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Small Business Development Committee Set to Conduct Last Leg of Public Hearings on National Small Enterprise Amendment (NSEA) Bill in Gauteng

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development will from tomorrow, 21 November 2023, conduct three public hearings on the National Small Enterprise Amendment (NSEA) Bill [B16-2023] in Gauteng.

The first public hearings will be held at the Fochville Civic Centre in West Rand District from 10 am to 2 pm. The second public hearing will be held at the South Rand Recreation Centre in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and third will be conducted at the Boksburg City Hall in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.

The committee has already covered eight other provinces. These public hearings are conducted in line with section 59(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which requires the National Assembly to facilitate public involvement in the legislative and other processes of the Assembly and its committees.

The NSEA Bill seeks to, amongst other things, provide for the establishment of the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency and the Office of the Small Enterprise Ombud Service.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreSmall Business Development Committee Set to Conduct Last Leg of Public Hearings on National Small Enterprise Amendment (NSEA) Bill in Gauteng

An Investors Guide on Foreign Withholding Tax Recovery

Location: MyPR

In the realm of international investing, one aspect that often goes unnoticed but can significantly impact returns is foreign withholding tax. Investors across the globe face the challenge of reclaiming excess withholding tax on foreign dividends, interest, and royalties. Understanding this process and the services available can be crucial in maximising investment returns.   Understanding …

Read moreAn Investors Guide on Foreign Withholding Tax Recovery

2023 African Peace Award Winners

Location: News
African Peace Magazine

I bring you compliments from the board and management of African Peace Magazine UK (https://AfricanPeace.org/). 

Download the document: https://apo-opa.co/49G8Mex

On behalf of the Chairman Justice Suleiman Galadima, JSC, OFR, CFR (Rtd.), the board and management of African Peace Magazine UK, humbly wish to specially invite you to attend the Hybrid Award with the Theme: Africa is open for business: Strategic and Impactful Investment in Africa – That would facilitate peace and achieve sustainability goals.

The  African  Peace  Magazine  UK,  in  conjunction  with  her  strategic  partners: Rethink Africa Foundation, African Fact Checkers, Centre for  peace and Conflict  management  in  Africa, African Right Watch Television Ltd and several others  is  set  to  host  the prestigious 13th Edition of African Peace Award at Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Dallas Arlington South USA on the 10th December 2023.

The event is designed to host business, political, and diplomatic leaders. It is set to have in attendance, policy makers, and think-tanks on Africa and Africa-related issues.

The African Peace Magazine introduces its awards in the hopes of promoting peace globally and specifically in Africa with the hope of effecting change in Africa first and then globally. 

The event is designed to host business, political, and diplomatic leaders. It is set to have in attendance, policy makers and think-tanks on Africa and Africa related issues. The African Peace awards 2023 seeks to honor persons, institutions, organization, governments and others whose actions, and efforts have in one way improved or contributed to peace keeping and conflict management in Africa as well as improving the lives of Africans.

Several African Presidents, Heads of Government, first ladies, Past President and Vice Presidents, top business Executives, diplomats and others have received the award.

The past recipients of Award includes: H.E, the former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, The former First Lady of The Federal Republic Nigeria, H.E, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, Hon Justice Stella Anukam Judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples Right. The former President of Sierra Leone, H.E  Ernest Bai Koroma, Secretary to the Federation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Boss Gidahyelda Mustapha Esq, The First Lady of Kwara State, H.E Amb. Dr. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, H.E the former First Lady of Taraba State, H.E Bar. Anna Mbasugun Darius Ishaku, Chief Akin Olujinmi SAN former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Mike Ozek home SAN, Ahmed Raji SAN, Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe, Chairman of Green Energy International Ltd and former SA to the President of Nigeria. H.E. Professor Monique Oshame Ekpong (KSJI), the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Angola

Prof Bolaji Owasonye SAN, The former Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, The President of the ECOWAS Court Hon Justice Edward Amoako Asante, Babatunde Irukera Esq, Chief Executive Officer Federal Consumer Protection Council and several others

APM, organizers of the Prestigious African Peace Awards, through its Awards committee has unveiled the following persons as the winners of the African Peace Award 2023 in various categories.

The winners:

Ms. Amina J. Mohammed
The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group

HE. Mutinta Hichilema
The first lady of Zambia

H.E Fatima Maada Bio
The First Lady of Sierra Leone

H.E Mrs. Samia Suluhu Hassan
President of Tanzania

Dr. Demola Sogunle
Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC 

Mr. Gaspar Martins
Chairman/ CEO of Sonangol Angola 

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Director-General of the World Trade Organization

H. E Fuad Ademola Adeyemi
H.E Sanusi Kaura Mohammed
H.E Liman Munir Yusuf
H.E Mohammed Onawo Ogoshi
H.E Ojogbane Adegbe
H.E Suleiman Abdul Rahman
H.E Dickson Dominic Tarkighir
Gen Aliyu Gusau

