisângela Tavares, Expresso das Ilhas, Cabo Verde (First Position)
- Sheilla Ribeiro, Sociedade, Cabo Verde (Second Position)
RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS
- Teresa Monteiro Pinto, Rádio Televisão de Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS
- Ângelo Semedo, Deutsche Welle, Cabo Verde (First Position)
Merck Foundation "Diabetes & Hypertension" Media Recognition Awards 2024
Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; and The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Dr. FATIMA MAADA BIO:
PRINT CATEGORY WINNER
- Agnes Opoku Saprong, Ghanaian Times, Ghana (First Position)
- Patience Ivie Ihejirika, Leadership Newspaper, Nigeria (Second Position)
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS
- Muhammed Lamin Touray, Freelancer, The Gambia (First Position)
- Prince Owusu Asiedu, Adom Online, Ghana (Second Position)
- Lara Adejoro, The Punch, Nigeria (Third Position)
RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS
- Godwin Awuni Anafo, Odadee Radio, Ghana (First Position)
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER
- Emmanuel Dzivenu Seyram Abla De-Souza, Joy TV, Ghana (First Position)
- Ezedimbu Karen Ogomegbunem, Africa Independent Television, Nigeria, (Second Position)
- Lois Abba Sambo, Abuja Broadcasting Corporation, Nigeria (Third Position)
- Akua Oforiwa Darko, TV3, Ghana (Third Position)
Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, H.E. Mrs. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia, H.E. Mrs. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:
PRINT CATEGORY WINNER
- Nancy Kefilwe Ramokhua, The Patriot, Botswana (First Position)
- Matilda Chimwaza Majawa, Times Group, Malawi (Second Position)
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS
- June Shimuoshili, Unwrap Online, Namibia (First Position)
- Tendai Chisiri, Sport Way News Net, Zimbabwe (Second Position)
- Shireen van Wyk, Shay Blogger, Namibia (Third Position)
- Prince Kurupati, Pan African Visions, Zimbabwe (Third Position)
RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS
- Elvis Howahowa, Times Radio, Malawi (First Position)
- Stella Mlotha, Trans World Radio, Malawi (Second Position)
Here are the winners from East African Countries:
PRINT CATEGORY WINNER
- Lucy Johnbosco, Mwananchi, Tanzania (First Position)
- Christina Mwakangale, Nipashe, Tanzania (Second Position)
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS
- Joan Mbabazi, The New Times, Rwanda (First Position)
- Leon Lidigu, Nation Online, Kenya (Second Position)
- Namwalo Daniel Absalom, Kenya News Agency, Kenya (Third Position)
- Angela Kezengwa, Citizen Digital, Kenya (Third Position)
- Veronica Mrema, M24 Tanzania, Tanzania (Third Position)
RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS
- Kintu Khalid, Radio Simba, Uganda (First Position)
- Asha Bekidusa, Bahari FM, Kenya (Second Position)
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER
- Walter Mwesigye, NTV, Uganda (First Position)
- Edvesta Tarimo, Tumaini Media, Tanzania (Second Position)
Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; and The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI:
PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS
- Konan N'Guessan Attoumgbre Joseph, La Retraite Active, Côte d'Ivoire (First Position)
- Nkurunziza Moise, Le Renouveau, Burundi (Second Position)
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS
- Bahwa Ferdinand, Le Journal Africa, Burundi (First Position)
- Abdoulaye Ouédraogo, Queen Mafa, Burkina Faso (Second Position)
- Richard Manirakiza, l'Agence Burundaise de Presse, Burundi (Second Position)
- Mapote Gaye, Infomedia27, Senegal (Second Position)
- Atha Menssan Woffa Assan, Focus Infos, Togo (Third Position)
- Catherine Aimée Biloa, Échos Santé, Cameroon (Third Position)
- Nadège Omoladé SANNY, SRTB Online, Benin (Third Position)
RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS
- MVUYEKURE Jean Claude, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (First Position)
- Abdoul Razak Sani Oumarou, Radio Saraounia Maradi, Niger (Second Position)
- Kabamba Ngalamulume Fabrice, Radio Télévision de l'éducation (RTEDUC), DRC (Third Position)
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER
- Chris IRAMBONA, Radio Television Buntu, Burundi (First Position)
Here are the winners from ASIAN Countries:
PRINT CATEGORY WINNER
- Parikshit Nirbhay, Amar Ujala, India (First Position)
- Revathi Murugappan, Star Health, Malaysia (Second Position)
- Pooja Biraia, The Week, India (Third Position)
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS
- Rashe Zoe Sophia B Piquero, Cebu Daily News, Philippines (First Position)
- Roshan Bhandari, Medicoliterature, Nepal (Second Position)
- Crystal Chow, Undark Magazine, China (Third Position)
Here are the winners from LATIN AMERICA Countries:
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS
- Adriana Becerra, Agencia Brunch, Mexico (First Position)
- Rafaela Polo, UOL, Brazil (Second Position)
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER
- Roxana Fabiola Lopresti, Channel 9 Televida, Argentina (First Position)
- Ana Paula Pedrosa, R7, Brazil (Second Position)
Details of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2025:
1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2025
Theme for the awards: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels.
Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:
- Southern African Countries
- West African Countries
- East African Countries
- French Speaking African Countries
- Portuguese Speaking African Countries
Submission deadline: 30th September 2025.
2. Merck Foundation Media Recognition “Diabetes & Hypertension” Awards 2025
Theme for the awards: Promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:
- Southern African Countries
- West African Countries
- East African Countries
- French Speaking African Countries
- Portuguese Speaking African Countries
- Latin American Countries
- Asian Countries
Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.
All entries are to be submitted to submit@merck-foundation.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
Contact details:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
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About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4cLhp9K), X (https://apo-opa.co/3EtS73f), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3GnWcqj), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4cUG7o7), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3EvXLlq) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/42ZoEr6).
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90-Day Blitz to Crush Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Launched
The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster Ministers and senior officials convened a special sitting on Monday, 14 April 2025, under the leadership of Cluster Co-Chairs, Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu.
This urgent meeting was convened in response to the alarming surge in Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) incidents across the country. It culminated in the adoption of a 90-day acceleration programme to intensify the national response and fast-track the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF.
Recognising the gravity of the crisis, the Cluster resolved to revitalise and urgently reconstitute the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on GBVF, with a formal request to the President for its re-establishment under the 7th Administration. The IMC's inaugural meeting is scheduled to take place within two weeks. It will serve as the central coordinating mechanism to expedite government interventions, resolve systemic bottlenecks, and ensure measurable progress.
A dedicated GBVF Priority Committee will also be established within the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), co-chaired by the Departments of Social Development and Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. This structure aims to improve the coordination of frontline security and protection interventions.
Acknowledging the inadequacy of relying solely on the national government for local-level interventions, the Cluster directed the revitalisation of JCPS structures across all provinces. Provincial JCPS Committees, comprising security cluster executives and senior officials, will be established to drive targeted and localised implementation of GBVF interventions. The Cluster further directed the activation of government machinery at the grassroots level, with a strong emphasis on community mobilisation and the involvement of local structures in the fight against GBVF.
To address inefficiencies within the criminal justice value chain, a team of senior officials has been tasked with aligning police, prosecutorial, and correctional services systems to eliminate delays in GBVF case processing. Departments have also been instructed to identify critical institutional gaps and propose actionable, time-bound measures.
The meeting mandated the consolidation of GBVF-related statistics across the JCPS value chain, from arrest, prosecution, conviction to incarceration, into a single integrated report. This report, along with each department's intervention points, will be submitted to the IMC.
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has been instructed to coordinate a national webinar on GBVF, led by government experts, and to deliver targeted communication training to officials. The training will focus on ensuring message alignment and professional public engagement. The Cluster also resolved to prioritise the accelerated rollout of Thuthuzela Care Centres across all provinces to provide holistic, survivor-centred support services.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development was specifically tasked with urgently addressing the repair and maintenance of SOS systems in court facilities. This is aimed at enhancing safety for survivors and witnesses, especially minors, and ensuring the prevention of secondary victimisation. Further, the meeting underscored the need to rebuild the social fabric of society, particularly the family unit, as a foundational step in the long-term prevention of GBVF. Departments were directed to develop results-driven action plans with clear timelines, defined target communities, and measurable outcomes.
To strengthen the National Council on GBVF, departments will propose sustainable funding models and nominate board members at Deputy Director-General level or higher to reinforce institutional capacity. The meeting further resolved to intensify training across the Cluster on the revised legislation, regulations, and guidelines for handling GBVF cases. In addition, concern was raised about the growing number of children arrested for sexual offences, prompting a directive for NATJOINTS to develop an appropriate and urgent response to this emerging crisis.
Importantly, the Cluster affirmed the need to reclaim the national narrative on GBVF and broader security matters, ensuring that government, not external actors, leads public discourse on these issues. This 90-day blitz marks not only a declaration of intent but the beginning of a coordinated, government-wide campaign to end GBVF. Implementation began immediately following the meeting, and the Co-Chairs emphasised that incremental change is no longer sufficient.
Government enters this period with full force, calling on every organ of state and sector of society to play an active, decisive role in eradicating GBVF.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).