H.E Auxillia Mnangagwa, 
The first lady of Zimbabwe

Mr. Akindele Akintoye,
Chairman, Platform Capital

Mpumi Mpofu,
CEO, Airports Company South Africa

João Figueiredo
CEO, of Moza Banco

H.E Nadia Alaoui,
Morocco

Othman Benjelloun
CEO of BMCE Bank of Africa

Chief (Dr.) Mike Ozekhome
SAN, CON  

H.E Joao Baptista Borges
Hon Minister Angola 

H.E  Nialé Kaba
Ivorian Minister for Planning and Development

H.E  Philip Mpango
Tanzania's Vice-President

H.E Verde José Ulisses Correia e Silva
Prime Minister of Cabo

H.E Sahle-Work Zewde
Ethiopia's President

H.E Tiemoko Meyliet Koné
Ivorian Vice President

H.E Patrick Achi
Ivorian Prime Minister

H.E Mahamudu Bawumia
Ghanaian Vice President

H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali
President of Guyana

H.E. Gaston Browne
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda

HE Peter Mutharika
Former President of Malawi

H.E. Dr. Terrance M. Dew
Prime Minister, St. Kitts and Nevis

HE Philip J. Pierre
Prime Minister of St. Lucia

HE Lazarus Chakwera
President of Malawi

Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim
Former President of Mauritius

HE Ralph Gonsalves
Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

HE Julius Maada Bio
President of Sierra Leone

H.E. Hage Geingob
President of Namibia

HE Patricia Scotland
Secretary General of the Commonwealth

HE Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete
Former President of Kenya

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
WHO Director-General

H.E Princess Fifi EJINDU
Abuja Nigeria

H.E António Henriques da SILVA
Luanda Angola

H.E Bento dos SANTOS
Luanda Angola

H.E Senator Grace FOLASHADE
Luanda Angola

 H.E Sabena JOHANNES
Luanda Angola

H.E Téte António,
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Luanda Angola

H.E Mário de Oliveira
Minister of Telecommunications Information, Technology and Social Communication

H.E Ricardo d´Abreu
Minister of Transport
Luanda Angola

H.E Domingos Vieira LOPES
The Secretary of State for International Cooperation His Excellency.
Luanda Angola

Hajia Bola Muinat Shagaya
MON

Abdul Samad Rabiu
CFR, CON, is the Chairman of BUA Cement Plc

Jacques Piekarski
Chief Financial Officer / Executive Director of BUA Cement Plc

Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
Founder and Chairman of APO

Senator Daisy Danjuma
Executive Vice Chairman of SAPETRO South Atlantic Petroleum Limited

Joycee Awosika
Founder of Nigeria First Wellness Spa Franchise

His Excellency Kashim Shettima Mustapha GCON
Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria

Aliko Dangote GCON
Chairman, and CEO of the Dangote Group

Craig Morkel
Chairperson - Gas Economy Leadership Team at South African Oil & Gas Alliance (SAOGA)

Simone Santi
President Leonardo Group
Mozambique

Mike-Anthony Johnson
CEO JIC Holdings

Hon Dr. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa
OON, CEO,NIDCOM (Nigerians In Diaspora Commission)

Mr. Elliot Ibe,FNAPE
President, Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE)

Her Excellency, Dr. Esperanca da Costa
Vice President of the Republic of Angola

Dr. Jose Chinjamba
Board of Director, Angola's Agency for Private Investment and Exports Promotion (AIPEX)

Engr. Felix Obike,
The Chairman, Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)

Mr. Gwueke Ajaifia
(Executive Director) Oil Producers Trade Section (opts)

Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, FCA
President Lagos chamber of commerce and industry Alausa Lagos

Festus Osifo
Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN)

Bala M. Wunti
The Group General Manager of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS),

Mr. Farouk Ahmed 
The Authority Chief Executive, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)

The President, Eze, Sir Mike Elechi, JP, FNIM, NPOM

The President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA)

Mele Kolo Kyari OFR
Group Chief executive officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum company limited (NNPC limited)

Mr. Umar Isa Ajiya 
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Nigerian National Petroleum company limited (NNPC limited)

Senator Hagiya Habibah Ireti Kingiba

Mario A. Caetano Joao
Minister of Economy and planning Angola

Markus Klaushofer
Chief Executive Officer Bei Alanova Aviation Partners

Francisco Mendes
Managing Partner Mc Kinsey and Company Angola

Ansalmo Neves
Director Regional Banco de Fomento Angola

Daniel Pires
President of the Textile Industrial Forum Angola

Jorge Cruz
Professor Agostinho Neto University Angola

His Excellency Dr. Diamantino Pedro Azevedo
Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas of the Republic of Angola

Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim
Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers' Organization, APPO

Silvester Scott Beaman of Delaware

Chair Mimi Alemayehou of Washington DC

Rosalind Brewer of Georgia

Viola Davis of Rhode Island

Helene D. Gayle of Georgia

Patrick Hubert Gaspard of New York

C.D. Glin of Connecticut

Osagie Imasogie of Pennsylvania

Almaz Negash of California

Chinenye Joy Ogwumike of Texas

Ham Serunjogi of California 

Kevin Young of Washington, D.C.

Deniece Laurent-Mantey
Rev Dr Michael Evans
Pastor Ropo Tusin
Pastor Laide Tusin
Theophilus Maku
Victoria Maku
Divine Oshideko
Shola Kareem
Dr Oladele Olusanya
Dr Edward Olutoke
Pastor Darolyn  Brock
Pastor Robert Madu
Pastor Victoria Madu
Belinda Babila
Hon. Bobby DigiOlisa
Festus Adenisimi

HE Joaquin Chissano
Former President of Mozambique

HE Jakaya Kikwete
Former President of Tanzania

HE Hailemariam Desalegn
Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia

Adaralegbe Akintayo
CEO of TPumpy Concept Limited

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Peace Magazine.

Attendance is strictly by invitation.
For your VIP and VVIP Access cards, please contact: +447466234902, +2348033975746, and call +447771217805, +14845425610

For sponsorship, partnership, Exhibition and speaking opportunities and all other enquiries please contact
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International Affairs
+2348033975746, +447407399766

Nigeria Abuja Office:
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South African Office:1
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Call +244928690892, +244993656970, +244927589884

London Office:
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Call +4477771217805 WhatsApp +447407399766

African Peace Magazine 
Email: africanpeacemag@gmail.com 

African Peace Magazine​
Website: https://AfricanPeace.org/
https://www.AfricanPeaceAwards.com/
https://AfricanOilAndGasSummit.com/

Social Media:
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African Peace Magazine
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Read more2023 African Peace Award Winners

Enhancing innovation and investments for a resilient and competitive agro-industrial sector and agrifood systems transformation in Southern Africa

Location: News

FAO Regional Office for Africa
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The 17th Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting of the FAO Subregional Office for Southern Africa officially opened today in Johannesburg, South Africa. The MDT meeting is an annual event, which provides a platform for different FAO units and Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and development partners to jointly review achievements and challenges, while designing innovative approaches for sustainable agrifood systems transformation.

The five-day MDT meeting is held under the theme “Enhancing innovation and investments for a resilient and competitive agro-industrial sector and agrifood systems transformation in Southern Africa.”

The MDT meeting is attended by high-level officials including Winston Makabanyane, Head of Africa Desk, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development in South Africa; Domingos Hove, Director, Food Agriculture and Natural Resource in the SADC Secretariat; Permanent Secretaries of the SADC Member States, Regional Economic Communities; Abebe Haile-Grabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa; development partners, FAO Representatives and senior technical experts from Headquarters and across Southern Africa.

“For the next five days, the subregion and country offices will share the successes, milestones and challenges in programme implementation, as well as outline how we envisage to respond by enhancing innovation and investments for a resilient and competitive agro-industrial sector and agrifood system transformation in Southern Africa,” said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa in his welcome remarks during the official opening ceremony of the MDT meeting. 

The 17th MDT meeting is taking place at the start of the renewed mandate of the FAO Director-General, Dr Qu Dongyu, which focuses on the emergence of a new vision of agriculture that will work towards the Four Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life – leaving no one behind.

“I would like to assure you that the regional office eagerly looks forward to the outcomes of this year's MDT meeting and will be there to provide guidance and support for implementation of the agreed programme priorities. I encourage you to utilize the next five days to engage in fruitful discussions and interactions to fully meet the expectations of this meeting,” said Abebe Haile-Grabriel affirming FAO Regional Office's support to the subregion.

Defining and aligning priorities to the FAO 33rd Africa Regional Conference (ARC33) and the new biennium

Taking place at a time when FAO will be holding its 33rd Africa Regional Conference (ARC33) in April 2024 in Morocco, the discourse of the MDT meeting will give participants the opportunity for the subregion and its Member States to prepare for the Conference to present subregional priorities and technical assistance expectations of Member States and RECs for deliberations at the Conference. In addition, the MDT deliberations will be conducted with a view to informing priorities for the new Biennium (2024 – 2025).

“SADC has a mandate and obligation to support member states as they strive to achieve agrifood systems transformation. In particular, FANR's mandate has a major focus on a resilient and competitive agro-industrial sector in line with the theme of this year's MDT meeting and as outlined in SADC's Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030,” said, Domingos Hove underlining the critical importance of co-development, co-ownership and implementation of country and regional programme priorities.

The meeting is structured in a strategic format that will enable the subregion (FAO, Members States and development partners) to take stock of progress to learn and adopt progressive innovations and investments for sustainable agrifood systems transformation. Member States will also have the opportunity present best practices for regional cross-learning and experience sharing. The meeting will delve into the “forecasting” the future of food and agriculture through adopting measurable recommendations for enhancing innovation and investments for a resilient and competitive agro-industrial sector and agrifood systems transformation in Southern Africa.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa.

Read moreEnhancing innovation and investments for a resilient and competitive agro-industrial sector and agrifood systems transformation in Southern Africa

President congratulates Auditor-General on UNESCO appointment

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa commends Auditor-General of South Africa, Ms Tsakani Maluleke, on her appointment as External Auditor of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for a period of six years, from 2024 to 2029. 

President Ramaphosa appointed Ms Maluleke, on recommendation of the National Assembly, as Auditor-General with effect from 1 December 2020. She had previously been Deputy Auditor-General and the first woman to hold this office. 

Ms Maluleke is a Chartered Accountant and registered auditor who holds a B Comm (Accounting) and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Accountancy from the University of Cape Town. 

She also obtained a Post-graduate Diploma in Development and Public Management from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2016. 

Ms Maluleke was elected to her UNESCO role on 16 November 2023 by members of various committees and subsidiary organs of this United Nations agency. 

UNESCO contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information. 

President Ramaphosa said: “On behalf of government and the nation, I congratulate our Auditor-General on her election to a global role which as an acknowledgment of her personal capabilities and the leadership capacity and integrity that resides in South Africa's governance institutions”. 

The President wishes Ms Maluleke well as she embarks on her new oversight position.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.

Read morePresident congratulates Auditor-General on UNESCO appointment

FIFA Secretary General receives Choiseul Grand Prix award in Casablanca

Location: Sport
FIFA

Fatma Samoura honoured in recognition of her achievements as Secretary General; Progress in women's football and development schemes central themes of speech; Vows to continue work against discrimination after stepping down at the end of the year.

Fatma Samoura has received the Choiseul Grand Prix award at a ceremony in Casablanca, Morocco, in recognition of her achievements during more than seven years as FIFA Secretary General.

Appointed in 2016 and the first female, African and Muslim Secretary General in over a century of FIFA history, Ms Samoura has since worked tirelessly alongside President Gianni Infantino to rehabilitate FIFA's image and increase transparency.

She has also been a staunch advocate for women's football, and her tenure has seen a major increase in the number of girls and women playing the game as FIFA work towards the goal of 60 million female players in organised football by 2026.

In her acceptance speech, Ms Samoura highlighted the success of the expanded FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, which saw nearly two million fans attend matches in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, and noted the significant impact the tournament would have not only on the women's game, but also society.

“As my journey with FIFA draws to a close, I have had some time to look back on the last seven-and-a-half years and see just how far we have come. FIFA itself has changed significantly. When I stepped into the role in June 2016, it was basically a toxic brand due to all the corruption scandals. So along with President Infantino, I had to take a leading role in cleaning up the organisation, inside and out. Today FIFA is a more accountable, better governed and more transparent organisation that puts football in the center of its activities, and I am hugely proud to have contributed in some small way to creating that.” said Ms Samoura at the event organised by Institut Choiseul, an independent, non-partisan and non-profit thinktank focused on finding solutions to economic challenges in Africa.

Ms Samoura has also contributed to changing the face of FIFA. Since the founding of the Women's Football (https://apo-opa.co/3G7NOrE) Division in 2016, the FIFA Council (https://apo-opa.co/46kZotR) now features seven female members, including one FIFA Vice-President, while over 40 percent of FIFA employees are female.

But she has also been a driving force behind development schemes such as the FIFA Football for Schools programme (www.FootballForSchools.FIFA.com), this week attending the launch in Ethiopia (https://apo-opa.co/46qshVE) as the East African nation became the 102nd of FIFA's 211 Member Associations (MAs) to join the initiative, which aims to give children around the world skills for life as well as football.

She also highlighted the benefits of the Talent Development Scheme (https://apo-opa.co/46j6ZsT), which provides the most promising young players a pathway to fully exploit their potential, and the FIFA Forward programme (https://apo-opa.co/49VJNUX), which funds MAs' football-related development projects and has seen a seven-fold increase in support since 2016.

The FIFA Talent Development Scheme (https://apo-opa.co/47DbFuR) helps raise the standards of national-team football around the world for both men and women. The scheme supports MAs in making the most of the talent available to them with FIFA approved a funding allocation of USD 200 million. FIFA's ambition is that by 2026, all MAs will have at least one high-performance centre of excellence for players between the ages of 12 and 16.

Ms Samoura was also a driving force behind FIFA's partnership with Agence Française de Développement (AFD) (https://apo-opa.co/3MRbDaG). The partnership has seen projects to mitigate Covid 19 effects, projects on mental health co-financed with the GIZ (the German Development Cooperation) (https://apo-opa.co/3sEkaXQ), and the Championnes programme. The Championnes programme is an important project that promotes leadership among girls and promotes gender equality in Africa through football.

The most recent co-financed FIFA/AFD initiative (https://apo-opa.co/3sEinC4) – with Play International and Diambars as implementation agencies – is an inclusive football academy programme launched in Djibouti, Malawi and Mauritania.

The benefits of these programmes in Africa can already been seen in recent FIFA tournaments including the FIFA Women's World Cup™️ which saw an increase to four African teams qualify for the finals, with a record three of them – Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa – reaching the knockout rounds. African nations have also impressed in the FIFA U-17 World Cup™️, currently being held in Indonesia. Three out of the four CAF nations – Morocco, Mali and Senegal – have qualified for the knockout rounds with Morrocco finishing top of their group.

The Football Unites the World campaign, and the wide range of social issues given greater visibility at the FIFA World Cup last year in Qatar and this year's FIFA Women's World Cup, such as gender equality and education for all, have all been causes close to Ms Samoura's heart during her time in office. She said she intends to keep promoting those issues when she steps down as FIFA Secretary General at the end of the year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIFA.

Download more images: https://apo-opa.co/3SMBEvO

Contact for African media: 
AfricanMedia@fifa.org

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Read moreFIFA Secretary General receives Choiseul Grand Prix award in Casablanca

AG appointed UNESCO External Auditor

Location: News

AG appointed UNESCO External Auditor

Auditor-General of South Africa Tsakani Maluleke has been commended on her appointment as External Auditor of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for a period of six years, from 2024 to 2029.

In a statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “On behalf of government and the nation, I congratulate our Auditor-General on her election to a global role which as an acknowledgment of her personal capabilities and the leadership capacity and integrity that resides in South Africa’s governance institutions.”

The President appointed Maluleke, on recommendation of the National Assembly, as Auditor-General with effect from 1 December 2020. She had previously been Deputy Auditor-General and the first woman to hold this office.

Maluleke is a Chartered Accountant and registered auditor who holds a B Comm (Accounting) and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Accountancy from the University of Cape Town.

She also obtained a Post-graduate Diploma in Development and Public Management from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2016.

Maluleke was elected to her UNESCO role on 16 November 2023 by members of various committees and subsidiary organs of this United Nations agency. UNESCO contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information.

The President wished Maluleke well as she embarks on her new oversight position. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Janine
Sun, 11/19/2023 - 11:24

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Read moreAG appointed UNESCO External Auditor

Western Cape IEC geared for voter registration weekend

Location: News

Western Cape IEC geared for voter registration weekend

It’s all systems go for the Voter Registration Weekend on 18 and 19 November, the Electoral Commission in the Western Cape says.

The IEC in the Western Cape will be opening all its 1 572 voting stations across the province on Saturday and Sunday.

At a media briefing on Thursday, the IEC said the stations will be open from 8am until 5pm on both days.

“We have recruited 4 698 staff for our voting stations for the registration weekend, of which 2 707 are unemployed. Of our staff, 2096 are under the age of 35 years while the majority of the staff (3646) are female, and we have 63 persons with disabilities,” the Western Cape IEC said.

Of the 1572 voting stations, 29 are temporary structures and 687 are schools. The other stations include community halls or libraries and church buildings.

“We are deploying 3144 Voter Management Devices (VMDs) used to register voters. The VMD is a portable tablet device with the latest app upgrades and batteries charged – a fully charged VMD can operate offline for approximately 72 hours,” the provincial office of the IEC said.

The IEC conducted a national VMD dry run on 28 October 2023 as part of the preparations for the registration weekend and this entailed staff be at or inside the locations of the voting stations with the VMDs.

The Western Cape IEC has called on voters who are already registered but have changed their residential addresses, to re-register in order to be allocated to the correct segment of the voters’ roll.

“It is also important that every registered voter check their details to ensure that their current address is correctly reflected and that they know where their voting station is, as in some cases, the venues have changed.

“This will ensure that all eligible voters are able to vote in the upcoming National and Provincial Elections in 2024,” the Western Cape IEC said.

If a person cannot get to the voting station over this weekend, registration is also done at the local offices of the IEC during office hours.

There is also the convenience and ease of registering online at www.elections.za for a quick and easy registration process.

As at 12 November 2023, there are 3 128 995 registered voters in the Western Cape and this number is expected to increase over the coming weeks. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Edwin
Fri, 11/17/2023 - 10:00

629 views
Read moreWestern Cape IEC geared for voter registration weekend

The Case for an Industrial Revolution in Africa: Can South Africa’s Re-industrialisation be the spark?

Location: MyPR

Paul Terna Gbahabo is a research consultant and a PhD graduate in Development Finance at Stellenbosch Business School. Africa, a continent of immense potential, stands at a critical juncture. The call for an industrial revolution is not merely a suggestion but an economic imperative. Africa desperately needs an industrial revolution. Though daunting, it is not …

Read moreThe Case for an Industrial Revolution in Africa: Can South Africa’s Re-industrialisation be the spark?

South Africa condemns Israeli bombardment near Jordanian field hospital in Gaza

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
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South Africa joins the international community in expressing its serious concern following the Israeli bombing near the Jordanian field hospital in Gaza on 15 November 2023, which left several hospital staff members wounded as they attempted to treat Palestinian citizens injured by Israel's bombardment.

South Africa is gravely concerned at the continuous targeting of medical facilities, schools and holy sites that are a source of shelter and protection for the civilian population who bear the brunt of the inhumane attacks in the Gaza Strip.

Among the thousands of civilian victims of the Israeli siege of Gaza is Mr Ahmed Abbasi, head of the Gift of the Givers Foundation office in Gaza, who was targeted by the Israel Defence Force (IDF) whilst returning from morning prayer today, 16 November 2023. Mr Abbasi was killed alongside his brother. South Africa is outraged at the killing of civilians and aid workers.

South Africa continues to maintain that there is no legal, ethical or moral justification for the bombardment of non-combatants and destruction of civilian sites.

Israel, as the occupying power, has a duty to protect civilians in Gaza. It is cruel to endanger the lives of Palestinians who have sought refuge from intense bombardment and gun battles.

According to international humanitarian law (IHL), in particular, the Fourth Geneva Convention, health establishments and units, including hospitals, should not be attacked. This protection extends to the wounded and sick as well as to medical staff and emergency vehicles.

All those responsible for the bombardment of non-combatants, medical facilities and other civilian sites must be held accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity. In the case of the deaths of civilians in Gaza and increasingly now in the West Bank, the crime of genocide must also be investigated.

South Africa echoes the United Nations General Assembly's resolution that has called for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate opening of humanitarian corridors to allow the provision of food, medical supplies and fuel.

South Africa reiterated its calls on the United Nations to deploy a rapid protection force to protect the civilian population from further bombardment.

South Africa calls for enhanced peace efforts aimed at reviving a political process, leading to the establishment of a viable Palestinian state, existing side by side in peace with Israel within internationally recognised borders, based on those existing on 4 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in compliance with all relevant UN Resolutions, international law and internationally agreed parameters.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Read moreSouth Africa condemns Israeli bombardment near Jordanian field hospital in Gaza

Add a touch of Boschendal magic to your end-of-year celebrations

Location: MyPR

Cape Town, South Africa – End the year on a high note with Boschendal’s corporate year-end offerings and celebrate your team at one of South Africa’s most iconic farms. With a couple of year-end functions to choose from, stunning accommodation options, and a newly expanded selection of corporate gift hampers, everyone can enjoy an authentic …

Read moreAdd a touch of Boschendal magic to your end-of-year celebrations

President Ramaphosa concludes Official Visit to Qatar

Location: News

President Ramaphosa concludes Official Visit to Qatar

President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Qatari counterpart His Highness Sheik Tamim bin Hamad al Thani have agreed to expand the scope of economic relations between their two countries. 

President Ramaphosa travelled to Doha for a State Visit from 14-15 November. The Republic of South Africa and the State of Qatar will in 2024 celebrate their 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

During the State Visit, the President held a bilateral discussion with His Highness, Sheik Tamim bin Hamad al Thani and deliberated on various geopolitical issues that are currently impacting the world and ways to further strengthen economic ties. 

“On bilateral trade, both leaders agreed to expand the scope of economic relations. In this regard, the State of Qatar will soon dispatch a delegation to South Africa that will assess potential investment projects,” the Presidency said. 

The President and His Highness, Sheik Tamim bin Hamad al Thani deliberated on the situation in the Middle East and agreed on the urgent need for the international community to support efforts by the State of Qatar to end the devastating onslaught by Israel against the people of Gaza and to find a lasting solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict. 

President Ramaphosa commended Qatar for its forefront position in mediating the release of civilian captives held by Hamas in Gaza as part of a concerted de-escalation effort.

“The President and His Highness also discussed the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both South Africa and Qatar expressed related positions on the conflict, which is to support a peaceful resolution through diplomacy, inclusive political dialogue, and negotiations, preferably facilitated through the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General. President Ramaphosa also briefed His Highness on the African Peace Initiative,” the Presidency said. 

Furthermore, the two leaders deliberated on the reform of the United Nations Security Council and the urgent need to make the organ reflective of current geopolitical realities and the pivotal role that Africa and other countries of the global south can play in global governance, peace and security matters.

Addressing the Qatari and South African business community, President Ramaphosa urged Qatari companies to explore more partnerships with their South African counterparts and invest in developmental projects in South Africa. 

The President enumerated several features that make South Africa an attractive investment destination of choice for Qatari businesses. 

“Key amongst these, is South Africa’s industrialised economy driven by well established companies, the development of greater market access through the African Continental Free Trade Area, the endowment of vast resources of critical minerals that will be used as the world embraces cleaner, greener growth and the far-ranging economic reforms that provide opportunities for partnership between foreign investors and domestic firms in South Africa,” the Presidency said. 

During the visit, three bilateral agreements were signed between the State of Qatar and the Republic of South Africa and they covered cooperation in the fields of education, the empowerment of women and people with disabilities and the establishment of a mechanism for bilateral consultations. 

President Ramaphosa congratulated the State of Qatar for the successful hosting of the FIFA 2022 World Cup, an experience that is shared with South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 11:52

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Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meet Naledi Pandor

Location: News

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar
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HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met at his Amiri Diwan office on Tuesday with HE Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa Dr. Naledi Pandor, who is visiting the country.

During the meeting, they discussed the latest development in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories.

During the meeting, His Excellency stressed the necessity for consolidating the regional and international diplomatic efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire and permanently open the Rafah crossing to ensure the flow of relief convoys and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian brethren besieged in the Gaza Strip, expressing the State of Qatar's profound concern regarding the catastrophic deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Strip.

His Excellency stressed the State of Qatar's categorical rejection of the repeated crimes of the Israeli occupation forces by targeting civilian objects, including hospitals, schools, and population centers in the Gaza Strip, considering it a dangerous escalation that portends dire consequences for the security and stability of the region.

His Excellency also underscored the continued efforts of the State of Qatar to mediate the release of hostages, noting that the continued bombing doubles the humanitarian catastrophe in the Strip and complicates the efforts being made.

His Excellency expressed the State of Qatar's gratitude for the historical stance of the Republic of South Africa in support of the fraternal Palestinian people, its constant emphasis on the necessity of achieving their legitimate rights, and its current stance calling for lifting the siege on the Gaza Strip, protecting civilians, and an immediate ceasefire. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

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Three suspects arrested for child pornography

Location: News

Three suspects arrested for child pornography

The South African Police Service (SAPS) Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) unit has, in collaboration with the USA Department of Homelands Security, arrested three child online sexual predators in Gauteng.

The trio was arrested in a simultaneous takedown operation in the past week, relating to a number of suspects who were identified as South African users who are involved in the possession, distribution, manufacturing, accessing and downloading of child pornography.

Members of the SECI at Head Office and in Gauteng conducted the preliminary investigations on the users, and various provinces were identified where the suspects reside.

After several months of investigation and planning by SECI, perpetrators were identified in Gauteng and a joint Operation was planned.

In Springs, Gauteng police arrested a 63-year-old male British citizen, who was found to be in the country illegally. The suspect faces offences related to bestiality. Other offences are related to child pornography such as possession and distribution of child pornography. 

The second suspect, who is a 43-year-old South African male, was arrested in Benoni, Gauteng. The suspect also faces offences relating to child pornography.

The third suspect, a 43-year-old South African male, suspect was arrested in Krugersdorp, Gauteng. He too faces charges relating to child pornography.

As a result of these operations, three South African children, who were used during the commission of the above offences, were identified and a dog was saved.

The operations will continue throughout the country to unravel a network of child sexual predators.

The trio has already appeared before various courts including Springs, Benoni and Krugersdorp Magistrates Court in Gauteng on Monday. Their cases were postponed for further investigation and bail applications.

SECI is a unit within the Detectives divisions under the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations (FCS) unit. The unit members are responsible for investigating, tracing and apprehending serial rapists and electronic crimes relating to online child sexual exploitation. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 10:49

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NJRat and AgentTesla Guide Head up an Alarming Surge in Global Malware Activity

Location: News
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.

Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (https://www.CheckPoint.com/), a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, has released its Global Threat Index for October 2023, unveiling an alarming trend in cyber threats. The Remote Access Trojan (RAT) NJRat has dramatically risen from sixth to second place, with a particular focus on targeting government agencies and organizations in the Middle East and Africa. This escalation in cyber threats has been particularly severe in Africa, with Mauritius ranking 6th, Nigeria 11th, Morocco 15th, and Kenya 25th in terms of being targeted and attacked. South Africa follows, ranking 55th globally.

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In addition, the report highlights the expanding reach of the sophisticated RAT AgentTesla, driven by a new and complex mal-spam campaign using corrupted email attachments. The education sector continues to be the prime target, underscoring the ongoing vulnerability of this industry to cyber attacks.

Last month, AgentTesla was found being disseminated through archive files that contained a malicious Microsoft Compiled HTML Help (.CHM) extension. These files, disguised as typical order and shipment documents, were distributed via emails with .GZ or .zip attachments, tricking recipients into downloading the malware. Once installed, AgentTesla exhibits a range of harmful capabilities, including keylogging, capturing clipboard data, accessing file systems, and secretly transmitting stolen data to a Command and Control (C&C) server.

"We cannot overlook the sophisticated tactics used by hackers to distribute malware, such as impersonating trusted brands or using malicious email attachments,” said Rudi van Rooyen, Sales Engineer at Check Point Software. “As we enter the busy shopping season in November, it's crucial to stay alert. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the increased online shopping activity, and no region, including Africa, is immune to these threats."

CPR also revealed that “Zyxel ZyWALL Command Injection (CVE-2023-28771)” was the most exploited vulnerability, impacting 42% of organizations globally, followed by “Command Injection Over HTTP” which impacts 42% of organizations worldwide. “Web Servers Malicious URL Directory Traversal” was the third most used vulnerability, with a global impact of 42%.

Top malware families and their impact in Africa

*The arrows relate to the change in rank compared to the previous month.

Formbook was the most prevalent malware last month with an impact of 3% worldwide organizations, followed by NJRat with a global impact of 2%, and Remcos with a global impact of 2%.

1.     ↔ Formbook – Formbook is an Infostealer targeting the Windows OS and was first detected in 2016. It is marketed as Malware as a Service (MaaS) in underground hacking forums for its strong evasion techniques and relatively low price. FormBook harvests credentials from various web browsers, collects screenshots, monitors and logs keystrokes, and can download and execute files according to orders from its C&C. Its impact in Kenya and Nigeria is significant at 16.9% and 9.2% respectively, while impact in South Africa is lower at 3%.

2.     ↑ NJRat – NJRat is a remote accesses Trojan, targeting mainly government agencies and organizations in the Middle East. The Trojan has first emerged in 2012 and has multiple capabilities: capturing keystrokes, accessing the victim's camera, stealing credentials stored in browsers, uploading and downloading files, performing process and file manipulations, and viewing the victim's desktop. NJRat infects victims via phishing attacks and drive-by downloads, and propagates through infected USB keys or networked drives, with the support of Command & Control server software. NJRat's impact in South Africa is just above 2% while Morrocco is at 8%.

3.     ↓ Remcos – Remcos is a RAT that first appeared in the wild in 2016. Remcos distributes itself through malicious Microsoft Office documents, which are attached to SPAM emails, and is designed to bypass Microsoft Windows UAC security and execute malware with high-level privileges. While its presence globally is concerning, Remcos has not made a a significant appearance in Africa.

 Top Attacked Industries in Africa

Last month Education/Research remained in first place as the most attacked industry globally, followed by Communications and Government/Military. However, in Africa the top industries that came under attack are:

1.     Communications

2.     ISP/MSP

3.     Finance and Banking

4.     Government and Military

Top exploited vulnerabilities

Last month, “Zyxel ZyWALL Command Injection (CVE-2023-28771)” was the most exploited vulnerability, impacting 42% of organizations globally, followed by “Command Injection Over HTTP” which impacts 42% of organizations worldwide. “Web Servers Malicious URL Directory Traversal” was the third most used vulnerability, with a global impact of 42%.

1.     ↑ Zyxel ZyWALL Command Injection (CVE-2023-28771) - A command injection vulnerability exists in Zyxel ZyWALL. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability would allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands in the affected system.

2.     ↔ Command Injection Over HTTP (CVE-2021-43936, CVE-2022-24086) - A command Injection over HTTP vulnerability has been reported. A remote attacker can exploit this issue by sending a specially crafted request to the victim. Successful exploitation would allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target machine.

3.     ↓ Web Servers Malicious URL Directory Traversal (CVE-2010-4598,CVE-2011-2474,CVE-2014-0130,CVE-2014-0780,CVE-2015-0666,CVE-2015-4068,CVE-2015-7254,CVE-2016-4523,CVE-2016-8530,CVE-2017-11512,CVE-2018-3948,CVE-2018-3949,CVE-2019-18952,CVE-2020-5410,CVE-2020-8260) - There exists a directory traversal vulnerability on different web servers. The vulnerability is due to an input validation error in a web server that does not properly sanitize the URL for the directory traversal patterns. Successful exploitation allows unauthenticated remote attackers to disclose or access arbitrary files on the vulnerable server.

Top Mobile Malwares

Last month Anubis remained in first place as the most prevalent Mobile malware, followed by AhMyth and Hiddad.

1.     Anubis – Anubis is a banking Trojan malware designed for Android mobile phones. Since it was initially detected, it has gained additional functions including Remote Access Trojan (RAT) functionality, keylogger, audio recording capabilities and various ransomware features. It has been detected on hundreds of different applications available in the Google Store.

2.     AhMyth - AhMyth is a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) discovered in 2017. It is distributed through Android apps that can be found on app stores and various websites. When a user installs one of these infected apps, the malware can collect sensitive information from the device and perform actions such as keylogging, taking screenshots, sending SMS messages, and activating the camera, which is usually used to steal sensitive information.

3.     Hiddad - Hiddad is an Android malware which repackages legitimate apps and then releases them to a third-party store. Its main function is to display ads, but it can also gain access to key security details built into the OS.

Check Point's Global Threat Impact Index and its ThreatCloud Map are powered by Check Point's ThreatCloud (https://threatmap.CheckPoint.com/) intelligence. ThreatCloud provides real-time threat intelligence derived from hundreds of millions of sensors worldwide, over networks, endpoints and mobiles. The intelligence is enriched with AI-based engines and exclusive research data from Check Point Research, the intelligence and research arm of Check Point Software Technologies. 

The complete list of the top ten malware families in October can be found on the Check Point blog. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Check Point Software Technologies Ltd..

Media Contact: 
Kerry Botha
Kerry Botha Communications
Mobile: +27 83 263 0644 
press@kerrybotha.co.za     

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About Check Point Research:
Check Point Research provides leading cyber threat intelligence to Check Point Software customers and the greater intelligence community. The research team collects and analyzes global cyber-attack data stored on ThreatCloud to keep hackers at bay, while ensuring all Check Point products are updated with the latest protections. The research team consists of over 100 analysts and researchers cooperating with other security vendors, law enforcement and various CERTs.  

About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.: 
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (www.CheckPoint.com) is a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions to corporate enterprises and governments globally.  Check Point Infinity's portfolio of solutions protects enterprises and public organizations from 5th generation cyberattacks with an industry leading catch rate of malware, ransomware and other threats. Infinity comprises four core pillars delivering uncompromised security and threat prevention across enterprise environments: Check Point Harmony, for remote users; Check Point CloudGuard, to automatically secure clouds; and Check Point Quantum, to protect network perimeters and datacentres, all controlled by the industry's most comprehensive, intuitive unified security management; Check Point Horizon, a prevention-first security operations suite. Check Point protects over 100,000 organizations of all sizes. 

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